On the opening day of the extraordinary National Diet session on the 18th, Rie Saito, a member of the House of Representatives from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with a hearing impairment, successfully participated in the general assembly using an electronic device that converts sound into written text. Despite the ban on bringing tablets or similar devices into the assembly, Saito's participation was approved during pre-session discussions on the 17th, illustrating a move towards inclusivity in political spaces. This innovative approach not only allowed Saito to contribute to crucial discussions, including the Prime Minister's election, but also set a precedent for future accessibility measures within governmental procedures.

Saito, who previously gained fame for her unique service approach at a high-end club in Tokyo's Ginza district where she communicated via written notes, has authored a best-selling book titled 'Written Chat Hostess'. Her transition from the hospitality industry to politics was marked by her election to the House of Representatives following her tenure as a Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly member. Throughout her political career, she has employed transcription applications in various legislative settings, advocating for the inclusion of disabled individuals in political participation and decision-making processes.

This development not only highlights the challenges faced by politicians with disabilities in forums that often lack accessibility considerations but also reinforces the importance of technology in mitigating these barriers. Saito's use of the app serves as an example of how such tools can empower individuals with disabilities, offering them the opportunity to engage fully in governance and represent the voices of those they serve effectively.