Disability News Japan: Recent Episodes
Michael Gillan Peckitt
Hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt, who resides in Kobe, Japan, the Disability News Japan Podcast is News website 'Barrier Free Japan's podcast, a weekly digest of some of the news about disability in Japan in audio form. New episodes will usually available every Friday at 6am Japan Time.
Efforts are underway in Kumamoto Prefecture to provide children with developmental and intellectual disabilities with places to stay during the day and relieve stress, after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture late last month. At Asobi Studio Uki, an after-school daycare service facility in the city of Uki, the voices of elementary and junior high school students echoed through the building Friday. Some children relaxed by lying on balance balls, while others had their hair tied by staff members. During a game of team ball-toss, a boy on the losing team asked a staff member for another round.Episode notes:‘Children with Disabilities Offered Places to Feel at Ease in Quake-Hit Kumamoto’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/10/children-with-disabilities-offered-places-to-feel-at-ease-in-quake-hit-kumamoto/
Shindo 3 and M.4.4 earthquake in the early hour of August 10. All seems to be well in the main.
*Due to my bad eyesight I misread the information about the earthquake. It occurred on August 9 at around 8:02AM and was Shindo 4 and M4.2 in intensity.
Typhoon 13 'Dolphin' - passing through Okinawa on August 8th through the 9th, then on to China.
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced in a press release on August 5 that it has partnered with the upcoming film ‘Parallel and Vertical’ as part of a nationwide campaign to promote public understanding of developmental disabilities. The film directed by Seitaro Kobayashi and starring Shota Yasuda and Non, opens in cinemas across Japan on Aug. 28. The story follows the siblings as they confront a major turning point in their lives when the younger sister prepares to marry, prompting both to reconsider the nature of their lifelong bond.Episode notes:‘Japan health ministry teams up with film to promote understanding of developmental disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/06/japan-health-ministry-teams-up-with-film-to-promote-understanding-of-developmental-disabilities/
Episode notes:'Typhoon Dolphin expected to approach Okinawa, Amami' (NHK World 05/08/2026)' :https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260805_03/
At least 20,000 people with disabilities across 30 prefectures are waiting to enter residential care facilities or group homes (GHs) despite wishing to use them, a nationwide survey by Kyodo News found on Aug. 2. Seventeen prefectures said they either did not track waiting lists or did not disclose the figures, citing reasons such as the lack of a standardized method for compiling the data.Episode notes:‘More than 20,000 People with Disabilities in Japan Waiting for Care Facilities Across 30 Prefectures; Government Lacks Comprehensive Data’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/04/more-than-20000-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-waiting-for-care-facilities-across-30-prefectures-government-lacks-comprehensive-data/
As of Monday 3rd August, 38 people have died, 278 disability care homes were ‘affected’ and some ‘disaster-related deaths’ have sadly occurred. A total of 278 disability care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture have been affected by the powerful earthquake that struck the region earlier this week, Kyodo reported on July 31, citing the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry. A woman in her 70s died while sleeping in a car, apparently from heatstroke. Her death was judged potentially to be disaster-related, with the physical and mental strain of life as an evacuee among the possible causes.Episode notes:‘Death Toll from Kumamoto Quake Rises to 38’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/03/death-toll-from-kumamoto-quake-rises-to-38/‘278 disability care facilities affected by Kumamoto earthquake’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/01/278-disability-care-facilities-affected-by-kumamoto-earthquake/
A nurse who worked at a disability support facility in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, filed a lawsuit claiming it was unlawful for the facility to dismiss them after they made a public-interest whistleblower report about problems at the facility. The Sakai branch of the Osaka District Court ruled that the dismissal was invalid, finding that it was intended to remove the nurse from the workplace, and ordered the facility to pay unpaid wages and damages. The court ordered the facility to pay the three plaintiffs a total of more than ¥20 million in unpaid wages, damages, and other compensation.Episode notes:‘Sakai District Court Rules Dismissal of Whistleblower Nurse at Disability Facility Invalid’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/31/sakai-district-court-rules-dismissal-of-whistleblower-nurse-at-disability-facility-invalid/
A total of 278 disability care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture have been affected by the powerful earthquake that struck the region earlier this week, Kyodo reported on July 31, citing the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry.Episode notes:‘278 disability care facilities affected by Kumamoto earthquake’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/01/278-disability-care-facilities-affected-by-kumamoto-earthquake/
Searches for those still missing after Tuesday's major earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, continued in extreme heat Friday even after the 72-hour window crucial for survival closed.The death toll from the quake, which recorded a seismic intensity of up to 7, highest on the Japanese scale, reached 35, including a case being investigated for a suspected link to the disaster, according to the prefecture's disaster response headquarters.
The earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 occurred at around 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday 28th July, registering a seismic intensity of 7, the highest level on Japan's scale, in the city of Uki and the town of Hikawa in Kumamoto. The cities of Yatsushiro and Kumamoto in the same prefecture recorded an intensity of upper 6.
“Through these experiences and the many people he has met along the way, Kazuya seems to be steadily expanding his world and broadening his horizons,” said Yasuki Otsubo, Ono’s lead caregiver. An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 jolted southwestern Japan on Tuesday, with many feared injured as authorities scrambled to assess the extent of the damage amid reports of collapsed buildings, fires, power outages and traffic disruptions.Episode notes:‘Sagamihara survivor shows what inclusion can look like’ (‘The Japan Times’ article):https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/07/26/japan/lessons-from-sagamihara-survivor/'M7.1 quake rocks southwestern Japan, several injured' (Kyodo News):https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/80886
The facility is operated by Innovel Healthcare (Midori Ward, Nagoya City), which took over the operations in March 2025 from “Megumi”, a major group home operator whose license was revoked in 2024 due to issues such as overcharging for food expenses. According to the city, staff members engaged in physical violence against residents, including kicking them, and made threatening statements such as “Do it properly.” The city determined these actions constituted physical and psychological abuse.Episode notes:‘Okazaki City Sanctions Disability Facility Over Abuse; Facility Ran by Successor Company to “Megumi” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/25/okazaki-city-sanctions-disability-facility-over-abuse-facility-ran-by-successor-company-to-megumi/*Apologies for the sound quality in the second half of this podcast.
(The Japan Times article, July 26 2026) Sagamihara survivor shows what inclusion can look like:https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/07/26/japan/lessons-from-sagamihara-survivor/
On July 22nd, the liquidator carrying out the liquidation process for the former Unification Church - officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification - which received a dissolution order from the Tokyo High Court in March of this year, published their fourth report submitted to the court on their website.Episode notes:‘Former Unification Church’s Assets at Time of Dissolution Exceeded 83.4 Billion Yen, Liquidator Announces’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/23/former-unification-churchs-assets-at-time-of-dissolution-exceeded-83-4-billion-yen-liquidator-announces/
More than 800,000 students attending public elementary and junior high schools across Japan are estimated to have developmental disabilities, according to a government survey, with experts saying the increase reflects improved recognition rather than a sudden rise in prevalence.Episode notes:‘As awareness increases, more than 800,000 students in Japan may have developmental disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/19/as-awareness-increases-more-than-800000-japanese-students-may-have-developmental-disabilities/
According to the city, when physical restraints are used, facilities are required to obtain the consent of the resident’s family and document the reasons for and methods of the restraint. The city suspects these procedures were not followed. Officials conducted an on-site inspection of the facility on July 15 and are now considering possible administrative sanctions.Episode notes:‘Yokohama Considers Administrative Sanctions After Alleged Improper Use of Restraints is Discovered at Disability Facility’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/17/yokohama-considers-administrative-sanctions-after-alleged-improper-use-of-restraints-is-discovered-at-disability-facility/
According to those familiar with the situation, in late June a staff member verbally abused a male resident who was using the toilet, shouting remarks such as, “Come on, get it out (the feces),” and “You piece of trash.” The toilet door was also left open, allowing other residents to see him while he was defecating.Episode notes:‘Suspected Abuse at Yokohama Disability Support Facility, Residents Called “Scum”, Locked in Rooms’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/16/suspected-abuse-at-yokohama-disability-support-facility-residents-called-scum-locked-in-rooms/
The Abilympics Fukuoka 2026, a competition in which people with disabilities demonstrate and compete in vocational skills they have developed through their work and daily employment, was held in Kasuga, Fukuoka Prefecture, on July 11. The Abilympics are organized to help working people with disabilities improve their skills while also promoting greater understanding of the employment of people with disabilities. Competitors who achieved outstanding results qualified to compete at the National Abilympics, which will be held in Aichi Prefecture this December.Episode notes: ‘Abilympics’ Held in Fukuoka’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/13/abilympics-held-in-fukuoka/
According to the complaint and a report by a third-party committee established by the city, the young woman, now a high school student, attended a municipal elementary school in Sakai. Between her third and fourth grades (2018–2019), she was bullied by classmates, who blacked out her name in a shared notebook and stuffed small stones and other objects into her shoes. She eventually stopped attending school and later transferred to another school.Episode notes:‘Osaka High Court upholds dismissal of bullying lawsuit by schoolgirl with developmental disability’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/10/osaka-high-court-upholds-dismissal-of-bullying-lawsuit-by-schoolgirl-with-developmental-disability/
Not a happy weekend with a typhoon near Okinawa and I do wish more attention could be paid to Employment Support Agency fraud.
In the case involving a teenage girl with an intellectual disability who was allegedly confined in a closet at her family’s home in Machida, in which her parents and two brothers – a total of four people – were arrested and indicted, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigation Division on July 6 arrested another teenage brother on suspicion of unlawful confinement, according to investigative sources. Police believe the girl had been subjected to abuse by every other member of her family.Episode notes:‘Disabled girl allegedly held captive; another brother arrested over confinement in closet’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/07/disabled-girl-allegedly-held-captive-another-brother-arrested-over-confinement-in-closet/
Following an incident where two former male staff members were arrested on suspicion of assault for physically abusing a resident at the “Tsurugaoka Gakuen” disability support facility in Kushiro City, the operating social welfare corporation, “Kushiro Aiiku Kyokai,” has drafted an improvement plan and submitted it to the Hokkaido prefectural government. In addition to reviewing security camera footage daily, the organization will establish a system that makes it easier to report and seek counselling regarding abuse. Episode notes:‘Kushiro Disability Facility Operator Drafts Improvement Plan Following Assault of Resident’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/06/kushiro-disability-facility-operator-drafts-improvement-plan-following-assault-of-resident/
A tragic accident has raised questions after a 10-year-old boy attending a special needs school in Komatsu City went missing during class and was later found dead in a nearby waterfall. According to the school, the boy had a relatively mild disability and had no difficulty communicating. However, three years ago he had left the school building through the main entrance on his own. Since then, the school said it had strengthened supervision of students and ensured that doors remained locked.Episode notes:‘Boy, 10, dies after disappearing from Ishikawa special needs school’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/04/boy-10-dies-after-disappearing-from-ishikawa-special-needs-school/
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has compiled manuals on group guidance, operational inspections, and audits conducted by prefectural governments and other authorities for disability welfare service providers, and distributed them to local governments on the 8th. Until now, the ministry had only outlined its approach through training sessions. The new manuals are intended to strengthen guidance and audits, primarily in response to a growing number of disciplinary cases involving fraudulent practices as the number of facilities operated by for-profit corporations continues to rise.Episode notes:‘Japan’s Health Ministry Produces Manual, Strengthens Guidance and Oversight of Disability Welfare Providers Following Fraud Cases’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/01/japans-health-ministry-produces-manual-strengthens-guidance-and-oversight-of-disability-welfare-providers-following-fraud-cases/
A 57-year-old company employee has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding the parents of a child suspected of having a developmental disorder out of approximately ¥19 million (about US$130,000) by recommending the child study abroad. Police believe the suspect may have used the same scheme to defraud multiple victims of more than ¥50 million in total and are continuing their investigation.Episode notes:‘Woman arrested for ¥19 million fraud targeting parent of child with suspected developmental disorder’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/28/woman-arrested-for-¥19-million-fraud-targeting-parent-of-child-with-suspected-developmental-disorder/
According to the prefectural government, a male nurse in his 40s working at the Prefectural Child Development Medical Center grabbed the wrist of an elementary school boy, who was hospitalized at the facility and lying on his back in a hallway, and dragged him approximately 10 meters in January this year.Episode notes:‘Mie Prefecture Says Nurse Abused Hospitalized Disabled Child’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/27/mie-prefecture-says-nurse-abused-hospitalized-disabled-child/
Typhoon Mekkhala is expected to move close to the Kanto region of eastern Japan on Saturday night after traveling northeast over the sea off the Shikoku western region earlier in the day. The seventh typhoon of the year is then expected to turn into an extratropical cyclone.
Japan's weather agency on Friday warned that a typhoon could approach the country from the Pacific and make landfall the following day, as heavy rain fell across western and eastern regions.Along with the possible landfall of Typhoon Higos, the Japan Meteorological Agency also expressed concern about another typhoon, Mekkhala, which approached the Amami region in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Friday and could move toward the Kanto region the following day.Episode notes:‘Japan weather agency warns typhoon to make landfall over weekend (Kyodo News)’:https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/78727
A ceremony was held in Tokyo on Monday to restore the honor of leprosy patients in Japan, who had suffered severe discrimination based on the government’s past forced isolation policy.”We former patients and their families still live silently, hiding ourselves from prejudice and discrimination that are still swirling,” said Isao Tateyama, head of a group of plaintiffs in damages lawsuit against the government.Episode notes:‘Honor-Restoring Ceremony for Leprosy Patients Held in Tokyo’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/23/honor-restoring-ceremony-for-leprosy-patients-held-in-tokyo/
The temblor, with an estimated magnitude of 6.9, occurred around 7:30 a.m. on June 25th at a depth of about 50 kilometers off Iwate Prefecture, south of Aomori, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunamis are believed to have occurred as a result of the earthquake.
According to the city and other sources, the man requires assistance with walking and also has a visual impairment. He visited the polling station together with his mother. Because it took him some time to complete his ballot, his mother spoke to him while standing nearby. However, polling station staff judged her actions to constitute “voting interference,” which is prohibited under the Public Offices Election Act.Episode notes:‘Miyazaki Disabled Man Gave Up on Voting After Mother’s Help Deemed Interference by Polling Station Staff’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/20/miyazaki-disabled-man-gave-up-on-voting-after-mothers-help-deemed-interference-by-polling-station-staff/
After prosecutors indicted Chigono in June last year on charges of negligent driving resulting in death, Sayaka Togitani’s husband Yudai Togitani, 34, and her father Atsushi Mizukawa, 62, asked prosecutors in September to recognize Hinami as a victim and also charge the suspect with negligent driving resulting in injury of the daughter.Episode notes:‘Driver sentenced for killing pregnant woman leaving unborn child with disability’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/19/driver-sentenced-for-killing-pregnant-woman-leaving-unborn-child-with-disability/
A tropical cyclone on Saturday developed into a typhoon in waters to the east of the Philippines, the Japan Meteorological Agency has said.Typhoon Mekkhala, the seventh this year, is expected to move westward and come closer to Japan through early next week and is later expected to reach the area to the south of the Yaeyama Islands in southwestern Okinawa Prefecture, according to the agency.Episode notes:‘Tropical Cyclone Develops into Typhoon Mekkhala, Expected to Enter Area South of Okinawa Next Week’ (The Japan News June 20 2026)https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20260620-333765/
Goto is suspected of sexually assaulting a girl who attended the facility (then aged 9) in February of the year before last at a restroom in a shopping mall in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, knowing that she was under the age of 13. He is also suspected of filming the assault. Goto had previously been arrested and indicted for allegedly committing indecent acts against a five-year-old girl who also attended the same disability support facility and filming those acts. This latest case marks his fourth arrest.Episode notes:‘Former Employee of Facility for Disabled Re-arrested for Fourth Time Over Sexual Assault of 9-Year-Old':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/17/former-employee-of-facility-for-disabled-re-arrested-for-fourth-time-over-sexual-assault-of-9-year-old-girl/
On the 12th, the city of Yao, Osaka Prefecture, announced that it had imposed a six-month suspension as a disciplinary measure on a 60-year-old assistant section chief in the Environmental Department for attempting to ride the railway without paying the proper fare and for forging a physical disability certificate. The employee reportedly submitted his resignation on the same day, which was accepted.Episode notes:‘Yao City Hall Employee Stopped by Station Staff at Ticket Gate; Forged Disability Certificate Found in Bag’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/15/yao-city-hall-employee-stopped-by-station-staff-at-ticket-gate-forged-disability-certificate-found-in-bag/
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 shook eastern Japan including Tokyo on Tuesday, causing some disruptions to the country's transportation services, but no tsunami warning was issued.The focus of the 7:46 p.m. quake was in Ibaraki Prefecture northeast of Tokyo at about 50 kilometers underground, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.Episode notes:‘M5.5 quake jolts eastern Japan near Tokyo, no tsunami warning issued’ (Kyodo News):https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/78038
According to the Kumamoto Ombudsman, the recipient was bedridden and unable to visit a medical institution for an examination, yet the city suspended the allowance on the grounds that the required medical certificate had not been submitted. The Ombudsman pointed out that the recipient’s relatives had consulted the city about alternative means of completing the procedure, but the city had not accepted those requests.Episode notes:‘Kumamoto City Investigates Disability Allowance Re-certification Procedures After “bedridden” Resident Had Welfare Payments Stopped’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/11/kumamoto-city-investigates-disability-allowance-re-certification-procedures-after-bedridden-resident-had-welfare-payments-stopped/
East Japan Railway Co., or JR East, said on Tuesday 9th June that it will discontinue magnetic short-distance tickets sold at all stations on its conventional lines and replace them with QR code tickets in spring 2027. While the current tickets are inserted into fare gates, the new tickets will require passengers to read QR codes on them at readers at the gates.Episode notes:‘JR East to Shift from Magnetic to QR Code Tickets in 2027':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/10/jr-east-to-shift-from-magnetic-to-qr-code-tickets-in-2027/
Fraudulent claims for public disability welfare payments by operators providing services to support the daily lives and employment of people with disabilities totalled approximately ¥8 billion nationwide over the five years from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2024, it was revealed on the 6th. The figure was obtained by Kyodo News through an information disclosure request for data held by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. During the same five-year period, 936 cases of administrative sanctions were imposed in connection with fraudulent claims and related misconduct.Episode notes:‘8 Billion Yen in Fraudulent Disability Welfare Claims; 936 Administrative Sanctions Issued from FY2020–2024’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/07/8-billion-yen-in-fraudulent-disability-welfare-claims-936-administrative-sanctions-issued-from-fy2020-2024/
The opening ceremony for the 9th Special Olympics Japan Summer National Games, which brings together athletes with intellectual disabilities, was held on the 5th at Toyota Arena Tokyo in Koto Ward, Tokyo. About 1,200 athletes from all 47 prefectures are taking part, supported by a cumulative total of approximately 3,300 volunteers. The sporting event, which aims to embody an inclusive society where people live together regardless of disability, officially got underway.Episode notes:‘Summer Special Olympics Showcase an Inclusive Society in Tokyo as National Games for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/06/summer-special-olympics-showcase-an-inclusive-society-in-tokyo-as-national-games-for-athletes-with-intellectual-disabilities-open/
Typhoon Jangmi on Wednesday ripped through the Pacific side of western and eastern Japan after making landfall in the morning, causing flooding and mudslides and leaving dozens of people injured.The typhoon made landfall around 4:30 a.m. in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture in western Japan, after it passed near Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures the past two days.At one point, the weather agency issued its highest level 5 flood warning for the Koza River in Wakayama Prefecture, meaning the situation was life-threatening and people needed to ensure their safety immediately.
Two male employees accused of assaulting residents at a disability support facility in Kushiro, Hokkaido were arrested, it has emerged that several other staff members have also been voluntarily questioned by police.Episode notes:‘Two Hokkaido Disability Support Facility Workers Arrested; Three Other Staff Members Voluntarily Questioned’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/30/two-hokkaido-disability-support-facility-workers-arrested-three-other-staff-members-voluntarily-questioned/
Typhoon Jangmi is expected to develop into a large and powerful storm when it reaches the south of Okinawa Prefecture by 9 a.m. on Monday, according to the Japan Weather Association.According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as of 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jangmi was moving northwest over the waters east of the Philippines at a speed of 15 kph. The central pressure is 992 hectopascals, and the maximum wind speed near the centre is 23 meters per second.
Typhoon Jangmi is expected to develop into a large and powerful storm when it reaches the south of Okinawa Prefecture by 9 a.m. on Monday, according to the Japan Weather Association.According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as of 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jangmi was moving northwest over the waters east of the Philippines at a speed of 15 kph. The central pressure is 992 hectopascals, and the maximum wind speed near the centre is 23 meters per second.
Typhoon Jangmi, also known as Typhoon No. 6, will reach the south of Okinawa Prefecture by 9 a.m. on Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is expected to reach the waters off Shikoku by 9 a.m. on Wednesday. According to the agency, as of 9 a.m. on Friday, Jangmi was moving north-northwest over the waters east of the Philippines at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour. The central pressure is 998 hectopascals, and the maximum wind speed near the center is 18 meters per second.
A controversy has emerged over Japan’s disability pension system after reports that staff at the Japan Pension Service had, in some cases, secretly discarded doctors’ assessment results and asked other doctors to re-evaluate applications. An internal document acknowledged the risk that reviews could be repeated until staff were satisfied, suggesting potential arbitrariness, but the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare concluded it could not confirm such behaviour and attributed most cases to errors or scheduling constraints under a strict three-month processing deadline. However, some staff remain skeptical of the ministry’s findings, arguing that internal investigations cannot uncover the truth and that reassessments were sometimes influenced by expectations about how particular doctors would rule, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the system.Episode notes:‘Japan’s Disability Pension Review Questioned; Staff Say “No One Will Tell the Truth in Internal Probe’” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/27/japans-disability-pension-review-questioned-staff-say-no-one-will-tell-the-truth-in-internal-probe/
During the roughly 45-minute session, the employees watched videos created in collaboration with organizations for people with disabilities to learn about the specific challenges faced by individuals with visual, hearing, and other impairments. In group workshops, they discussed what kind of assistance they could provide in daily life.Episode notes:‘Sagamihara City staff attend disability awareness training course’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/25/sagamihara-city-staff-attend-disability-awareness-training-course/
The drug is estimated to have been administered to 12,000 to 13,000 patients in Japan. All 20 dead patients developed liver dysfunction, and 210 similar side effect reports have been made, including suspected cases.Episode notes:‘Kissei Ordered to Warn over Vasculitis Drug after Fatalities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/22/kissei-ordered-to-warn-over-vasculitis-drug-after-fatalities/
At the Fiscal System Subcommittee of the Fiscal System Council held on April 28, discussions were also held on the field of disability welfare. The Ministry of Finance stated that the total cost of disability welfare services, combining public expenditures and user co-payments, had reached 4.2 trillion yen as of fiscal year 2024, roughly doubling over the past decade, and expressed the view that it is necessary to curb further cost increases.Episode notes:‘As costs double over 10 years, Japan’s Ministry of Finance calls for spending curbs on welfare services for disabled’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/20/as-costs-double-over-10-years-japans-ministry-of-finance-calls-for-spending-curbs-on-welfare-services-for-disabled/
The fraudulent claims amounted to approximately 7 million yen in total, disbursed across 17 municipalities in four prefectures: Ibaraki, Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo. The respective local governments will demand the return of approximately 9.8 million yen, which includes surcharge penalties. This marks the fifth time since July 2025 that Ibaraki prefecture has revoked a facility’s designation due to fraudulent benefit claims and document forgery.Episode notes:‘Ibaraki Prefecture Announces Revocation of Welfare Facility’s License Over 7 Million Yen Fraudulent Benefit Claims’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/18/ibaraki-prefecture-announces-revocation-of-welfare-facilitys-license-over-7-million-yen-fraudulent-benefit-claims/
Hirotada Ototake, who was born with a congenital condition resulting in the absence of limbs (“tetra-amelia”), quoted a post by a user who argued that support for people with mental disabilities should be prioritized over that for those with physical disabilities. He commented, “These kinds of ‘misery comparisons’ or ‘pulling each other down’ are not only meaningless, but actually counterproductive.”Episode notes:‘Japanese Disability Advocate Hirotada Ototake Questions Ranking Disabilities by Hierarchy in Social Media’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/16/japanese-disability-advocate-hirotada-ototake-questions-ranking-disabilities-by-hierarchy-in-social-media/
My beloved wrote a book about Disability!Pre-order ‘障害と生きることの現象学: 脳性まひの身体からみえる生活世界’ by 稲原 美苗 (Minae Inahara on Amazon today!:https://www.amazon.co.jp/障害と生きることの現象学-脳性まひの身体からみえる生活世界-稲原-美苗/dp/4582703755
A former instructor at a support organization arrested on suspicion of committing indecent acts against a woman with a developmental disability during a class told her they were “going to practice making a baby”.Episode notes:‘Instructor Arrested for Indecent Acts Against Woman with Developmental Disability Told Her They Were “going to practice making a baby” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/13/instructor-arrested-for-indecent-acts-against-woman-with-developmental-disability-told-her-they-were-going-to-practice-making-a-baby/
In a case where disabled persons working from home were employed by large companies through a disability employment agency but were not given any actual work, it has been revealed that “Thanks Lab” (Naha City), the agency that brokered the employment, had requested people with disabilities not to contact their employers directly in cases of absence or other issues.It appears that some disabled persons perceived this as a “rule” of employment and were unable to communicate their situation to their employers.The people either work at the welfare offices or from home, and Thankslab received a support fee of about ¥200,000 per person per month from client companies.Thankslab’s clients include major corporations.Episode notes:‘Okinawa Company Denies Hiring People with Disabilities and Prohibiting Contact with Employer’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/10/okinawa-company-denies-hiring-people-with-disabilities-and-prohibiting-contact-with-employer/‘People with Disabilities in Japan Employed via Outsourcing Business Neglected by Firms That Hired Them’ (The Japan News):https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20260510-326657/
About 10 passengers were taken to hospital after an emergency report of something being sprayed in a train car on the Tokaido Line section of the Ueno-Tokyo Line of East Japan Railway Co. at about 4:35 p.m. on Sunday 10th May.Episode notes:'Passengers Taken to Hospital After Spraying Incident on JR East Train':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/11/passengers-taken-to-hospital-after-spraying-incident-on-jr-east-train/
Employees with disabilities were referred to as “talents,” and “connections between talents via chat tools, social media, etc., are prohibited,” forbidding contact with other employees with disabilities, such as colleagues. The reason given for this was that it would “lead to trouble.”Episode notes:‘Okinawa Company Denies Hiring People with Disabilities and Prohibiting Contact with Employer’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/10/okinawa-company-denies-hiring-people-with-disabilities-and-prohibiting-contact-with-employer/
According to Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry data released on the 4th, the number of vocational training centres for the disabled where “more than half of users work from home” has surged 3.2 times over the four-year period ending in 2025. Because remote support reduces overhead costs, such as personnel expenses for on-site staff, the Ministry suspects that some profit-driven operators are abusing the system. Consequently, the Ministry issued a notice to local governments nationwide this April, calling for stricter oversight.Episode notes:‘Japan Labour Ministry Suspects Abuse of Remote Work Systems for People with Disabilities as Use Triples':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/05/japan-labour-ministry-suspects-abuse-of-remote-work-systems-for-people-with-disabilities-as-use-triples/
After a man with disabilities went missing from a ‘Group Home’ in Tokyo recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police requested information from the public then later took the request down from the Internet. I’m sure the man has been found, but I offer some thoughts on the differences between Britain and Japan with such incidences.
The city of Osaka has filed a criminal complaint against the operating company of Kizuna Holdings (HD), which had been subject to administrative sanctions for fraudulently receiving approximately 15 billion Yen in disability employment support benefits. As of May 1st 2026, Osaka city has also revoked the designation of the company’s facilities.Episode notes:‘Osaka city files criminal complaint against Kizuna Holdings over ¥15 billion in fraudulent disability employment support funds’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/03/osaka-city-files-criminal-complaint-against-kizuna-holdings-over-¥15-billion-in-fraudulent-disability-employment-support-funds/
The Japanese tabloid magazine ‘FRIDAY’ has been investigating misuse of the ‘Help Mark’, which was designed to help people with disabilities alert people of possible needs they might have.Episode notes:Japanese Tabloid Investigates Misuse Of Disability ‘Help Mark’ as ‘Life Hack’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/02/japanese-tabloid-investigates-misuse-of-disability-help-mark-as-life-hack/
A lawsuit is being heard at the Imabari branch of the Matsuyama District Court in which a visually impaired woman is seeking approximately 1.7 million yen in damages from a dog owner, alleging that she fell and was injured after an unleashed dog approached her guide dog. In an interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, the plaintiff stressed, “If you fall on a public road, there’s a risk of being hit by a car, could be life-threatening.” She added, “I want people to understand how dangerous it is to interfere with a guide dog while it is guiding.”In March, representatives of the media were invited to observe a walking training session held on a platform at East Japan Railway’s Shinagawa Station in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, using actual train cars. The session brought together six participants with visual impairments and six mobility instructors, who worked in pairs.Episode notes:‘Visually impaired woman sues for 1.7M Yen after unleashed dog attacks guide dog, causing fall’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/27/visually-impaired-woman-sues-for-1-7m-yen-after-unleashed-dog-attacks-guide-dog-causing-fall/‘Japan starts platform safety training for visually impaired’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/30/japan-starts-platform-safety-training-for-visually-impaired/
Tokyo police have re-arrested two men, including the alleged leader of a group accused of exploiting a dating app aimed at people with disabilities, in what investigators describe as a systematic fraud scheme targeting vulnerable users. The suspects are accused of luring victims, such as a man in his 30s, to bars in Shibuya after meeting them on the app, then falsely claiming losses like canceled reservations to demand large “compensation” payments, in one case about ¥4.7 million. Police believe the group deliberately focused on people with disabilities and may have defrauded dozens of victims out of roughly ¥85 million in total; the alleged ringleader denies the charges while another suspect has admitted involvement.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Met Police Re-arrest Two over 85 Million Yen Fraud, Targeting the Disabled with Dating App’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/27/tokyo-met-police-re-arrest-two-over-85-million-yen-fraud-targeting-the-disabled-with-dating-app/
An earthquake struck the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido early Monday morning.The Japan Meteorological Agency says it occurred at 5:24 a.m. The epicenter was the southern Tokachi region and the focus was at a depth of 80 kilometers. The estimated magnitude was 6.1.An intensity of upper 5 on the Japanese scale of zero to seven was recorded in Urahoro Town, while an intensity of lower 5 was observed in Niikappu Town.An intensity of 4 was recorded in Kiyota Ward of Sapporo City, Hakodate City, Kushiro City, Obihiro City, Mikasa City, Chitose City and elsewhere in the prefecture. Hashikami Town in Aomori Prefecture also had an intensity of 4.Jolts ranging in intensity from 3 to one were felt in a wide area, including the Tohoku and Kanto regions.Episode notes:‘Earthquake with upper 5 intensity strikes Hokkaido, northern Japan’:https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260427_05/
on the grounds of disability in operating stations without staff, Oita District Court Presiding Judge Mina Tomita said, rejecting the claim for damages totaling 660,000 yen against JR Kyushu.Episode notes:‘Oita Court Rejects Disabled People’s Claim over Unmanned Stations’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/24/oita-court-rejects-disabled-peoples-claim-over-unmanned-stations/
In a retrial at the Fukuoka District Court on the 20th, Presiding Judge Shinichi Suzushima sentenced a 44-year-old male radiological technologist to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years.The man had been charged with quasi-forcible indecency for touching the chest of a female student with intellectual disabilities during a 2018 medical check-up at a high school in Fukuoka Prefecture. Judge Suzushima upheld the credibility of the student’s testimony, describing the act as a “despicable crime that exploited his professional position.”Episode notes:‘Male Radiologist Found Guilty of Molesting Fukuoka Female Student with Intellectual Disabilities During Medical Exam':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/21/male-radiologist-found-guilty-of-molesting-fukuoka-female-student-with-intellectual-disabilities-during-medical-exam/
A strong earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Monday, measuring up to upper 5, the fourth-highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, and triggering tsunami warnings. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tremor occurred at around 4:52 p.m. off the Sanriku Pacific coastal area of northeastern Japan, with upper 5 seismic intensity observed in the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.7 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres.
