#Japan #Tokyo #VR Training #Worklear #Leverages Inc.

Upcoming VR Training on Invisible Disabilities: July Employment Rate Increase Approaches

As the legal employment rate for persons with disabilities in Japan is set to rise from 2.5% to 2.7% in July 2026, Leverages Inc. is stepping up to bridge the gap in understanding among corporate leaders and HR personnel. On June 22-23, 2026, the company will host an experiential workshop titled “Experience ‘Invisible Disabilities’ Through VR – The Need for Reasonable Adjustments.” This follows the success of the first training held in February, which received positive feedback from participants who reported a fundamental shift in their perspective on employing individuals with disabilities.

Background of the Event

The anticipated increase in the legal employment rate is prompting many companies to reassess their hiring practices for workers with disabilities. There is a notable disconnect between the pool of job seekers with disabilities and the hiring needs of companies. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of job applications from individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities has remained relatively stable over recent years. In contrast, the application rates from individuals with mental disabilities are rising sharply every year. This shift indicates that the hiring focus in the labor market is increasingly on those with mental and developmental disabilities.

Despite this trend, about half of companies that employ individuals with disabilities have expressed a desire to actively recruit persons with physical disabilities, indicating a gap in awareness and readiness in the labor market. The underlying issue seems to stem from a lack of understanding and anxiety surrounding the employment of individuals with mental and developmental disabilities, leading to hesitancy in hiring and even early departures when hires are made.

This upcoming workshop by Leverages is designed to combine virtual reality experiences with practical insights, aiming to alleviate the vague fears companies face regarding disability employment. With the employment rate increase just around the corner, this training will empower organizations to better equip themselves for inclusive hiring.

Event Details

The workshop will span two days, and both days will cover the same content, allowing participants to choose a date that best fits their schedules.

Day 1 & Day 2: Corporate Training Seminar

• - Dates:

- Day 1: June 22, 2026, starting at 5 PM (Duration: 2 hours)
- Day 2: June 23, 2026, starting at 5 PM (Duration: 2 hours)

• - Target Audience: Corporate executives, HR leaders, and those responsible for disability employment, particularly those facing challenges related to:

- Unmet legal employment rates or anxiety about upcoming increases
- Difficulty in recruiting persons with physical disabilities
- Concerns about the retention of individuals with mental and developmental disabilities

• - Location: Leverages Headquarters, Shibuya Scramble Square 24F, Tokyo, Japan.
• - Cost: Free
• - Objective: To resolve vague concerns through VR experiences and provide practical know-how that participants can implement immediately.

How to Register

Those interested in participating or covering the event can use the following links:

• - For companies: Registration Link for Companies
• - For media: Registration Link for Media
• - Registration Deadline: June 19, 2026, by noon.

Program Content

1. Part One: Experiencing 'Invisible Disabilities' Through VR
Participants will use VR to simulate experiences typical for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as sensory sensitivities and attention deficit disorders, from a first-person perspective.
2. Part Two: Insights from Employees with Disabilities
Real-life employees from Leverages will explain how typical workplace instructions differ for individuals with disabilities. The session will include group discussions on common workplace challenges and solutions for facilitation.

Previous Event Feedback

In the first session held in February, participants shared their surprise and relief during the training, with many expressing a newfound understanding of the stresses that employees with disabilities navigate. Quotes from participants include:

• - “Experiencing the VR setup was a shock–I realized just how much stress they endure at work. I thought I was being supportive, but hadn't truly understood their reality.”
• - “I recognized that what I saw as a lack of effort was actually an issue with the environment and systems in place. We need logical solutions, not just emotional support.”

Conclusion

Leverages Inc. aims to enhance understanding and create an inclusive work culture, underscoring the importance of adjusting workplace environments for individuals with invisible disabilities. Learn more about these initiatives by visiting the Worklear website.

By participating in this workshop, companies will not only comply with new legal standards but also foster an inclusive workplace that benefits all employees.