NEWS

On December 9, 2025, the 28th Human Rights Seminar, entitled " The Challenges of Living with Sensory Overload and Support" was held. This seminar is held every year around Human Rights Day (December 10) by the ICU Human Rights Committee and the Human Rights Advisory Board, which conduct educational activities and counseling regarding human rights.

This year, we welcomed Mr. Michie Kato, CEO of Crystal Road Inc. and Director of the Sensory Hypersensitivity Research Institute, as the speaker. Mr. Kato started his own business at the age of 12 and is currently studying disability studies and psychology at university while actively engaging in research and advocacy on sensory hypersensitivity. His work has been widely recognized both in Japan and internationally, including being selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' INNO-vation Generation Award and Forbes JAPAN 30 Under 30 (2023) in the category of "30 Under 30 Changing the World."

In his lecture, Mr. Kato shared his personal experiences and provided a detailed explanation of what sensory hypersensitivity is, why it leads to difficulties in daily life, and what kinds of support are possible. Sensory hypersensitivity refers to a condition in which senses such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch become overly sensitive, causing significant challenges in everyday life. It is not a disease, and there is no established diagnosis or treatment. In school settings, issues such as school lunches, uniforms, classroom lighting, noise, and odors often become major burdens, sometimes leading to absenteeism. Even in adulthood, difficulties persist in workplaces and during commuting, and the lack of understanding from others can be the greatest source of distress.

As measures to address these challenges, Mr. Kato emphasized the importance of using assistive tools (such as color lenses and earmuffs), making environmental adjustments, adopting avoidance strategies, and providing reasonable accommodation. In particular, he noted that since April 2024, reasonable accommodation has become a legal obligation for private businesses under the revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. He stressed that support should be based not on whether a person has a formal diagnosis, but on whether they are experiencing difficulties. Furthermore, he called for a shift from the traditional "medical model," which views disability as an individual issue, to a "social model" that seeks solutions through societal structures, highlighting the importance of creating an environment where everyone can live comfortably.

As a university that respects the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of ICU's basic policies is to provide an education, research, and working environment that is free from human rights violations, and to ensure a safe campus for its members. The lecture provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding regarding concrete harassment preventive measures.

ICU provides a link that explains the ways to seek advice after experiencing harassment. Please take a look here.