A strong earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Monday 20th April 2026, measuring up to upper 5, the fourth-highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, and triggering tsunami warnings. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.7 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres. A ‘Subsequent Earthquake Advisory’ has been issued so to be wary of aftershocks. This is the second time such an advisory has been issued.
A strong earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Monday, measuring up to upper 5, the fourth-highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, and triggering tsunami warnings. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tremor occurred at around 4:52 p.m. off the Sanriku Pacific coastal area of northeastern Japan, with upper 5 seismic intensity observed in the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.5 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres.
“Kizuna Holdings hasn’t suffered any damage, but we are the ones struggling. They are the embodiment of insincerity…When I look for new work, I’m often asked, ‘Where did you work before?’ When I tell them it was a Kizuna Holdings facility, they say, ‘Oh, there. That means you were complicit in the crime. You’re an accomplice,’ and then tell me not to come back. But the one truly in the wrong is Kizuna Holdings, the users are the victims.”Episode notes:‘ “The users are the victims”: After ‘Kizuna Holdings’ Scandal, 1,280 Disabled Service Users to Lose Jobs’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/18/the-users-are-the-victims-after-kizuna-holdings-scandal-1280-disabled-service-users-to-lose-jobs/
Two strong earthquakes jolted Nagano Prefecture in central Japan on Saturday 18th April, with the first measuring a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 followed by another registering magnitude 5.1, the country's weather agency said.The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of aftershocks on a similar scale over the next week or so. No tsunami warnings were issued.The first major quake occurred at 1:20 p.m. in Omachi and registered upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7, according to the agency. At 2:54 p.m., another quake registering lower 5 hit Omachi and nearby areas.Upper 5 is defined by the agency as a level at which many people find it difficult to walk.There were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage due to the quake in the landlocked prefecture.Podcast Notes:‘Strong M5.0, 5.1 quakes hit Nagano Prefecture in central Japan’:https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/74418
Japan’s health ministry decided on Wednesday to lift restrictions on organ donations from individuals who have stayed in Europe, a measure introduced to combat variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). The change is expected to take effect as early as this autumn.Episode notes:‘Japan to Lift Organ Donation Curbs on Europe Stayers’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/16/japan-to-lift-organ-donation-curbs-on-europe-stayers/
A Japanese government survey in 2025 published on Tuesday 14th April showed that 4.5 pct of respondents in the country often or constantly feel lonely, up 0.2 percentage point from the previous year. The share of people who often or constantly feel lonely was higher in their 30s to 50s. The survey, conducted by the Cabinet Office in December, found that 13.7 pct said they sometimes feel lonely and 19.5 pct said they have lonely feelings once in a while.Episode notes: ‘Government Survey Indicates 4.5 Percent in Japan Constantly Feel Lonely’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/14/government-survey-indicates-4-5-percent-in-japan-constantly-feel-lonely/
Tokyo police have arrested a former worker of a facility for children with disabilities in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, for an alleged indecent assault against a 5-year-old girl who attended the facility, it was learned Monday.* Apparently 'Indecent Assault' and 'Abuse' are different types of crimes.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Police Arrest Ex-Child Facility Worker for Indecent Assault Against 5-Year-Old Girl with Disability’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/14/tokyo-police-arrest-ex-child-facility-worker-for-indecent-assault/
Masamichi Sone, the representative of a company operating facilities such as “Rapport” in Nishi Ward, Sapporo, has been arrested and referred to prosecutors. Sone is suspected of repeatedly submitting false applications to Sapporo City between 2022 and 2025, claiming to have provided employment support services for persons with disabilities despite not having appointed a qualified managing supervisor as required. He allegedly defrauded the city of approximately ¥35 million in benefit payments.Episode notes:'Sapporo Employment Support Agency Executive Referred to Prosecutors Over False Disability Claims':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/12/sapporo-employment-support-agency-executive-referred-to-prosecutors-over-false-disability-claims/
Tokyo’s Toshima Ward announced on the 10th that it has revoked the designation of the childcare support service “Aton Juku – Child Development Support and After-School Day Service for Children Living with Sign Language,” after it was found to have fraudulently received approximately 58.3 million yen in benefits by concealing a staff shortage. The revocation will take effect from July 1.Episode notes:‘Tokyo’s Toshima Ward Revokes Designation of Deaf Child Daycare Centre Over 58.3 Million Yen Fraud, Falsified Staff Reports':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/11/tokyos-toshima-ward-revokes-designation-of-deaf-child-daycare-centre-over-58-3-million-yen-fraud-falsified-staff-reports/
feeling that it would lead to employment disadvantages such as dismissal or contract non-renewal.”Episode notes:‘60% of Workers in Japan with Mental or Developmental Disabilities Do Not Disclose Disability’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/09/60-of-workers-in-japan-with-mental-or-developmental-disabilities-do-not-disclose-disability/
Novel Alzheimer's therapies have been given to 19 pct of outpatients who applied for the medications, according to a recent survey at a Tokyo hospital. The lecanemab and donanemab therapies for early-stage Alzheimer's patients are now clinically available under Japan's national health insurance scheme, which curbs a sharp rise in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Despite the relatively low-cost availability, however, the drugs have eventually been administered to only 87 out of 456 applicants, the survey by a study group at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology showed.Episode notes:‘Novel Alzheimer’s Therapies Given to Less than 20 Percent of Applicants’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/08/novel-alzheimers-therapies-given-to-less-than-20-percent-of-applicants/
Amid support programs for the employment of people with disabilities, an unprecedented case of fraudulent benefit claims by an Osaka-based company has come to light. The total amounts to ¥15 billion, funded, of course, by taxpayers.Episode notes:‘Disabled Service Users at Employment Facility Exploiting Benefit Loopholes “felt something like guilt”’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/04/disabled-service-users-at-employment-facility-exploiting-benefit-loopholes-felt-something-like-guilt/
A recent analysis of a government report showed that nearly 500 people aged 65 and older died between fiscal 2006 and 2024 as a result of murder or abuse by family members or relatives who had been caring for them, highlighting the increasingly harsh environment surrounding in-home caregiving.Episode notes:‘Nearly 500 elderly killed by family caregivers in Japan in FY 2006-2024’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/06/__trashed-6/
Japanese health minister Kenichiro Ueno on Friday 3rd April urged the public to exercise caution as measles cases are increasing. The number of people infected with the disease in Japan this year had reached 152 as of March 22, the highest total for the same period since 2020.Episode notes:‘Japan Health Minister Warns about Rising Measles Cases':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/04/japan-health-minister-warns-about-rising-measles-cases/
A survey of families of people with disabilities has revealed that nearly 60% responded that they feel they have reached their limit with caregiving (care/assistance). It was also found that about 90% said they are worried about the lives of people with disabilities after their parents have passed away.'Survey Reveals 60% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan Feel They are at Care “Limit” ‘:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/03/survey-reveals-60-of-families-of-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-feel-they-are-at-care-limit/
“We’d like you to resign.” Hearing those words, Yamakawa (a pseudonym) was shocked. They never expected such a drastic change in their employer’s attitude. The incident that came to mind had happened just four days earlier. Yamakawa had revealed to the head of the company, where they had been working for three years, that they had ASD.Episode notes:‘ “We’d like you to resign”: Worker in Japan fired 4 days after revealing autism’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/02/wed-like-you-to-resign-worker-in-japan-fired-4-days-after-revealing-autism/
An earthquake struck eastern Japan on the morning of April 1st, with the Japan Meteorological Agency reporting a magnitude of 5.0.The quake occurred at around 10:06 a.m. Strong shaking was observed across parts of Tochigi Prefecture and neighboring areas in the Kanto region, including zones registering intensity 4. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation.No tsunami warning was issued.
According to the announcement, as of June 1, 2024, three municipalities, Kinokawa, Shirahama, and Kushimoto, did not meet the statutory employment rate of 2.8% for persons with disabilities under the Act on Employment Promotion of Persons with Disabilities. As a result, they formulated employment plans for hiring persons with disabilities as required by the law. However, despite guidance from the bureau aimed at achieving the target, the situation had not improved by the deadline of the end of December 2025.Episode notes:'Wakayama Fails to Hire Statutory Number of People with Disabilities':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/31/wakayama-fails-to-hire-statutory-number-of-people-with-disabilities/
Osaka City said March 27 it had revoked the operating licenses of four disability employment support facilities run by subsidiaries of Kizuna Holdings, after determining they had improperly received excessive public subsidies tied to employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Kizuna Holdings operates Type A continuous employment support facilities, where users with disabilities work in structured settings while receiving wages subsidized by public funds, with the aim of transitioning into regular employment.Episode notes:‘Osaka revokes licenses of Kizuna Holdings units over excess disability subsidies':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/30/osaka-revokes-licenses-of-kizuna-holdings-units-over-excess-disability-subsidies/
According to the report for 2025 compiled jointly by the health ministry and the National Police Agency, the total suicide figure dropped 1,132 from the previous year to 19,188, the lowest since 1978, when the statistics began.Episode notes:‘Japan Sees Fewest-Ever Suicides in 2025':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/28/japan-sees-fewest-ever-suicides-in-2025/
The number of students diagnosed with developmental disabilities in Japan is increasing. A key issue is how schools provide support. This report looks at both students struggling with disabilities and efforts by universities.Episode notes:‘Students with Developmental Disabilities Rise to 12,000 Nationwide in Japan':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/27/students-with-developmental-disabilities-rise-to-12000-nationwide-in-japan/
Miyazaki City has revoked the designation of service provider ‘Porto’ that supports preschool children with disabilities after it was found to have fraudulently received approximately 14 million yen in benefits from the city.Episode notes:‘Miyazaki City Day Care Centre for Disabled Children Improperly Claimed 14 Million Yen, Designation Revoked’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/26/miyazaki-city-day-care-centre-for-disabled-children-improperly-claimed-14-million-yen-designation-revoked/
In an accident in March 2025 at the “Prefectural Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center,” a residential facility for children with disabilities in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, a resident (then 14) fell from a stretcher, suffered fractures, and later died. On the 23rd, the prefectural government released the results of its investigation. As to causes, it pointed to failures to thoroughly ensure safety, including in the operation of equipment, as well as a lack of shared caregiving methods tailored to each resident.Episode notes:‘Tottori Accepts Liability in Death of Disabled Teen at Care Facility':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/25/tottori-accepts-liability-in-death-of-disabled-teen-at-care-facility/
An estimated 227,000 people in Japan are living with higher brain dysfunction, an “invisible disability” caused by brain damage from strokes or accidents, yet the condition remains poorly understood because its symptoms are not outwardly apparent. As a result, families of those affected often face profound and isolating challenges, including sudden personality changes, emotional instability, and cognitive impairments that others may misinterpret as normal behavior. This lack of visible signs can lead to misunderstanding and insufficient support, leaving caregivers to cope with stress, confusion, and loneliness while navigating daily life alongside their loved ones.Episode notes:‘227,000 people in Japan have “Higher Brain Dysfunction”; families speak of loneliness and reality’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/22/227000-people-in-japan-have-higher-brain-dysfunction-families-speak-of-loneliness-and-reality/
People with disabilities in Japan continue to face significant barriers in securing housing and accommodation, with multiple recent cases highlighting concerns over discrimination, limited legal enforcement, and a lack of understanding among property owners and service providers.Episode notes:‘People with disabilities in Japan face persistent barriers to housing, accommodation':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/23/people-with-disabilities-in-japan-face-persistent-barriers-to-housing-accommodation/
Japan’s transport ministry has come up with draft guidelines aimed at reducing long waiting lines at women’s toilets at stations and commercial facilities. At a meeting of experts and businesspeople on Friday 13th March, the ministry presented its first draft guidelines for public restrooms in such places. The guidelines say it is important for both men and women to be able to use restrooms comfortably, and that the waiting times for each must be equal. They also say that the number of toilets for women needs to be higher than those for men at facilities where the number of male and female toilet users are almost the same.Episode notes:‘Japan’s new guidelines aim to reduce long lines of women at public toilets':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/22/japans-new-guidelines-aim-to-reduce-long-lines-of-women-at-public-toilets/
I thought ‘Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future’ by Tom Feiling was interesting and engaging. I recommend the audiobook.‘Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future’ (Amazon JP): https://amzn.asia/d/0a0h4eQN
A pedestrian crossing built to a new standard with wider spacing between white lines than before was introduced this month at an intersection near JR Takase Station in Takase Town, Mitoyo City, the first such installation in Shikoku. On the 18th, the prefectural police invited visually impaired people and others to walk across it and share their feedback.In July 2024, related laws on road markings were partially revised, making it possible to widen the spacing between white lines from the previous 45–50 centimetres to as much as 90 centimetres. This is expected to reduce maintenance costs, as it can lessen deterioration caused by vehicle traffic.Episode notes:‘Shikoku Island Town Trials New Pedestrian Crossing for Visually Impaired’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/19/shikoku-island-town-trials-new-pedestrian-crossing-for-visually-impaired/
In the ruling on Tuesday 17th March, Presiding Judge Hisashi Ito said that Aoba clearly understood the meaning of his decision, and that the impact of his delusional disorder on the decision was hardly seen. The judge added that it is “not unreasonable” for Aoba to believe that withdrawing the appeal was better than being deemed delusional by a higher court and being executed.Episode notes:‘Withdrawal of Appeal against Death Sentence Found Valid in KyoAni Case’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/18/withdrawal-of-appeal-against-death-sentence-found-valid-in-kyoani-case/
The notebooks include instructions such as “Please call 110 (police)” and are intended for use by people who are deaf or have difficulty speaking, enabling them to request assistance from those nearby in emergency situations.At a presentation ceremony held at the prefectural government office, the notebooks were donated by the Oita branch of NTT West Japan.Episode notes:‘Oita Prefecture receives notebooks to assist hearing-impaired in emergencies’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/18/oita-prefecture-receives-notebooks-to-assist-hearing-impaired-in-emergencies/
A male leukemia patient between 10 and 19 died and two other young male patients are unconscious after spinal injections of anticancer drugs at a hospital in the city of Saitama, near Tokyo, hospital officials have said. The Saitama Prefectural Children’s Medical Center is consulting police in view of the possibility that the incident resulted from a criminal or accidental cause, the officials said Wednesday. Of the three patients, one died in February, while a boy under 10 and the other patient, who is between 10 and 19, are in critical condition.Episode notes:‘Patient Dies, 2 Critical after Injections at Hospital near Tokyo':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/12/patient-dies-2-critical-after-injections-at-hospital-near-tokyo/
Japan’s Daichi Oguri won the silver medal in the men’s snowboard banked slalom SB-LL1 event at the Milano-Cortina Paralympics on Friday. This is Japan’s third medal in the ongoing Paralympics, and its 100th winter Paralympic medal overall.Alpine sit skier Momoka Muraoka's 11th career Paralympic medal at this year's Milan Cortina games has made her Japan's most decorated winter Paralympian, a new high in an already stellar career.Episode notes:‘Japan’s Oguri Wins Para Snowboard Silver at Milan-Cortina':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/14/japans-oguri-wins-para-snowboard-silver-at-milan-cortina/‘Paralympics: Record 11th medal for Momoka Muraoka marks new high in stellar career’ (Peter Masheter for Kyodo):https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72185
In September 2025, a 21-year-old man residing in a welfare facility for people with disabilities in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, was assaulted by a male staff member and lost sight in his left eye. On the 10th, the Kobe District Court sentenced the former staff member, Akira Kamitake (23), to three years in prison, suspended for five years (the prosecution had sought four years of imprisonment). Testimony from the trial and further reporting have shed light on the background of the incident.Episode notes:‘ “Stop your damn crying”: Guilty Verdict for Staff Member in Abuse Case at Hyogo Facility for Disabled’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/13/stop-your-damn-crying-guilty-verdict-for-staff-member-in-abuse-case-at-hyogo-facility-for-disabled/
Referring to “the case in which a mother killed her daughter with a severe disability,” Noburo Takachi mentioned the incident that occurred in Mobara, Chiba Prefecture. He noted that many opinions online say “the mother cannot be blamed,” creating an atmosphere suggesting it was unavoidable, referring to comments circulating on social media about the suspect.Episode notes:‘Actor Noburo Takachi on Murder of Disabled Daughter: “I Feel a Discrimination Between Lives”’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/12/actor-noburo-takachi-on-murder-of-disabled-daughter-i-feel-a-discrimination-between-lives/
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on the 10th referred a 46-year-old former employee of the disability support facility Takinogawa Gakuen Adult Division to prosecutors on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death, over an incident last March in which he allegedly looked away from a man with an intellectual disability (48 at the time), leading to the man being struck and killed by a train at a railroad crossing in Kunitachi, Tokyo, investigative sources said.Episode notes:‘Ex-Tokyo Disability Facility Worker Referred Over Railroad Crossing Death’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/11/ex-tokyo-disability-facility-worker-referred-over-railroad-crossing-death/
Many evacuees from Fukushima Prefecture cite anxiety about a lack of medical services as a reason for their hesitation to return to their hometowns devastated by a severe nuclear accident following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. More than half of the population who lived in Futaba just before the triple disaster are still living outside their hometowns, although evacuation orders have been lifted in many places in the county. In Fukushima, the number of medical institutions has plunged since the disaster. Many of the 132 medical facilities that had operated in the prefecture have suspended operations, leaving only 47 currently in service.Episode notes:’15 Years On: Medical Care Key to Evacuees’ Return to Fukushima’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/10/15-years-on-medical-care-key-to-evacuees-return-to-fukushima/
A mother has been arrested on suspicion of killing her daughter by drowning her face in water at a home in Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture. The suspect (58) is suspected of killing her daughter Kana (29) by holding her head against a container filled with water at her home in Mobara City on the 8th. Kana was severely disabled and bedridden, and the mother reportedly admitted to the charges, saying, “I intended to kill myself, too.”Episode notes:‘Mother Arrested in Chiba Over Alleged Drowning Death of Disabled Daughter’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/09/mother-arrested-in-chiba-over-alleged-drowning-death-of-disabled-daughter/
The ancient Verona Arena that hosted the opening ceremony for Friday’s Milan Cortina Paralympic Games has been undergoing a raft of accessibility changes to bring it in line with the sport event’s values of equality.The modifications to the arena, which dates back around 2,000 years, include ramps, protective railings and, after the games, an elevator. The work has been undertaken as part of some 20 million euros ($23 million) worth of improvements funded by the Italian government to enhance accessibility throughout Verona.Episode notes:‘Paralympics: Ancient Verona Arena boosts accessibility for opening ceremony’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/08/paralympics-ancient-verona-arena-boosts-accessibility-for-opening-ceremony/
The Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games kicked off Friday with an opening ceremony at an amphitheater in Verona, a UNESCO world heritage city in northern Italy. Over 600 athletes from a record 55 countries and regions will vie for medals in 79 events across six sports at the first winter Paralympics in Italy since the 2006 Turin Games. A total of 44 Japanese athletes will compete in all six sports, making it the largest Japanese delegation for a winter Paralympic Games held outside of Japan. Considering the burden of travel caused by the dispersed venues, each country and region was encouraged to have only two athletes attend the opening ceremony. Snowboarder Junta Kosuda and curling player Aki Ogawa carried the Japanese flag in the ceremony. Japanese Paralympians are just three medals shy of reaching a 100 cumulative medals won at the Winter Games. The country netted 24 medals at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics held last month, a record high for the Winter Olympics.
Japan’s biggest Winter Paralympic delegation in decades will take part in the Milan Cortina Games from Friday, with competitors in multiple events tipped to bring home medals. The Winter Paralympics, which run through March 15, are Italy’s first since Torino 2006 and mark the 50th anniversary of the games. More than 600 athletes are expected to compete in 79 events in six sports.Episode notes:‘Japan heads to Winter Paralympic Games with biggest team in decades':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/06/japan-heads-to-winter-paralympic-games-with-biggest-team-in-decades/
Tokyo High Court on Wednesday 4th March upheld a district court order for the dissolution of the controversial religious group Unification Church, stripping the organization of its status as a religious corporation. “A dissolution order is necessary and inevitable, even when taking into consideration the impact on followers’ freedom of religion,” Motoko Miki, presiding judge of the high court, said.Episode notes:‘Tokyo High Court Upholds Unification Church Dissolution Order':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/05/tokyo-high-court-upholds-unification-church-dissolution-order/
Hiroshima Prefecture announced on Feb. 27 that it will revoke the designation of four facilities in Etajima City, including “Popo Etajima,” which serve children with disabilities. The revocation, due to fraudulent claims by the operator, will take effect on April 1. The city of Kure also announced it will take similar action against three facilities in the city operated by the same company. The total amount of fraudulent claims is about 260 million yen, affecting 214 children. As they will no longer be able to use the services from April 1, the prefectural government and other authorities are coordinating alternative placements.Episode notes:‘Hiroshima Revokes Designation of 7 Facilities for Disabled Children; Fraudulent Claims Affect 214':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/04/hiroshima-revokes-designation-of-7-facilities-for-disabled-children-fraudulent-claims-affect-214/
Kitakyushu City said it will revoke the designation of a Type B continuous employment support facility for people with disabilities in Yahatanishi Ward after its operator, based in Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture, was found to have fraudulently claimed public support funds. According to the city, the company falsely reported that a full-time instructor was employed to improve participants’ wages in order to receive additional staffing payments between May and September last year, and also inflated attendance records for a user approved for services by another municipality, billing for more days than were actually attended. The revocation, under the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act, will take effect on March 31.Episode notes:‘Kitakyushu to Revoke Designation of Disability Support Facility Over Fraudulent Benefit Claims’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/03/kitakyushu-to-revoke-designation-of-disability-support-facility-over-fraudulent-benefit-claims/
Tomoyoshi Aoki, a 51-year-old certified social worker from Saitama Prefecture, says he discovered that his former employer, ‘Nihon Remake’, which operates more than 10 group homes for people with disabilities in Saitama City, was overcharging residents for meal and other expenses and improperly claiming public reimbursements. After clashing with the company over how to address the issues, Aoki filed a whistleblower report with the prefectural government before resigning in late 2024. The prefecture later instructed the company to refund excess charges and return improperly received payments. In April 2025, however, the company sued Aoki at the Saitama District Court for about 41.3 million yen in damages, alleging he took accounting documents without authorization and disrupted operations. The case remains ongoing.Episode notes:‘Saitama Social Worker Reports Company for Overcharging Disabled Residents, is Sued for Stealing Documents':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/02/saitama-social-worker-reports-company-for-overcharging-disabled-residents-is-sued-for-stealing-documents/
Three nurses, including Ryusuke Asakura, a 50-year-old former staff member at a municipal support center for people with severe disabilities in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, filed a lawsuit in 2024 alleging they were retaliated against for reporting abuse of residents. The trio say they alerted authorities in 2019 after their concerns were ignored internally, leading the city to acknowledge multiple cases of abuse, but claim they were subsequently subjected to lengthy home suspensions, dismissal and job transfers by the facility’s operator, prompting their legal action.Episode notes:‘Western Japan Disability Nurses have Difficulties but “no regrets” in Reporting “culture” of Abuse’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/27/western-japan-disability-nurses-have-difficulties-but-no-regrets-in-reporting-culture-of-abuse/
With one week to go until the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games open on March 6, Japan is preparing for its 11th appearance at the Winter Paralympics, carrying a proud legacy in the competition. Since making its debut at the Innsbruck 1988 Paralympic Winter Games, Japan has won a total of 97 medals - 27 gold, 33 silver and 37 bronze - establishing itself as a consistent force in winter para sports.Episode notes:‘Japan Eyes Strong Showing at Milano-Cortina Paralympics with One Week to Go’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/27/japan-eyes-strong-showing-at-milano-cortina-paralympics-with-one-week-to-go/
A care worker who reported the sexual abuse of a female resident at a disability group home in Ibaraki Prefecture has warned that the toll of his subsequent court battle could discourage others from coming forward. Yusuke Okanemasa, 47, reported the alleged abuse in 2021, which prefectural authorities later confirmed, but he became embroiled in a dispute with his employer and eventually resigned after a pay cut. Although the Tokyo High Court in July 2025 ruled the pay cut invalid and ordered limited damages, it did not recognize the measure as retaliation for whistleblowing. Okanemasa said the lawsuit cost him about 1.5 million yen and required “an enormous amount of mental and emotional energy, as well as time,” warning that if such consequences follow abuse reports, “people will think it’s better to keep their mouths shut,” leaving victims unprotected and underscoring the need for stricter official action.Episode notes:‘Ibaraki Care Worker Who Reported Abuse Warns Legal Battle May Deter Future Whistleblowers':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/26/ibaraki-care-worker-who-reported-abuse-warns-legal-battle-may-deter-future-whistleblowers/
Nagoya City held a meeting with disability groups and others regarding the wooden reconstruction of the main keep of Nagoya Castle. On February 11th the city held its first public briefing session since discriminatory remarks were made at a citizens’ debate in 2023. At the session, it reaffirmed its policy of proceeding with the wooden reconstruction plan by installing a small-scale lifting device. Nineteen groups, including disability organizations, took part in the meeting held on the 20th, where the city explained the basic principles of the plan.Episode notes:‘Nagoya Aims to Finalize Barrier-Free Policy for Castle Keep by February’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/22/nagoya-aims-to-finalize-barrier-free-policy-for-castle-keep-by-february/
A former support staff member at a disability workshop in Kodaira, Tokyo, who was dismissed after reporting alleged abuse by colleagues and a senior executive, reached a court-mediated settlement in 2024 with the operating social welfare corporation. The staff member had filed suit at the Tokyo District Court, arguing the dismissal was retaliation for whistleblowing in violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Under the settlement, the corporation retracted the dismissal and paid 4.8 million yen. Municipal authorities later recognized abuse by around 10 staff members, and the Tokyo metropolitan government issued administrative guidance to the corporation over excessive welfare payments.Episode notes:‘Fired After Reporting Abuse, Care Worker Awarded 4.8 Million Yen’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/24/fired-after-reporting-abuse-care-worker-awarded-4-8-million-yen/
A Tokyo woman who worked as a support staff member at a workshop for people with disabilities said she witnessed repeated physical and verbal abuse of service users by colleagues shortly after starting her job in 2019. The alleged misconduct extended beyond frontline staff to a male executive of the operating social welfare corporation, who she said repeatedly grabbed the groins of male users with intellectual disabilities when they did not comply with instructions. The woman, identified by a pseudonym as Yoshimi Kurita, said she reported the abuse multiple times to the corporation’s executives, but they “turned a blind eye.”Episode notes:‘Tokyo Disability Facility Worker Says She Was Fired After Reporting Abuse':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/23/tokyo-disability-facility-worker-says-she-was-fired-after-reporting-abuse/
Japan’s health ministry ordered a clinic in Tokyo to improve its operations on Friday 20th February over its violations of the law on safety in regenerative medicine. An on-site inspection of Ginza Phoenix Clinic found violations, including administrations of cultured cells using stem cells and dendritic cells by five doctors not listed in 10 regenerative medicine plans submitted by its director, Hisashi Nagai, to the ministry. Medical institutions face penalties for false or missing entries in mandatory regenerative medicine treatment plans.Episode notes:‘Regenerative Medicine Clinic in Tokyo Gets Biz Improvement Order’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/21/regenerative-medicine-clinic-in-tokyo-gets-biz-improvement-order/
Two male staff members in their 20s have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old male resident at a facility for people with disabilities in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, including kicking him in the face. Both suspects have admitted to the allegations, and police are investigating the circumstances and motives that led to the incident.Episode notes:‘Two Arrested Over Alleged Assault of 17-Year-Old at Aichi Disability Home’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/21/two-arrested-over-alleged-assault-of-17-year-old-at-aichi-disability-home/
The Fukushi Shimbun reported on February 19th that the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) said Jan. 30 it had submitted a statement to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry calling for fair disability pension certifications, criticizing a ministry probe that found no improper handling in cases where initial certification reports were rewritten, discarded and reassessed. Regarding the ministry’s Jan. 16 report, the JFBA said it was “clearly unreasonable” to describe the rewriting of certification reports as merely correcting deficiencies.Episode notes:‘Japan Federation of Bar Associations calls Welfare Ministry’s Disability Pension report “clearly unreasonable” ‘:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/20/japan-federation-of-bar-associations-calls-welfare-ministrys-disability-pension-report-clearly-unreasonable/
Japan’s Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday 18th February that a provision in the now-scrapped security services law that disqualified adult guardianship system users from employment violated the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of occupation and equality under law. The ruling, backed by 10 of the 15 justices, marked the 14th time since the end of World War II that the Supreme Court has declared a law or ordinance unconstitutional, and the first time since the Grand Bench ruling in July 2024 on the now-defunct eugenic protection law. Episode notes:‘Japan Top Court Rules Work-Bar Provision Unconstitutional':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/19/japan-top-court-rules-work-bar-provision-unconstitutional/
Japan’s Children and Families Agency has begun considering the creation of small-scale residential facilities tentatively called “Children’s Homes” for children with disabilities, aiming to enable them to live closer to the communities where they were born and raised. A draft proposal presented at an expert panel on the future of institutional care highlighted concerns that many children are currently placed in large, distant facilities, limiting contact with their families. The envisioned Children’s Homes would provide a more home-like, small-group environment while maintaining family ties, with trained staff assigned to support children with severe behavioural disorders or medical care needs and access to external services such as visiting nursing care, as the government looks ahead to possible legal revisions.Episode notes: ‘Japan’s Children and Families Agency Considers “Children’s Homes”':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/18/japans-children-and-families-agency-considers-childrens-homes/
A lawsuit in which a 36-year-old man from Kanagawa Prefecture sought damages from his mother, claiming that abuse he suffered as a child caused him to develop mental disorders that left him unable to work, resulted in the Yokohama District Court recognizing the causal link between the abuse and his inability to maintain employment and ordering the mother to pay approximately ¥35.45 million in compensation, it was learned on the 16th. The ruling was dated January 27th.Episode notes:‘Mother Ordered to Pay 30 Million Yen in Abuse Damages Causing Mental Disorders’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/17/mother-ordered-to-pay-¥30m-in-abuse-damages-causing-mental-disorders/
The guidelines on harassment by customers make clear that employers must take care not to interpret requests for reasonable accommodation from persons with disabilities as customer harassment. They note that discriminatory treatment is prohibited and the provision of reasonable accommodation is mandatory under the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, and state that appropriate responses are required through “constructive dialogue” to build mutual understanding.Episode notes:‘Japan’s new guidelines warn employers not to mislabel disability requests as harassment':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/15/japans-new-guidelines-warn-employers-not-to-mislabel-disability-requests-as-harassment/
