[Case Study] “I am Happy to be Here” | User-Centered Disability Care Services in Kitakyushu, Japan

 "There is a social welfare community that breaks existing inertia and practices self-reflection every day. This is the story of the 'Kitakyushu Hand-in-Hand Association for Disability Welfare (Kitakyushu Ikuseikai, hereinafter "Kitakyushu Case")' in Japan, where over 500 workers serve as a model for disability welfare through 11 types of specialized services. I introduce the true value of user-centered care and the practical direction of innovation that 'The Enriching Care' should pursue."


"Kitakyushu Case is a public interest corporation specialized in disability welfare services, now in its 47th year since establishment.

Under the mission of "creating a local community where people with disabilities and people without disabilities coexist," the Kitakyushu Case operates 22 facilities and offices in the Kitakyushu region. The services managed by these facilities total 11 types, including personal assistance, vocational rehabilitation, and job creation for people with disabilities. It is a disability welfare community where more than 500 social welfare workers are active, and approximately 2,000 users participate together.

The philosophy, values, and diverse activities of the Kitakyushu Case serve as a great inspiration to our organization and are fully sufficient to be taken as a model.


Above all, the mindset of the 77-year-old Chairperson Komatsu left a deep impression on me.

"As a social worker, I serve while reflecting on myself every single day," and "For a social worker to remain stuck in existing inertia is a discourtesy to the users." These words from Chairperson Komatsu are teachings that current social welfare professionals must take to heart.


In social welfare practice, the value of user-centered care can be confirmed in the Kitakyushu Case's mission: "People with disabilities and people without disabilities must coexist and be happy together."

Our organization will move forward as a care community where both users and providers are happy, and the core of this journey is 'The Enriching Care(officially The Chaeum Dolbom).'


Chairperson Komatsu says that he feels joyful and energized whenever he hears users say, "It is really good to be here."

I look forward to the day in the near future when our care center also becomes a space overflowing with warm pride, where both users and providers can say, "I am happy to be in our care center," and I resolve to do my absolute best toward that path.


This article is a research visit report on care systems in Kitakyushu, Japan, hosted by the SE Empower Social Cooperative (November 3, 2025).





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