April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.
And April 2 to 8 is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week.
During this period, various events are held around the world to deepen understanding of developmental disabilities, including autism.
From initiatives in Okayama Prefecture, we introduce the Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple Five-Story Pagoda Blue Light Up as a symbol of Kibiji.
The blue light up of the Five-Story Pagoda will be held until 10 PM on April 8, 2025 (Tuesday).
What is World Autism Awareness Day?
In the 2007 United Nations General Assembly, it was resolved that April 2 of each year would be designated as World Autism Awareness Day.
Since the following year, 2008, the color blue, symbolizing healing, hope, and peace, has been adopted as the symbol color, and events and light-ups have been held around the world.
In Japan, the period from April 2 to 8, World Autism Awareness Day, is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week, during which various awareness activities are conducted, including symposiums and blue light-ups of landmarks to promote understanding of developmental disabilities, including autism.
The Five-Story Pagoda Shines Blue
Initiatives in Okayama Prefecture are expanding year by year.
This year (2025), the number of blue light up venues has increased to 19.
The blue light up of the "Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple Five-Story Pagoda" is organized by Soja City, with the Okayama Prefecture Autism Association (hereinafter referred to as "Okayama Autism Association") as a co-organizer.
The first event was held in 2013 and has been conducted every year since.
The Okayama Autism Association is also focusing on information dissemination and collaboration, participating in the online event held every year on April 2 by the Tokyo Autism Association (hereinafter referred to as "Tokyo Autism Association").
The online event hosted by the Tokyo Autism Association starts at 5:30 PM on April 2 and is live-streamed; this year marks the fifth edition.
The event features statements from individuals with autism, video introductions, and showcases blue actions from wards, private organizations, and companies in Tokyo. Following that, various initiatives from across the country are introduced.
The live broadcast of the blue light up ceremony at Tokyo Tower received cheers from all over the country.
This is the third time the Okayama Autism Association has participated in the broadcast, joining from blue light up venues each time. The first was Okayama Castle, the second was Notre Dame Seishin University, and this time it was broadcast from Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple.
I felt the length of the exchanges and the trust among the members of Soja City Health and Welfare Department, Welfare Division, Soja City Social Welfare Council, and Okayama Autism Association as they prepared with good teamwork.
Let's Go Find Something Blue
Initiatives aligned with World Autism Awareness Day and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week include some that are only on April 2, but many continue until April 8.
Some municipal offices have staff wearing blue items as their image color or wearing blue ribbons as part of their initiatives.
- Let's look for nearby blue light ups
- Try talking to the staff at the municipal office who are wearing blue items
- Take this opportunity to reflect on autism and other developmental disabilities, the individuals affected, and their families
For reflection, the Okayama Autism Association's call song video "Asu no Wani Project" may provide some hints.
Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple Five-Story Pagoda Blue Light Up, World Autism Awareness Day & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week Data
| Name | Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple Five-Story Pagoda Blue Light Up, World Autism Awareness Day & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Week |
|---|---|
| Date | The blue light up of the Five-Story Pagoda is from 7 PM to 10 PM. The grounds of Bichu Kokubun-ji Temple are open 24 hours. The Kokubun-ji Tourist Information Center within the grounds is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. |
| Location | 1026 Kamibayashi, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | NPO Okayama Autism Association |
