How to get Japan’s Physical Disability Handbook
The shintai shougaisha techou (身体障害者手帳) is a disability handbook (also called a disability certificate) issued to people with a physical disability is one of Japan’s three disability handbooks, alongside the ryouiku techou (療育手帳) for intellectual disabilities and the seishin shougaisha hoken fukushi techou (精神障害者保健福祉手帳) for mental health conditions.
If your child has a physical disability that affects their vision, hearing, movement, or organ function, this handbook is the key to accessing disability welfare services, tax benefits, transport discounts, and much more.
Unlike the ryouiku techou, which is based on an MHLW guideline and varies by prefecture, the shintai shougaisha techou is established by national law. The grading criteria are uniform across Japan, meaning that a Grade 2 handbook in Tokyo is the same as a Grade 2 handbook in Osaka.
The Disability Categories
The shintai shougaisha techou covers the following categories of physical disability. Your child’s diagnosis must fall within one of these categories to be eligible.
| Category (English) | Japanese | Examples |
| Visual disability | 視覚障害 (shikaku shougai) | Low vision, blindness |
| Hearing or balance disability | 聴覚又は平衡機能の障害 (choukaku matawa heikou kinou no shougai) | Deafness, hearing loss, balance disorders |
| Speech, language, or chewing disability | 音声機能、言語機能又はそしゃく機能の障害 (onsei kinou, gengo kinou matawa soshaku kinou no shougai) | Loss of speech, severe chewing difficulty |
| Limb disability | 肢体不自由 (shitai fujiyuu) | Limb loss, paralysis, cerebral palsy, joint impairment |
| Internal organ disability | 内部障害 (naibu shougai) | Heart, kidney, respiratory, bladder/rectum, small intestine, liver, HIV/immune function |
The internal organ disability (naibu shougai / 内部障害) category includes seven specific organ systems: heart (shinzou / 心臓), kidney (jinzou / じん臓), respiratory (kokyuuki / 呼吸器), bladder or rectum (boukou matawa chokucho / ぼうこう又は直腸), small intestine (shouchou / 小腸), HIV-related immune function (meneki kinou / 免疫機能), and liver (kanzou / 肝臓).
The Grade System (Grades 1 through 7)
The shintai shougaisha techou uses a grade system from 1 (most severe) to 7 (mildest). The specific criteria for each grade depend on the disability category and are laid out in detail in the official grade table (shintai shougaisha shougai teido toukyuu hyou / 身体障害者障害程度等級表) attached to the law. Here is a simplified overview:
| Grade | Severity | Key Point |
| 1 | Most severe | Daily life activities are extremely limited |
| 2 | Severe | Daily life activities are significantly limited |
| 3 | Moderately severe | Household activities are significantly limited |
| 4 | Moderate | Social daily life activities are significantly limited |
| 5 | Mild-moderate | Some limitation on social daily life activities |
| 6 | Mild | Minor limitations |
| 7 | Mildest | A single Grade 7 does not qualify for a handbook (see below) |
Important note about Grade 7: Grade 7 exists only for limb disabilities (shitai fujiyuu / 肢体不自由). A person with a single Grade 7 disability does not qualify for a shintai shougaisha techou. However, if a person has two or more Grade 7 disabilities, they are upgraded to Grade 6 and can receive the handbook.
Combined disabilities: If you have two disabilities at the same grade level, you may be upgraded one grade. For example, two Grade 4 disabilities may result in a Grade 3 classification. If you have disabilities across different categories, the overall grade may be elevated based on the combined impact.
The grade also determines whether you are classified as Type 1 (daiisshu / 第一種) or Type 2 (dainishu / 第二種) for JR fare discounts, similar to the ryouiku techou.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Visit your city or ward office welfare desk.
Go to the disability welfare desk (shougai fukushi tantou madoguchi / 障害福祉担当窓口) at your local city hall, ward office, or town office. Tell them you would like to apply for a shintai shougaisha techou. They will give you the application form (koufu shinsei sho / 交付申請書) and the blank diagnostic form (shindansho ikensho / 診断書・意見書).
Step 2: Get a diagnosis from a designated doctor.
This is a critical step. The diagnostic form must be completed by a designated doctor (shitei i / 指定医), a doctor designated under Article 15 of the Physical Disability Welfare Act (shintai shougaisha fukushi hou dai 15 jou / 身体障害者福祉法第15条). Not every doctor qualifies. The designated doctor must be specifically authorized by your prefecture, designated city, or core city to write this diagnosis.
If you are not sure whether your doctor is a designated doctor, ask your welfare desk. They can provide a list of designated doctors in your area, or you can ask your hospital directly whether any of their doctors hold an Article 15 designation (15 jou shitei / 15条指定).
