"Rare Disease x Work" Creative Project

NPO Ryoiku World (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Takayuki Shigemitsu) operates the "Research Group to Consider Social Participation of People with Rare and Intractable Diseases." This group has planned and implemented the "'Rare Disease x Work' Creative Project" with creative professionals from advertising companies, such as copywriters and designers. To widely communicate the message, "popularize the term 'RD Worker' and move towards a society where everyone can work easily, starting from the intersection of rare diseases and work," creative works have now been announced and released.

Reference: https://ryoiku.org/rdworker/

Project Objectives

Cases exist where the creation and spread of terms like "young carer" and "LGBTQ+" have made their existence visible, leading to societal change through widespread recognition. To help many people understand the challenges and possibilities of "rare disease x work," this project aimed to deepen understanding of people with rare diseases and widely communicate this to society, expanding the circle of empathy by creating works themed around "RD Worker."

Project Overview

About 10 years ago, Ryoiku World encountered a creative team from an advertising company through the production of posters and workshop tools called THINK BOX, aimed at raising awareness of disabilities, rare diseases, and intractable diseases.

The "Research Group to Consider Social Participation of People with Rare and Intractable Diseases" was established in 2018. Under the collaboration of patients, medical professionals, companies, and government bodies, the group has proposed and disseminated employment support models, held study sessions for local assembly members, and submitted petitions to national diet members and heads of local governments.

In 2024, in preparation for the publication of the "White Paper on Social Participation of People with Rare and Intractable Diseases 2025," the copywriter met 10 years prior was contacted, and a language project was launched. The term "RD Worker" was proposed in the same white paper to be published in 2025. Simultaneously, the creative project was launched.

Nine individuals with rare diseases and their families from Ryoiku World, and nine creators from an advertising company participated in this project. The latest AI technology was also utilized for video expression.

Points of Interest

We aim to transform the negative image of "rare diseases = severe, dark, unable to work, dependent on support" into a positive image of "RD Worker = diverse individuals, people who want to work and can work, individuals who realize diverse ways of working, pioneers who change workplaces and society" by leveraging the power of creativity.

To achieve this, we explored pop and bright methods of communication, making the works accessible and relatable for everyone from children to adults to see, read, and experience.

Through co-creation with patients, we produced these works after conducting numerous interviews with various individuals with rare diseases.

To create new words and concepts that change society, we relied on the flexible creativity of young creators and utilized the power of AI in video expression.

Overview of Creative Works

Vol. 0: The Term and Concept of "RD Worker"

The term and concept of "RD Worker" was proposed in the special feature of the "White Paper on Social Participation of People with Rare and Intractable Diseases 2025." A group of volunteers, including patients with rare diseases, supporters, medical professionals, copywriters, and local assembly members, gathered and, based on their respective aspirations, spent six months in discussion to create the term and concept of "RD Worker."

Vol. 1: Expressing the Potential of RD Workers through "Logo" and "Posters"

With the main copy "RD WORKER: New Ways of Working, Starting Here.," the freedom, flexible work styles, and potential of RD Workers are expressed through "building block-like parts." Posters were also created, featuring Kanji characters representing the aspirations of people with rare diseases, designed with a variable and combinable design. Centered on the idea that "a society where people with rare diseases can work is a society where everyone can work easily," the posters express hope for a changing society in a bright tone.

Vol. 2: Japanese Folktale "Momotaro's Job Change" Picture Book

By developing a new story for the well-known tale of "Momotaro" with characters who have rare diseases, this picture book illustrates the challenges faced by RD Workers while making it relatable and personal for everyone. It encourages building on one's own strengths rather than conforming to a "normal" standard. The book aims to spread a gentle chain of support by affirming each individual's comfortable way of working and sharing small adjustments.

Vol. 3: "Don't Worry About It" - Communicating Difficult Topics Charmingly

This offers ideas for fun and smooth communication with colleagues when people with rare diseases are working. Sixty-five character designs and phrases were created for use as chat stamps and merchandise. The goal is to spread a "Don't Worry About It culture" that starts in the workplace, where everyone can disclose their weaknesses (limitations) and psychological safety is high.

Vol. 4: Visualizing the Pain and Symptoms of RD Workers through Video Expression

This video work expresses the pain and symptoms that RD Workers actually experience while working by animating and transforming the typography of "RD WORKER." The pain and symptoms of RD Workers are diverse, and even with the same disease name, they differ from person to person. The work challenges viewers' imagination by visualizing the symptoms that hinder the positive intention to "want to work," alongside the earnest voices of patients.

What is an "RD Worker"?

RD Worker is an abbreviation for Rare Disease Worker. "RD" originates from RDD (Rare Disease Day), which began in Sweden. While "Rare Disease" in English refers to "rare diseases," RD Worker also includes Intractable Diseases and Chronic Diseases, encompassing individuals with designated intractable diseases and those with intractable chronic diseases as defined by this organization. "RD Worker" is a term created by this project to describe people who are working or aiming to work alongside such rare and intractable diseases.

Furthermore, the word "Rare" in RD Worker also signifies carrying three "Rares": limited support systems, low societal recognition, and few employment options.

Three Rares

Potential of RD Workers

We believe that RD Workers are not merely recipients of support, but individuals with the potential to become "pioneers" in creating organizations and societies where everyone can work easily.

A society where RD Workers thrive will lead to a society where not only people with rare diseases, but also those facing various constraints such as childcare and caregiving, can work easily. RD Workers are individuals full of potential, creating a society where everyone can live comfortably and where the diversity of each person is respected.

Seeking Partner Companies and Organizations

We are seeking companies and organizations that will help us spread the word about RD Workers (social participation of people with rare diseases) by utilizing the RD Worker creative works. We welcome all kinds of proposals, including merchandise, stationery, posters, postcards, publications, videos, and mascots.

Creative works are introduced on the Ryoiku World official website.

https://ryoiku.org/rdworker/

(Organization Overview)

NPO Ryoiku World https://ryoiku.org/

Research Group to Consider Social Participation of People with Rare and Intractable Diseases

Address: 1-11-4 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041 FPG Links Jinnan 5F

Representative: Takayuki Shigemitsu, Representative Director (Contact) Public Relations Manager Email: [email protected]

Creative Introduction

(I) Creative Works

Vol. 1: Expressing the Potential of RD Workers through "Logo" and "Posters"

Vol. 2: Japanese Folktale "Momotaro's Job Change" Picture Book

Vol. 3: "Don't Worry About It" - Communicating Difficult Topics Charmingly

Vol. 4: Visualizing the Pain and Symptoms of RD Workers through Video Expression

(II) Creative Collaboration Examples with Companies

Box Japan Co., Ltd. <RD Worker Tumbler>

KOKUYO Co., Ltd., KOKUYO K. Heart Co., Ltd. <Don't Worry About It Stickers>