Despite calls for diversity in the workplace and "work-style reforms" being debated in the government, Japan has yet to come up with a way to fully utilize the talent of all who wish to work, especially those with rare and incurable diseases.
Entering and remaining in the workforce is a huge challenge for them, as there are no established cures for their illnesses and their prognosis is hard to predict or control.
Jun Sakurai, a 29-year-old Osaka resident, is among a small but robust group of entrepreneurs trying to carve out a career while coping with such a predicament. They say they want to turn their medical conditions and experiences into something positive and propose unique business ideas and solutions, instead of only being on the receiving end of health care and welfare.