The diagnostic form is specific to the disability category (there are separate forms for visual, hearing, limb, and internal organ disabilities). The doctor will complete the form based on their examination, and the form includes both the diagnosis and the doctor’s recommendation for which grade should apply. Note that the final grade decision is made by the prefecture, not by the doctor. The doctor’s recommendation is considered, but the prefecture may assign a different grade.
The doctor will charge a fee for completing the diagnostic form. This fee is not standardized and varies by hospital. Confirm the cost with the hospital before your appointment.
Step 3: Submit your application.
Bring the following documents to the welfare desk:
- The completed application form
- The diagnostic form completed by the designated doctor
- A passport-style photo of the applicant (4 cm x 3 cm, upper body, no hat, taken within the past year)
- Your My Number card or notification card (kojin bangou / 個人番号)
- ID for identity verification
Step 4: Wait for the decision.
The welfare desk forwards your application to the prefecture (or designated city/core city), which reviews the diagnostic form and makes the grade determination. In some cases, the application may be sent to a review board (shinsa kai / 審査会) for further evaluation. The processing time varies, but typically takes 1 to 2 months. Some municipalities may take longer.
Step 5: Receive your handbook.
When the decision is made, you will receive a notification from your city office. Go to the welfare desk to pick up your handbook.
Does the Handbook Expire?
In principle, the shintai shougaisha techou does not expire. Once issued, the handbook remains valid indefinitely. This is different from the ryouiku techou (which has reassessment dates) and the seishin shougaisha hoken fukushi techou (which must be renewed every 2 years).
However, there are two situations where the handbook may be reviewed:
• Re-certification (sai nintei / 再認定): If the disability is expected to improve over time, the prefecture may set a re-certification date (typically 1 to 5 years after issuance). This is common for conditions that may change with surgery, treatment, or growth. If this applies, the re-certification date will be noted on your handbook. You will need to submit a new diagnostic form from a designated doctor before the deadline.
• Voluntary re-application: If your disability has gotten worse, or if you have developed a new disability, you can apply for a grade change or for an additional disability to be added to the handbook at any time.
If the re-certification determines that the disability has improved to the point where it no longer meets any grade, the handbook will be returned. If the grade changes, a new handbook will be issued.
What the Handbook Looks Like
The shintai shougaisha techou can be issued as a traditional paper booklet format or, in some prefectures, as a plastic card (similar to a driver’s license). Whether your prefecture offers the card format depends on the local government. Both formats are equally valid.
The handbook includes: the holder’s name, date of birth, address, and photo; the disability category and grade; the JR fare reduction type (Type 1 or Type 2); the issuing authority and date of issuance; and any re-certification date, if applicable.
Benefits and Services You Can Access
Disability Welfare Services
The shintai shougaisha techou qualifies the holder for services under the Disability Comprehensive Support Act (shougaisha sougou shien hou / 障害者総合支援法). These include assistive devices (hosougu / 補装具) such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and prosthetics; home helpers; short stays; facility-based services; and more. You will still need to go through the standard application process for each service, but the handbook serves as proof of eligibility.
Tax Benefits
The handbook holder or a family member who supports them can claim a disability deduction (shougaisha koujo / 障害者控除) on income tax and residence tax. For Grades 1 and 2, the holder is classified as special (severe) disability (tokubetsu shougaisha / 特別障害者), which provides a larger deduction. For current tax deduction amounts, see: Disability and Tax (National Tax Agency).
Train and Bus Fare Discounts
JR and most private railways offer fare discounts for shintai shougaisha techou holders. The discount depends on the fare reduction type (Type 1 or Type 2) recorded in the handbook:
• Type 1 (daiisshu / 第一種): When traveling with a caregiver, both the handbook holder and the caregiver get 50% off regular fare, regardless of distance. When traveling alone, 50% off for trips over 100 km.
• Type 2 (dainishu / 第二種): The handbook holder alone gets 50% off for trips over 100 km.
Many bus companies, airlines, and ferry operators also offer discounts. See the Disability Discounts for Travel article on this site for details.
ETC Highway Toll Discount
Holders may be eligible for the ETC highway toll discount (50% off). See the ETC Highway Toll Discount article on this site.
Automobile Tax Reduction
Depending on the disability category and grade, the holder or a family member may qualify for a reduction in automobile tax (jidousha zei / 自動車税), light vehicle tax (kei jidousha zei / 軽自動車税), and automobile acquisition tax. Check with your prefectural tax office for eligibility.
Medical Expense Subsidies
Many municipalities offer the severely disabled persons medical fee subsidy (juudo shinshin shougaisha iryouhi josei / 重度心身障害者医療費助成) that covers part or all of the medical expenses for people with severe disabilities (typically Grades 1 and 2, though the criteria vary by municipality). Check with your welfare desk. See our article on the severely disabled persons medical fee subsidy for details.
