Lawmakers with serious disabilities take seats in Japan parliament

Japanese lawmaker Yasuhiko Funago's election has highlighted the fact Japan only pays for care if the disabled person is not working [Photo, AFP]

Two lawmakers with serious paralysis took their seats in Japan's upper house on Thursday to cheers from supporters, marking the first time people with severe disabilities have served in the body.

Yasuhiko Funago and Eiko Kimura won seats last month in the country's upper house election and their use of special reclining wheelchairs has required modifications to the Japanese parliament.