A Society Beyond Illness
2025-06-18 02:37:37

Creating a Society that Sees 'People' Beyond Illnesses: A Report on Recent Exchange Events

Creating a Society that Sees 'People' Beyond Illnesses



The Eniwan Project, based in Nerima, Tokyo, is on a mission to alter the perception toward individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities. Founded by Yuuki Kozaki, the organization held recent exchange events aimed at addressing the biases and misconceptions surrounding these individuals. This initiative revolves around the belief that everyone, regardless of health status, deserves a chance to live life fully.

Overview of Exchange Events


The Eniwan Project organizes three monthly online exchange meetings:
  • - COMMU: For patients to share their experiences.
  • - SUPPO: For families and supporters to connect.
  • - SHARE: For interactions between patients and supporters.

As of May 2025, a total of 44 participants have taken part in these meetings, which have become a vital resource for peers to find common ground and support each other.

The event reports from two recent meetings, in April and May 2025, focus on addressing biases against disabilities and chronic illnesses. The discussions attempted to capture the sentiments and feedback from participants, fostering an environment where they feel valued and understood.

Addressing Workplace Challenges


One significant topic raised during the exchange sessions was the pressing issue of employment for individuals facing chronic challenges. According to a report from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as of 2025, more than 640,000 people are employed as individuals with disabilities under government regulations. However, many suffering from specified chronic diseases do not hold disability certificates, restricting them from engaging in specialized employment.

As a result, the number of new job applications from chronic patients continues to rise, highlighting the need to create employment opportunities that accommodate their unique needs. Many patients are caught in a precarious position where they must work to afford treatment yet struggle to find suitable job conditions that allow for a balanced life.

The problem extends to the impact of caregiving, where parents unable to pursue careers due to their children's illnesses or disabilities feel overwhelmed and isolated. Consequently, society needs to look closely at how it can support these families, not just economically but also emotionally.

Experiences Shared by Participants


Throughout the exchange events, participants shared personal stories highlighting their struggles with bias and misunderstanding. One participant, a patient struggling with chemical sensitivity, narrated her experience of feeling pushed away by government representatives when seeking employment support. Her story illustrates the critical need for systemic change and compassion in the support given to those affected by disabilities.

Another compelling account came from a spouse of a patient with anxiety and depression, who reflected on the societal expectations surrounding mental health. She acknowledged the fears of judgment that plagued both her and her husband and how they navigated these challenges together.

The Need for Greater Understanding


The discussions held during these events aimed not only to bring awareness to the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses but also to promote a sense of community and solidarity among all involved. During the upcoming session scheduled for June 28th, titled SHARE, the focus will continue to be on dismantling biases, fostering connections, and working towards a more inclusive society.

Notably, the Eniwan Project emphasizes the importance of hearing directly from patients and their families to facilitate better communication and understanding, which can ultimately contribute to significant societal changes. Organizations and companies are encouraged to participate, as these interactions can aid in improving workplace environments and product development to ensure inclusivity.

The Eniwan Project stands firm on its commitment to promoting compassion and seeing individuals beyond their illnesses. Through engaging activities such as exchange meetings, social media outreach, and creating board games to educate others about biases, they strive for a world where each person is seen as a whole, consisting of unique experiences and perspectives.

Join the Movement


Anyone interested in contributing to this cause can become part of the Eniwan Project by attending events, subscribing to their newsletters, or even making donations to support ongoing initiatives against bias toward disabilities. The collective voices of those affected can inspire change and catalyze a deeper understanding of the diversity of human experience.

By acknowledging that everyone has a story and deserves respect, we can work towards eliminating the prejudice that plagues those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, ultimately creating a more inclusive world for everyone.


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Topics People & Culture)

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