What is the Help Mark? Intended Users, Purpose of Wearing, and Necessary Assistance

The Help Mark is a symbol for individuals with disabilities or illnesses that are not easily recognizable from their appearance, allowing them to communicate their need for support or consideration to those around them.

Since October 2012, the distribution of Help Marks and the display of stickers on priority seats began on the Toei Oedo Line. This initiative later expanded to other Toei subway lines, Toei buses, and metropolitan hospitals, and is now implemented across all prefectures.

This article will explain the overview of the Help Mark, examples of its use, and distribution locations.

Additionally, we will introduce examples of support for individuals wearing the Help Mark and other related symbols, so please use this as a reference.

1. What is the Help Mark?

The Help Mark is a symbol created and distributed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health in 2012.

It allows individuals with invisible disabilities or illnesses to communicate their need for consideration or support to those around them.

Since then, it has begun to spread to municipalities nationwide, and as of the end of March 2022, approximately 465,000 Help Marks have been distributed.

Reference: What is the Help Mark｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health

The Help Mark combines a red background, indicating "help = not in a normal state," with universally recognized symbols of a "✚" and a "♥". It is designed to intuitively prompt action, indicating that assistance or help is needed.

By wearing the Help Mark, people around can more easily offer priority seating on public transportation, feel more comfortable initiating conversation, and provide help when needed.

2. Who wears it? How is the Help Mark used?

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, the criteria for conditions or disabilities that qualify for the Help Mark are as follows:

Individuals using prosthetic limbs or artificial joints, those with internal disabilities or intractable diseases, and women in early pregnancy who require assistance or consideration.
Source: Help Mark｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health

There are no specific criteria for the conditions or disabilities that qualify for the Help Mark.

In other words, anyone with an invisible condition or disability who needs assistance or consideration can use it.

However, this information alone can be broad and difficult to understand, so let's give some examples of who qualifies for the Help Mark.

・Individuals using prosthetic limbs or artificial joints
・Individuals with internal disabilities (e.g., heart function disabilities, immune function disabilities, liver function disabilities)
・Women in early pregnancy
・Individuals with intellectual disabilities
・Individuals with mental disorders
・Individuals with developmental disorders

These are just a few examples, but individuals with conditions or disabilities that are not easily recognizable from their appearance are eligible for the Help Mark.

By utilizing the Help Mark, individuals with these conditions or disabilities can more easily secure priority seating on trains or receive assistance when needed.

The Help Mark is designed as a strap, so attaching it to a bag or backpack where it is easily visible to others is key.

Additionally, by filling out the accompanying sticker with support details and necessary information and attaching it to the back, you can better communicate to those around you how they can assist you.

Items to fill out on the back include your name, condition, emergency contact, and other requests to ensure you receive the appropriate support.

3. Distribution Locations for the Help Mark

The distribution locations for the Help Mark vary by municipality but are generally available at the following places:

・Prefectural and municipal offices (such as welfare departments)
・Health centers and public health offices
・Disability support facilities
・Community centers
・Toei subway and buses (Tokyo only)

You can check the specific distribution locations for each prefecture on the following website.

Reference: Help Mark Distribution Status｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health

Some municipalities offer distribution by mail, so if you cannot visit a distribution location, inquire about the possibility of receiving it by mail.

Additionally, if mailing is difficult, you can also create your own Help Mark.

The method for creating your own is detailed in the "Help Mark Creation and Utilization Guidelines" on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health website, so be sure to check it out.

Reference: Help Mark Creation and Utilization Guidelines｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health Disability Policy Promotion Division

4. If You See Someone Wearing a Help Mark

If you see someone wearing a Help Mark, consider providing the following support or consideration:

・Offer your seat on trains or buses
・Provide assistance or consideration in stations or commercial facilities
・During disasters, support safe evacuation

On public transportation like trains and buses, offer your seat by asking if they would like to sit.

Even if it is not visible, some individuals may find it difficult to hold onto a strap or stand in the same position for a long time.

Additionally, if you see someone wearing a Help Mark in crowded places like stations or commercial facilities and they seem to be in distress, kindly offer assistance.

During disasters, some individuals with hearing or physical disabilities may not be able to evacuate quickly. If you see a Help Mark during a disaster, support them in evacuating safely.

5. Three Examples of Support for People Wearing the Help Mark

5-1. Case of a Person with a Mental Disorder

When train operations were suspended, causing congestion at the station, a nearby woman offered assistance and guided them to a place where they could sit.

This person expressed relief, saying that being kindly asked "Are you okay?" when struggling to cope with an unexpected situation was comforting.

Reference: Help Mark & Help Card Episode Collection｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health

5-2. Case of a Person with an Intractable Disease

When standing on a train became difficult, wearing the Help Mark allowed people around to notice and offer their seat, which was greatly appreciated. Additionally, when feeling well, offering a seat to someone wearing a Help Mark fostered a sense of compassion.

Reference: Help Mark & Help Card Episode Collection｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health

5-3. Case of a Person with a Catheter (for Dialysis)

After a dialysis catheter came loose during rush hour, the individual began wearing the Help Mark on their bag, leading to more frequent offers of seats.

Since the catheter is not visible, the Help Mark has been very helpful.

Reference: Help Mark & Help Card Episode Collection｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health

These examples show that wearing the Help Mark enables individuals with various disabilities or conditions to receive support.

Additionally, being supported can inspire individuals to extend kindness to other Help Mark users, creating a ripple effect of compassion.

5-4. Effective Cases of the Help Mark

Episode 1. Individuals Using Prosthetic Limbs or Artificial Joints
Since it is not visible, sitting in priority seats on trains often leads to being questioned. The Help Mark allows them to explain their situation, providing peace of mind. They consider the Help Mark a protective charm.

Episode 2. Individuals with Hearing or Speech Disabilities
In stores, showing a Help Mark sticker that says "I can't hear, please communicate in writing" immediately leads to understanding and assistance, which is greatly appreciated.

Episode 3. Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
With dyslexia (difficulty reading and writing), filling out forms at the bank is challenging. However, showing a Help Mark with written support requests discreetly prompts assistance, making transactions smoother. It also reduces stress by eliminating the need to repeatedly explain their disability in crowded settings.

Episode 4. Cancer Patients
Living with cancer and its side effects makes standing during outings for treatment difficult. However, this is not apparent from their appearance. Wearing the Help Mark helps convey their need for consideration.