Aphasia after stroke: Japanese man's struggle highlights lack of support for 500,000 affected

A man in Japan with aphasia, caused by a cerebral hemorrhage, struggles to speak and says he once wished he had died, highlighting the condition's severe impact. An estimated 500,000 people in Japan have aphasia, yet support services remain underused. Fukunaga Jun, 54, from Aichi Prefecture, developed aphasia after a stroke five years ago, leaving him with paralysis and difficulty finding words. He was forced to retire from his job as a chef and now relies on volunteers for help during hospital visits. Despite over 30,000 people with aphasia in Aichi, only about 130 use the government's free communication support service. Experts say poor awareness prevents many from accessing help, though users like Takahashi Fumihiko, 64, credit the service with enabling them to leave home and make progress.