An advisory panel to Japan’s health minister decided Friday to allow public health insurance coverage for a gene therapy for muscular dystrophy beginning Feb. 20 and set the drug’s official price at about 304.97 million yen. Elevidys, a one-time treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in ambulatory patients aged 3-7, will become the country’s most expensive drug.Episode notes:‘Japan Approves Muscular Dystrophy Drug Price of 300 M. Yen’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/14/japan-approves-muscular-dystrophy-drug-price-of-300-m-yen/
A Tokyo man in his 50s who was forced to quit his IT job after developing Parkinson’s disease faced difficulties obtaining Japan’s disability pension due to the system’s requirement to prove the date of first medical consultation, highlighting structural hurdles for applicants. Kenichi Sato (pseudonym), 54, was told he needed to verify an initial clinic visit from about 20 years ago, but records had been discarded under the legal five-year retention rule for medical charts.Episode notes:‘Japan’s ‘first visit date’ rule shows gaps in disability pension system’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/13/japans-first-visit-date-rule-shows-gaps-in-disability-pension-system/
The online survey was conducted by the Nippon Foundation last October targeting 2,500 family members of people with disabilities. Overall, 36.2% said they were “very anxious” about the future, 27.6% “anxious,” and 21.7% “slightly anxious.”Episode notes:‘85% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan Anxious About Future “After Parents Are Gone”':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/12/85-of-families-of-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-anxious-about-future-after-parents-are-gone/
While assigned to the center, a 27-year-old male employee from the Toyokawa Public Health Center issued certificates without obtaining the required approvals, recorded false review results in documents, and altered classifications to more severe levels. In interviews conducted by the prefecture, he explained to the effect that “administrative processing fell behind, and I altered the classifications to levels that applicants would accept.”Episode notes:‘Aichi Reports 1,034 Irregularities in Disability Certificate Issuance’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/11/aichi-reports-1034-irregularities-in-disability-certificate-issuance/‘95 errors made in linking My Number and disability certificate in Aichi Prefecture’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/27/95-errors-made-in-linking-my-number-and-disability-certificate-in-aichi-prefecture/
Police in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, plan to arrest a man in his 30s who formerly headed a disability group home on suspicion of assault resulting in death after a 19-year-old male resident with an intellectual disability died under suspicious circumstances in 2025. Investigators believe the former representative assaulted the resident, leading to his death, and are also examining possible liability among staff members who allegedly failed to report the abuse despite being aware of it. Police suspect the victim may have been subjected to routine violence and are continuing the investigation.Episode notes:‘Chiba disability group home resident dies; former representative to be arrested’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/09/chiba-disability-group-home-resident-dies-former-representative-to-be-arrested/‘Chiba Group Home Representative Arrested for Killing 19-Year-Old Man’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/10/chiba-group-home-representative-arrested-for-killing-19-year-old-man/
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s general election, delivering a strong mandate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and enhancing her ability to advance key policies. Holding more than 310 seats in the 465-member chamber allows the party to pursue constitutional revision and pass legislation even if rejected by the House of Councillors, where the ruling bloc lacks a majority. Meanwhile, the minor populist party Sanseito expanded its lower house presence to 13 seats from two, though its leader voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, while Team Mirai won its first seat, according to early returns.Episode notes:‘LDP Wins Two-Thirds Majority, Sanseito and Team Mirai Gain Seats’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/09/ldp-wins-two-thirds-majority-sanseito-and-team-mirai-gain-seats/
Japan's Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to win a majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday's election, according to Kyodo News exit polls.Episode notes:‘Japan's ruling LDP certain to win lower house majority: exit polls’https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/70097
With less than a month to go until the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games open on March 6, Japan is stepping up final preparations for a campaign that will feature broad representation across the six-sport program, including the return of its para ice hockey team.Episode notes:‘Less than a month until the Paralympics, Japan finalizes Milan–Cortina preparations’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/07/less-than-a-month-until-the-paralympics-japan-finalizes-milan-cortina-preparations/
The Japan Innovation Party and Sanseito have called for setting a cap on the percentage of foreign nationals in Japan’s population in their promises to voters for Sunday’s House of Representatives election. By contrast, the Liberal Democratic Party, the JIP’s ally in the ruling camp, makes no mention of such a cap in its election platform. The Centrist Reform Alliance, a new opposition party created by Lower House lawmakers from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, considers such a cap a premature measure.Episode Notes:‘JIP, Sanseito Call for Cap on Foreigners in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/04/jip-sanseito-call-for-cap-on-foreigners-in-japan/
The Tokyo High Court will decide on March 4 whether to back a lower court’s order for the Unification Church to disband itself, informed sources said Wednesday. If the high court upholds the dissolution order, it will take effect regardless of whether the religious group appeals to the Supreme Court, and liquidation procedures will begin. The group could continue its activities as a voluntary organization, but it would lose its status as a religious corporation and would no longer be eligible for tax benefits.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Court to Rule on Unification Church Dissolution Order on March 4':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/05/tokyo-court-to-rule-on-unification-church-dissolution-order-on-march-4/
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi canceled her appearance in a television debate program Sunday morning as she injured her hand during the campaign trail for the Feb. 8 general election. Takaichi posted on X, formerly Twitter, that she injured her hand during her campaign activities in the past couple of days and has been receiving treatment. “When I shook hands with a person who supports me enthusiastically, my hand was pulled hard and I hurt it,” she said, adding, “I have chronic rheumatoid arthritis, so my hand became swollen.”‘Takaichi Cancels TV Debate due to Hand Injury':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/01/takaichi-cancels-tv-debate-due-to-hand-injury/
While the court ordered the payment of ¥800,000 in consolation money, it did not recognize the claim for wages for the period during which the man was unable to work after his dismissal. The plaintiff’s attorney, Motoya Tsuchida, said, “The ruling does, in a sense, squarely acknowledge disability discrimination,” while indicating that they plan to appeal.Episode notes:‘Yokohama Court Rules Disability-Based Dismissal After ‘Outing’ Illegal’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/01/yokohama-court-rules-disability-based-dismissal-after-outing-illegal/
Supporters of Sanseito took to the streets of Kobe on Saturday 31st January 2026 to promote the party’s platform ahead of the upcoming election; as did the ‘Social Democratic Party’.Episode notes:‘Sanseito supporters campaign in Kobe ahead of election’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/01/sanseito-supporters-campaign-in-kobe-ahead-of-election/
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on January 19th that in fiscal 2024 there were 6,258 reports and notifications received by prefectures and designated cities concerning alleged abuse of persons with disabilities by staff at psychiatric hospitals. Of these, 260 cases were officially recognized as abuse. Under the revised Mental Health and Welfare Act enacted in 2022, reporting abuse of persons with disabilities by psychiatric hospital staff to prefectures and designated cities was made mandatory. This is the first time such data have been compiled. The ministry stated, “We have confirmed that the reporting system is being recognized. We will continue to closely monitor future trends.”Episode notes:‘Japan Compiles Statistics on Abuse by Psychiatric Hospital Workers for First Time':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/29/japan-compiles-statistics-on-abuse-by-psychiatric-hospital-workers-for-first-time/
More than half of Japanese companies say they will struggle to meet the government’s higher disability employment quota, highlighting persistent challenges in workplace readiness and internal awareness. A survey by disability employment support firm Persol Diversity found that 52.6% of companies view achieving the revised statutory quota of 2.7%, which takes effect in July, as difficult, underscoring gaps in organizational understanding and the need for improved accommodations and support systems for workers with disabilities.Episode notes:‘52.6% of Companies in Japan Find Disability Employment Targets “Difficult” to Achieve':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/27/52-6-of-companies-in-japan-find-disability-employment-targets-difficult-to-achieve/
Gunma Prefecture issued guidance to a social welfare corporation operating a disability support facility following an investigation into an accident in which a male high school student (17 at the time), who attended a disability support facility in Ōra Town, Gunma Prefecture, fell ill and died during a sea swimming outing. The prefecture cited a “delay in transporting him to a hospital” as a contributing factor and pointed out that countermeasures against aspiration of seawater had not been discussed, stating that “risk management was not in place.”Episode notes:‘Gunma Issues Guidance After Death of Disabled 17-Year-Old on Outing, Cites “delay in transporting to hospital” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/26/gunma-issues-guidance-after-death-of-disabled-17-year-old-on-outing-cites-delay-in-transporting-to-hospital/
Takaichi said when she met with the victims at the prime minister's office on Wednesday. A law on compensation to forced sterilization victims took effect on Jan. 17 last year following a Supreme Court ruling that recognized the state's liability. While victims are estimated to include around 25,000 individuals subjected to sterilization procedures and about 59,000 who had abortions, the number of cases certified under the law remained at just 1,560 as of the end of November last year.Episode notes:‘Takaichi Meets with Forced Sterilization Victims’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/23/takaichi-meets-with-forced-sterilization-victims/
after his mother became a follower of the controversial religious group known as the Unification Church.Presiding Judge Shinichi Tanaka suggested that the motive claimed was irrational, stating, “It cannot be said that his background had a great impact.” During the trial, the defence argued that, given Yamagami’s troubled background related to the controversial religious group Unification Church, with which Abe allegedly had ties, his sentence should be no more than 20 years.Defendant Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, plans to decide next week whether to appeal his sentence. Yoshihide Sakurai, a specially appointed professor of sociology of religion at Hokkaido University, who attended the trial as a defense witness, said after meeting with Yamagami on Thursday, that Yamagami appeared to have expected a long prison sentence and did not express dissatisfaction with the verdict.Episode notes:‘Judge in Ex-PM Abe Trial Says of Killer: “It cannot be said that his background had a great impact”’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/21/judge-in-ex-pm-abe-trial-says-of-killer-it-cannot-be-said-that-his-background-had-a-great-impact/
Tetsuya Yamagami, who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday 21st January, three and a half years after the killing Abe in Nara.The Nara District Court’s ruling was consistent with the sentence sought by prosecutors in connection with the July 2022 shooting, in which Yamagami used a homemade firearm.Episode notes:‘Life Sentence for Man Who Shot Former PM Shinzo Abe’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/21/life-sentence-for-man-who-shot-former-pm-shinzo-abe/
On December 23 last year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government submitted a request to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Children and Families Agency regarding the June 2026 interim revision of disability welfare service fees, calling on them not to implement a nationwide reduction in basic compensation for newly established providers of certain services.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Opposes Cuts to Disability Welfare Fees’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/17/tokyo-opposes-cuts-to-disability-welfare-fees/
The South China Morning Post reported on January 13th that Grok-generated deepfake images of Japan’s Princess Kako, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, in a bikini circulating online have renewed scrutiny on Elon Musk’s X chatbot. Princess Kako has performed various official duties at home and abroad, while working twice a week since April 2024 at the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, which she joined as a part-time employee in 2021.Episode notes:‘Grok-generated Deepfake Images of Sign Language Literate Imperial Princess Kako Circulate Online':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/18/grok-generated-deepfake-images-of-sign-language-literate-imperial-princess-kako-circulate-online/
On January 13th, the Yokohama District Court held the sentencing hearing for a 31-year-old male defendant, a resident of Yamato City, charged with violating the Cannabis Control Law and other offenses for cultivating cannabis plants at the support facility for children with disabilities in Fujisawa City where he was employed.Episode notes:‘Yokohama Court Hands Suspended Sentence to Man Over Growing Cannabis at Facility for Disabled Children’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/14/yokohama-court-hands-suspended-sentence-to-man-over-growing-cannabis-at-facility-for-disabled-children/
consider it necessary to watch. I’ve seen in it different forms a couple of times as it started life out as a BBC ‘Storyville’ documentary.Episode notes:Black Box Diaries (UK trailer): https://youtu.be/zeHfN61S6Gg?si=c0NU-Mz8_AtMRdPn
No news on ‘Coming of Age Day!’ Although there is a report that ‘Sign Language Link’ will be provided by the Japan Foundation Telephone Relay Service, a general incorporated foundation based in Tokyo. When police officers leave a kōban or a residential police post, they put up a notice indicating their absence. By scanning the QR code on this notice with a smartphone or other device, users are connected to a video call, initiating a three-way conversation between the user, a sign language interpreter, and an officer at the police station.Episode notes: ‘Gifu Prefectural Police Introduce ‘Sign Language Link’, Available Even if No Police Present’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/11/gifu-prefectural-police-introduce-sign-language-link-available-even-if-no-police-present/
It was learned on January 6th that the medical corporation foundation “Aoyama-kai” has decided to end two disability consultation support services under contract with the city at the end of March and has notified the city. The relationship of trust with the city was damaged by Mayor Kaichi Deguchi’s social media posts during last year’s mayoral election and the subsequent response, and the foundation has decided that continuing the services any longer is difficult. Episode notes:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/08/medical-foundation-ends-disability-support-services-in-miura-city-after-mayors-social-media-remarks/
People with disabilities in Hyogo Prefecture will hold an emergency rally in Kobe on January 24th to protest violence at residential care facilities and to call for the early realization of deinstitutionalization. The gathering was prompted by reports that a resident with intellectual and physical disabilities died after being assaulted by staff at a facility in Sanda City. Organized by the Independent Living Center ‘Ring Ring’ and co-hosted by ‘Remember 7.26 Kobe Action’, the event will feature speakers from ‘Hyogo People First’ and will focus on disability rights and the need for community-based living.Episode notes: 'Hyogo Disability Rights Groups to Rally in Kobe Following Facility Violence Reports':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/01/hyogo-disability-rights-groups-to-rally-in-kobe-following-facility-violence-reports/
in which all people, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, respect each other's human rights and dignity, support each other, and are able to enjoy vibrant lives.”Episode notes:‘At Awards Ceremony Recognizing Barrier Free Initiatives, PM Takaichi Says She Aims for an “inclusive society” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/01/03/at-awards-ceremony-recognizing-barrier-free-initiatives-pm-takaichi-says-she-aims-for-an-inclusive-society/
Akemashite Omedetou, Happy New Year from Japan! Nagasaki Prefecture reported a record 3,961 people with disabilities employed at private companies as of June 1, 2025, up 125 from the previous year, according to figures released by the Nagasaki Labour Bureau on Dec. 19, so we begin 2026 with good news about disability in Japan.Episode notes:‘Nagasaki Sees Record-High Employment of People with Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/30/nagasaki-sees-record-high-employment-of-people-with-disabilities/
currently investigating the facts, including the number of cases involved.”Episode notes:‘Japan Pension Service Officials Discarded Doctors’ Disability Assessments’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/29/japan-pension-service-officials-discarded-doctors-disability-assessments/
Cases of abuse against people with disabilities in Japan reached a record high of 3,770 in fiscal 2024, the welfare ministry said Tuesday 23rd December, citing an increase in consultations and reports to local governments. The total, confirmed by prefectural and municipal authorities, rose by 293 from the previous year, the ministry said.Episode notes:‘Disability Abuse Cases Hit Record High in Japan in FY 2024’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/26/disability-abuse-cases-hit-record-in-japan-in-fy-2024/
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering adding Japanese language proficiency as a requirement for permanent residency for foreigners, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. To obtain the status, foreigners will also be mandated to take a program aimed at helping them smoothly integrate into local communities, the sources said. The envisaged new requirements will be included in a draft package of proposals on policy for foreign nationals, to be compiled next month for submission to the government.Episode notes:‘Japanese Proficiency Eyed as Permanent Residency Requirements’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/23/japanese-proficiency-eyed-as-permanent-residency-requirement/
Nearly two years after Japan’s revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities made the provision of “reasonable accommodation” mandatory for private businesses, progress remains uneven. While some companies in Okayama Prefecture have introduced measures such as sign-language captions, communication apps, Braille menus, and barrier-free design, people with disabilities say daily experiences have changed little.Episode notes:‘Two Years After Japan’s Anti-Disability Discrimination Law Revision, Mixed Progress on “Reasonable Accommodation”’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/23/two-years-after-japans-anti-disability-discrimination-law-revision-mixed-progress-on-reasonable-accommodation/
Well, that’s more or less a wrap for 2025! There was a story on December 19th that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the results of a survey showing that, as of June 1, the number of people with disabilities working at private companies stood at 704,610, a 4.0% increase from the previous year. This marks the 22nd consecutive year in which the figure has reached a record high. However, only 46.0% of companies achieved the legally mandated employment ratio of 2.5%, unchanged from the previous year.I might make a few podcast episodes should something momentous happen, other than that, have a Barrier Free Solstice, New Year and Disability News Japan will return in 2026!Episode notes:‘700,000 People with Disabilities in Japan Employed by Companies; Only 46% Meet Employment Quota’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/20/700000-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-employed-by-companies-only-46-meet-employment-quota/
It has been learned that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is making arrangements to set an upper limit on the number of “retained workers” used to calculate support bonuses. This move comes in response to allegations that three “Type A Support Centers for Continuous Employment” in Osaka City received excessive payments. The Ministry revealed this plan on the 16th during a meeting to discuss revisions to the compensation system for disability welfare services.Episode notes:‘Japan Govt to set cap on number of ‘retained workers’ used to calculate disability employment subsidies following excessive payments’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/19/japan-govt-to-set-cap-on-number-of-retained-workers-used-to-calculate-disability-employment-subsidies-following-excessive-payments/
Three years have now passed since the disability studies scholar and Japanologist Mark Bookman (1991 – 2022) died on December 16th 2022. At the time of his death, Mark was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Tokyo College and about to take up a position at Ritsumeikan University.Episode notes:‘ ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ (documentary) dir. Ron Small ’:https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Call-Action-Ron-Small/dp/B0DFV5ZCD4‘Disability Publics: Making Accessibility in Modern Japan’:https://www.amazon.co.jp/Disability-Publics-Making-Accessibility-Modern/dp/0198979738#immersive-view_1766021047271
In April two years ago, in Oguni Town, Yamagata Prefecture, a bullet fired by a hunter engaged in a bear extermination operation struck another man in the leg, causing serious injuries that resulted in permanent aftereffects. The injured man has filed a lawsuit against the town, seeking approximately 30 million yen in damages.Episode notes:‘Man Disabled in Bear Cull Shooting; Town Seeks Damages from Hunter’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/15/man-disabled-in-bear-cull-shooting-town-seeks-damages-from-hunter/
Almost half of Japanese nationals feel familiar with loneliness and isolation, a government survey showed Friday. According to the Cabinet Office’s first public opinion survey on the issue, 48.4% of respondents answered they feel “familiar” or “rather familiar” with such feelings, while 49.6% chose “not familiar” or “rather do not feel it.” The remaining 2.0% did not answer.Episode notes:‘Nearly Half of Japanese Familiar with Loneliness, Isolation’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/13/nearly-half-of-japanese-familiar-with-loneliness-isolation/
Around 11:44 a.m. on Friday December 12th, a quake with an estimated magnitude of 6.7 occurred off Aomori, logging 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in 38 municipalities in five prefectures, including Hokkaido's Hakodate, Aomori's Hachinohe and Iwate's Morioka. The intensity was the sixth-highest level on the 10-point scale. All the advisories were lifted at 2:05 p.m. after minor tsunami waves were observed in some municipalities, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Aikawa Shinseien, a remote facility in Akita Prefecture housing nearly 90 intellectually disabled people sent from Tokyo, illustrates the long-standing practice of placing disabled residents far from their home communities due to Tokyo’s high land prices and neighborhood resistance to disability facilities, with some locals claiming such facilities would “damage the image” of the area. Many residents have lived there for decades, seldom see their families, and feel trapped, one 65-year-old man, who has lived there since the facility opened, says poignantly, “I don’t want to end my life here.” As parents age and die and “out-of-Tokyo facilities” continue to fill in replacements, some question what a truly inclusive living environment for disabled people should look like.Episode notes:“ ‘I Don’t Want to End My Life Here”: Half of the Disabled People Living in Facilities Sent Outside Tokyo’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/10/i-dont-want-to-end-my-life-here-half-of-the-disabled-people-living-in-facilities-sent-outside-tokyo/
A powerful earthquake mainly struck Japan's Tohoku northeastern region, including Aomori Prefecture, on Monday night, measuring up to upper 6, the second-highest level on the country's seismic intensity scale. The temblor, with an estimated magnitude of 7.6, occurred at a depth of about 50 kilometers off the east coast of Aomori around 11:15 p.m.Episodes notes:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/09/powerful-quake-hits-northeastern-japan/
Japan plans to introduce a ban with penalties on implanting a genome-edited fertilized human egg into the womb of a human or another animal amid concerns over “designer babies.” A Japanese government expert panel broadly approved a proposal, including the ban, at a meeting on Thursday 4th December.Episode notes:‘Japan Eyes Ban on Gene-Edited Babies’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/05/japan-eyes-ban-on-gene-edited-babies/
The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, accused of killing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, continued this week at the Nara District Court with detailed testimony about the defendant’s motives and a courtroom appearance by Abe’s widow, Akie. Yamagami, 45, told judges and lay judges that he targeted Abe because he believed the former leader sat “at the center” of ties between politics and the Unification Church, saying his “hatred and hostility” developed gradually and that attacking any other politician would have carried “weak significance.” Akie Abe attended Wednesday’s session through a system for victims’ families, listening silently as Yamagami bowed toward her before questioning resumed on why he shifted his focus from church leaders to Abe. The high-profile proceedings will continue as the court weighs Yamagami’s intent and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.Episode Notes:‘Yamagami Viewed Abe as Center of Politics-Church Relations’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/03/yamagami-viewed-abe-as-center-of-politics-church-relations/‘Slain Ex-PM Abe’s Wife Attends Attacker’s Trial for 1st Time’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/04/slain-ex-pm-abes-wife-attends-attackers-trial-for-1st-time/
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on December 1st that it will hold its annual ‘Disability Week’ from December 3rd to 9th. The aim of ‘Disability Week’ is to deepen public interest and understanding of disability welfare and to encourage people with disabilities to actively participate in all areas of social, economic, and cultural activities.Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Annual Disability Week to be Held December 3rd to 9th’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/02/tokyo-annual-disability-week-to-be-held-december-3rd-to-9th/
The number of university students with developmental disabilities in Japan is on the rise, with their conditions often identified at a late stage through challenges in their social lives. According to a survey by the Japan Student Services Organization, 14,666 students with developmental disabilities were enrolled in universities, junior colleges and technical colleges in the 2024 academic year, approximately five times the number from 10 years ago.Episode notes:‘University students with developmental disabilities increase in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/29/university-students-with-developmental-disabilities-increase-in-japan/
The organizers of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics have revealed that the number of people who visited the event’s venues totaled about 280,000, far more than their target of 100,000.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Deaflympics Venue Attendance Far Exceeded Expectations’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/27/tokyo-deaflympics-venue-attendance-far-exceeded-expectations/
As the Tokyo Deaflympics nears its conclusion, the Japanese women’s basketball and volleyball teams won gold medals at the Tokyo Deaflympics on Tuesday. Japan narrowly beat the United States 65-64 in the women’s basketball final, and trumped Turkey to win their first women’s volleyball gold in two Deaflympics.Episode Notes:‘Japan Women Win Basketball, Volleyball Gold at Tokyo Deaflympics’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/26/japan-women-win-basketball-volleyball-gold-at-tokyo-deaflympics/
Japan’s medal haul at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics reached a record 31 on Sunday, surpassing the previous national best of 30 set at the 2022 Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, organizers said.Japan added to its tally with strong performances across multiple sports. In karate, the women’s team won gold in the team kata event, while 20-year-old Kenji Mori captured the men’s individual kata title. In swimming, Ryutaro Ibara, 31, claimed his third gold of the Games by winning the men’s 400-meter individual medley. On the track, Maki Yamada, 28, earned silver in the men’s 200-meter sprint.Crown Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito attended an orienteering event on Izu Oshima, part of metropolitan Tokyo. The two watched the final round of the men’s relay, which featured Japan and seven other teams, with Prince Hisahito offering cheers to athletes in sign language. The Crown Princess, who first tried the sport after an introduction by a foreign researcher at the 2019 International Cartographic Conference in Tokyo, has since been a regular participant in competitions and training sessions. Earlier in the day, the pair visited Buratto House, a shop selling local farm products.Episode notes:‘Japan’s Tokyo Deaflympics Medals Reach Record 31’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/25/japans-tokyo-deaflympics-medals-reach-record-31/‘Crown Princess Kiko, Prince Hisahito Watch Deaflympic Event’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/24/crown-princess-kiko-prince-hisahito-watch-deaflympic-event/
Japan will substantially hike visa issuance fees for foreign residents in the next fiscal year and utilize the additional revenue to strengthen policies supporting multiculturalism, government sources said Thursday.The new fees come amid a rise in foreign residents in the country, with the cost of changing visa status or reissuing for a term of one year or longer to be hiked by up to 40,000 yen ($250) or so from the current 6,000 yen. A permanent residency visa may be upped to over 100,000 yen from 10,000 yen.Episode notes:‘Japan to raise visa fees for foreign residents next fiscal year’ (Kyodo):https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/65315#:~:text=The%20new%20fees%20come%20amid,100%2C000%20yen%20from%2010%2C000%20yen.
Episode notes:‘Japan Picks Up Five Judo Bronzes at Tokyo Deaflympics’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/19/japan-picks-up-five-judo-bronzes-at-tokyo-deaflympics/‘Sprinter Yamada Wins Japan’s 1st Gold at Tokyo Deaflympics’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/20/sprinter-yamada-wins-japans-1st-gold-at-tokyo-deaflympics/
A 60-year-old woman with an intellectual disability in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, was denied a UR rental apartment despite having spent more than a year preparing to live independently with support from a local nonprofit, prompting concerns that the agency’s requirement for a co-resident family member constitutes discriminatory treatment. Episode notes:‘Osaka Woman With Intellectual Disability Refused UR Housing, Raising Rights Questions ‘:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/16/osaka-woman-with-intellectual-disability-refused-ur-housing-raising-rights-questions/
The former officer, Masato Takeuchi, and another suspect arrested over the case, 55-year-old company employee Hiromi Ishichi, are apparently denying the allegations. Takeuchi is a board member of a Kyoto-based group, mainly comprising former police officers, that provides daily assistance to elderly people with dementia. The police believe the two suspects withdrew several million yen in cash using the victim's card.The Deaflympics officially opened Saturday in Tokyo, marking the first time Japan has hosted the international sporting event for the deaf or hard of hearing. A record 3,081 athletes from 81 countries and regions, as well as a refugee team and a neutral team competing under the Deaflympics flag, have made the final entry list for the games, with the opening ceremony held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in the heart of the Japanese capital.Episode notes:‘Ex-Policeman Nabbed over Defrauding Person with Dementia’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/14/ex-policeman-nabbed-over-defrauding-person-with-dementia/‘Deaflympics open in Tokyo as Japan hosts games for 1st time’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/15/deaflympics-open-in-tokyo-as-japan-hosts-games-for-1st-time/
Japan is preparing to host its first-ever Deaflympics from Nov. 15 to 26, with events held in Tokyo, Shizuoka, and Fukushima, and Narita airport stepping up accessibility measures for the thousands of athletes and visitors expected from around 80 countries. The airport has introduced pictogram signage, written communication tools, and staff training sessions led by people with hearing impairments to improve interactions with deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers. Meanwhile, the Tokyo metropolitan government is offering sign language lessons to its employees to ensure smooth event operations and promote greater understanding of the deaf community ahead of the 12-day international sporting event.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Gears Up for Japan’s First Deaflympics with Push for Accessibility’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/13/tokyo-gears-up-for-japans-first-deaflympics-with-push-for-accessibility/
The Hikone branch of the Otsu District Public Prosecutors Office announced on the 10th that it has decided not to indict a 70-year-old male care worker from Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. The man had been arrested on suspicion of preparation for murder and violation of the Firearms and Swords Control Act after allegedly hiding a kitchen knife at the welfare facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, where he worked, with the intent to kill a 44-year-old resident. The prosecutors did not disclose the reason for their decision.Episode notes:‘Attempted murder of a resident at Shiga care facility for people with disabilities; care worker arrested with knife will not be prosecuted’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/11/attempted-murder-of-a-resident-at-shiga-care-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-care-worker-arrested-with-knife-will-not-be-prosecuted/
A welfare-related company based in Osaka City is suspected of having improperly received tens of billions of yen in disability employment support subsidies (payments) since fiscal 2024, city officials revealed on November 5. The company allegedly exploited a system that increases subsidy amounts based on the number of disabled workers who find employment in regular companies. Osaka City has launched an audit under the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act and is considering demanding repayment.Episode notes:‘Osaka Firm Suspected of Tens of Billions in Improper Disability Work Subsidies’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/07/osaka-firm-suspected-of-tens-of-billions-in-improper-disability-work-subsidies/
I am not a climate change denier, nor am I indifferent to environmental issues, but these types of cups are really difficult for me to use as a person with disabilities. The Golden Arches may not be the ‘environmental issue’ hill I wish to die on, but its going to be really difficult for me to go to McDonalds in Japan after November 19th.The fast-food chain said it will begin introducing a new lid design that eliminates the need for straws, starting Nov. 19, replacing the paper straws introduced in 2022.Episode notes:‘McDonald's Japan to stop using paper straws from November 19th 2025’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/04/mcdonalds-japan-to-stop-using-paper-straws-from-november-19th-2025/
A 43-year-old care worker at a facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture, has been arrested for indecent assault and is suspected of abusing 15 residents in total, the facility’s operator said Thursday. According to the social welfare corporation Gamounokai, which runs the Akane support facility, the worker admitted to acts including pinching, headbutting, and hiding stuffed toys from residents between April last year and August this year, saying he “couldn’t control [his] irritation.” All additional victims were men with disabilities, though no injuries were reported. The corporation has apologized to residents and families, and pledged measures such as stricter staff supervision and the installation of monitoring cameras to prevent further abuse.Episode notes:‘Care Facility Worker Suspected of Abusing Disabled Residents, 15 Possible Victims, Says He “Couldn’t Control His Frustration” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/01/care-facility-worker-suspected-of-abusing-disabled-residents-fr15-possible-victims-says-he-couldnt-control-his-frustration/
A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access. The couple then realized the company’s decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities.Episode notes:‘Tokyo couple denied housing after disabilities revealed’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/30/tokyo-couple-denied-housing-after-disabilities-revealed/
These groups cleverly approach university students, both on and off campus, using topics that interest them (social contribution, job hunting, international exchange, etc.), and subtly manipulate them through mind control, drawing them into their activities. Students may be forced to purchase expensive goods, separated from their families and friends, and have their student lives ruined.
