April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.
And April 2–8 is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week.
At this time of year, events are held around the world to deepen understanding of developmental disabilities, including autism.
Among the initiatives in Okayama Prefecture, we introduce the blue illumination of the five-story pagoda at Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple, a symbol of Kibiji.
The five-story pagoda’s blue illumination runs until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in April 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
At the 2007 United Nations General Assembly, it was resolved that April 2 would be World Autism Awareness Day every year.
Then, starting in 2008, events and illuminations began to be held around the world, with “blue” as the symbolic color, representing healing, hope, and peace.
In Japan, April 2–8, beginning with World Autism Awareness Day, is designated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week. Awareness-raising activities are held to promote understanding of developmental disabilities, including autism, such as symposiums and blue illuminations of landmarks.
The five-story pagoda shines blue
Initiatives across Okayama Prefecture are expanding year by year.
This year (2025), the number of blue illumination venues has grown to 19.
The blue illumination of the five-story pagoda at Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple is organized by Soja City and co-hosted by the specified nonprofit corporation Okayama Autism Society.
It was first held in 2013 and has taken place every year since.
The Okayama Autism Society also focuses on sharing information and collaboration, and takes part in the online event held every year on April 2 by the specified nonprofit corporation Tokyo Autism Society.
The online event hosted by the Tokyo Autism Society is livestreamed starting at 5:30 p.m. on April 2. This year marks its fifth edition.
The event featured statements by autistic people and videos, as well as blue actions by Tokyo’s wards, private organizations, and businesses. It then connected with locations across Japan to introduce a variety of initiatives.
Cheers rang out from across the country during the broadcast of the Tokyo Tower blue illumination lighting ceremony.
This was the third time the Okayama Autism Society had participated in the broadcast, and each time it has joined from a blue illumination venue. The first time was from Okayama Castle, the second from Notre Dame Seishin University, and this time the broadcast came from Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple.
Seeing the members of the Soja City Health and Welfare Department Welfare Division, Soja City Council of Social Welfare, and Okayama Autism Society preparing with such good teamwork gave a sense of the long-standing exchange and trust between them.
Let’s go look for blue things
Some initiatives for World Autism Awareness Day and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week take place only on April 2, but many continue through April 8.
Some municipal offices have initiatives such as having staff wear something blue, the symbolic color, or wear blue ribbons.
- Look for a nearby blue illumination
- Try talking to municipal office staff wearing something blue
- Take this opportunity to reflect on developmental disabilities, including autism, the people who have them, and their families
The Okayama Autism Society’s campaign song video, “Asu no Wani Project,” may offer some ideas for reflection.
Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple five-story pagoda blue illumination, World Autism Awareness Day & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week details
| Name | Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple five-story pagoda blue illumination, World Autism Awareness Day & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week |
|---|---|
| Dates | The five-story pagoda’s blue illumination runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The grounds of Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple are open 24 hours. The Kokubun-ji Tourist Information Center on the grounds is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Location | 1026 Kamibayashi, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | NPO Okayama Autism Society |
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