Information about sexuality for people with disabilities is still scarce, and some may find themselves struggling alone without anyone to consult.
This time, we interviewed Rie Konishi, the representative of the General Incorporated Association Kagayaki Seisakusho and a sex worker specializing in services for people with disabilities.
Ms. Konishi is directly addressing the issues of sexuality for people with disabilities, working to create an environment where those with disabilities, their families, and supporters can easily consult about their sexual concerns.
Having worked at a sex establishment specializing in services for people with disabilities, she continues to provide services by visiting clients with disabilities.
Can she continue to support the sexual concerns of those with mental or physical disabilities?
We delved into the future envisioned by Ms. Konishi, who is more committed to addressing the sexuality of people with disabilities than anyone else.
*Information confirmed and partially updated on March 13, 2026.
1. Solving Sexual Concerns for People with Disabilities! What is the General Incorporated Association Kagayaki Seisakusho?
The General Incorporated Association Kagayaki Seisakusho provides heartfelt support. Under the concept of "Making Disability and Sexuality Brighter," they develop projects related to sexual concerns, supporting people with disabilities and their families.
In their counseling services, they offer proposals for sexual services available to people with disabilities, support for sexual assistance, and address concerns about masturbation, among other issues, regardless of the type of disability. They sincerely face the problems faced by people with disabilities and help find solutions.
The activities of Kagayaki Seisakusho also extend to families and supporters. Through lectures, they provide accurate knowledge and information about disability and sexuality, wielding significant influence as welfare workers.
Moreover, they are committed to implementing sex education, leveraging their experience as providers of sexual services to disseminate valuable information to people with disabilities and their families.
Through the initiatives of the General Incorporated Association Kagayaki Seisakusho, we hope to liberate people with disabilities from sexual concerns, become a source of emotional support for them and their families, and lay the foundation for building better human relationships.
Reference: General Incorporated Association Kagayaki Seisakusho
1-1. Developing Projects to Address Sexual Concerns for People with Disabilities
[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Ms. Konishi]
Akaishi: What kind of consultations are common in your counseling services?
Ms. Konishi: It really varies from person to person. Some struggle with getting understanding from their families, while others need to be connected to necessary services, and sometimes it's just about listening to them talk.
There are concerns that are difficult to discuss with those around them, but because I'm somewhat removed, they feel comfortable confiding in me.
We receive about 30 consultations a month, including emails, from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. But it also makes me realize how few consultation windows there are and how there's no environment for nearby consultations.
Akaishi: Is there anything you prioritize when receiving consultations?
Ms. Konishi: I focus on listening carefully to the needs and challenges of the people consulting. I think it's important to consider together how we can address those needs.
Also, I try not to say "you should do this." The needs differ even among people with disabilities and their families, so I aim to be a bridge, listening to both sides and helping them reach mutual understanding.
1-2. What is the "Kagayaki Step" Project for Discussing Sexuality for People with Disabilities?
Akaishi: What kind of project is "Kagayaki Step"?
Ms. Konishi: The project started when a supporter in Okayama began activities related to sexuality, and I was moved by their passion and ideas.
The project has three main components.
The first is to investigate and widely share the actual conditions and needs regarding the sexuality of people with disabilities. The second is to hold events related to sexuality to create an environment where people can easily consult. The third is to create a portal site for disability welfare and establish consultation windows.
We are also challenging ourselves with crowdfunding and plan to realize these goals with the support we receive.
Akaishi: What kind of content do you want to share on the information portal site?
Ms. Konishi: Of course, I want to share information related to sexuality. Additionally, I hope to disseminate information about welfare activities in the user's region.
We are currently working with members to create content that is easy to use for people with intellectual and mental disabilities, not just those with physical disabilities.
Although this project is centered in Okayama, I hope that activities like Kagayaki Step will spread nationwide as a model case.
2. Who is Rie Konishi?
As a child, Ms. Konishi loved music and played the electone.
She says she became aware of welfare through caring for her grandmother, who was like a parent to her.
Why did she become interested in the sexuality of people with disabilities? Let's explore the roots of Ms. Konishi.
2-1. Delving into the Past of Rie Konishi, a Sex Worker Specializing in Services for People with Disabilities
Akaishi: What led you to enter the nightlife industry?
Ms. Konishi: I started with a very casual mindset. I didn't have any resistance, but I didn't understand the services or customer service, so to put it bluntly, I didn't take care of my customers.
I became serious about the work at my second establishment. It was a very strict place in terms of education, and I learned from scratch what it means to interact with people, which made me seriously face the work.
Looking back, there were many tough times, but the joy from customers and the financial rewards were significant, allowing me to provide financial support to my grandmother, who raised me like a parent.
2-2. Feelings Realized Through the Death of Her Grandmother
Akaishi: What made you aware of caregiving?
Ms. Konishi: When my grandmother developed dementia and Parkinson's disease and entered a facility, I saw caregiving work firsthand for the first time.
I only cared for my grandmother for a short time before she passed away, but I received a lot of help from supporters and realized the importance of their presence.
I thought that the family's environment could change significantly depending on whether they meet such supporters.
After my grandmother passed away, when I thought about my future, I felt that caregiving was my only path, so I attended a welfare vocational school.
2-3. Learning About the Reality of Mothers Handling the Sexual Needs of Their Disabled Sons
Akaishi: Why did you decide to work at a sex establishment specializing in services for people with disabilities?
Ms. Konishi: When I was invited by a friend to visit a group home, I met a user who complained that "every day is not fun."
I wondered if people with disabilities couldn't experience the same fun as others, so I researched and discovered the existence of sex establishments specializing in services for people with disabilities.
I had never interacted with people with disabilities before, but I wanted to understand the current state of sexuality for people with disabilities, so I started working as a sex worker specializing in services for people with disabilities while also working as a caregiver.
Some customers thanked me, saying, "Thank you for dealing with someone like me," and I realized that very few people have such experiences. Moreover, since my customers were all capable of contacting me themselves, I started to wonder what about those who find it difficult to research on their own.
Akaishi: Was that the trigger for starting your business?
Ms. Konishi: That's part of it. When I decided to start activities related to the sexuality of people with disabilities and contacted supporters, I heard a sad real-life story.
A mother was handling the sexual needs of her son with an intellectual disability. To prevent her son from committing a crime, she herself became his partner and ended up pregnant with his child.
I was shocked. Why did the mother have to think about it all by herself?
She had no one to consult with, and I wondered how many mothers are in the same situation now. That moment made me more determined to start my activities.
3. What Rie Konishi Wants to Convey Through Her Activities on "Disability and Sexuality"
Akaishi: Is there anything you want to convey through the activities of Kagayaki Seisakusho?
Ms. Konishi: To families, I want to say that it's okay not to bear the burden alone. Don't hold back on what you're feeling, and it's okay to rely on the help of those around you. We are here to support you, so please feel free to consult with us.
To the individuals themselves, I think it's okay to be more honest about how you want to live.
Our activities are gradually gaining recognition, and I hope to eliminate the need to give up because of a disability. I want individuals to have more freedom in choosing how they live.