The Japanese gaming industry is working to improve video game accessibility by developing equipment and systems that allow people with disabilities affecting their hands to play by using other parts of their body, such as their cheeks, feet and eyes. There were people playing games without using their hands at an area dedicated to accessibility at the Tokyo Game Show in the city of Chiba in September. Such an area was set up at the show for the first time.Episode notes:‘Japanese Gaming Industry Moves to Improve Accessibility’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/27/japanese-gaming-industry-moves-to-improve-accessibility/
Japan’s overall suicides fell to 20,320 in 2024, the second-lowest figure on record, but the number of schoolchildren who took their own lives rose to a record 529, government data showed. Suicides among junior high school students reached their highest level since statistics began in 1980, with school-related problems cited as the leading cause. The 2025 White Paper on Suicide Prevention noted that overdoses, including those involving over-the-counter drugs, were a major factor among young people, prompting plans to tighten restrictions on drug sales to minors. Despite the nationwide decline, experts warn the record student suicides reflect deepening mental health and social issues among Japan’s youth.Episode notes:‘Japan student suicides hit record high in 2024 despite overall decline':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/25/japan-student-suicides-hit-record-high-in-2024-despite-overall-decline/
As of Tuesday 21st October, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s new Cabinet appointed Kenichiro Ueno as health, labor and welfare minister and Hitoshi Kikawada as minister for children and population issues, but did not include a minister specifically in charge of elderly or disabled affairs, leaving those areas under the health ministry’s broader welfare framework.Episode notes:‘New Cabinet under Takaichi omits dedicated minister for elderly, disabled':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/22/new-cabinet-under-takaichi-omits-dedicated-minister-for-elderly-disabled/
Japanese public prosecutors on Wednesday 15th October sought the death penalty for Hideaki Nozu, who has been charged with killing three members of his family with a crossbow at his home in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, in June 2020.The prosecution said that Nozu's autism spectrum disorder did not significantly affect his motivation and that his acts were planned. The defendant maintained the capacity to control his actions and was fully competent, as he hesitated to carry out his plan, it said.Episode notes:‘Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Autistic Defendant over Fatal Crossbow Attack in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/20/prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-autistic-defendant-over-fatal-crossbow-attack-in-japan/
Unicharm Corp. announced on Wednesday 15th October it will begin a trial installation of free sanitary pad dispensers at 22 public facilities in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, in partnership with the local government. Running until Dec. 26, the initiative aims to support individuals who cannot afford menstrual products. While Unicharm provides the dispensers, Shibuya Ward will supply the sanitary napkins. The company, which has already introduced the dispensers in schools and businesses, expressed hopes of expanding the program through further cooperation with local governments.Episode notes: ‘Unicharm to Test Sanitary Pad Dispensers in Tokyo’s Shibuya’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/19/unicharm-to-test-sanitary-pad-dispensers-in-tokyos-shibuya/
In two separate incidents in Japan, vulnerable residents of care facilities tragically lost their lives under disturbing circumstances. In Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, a 38-year-old woman with disabilities died in December 2022 after suffering severe burns from overly hot bathwater during staff-assisted bathing. Three employees of the Hitakami-en facility have been referred to prosecutors for professional negligence resulting in death, as the water temperature was found to be dangerously high. Meanwhile, in Tsurugashima, Saitama Prefecture, two elderly women were found dead on October 15, hours after being discovered bleeding and unconscious in their care facility.Episode notes:‘Three Care Workers Referred to Prosecutors Over Fatal Burn Incident at Miyagi Care Facility’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/16/three-care-workers-referred-to-prosecutors-over-fatal-burn-incident-at-miyagi-care-facility/‘2 Women Found Bleeding at Saitama Elderly Care Facility Die, Former Employee Arrested’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/15/2-women-found-bleeding-at-saitama-elderly-care-facility-die/
A long-running bus service for people with disabilities in Saitama Prefecture will be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year due to a shortage of drivers and the wider availability of lift-equipped charter buses from private operators, the prefectural government said. The Oozora-go, a 40-seat bus donated over decades by Musashino Bank, has served thousands annually since 1973, offering affordable group travel for disability organizations. Advocates have expressed disappointment, saying the service promoted social participation for people with disabilities, while Governor Motohiro Ōno said the prefecture will consider alternative measures in light of user feedback and social changes.Episode notes:‘Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/13/bus-service-for-people-with-disabilities-to-be-discontinued-due-to-driver-shortage/
respectively.Episode notes:‘75 Percent Unaware of Dementia Basic Law Enactment According to Japan Government Survey’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/11/75-percent-unaware-of-dementia-basic-law-enactment-according-to-japan-government-survey/
The Mie prefectural government plans to create what it says will be Japan’s first ordinance with a penalty aimed at deterring customers from behaving abusively to workers.The ordinance would define customer abuse as excessive nuisances that go beyond social norms and harm employees’ working environment. Vicious behavior, such as shouting to demand an apology, would be classified as designated customer abuse. When a business files a complaint of customer abuse, the prefectural government will ask a panel including lawyers to investigate and seek opinions. The perpetrator will be fined if the order is not observed. The fine is likely to be about 500,000 yen.Episode Notes:‘Mie Eyes Japan’s 1st Rule with Penalty against Customer Abuse’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/08/mie-eyes-japans-1st-rule-with-penalty-against-customer-abuse/
Japan has entered the influenza season nationwide, marking the second-earliest beginning in the past 20 years, the health ministry said Friday. The number of flu patients reported from some 3,000 regularly monitored medical institutions across the country stood at 1.04 per institution in the week through Sunday 5th October.Episode notes:‘Flu Season Starts in Japan, 2nd Earliest in 20 Years’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/04/flu-season-starts-in-japan-2nd-earliest-in-20-years/
Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday 4th October, paving the way for her to become the nation’s next prime minister and Japan’s first female prime minister. At her first press conference, Takaichi vowed to form an inclusive leadership team, drawing on members from all generations, including her four rivals in the LDP race. Takaichi is expected to finalize executive appointments within the coming week.Episode notes:‘Sanae Takaichi Becomes New LDP Leader, Promises Economic Relief and Party Unity’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/05/sanae-takaichi-becomes-new-ldp-leader-promises-economic-relief-and-party-unity/
On September 26th, Kagoshima City took administrative action to revoke the disability welfare service designation of the "Employment Support Center Shichifukujin" (Takashi 2-chome), a Type B Continuing Employment Support Facility operated by the Social Welfare Corporation Tenyukai (Director: Yurika Nagata) in Murasakihara 5-chome, for fraudulently claiming training and other benefits. The city also ordered the repayment of 25,176,250 yen fraudulently claimed and received, plus additional payments totaling 35,240,631 yen. The revocation of the designation will take effect on September 30th.Episode notes:‘Kagoshima City Ordered to Repay 35 Million Yen, Disability Welfare Designation Revoked’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/28/kagoshima-city-ordered-to-repay-35-million-yen-disability-welfare-designation-revoked/
Tokyo police have arrested four people on suspicion of robbing and abusing a man in his 40s with a mild intellectual disability after forcing him to drink large amounts of whisky, the Metropolitan Police Department said Sept. 26. The suspects — a 22-year-old company worker from Shizuoka Prefecture, a 24-year-old woman from Tokyo, a 21-year-old university student from Hokkaido, and a 19-year-old male restaurant worker — allegedly met the victim through social media and conspired to exploit his condition. Police said the four made the man drink over 700 milliliters of whisky in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward in June, stole his smartphone and used about 100,000 yen in electronic money. They also filmed the incident, which included acts of sexual humiliation, and later abandoned the victim near his home and again in Shizuoka Prefecture. All four have admitted to the allegations, according to the police.Episode notes:‘4 in Japan accused of robbing intellectually disabled man after forcing him to drink’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/30/4-in-japan-accused-of-robbing-intellectually-disabled-man-after-forcing-him-to-drink/
Saou Ichikawa was born in 1979. Diagnosed in childhood with congenital myopathy, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness, and has used a ventilator since age 14. Ichikawa graduated in March 2023 from Waseda University’s School of Human Sciences correspondence program. Her thesis “The Reciprocal Influence Between the Representation of Disabled People and Real Society” won the Ono Azusa Memorial Academic Prize. Her debut novel “Hunchback” won the 169th Akutagawa Prize in July 2023. Her most recent book, to be published in September 2025 is “A Girl’s Spine”.Episode notes: ‘Akutagawa Prize Winning Author with Disabilities, Saou Ichikawa, Offers View on ‘Co-existence’ in Japan [Podcast Episode]’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/15/akutagawa-prize-winning-author-with-disabilities-saou-ichikawa-offers-view-on-co-existence-in-japan-podcast-episode/
To promote social participation for people with disabilities, on August 30th, the Yamanashi prefectural government held a fashion show at the Aeon Mall Kofu Showa in the town of Showa in the prefecture, featuring both professional models and models with disabilities.Episode notes:‘Models with Disabilities Walk Runway in Yamanashi Fashion Show, 14 People Participate in 4th Event’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/18/models-with-disabilities-walk-runway-in-yamanashi-fashion-show-14-people-participate-in-4th-event/
In response to the higher rate of disability pension denials last fiscal year compared to the year before, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted a detailed review of over 2,800 claims that had been denied between April and July last year. As a result, 124 of these cases were re-evaluated and will now be approved for payment. The ministry has announced it will continue to investigate recognition decisions and publish monthly updates on the progress.Episode notes:‘124 Previously Denied Disability Pension Claims Approved, Japan’s Health Ministry to Continue Review and Publish Monthly Updates’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/20/124-previously-denied-disability-pension-claims-approved-japans-health-ministry-to-continue-review-and-publish-monthly-updates/
Retired visually impaired swimmer Junichi Kawai was named the next commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency on Friday and will become the first Paralympian to assume the post when his appointment takes effect Oct. 1. Kawai expressed his determination to fulfill his role, saying at a press conference in Tokyo, “My goal is to build a society where citizens recognize the value and appeal of sports.” As it is rare for a government body to be led by someone who is totally visually impaired, he added, “The fact that someone like me has been appointed to this position shows that times have changed, and I hope this means a lot to many people.”Episode notes:‘Japan names 5-time Paralympic gold medalist Kawai to head sports agency’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/19/japan-names-5-time-paralympic-gold-medalist-kawai-to-head-sports-agency/
An expert panel of Japan's health ministry on Thursday approved over-the-counter sales of a drug to treat erectile dysfunction. It is expected that OTC sales of the drug will help spread opportunities for erectile dysfunction treatment as the male sexual dysfunction has major impacts on society, such as being a factor for declining birthrates.Episode notes:‘Japan Panel OKs 1st OTC Sales of Erectile Dysfunction Drug’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/19/japan-panel-oks-1st-otc-sales-of-erectile-dysfunction-drug/
A quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 rattled a group of small islands in southwestern Japan but no tsunami warning was issued, the country's weather agency said.The quake occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in waters near the Tokara island chain and its depth was very shallow, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, adding it measured lower 5 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 in Toshima, Kagoshima Prefecture.Episode notes: ‘M4.7 quake shakes southwestern Japan islands, no tsunami warning’ (Kyodo):https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/61207
Yasuhiko Funago, a former House of Councilors lawmaker with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, called on politicians to guarantee the right to "live until the end," in a recent written interview. The retired lawmaker of Reiwa Shinsengumi, an opposition party, served one six-year term in the Upper House before deciding not to seek re-election in this July's election.Episode notes:‘Ex-lawmaker with ALS calls on politicians to ensure right to live’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/16/ex-lawmaker-with-als-calls-on-politicians-to-ensure-right-to-live/
Saou Ichikawa was born in 1979. Diagnosed in childhood with congenital myopathy, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness, and has used a ventilator since age 14. Graduated in March 2023 from Waseda University’s School of Human Sciences correspondence program. Her thesis “The Reciprocal Influence Between the Representation of Disabled People and Real Society” won the Ono Azusa Memorial Academic Prize. Her debut novel “Hunchback” won the 169th Akutagawa Prize in July 2023. Her most recent book, to be published in September 2025 is “A Girl’s Spine”."Coexistence" is a word used in a variety of contexts, including the global environment, living things, and different cultures, but as a simple search for "coexistence society" reveals, in Japan it is a word that should primarily be used to consider the inclusion of people with disabilities. Japan, in particular, is the country where the horrific Sagamihara Massacre, a mass murder of disabled people, took place. If the meaning and obligation of using the word "symbiosis" in our country since that incident never crossed the minds of the planners and approvers of the Asahi Earth Conference 2024, then beyond feeling disappointed, I'm left with the suspicion that some more serious issue lies between "me" and you. By "me," I mean Ichikawa Saou.”Episode notes:‘Akutagawa Prize Winning Author with Disabilities, Saou Ichikawa, Offers View on ‘Co-existence’ in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/14/akutagawa-prize-winning-author-with-disabilities-saou-ichikawa-offers-view-on-co-existence-in-japan/'女の子の背骨'/'A Girl's Spine' (To Be Released 26 September 2025): https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/女の子の背骨-市川-沙央/dp/4163920218/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q_315cnhrTy1Zjrjd1zrbOQwXP-UJLt70rKPpxg3R8PGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.8JMjqZY9dmkTcTHCzcIwRX7YIecMh5m2a5lTa_gyKY8&qid=1757856265&sr=8-1
A 38-year-old woman with disabilities died after suffering severe burns while bathing at the Hitakami-en facility in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, police revealed. Kana Abe developed extensive skin damage following staff-assisted bathing in 2022, and later died in hospital from respiratory failure caused by burns covering 60 percent of her body. A facility report suggested the bathwater temperature was about 50 degrees Celsius. Police are investigating the incident on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death.Abe’s family sued the facility in February 2025 and the police are investigating two people who were in charge at the time, along with the person responsible for the site.Episode notes:‘38-Year-Old Woman Dies at Disability Facility After Bath at 50°C Causes Burns, Police Investigate Possible Negligence’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/09/38-year-old-woman-dies-at-disability-facility-after-bath-at-50c-causes-burns-police-investigate-possible-negligence/‘Further Details Emerge About Burns Victim at Ishinomaki Facility for People with Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/10/further-details-emerge-about-burns-victim-at-ishinomaki-facility-for-people-with-disabilities/
On September 3rd, Hiroyuki Nishimura (48), founder and former administrator of the online forum “2channel,” shared his personal views on why wages in the nursing care industry do not rise, during his podcast ‘Hiroyuki’s Killing Time Radio’. When asked, “I work in nursing care, why don’t wages go up?” Hiroyuki responded bluntly: “They don’t go up because it’s a job paid from taxes.” He added, “I understand that nursing care work is very tough. Let’s set that aside. The reality is that nursing care is work that even people without prior experience can do. Of course, there are skills involved, but fundamentally, it’s a job that can be done by people without experience.”Episode notes:‘“That’s ridiculous”: 2channel founder on why salary of Japanese caregivers doesn’t exceed average annual income’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/07/thats-ridiculous-2channel-founder-on-why-salary-of-japanese-caregivers-doesnt-exceed-average-annual-income/
Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry reported a slight decline in the number of disabled workers found to be abused by employers in fiscal 2024, even as reports of suspected cases increased. A total of 1,827 workers were the subject of abuse reports, down 1.5% from the previous year, while confirmed cases involved 652 people across 434 workplaces, a 14.3% drop. Most cases involved economic exploitation, such as unfair pay, with part-time and temporary workers most affected. Intellectual disabilities were the most common among victims. Labor bureaus responded mainly with guidance under labor laws, including the Minimum Wage Act.Episode notes:‘Abuse of Disabled Workers by Employers in Japan Fell by 1.5% in FY2024’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/05/abuse-of-disabled-workers-by-employers-in-japan-fell-by-1-5-in-fy2024/
The family of a pregnant woman who died after being hit by a vehicle in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, is urging prosecutors to recognize her newborn daughter Hinami, who was left severely disabled due to the accident, as a legal victim. Sayaka Togitani, 31, died two days after the incident on May 21st, and her daughter Hinami was delivered via emergency cesarean section but suffered brain damage from fetal hypoxia. While the 50-year-old driver has been indicted for negligent driving resulting in Sayaka’s death, no charges have been filed in relation to Hinami, as she was a fetus at the time under Japan’s Criminal Code. On September 2, Sayaka’s husband, Yudai, submitted a petition with over 112,000 signatures calling for prosecutors to also pursue charges for the injury to Hinami. At the driver’s first court hearing the same day, they admitted guilt and apologized, while Yudai emphasized the importance of acknowledging his daughter’s life and suffering.Episode notes:‘(Update) Nagoya Prosecutors Urged to Deem Girl, Hinami, Born Severely Disabled after Accident as Victim’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/04/update-nagoya-prosecutors-urged-to-deem-girl-hinami-born-severely-disabled-after-accident-as-victim/
Led by Dr. Ryotaro Hashizume of the Graduate School of Medicine, Unit for Genomic Manipulation and Technology Development, the team had successfully developed a technique to eliminate the extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells derived from individuals with Down syndrome. The condition, caused by trisomy 21, affects roughly one in every 700 births and leads to intellectual disabilities and other health complications.*Apologies for the sound quality halfway through the podcast.Episode notes:‘Mie University Researchers Develop Groundbreaking CRISPR Technique to Remove Extra Chromosome in Down Syndrome Cells’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/02/mie-university-researchers-develop-groundbreaking-crispr-technique-to-remove-extra-chromosome-in-down-syndrome-cells/
Japan Post announced that a contractor employee at the Nagasaki Central Post Office was dismissed after writing a discriminatory remark on a delivery notice left for an elderly customer with hearing difficulties. The incident occurred on July 29 and came to light two days later when the customer reported it. Japan Post staff visited the customer to apologize directly. The company stated there was no prior trouble between the two and pledged to strengthen human rights awareness to prevent a recurrence.Episode notes:‘Japan Post Apologizes After Delivery Contractor Writes Discriminatory Note to Hearing Impaired Customer’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/31/japan-post-apologizes-after-delivery-contractor-writes-discriminatory-note-to-customer/
A Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry survey has found that only about 10% of local governments have implemented caps on disability welfare services to prevent oversupply, despite rising demand. Around 40% said they were considering adopting the measure, while 30% opposed it, citing the need to respond flexibly when demand exceeds projections. The cap currently applies to residential facilities, day activity services, and two types of employment support, but whether to add group homes, whose numbers have surged in recent years has become a key issue.Episode notes:‘Only 10% of Municipalities Implement Caps on Disability Welfare Services, Japan’s Health Ministry Reports’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/28/only-10-of-municipalities-implement-caps-on-disability-welfare-services-japans-health-ministry-reports/
It has come to light through interviews with the organization operating a disability employment support facility in Aki City that the former executive director was certified by a regional union as having committed abuse, such as kicking a chair used by a facility user. The organization in question is Kochi Kizuna Farm, a general incorporated association that operates employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Aki City and Ino Town. According to the organization, the regional union conducted interviews with staff and others after receiving information that abuse was taking place at the facility in Aki City. The investigation confirmed that the former executive director, a man in his 50s, had kicked a user's chair and that a life support worker at the facility had also kicked a user.In addition, the facility was recognized for its role in preventing recidivism by accepting individuals with criminal records and was awarded a commendation by the Prime Minister last year.Episode notes:‘Former Executive Director Accused of Abusing Users at a Disability Employment Support Facility in Aki City’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/26/former-executive-director-accused-of-abusing-users-at-a-disability-employment-support-facility-in-aki-city/
A 73-year-old woman, a resident of a facility for the disabled in Kitaakita City, Akita, who was attacked by a bear late last month, passed away on the 20th. According to police, the cause of death was injuries to her head and face sustained during the attack and the deceased’s name was Hideko Miura (73). Hideko Miura was found bleeding and collapsed near the entrance to Tsutsuji, a group home for the intellectually disabled in Uesugi, Kitaakita City, around 11:00 PM on the 31st of July. Based on injuries to her head and face, it was suggested that she had been attacked by a bear. Miura was reportedly unconscious when transported to the hospital, but never regained consciousness and passed away on the morning of August 20th.According to Akita Prefecture, this is the first time this year that someone has died in a bear attack in the prefecture.Episode notes:‘Bear attacks woman outside disabled home in Akita’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/05/bear-attacks-woman-outside-disabled-home-in-akita/‘73-Year-Old Woman Dies After Bear Attack on Grounds of Akita Prefecture Facility for the Disabled’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/21/73-year-old-woman-dies-after-bear-attack-on-grounds-of-akita-prefecture-facility-for-the-disabled/
Digital technology is set to play an exciting role at the Tokyo Deaflympics in November, with organizers aiming to create an immersive experience that engages athletes and spectators with hearing impairments. Sounds such as those made when a ball is hit, or when fans cheer, are translated into onomatopoeic words and displayed at the table tennis venue during the Deaflympics. Monitors near the table display written characters in sync with the decisive moments of a match, offering a more immersive and visually engaging experience for spectators. An after-school day service facility for children with disabilities in Hiroshima City has been penalized after staff, including the operator’s representative, were found to routinely use wrestling moves, shouting, and hitting as a supposed form of “communication” with children—behaviour described by a former employee as a daily occurrence and treated as “part of a game.” Hiroshima City has suspended the operator Watanohana for three months.Episode Notes:‘Abuse was “part of a game” at Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Facing Administrative Action’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/21/abuse-was-part-of-a-game-at-hiroshima-support-facility-for-children-with-disabilities-facing-administrative-action/‘Deaflympics: Tech innovation to immerse athletes, spectators in sport’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/14/deaflympics-tech-innovation-to-immerse-athletes-spectators-in-sport/
In Hiroshima City, at a support facility that takes care of children with disabilities, abuse such as hitting a child on the buttocks was found to have occurred. In addition, improper receipt of benefit payments was confirmed. As a result, the city has taken administrative action, including revoking the operator’s authorization.Episode notes:‘After Cases of Abuse are Discovered, Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Faces Administrative Action’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/19/after-cases-of-abuse-are-discovered-hiroshima-support-facility-for-children-with-disabilities-faces-administrative-action/
Kobe City announced on August 14th, that in fiscal year 2024, it received a total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, and recognized one of them as a case of abuse. Following the revision of the Mental Health and Welfare Act, from fiscal year 2024 onward, prefectures and government-designated cities are required to publicly disclose the status of abuse occurring at psychiatric hospitals.Episode notes:‘Following Revision of Mental Health Legislation in 2024, Kobe City Receives 21 Reports, Recognizes 1 Case of Abuse of People with Disabilities at Psychiatric Hospitals’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/16/following-revision-of-mental-health-legislation-in-2024-kobe-city-receives-21-reports-recognizes-1-case-of-abuse-of-people-with-disabilities-at-psychiatric-hospitals/
t’s Obon! Although there is an interesting article about how In June, Japan enacted the Act on the Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language, a law aimed at advancing the acquisition and use of sign language and preserving sign language culture. Building on the 2011 amendment to the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities, which recognized sign language as a language, and the spread of local ordinances such as Kanagawa Prefecture’s 2015 Sign Language Ordinance, the new legislation clarifies the responsibilities of national and local governments. It mandates securing opportunities for learning sign language, training interpreters, enhancing education, and ensuring cultural transmission. The law has prompted municipalities such as Yokohama to strengthen interpreter placement and related services, while deaf advocacy groups are calling for further expansion, particularly the assignment of interpreters to all ward offices.Episode notes:‘Deaf Advocacy Groups in Japan Hopes New Law Leads to Expanded Support’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/14/deaf-advocacy-groups-in-japan-hopes-new-law-leads-to-expanded-support/
A disability rights group has submitted over 23,000 signatures to JR Kyushu, urging an investigation and stronger safety measures following the death of a visually impaired woman at Tsukumi Station in Ōita Prefecture three years ago. The woman was struck by a limited express train during unstaffed hours in December 2022. The group, comprising people with visual and physical disabilities, also delivered a written statement reflecting concerns from visually impaired passengers. During a meeting at JR Kyushu’s Ōita branch, members called for clear rescue protocols for falls from platforms. Co-representative lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda urged JR to take the voices of disabled passengers seriously.Episode notes:‘23,000 Sign Petition Demanding Safety Reforms After Death of Blind Woman at JR Tsukumi Station’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/09/23000-sign-petition-demanding-safety-reforms-after-death-of-blind-woman-at-jr-tsukumi-station/
Nagoya Mayor Hirosawa has apologized to disability groups for discriminatory comments made at a June 2023 public forum on barrier-free access in the planned wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle’s main keep. At the meeting, a wheelchair user’s request for an elevator was met with remarks such as “endure it” and “don’t confuse equality with selfishness,” along with a derogatory term, drawing applause from some attendees. Then-Mayor Kawamura and city officials present did not intervene, prompting public outrage. Following a review, the city pledged human rights training for staff, formal apologies, and measures to prevent a recurrence. Hirosawa said the city will work to balance historical authenticity with accessibility in the reconstruction plan.Episode notes:‘Discriminatory Comments Over Nagoya Castle Accessibility Towards Wheelchair User Prompts Mayor to Apologize’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/09/discriminatory-comments-over-nagoya-castle-accessibility-towards-wheelchair-user-prompts-mayor-to-apologize/
Officials of Kirishima City in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima, Japan, where many homes were flooded due to record rain on Friday, have begun inspecting the damage caused by the downpour. In the city, heavy rain emergency warnings were issued temporarily on Friday and many homes suffered flood damage. But details, such as the number of affected houses, are not yet known. A resident in his 70s whose home was flooded above the floor level said, "When I looked outside, the water came up to the height of my chest.” He added, "I took a day off from work on Friday to dispose of furniture that was submerged in water." A Kirishima city official says they will conduct a thorough inspection so that affected homes can be quickly restored. The inspections will continue on Sunday.Episode notes (NHK World):‘Flood damage assessment underway in Kirishima City, southwestern Japan’:https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250809_12/
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is considering creating a new framework to support elderly people who live alone and have no relatives they can depend on. The framework would cover hospital admission, entry into nursing homes and post-mortem procedures such as funerals. The ministry aims to launch the program in fiscal 2027 with an eye toward revising the Social Welfare Law next year.Episode notes:‘Japan to Launch Public Support System for Elderly Living Alone; Hospitalization, Nursing Homes, Funeral Arrangements Covered’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/05/japan-to-launch-public-support-system-for-elderly-living-alone-hospitalization-nursing-homes-funeral-arrangements-covered/
A woman was sent to hospital unconscious after an apparent bear attack outside a facility for people with disabilities, police said on Friday. More and more wild bears have been spotted in residential areas in Japan in recent years, resulting in a rising number of attacks and deaths. "A 73-year-old woman was found lying down with head injuries at the facility entrance on Thursday night," a local police spokesman in Akita Prefecture said. Emergency doctors told police they believed it was a bear attack based on the injuries the woman suffered, the spokesman said.Episode notes:‘Bear attacks woman outside disabled home in Akita’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/05/bear-attacks-woman-outside-disabled-home-in-akita/
When tsunami warnings were issued across parts of Japan on July 30, tens of thousands of residents were urged to evacuate coastal areas. However for some elderly and disabled people, evacuation proved either extremely difficult or impossible. An 80-year-old woman in Iwaki, caring for her 86-year-old husband who uses a wheelchair, explained her dilemma: “It’s physically impossible for me to push his wheelchair to the local elementary and junior high schools designated as evacuation centers. And there’s no way I’ll go and leave my husband behind.”Episode notes:‘Elderly and Disabled Struggled to Evacuate Amid Japan Tsunami Warnings’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/02/elderly-and-disabled-struggled-to-evacuate-amid-japan-tsunami-warnings/
The last remaining advisories, in place for Pacific coastal areas between Hokkaido and Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, as well as for Tokyo's Izu Islands and the Tanegashima and Yakushima islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, were lifted at 4:30 p.m on Thursday 31st July, roughly 32 hours after the quake.Severe Tropical Storm number nine ‘Krosa' will probably brush past the Kanto region of Japan late August 1st/early August 2nd.Episode notes:‘(Update) Tsunami Advisories Fully Lifted in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/01/update-tsunami-advisories-fully-lifted-in-japan/
All ’Tsunami Warnings’ are now lifted, and at the time of recording, only some ‘advisories’ for northern and eastern Japan remained.The government on Tuesday approved expanded disaster relief to better support the elderly and people with disabilities during emergencies, including armed attacks. There are concerns about disaster-related deaths, as some evacuees die due to their health deteriorating after evacuation. The government also sees a need to strengthen protection for evacuees in the event of armed attacks.Episode notes:‘Japan expands aid for the elderly and people with disabilities in emergencies’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/31/japan-expands-aid-for-the-elderly-and-people-with-disabilities-in-emergencies/
On Wednesday 30th July a tsunami warning of up to 3 meters issued for Japan's Pacific coast of up to 3 meters has been issued along Japan's Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Wakayama. This comes after an intense earthquake struck east of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.A magnitude 8.7 quake struck off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 8:25 AM Wednesday. The US Geological Survey says it struck at a depth of 18.2 kilometers.Episode notes:‘A tsunami warning of up to 3 meters has been issued along Japan's Pacific coast’ (NHK World):https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250730_80/
Japan has provided rehabilitation equipment to Ukraine to help support children with disabilities. More than 130 items are being delivered to the capital city of Kyiv through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The gear includes electric wheelchairs, and robot suits, which help wearers move their lower limbs with less effort. A handover ceremony was held at the rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in Kyiv on Tuesday 22nd July. Some children tried out the devices.Episode notes:‘Japan provides support for children with disabilities in Ukraine’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/28/japan-provides-support-for-children-with-disabilities-in-ukraine/
A memorial ceremony commemorating the victims of the 2016 mass stabbing at Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a care facility for people with disabilities, was held on Saturday July 26, marking nine years since the tragedy. The ceremony was organized by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, Sagamihara City, and the facility’s managing welfare organization, took place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. at the facility in Midori Ward, where 19 residents were killed and 26 injured in one of Japan’s worst mass killings.Kyodo reported that Kiyomitsu Nagai (age 55), the director of the facility, stood in front of the memorial altar alongside resident Masanao Shimada (also 55), and solemnly said, “You are, and will always be, irreplaceable.” At the flower offering table, people were seen placing flowers and praying, expressing their resolve: “We will not forget the incident.”Some political action groups also marked the day as a way to highlight injustices against people with disabilities and minority groups in general. In Kobe, the group ‘Remember 7.26 Kobe Action’ on July 25 held a ‘silent action’.Episode notes:‘Memorials and ‘Silent Action’ by Disability Rights Groups Mark Ninth Anniversary of Sagamihara Stabbings’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/26/memorials-and-silent-action-by-disability-rights-groups-mark-ninth-anniversary-of-sagamihara-stabbings/
In a prefectural facility for people with disabilities in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, 14 care workers physically abused residents, including hitting them forcefully. In response, the prefecture has issued an administrative punishment, suspending the intake of new residents for three months.According to the prefectural government, 14 male and female care workers in their 20s to 70s committed 40 acts of abuse against 18 residents between July and October of last year. These acts included forcefully hitting residents on the face or head for spilling food and kicking them in the legs while administering medication.Episode notes:‘14 Staff Members Abused Residents at Gifu Disability Support Facility, Intake Suspended for Three Months’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/24/14-staff-members-abused-residents-at-gifu-disability-support-facility-intake-suspended-for-three-months/
Sohei Kamiya, founder and prominent figure of the right-wing political party Sanseito, faced criticism from disability rights groups and medical experts in the lead up to the election after remarks made in a party-published booklet that denied the existence of developmental disabilities resurfaced.In the 2022 booklet Sanseito Q&A Book – Basics, Kamiya wrote, “If you provide the exact same education as for typical children, there’s no problem. Actually, developmental disabilities simply do not exist.” The booklet likened neurodevelopmental differences to personality quirks, using fictional characters from Doraemon as examples.Episode Notes:‘Sanseito Leader Kamiya Claimed Developmental Disabilities “do not exist” in 2022 Pamphlet’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/22/sanseito-leader-kamiya-claimed-developmental-disabilities-do-not-exist-in-2022-pamphlet/
Election time is over and yes the right wing party Sanseito made gains, winning about 14 seats. In other news, Japan's central and local governments are required under a new law to take steps to promote the use of sign language, aiming to build momentum ahead of hosting the Deaflympics in November. The law took effect on June 25 following the approval in parliament of legislation drafted by cross-party lawmakers. It marks the first time Japan has enacted a law specifically on sign language, according to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. Calling the legislation "historic," the Japanese Federation of the Deaf said in a statement it is "deeply moved" when thinking of the predecessors who worked tirelessly to raise awareness of sign language.Episode notes:‘Japan to promote sign language with new law ahead of Deaflympics’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/21/japan-to-promote-sign-language-with-new-law-ahead-of-deaflympics/
Hyoshim Maeng, a North Korean defector now living in South Korea, is drawing attention to the treatment of people with disabilities under the Kim regime. Her mother, who contracted polio as a child, lived without state support in North Korea. The family fled the country in 2018. Hyoshim Maeng now advocates for disability rights, describing widespread stigma, minimal access to education, and limited mobility. Her account highlights the gap between official narratives and lived realities for disabled people in North Korea.Episode Notes:‘North Korean Defector: Disabled “simply cannot survive in society” under Kim Regime’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/18/north-korean-defector-disabled-simply-cannot-survive-in-society-under-kim-regime/
Friday 18th July is two days before election day for the Upper House in Japan on Sunday 20th July. Here are some sounds of the parties canvassing for votes in Kobe and Kyoto.
Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric -- often lacking a factual basis -- gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.Episode notes:‘Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/14/foreigners-at-center-of-debate-in-japans-tense-election-campaign/
In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that "one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities." They called for "immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”Episode notes:‘“Standards far removed from the real life of people with disabilities”: Japan’s Lawyers Call for Review of Disability Certification Standards’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/12/standards-far-removed-from-the-real-life-of-people-with-disabilities-japans-lawyers-call-for-review-of-disability-certification-standards/
During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy’s intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don’t save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honours patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions.Episode notes:‘Sanseito’s Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity’ Legislation’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/10/sanseitos-leader-kamiya-calls-for-self-funded-end-of-life-healthcare-and-death-with-dignity-legislation/
Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Partyit was somewhat unexpected when Disability News Japan, a foreign resident in Kobe was handed a leaflet by one of Japan’s more recently established and increasingly vocal political parties: Sanseito (参政党). Bright orange and emblazoned with the slogan “Don’t destroy Japan any further” (これ以上、日本を壊すな), the leaflet’s assertive tone immediately stood out. It promotes a platform built around the phrase “Japanese People First” (日本人ファースト), and outlines what the party calls its “three pillars” and “nine policies.”Episode notes:‘Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Party’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/08/encountering-sanseito-japans-new-right-wing-populist-party/*Correction: ‘Sanseito’ was formed in 2020 and won 1 seat in the House of Councillors in 2022 not a ‘couple’ as was stated in the podcast.
The Mainichi Shimbun has obtained images from a video showing residents at a facility for people with disabilities in Goshogawara city , Aomori being slapped across the face. In another image, a resident is being struck.Episode notes:‘Images show repeated abuse suspected at facility for people with disabilities in Aomori’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/05/images-show-repeated-abuse-suspected-at-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-in-aomori/‘Repeated abuse suspected at facility for people with disabilities in north Japan city’ (Mainichi original article with video, July 1st 2025):https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250701/p2a/00m/0na/007000c
Is Japan going to sink to the bottom of the ocean on July 5th? No. But there is fun with podcasts to be had; although there are earthquakes off the coast of Kagoshima.A manga by Ryo Tatsuki published in 1999, ‘The Future I Saw (私が見た未来)’ included reference to a “great disaster in March 2011,” which has since convinced a small but vocal cult of believers that her dreams are direct memos from the universe, only slightly less vague than your daily horoscope. In her revised edition, she claims she dreamed of a giant seaquake on July 5, 2025, somewhere in the waters between Japan and the Philippines, followed by a tsunami (tidal wave) of biblical proportions.Fingers crossed Disability News Japan will be podcasting on July 6th 2025!
On July 2nd, Goshogawara city conducted a second investigation following the one in June, following suspicions that a disability support facility in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, had physically abused residents. The city conducted an investigation on June 26, including interviewing those involved with the facility, but was unable to identify the suspected abuser or the resident who was abused, so city officials visited the facility on the 2nd and conducted a re-investigation. The facility has 39 residents from within and outside the prefecture, and about 50 staff members. In response to an interview by Aomori Television on July 1st, the facility said it was "confirming the facts.”Episode notes:‘Second Investigation Conducted Over Abuse at Disability Support Facility in Aomori Prefecture’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/03/second-investigation-conducted-over-abuse-at-disability-support-facility-in-aomori-prefecture/
A Japanese court on Friday sentenced a woman to three years in prison, suspended for four years, for injuring eight students in a hammer attack at a university campus in suburban Tokyo. The court found Yoo Ju Hyun, a 23-year-old South Korean, guilty of injuring the students on Jan. 10 at Hosei University's Tama Campus in Machida. The presiding judge put her actions down to a mental disorder she was suffering.Episode notes: ‘Woman handed suspended term over hammer attack at Japan univ. campus’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/28/woman-handed-suspended-term-over-hammer-attack-at-japan-univ-campus/
The number of mental disorder cases recognized as work-related in Japan rose by 172 in fiscal 2024 to 1,055, marking a record high for the sixth straight year, the government said Wednesday, with harassment by superiors cited as the leading cause. Of the total, 88 cases involved suicides or suicide attempts in the fiscal year that ended in March, up nine from the previous year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.Episode notes:‘Japan work-related mental illness cases top 1,000, record for 6th year’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/25/japan-work-related-mental-illness-cases-top-1000-record-for-6th-year/
Early on the morning of June 24th, a man in his 70s was found dead on the grounds of an apartment complex in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, and two other people, a man and a woman in their 70s, were found dead in the room where the man is believed to have lived. Investigators said a note was found saying "I'm going to take my disabled brother and my beloved wife with me," and police are investigating the possibility that the man attempted a murder-suicide.Episode notes:‘“I’m going to take my disabled brother and wife with me”: Three die in possible murder-suicide in Chiba Prefecture’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/25/im-going-to-take-my-disabled-brother-and-wife-with-me-three-die-in-possible-murder-suicide-in-chiba-prefecture/
The Izumisano Welfare Association, a social welfare corporation operating 28 disability welfare facilities in Osaka Prefecture (chaired by Hirofumi Muroi), has created a program titled “Parent-Child Mirai Work: A Guide to Everyone’s Path to Jiritsu (Independence) from a Lifewide Learning Perspective”, which helps both young people with disabilities and their parents learn about “jiritsu” (independence). The word “jiritsu” is written in hiragana to avoid making the concept seem overly complicated. The program summarizes the results of a two-year project supported by the Nippon Foundation.Episode notes:‘Izumisano Welfare Association in Osaka Runs Program for People with Disabilities and Their Parents to Learn “Jiritsu” (Independence)’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/21/izumino-welfare-association-in-osaka-runs-program-for-people-with-disabilities-and-their-parents-to-learn-jiritsu-independence/
Individual evacuation plans are plans that determine in advance where and how elderly and disabled people who have difficulty evacuating on their own will evacuate in the event of a disaster. It has been four years since municipalities became obligated to create individual evacuation plans, but a national summary has revealed that only just over 10% of municipalities have created plans for most of the residents who are eligible. It has been a legal obligation for all municipalities for the past four years.Episode notes:‘Barely more than 10% of municipalities in Japan have created evacuation plans for individual elderly and disabled persons’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/22/barely-more-than-10-of-municipalities-in-japan-have-created-evacuation-plans-for-individual-elderly-and-disabled-persons/
House of Councillors lawmaker Yasuhiko Funago, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, held a press conference on Tuesday and announced his intention not to seek another term in this summer’s Upper House election and to retire from politics. At the press conference in the Diet building, a statement prepared by Funago, 67, also deputy leader of the opposition Reiwa Shinsengumi party, was read using the automatic speech function of a personal computer, as he is unable to use his own voice.Episode notes:‘Reiwa Shinsengumi Lawmaker with ALS to Retire’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/18/reiwa-shinsengumi-lawmaker-with-als-to-retire/
A 39-year-old businesswoman in Tokyo has been working to help disabled people get jobs in an effort to create a society that recognizes the value of all people. Rie Usui now runs the talent agency ‘Accessibeauty’ for people with disabilities.Episode notes:‘Tokyo Woman Working to Help Disabled People Get Jobs’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/14/tokyo-woman-working-to-help-disabled-people-get-jobs/‘Accessibeauty’ Website:https://accessibeauty.co.jp
Japan’s top court rejected an appeal on Thursday 12th June by a doctor convicted of consensually killing a woman, Yuri Hayashi, 51, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2019 in Kyoto, western Japan, finalizing his 18-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court's Second Petty Bench rejected arguments that found Yoshikazu Okubo, 47, guilty of aiding another's suicide would violate the constitutional right to self-determination.Episode notes:‘Top court rejects appeal by doctor over euthanasia of ALS patient’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/12/japans-top-court-rejects-appeal-by-doctor-over-euthanasia-of-als-patient/
A child victim of forced sterilization under Japan’s now-defunct eugenics protection law said the surgery ruined his life, as he described his experiences at a U.N. event on disability rights on Tuesday 10th June in New York.“Because of the surgery, my life was thrown completely off course,” the 82-year-old man, who uses the pseudonym Saburo Kita, said at the event linked to a United Nations conference on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Episode notes:‘Japanese man tells U.N. forced sterilization at 14 ruined his life’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/11/japanese-man-tells-u-n-forced-sterilization-at-14-ruined-his-life/
In Japan, a growing number of people with dementia are going missing each year, with many tragically found dead close to where they disappeared—491 in 2024 alone. Efforts to prevent such outcomes include the promotion of GPS tracking devices and the introduction of an orange “dementia help mark,” designed to alert others that the wearer may need assistance. Despite these initiatives, individual cases like that of Yasuko Arakawa—a woman with rare semantic dementia who vanished in 2023 and remains missing—highlight the emotional toll on families and the urgent need for greater public awareness, early intervention, and nationwide support systems in a rapidly aging society.Episode Notes:‘Despite Technology, Japan Faces Challenges with its Dementia and Disappearance Problem’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/09/despite-technology-japan-faces-challenges-with-its-dementia-and-disappearance-problem/
The Japanese government said Friday 6th June that it will deny entry of foreign tourists who have failed to pay medical expenses in the country in the past. The government also said that medium-and long-term foreign residents who have failed to pay national health insurance or pension premiums in Japan will not be allowed to renew their period of stay or change their status of residence.Episode notes:‘Japan to Deny Entry of Foreigners with Unpaid Medical Bills’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/06/japan-to-deny-entry-of-foreigners-with-unpaid-medical-bills/
On May 30th, the Japanese government held the first event to deepen understanding of people with disabilities, "Tomotomo Festa 2025," at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who attended the opening ceremony, said, "We must make it the norm to have spaces where people can interact with each other regardless of whether they have a disability or not.”Episode notes:‘Japan’s PM Ishiba: “We must make it the norm to have spaces where people can interact with each other regardless of whether they have a disability” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/01/japans-pm-ishiba-we-must-make-it-the-norm-to-have-spaces-where-people-can-interact-with-each-other-regardless-of-whether-they-have-a-disability/
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party) agreed Thursday 29th May to remove up to 110,000 redundant hospital beds across the country, in an effort to reduce social security costs. The three parties will formalize the agreement soon, aiming to include the reduction in the government's upcoming economic and fiscal policy guidelines, which will be adopted in June. Nippon Ishin estimates that reducing 110,000 hospital beds would save around 1 trillion yen in medical costs. "The three parties share the same recognition (about the effect of reducing hospital beds)," Ryohei Iwatani, secretary-general of the party, told reporters after meeting with officials from the LDP and Komeito earlier on the day.Episode notes: ‘LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin Agree to Reduce Hospital Beds’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/30/ldp-komeito-nippon-ishin-agree-to-reduce-hospital-beds/
Half of people with mental disabilities or developmental disabilities in Japan have experienced problems using trains, but only 10% have requested reasonable accommodation from train staff, according to a survey conducted by the mental disability group Polke on May 2nd. The revised Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, which came into force in April 2024, requires private businesses, including trains, to provide reasonable accommodation, but the survey report points out that only 10% of people have requested reasonable accommodation, which is a "very serious problem." It recommended that training for disabled people's organizations and train staff to learn together needs to be improved.Episode notes: ‘Despite Half of Commuters with Disabilities Experiencing Problems Using Trains in Japan, Only 10% of People with Mental Disabilities Request Reasonable Accommodation’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/24/despite-half-of-commuters-with-disabilities-experiencing-problems-using-trains-in-japan-only-10-of-people-with-mental-disabilities-request-reasonable-accommodation/
NHK reported on May 28th that the city of Higashiosaka announced that it has decided to revoke the designation of two offices operated by a nonprofit organization (NPO) providing employment support for people with disabilities, after determining that they fraudulently received over 120 million yen in subsidies by falsifying service provision records. The city is also demanding repayment of the funds. One of the offices responded to inquiries by stating that it plans to contest the decision in court and will seek a reassessment of the penalties.Episode Notes:‘Higashiosaka Disability Employment Support Providers Penalized for Fraudulent Claims; Providers Dispute Allegations’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/28/higashiosaka-disability-employment-support-providers-penalized-for-fraudulent-claims-providers-dispute-allegations/
It was learned on the 25th through interviews with involved parties that the Japan Pension Service (JPS) secretly re-evaluated over a thousand cases that had previously been denied disability pension benefits in fiscal 2024, as part of an internal review following media reports. Normally, such cases are not re-evaluated, making this an unusual move.In response to inquiries, the JPS denied the allegations, stating, “There are no such facts.” However, Kyodo News has confirmed the existence of internal documents indicating that re-evaluations are being conducted. Some staff members have said, “The JPS’s response is false.”Episode Notes: ‘Secret Re-evaluation of Disability Pension Cases Following Media Reports – Over 1,000 Denials Reviewed by Japan Pension Service’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/26/secret-re-evaluation-of-disability-pension-cases-following-media-reports-over-1000-denials-reviewed-by-japan-pension-service/
In a survey conducted in 2022 by the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo), 68.4% of respondents said they were “troubled” by the digitalization of government and businesses. In addition to self-checkouts, there were also many responses citing image authentication for internet banking and login operations using one-time passwords.Toyoharu Yoshiizumi (67), head of the information department at the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (and himself visually impaired), pointed out, "As digitalization progresses, we are being left behind." He said the increase in unmanned stores is also a concern, saying, "Without store clerks, reasonable consideration cannot be given. I think it is difficult for businesses, but I would like them to improve the environment so that visually impaired people can use the facilities.”Episode Notes:‘“We are being left behind”: Visually Impaired People in Japan Struggle with Digitalization’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/22/we-are-being-left-behind-visually-impaired-people-in-japan-struggle-with-digitalization/
Japan’s Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Takamaro Fukuoka announced that he will investigate the actual situation and make the results public in one month. The incident began with a Kyodo News report dated April 28th. The report stated that the number of people who were denied disability pensions in fiscal 2024 is more than double the number in fiscal 2023, reaching about 30,000. It has also been mentioned that the requirements have become stricter since the director of the Japan Pension Service Disability Pension Center was replaced in October 2023, and that centre staff may be inducing doctors to deny pensions. Episode Notes:‘Doubts over doubling of disability pension denials: Minister Fukuoka will “investigate the actual situation and make it public” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/22/doubts-over-doubling-of-disability-pension-denials-minister-fukuoka-will-investigate-the-actual-situation-and-make-it-public/
Your intelligence stopped at the third grade of elementary school" -- the rapper and comedian from ‘Sapporo’s Gag Man’ from Sapporo, (28), was told these shocking words by a teacher in the summer of his first year of junior high school. He was diagnosed with intellectual disability and panic disorder. How did his life change after his disability was discovered? Here is an excerpt from his new book, "Not Normal: Why I'm a Rapper, Even though My Intelligence Stopped in Third Grade.”Episode Notes:‘ “Your intelligence stopped at the third grade of elementary school” Sapporo rapper (28) with an intellectual disability writes about “the sadness of living as a disabled person” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/19/your-intelligence-stopped-at-the-third-grade-of-elementary-school-sapporo-rapper-28-with-an-intellectual-disability-writes-about-the-sadness-of-living-as-a-disabled-person/
In the wake of three employees being arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for luring a man they met through a matching app to a restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo, forcing him to pay 1.1 million yen in cash and other charges in a scam; a man in his 20s who was a victim of the “rip-off” scam by the recently arrested group spoke to NHK. The man has a level two visual impairment and usually uses a white cane when walking outside.Episode Notes:‘Japan’s Disability Dating App Scammers: Man with Visual Impairment Speaks Out’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/17/japans-disability-dating-app-scammers-man-with-visual-impairment-speaks-out/
Children in Japan continue to suffer poor mental health, with the country ranking 32nd among 43 developed and emerging nations due to high suicide rates and other factors, a UNICEF report released Wednesday showed. The country improved from 37th in 2020 when the ranking was last published, although this time the suicide rate among Japanese youth was the fourth highest among wealthy states surveyed, worsening from 12th.Episode notes:‘Japanese kids’ mental health ranks poorly among rich nations: UNICEF’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/15/japanese-kids-mental-health-ranks-poorly-among-rich-nations-unicef/
A woman, aged in her 80s, lives in the city of Suzuka in western Japan's Mie Prefecture. She has an artificial bladder due to cancer and so is unable to work. Her son, with whom she lived before he passed away, suffered from an intractable disease and required canes to walk. Both had disability certificates. The woman had been receiving welfare since August 2019, but in September 2022, the payments abruptly stopped. Subsequent district and high court rulings accepted the mother and son's claims, and ordered the city to rescind its decision, although the city appealed the ruling.Episode Notes:‘Elderly and Disabled Woman in Mie Banned from Using Car for “overuse” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/11/elderly-and-disabled-woman-in-mie-banned-from-using-car-for-overuse/
Maeng Hyo-shim was born and raised in North Korea before she and her family defected in 2018. She graduated from high school in South Korea and is currently attending Seoul Women's University. She works to raise awareness within the international community about the human rights situation in North Korea and was recently interviewed by NHK on the situation people with disabilities face in North Korea.Episode Notes:‘Defector spotlights disability struggles in N.Korea’ (Original NHK Interview):https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20250508215833707/
A free app developed by an Osaka company is steadily helping more disabled people around Japan avoid potential aggravations and delays when they seek special benefits and services.Episode Notes:‘Digital disability certificates replace vexing paper versions’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/08/digital-disability-certificates-replace-vexing-paper-versions/‘Mirairo’ Website (In English): https://www.mirairo.co.jp/en/
Actress Ryoko Hirosue has announced a suspension of all entertainment activities after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, following hospitalization in Tokyo. The announcement comes after an incident in April where she was involved in a car accident and allegedly kicked a nurse, leading to her arrest and an ongoing police investigation. Her agency confirmed that she will continue outpatient treatment and focus on her recovery, while also cooperating fully with authorities, stating they do not attribute her actions solely to her illness and are committed to responding sincerely.Episode Notes:‘ ‘Departures’ Actress Ryōko Hirosue Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Suspends “all entertainment activities” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/05/departures-actress-ryoko-hirosue-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder-suspends-all-entertainment-activities/
The estimated number of children under 15 in Japan as of April 1 fell by 350,000 from a year before to 13.66 million, down for the 44th consecutive year, the internal affairs ministry said Sunday. The country's child population hit the lowest level since comparable data became available in 1950. The ministry released the data a day before Children's Day.Episode Notes:‘Japan Child Population Falls for 44th Straight Year’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/04/japan-child-population-falls-for-44th-straight-year/
The legislation for revisions to child welfare and other laws in Japan is designed to make it easier to restrict meetings of parents with their children under the protection of child consultation centers. Following the revisions, it will be possible to place such restrictions on parents and other guardians in cases in which abuse is suspected but not yet officially recognized. This will help prevent centers from falling into trouble with parents.Episode Notes:‘Japan Enacts Bill to Better Protect Kids from Abuse’ (April 18 2025):https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/19/japan-enacts-bill-to-better-protect-kids-from-abuse/
In response to a Kyodo News report that the number of people being denied Japan’s national disability pension has surged in fiscal 2024, the National Federation of Associations for the Support of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Zenkoku Te o Tsunagu Ikuseikai Rengōkai), which consists of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, issued a protest statement by May 2, saying, “If the report is true, it cannot be overlooked.” The organization is demanding that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare verify the facts and publicly disclose the results.Episode Notes:‘Protest Statement Issued by Japan National Intellectual Disability Organization Over Sharp Increase in Disability Pension Denials’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/03/protest-statement-issued-by-japan-national-intellectual-disability-organization-over-sharp-increase-in-disability-pension-denials/
One year after Japan’s revised ‘Act for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities’ came into effect—mandating that businesses provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities—surveys show that public awareness remains low, with 60% of disabled respondents unaware of the new legal obligation. Experts stress that without such awareness, meaningful dialogue and support cannot occur, and call for stronger government-led information efforts.Episode Notes:‘One Year After Japan’s Disability Discrimination Laws Were Revised, 60% of Disabled Are Unaware of Rights’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/30/one-year-after-japans-disability-discrimination-laws-were-revised-60-of-disabled-are-unaware-of-rights/
A mother in Hiroshima reported that her 21-year-old autistic son was mistakenly accused of groping on a bus after failing to respond to a woman’s request to move, highlighting how individuals with developmental disabilities are often misjudged due to difficulties with communication and social cues; although the police confirmed no wrongdoing through surveillance footage, the emotional impact remains, prompting calls for greater public awareness and understanding—especially through visible aids like the “Help Mark”—to prevent such distressing incidents.Episode Notes: ‘“I’m in shock”: Autistic Man in Hiroshima Mistaken for Molester, Reported to Police’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/30/im-in-shock-autistic-man-in-hiroshima-mistaken-for-molester-reported-to-police/
Tuesday 29th April was both ‘Showa Day’ and Michael Gillan Peckitt’s of the Disability News Japan Podcast birthday. Unusually he had to work that day, but he made a brief podcast on the way home about recent news regarding the book depicting neurodivergent people as animals.Episode notes:‘Amidst Controversy Over Book Depicting Neurodivergent People as Animals, Publisher Changes Author’s Credentials’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/27/amidst-controversy-over-book-depicting-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-publisher-changes-authors-credentials/
As Golden Week approaches with Showa Day on April 29th, ‘Barrier Free Japan’ & ‘Disability News Japan’ has been busy! Here is a digest of recent news stories about disability issues in Japan.*Apologies for the background noise, it is why Disability News Japan sometimes engages ‘AI mode’.‘Digitalized Osaka Expo Troubling Elderly Visitors’ (April 19):https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/20/__trashed-7/‘Nippon Foundation Estimates 360,000 Young People in Japan have been Diagnosed with Developmental Disorders’ (April 24):https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/26/nippon-foundation-estimates-360000-young-people-in-japan-have-been-diagnosed-with-developmental-disorders/‘Amidst Controversy Over Book Depicting Neurodivergent People as Animals, Publisher Changes Author’s Credentials’: (April 27):https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/27/amidst-controversy-over-book-depicting-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-publisher-changes-authors-credentials/
A group home for people with disabilities located in Uruma City has been found to be operating without meeting required standards and allegedly overcharging for service benefits. The prefectural government has announced that it will revoke the facility’s designation as a disability welfare service provider.According to the prefecture, from the time the facility was designated as a disability welfare service provider in August two years ago until an audit conducted in November last year, the home had delegated operations to another organization, with the official manager failing to carry out oversight duties. Furthermore, it failed to create individualized support plans for users, among other violations of operational standards.Episode Notes:‘Okinawa Group Home for People with Disabilities Suspected of Overcharging without Meeting Standards has Designation Revoked’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/24/okinawa-group-home-for-people-with-disabilities-suspected-of-overcharging-without-meeting-standards-has-designation-revoked/
Publisher Mikasa Shobo released a press statement on April 18th addressing the criticisms of the book ‘Psychological Techniques to Skillfully Handle 'Difficult' People in the Workplace' by Yuko Kanda ahead of its publication on April 22nd.Episode Notes: ‘Ahead of Going On Sale Publisher of Controversial Book Depicting Neurodivergent People as Animals and as ‘Difficult’ Responds to Criticism’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/21/ahead-of-going-on-sale-publisher-of-controversial-book-depicting-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-and-as-difficult-responds-to-criticism/
A new book by the counselor Yuko Kanda, that categorizes people suffering from conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, depression, and trauma disorders as animals — and portrays them as “troublesome people in the workplace” — is drawing strong backlash for promoting discriminatory views. The book claims to be packed with “techniques for winning without fighting.”Episode Notes:‘ “ASD is a sloth, ADHD is a monkey, trauma disorder is a sheep” New Book by Japanese Counselor Classifying Neurodivergent People as Animals Sparks Controversy’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/19/asd-is-a-sloth-adhd-is-a-monkey-trauma-disorder-is-a-sheep-new-book-by-japanese-counselor-classifying-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-sparks-controversy/
On April 15th, Musashino Higashi Gakuen, an educational corporation based in Tokyo renowned for its inclusive educational model, filed a lawsuit seeking 725.72 million yen in damages. The lawsuit names several defendants, including individuals affiliated with an association purporting to protect the school, parents and guardians of graduates from its advanced vocational school, along with a reporter from the ‘Weekly Bunshun.’*Clarification: Musashino Higashi Gakuen is seeking at least 725.72 million yen as stated in the initial report in the podcast - not 750 million yen as mentioned in the editorial comment made in the second part of the podcast, although it is unclear whether the 33 million claimed specifically by the Chairman (with possible further damages claims to be made) are part of the initial 725.72 million yen defamation claim.Episode notes:‘Scandal-Hit ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School Files Suit Against Parents Association and Reporter After Concerns Raised Over New Chairman’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/17/scandal-hit-inclusive-school-files-suit-against-parents-association-and-reporter-after-concerns-raised-over-new-chairman/
Barrier Free Japan is now freed from hospital! After a stay during there the weekend after an ‘episode’ on Friday after work, he is out!Apologies for the audio quality , but I thought it was still worth posting to reassure those who listen to the podcast or read the blog and sorry for the rather overly vague description of what happened. As I say in the podcast, it is not infectious or communicable, but outside of the West (and even in some countries in it) there is still some stigma towards it.And of course Japanese hospital staff rock!