NHK Fee Reduction
Households with a shintai shougaisha techou holder may qualify for a reduction or exemption from NHK broadcasting fees. For details: NHK Fee Exemption Information.
Assistive Devices (Hosougu / 補装具)
The shintai shougaisha techou is the basis for applying for publicly funded assistive devices. These include wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, walking aids, and more. The cost is heavily subsidized by the government, with the holder paying a copay subject to an income-based cap. Applications are made through the welfare desk.
Employment Support
The handbook qualifies the holder for disability employment (shougaisha koyou / 障害者雇用). Employers count people with disability handbooks toward their legally required employment quota.
Other Benefits
Depending on your municipality, additional benefits may include: taxi vouchers or fuel subsidies, parking permits, free or reduced admission to museums and parks, mobile phone discounts from major carriers, and more. Always check with your welfare desk for the complete list of local benefits.
Can You Hold More Than One Handbook?
Yes. A person can hold a shintai shougaisha techou (Physical Disability Handbook / 身体障害者手帳) alongside a ryouiku techou (Intellectual Disability Handbook / 療育手帳) (if they also have an intellectual disability) or a seishin shougaisha hoken fukushi techou (Mental Disability Certificate / 精神障害者保健福祉手帳) (if they also have a mental health condition). Each handbook is independent, and the benefits are not mutually exclusive.
The Card Format Option
Since 2019, prefectures have had the option to issue the shintai shougaisha techou as a plastic card instead of a paper booklet. The card is roughly the size of a driver’s license or My Number card. Whether your prefecture offers the card format depends on local policy. Both the paper booklet and the card format are equally valid. If you already have a paper handbook and your prefecture now offers cards, you can apply for a re-issue in card format.
The Mirairo ID Digital App
The Mirairo ID (ミライロID) smartphone app lets you store a digital copy of your disability handbook. Many businesses, transport companies, and public facilities in Japan accept the Mirairo ID as proof of disability. The app can verify your handbook through My Number (マイナンバー) linkage. See: Mirairo ID Official Site.
Practical Tips
• Ask your welfare desk for the designated doctor list. This is the first thing to sort out, because only a designated doctor’s (shitei i / 指定医) diagnostic form will be accepted. If your regular doctor is not designated, ask them to refer you to one.
• The diagnostic form fee is out of pocket. The hospital charges for completing the form, and the amount varies. Ask in advance.
• If your child has multiple disabilities, mention all of them. Combined disabilities can result in a higher grade, which means more services and larger discounts.
• Check for a re-certification date. If one is set, mark it in your calendar and start the process early. You will need a new diagnostic form from a designated doctor.
• Apply for a grade change if the disability worsens. You do not need to wait for a re-certification date. You can apply for a reassessment at any time.
• Ask about local benefits. When you receive your handbook, ask the welfare desk for a list of everything available in your municipality. Benefits vary significantly by area.
• Keep the handbook safe. If lost, you can apply for a re-issue (sai koufu / 再交付) at the welfare desk with a new photo.
• The handbook is not mandatory. You are not required to apply. Some families choose not to, and that is perfectly fine.
Key Terms
| English | Japanese |
| Physical disability handbook (also called a disability certificate) | shintai shougaisha techou / 身体障害者手帳 |
| Physical Disability Welfare Act | shintai shougaisha fukushi hou / 身体障害者福祉法 |
| Designated doctor (authorized under Article 15) | shitei i / 指定医 |
| Article 15 designation (for doctors) | 15 jou shitei / 15条指定 |
| Diagnostic form and opinion document | shindansho ikensho / 診断書・意見書 |
| Grade table | toukyuu hyou / 等級表 |
| Visual disability | shikaku shougai / 視覚障害 |
| Hearing disability | choukaku shougai / 聴覚障害 |
| Limb/physical disability | shitai fujiyuu / 肢体不自由 |
| Internal organ disability | naibu shougai / 内部障害 |
| Assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) | hosougu / 補装具 |
| Re-certification | sai nintei / 再認定 |
| Re-issue (if handbook is lost) | sai koufu / 再交付 |
| Special (severe) disability status (Grades 1-2) | tokubetsu shougaisha / 特別障害者 |
| Type 1 (JR fare reduction classification) | daiisshu / 第一種 |
| Type 2 (JR fare reduction classification) | dainishu / 第二種 |
| Disability welfare desk | shougai fukushi tantou madoguchi / 障害福祉担当窓口 |
Useful Resources
MHLW: Disability Handbooks Overview (障害者手帳)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/hukushi_kaigo/shougaishahukushi/techou.html
MHLW: Shintai Shougaisha Techou (notices, grade table, forms)
MHLW: Disability Grade Table (等級表, PDF)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/0000172197.pdf
NTA: Disability and Tax (障害者控除)
https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1160.htm
Mirairo ID (Digital Disability Handbook App)
