You might see it dangling from someone’s bag in a train station or clipped to a backpack on a busy street in Osaka. A small red tag, simple design, white heart & cross. Blink and you’ll miss it.
But for some, that little badge can mean the difference between struggling in silence or getting the quiet support they need.
It’s called the ‘Help Mark’, and while it may not be well-known to tourists or even many locals outside Tokyo, it’s quietly becoming an important symbol for accessibility across Japan.
A quiet way to ask for support
The Help Mark was created for people who may not look like they need help… but do. That includes individuals with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, prosthetics, early-stage pregnancy, or internal medical devices. In other words, people who are dealing with real challenges that aren’t always obvious on the outside.
The idea is simple. If someone’s wearing a Help Mark, it means they might appreciate a seat on the train. Or a little patience if they’re moving slower than expected. Or maybe they just want others to be aware, in case something goes wrong.
It’s not a call for attention. It’s a gentle heads-up.
How did the Help Mark come to be?
The idea was born out of one woman’s lived experience. A Tokyo government official who used an artificial joint realized just how difficult it was to navigate daily life when your needs are invisible. So she decided to take action.
In 2012, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government officially introduced the Help Mark. The goal? To create a simple, universal way for people with hidden disabilities or health issues to get subtle support, without needing to explain themselves.
By 2017, the symbol was standardized across Japan, and momentum picked up from there, especially in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
What does the badge look like?
The tag itself is soft and flexible, made from rubber, so it’s lightweight and easy to carry. It’s usually attached to a purse, backpack, or even a belt loop. It’s bright red and easy to spot if you’re looking for it, but not flashy or loud.
And while the design might look like a medical alert, it serves a different purpose. It’s not about emergencies, it’s about day-to-day awareness.
No paperwork required
Anyone who feels they need one can request a Help Mark; no disability ID or proof is needed. It’s a trust-based system, and that’s part of what makes it work so well.
Where to get a Help Mark
If you’re in Tokyo and you’d like to pick one up, you’ve got options. Here are some of the places where Help Marks are currently available:
Toei Subway Stations – Most stations carry them, with a few exceptions:
- Oshiage (Asakusa Line)
- Meguro, Shirokanedai, Shirokane Takanawa (Mita Line)
- Shinjuku (Shinjuku Line)
Toei Bus Offices – Every office provides them.
Toei Arakawa Line – Available at Arakawa Shako-mae Station.
Nippori-Toneri Liner – Nippori Station and Nishi-Nippori Station.
Yurikamome Line – Shimbashi Station and Toyosu Station.
Tama Monorail – Multiple stops including:
- Tama Center, Chuo University / Meisei University, Takahatafudo, Tachikawa-minami, Tachikawa-kita, Tamagawa-josui, Kamikitadai.
Tokyo Metropolitan Offices –
- Welfare Center for Persons with Mental and Physical Disabilities (Shinjuku)
- Tama Branch Office (Kunitachi)
Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals – Including:
- Hiroo Hospital (Shibuya), Otsuka Hospital (Toshima), Komagome Hospital (Bunkyo), Sumitomo Hospital (Sumida), Fuchu City facilities like the Tama General Medical Center, Neurology Hospital, Children’s General Medical Center, and many more across the wards.
If you’re not in Tokyo, check with the local government office or transit operator, availability is spreading, so there’s a good chance it’s being adopted where you are/where you are going, too.
What should you do if you see one?
Honestly, just be kind. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. If someone with a Help Mark looks like they could use a seat, offer yours. If they look unsure or unwell, see if they need help. Some people just want space. Others may appreciate a bit of assistance. It’s about reading the room, so to speak.
The goal isn’t to treat anyone differently; it’s to give people the option of a little more support without having to ask.
Help us spread the word
We’d love to track how the Help Mark is growing across Japan. If you spot one in the wild, at a station, on a train, or at a hospital, let us know!
You can comment at the bottom of this blog or hop into the Japan group on tabifolk to share where you saw it.
The more we share, the more we learn, and the more people we can help along the way.
Everyone deserves a little backup now and then. And sometimes, that backup starts with a tiny red tag.
Responses