In the appeal trial of a lawsuit where a visually impaired couple residing in Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, is seeking damages from the prefectural police, alleging that police officers entered their home without permission, the prefectural police have newly asserted that "(even without sight) the movements of police officers can be understood by the sounds of their equipment.”Episode Notes:‘Yokohama Couple Files Damages Lawsuit: Police Officers Enter Visually Impaired Person’s Home Without Permission’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/09/yokohama-couple-files-damages-lawsuit-police-officers-enter-visually-impaired-persons-home-without-permission/
The US has imposed an import ban on solar salt products produced by a Korean company, citing “forced labour.” This is the first time that a foreign government has banned the import of a Korean company’s products for the reason that they were made using forced labour.Since 2014, suspicions of human trafficking and forced labor of intellectually disabled people have emerged in salt fields in Sinan-gun, including Taipyeong Salt Fields. In 2022, victims of forced labour in salt fields spoke to the media, saying things like "I ran away but was caught" and "I was beaten." The US has imposed an import ban on solar salt products produced by a Korean company, citing "forced labour." This is the first time that a foreign government has banned the import of a Korean company's products for the reason that they were made using forced labour.Episode Notes:' “Disabled people forced to work at Taepyeong Salt Fields in Korea” – US Imposes Import Ban’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/08/disabled-people-forced-to-work-at-taipyeong-salt-fields-in-korea-us-imposes-import-ban/
The Japan Branch of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) has announced that Shoji Nakanishi, a former Chair and long‑serving Standing Committee member of DPI Japan, died on March 26, 2025. Nakanishi founded Japan’s first ‘Independent Living Centre’ in 1986.Episode Notes:‘Shoji Nakanishi, Founder of Japan’s First Independent Living Centre, Dies Aged 80’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/06/shoji-nakanishi-founder-of-japans-first-independent-living-centre-dies-aged-80/
In 2024, at a vocational high school run by Musashino Higashi Gakuen in Musashino City, a male board chairman was sent for indictment on suspicion of coercion for forcing a female student, then in her third year, to write an apology letter. On the 2nd, the Tachikawa branch of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office announced that he would not be prosecuted. The decision is effective as of March 31, and no reasons have been disclosed.And yes, Barrier Free Japan has been published in the online publication ‘Unseen Japan.’Episode Notes:‘Parents Say Tokyo School Once Safe for Autistic Kids Is In “Crisis’ (Unseen Japan):https://unseen-japan.com/musashino-higashi-gakuen-school-crisis/‘Prosecutors Decide Not to Prosecute ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School Chairman Over Coercion of Female Student’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/03/prosecutors-decide-not-to-prosecute-inclusive-tokyo-school-chairman-over-coercion-of-female-student/
Parents of students attending Musashino Higashi Gakuen raised concerned about the appointment of Kenzo Matsumura as early as February 2024. In their change.org petition, parents express their concerns that the school as a “safe haven for our children is in a deep state of crisis, and with an ever growing concern about the future of our school”.Episode Notes:‘Parents Raised Concerns Early About Appointment of Chairman at ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School, Alleging Harassment and Threats by Chairman’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/31/parents-raised-concerns-early-about-appointment-of-chairman-at-inclusive-tokyo-school-alleging-harassment-and-threats-by-chairman/‘Signature campaign calling for Hazuki Loupe Chairman Kenzo Matsumura to step down as Musashino Higashi Gakuen director’ (change.org petition):https://www.change.org/p/ハズキルーペ会長松村謙三氏の武蔵野東学園理事退任を要請する署名活動?recruited_by_id=0db854b0-0016-11f0-8ec4-877224ff1059
Musashino Higashi Gakuen is an educational corporation that has two kindergartens, an elementary school, a junior high school, and a higher vocational school under its umbrella and is known for its inclusive education model, in which children with and without autism study together. A teacher at Musashino Higashi Gakuen says this with a grim resolve: “For the sake of the students and parents who remain, even though the school has had so many problems since the president was replaced, all the remaining teachers have no choice but to do what they can.”Episode Notes:‘Confusion Reigns Amid Mass Teacher Resignations at ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School Just Prior to New School Year’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/28/confusion-reigns-amid-mass-teacher-resignations-at-inclusive-tokyo-school-just-prior-to-new-school-year/*Apologies for the sound quality in the second part of the podcast, it sounds like I’m speaking in a tunnel, but I thought the audio was clear enough to put the episode out.
A school operator in the Tokyo suburbs required parents of newly enrolled students to submit a written pledge promising not to leak internal school information to outside parties, sources have told the Mainichi Shimbun.Musashino Higashi Gakuen is known for its inclusive education model, in which children with and without autism study together. Some parents have noted that "few places offer inclusive education for children with autism," amid growing unease about the institution's future.Episode Notes:‘Tokyo operator of school for children with autism required nondisclosure ‘pledge’ from parents: Mainichi exclusive’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/26/tokyo-operator-of-school-for-children-with-autism-required-nondisclosure-pledge-from-parents-mainichi-exclusive/‘The ‘Non-Disclosure Agreement’ New Neurodivergent Students & Their Parents Attending ‘Inclusive’ School in Tokyo May Have to Sign’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/27/the-non-disclosure-agreement-new-neurodivergent-students-their-parents-attending-inclusive-school-in-tokyo-may-have-to-sign/
An organization made up of parents of severely physically and mentally disabled children receiving medical care at home has requested Sendai City to expand hospital beds and day care services. The organization visited Aoba Ward Office in Sendai City on March 24th and handed in a request letter calling for an increase in short-term hospital beds for severely physically and mentally disabled children and adults who play an important role when their family members are unwell, and an expansion of day care services that they use on a daily basis.Episode Notes: ‘Parents of severely disabled children request Sendai City expand hospital beds and day care services’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/25/parents-of-severely-disabled-children-request-sendai-city-expand-hospital-beds-and-day-care-services/
Yasuhiko Funago (67), a member of the House of Councillors of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is severely disabled, attracted a great deal of attention when he was elected for the first time in 2019. About five and a half years have passed since then, and Funago says he feels that the reasonable accommodations being promoted in the Diet for people with disabilities are being mistakenly interpreted as "giving charity from above.”Episode Notes:‘Member of Japan’s House of Councillors with ALS, Yasuhiko Funago Concerned that Reasonable Accommodations in the Diet Mistaken for “giving charity from above” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/22/member-of-japans-house-of-councillors-with-als-yasuhiko-funago-concerned-that-reasonable-accommodations-in-the-diet-mistaken-for-giving-charity-from-above/
By March 17th, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had thoroughly informed local governments that it is prohibited for disability welfare service facilities and businesses to pay money or goods to referral companies in return for introducing users to them, as this is a violation of the operating standards. It was originally prohibited to pay referral fees to consultation support specialists who create service usage plans and other disability welfare businesses, but the treatment of the general public and referral companies was unclear, so this was clarified.Episode Notes:‘Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Informs Local Governments of Prohibition on ‘Paid Referrals’ of Disability Welfare Services’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/19/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-informs-local-governments-of-prohibition-on-paid-referrals-of-disability-welfare-services/
School doctors in Japan still have to take the risk of facing complaints from parents about their children's body parts being exposed during regular health checkups although the education ministry took measures to soothe such parental anxiety over a year ago. According to a survey conducted in June by online medical information provider m3.com, more than 80 pct of the 1,970 responding practitioners and physicians did not want to become school doctors chiefly out of concern that parents "more than necessary" tend not to allow their children's bodies to be shown to the doctors.Episode Notes: ‘School Health Checkups in Japan Still Cause Trouble with Parents’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/18/school-health-checkups-in-japan-still-cause-trouble-with-parents/
A stabbing and attempted murder of a political party leader; as well as a ‘livestreamer’ being stabbed and killed, leads one to revisit about how crime and narratives about mental illness play out in the Japanese media.Episode Notes: ‘NHK Party Head Tachibana Attacked with Weapon’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/15/nhk-party-head-tachibana-attacked-with-weapon/
On March 12th, the Chiba District Court delivered a verdict in the trial of a 78-year-old man accused of murdering his younger son, who had a severe intellectual disability, by strangling him in July last year in Chosei Village, Chiba Prefecture. The court sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended for five years (the prosecution had sought a five-year prison term). Presiding Judge Ryuta Asaka noted that “the defendant was in a highly pressured situation, and it would be too harsh to place all the blame on him,” justifying the suspended sentence.Episode Notes:‘ “Blaming Only the Defendant Would Be Too Harsh”: Chiba Father Given Suspended Sentence for Killing Intellectually Disabled Son’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/13/blaming-only-the-defendant-would-be-too-harsh-chiba-father-given-suspended-sentence-for-killing-intellectually-disabled-son/
Barrier Free Japan found a copy of ‘Hunchback’ by Saou Ichikawa in the Osaka Umeda branch of Kinokuniya. I have been looking forward to reading this. Saou Ichikawa’s ‘Hunchback’ won the Akutagawa Prize in 2023.I would love to meet Saou Ichikawa. As people with disabilities we are not meant to use terms like ‘inspires’, but as a fellow person with disabilities, she ’inspires’ me to write fiction about having a disability in Japan - Ichikawa has congenital myopathy.‘Hunchback’ (Amazon JP): https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Saou-Ichikawa/dp/0241700787/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YWLMGXWX9HX0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tviLY6Hihc9Wld73kSNFDNgIMyu95jzmtY1FHVvoFbo.O-ev19sX2ziT9J5aBh6OU0KTipw5EKycw-KkJEItoZw&dib_tag=se&keywords=hunchback+saou+ichikawa&qid=1741701309&sprefix=%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1
On the 27th of last month, Sho Tanaka, 31, a doctor, was found collapsed in a space on the first basement floor of an elevator in a commercial building in Chuo Ward, Kobe, and later died. Before Dr. Tanaka was found, a store employee saw the elevator's fourth floor door open with no “cage” in place.Episode Notes:‘Police Investigate Elevator Management Company After Man Dies in Kobe Elevator Accident’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/07/police-investigate-elevator-management-company-after-man-dies-in-kobe-elevator-accident/
In August 2024, Ms. Koyuki Hamano, 16, an intellectually disabled girl who was a resident of Chiba City, was rejected from the Chiba prefectural high school entrance examination, and asked the prefectural government to cancel her rejection, the Chiba District Court rejected her request to be provisionally obligated to enroll in the school. On February 4, Hamano's parents held a press conference in the city and announced that they have given up on the idea of continuing her education in the prefecture, terminated the trial, and that she will enroll in a Tokyo metropolitan high school from April.Episode Notes: ‘Intellectually Disabled Girl Has to Move from Chiba to Tokyo to Attend High School’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/05/intellectually-disabled-girl-has-to-move-from-chiba-to-tokyo-to-attend-high-school/
The final episode of NHK’s TV programme on minorities ‘Baribara’ will air on NHK E on Thursday March 6th 2024 at 20:00PM. It will look back on the 15 years of the programme covering the issues concerning minority groups in Japan.NHK ‘Baribara’ Website: https://www.nhk.jp/p/baribara/ts/8Q416M6Q79/episode/te/X4G14WJ361/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3lm_sjqkgRcXoriLFGcnhx4xjVVOkkunC39QgIO8CeqlmiC25tz_qbW1k_aem_IkpwKm5ZFRuT4FU8-H8xLw
A report by All Nippon News Network (ANN) broadcast on February 28th confirmed that the seven employment support offices of the company ‘Union Social System’ that has its headquarters in Shinjo City, Yamagata prefecture, will close in March 2026; leading to 217 employees losing their jobs, a result of the so-called "1.06 million yen barrier.”Episode Notes:‘Yamagata Employment Support Offices for Disabled Closures Confirmed, Seven Offices to Close in March 2026, 217 Layoffs’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/01/yamagata-employment-support-offices-for-disabled-closures-confirmed-seven-offices-to-close-in-march-2026-217-layoffs/
The Japan Branch of the NPO Disabled People’ International (DPI), located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, will hold an online rally on the theme of “Prisoners with disabilities and their right to use wheelchairs” on Saturday, April 5, 2025.The rally is being held in response to a ruling handed down in a lawsuit seeking ‘reasonable accommodation’ in Gifu, a lawsuit concerning an alleged human rights violation in which an inmate with walking difficulties was denied wheelchair access at Gifu Prison for over 10 years. On October 30, 2024, the Gifu District Court did not recognize the denial of wheelchair access as illegal and ruled against the plaintiff.Episode notes: ‘Disabled People International Japan Branch to Hold ‘Online Rally’ on “Prisoners with Disabilities and the Right to Use Wheelchairs” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/26/disabled-people-international-japan-branch-to-hold-online-rally-on-prisoners-with-disabilities-and-the-right-to-use-wheelchairs/DPI Website:https://www.dpi-japan.org/blog/events/disabled-inmates-and-wheelchair-access-rights-rally/
On February 19th, the Niigata District Court handed down a sentence of 14 years in prison to a former employee of an organization, who was charged with crimes including sexually assaulting and injuring a woman with a disability while transporting her in Sanjo City. The court ruled that “he repeatedly committed the crime, taking advantage of the fact that the victim could not resist, which is despicable.”Episode Notes:‘Former Niigata NPO employee sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman with a disability’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/24/former-niigata-npo-employee-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison-for-sexually-assaulting-a-woman-with-a-disability/
It just does often seem like social care for people with disabilities and the elderly in Sagamihara City and Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole, seems to suck.A Japanese district court on Thursday called on a family court to hear a case involving a 16-year-old boy charged with murdering his parents in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, last year. Takahira Yoshii, presiding judge at Yokohama District Court, said that educative and protective measures are appropriate for the boy.Episode notes:‘16-Year-Old Boy to Be Sent to Family Court over Murder of Parents near Tokyo’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/20/16-year-old-boy-to-be-sent-to-family-court-over-murder-of-parents-near-tokyo/
At the first hearing of the lay judge trial held at the Chiba District Court on February 17th, the defendant admitted to the charges, saying, "I did nothing wrong." The defense responded by arguing that the father had reached his limit with caring for his son, and that the sentence should be considered in light of the circumstances leading up to the incident.Episode notes:‘78-year-old Chiba father pleads guilty to murder of disabled 44-year-old son saying “I did nothing wrong” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/20/78-year-old-chiba-father-pleads-guilty-to-murder-of-disabled-44-year-old-son-saying-i-did-nothing-wrong/
NHK E will begin airing a ‘welfare’ TV Programme on NHK E called ‘toi-toi’ from April 2025. On January 7th 2025, it was announced on the official website that NHK Educational TV’s barrier-free variety show “Baribara” (broadcast on Thursdays 8pm) would end in March 2025. However, it promised a replacement in the TV schedule.According to the NHK E Website ‘toi-toi’ is a “new welfare program where everyone thinks about the “question” that a person has had deep in their heart. The protagonist who posed the “question” explores the “question” while talking to people with diverse perspectives. We will search for clues to realize a world where we accept differences and live together.”‘toi-toi’ will be broadcast on NHK E on Thursdays at 8PM.Episode notes:‘New ‘Welfare’ NHK E TV Programme ‘toi-toi’ to Start in April 2025, Replacing ‘NHK Baribara’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/18/new-welfare-nhk-e-tv-programme-toi-toi-to-start-in-april-2025-replacing-nhk-baribara/NHK ‘toi-toi’ Website:https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/72L62Z715X/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Fdd9IHB58Cu6s5gxn6FqG-OuK66CXNO2cBaauyW4O0zjA201DKA5eGO0_aem_FZyIi2Vq9bF3GgVtfWyqeA
It has been revealed that a disability welfare service company with its headquarters in Shinjo City has indicated its intention to close its seven Type A continuous employment support offices in the prefecture at the end of March next year. According to the company, it plans to close seven Type A continuous employment support offices, where disabled people work under employment contracts, in Shinjo City, Murayama City, and other locations at the end of March next year, and lay off over 200 employees. The company explained the reason for closing the facilities as follows: "The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has indicated its intention to abolish the annual income requirement for social insurance premiums. If this is abolished, we estimate that our annual burden will increase by approximately 68 million yen. It will be difficult to generate profits that correspond to this."Episode Notes: ‘Disability welfare service company to close seven offices in Yamagata prefecture’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/15/disability-welfare-service-company-to-close-seven-offices-in-yamagata-prefecture/
Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry this year started rolling out an online system to enable about 70 institutions with minimal experience in the processes behind organ donations from brain-dead patients to connect with core medical institutions that have abundant experience.The initiative seeks to help the inexperienced institutions with declaring patients as brain dead and is part of an effort to increase the number of organ donations in the country.Episode Notes:’Japan’s Health Ministry Introducing System to Assist with Organ Donations; Institutions Inexperienced in Brain-Dead Donations To Get Help’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/13/japans-health-ministry-introducing-system-to-assist-with-organ-donations-institutions-inexperienced-in-brain-dead-donations-to-get-help/
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. said on Friday March 22nd 2024 it will voluntarily recall some 300,000 packs of five supplement products in Japan after reports of health damage suffered by users.The Osaka-based company said in March 2024 that 13 people had developed kidney disease and other symptoms after taking the products, advertised as foods with functional claims, including three containing “beni koji,” rice fermented with monascus purpureus, a species of mold that is red.Scandal-tainted Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. said Tuesday 21st January 2025 that its current president, Satoshi Yamane, will step down and executive officer Norikazu Toyoda will assume the presidency.The personnel plan is expected to be approved at a board meeting following a general shareholders meeting in late March.Episode Notes:‘Drugmaker Kobayashi to Recall Supplements after Health Damage’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/24/drugmaker-kobayashi-to-recall-supplements-after-health-damage/‘Scandal-Tainted Kobayashi Pharma Names New President’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/09/scandal-tainted-kobayashi-pharma-names-new-president/
A ‘News Digest’ about disability in Japan in podcast form! It has been snowing and is really cold, hence my breathing is a bit laboured at the end of the podcast, the air being that dry!Episode Notes:‘Osaka High Court finalizes full lost earnings ruling for deceased girl with disability’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/08/osaka-high-court-finalizes-full-lost-earnings-ruling-for-deceased-girl-with-disability/‘Japan to Allow Foreigners to Engage in Home Care Services’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/07/japan-to-allow-foreigners-to-engage-in-home-care-services-2/
Japan’s government says roughly 25,000 people are eligible for compensation as victims of forced sterilization or their bereaved relatives. It is believed that some of them may hesitate to apply due to fear of discrimination or may be unable to do so because of their disabilities.The new legislation provides 15 million yen, or about 96,500 dollars, for forcibly sterilized people, 5 million yen to their spouses, and 2 million yen to women who were forced to have an abortion.Episode Notes:‘As Japan starts accepting compensation applications from roughly 25,000 eugenics victims, fear of discrimination and inability to apply to due impairment may cause hesitancy’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/06/as-japan-starts-accepting-compensation-applications-from-roughly-25000-people-eugenics-victims-fear-of-discrimination-and-inability-to-apply-to-due-impairment-may-cause-hesitancy/
It has been revealed that in October last year, a male student with a disability attending a special needs school in Mie Prefecture was filmed in a school toilet by two high school students and posted on social media, causing him to miss school for an extended period of time, and the school has determined that this constitutes a serious case of bullying. According to the Mie Prefectural Board of Education, in October last year, a male student with an intellectual disability (then 17) attending a special needs school, which is attached to a prefectural high school in the prefecture, was filmed in a shared toilet stall by two male high school students and posted on the social media site Instagram.Episode notes:‘Disabled student filmed in school toilet, serious bullying incident in Mie’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/02/disabled-student-filmed-in-school-toilet-serious-bullying-incident-in-mie/
A lawsuit filed by a man in his 30s from Chiba Prefecture against his former civil engineering company in Abiko City, Chiba Prefecture for damages, alleging that he was discriminated against and forced to resign from the civil engineering company where he was employed as a disabled person through Hello Work because the company did not take his developmental disability into consideration, has been settled in the Chiba District Court. The former employer will pay the man approximately 300,000 yen in settlement money. According to the man’s attorney, the settlement was reached in October last year. The settlement terms stated that the former employer apologized to the man for not fully understanding the characteristics of his developmental disability and would pay him the settlement money. Episode Notes: ‘Chiba civil engineering company pays former employee settlement over “insufficient understanding of developmental disorders” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/01/chiba-civil-engineering-company-pays-former-employee-settlement-over-insufficient-understanding-of-developmental-disorders/
A record number of public school educators took leave due to mental disorders in fiscal 2023, the third straight year of increase, according to a ministry survey. A record 7,119 educators, or 0.77 percent of the total, temporarily stepped away from their positions under the official leave system for mental illnesses in fiscal 2023, up 580 individuals, or 0.06 percentage point, from the previous year.Episode Notes: ‘Record Number of Teachers in Japan Took Leave for Mental Illness in Fiscal Year 2023’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/28/record-number-of-teachers-in-japan-took-leave-for-mental-illness-in-fiscal-year-2023/
January 27th, 1970 is the day that Duskin founder Suzuki Seiichi decided to enter into a business partnership with Mister Donut of America. Mister Donut designated this day as its founding day, and every year it donates a portion of purchases from customers to the ‘Duskin Ai No Wa Fund’ to help people with disabilities become independent and participate in society.Episode Notes:'Mister Donut in Japan’s ‘Founder’s Day’ on January 27 Supporting People with Disabilities':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/26/mister-donut-in-japans-founders-day-on-january-27-supporting-people-with-disabilities/
As influenza and COVID-19 infections spread, facilities for people with disabilities are also struggling to respond. Facilities for people with severe intellectual disabilities have found it difficult to take precautions, and there have been cases of infections spreading among users and staff.At a residential facility for people with disabilities in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, is home to 40 people, including those with severe intellectual disabilities.The Director of the Saitama facility, Takahashi Minoru said: “We took sufficient precautions, but the infection spread so quickly that we’ve come to realize how contagious it is. Some of our users have epilepsy, and a high fever can lead to severe seizures. we would be grateful for any support.”Episode notes: ‘As weekly influenza cases average at alert level in 40 prefectures in Japan, facilities for people with disabilities struggle’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/19/as-weekly-influenza-cases-average-at-alert-level-in-40-prefectures-in-japan-facilities-for-people-with-disabilities-struggle/
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stressed the government’s resolve to steadily pay compensation to victims of forced sterilization conducted under the country’s now-defunct eugenics law. He made the promise during a meeting with those including victims who sued the government over the matter at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo on Friday, when a law on compensation to forced sterilization victims took effect.“The government’s responsibility is extremely grave, and I sincerely reflect on it and apologize again to you from the bottom of my heart,” he said.“We must not repeat human rights violations that destroy the dignity of individuals,” Ishiba said.Episode Notes:‘Ishiba Pledges Steady Compensation to Forced Sterilization Victims’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/18/ishiba-pledges-steady-compensation-to-forced-sterilization-victims/
In a lawsuit concerning the death of Ayuka Ide (then aged 11), who was born with a hearing impairment, and who was hit by a piece of heavy machinery seven years ago, the Osaka High Court changed the ruling of the first trial and allowed the payment of the same amount as a healthy person in the appeal trial judgment on the calculation of ‘lost earnings’ that could have been earned in the future. Although the lost earnings of disabled children have been reduced to a certain extent, it is unusual for a judicial decision to recognise the same amount. The high court judgement determined that Ayuka Ide ‘was able to work in the same workplace as able-bodied people’.The high court changed the ruling of the Osaka District Court, which reduced the compensation amount awarded to the parents of Ayuka to 85 percent of the average lifetime pay because her salary would likely have been smaller because of her disability.Haruna Kubo, a lawyer representing the family who has a severe hearing loss, said during the closing argument, “If reasonable accommodation had been provided, Ayuka could have worked on an equal footing with people who can hear. There is no rationale for reducing the amount below the average, and this is nothing but discrimination by the court.”Episode Notes: ‘In Unusual Legal Ruling in Japan, After Death of Hearing Impaired Girl, Osaka High Court Finds “Lost Earnings” of Disabled Girl Equal to that of a “Healthy Person” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/21/in-unusual-legal-ruling-in-japan-after-death-of-hearing-impaired-girl-osaka-high-court-finds-lost-earnings-of-disabled-girl-equal-to-that-of-a-healthy-person/
January 17th 2025 marked the 30 year anniversary of the Hanshin Awaji, Great Hanshin or Kobe Earthquake, which took the lives of 6,434 people and injured 43,792.Also, the Japanese government's Earthquake Research Committee has increased its assessed probability of an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 to 9 occurring along the Nankai Trough off the country's Pacific coast within the next 30 years to some 80 pct from 70-80 pct, officials said. When a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Monday, the panel at the time concluded that Monday's earthquake was not a phenomenon that could be considered to have relatively increased the possibility of a Nankai Trough earthquake occurring compared with normal times.Episode notes: ‘Japan Raises Nankai Trough Megaquake Probability to Some 80 Percent’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/18/japan-raises-nankai-trough-megaquake-probability-to-some-80-percent/
Barrier Free Japan is not a luddite, the only reason Barrier Free Japan does not own an Apple Watch is because Barrier Free Japan cannot afford one, but a lot of the can vending machines near their work place have been turned into ‘cashless’ machines, so basically, Barrier Free Japan cannot buy a soft drink! Barrier Free Japan's body spasms because of their physical disability so sometimes they cannot hold a ‘smart device’ or IC card still long enough to ‘scan’. No more drinks for Barrier Free Japan!
At 21:19 on 13th January 2025, a 6.9M (it initially registered as 6.4M), Shindo 5 earthquake, occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture. Tsunami warnings and advisories were all lifted before midnight, according to AP News.Episode niotes:https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/map.html#6/33.119/133.759/&elem=int&contents=earthquake_map&lang=enhttps://apnews.com/article/japan-earthquake-tsunami-warning-c9f7ee7959770dbc4ea12debfe68fd4c
At 21:19 on 13th January 2025, a 6.9M (it initially registered as 6.4M), Shindo 5 earthquake, occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture. As of 23:00, that are still tsunami warnings and advisories in effect for western Japan.Episode niotes:https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/map.html#6/33.119/133.759/&elem=int&contents=earthquake_map&lang=enhttps://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/map.html#6/30.823/132.205/&elem=warn&contents=tsunami&lang=en
The Association of Parents Who Work While Raising Children with Disabilities and Children with Medical Care held a press conference at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on December 17, 2024. When children turn 18 and graduate from special-needs schools, they can no longer receive after-school day care services, which are available until around 6 pm. The majority of these services end around 3:00 p.m., forcing parents to leave their jobs to watch over and care for their children. Some parents refer to this the “18-year-old barrier”.Episode Notes:‘Parents of children with disabilities in Japan face “18-year-old wall”, forced to quit jobs to care for children’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/11/parents-of-children-with-disabilities-in-japan-face-18-year-old-wall-forced-to-quit-jobs-to-care-for-children/
On January 7th 2025, it was announced on the official website that NHK Educational TV’s barrier-free variety show “Baribara” will end in March. The production team of the show announced, “Baribara, which has been broadcast with the aim of eliminating ‘barriers’ for ‘all minorities who have difficulty living’, will end in March this year.”Episode Notes:‘NHK’s Disability TV Show “Baribara” to end in March after 15 years on Air’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/07/nhks-disability-tv-show-baribara-to-end-in-march-after-15-years-on-air/NHK 'バリバラ' (Barrier Free Variety Show) Official Website:https://www.nhk.jp/p/baribara/ts/8Q416M6Q79/
Concerns have been raised about the deaths of elderly people who died of “indirect causes” after they were evacuated, dying at care facilities. Jiji Press reported that as of Wednesday 25th December 2024 that “22 of 176 elderly evacuees from Ishikawa had died at elderly care facilities or elsewhere in Toyama, according to the Toyama Prefectural Government. In Aichi, 16 of 68 such evacuees died at care facilities or hospitals.”Episode Notes:‘Ishikawa Prefecture Investigates Deaths of Elderly from “indirect causes” One Year After Noto Earthquake’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/01/05/ishikawa-prefecture-investigates-deaths-of-elderly-from-indirect-causes-one-year-after-noto-earthquake/
2025 is the year of Tokyo Deaflympics, which will be held from November 15 to 26, 2025 in Tokyo with other venues in Shizuoka and Fukushima. Despite being older than the Paralympics – the first Deaflympics was held in Paris, France in 1924 – it doesn’t receive as much attention as the Paralympics, although like the Paralympics it is recognized by the IOC. This event will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympics, the Winter events being held in 2024 in Erzurum, Turkey.Roughly 3,000 athletes from 70 to 80 countries and regions will participate. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium is to be the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. Swimming events will be held at Tokyo Aquatics Centre, while track and field events as well as volleyball matches will take place at Komazawa Olympic Park. Soccer and cycling are the only events that will be held outside Tokyo, at J-Village in Fukushima Prefecture and at Japan Cycle Sports Center in Shizuoka Prefecture, respectively.Episode Notes:'2025 Promises to be the Year for Deaf Athletes in Japan':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/31/2025-promises-to-be-the-year-for-deaf-athletes-in-japan/
Oshōgatsu! Welcome to 2025! Happy New Year from Disability News Japan & Barrier Free Japan!
In the style of all the ‘big beasts’ of social media, I thought ‘Barrier Free Japan’ should do a ‘Wrap-up’ at the end of 2024. 2024 seemed to be the year of finalizing ‘forced sterilization’ cases. In July, the Eugenic Protection Law was deemed unconstitutional by the Japanese Supreme Court, and later in July the then Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida apologized for the Eugenic Protection Law - (I wrongly said the apology might have been given in October or November in the Podcast). The Forced Sterilization Compensation Bill was passed into Law in October 2024. Later in mid-November the ‘last forced sterilization victim’, Keiko Onoue received 13 million Yen in compensation and her spouse, Kazutaka received 2 million yen in compensation.In early December, Yumi Suzuki, one of the plaintiffs in forced sterilization lawsuits against the Japanese Government was named an “Influential and inspiring woman” by the BBC.Barrier Free Japan wishes you a ‘Merī Kurisumasu’ and a Barrier Free New Year!
