Tokyo Autism Society Releases New Short Movie, Broadcasting the Voices of Individuals and Their Families

The specified non-profit organization Tokyo Autism Society (Chairman: Masaharu Sugiyama) has produced a new short movie as part of its 'Happy with Autism Project'.

Coinciding with the release, the project website has also been newly reopened. The purpose of this project is to broadcast the diverse voices of individuals with autism, their families, and related parties, aiming to expand interest and understanding of autism.

Autism awareness has progressed centering around April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. It was resolved at the United Nations in 2007, and awareness activities began worldwide the following year, in 2008. In Japan, the week from April 2nd to April 8th each year is designated as 'Developmental Disorder Awareness Week', with various awareness activities deployed primarily by the World Autism Awareness Day Japan Executive Committee (WAAD). In 2026 as well, events and symposiums related to autism were held nationwide, and landmarks in various locations were illuminated in blue, the theme color.

In Tokyo, the World Autism Awareness Day Japan Executive Committee held a blue lighting ceremony at Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Autism Society also cooperated and held an event.

Expanding recognition of 'autism' and 'developmental disorders', and remaining misunderstandings

While recognition of autism and developmental disorders is expanding, misunderstandings and inaccurate information are also circulating. Erroneous beliefs such as 'autism is caused by parenting style' and expressions that negatively portray people with autism or developmental disorders as 'troublesome people' are repeatedly used, frequently causing deep hurt to the individuals and their families.

Therefore, in 2025, the Tokyo Autism Society launched the 'Happy with Autism Project', hoping for a world where individuals with autism and all their families can live happily and with peace of mind. Previously, they have produced short movies where 12 individuals with autism themselves 'talk about autism'.

Conducting interviews asking, 'What do you want people to know about autism?'

This time, on April 2, 2026, an interview was conducted with individuals with autism, their families, and related parties who gathered at Tokyo Tower, asking, 'What do you want people to know about autism?' to gather their raw voices.

Pressing voices were raised, such as 'Light and sound are painful', 'I want people to know about sensory sensitivity', and 'I cannot express well what I want to convey'. On the other hand, many voices sought multifaceted understanding, stating, 'Even though it is called autism, we are not closed off', 'There are various types of people', and 'I want people to know the interesting aspects of autism as well'. While more than half of the interview participants were individuals with autism, families and related parties also appeared.

The Happy with Autism project site has also reopened!

Furthermore, in conjunction with the release of the short movie, the project site has been reopened. It also introduces award-winning works from the 2026 Blue Action and Blue Art Contest.

[Contact Information]

Specified Non-Profit Organization Tokyo Autism Society TEL: 03-6907-3531 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) Mail: [email protected]