New Short Film by Tokyo Autism Association Aims to Raise Awareness of Autism

The Tokyo Autism Association (President: Masaharu Sugiyama) has launched a new short film as a part of their 'Happy with Autism' project. This initiative aims to spread awareness and foster understanding about autism by sharing the diverse voices of individuals with autism and their families.

Coinciding with this release, the project’s website has also been revamped to enhance accessibility and engagement. Since April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, the project aligns its activities to this significant date to promote greater understanding of autism spectrum disorders.

World Autism Awareness Day, established by the United Nations in 2007, has been observed globally since 2008. In Japan, the week from April 2 to April 8 has been designated as 'Developmental Disorder Awareness Week,' with various awareness campaigns led by the World Autism Awareness Day Japan Executive Committee (WAAD). Events such as symposiums and gatherings have been organized nationwide, and prominent landmarks across the country are illuminated in blue to symbolize support and awareness for autism.

In Tokyo, the WAAD Japan Executive Committee held a blue light-up event at Tokyo Tower, with collaboration from the Tokyo Autism Association, to commemorate the day. The imagery of the iconic tower illuminated in blue serves as a heartfelt reminder of the ongoing efforts to promote understanding and lessen the stigma surrounding autism.

Increasing Awareness and Facing Misunderstandings

Despite the growing awareness of autism and developmental disorders, misconceptions and inaccurate information still persist. Pervasive myths – such as the belief that autism is caused by parenting – continue to circulate and negatively impact individuals with autism and their families. Such misunderstandings often lead to harmful stereotypes and hinder the acceptance of neurodiversity in society.

In response to this pressing issue, the Tokyo Autism Association initiated the 'Happy with Autism' project in 2025, aiming to create a society where individuals with autism and their families can live safely and happily. As part of the project, 12 participants with autism have created and shared their own stories through short films, emphasizing their perspectives and experiences.

Engaging Voices from the Autism Community

To further engage with the community, an interview was conducted on April 2, 2026, gathering insights from individuals with autism, their families, and other stakeholders. Participants were asked, 'What do you wish people knew about autism?' Responses revealed various challenges faced by individuals with autism, such as sensitivity to light and sound, difficulties in expression, and the need for broader understanding. Some expressed a desire to highlight the fascinating aspects of autism, affirming that there are various types of individuals on the spectrum and that autism does not equate to being reclusive.

The diverse responses collected during these interactions emphasize the importance of multi-layered understanding and nuanced conversations about autism. The majority of interviewees were individuals with autism themselves, though family members and related parties also shared valuable insights.

Revamped Project Website Now Live

Along with the launch of the new short film, the 'Happy with Autism' project site has been newly designed to feature not only the latest film but also highlight award-winning submissions from the 2026 Blue Action and Blue Art contest. This updated platform offers an engaging space for visitors to learn more about autism and support ongoing awareness efforts.

We invite you to explore the revamped 'Happy with Autism' project site to learn more and engage with the autism community.

For inquiries, please contact:
NPO Tokyo Autism Association
TEL: 03-6907-3531
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 AM - 3 PM)
Email: [email protected]