Japan web accessibility

Japan has the oldest population in the world, as one in every three individuals in Japan was 65 years or older in 2020. Along with the fact that around 20% of the Japanese population has some type of disability, the government enacted legislation in order to cater to an ongoing growing need for web accessibility.

 

The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) X 8341 was implemented in 2004 and revised in 2010 to meet international WCAG 2.0 standards of digital accessibility. An earlier legislative version, called the Basic Act on the Formation of an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Network Society, was enacted in 2000.

 

In addition, a nonprofit association, named the Japan Web Accessibility Consortium (JWAC), came together to raise awareness for equal online accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly.

 

While the legislation deals with the public and private sectors alike, compliance is currently voluntary.