1. What is a "Help Mark"?

The Help Mark was created by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to make it easier for people who need assistance or consideration that is not apparent from their appearance to receive assistance by letting those around them know that they need consideration. It is now widely used throughout Japan.

Having a help mark has the effect of "informing people that you need help" and "encouraging people who see it to help."

If you see someone wearing this mark, we ask that you take considerate action, such as offering your seat on the train or speaking to them if they appear to be in trouble.

 

2. Distribution of "Help Marks for Foreigners Visiting Osaka"

Osaka Prefecture is working to ensure that foreigners who visit Osaka for the Osaka-Kansai Expo and require assistance or consideration due to disabilities or other reasons can receive appropriate assistance by distributing easy-to-understand help marks. By having foreigners in need of assistance use these marks, they can receive smooth support.

 

3. Who is eligible for the Help Mark?

The Help Mark is intended for people who need assistance and consideration, such as those using prosthetic limbs or artificial joints, those with internal disabilities or incurable illnesses, and those in the early stages of pregnancy.

 

4. How do I receive a Help Mark?

During the Osaka-Kansai Expo (April 13, 2025 to October 13, 2025),

Help marks will be distributed to foreigners visiting Osaka at the locations listed below, so please ask if you need one.

Each person can receive one free of charge.

You do not need to show proof of disability or illness to receive the benefit.

 

Shin-Osaka

1: Tourist Information SHIN-OSAKA

Business hours: 8:00 to 22:00

Languages available: English, Chinese, Korean

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

〇Umeda, Osaka

2: Hankyu Tourist Center Osaka Umeda

Business hours: 8:00 to 17:00

Languages available: English, Chinese, Korean

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

3: Tourist Information OSAKA

Business hours: 7:00 to 22:00

Languages available: English, Chinese, Korean

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

〇Namba

4: Tourist Information NAMBA

Business hours: 9:00 to 20:00

Languages available: English, Chinese, Korean

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

〇Tennoji

5: Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store Foreign Customers Salon

Business hours: 10:00 to 20:30

Language support: English, Chinese

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

Kansai International Airport

6. Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport

Opening hours: 24 hours

Language support: English

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

7: Kansai International Airport Information Counter

Business hours: 7:00 to 19:00

Language support: No restrictions

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

8: JTB Kansai Tourist Information Center Kansai International Airport

Business hours: 9:00 to 19:00

Language support: English, Chinese, Korean (as long as there is staff available)

View Google Maps (link is external)

 

○ Expo Venue
9: Accessibility Center
Support for various languages: Supported by machine translation systems, etc.
View Google Maps (link is external)

 

5. How do I use the Help Mark?

Please attach it to a bag or other place where it can be easily seen from the outside.

 

If you see someone wearing a help mark

Please be considerate and offer your seat on the train or bus. If you see someone in trouble, please speak up.

Although it may not be obvious from the outside, some people tire easily or have difficulty maintaining the same posture, such as holding on to a strap for a long time.

Also, since it is not obvious from the outside, people may look at you suspiciously if you sit in a priority seat, which can be stressful.

If you see someone in trouble at a station or in a commercial facility, please be considerate and speak to them.

Some people have difficulty responding flexibly to sudden events such as transportation accidents, and some have difficulty with actions such as standing up, walking, and climbing stairs.

In the event of a disaster, please help us evacuate safely.

There are people who have difficulty understanding the situation due to disabilities, and people with physical disabilities who have difficulty evacuating quickly on their own.

 

Click here for a video introducing the Help Mark

English: https://youtu.be/RFAjHj-Azos (Link to external site)

Chinese: https://youtu.be/UmvpyLtRiAo (Links to an external site)

Korean: https://youtu.be/F6hJ51DVPdY (Links to an external site)

 

Distribution started on April 13th!