A large number of people with disabilities are being let go from workplaces in Japan as government-aided employers which offered them chances to gain skills and knowledge while working have been closing down. The national government should speed up support measures while thinking up systems to protect their employment. Formerly, there were about 4,600 such facilities nationwide. Between March and July this year, this was reduced by more than 160, and around 4,300 people lost their jobs. Usually, between around 1,000 and 3,000 people with disabilities are fired each year, but this year stands greatly apart.Episode Notes:‘Large Number of People with Disabilities in Japan ‘let go’ from Workplaces as Government-aided Employers Close Down’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/17/large-number-of-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-let-go-from-workplaces-as-government-aided-employers-close-down/
On December 13th, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, took administrative action under the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act to revoke the designation of ‘MIRAI’, a Type B support for continuous employment support facility operated by Imakoko, a general incorporated association in the city, for fraudulently claiming and receiving approximately 7.95 million yen in disability welfare service benefits.Episode Notes:‘Fukui Prefecture Takes “administrative action” Over Fraudulent Claims of 7.95 Million Yen in Welfare Service Benefits for People with Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/15/fukui-prefecture-takes-administrative-action-over-fraudulent-claims-of-7-95-million-yen-in-welfare-service-benefits-for-people-with-disabilities/
Two years have now passed since the disability studies scholar and Japanologist Mark Bookman PhD (1991 - 2022) died on December 16th 2022. At the time of his death, Mark was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Tokyo College and about to take up a position at Ritsumeikan University. The film ‘Mark: A Call to Action’ chronicles his life and the ‘GLIDE fund’ is an organization established in Mark’s memory to provide financial assistance to disabled students interested in education exchange experiences to foster an inclusive society in which anyone can lead an independent and self-determined life. GLIDE Fund, Inc. is an established 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions to the Fund are fully tax deductible as allowed by law in each territory.Mark’s sister Rachel Bookman also passed on July 4th 2024.Episode Notes:‘Mark: A Call to Action’ (Amazon Prime Video US): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DFV7V9Y6/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rGLIDE Website: https://www.glidefund.org
The city of Sapporo has taken administrative action to suspend the admission of new users to a disability support facility in Kiyota Ward for three months after two users were beaten and abused by staff at the facility. According to Sapporo City, on July 23rd of this year, a male staff member in his 40s at Sapporo Suginaen punched a male user in his 50s in the face and kicked another user in his 60s in the body. The social welfare corporation Hokushoukai commented, “We take this incident very seriously. We will work sincerely to prevent a recurrence.”Episode Notes:‘After Occurrences of Abuse are Discovered at Sapporo Facility for People with Disabilities, Ward Office Imposes Three-month Suspension on Admitting New Users’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/12/after-occurrences-of-abuse-are-discovered-at-sapporo-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-ward-office-imposes-three-month-suspension-on-admitting-new-users/
Over a year has passed since Yasuko Arakawa, who had been diagnosed with an early-onset type of dementia, disappeared from their home in the western Japan city of Yonago on August 8th 2023. Her husband Tsutomu is desperately seeking any information on her whereabouts. 荒川泰子さんは2023年8月8日、西日本の米子市の自宅から姿を消して以来、早期発症型認知症と診断されていた彼女の行方は、1年以上経ってもわかっていません。夫の勉さんは、彼女の行方に関する情報を必死に求めています。Episode Notes:‘Yasuko Arakawa is Missing 「荒川泰子さんが行方不明です。」’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/09/「荒川泰子さんが行方不明です%E3%80%82」yasuko-arakawa-is-missing/
Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd said on Friday 6th December that it will switch from paper straws to biomass plastic straws from January. The major coffee chain said the step is aimed at providing more comfortable straws to customers and alleviating burdens on the environment.Episode Notes:‘Starbucks Coffee Japan to Switch to Biomass Plastic Straws’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/08/starbucks-coffee-japan-to-switch-to-biomass-plastic-straws/
Yumi Suzuki, one of the plaintiffs who sued the Japanese government over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenics protection law was selected for the BBC's annual list of "influential and inspiring women" around the world on Tuesday 3rd December. The theme of this year's selection was "resilience," highlighting the women who "are pushing for change and improving lives at community or global level.”Episode Notes:‘Forced Sterilization Plaintiff Yumi Suzuki Named an “Influential and inspiring woman” by the BBC’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/04/forced-sterilization-plaintiff-yumi-suzuki-named-an-influential-and-inspiring-woman-by-the-bbc/
“Our older daughter, a junior high school student, has a severe intellectual disability. She is unable to take care of herself, so I have to help her with everything, including using the bathroom and bathing. She is very particular about things and often gets angry suddenly or screams nonstop for a long time. I don’t know when it happened, but I started not thinking about her as precious to me. I sometimes even wish she would go away. My son, who is in high school, and my younger daughter, an elementary school student, have no disabilities, and they’re so adorable.” [From Japan News, 'Dear Troubleshooter’]’Episode Notes:‘I Cannot Think of my Handicapped Daughter as "Precious"; Son, Daughter Without Disabilities Are "Adorable" [Japan News, 'Dear Troubleshooter’]’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/01/i-cannot-think-of-my-handicapped-daughter-as-precious-son-daughter-without-disabilities-are-adorable-japan-news-troubleshooter/
Due to stay in Japan until Thursday, the winter visitor plans to interact with children at facilities such as nursery schools and attend events in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Santa came to Japan on a direct flight from Finland, appearing from the plane with a trademark red cap and white beard, waving and wishing bystanders "Merry Christmas!”Episode notes:‘Santa Arrives in Japan from Finland’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/29/santa-arrives-in-japan-from-finland/
The Osaka High Court on Monday 25th November upheld a lower court ruling that sentenced a doctor, Yoshikazu Okubo, aged 46, to 18 years in prison for the consensual killing of a woman, Yuri Hayashi, 51, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2019 in western Japan.The defense for 46-year-old Yoshikazu Okubo had argued that finding him guilty of murder would violate the Constitution’s right to self-determination. But the high court rejected the appeal, stating that the Constitution presumes the right to life but does not recognize a “right to seek assistance from others to end one’s life.”Okubo was found guilty by the Kyoto District Court in March of administering a lethal dose of a sedative to Yuri Hayashi, 51, in her Kyoto apartment on Nov. 30, 2019, at her request. Yuri Hayashi kept a Twitter account and a blog – both of which have since been deleted – detailing her last months of being alive and her desire to end her life.Episode Notes:'Doctor’s 18 Year-Term for Consensual Killing of ALS Patient Upheld':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/25/doctors-18-year-term-for-consensual-killing-of-als-patient-upheld/
On November 22nd, a Korean disability activist Park Kyung-Seok was deported from Japan after seven hours at Narita Airport, along with his two caregivers. The reason given for Park’s deportation was that in South Korea he has received a suspended sentence for violation of the Assemblies and Demonstrations Act in 2012 for attending an illegal demonstration in South Korea and that under Article 5, paragraph 1, paragraph 4 of the Japanese Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Park could be deported. However, Park had been allowed to enter Japan in 2016 and in May of this year, at the invitation of Amnesty International, according to Daisaku Seto of the ‘Anti-Poverty Network’.Episode Notes:‘Reasons Emerge for Korean Disability Activist Park Kyung-Seok’s Deportation at Narita’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/26/reasons-emerge-for-korean-disability-activist-park-kyung-seoks-deportation-at-narita/
Spectators are typically not permitted to use electronics, but the individual relies on speech-to-text technology due to impaired hearing and was interested in attending the trial after learning about it through the media.The Japanese government will help raise wages for care workers to alleviate labor shortages in the sector, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Takamaro Fukuoka said in a recent interview. Staff shortages at care facilities are "very serious," Fukuoka said. He then noted that "the pay growth rate in the sector is said to be low”The weekly average of new coronavirus cases at designated hospitals across Japan rose for the first time in three months in the seven days through last Sunday, health ministry data showed Friday. The number of newly hospitalized COVID-19 patients reported by about 500 designated medical organizations nationwide was 1,175, up 37 percent from the week before.Episode Notes:‘Osaka High Court Allows Laptop So Hearing Impaired Spectator Can Use Speech-to-Text Technology’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/23/osaka-high-court-allows-laptop-so-hearing-impaired-spectator-can-use-text-to-speech-technology/‘Japan Govt Aims to Ease Care Worker Shortages through Wage Hikes’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/23/japan-govt-aims-to-ease-care-worker-shortages-through-wage-hikes/‘Japan’s weekly COVID-19 cases rise for 1st time in 3 months’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/24/japans-weekly-covid-19-cases-rise-for-1st-time-in-3-months/
The Niigata Nippo reported on November 19th that in order to deepen understanding of disabilities, a civic group and university students in Higashi Ward, Niigata City, produced a short film "Voice ~ I want to hear your voice ~". A person involved said, "We hope that this will be an opportunity for people to learn about the real daily life of living together with people with disabilities.” The film collects candid opinions about the image of people with disabilities and asks the question, “What is a disability? The film asks the question, “What is disability? The filmmakers hope that the audience will learn about the real daily lives of people with disabilities.Episode Notes: ‘ What is a Disability? Niigata Civic Group and University Students Produces Film About the Lives of People with Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/21/what-is-a-disability-niigata-civic-group-and-university-students-produces-film-about-the-lives-of-people-with-disabilities/「Voice〜あなたの声がききたい〜」:https://youtu.be/AjWGRT5UHYw?si=Kf0FGhFV7S1FqPfg
A settlement was reached on Friday 15th November at the Nagoya High Court in central Japan in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law. After the settlement was reached, the plaintiff, Keiko Onoue (74) spoke about how she “kept silent for 50 years” as there was no one with whom she could "discuss” it. Speaking at a press conference after the settlement was reached, Keiko Onoue said “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with…Now that a new relief law has been created, I hope more victims can come forward.”Episode Notes:‘After Lawsuit Settlement, Forced Sterilization Victim Keiko Onoue says: “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with”’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/17/after-lawsuit-settlement-forced-sterilization-victim-keiko-onoue-says-i-kept-silent-for-about-50-years-because-there-were-no-people-to-discuss-it-with/
A settlement was reached on Friday 15th November at the Nagoya High Court in central Japan in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law, ending a series of similar lawsuits in the country, according to the defense lawyers. The Nagoya lawsuit was filed by Keiko Onoue, 74, and her husband, Kazutaka, 77, against the Japanese government. The settlement terms are based on an agreement reached between the two sides in September.Speaking at a press conference after the settlement was reached, Keiko Onoue said “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with…Now that a new relief law has been created, I hope more victims can come forward.”Episode Notes: ‘Last Remaining Forced Sterilization Lawsuit in Japan Settled’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/17/last-remaining-forced-sterilization-lawsuit-in-japan-settled/‘After Lawsuit Settlement, Forced Sterilization Victim Keiko Onoue says: “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with”’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/17/after-lawsuit-settlement-forced-sterilization-victim-keiko-onoue-says-i-kept-silent-for-about-50-years-because-there-were-no-people-to-discuss-it-with/
Disability News Japan has noticed a number of adverts and leaflets at train stations of late. Specifically they are aimed at discouraging people from walking on escalators or walking whilst looking at their smartphones.
The saga of Barrier Free Japan versus JR Kyoto Station’s toilet ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ continues…Back in December 2023, Barrier Free Japan wrote about they often leave Kyoto by JR Kyoto Station and noted that one of JR Kyoto Station’s ‘accessible toilets’ had been ‘out of order’ or ‘unavailable for use’ for weeks. Barrier Free Japan reported on October 31st 2024 that almost over one year later, it remained ‘out of order.’ On Friday 8th November 2024, Barrier Free Japan observed an ‘accessible toilet’ which was ‘un-taped off!’Episode Notes:‘(Update) JR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – There is Hope!’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/10/update-jr-kyotos-seemingly-permanently-out-of-order-accessible-toilet-there-is-hope/
Companies in Japan of a certain size are required by law to employ people with disabilities, according to the ‘Act on Promotion of Employment of People with Disabilities’. Companies with 40 or more employees in Japan are required by law to employ at least one person with a disability. According to the Toyama Labor Bureau, over half of the companies that meet that certain size have not employed a single person, so-called zero-employment companies.Episode Notes:‘Over Half of Companies in Toyama Prefecture Employ No People with Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/07/over-half-of-companies-in-toyama-prefecture-employ-no-people-with-disabilities/
Ota Ward in Tokyo has decided to introduce a free "5-year-old health check" for preschool children. It has already started on a trial basis at nurseries in the ward. The test places more emphasis on mental development than the current school entry health check, takes more time to test. The aim is to lead to early detection and support of developmental disorders. Ota Ward began the trial of five-year-old health checkups in October for some nursery school children. Based on the results, it is considering implementing them for all five-year-olds in 2026.Episode Notes:‘Ota Ward, Tokyo Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental Disorders’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/05/ota-ward-tokyo-launches-free-five-year-old-check-ups-for-early-detection-of-developmental-disorders/
December 3rd to December 9th every year is Disability Week. The Disabled Persons Week was established by the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities to promote interest and understanding of welfare of persons with disabilities among the public at large, and to promote active participation of persons with disabilities in activities in all fields.Shinagawa Ward also focuses on efforts to deepen understanding of people with disabilities during this period. Every year, Shinagawa Ward holds a “Gathering to Commemorate Disabled Persons Week” with the hope that as many people as possible will become aware of Disabled Persons Week and that they will take an interest in the welfare of people with disabilities.This year, the event will be held at Kyurian again, Shikimachi Mizuki, a violinist who has cerebral palsy will perform a piece composed for the event, “Barrier-free Heart: Healing Tones”.Episode notes:'"Gathering to Commemorate Disabled Persons Week" Event to be Held in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo on December 7th 2024’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/03/gathering-to-commemorate-disabled-persons-week-event-to-be-held-in-shinagawa-ward-tokyo-on-december-7th-2024/Shikimachi Mizuki on Soundcloud:‘Memory of Moment’:https://soundcloud.com/mizuki-shikimachi/memory-of-moment?in=mizuki-shikimachi/sets/s-ballad&si=83faaedfd9704a35879bfa35340aec49&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Back in December 2023, Barrier Free Japan wrote about they often leave Kyoto by JR Kyoto Station and noted that one of JR Kyoto Station’s ‘accessible toilets’ had been ‘out of order’ or 'unavailable for use' for weeks. Almost one year later, it remains ‘out of order.’ It might seem a small thing to some, but one wonders how people would react if ‘regular’ - i.e. for non-disabled people - was ‘signed’ as being available but in actuality was permanently ‘out of order’.Episode Notes:‘JR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – 1 Year Later Update’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/31/jr-kyotos-seemingly-permanently-out-of-order-accessible-toilet-1-year-later-update/
A Post-election in Japan digest podcast episode, full of pneumonia and abandoned Yakuza facilities!Episode Notes: ‘Medical society in Japan recommends steps to prevent mycoplasma pneumonia’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/28/medical-society-in-japan-recommends-steps-to-prevent-mycoplasma-pneumonia/‘Former yakuza office repurposed to become elderly care facility’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/29/former-yakuza-office-repurposed-to-become-elderly-care-facility/
As this blog post is being written it is 8PM on Sunday 27th October, the polls have just closed and NHK is predicting that the LDP and New Komeito may lose their majority.The polling place near where Barrier Free Japan lives in Kobe had NHK crew near it in the morning and were asking questions about how people voted, and what they thought about far right groups like the ‘Sanseito’, a party that in English refers to themselves as the ‘Party of Do it Yourself!!’Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/27/election-day-in-japan-the-podcast-episode-of-do-it-yourself-podcast-episode/
Tomorrow, Sunday October 27th 2024, is a general election in Japan, or more specifically, an election for the ‘lower house’ the House of Representatives. I did think it was kind of cool that Hiromi Fujisue, the Japanese Communist Party Candidate for the Hyogo 1st District,, passed by me and seemed to waved at me from her van whilst canvassing today.
This just happens too often to Michey of Barrier Free Japan. Michey will be walking down a street and then, from behind, someone will grab Michey’s backpack. Some will say ‘but they were trying to be kind.’ As someone with a physical disability, all I can say is this: their unwelcome attention is no less painful because it was well-intentioned. Just ask permission before grabbing people and their belongings!
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has taken issue with the response of the organizing group regarding the participation of a man with a mild intellectual disability at a matchmaking party posted on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's website. The man was refused participation immediately after declaring his disability. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has asked the organizers to "take sincere action," and the group has expressed its intention to improve.Episode Notes: ‘Man with Intellectual Disability Refused Participation in Tokyo Matchmaking Event, Told “only people who are healthy in body and mind are eligible to participate” ’https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/22/man-with-intellectual-disability-refused-participation-in-tokyo-matchmaking-event-told-only-people-who-are-healthy-in-body-and-mind-are-eligible-to-participate/
On October 18th, the Japan Council of Disabled People, an NPO made up of groups for disabled people, requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to improve the barrier-free environment at polling stations so that disabled people can vote smoothly in the Lower House election. They said there are differences in the way election commissions handle things depending on the city, ward, town, and village, and called for the thorough use of the collection of support cases created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.The request calls for (1) the preparation of materials with the list of candidates written in Braille or large print, (2) permission to have a helper accompany people when voting, and (3) publicizing the fact that people who have difficulty moving around can vote by post, and people who have difficulty writing can vote by proxy by having a polling station employee write for them.Episode Notes:‘Ahead of Lower House Election, Japan Council of Disabled People Calls for Improvements to Enable Ability to Vote’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/19/ahead-of-lower-house-election-japan-council-of-disabled-people-calls-for-improvements-to-enable-ability-to-vote/
The suspect (71) arrested on suspicion of non-consensual sexual intercourse, is a driver for a disability support facility in Koganei City, Tokyo, who is suspected of sexually assaulting a female user in her 20s on the bus he was driving in July this year.The suspect denied the charges, saying, “I did nothing obscene.” The woman claims to have been a victim of similar assaults multiple times, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is investigating her for other crimes as well.Episode notes:‘Driver arrested for sexually assaulting female user of a support facility for people with disabilities on a Tokyo shuttle bus’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/16/driver-arrested-for-sexually-assaulting-female-user-of-a-support-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-on-a-tokyo-shuttle-bus/
A 34-year-old man was arrested for assaulting a visually impaired man by kicking him with his foot in the multipurpose restroom at Jimbocho Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line in Tokyo. The suspect Ikeda admitted to the investigation that he “felt rushed” and admitted to the charges.Episode Notes:‘Man arrested for allegedly assaulting visually impaired man in multi-purpose toilet at Jimbocho Station, Tokyo:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/14/man-arrested-for-allegedly-assaulting-visually-impaired-man-in-multi-purpose-toilet-at-jimbocho-station-tokyo/
A total of 38 cases suspected to be abuse were confirmed going back about 10 years, with 11 users abused and nine staff members abusing them, and the committee pointed out that "abuse had become the norm.” According to the report, the abuse continued from around 2014 until last year, and included the following acts: hitting users on the head and ankles with a mallet in what was called "Hammer Chance"; forcing users to drink large amounts of fluids in what was called the "Sakazuki Challenge"; and making users run down the hallways and do squats under the pretext of dieting and exercise.Episode Notes: ‘38 cases of suspected abuse at facility for people with disabilities in Kanagawa Prefecture’s Aina Yamayuri En facility: Abuse has been the norm for 10 years’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/12/38-cases-of-suspected-abuse-at-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-in-kanagawa-prefectures-aina-yamayuri-en-facility-abuse-has-been-the-norm-for-10-years/
The Diet enacted a bill into law on Tuesday to compensate victims of forced sterilization under Japan’s now-defunct eugenic protection law.The new law includes a preamble expressing the state’s apology and calls for compensation of 15 million yen each for victims and 5 million yen for their spouses, as well as a lump-sum payment of 2 million yen for those forced to have abortions.The compensation law will take effect three months after its promulgation.MARK: A CALL TO ACTION is the story of Dr. Mark Bookman, a severely disabled Pennsylvania-born American who later resided in Tokyo full-time, becoming one of Japan's leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations around the world. His tireless efforts helped raise awareness and positively impacted the lives of not only disabled persons, but also children, seniors and vulnerable populations in the United States, Japan and many other nations.Episode notes:‘Japan’s Diet Passes Forced Sterilization Bill’https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/09/diet-passes-forced-sterilization-compensation-bill/Information About Accessing ‘Mark: A Call to Action’: https://geni.us/markacalltoaction?fbclid=IwY2xjawF0jgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqXdN7gkBFTcCO7ro-YQ3nSMTftJ7uMNwO7VTRdJXGFZzj_yt5WwN7DKg_aem_V73vfBOJY4wH4AT_VpYkug
Japan’s House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, unanimously passed a bill on Monday 7th October to compensate victims of forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law. The bill is expected to be enacted on Tuesday after approval by the House of Councillors, the upper chamber. It calls for compensation of 15 million yen each for victims and 5 million yen for their spouses, as well as a lump-sum payment of 2 million yen to those forced to have abortions. If victims and their spouses are already deceased, the bill allows their bereaved families to seek compensation.Episode Notes: ‘Japan Lower House OKs Forced Sterilization Compensation Bill’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/07/japan-lower-house-oks-forced-sterilization-compensation-bill/'Japan's Diet Enacts Forced Sterilization Compensation Bill'https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/09/diet-passes-forced-sterilization-compensation-bill/
There is one week to go until the release of ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ on October 8th 2024!Mark Bookman was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo. The film is directed by Ron Small.Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Call-Action-DVD-Various/dp/B0D6PH3C85/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UMQ5O7K36KT6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AV5r-khNLphtP721iOKIug_CiNHu6cpdFjhGG7o7EjtzT5kDW5KwctMxFwPX7QwbzWjbhVl-ZmHz2y2VFGdlftGQ5SjE_8RAL9DUrUFdP_WIPkBKsEfueyuvagRWLlqtEcc7uJaTiUJteBTx3LyFiBvh4Xt4-BfKm7dIVTD3b-pgU6wTcXUxXLWREXy9cvXRGxvzN5rHSdTmibGhQCqklMV5jV53YmJPYhVeEztvS-Y.Tat_fiKhi8Sed3nt3GPnK2ARv2J2cKYfPaihOsL2uoc&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+a+call+to+action+dvd&qid=1727700351&sprefix=mark+a+c%2Caps%2C309&sr=8-1MVDshop: https://mvdshop.com/products/mark-a-call-to-action-dvd?_pos=1&_sid=0cf54414d&_ss=rInformation about the ‘GLIDE Fund, Inc’:https://www.glidefund.orgGLIDE Stands for ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’. The organization was established to provide financial assistance to disabled students interested in education exchange experiences to foster an inclusive society in which anyone can lead an independent and self-determined life.GLIDE’s goal is to carry on the legacy of Dr. Mark Bookman and spark dialogue surrounding the ways architects, engineers, educators, policy makers and other interested parties can help improve access to built environments, and through the GLIDE Fund, a network of disabled University students will receive scholarships to travel globally to learn, train, and be motivated to share ideas and bring about greater change and awareness in the community throughout the world.
A forum was held in Tokyo on September 22nd to form a national network for people with developmental disabilities, Kyodo News reported. In order to reflect the voices of people with developmental disabilities in national and local government policies, local groups of people with developmental disabilities have decided to form a national network. Representatives of the initiators exchanged opinions on issues such as employment and welfare. A website will be launched within the year and participation will be encouraged.Episode notes:‘National network for people with developmental disabilities will be formed; voices of people with developmental disabilities will be reflected in policies’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/24/national-network-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-will-be-formed-voices-of-people-with-developmental-disabilities-will-be-reflected-in-policies/
On September 17th, two parents and their children in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, filed a human rights complaint with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, claiming that their opinions and those of their guardians were not respected and were harmed during school counselling sessions for their children with disabilities.The parents and children allege that they wished to study in regular classes at public elementary and junior high schools, but were not accepted by the local public schools and the Board of Education, and that they were further subjected to human rights violations in which their wishes were denied by the parents and children, who were subjected to hurtful words during the consultation.Episode notes:‘ “You won’t let him go to school”: Parents and child file suit, claiming their “human rights were violated” during consultation on school enrollment for disabled child’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/19/you-wont-let-him-go-to-school-parents-and-child-file-suit-claiming-their-human-rights-were-violated-during-consultation-on-school-enrollment-for-disabled-child/
Mark Bookman was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo.The documentary film ‘Mark: A Call To Action’, directed by Ron Small about Mark, will be released on DVD on October 8th 2024:Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3xD55Ik
On September 13th, the plaintiffs and the government signed a settlement agreement in a lawsuit over forced sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law. Final adjustments were being made on the government’s payment of 15 million yen in compensation to any individual who underwent the surgery. Lawsuits currently underway in various regions have been gradually entering settlement procedures, and the settlement will take place about six years and seven months after the first lawsuit was filed in 2018.The agreement covers 19 plaintiffs of pending lawsuits across the country.Episode notes: ‘All forced sterilization lawsuits settled; plaintiffs and Japanese government sign agreement’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/13/all-forced-sterilization-lawsuits-settled-plaintiffs-and-japanese-government-sign-agreement/
The Tokyo Shimbun reported that although Shinjiro Koizumi is considered one of the “favorite” candidates due to his high name recognition and ability to communicate, there are strong concerns about his ability to answer questions as prime minister, as he has made some unique statements at international conferences, such as “I will tackle climate change in a sexy way.” At the press conference that day, Koizumi was asked, “Doesn’t your intellectual level seem low?”Episode notes:‘LDP Hopeful Shinjiro Koizumi accused of being “intellectually low” at press conference announcing candidacy’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/11/ldp-hopeful-shinjiro-koizumi-accused-of-being-intellectually-low-at-press-conference-announcing-candidacy/
A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found that 761 people with disabilities suffered abuse at work, such as unpaid wages and verbal abuse, last year, an increase of 105 from the previous year. This is thought to be due to the recovery of economic activity from COVID-19, which has increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities.Episode Notes:‘761 people with disabilities in Japan suffered abuse at work last year, 105 more than the previous year’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/08/761-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-suffered-abuse-at-work-last-year-105-more-than-the-previous-year/
Japan won its first Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair rugby Monday after seeing off the United States 48-41 in Paris, with the nation adding two badminton gold on the day to make it five total at the ongoing games.The Chunichi Shimbun reported that on August 30th, businessman Hiroyuki Nishimura (47), known as "Hiroyuki", updated his X (formerly Twitter), giving his personal opinion regarding Nippon Television's “24-hour TV", which began its broadcast on August 31st.Posting about the Paralympics, “Hiroyuki” said:"If they're going to deal with people with disabilities on 24-hour TV, they should broadcast the Paralympics…”, referring to the Paris Paralympics that began on the 28th.Episode notes:‘Paralympics: Japan wins wheelchair rugby, 2 badminton golds in Paris’:https://english.kyodonews.net/paralympics/news/2024/09/e47d88fd9363-paralympics-japan-wins-wheelchair-rugby-2-badminton-golds-in-paris.html‘ “They should broadcast the Paralympics” Japanese businessman criticises lack of broadcasting of Paris Paralympics’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/01/they-should-broadcast-the-paralympics-japanese-businessman-criticises-lack-of-broadcasting-of-paris-paralympics/
It is Sunday 1st September 2024. Now a tropical cyclone, ‘Shanshan’ has moved past Kansai on to Kanto (mostly). Might still be rainy on the 2nd September though.
Saturday 31st August 2024. Now a tropical cyclone and probably a depression by tomorrow, ‘Shanshan’ is hanging around between Shikoku and Kansai. It’s windy and rainy and it’s amazing how slow moving and ‘localized’ the storm is - it is much more rainy in Osaka than it is here in Kobe - & might still be around Kansai on Sunday!
It is now the evening of Friday 30th August here in Kobe. Typhoon 10 ‘Shanshan’, is now a tropical cyclone and should be further downgraded to a tropical depression by the morning of the 31st. It is still amazing to me that what remains of ‘Shanshan’ won’t even be that near to here in Kansai until 6AM on 31st August.
It is now the evening of Thursday 29th August 2024. Typhoon 10 ‘Shanshan’ is still ‘doing its thing’, has arrived in Kyushu and will take a long time to get to Shikoku and Kansai. It may not be deep into Kansai until 6PM on the 30th, if indeed, it goes there, it is not impossible it will go more eastwards nearer Tokyo. The bullet train between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo has already been suspended.
It is the evening of Wednesday 28th August. For a typhoon that’s essentially still almost two days away from my part of Japan - it might hit Kansai late 30th August - it is incredibly windy outside.
Typhoon 10 approaches Japan, it is slow moving, expected to be strong and intensify after it makes landfall. It was August 27th 2024 when this podcast was uploaded, apparently the typhoon might hang around Japan until Saturday.
Typhoon 10 is on its way and Japan’s Paralympic Team is in Paris!Japan is sending 176 athletes to the Paris Games, a record high for a Paralympics held overseas. The first group of Japanese athletes competing at the Paris Paralympics entered their village in Saint-Denis, just outside of Paris, on Wednesday. 21st August. About 40 athletes and staff of sports such as blind football, goalball, rowing and swimming arrived a week before the start of the games, with some of them taking commemorative photos with their smartphones. The opening ceremony will be held at the Place de la Concorde on Aug. 28, and the games will run through Sept. 8.Episode Notes:‘Paris Paralympics: First group of Japan delegation enters athletes’ village’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/25/paris-paralympics-first-group-of-japan-delegation-enters-athletes-village/
In lawsuits still ongoing across the country over people who were forced to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law, the government has presented the defense team with a basic settlement proposal that includes paying 15 million yen in compensation to each plaintiff. The government and the defense team are making final adjustments and are expected to reach a formal basic agreement soon.Episode Notes:‘Japanese Government Presents Draft Agreement for Lawsuits over Forced Sterilization’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/22/japanese-government-presents-draft-agreement-for-lawsuits-over-forced-sterilization/
A man who ran a group home for people with disabilities admitted to habitually sexually abused two women who stayed there, also filming obscene scenes with a smartphone. In court, he repeatedly stated that "it was his own weakness that led him to commit the crime." The prosecution denounced the crime as "treating the victims as an outlet for sexual desire and severely violating their personalities," and sought a 10-year prison sentence.According to the indictment, defendant Yuji Shiomoto (64) of Osaka Prefecture is charged with non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual indecent acts, and quasi-forcible indecent acts for sexually assaulting two women who stayed at the group home for people with disabilities that he ran from 2022 to January of this year, including touching and licking their bodies and inserting his fingers into their genitals.In addition, he is also accused of photographing the two women in lewd positions and taking photos of them on his smartphone.Episode Notes:‘Osaka Group Home for Disabled Manager Admits to Sexually Abusing, Photographing Two Intellectually Disabled Women’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/18/osaka-group-home-for-disabled-manager-admits-to-sexually-abusing-photographing-two-intellectually-disabled-women/
“Currently, over 14,000 people in Japan are waiting for a kidney transplant — by far the largest group when classified according to organ — with an average waiting period of 14 years and nine months. That compares with an average wait time of three to five years among 90,000 patients in need of kidney transplants in the United States.”Episode Notes:‘Patients Needing Transplants in Japan Face A Long Wait’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/17/patients-needing-transplants-in-japan-face-a-long-wait/
A nationwide survey of local governments by Kyodo News on the 13th revealed that 329 workplaces where disabled people could gain skills and knowledge while working were closed nationwide between March and July of this year, resulting in at least 5,000 disabled people who worked there being fired or quitting. The highest number of disabled people ever fired in a year was about 4,000. Although this includes retirees, this is an unprecedented number in just five months."The work was far from professional agriculture, and most of the time was spent on breaks. If there was a harvest, I would do it, but there were days when I just watered the crop. In those cases, it only took about 30 minutes, and I had five or six hours of free time. Some people were on their cell phones or listening to music, and had a lot of free time. They told me that 'coming to the farm is your job.'"Episode Notes: ‘‘Unprecedented’ 5,000 People with Disabilities Quit or Fired from Workplaces in Japan, 329 Workplaces Closed Due to Cuts in Compensation Payments’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/15/unprecedented-5000-people-with-disabilities-quit-or-fired-from-workplaces-in-japan-329-workplaces-closed-due-to-cuts-in-compensation-payments/‘The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #24: Workers with Disabilities Told Only “Coming to the farm is your job” ’https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/03/the-shog-a-i-shimbun-podcast-24-workers-with-disabilities-told-only-coming-to-the-farm-is-your-job/
On the 10th, three staff members from the Prefectural Center for the Hearing Impaired drove around the homes of hearing-impaired people living in the city, where a seismic intensity of 6-low was observed in the earthquake on the 8th. The staff members used sign language to ask about damage caused by the earthquake and their concerns. Mitsuhira Kazuo, director of the Prefectural Center for the Deaf, who conducted the survey, said, "We don't know when the next big earthquake will occur, so we went there to listen in detail. We would like to hear the honest feelings of disabled people in other areas of the prefecture as well."Episode Notes:‘Miyazaki Prefecture City Conducts Survey on Nankai Trough Earthquake Information to Support Deaf People’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/12/miyazaki-prefecture-city-conducts-survey-on-nankai-trough-earthquake-information-to-support-deaf-people/
A survey conducted by Satoko Tsuda, associate professor at Chubu University, and her colleagues found that more than 60% of teachers in charge of student guidance at special-needs schools for children with intellectual disabilities have dealt with problems related to sex on social networking sites (SNS). Only about 30% of the respondents answered that they had provided literacy education on risks and other issues.Episode Notes:‘60% of Teachers at Japan’s Schools for Intellectually Disabled Have Dealt with Issues Related to Sex On SNS: Survey’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/08/60-of-teachers-at-japans-schools-for-intellectually-disabled-have-dealt-with-issues-related-to-sex-on-sns-survey/
The Japan Meteorological Agency on Thursday issued its first-ever alert warning about a possible megaquake around the Nankai Trough, following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Miyazaki Prefecture off the coast of Kyushu at 4:43PM.
