Currently, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare oversees funding and preparations for Paralympic athletes while the Sports Ministry is in charge of those getting ready for the Olympics. 

Now the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will be responsible for both Paralympic and Olympic athletes. 

Japan's women's goalball team celebrate their gold medal at London 2012, a highlight in an otherwise disappointing Paralympics

Under the new formula, which is due to start next April, it will also be easier for Paralympic athletes to use national training centres across Japan, which it is hoped will help improve performances in major events.

The Japan Sports Association for the Disabled had been asking the Government to streamline how it funds Paralympic sports for several years. 

The new initiative follows Japan's disappointing performance at London 2012 where they won only five gold medals, their worst performance since Heidelberg in 1972.

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