View in EDS

Tōjisha‐Kenkyū on Autism in Japan: Against Epistemic Injustices and Tokenism.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Tōjisha‐Kenkyū on Autism in Japan: Against Epistemic Injustices and Tokenism.
Authors: Ayaya, Satsuki (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Social Issues. Dec2025, Vol. 81 Issue 4, p1-13. 13p.
Subjects: Autism, Social model of disability, Self-help techniques, Tokenism, Disability rights movement, Neurodiversity
Geographic Terms: Japan
Abstract: The Japanese mental health system, marked by isolation and restraint, has been challenged by Tōjisha‐Kenkyū, a peer‐led research practice initiated in 2001 by Urakawa Bethel House members. Drawing from disability rights and addiction self‐help movements, it addresses hermeneutical injustice by creating shared language for minority experiences. Autistics in Japan also face epistemic injustices due to biases that misinterpret autism as individual deficits. The author, diagnosed with autism in adulthood, used Tōjisha‐Kenkyū to redefine autism based on the social model of disability, fostering accessibility and understanding. In 2011, the author founded a Tōjisha‐Kenkyū group for neurodivergents, promoting diverse narratives and driving collaborations with medicine and technology. Despite contributions, testimonial injustices and tokenism persist in Japanese academia. To counter this, the Inclusive Academia Project fosters equity through mutual learning and solidarity. Ultimately, Tōjisha‐Kenkyū serves as a bridge between minority communities and academia, contributing to a more inclusive and justice‐oriented society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Social Issues is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:The Japanese mental health system, marked by isolation and restraint, has been challenged by Tōjisha‐Kenkyū, a peer‐led research practice initiated in 2001 by Urakawa Bethel House members. Drawing from disability rights and addiction self‐help movements, it addresses hermeneutical injustice by creating shared language for minority experiences. Autistics in Japan also face epistemic injustices due to biases that misinterpret autism as individual deficits. The author, diagnosed with autism in adulthood, used Tōjisha‐Kenkyū to redefine autism based on the social model of disability, fostering accessibility and understanding. In 2011, the author founded a Tōjisha‐Kenkyū group for neurodivergents, promoting diverse narratives and driving collaborations with medicine and technology. Despite contributions, testimonial injustices and tokenism persist in Japanese academia. To counter this, the Inclusive Academia Project fosters equity through mutual learning and solidarity. Ultimately, Tōjisha‐Kenkyū serves as a bridge between minority communities and academia, contributing to a more inclusive and justice‐oriented society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00224537
DOI:10.1111/josi.70026