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

The Help Mark is a symbol designed to inform those around that a person has an invisible disability or illness and requires support or consideration.

Since October 2012, the distribution of the Help Mark and the display of stickers on priority seats began on the Toei Oedo Line. It later expanded to Toei Subway, Toei Buses, and Tokyo Metropolitan hospitals, and is now implemented in all prefectures.

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

Additionally, we will introduce support cases for people wearing the Help Mark and other marks, so please use this as a reference.

1. What is the Help Mark?

The Help Mark was created and distributed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health in 2012.

It allows people with invisible illnesses or disabilities to inform those around them that they need support or consideration.

It has since 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 is designed with a red background indicating "Help = Not in a normal state," combined with the universally recognized symbols "✚" and "♥". 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 transport, approach them to offer help, or assist when needed.

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

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

People 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 illnesses or disabilities that qualify for the Help Mark.

This means that anyone with an invisible illness or disability who needs assistance or consideration can use it.

However, since this information can be broad and difficult to understand, let's list some examples of who might qualify for the Help Mark.

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

These are just a few examples, but individuals with invisible illnesses or disabilities like those listed above are eligible for the Help Mark.

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

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

Additionally, by writing support details or necessary information on the sticker that comes with the Help Mark and attaching it to the back, you can better communicate to others how they can assist you.

Items to write on the back include your name, illness, emergency contact, and other requests to ensure you receive the support you need.

3. Where to Get a Help Mark

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

・Municipal offices (such as welfare departments) in each prefecture and city
・Health centers and public health offices
・Disability support facilities
・Community centers
・Toei Subway and buses (Tokyo only)

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

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

Some municipalities accept mail distribution, 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 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. When You See Someone Wearing a Help Mark

When you see a Help Mark, consider providing the following support or consideration:

・Offer your seat on trains or buses
・Provide assistance or consideration at stations or commercial facilities
・Support safe evacuation during disasters

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

Even if it is not apparent, some people find it difficult to hold onto a strap or stand in the same position for long periods.

Additionally, if you see someone wearing a Help Mark in a crowded place like a station or commercial facility and they seem to be in trouble, 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 to ensure they can evacuate safely.

5. Three Support Cases for People Wearing a Help Mark

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

When train operations were suspended and the station was crowded, a nearby woman approached and guided the person to a store where they could sit.

This person expressed relief, saying they felt comforted when someone kindly asked, "Are you okay?" during a situation where they couldn't handle the irregularity.

Reference: Help Mark and 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 was difficult, wearing the Help Mark made it easier for people around to notice and offer their seats, which was greatly appreciated. Additionally, when feeling well, offering a seat to someone wearing a Help Mark fostered a sense of empathy.

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

5-3. Case of a Person with a Dialysis Catheter

After a dialysis catheter came loose during rush hour, the person began wearing a Help Mark on their bag, which led to more people willingly offering their seats.

The Help Mark has been very helpful since the catheter is not visible.

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

These examples show that wearing a Help Mark allows individuals with various disabilities or illnesses to receive support.

Furthermore, being supported can inspire the desire to help other Help Mark holders, spreading a circle of empathy.

5-4. Effective Cases of the Help Mark

Episode 1. People Using Prosthetic Limbs or Artificial Joints
Since it's not visible, they are sometimes questioned when sitting in priority seats on trains. The Help Mark allows them to explain their situation, providing peace of mind. They consider the Help Mark a talisman.

Episode 2. People with Hearing or Speech Disabilities
In stores, showing a Help Mark sticker that says "I can't hear, please write" quickly gets them the help they need.

Episode 3. People with Developmental Disabilities
With dyslexia, writing documents at the bank is very challenging. However, showing a Help Mark with written support requests allows for discreet assistance, making the process smoother. It also reduces stress as they don't have to repeatedly explain their disability in crowded places.

Episode 4. Cancer Patients
With cancer and side effects, standing is painful when going out for treatment, but it's not visibly apparent. They wear the Help Mark to make others aware.

6. Three Other Marks Besides the Help Mark