Why Private Companies Must Act Now on Web Accessibility: From Legal Compliance to Brand Empowerment
With the April 2024 revision of Japan’s “Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities,” all private businesses are now legally required to provide “reasonable accommodations.” As a result, websites and online services must now comply with accessibility standards. Failing to do so presents serious risks. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the background behind these requirements, risks of non-compliance, competitor comparisons, impacts on SEO and financing, and concrete business benefits.
Who This Article Is For
This article is especially helpful for:
- Web directors and engineers responsible for company websites
- Legal and compliance officers
- Marketing teams in charge of PR, CSR, or branding
- Executives and decision-makers in digital strategy
- Finance professionals using public subsidies or seeking funding
Accessibility is not just a minority issue—it reflects a company’s integrity and respect for all users.
Background: Why Accessibility Compliance Is Now Essential
Under the April 2024 revision of the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, the obligation to provide reasonable accommodations—once limited to public institutions—now applies to all private enterprises. This means businesses must reasonably modify their websites, apps, and digital services to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly.
This shift reflects the urgent need to build a digital society where everyone can access online resources. Accessibility is no longer optional; it is now a corporate responsibility.
The Four Major Risks of Not Addressing Accessibility
1. Legal Risk
Failure to meet legally required accessibility standards can result in administrative guidance or recommendations. In serious or continued cases, company names may be publicly disclosed, and lawsuits or compensation claims may follow.
2. Loss of Social Trust
Neglecting accessibility may be seen as discrimination, leading to public criticism or backlash on social media. This can damage CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) ratings, harming brand value long-term.
3. User Loss and Missed Business Opportunities
Older users or those with visual, hearing, or physical impairments may abandon inaccessible services. Many cases have shown users shifting to competitors who provide accessible digital experiences.
4. Increased Costs for Retrofitting
Incorporating accessibility from the design stage is cost-efficient. Retroactive fixes post-release, however, require extensive redesign, coding, and testing—significantly increasing development costs.
The Impact of Accessibility Gaps Between You and Competitors
User Satisfaction and Customer Acquisition
Accessible websites offer a smoother user experience. If your competitors provide this and you don’t, users are more likely to leave your platform and switch.
Brand Value and ESG Evaluation
Accessibility compliance contributes to SDG and CSR goals. Accessible companies are recognized as working toward an inclusive society, boosting trust from investors and partners. Those who don’t may fall behind.
Hiring and Partner Selection
An inclusive stance on accessibility matters to job seekers and partners. Companies lacking accessibility measures risk being excluded by diversity-conscious organizations.
SEO Benefits and Traffic Growth Opportunities
Accessibility positively impacts search engine optimization (SEO). Key effects include:
- Structured data and alt attributes help search engines better understand content, improving rankings.
- Clear structure and navigation enhance UX and reduce bounce rates.
- Accessible images and text support increased inbound traffic from image search and other channels.
In contrast, poor accessibility may confuse crawlers, lowering your search visibility.
Impact on Financing and Loan Eligibility
Accessibility now influences ESG- and SDG-related funding assessments. For instance:
- SDG loans and green financing often evaluate corporate social contributions
- Non-compliant companies may be excluded from eligibility
- Administrative action or legal risk may negatively impact loan decisions
Accessibility is now a key factor in financial strategy.
Summary of Benefits from Web Accessibility Compliance
| Category | Specific Benefits |
|---|---|
| Legal Compliance | Meets legal obligations under the revised act; avoids lawsuits and penalties |
| Brand Enhancement | Recognized for SDG/ESG commitment; strengthens corporate image |
| Customer Acquisition | Expands user base to include the elderly and people with disabilities; improves UX |
| SEO Improvement | Better rankings and increased traffic through optimized structure |
| Financing Opportunities | Eligible for subsidies and financing; boosts corporate valuation |
Conclusion: Accessibility Is Both a Responsibility and an Opportunity
Web accessibility is no longer just a legal requirement—it’s a driver of business growth. Companies that fail to comply not only face risk but miss valuable opportunities.
Creating web experiences that work for everyone signals integrity and innovation. Now is the time to treat accessibility not as a rule to follow, but as a strategy for becoming a company of choice.
We offer UUU Web Accessibility Services to make implementation easy and effective. If you’re interested in improving accessibility, please take a look at our offerings.