The social welfare system has long been viewed as a form of assistance for the needy.
But the organizer of Super Welfare Expo, featuring innovative welfare products in Tokyo earlier this month, believes producing stylish wheelchairs and hearing aids that people without disabilities would also want to use can help create a diverse and inclusive environment.
"Our goal is to create in the near future an environment where all people can embrace their individual differences," said Shinji Sudo, chairman of People Design Institute, a nonprofit group dedicated to helping minorities. The institute organized the event.