A plaintiff in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilizations conducted under Japan's now-defunct eugenic protection law reached a settlement Wednesday with the government, the first such resolution among similar lawsuits filed across the country. The settlement in the suit filed by Sumiko Nishi, 77, of Hino, Tokyo, was finalized in Tokyo District Court. Nishi, who has cerebral palsy, was subjected to sterilization without consent at around 14 years old. Nishi's legal team says the government agreed to pay more than 16 million yen, or about 106,000 dollars, for the compensation, legal fees and other costs. She filed a lawsuit against the government in September 2022 for damages of 30 million yen, citing severe mental anguish from the surgery.Episode Notes: ‘1st Plaintiff, Sumiko Nishi, Reaches Settlement in Forced Sterilization Lawsuits in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/31/1st-plaintiff-sumiko-nishi-reaches-settlement-in-forced-sterilization-lawsuits-in-japan/
On July 29th, Prime Minister Kishida held the first meeting of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures toward the Realization of a Coexisting Society Free from Prejudice and Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.Episode Notes:‘PM Kishida Holds First Meeting of “Headquarters” That Will “eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities and eugenics”’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/31/pm-kishida-holds-first-meeting-of-headquarters-that-will-eradicate-prejudice-and-discrimination-against-people-with-disabilities-and-eugenics/
In response to the ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’, Kanagawa Prefecture has set a goal of “realizing a society where we can live together,” placing emphasis on a shift away from welfare policies that require people with disabilities to spend their entire lives in facilities, and promoting a shift to community living. However, in reality, there are many cases where attempts to open group homes (GHs) have been met with opposition from residents and forced to abandon plans.“We won’t let them do it unless everyone agrees.” At an information session for a GH for people with disabilities scheduled to open in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, residents repeatedly voiced their opposition.Episode notes:‘Memorial ceremony held for disabled victims of 2016 care home stabbings’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/28/memorial-ceremony-held-for-disabled-victims-of-2016-care-home-stabbings/‘Eight Years Pass Since ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’ at Care Home for People with Disabilities in Japan, Group Homes for Disabled Still Often Opposed’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/26/eight-years-pass-since-sagamihara-stabbings-at-care-home-for-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-group-homes-for-disabled-still-often-opposed/
In the early hours of July 26, 2016, a former employee of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en care home in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, broke in and killed 19 residents between the ages of 19 and 70 with a knife, injuring 26 others. Later sentenced to death, the killer believed he didn’t deserve such a harsh sentence and that people with disabilities that are unable to communicate can only “create unhappiness in society.”
Following the Supreme Court ruling that the former Eugenic Protection Law, which forced sterilization on the grounds of disability, was unconstitutional, the government has decided to create a new council with all cabinet members as members to eradicate discrimination against people with disabilities. It will be launched within this week and its first meeting will be held within the month. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference on the 22nd, "We would like to proceed with preparations to establish the council as soon as possible.”Episode Notes:‘Cabinet Council to be established to eradicate discrimination against people with disabilities after ruling deeming former Eugenic Protection Law unconstitutional’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/22/cabinet-council-to-be-established-to-eradicate-discrimination-against-people-with-disabilities-after-ruling-deeming-former-eugenic-protection-law-unconstitutional/
Kikuo Kojima, 83, of Sapporo was put up for adoption soon after his birth. He contracted polio, leaving him with a disabled right leg for which he was bullied. At age 19, when he was leading a desolate life, he was forced to undergo sterilization.Kojima was handcuffed by a police officer in front of his home and put into a psychiatric hospital in Sapporo. It was one-sidedly determined that he was mentally ill, and when he was sterilized, a nurse told him that this had to be done “since it would be terrible if people like you had children.”Episode Notes:‘Forced Sterilization Plaintiff Kikuo Kojima says he was told “it would be terrible if people like you had children” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/20/forced-sterilization-plaintiff-kikuo-kojima-says-he-was-told-it-would-be-terrible-if-people-like-you-had-children/
In front of more than 130 plaintiffs, lawyers and supporters, Kishida said, “It is with deep regret that at least 25,000 people have suffered the grave harm of being sterilized,” under the eugenics law, which was in effect between 1948 and 1996.In his first direct apology to the victims since the Supreme Court ruling on July 3, at a meeting with the victims held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Kishida expressed his government’s readiness to settle cases currently pending in courts and even compensate those who have not filed lawsuits, saying: “The government’s responsibility is extremely serious, I am sincerely sorry.”Episode Notes:‘Japan’s PM Kishida Apologizes Directly to Forced Sterilization Victims for “inexcusable violation of human rights” ’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/17/japans-pm-kishida-apologizes-directly-to-forced-sterilization-victims-for-inexcusable-violation-of-human-rights/
Megumi, which operates a group home for people with disabilities, submitted its business policy to Aichi Prefecture on July 12th, indicating its intention to transfer the business within the year. There is a possibility that some facilities will no longer be able to operate.Megumi, which operates a group home for people with disabilities, aims to transfer the business to a separate corporation within the year. After being found to have inflated food costs and fraudulent compensation claims, Megumi was administratively punished by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, and will no longer be able to operate group homes nationwide. Episode notes:‘ “Some facilities will no longer be able to operate” as Disgraced Megumi Care Facility Operator Prepares to Transfer Control of Business’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/14/some-facilities-will-no-longer-be-able-to-operate-as-disgraced-megumi-care-facility-operator-prepares-to-transfer-control-of-business/'Life in Japan: An encounter with disability and a call to action’ (By David McNeill, The Mainichi Shimbun, July 10 2024):https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240709/p2a/00m/0op/011000c
Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he plans to apologize to the plaintiffs in lawsuits involving forced sterilization next week.Kishida said at a meeting of ruling Liberal Democratic Party executives on Tuesday that he will meet the plaintiffs on July 17. He said the government has clearly stated that it is sincerely remorseful and offers deep apologies.Episode Notes:‘Japan PM Kishida to apologize to plaintiffs in forced sterilization lawsuits’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/10/japan-pm-kishida-to-apologize-to-plaintiffs-in-forced-sterilization-lawsuits/
Kyoto police arrested two men on Thursday for allegedly forcing a disabled coworker into an industrial washing machine and turning it on, injuring him.On March 26 at around 2:30 p.m, the two suspects reportedly told their coworker, a 50-year-old man with an intellectual disability, “You stink! Get in the washing machine.”They allegedly proceeded to force him into the machine and turn it on, resulting in injuries that required two weeks to heal.The victim sought medical attention a few days after the incident. The doctor who treated him noticed bruises and other injuries all over his body and reported the case to the police.Questioning of the victim has revealed further past instances of abuse, leading the police to investigate potential bullying in the workplace.Episode Notes:‘Kyoto men accused of forcing disabled person into washing machine’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/06/kyoto-men-accused-of-forcing-disabled-person-into-washing-machine/
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed Ayuko Kato, minister in charge of child policy, to set up a meeting between him and the plaintiffs this month, Kato told reporters after she met with Kishida at the prime minister’s office. Kato met with the plaintiffs on Thursday.The documentary film ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ about the late Dr. Mark Bookman, Tokyo based disability studies scholar and advocate will be released on DVD in October 2024.Episode Notes:‘Forced Sterilization Ruling: Japan Govt “will promptly pay compensation based on the ruling,” says Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/03/update-japan-forced-sterilization-ruling-japan-govt-will-promptly-pay-compensation-based-on-the-ruling-says-chief-cabinet-secretary-yoshimasa-hayashi/‘Mark - A Call to Action’ Pre-Order DVD via Amazon (Release Date October 8th 2024):https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Call-Action-DVD-Various/dp/B0D6PH3C85?crid=THLOX5LC9WV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GYNntE_aiSHFhVkvyn_Yirr3pCbDwVJyFKIVy9Qb0JzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.FIEC-PWYIeqh6y_dyMrZv6VBvSYjJVHbxiYhbhDKvK4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mark:+A+Call+to+Action+DVD&qid=1719947965&sprefix=mark+a+call+to+action+dvd,aps,63&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=soundmed1-20&linkId=74e1b641b9ea1a160ca50bb29a5e9802&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&fbclid=IwY2xjawD2RKxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHanWrmNi6Yskz2serMh-xCTCWNOvXdANCCGdxC6sdPEqnH1aIImhKoLA1w_aem_OkiEZ7GY6ulRMfAWkqX_CQ
Japan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday awarded damages to victims of forced sterilizations conducted under the now-defunct eugenic protection law. Handing down a unified ruling on five related damages suits, the top court’s Grand Bench, presided over by Chief Justice Saburo Tokura, decided not to apply the 20-year statute of limitations for damages claims, a focal point of the case. It effectively handed total victory to the plaintiffs.Episode Notes:‘Japan Top Court Orders Damages for Forced Sterilizations’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/03/japan-top-court-orders-damages-for-forced-sterilizations/‘Japan top court orders government to pay damages over forced sterilization’ (Kyodo):https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/a016e40a84d3-update1-japan-top-court-orders-govt-to-pay-damages-over-forced-sterilization.html‘(Update) Japan Forced Sterilization Ruling: Japan Govt “will promptly pay compensation based on the ruling,” says Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/03/update-japan-forced-sterilization-ruling-japan-govt-will-promptly-pay-compensation-based-on-the-ruling-says-chief-cabinet-secretary-yoshimasa-hayashi/
The death toll from the January 1st Noto Peninsula earthquake in central Japan is projected to reach 300 as 18 more indirect deaths are expected to be recognized.On Tuesday, the Ishikawa prefectural government and affected municipalities held a joint meeting and were advised to recognize 18 deaths as related to the disaster. The 18 cases include the deaths of a COVID-19 patient and an elderly person who lost physical strength while hospitalized. Such a joint meeting has been held three times so far, and the local governments have been advised to recognize a total of 70 indirect deaths.Episode Notes:'Noto Quake Death Toll to Reach 300 with 18 More Indirect Deaths’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/25/noto-quake-death-toll-to-reach-300-with-18-more-indirect-deaths/'Death Toll in Central Japan Quake Rises to 206, 8 Deaths Due to “indirect causes related to the earthquake” ':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/11/death-toll-in-central-japan-quake-rises-to-206-8-deaths-due-to-indirect-causes-related-to-the-earthquake/
Japan's welfare ministry said Wednesday that it has decided to apply a collective responsibility system to Megumi Co. under a related law over irregularities including overcharging, banning renewals of service provider designations for all of its group homes for disabled people. The ministry notified the company and local governments concerned of the decision. The punitive action was based on the comprehensive law on support for disabled people and the decision was made to apply the joint liability system in the belief that there was organized involvement in irregularities committed by the group home operator, such as service fee overcharging.Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Welfare Ministry Confirms it Will Apply Collective Liability to ‘Megumi’ Operator of Homes for Disabled’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/27/japans-welfare-ministry-confirms-it-will-apply-collective-liability-to-megumi-operator-of-homes-for-disabled/'Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Minister says he wants to deal with disability welfare service compensation fraud in an appropriate manner’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/16/japans-health-labor-and-welfare-minister-says-he-wants-to-deal-with-disability-welfare-service-compensation-fraud-in-an-appropriate-manner/
Taro Igarashi is the author of “Kabobi Toshi” or “Overprotective city” published 20 years ago and in a recent interview with The Asahi Shimbun Igarashi warns how phenomena such as ‘hostile benches’ – benches, often installed in public parks that are uncomfortable to sit on – are designed in way to discourage people from using them, that they have an “exclusionary purpose” which “has long been forgotten.”Episode Notes:‘As Public Spaces Become Limited in Japan, Architectural History Professor Warns of Threat to Vulnerable Groups’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/23/as-public-spaces-become-limited-in-japan-architectural-history-professor-warns-of-threat-to-vulnerable-groups/‘INTERVIEW/ Taro Igarashi: Take a stand on ‘hostile benches’ that exclude disabled people’ (The Asahi Shimbun, June 20th 2024)’:https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15284631
Two recent court proceedings in Japan have involved claims about the accused’s mental health: an appeal of nurse with autism whom was found guilty of murdering three patients and the man charged with killing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.Episode notes:‘Former Japanese Nurse with Autism Gets Indefinite Term in Appeal Trial’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/20/former-japanese-nurse-with-autism-gets-indefinite-term-in-appeal-trial/‘Psychiatric exam finds ex-Japan PM Abe shooter mentally fit’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/20/psychiatric-exam-finds-ex-japan-pm-abe-shooter-mentally-fit/‘Linking mental illness to violence tarnishes an entire community’, By Michael Gillan Peckitt & Mark Bookman, The Japan Times, August 2nd 2019, (Behind Paywall): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/08/02/voices/linking-mental-illness-violence-tarnishes-entire-community/
A woman in her 80s died after her neck became trapped under the handrail at the bottom of an escalator at a supermarket in Nishitokyo on Wednesday June 12th 2024.The incident follows an incident in March at JR Mito Station, northeast of Tokyo, in which a man in his 70s died from suffocation after his suit jacket became ensnared in an escalator handrail.Following the incident in Nishitokyo , it was reported in the The Asahi Shimbun that:“[A]ccording to a survey conducted by the Consumer Affairs Agency and others, fatal accidents involving escalators were recorded at least seven times from June 2004 through March 2024.The Japan Elevator Association reported the number of accidents involving escalators was 1,550 during the two years from 2018 to 2019, which is two times higher than the number 15 years ago.”Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency Reported Seven Fatal Accidents Involving Escalators Over Last 20 Years and 1,550 Accidents Between 2018 to 2019’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/15/japans-consumer-affairs-agency-reported-seven-fatal-accidents-involving-escalators-over-last-20-years-and-1550-accidents-between-2018-to-2019/‘Elderly woman dies as neck caught under Tokyo store’s escalator rail’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/13/elderly-woman-dies-as-neck-caught-under-tokyo-stores-escalator-rail/
A woman in her 80s died on Wednesday 12th June after her neck became trapped under the handrail at the bottom of an escalator at a supermarket in Tokyo, police said, in the latest accident of its kind in recent months.Security camera footage from the store in Nishitokyo, western Tokyo, shows the woman fell as she attempted to lift the walker she was using as she approached the bottom of the escalator. Her neck then became trapped between the underside of the handrail and the floor.Episode notes:‘Elderly woman dies as neck caught under Tokyo store’s escalator rail’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/13/elderly-woman-dies-as-neck-caught-under-tokyo-stores-escalator-rail/
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has announced that it will allow disabled people to live with their children until they find a new home, in addition to its previous policy of "not expecting" disabled people to raise their children in group homes (GHs). The ministry has notified local governments nationwide in relation to the issue of disabled people undergoing sterilization procedures at GHs in Hokkaido.Episode Notes:‘Parents with Disabilities Living in ‘Group Homes’ May Live with Their Children Until New Home is Found, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Announces’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/08/parents-with-disabilities-living-in-group-homes-may-live-with-their-children-until-new-home-is-found-japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-announces/
Japan's parliament enacted on Wednesday an amended law stipulating government assistance for young people who provide daily care for family members. The revised law to promote support for child-nurturing and youth development was approved by a majority vote of the ruling bloc at a plenary meeting of the House of Councillors, the upper parliamentary chamber.Episode Notes: ‘Japan Amends Law to Give National Support to Young Caregivers’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/06/japan-amends-law-to-give-national-support-to-young-caregivers/
The film, “Chinmoku no 50-Nen” (50 years of silence), depicts the lives of Takaji Kobayashi, 92, a hearing-impaired man from Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, and his wife. The film uses interviews and dramatic reenactments to depict the suffering of people who were deprived of the right to bear and raise children.According to the police, at around 2:00 p.m. on the 27th of this month, a 69-year-old man with intellectual disabilities who was staying at the Andante Kashima facility for the disabled in Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, lost consciousness while undergoing treatment for a cavity. The man was taken to the hospital, but died about an hour later.Police investigation revealed that the cause of death was acute respiratory failure due to pressure on the chest and abdomen.Episode Notes:‘New Film Depicts Suffering Of Forced Sterilization Victims; “Chinmoku No 50-Nen” Explores History Of Japan’s Eugenics Law’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/30/new-film-depicts-suffering-of-forced-sterilization-victims-chinmoku-no-50-nen-explores-history-of-japans-eugenics-law/‘Male Resident of Osaka Facility for Disabled Dies After Dental Treatment, Chest Compressions Investigated’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/31/male-resident-of-osaka-facility-for-disabled-dies-after-dental-treatment-chest-compressions-investigated/
As Japan’s Supreme Court Hears Appeal Over Forced Sterilization, ‘Junko Iizuka’ Speaks by Michael Gillan Peckitt
Don’t panic! North Korean overlords won’t be here soon!On a serious note, the alert was broadcast on NHK at around 22:47 on Monday 27th May 2024. Residents of Okinawa were advised to take shelter and the advisory was later lifted.
The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships which was held from May 17th to May 25th ended on Saturday. Barrier Free Japan went to the entrance of the stadium and found it to be accessible. Not all did find it accessible though, and a woman - she never gave her name - with her husband and daughter, a daughter who has cerebral palsy. Kyodo reported:“But another Kobe resident in her 50s said that the city was "divided in some parts," while also lamenting that attendance could have been better. She came to see the tournament with her husband and daughter, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound.”Some people with disabilities who use wheelchairs find ‘wheelchair-bound’ to be offensive and prefer the term ‘wheelchair user’. Barrier Free Japan sometimes gets comments and posts on social media about this issue.Episode notes:‘Para athletics: Athletes, fans praise "successful" Kobe tournament’ (Kyodo): https://english.kyodonews.net/paralympics/news/2024/05/fe0fbc2ad909-para-athletics-athletes-fans-praise-successful-kobe-tournament.htmlOutside the Stadium for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/21/outside-the-stadium-for-the-kobe-2024-para-athletics-world-championships/
A woman in her 70s died at her home in Nagoya's Meito Ward, and her severely disabled son in his 40s, who lived with her, was found in a weakened state on the 14th of this month.The Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships is the first time the Para Athletics World Championships has been held in an East-Asian country. Barrier Free Japan had a look at the entrance to the stadium on May 21st.Episode notes: ‘Elderly woman dies in Nagoya, severely disabled son weakens; City does not immediately check home as ‘low emergency’’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/23/elderly-woman-dies-in-nagoya-severely-disabled-son-weakens-city-does-not-immediately-check-home-as-low-emergency/‘Outside the Stadium for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships’:https://youtu.be/K6YtuACMNek?si=avrTAdmJxaphZmJO
Japan’s Supreme Court will take measures to accommodate disabled plaintiffs in five damages lawsuits over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law, including setting up ramps for wheelchair users, it was learned Thursday.It will be the first time for the top court to implement measures for disabled people on a large scale.The Supreme Court’s Grand Bench is scheduled to hold a hearing on the five forced sterilization cases on May 29. The lawsuits against the Japanese government were originally filed with the Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe district courts.Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Top Court to Take Measures for Disabled Plaintiffs Over Forced Sterilization’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/17/japans-top-court-to-take-measures-for-disabled-plaintiffs-over-forced-sterilization/
The NHK TV drama ‘Percent’ premiered on Saturday 11th May on NHK G. The drama concerns Mirai (Miku, Marika Ito) who joins a TV station because she admires their drama production, and one day, her project is accepted for the first time. Her joy is short-lived, however, when her programming manager Fujitani (Satoshi Hashimoto) tells her to change the character of her main character to a person with a disability in a special drama for "Diversity Month.'' Although she is confused, she begins to interview, during which she meets Haru (Yui Wago), a high school student in a wheelchair. She feels a strange attraction towards Haru, but she rejects her, saying, "She doesn't want her disability to be taken advantage of.''Episode Notes: NHK ‘Percent’ TV Drama webpage: https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/8N2ML9PMRG/episode/te/V2QYW74VX6/
The president of National Hospital Organization Omuta National Hospital apologized on May 2 after confirming that male employees sexually abused patients who have severe mental and physical disabilities. The hospital has not taken any administrative action against the five employees who are suspected of abuse. The employees abused patients by stimulating their pubic areas while they were sleeping or being assisted in the bath, and touching female patients' breasts.Episode Notes: ‘Fukuoka Prefecture Hospital says sorry for male staff sexually abusing patients, no further action taken’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/04/fukuoka-prefecture-hospital-says-sorry-for-male-staff-sexually-abusing-patients-no-further-action-taken/
“The work was far from professional agriculture, and most of the time was spent on breaks. If there was a harvest, I would do it, but there were days when I just watered the crop. In those cases, it only took about 30 minutes, and I had five or six hours of free time. Some people were on their cell phones or listening to music, and had a lot of free time. They told me that ‘coming to the farm is your job.'Compared to the employment support facility, my salary was several tens of thousands of yen higher, but it didn’t lead to my personal growth or career advancement. I was harassed by the management staff, and in the end, I had to quit after six months.”Episode Notes:‘ “Coming to the farm is your job”: Workers with Disabilities in Japan Harassed, Given Little Work to Make Up Employment Numbers’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/02/coming-to-the-farm-is-your-job-workers-with-disabilities-in-japan-harassed-given-little-work-to-make-up-employment-numbers/‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’ (March 14 2024): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/14/hokkaido-ranch-operator-in-abuse-suit-admits-to-paying-disabled-workers-in-snacks-juice/
Author of ‘No One’s Perfect’, Hirotada Ototake who ran as an independent in Tokyo’s 15th district in a by-election for a seat in House of Representatives on Sunday 28th April, came in fifth, about 30,000 votes behind the winner.In a post on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, Ototake stated on April 28th:“I was unsuccessful this time. I blame it all on my own lack of ability.”Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/29/writer-and-disability-activist-hirotada-ototake-speaking-after-conceding-tokyo-by-election/
On April 27th Kobe City started to literally ‘fly the flag’ – put out flags in Kobe City – heralding the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships to be held from May 17th – May 25th. An event titled ‘PARAgrressive Day’ was held in various locations in Kobe. Barrier Free Japan made some videos!As of the evening of April 28th 2024, Hirotada Ototake is set to lose the by-election for a House of Representatives seat. On April 23rd it was reported that someone was arrested for attacking a staffer working for Ototake.Episode Notes:YouTube: ‘Kobe City ‘Flies the Flag’ for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships’:https://youtu.be/uiQcAMCE9g4?si=VonRxWrxjxPHt9N1Kobe Begins to ‘Fly the Flag’ for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships with ‘PARAgrressive Day’’ (YouTube & TikTok Links): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/27/kobe-begins-to-fly-the-flag-for-the-kobe-2024-para-athletics-world-championships-with-paragrressive-day/‘Man arrested over assault of Tokyo by-election campaign staffer of disabled candidate, Hirotada Ototake’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/25/man-arrested-over-assault-of-tokyo-by-election-campaign-staffer-of-disabled-candidate-hirotada-ototake/‘Hirotada certain to lose by-election’ (Japanese language): https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240426/k00/00m/010/325000c
Eight years ago, eight patients living in Osaka, Nara, etc. filed a lawsuit against the government after their long-term basic disability pension was discontinued, and all of them won, but they were subsequently rejected again by the government. Since the payment was made, they filed a second complaint.A second court case was held in which the same eight patients with type 1 diabetes, whose bodies cannot produce insulin to lower blood sugar levels due to immune abnormalities, sued the government, claiming that it was unfair to have their basic disability pension payments terminated. The high court, contrary to the first court case, on April 19th, approved the lawsuit and ordered the government to pay pensions to all eight people, stating that it was illegal to deny them pensions.Episode Notes:‘After Second Court Case, Osaka High Court Upholds Right to Disability Pension for Type 1 Diabetes Patients, Reversing Govt’s Decision’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/20/after-second-court-case-osaka-high-court-upholds-right-to-disability-pension-for-type-1-diabetes-patients-reversing-govts-decision/
“In Japan, the idea of a right to move is missing. It is not a problem only for people with disabilities. In rural areas, public transportation declines for business reasons and elderly people who cannot drive a car are inconvenienced,” said wheelchair user Hideto Kijima (45) after he was was forced to crawl up a set of stairs to the plane on the now defunct ‘Vanilla Air’ LCC in June 2017.Vanilla Air later merged with ‘Peach Aviation’ and it was reported on April 13th 2024 that a “Taiwanese national with a physical disability attempted to board a Taiwan-bound flight of low-cost carrier (LCC) Peach Aviation (headquartered in Osaka Prefecture) at Naha Airport in Okinawa, but was denied boarding because the battery in their electric wheelchair was not visible from the outside.”Episode Notes: ‘Electric Wheelchair User Denied Boarding on Japan LCC ‘Peach’ Due to ‘Visible Battery’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/15/electric-wheelchair-user-denied-boarding-on-japan-lcc-peach-to-due-to-visible-battery/‘Vanilla Airline Incident 1 & a Half Year Later’ (December 9th 2018): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/12/10/year-and-half-after-vanilla-airline-incident-japanese-wheelchair-user-reflects-on-disability-issues/
About 40 pct of Japanese medical institutions accepting hospitalizations of children ask family members to stay around the clock with them in certain circumstances, a government survey showed Friday 12th April.Following the initial concerns with ‘beni koji’ supplements, problems linked to 18 food items with functional claims have been reported in Japan other than those allegedly caused by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. supplements.Episode Notes:’40% of Hospitals in Japan Request Family Be Caregivers for Child Inpatients’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/12/40-of-hospitals-in-japan-request-family-be-caregivers-for-child-inpatients/‘Health Problems Reported over 18 Functional Foods in Japan’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/13/health-problems-reported-over-18-functional-foods-in-japan/
Author of ‘No One’s Perfect’, Hirotada Ototake said on Monday April 8th that he will run as an independent in the April 28 House of Representatives by-election in the Tokyo No. 15 constituency with the backing of Tomin First no Kai or ‘Tokyoites First Party’, a political organization closely linked to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike that he serves as deputy leader. Ototake said that as one who has congenital tetra-amelia syndrome, he wants to "help people in need through the power of politics.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/08/disabled-japanese-author-hirotada-ototake-to-run-in-lower-house-by-election/
A disability news-related digest from the first few days of April 2024 in Japan, the beginning of the fiscal year. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. says that water leaked “into ‘beni-koji’ production tank in past.” Japan’s Health Ministry conducted a poll that revealed 35% of people are prejudiced against ex-leprosy patients and 2024 brings changes regarding policies about health and for people with disabilities in Japan.Episode Notes:‘Spring 2024 in Japan Brings In Changes for Health and People with Disabilities’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/06/spring-2024-in-japan-brings-in-changes-for-health-and-people-with-disabilities/‘35% in Japan Prejudiced against Ex-Leprosy Patients Says Government Survey’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/05/35-in-japan-prejudiced-against-ex-leprosy-patients-says-government-survey/‘Kobayashi Pharma says water leaked into ‘beni-koji’ production tank in past’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/06/kobayashi-pharma-says-water-leaked-into-beni-koji-production-tank-in-past/
There were 7,637,967 ambulance dispatches in Japan in 2023, the highest figure since comparable data became available in 1963, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said in a preliminary report. From the previous year, ambulance dispatches increased 5.6 pct. The agency also said a record 6,639,959 people, up 6.8 pct, were transported by ambulance.Episode Notes:‘Japan Saw Record Ambulance Dispatches in 2023’ (March 29 2024): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/29/japan-saw-record-ambulance-dispatches-in-2023/
Well, the tsunami warnings and advisories for Okinawa are lifted, of course we still have to be cautious and be aware of the possibility of further earthquakes. We breath a sigh of relief!
At around 8:58AM on Wednesday 3rd April 2024 there was an earthquake near Taiwan, the exact magnitude of which is still be determined, but it was between 7.4 and 7.7. The earthquake also registered in Japan and a tsunami warning was issued for Okinawa. It has since be reduced from a warning to an advisory, but caution is still advised.
The Japanese government has raised the legally required ratio of employees with disabilities in the private sector to 2.5 percent or higher starting on April 1. The labor and welfare ministry says the number of people with disabilities working at private firms has been on an upward trend. It estimates the figure to be more than 1.1 million as of June 2023.Episode Notes:‘Japan raises ratio of employees with disabilities to 2.5% in private sector’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/01/japan-raises-ratio-of-employees-with-disabilities-to-2-5-in-private-sector/
An office that provides after-school day care services for children with disabilities has been subject to administrative sanctions for falsifying support plans for the children. According to Kumamoto City, ‘Banana Land’ had falsified dates and other information about the support plan, using the parent’s seal or stamp without permission.Episode notes:'Kumamoto Day Care Service for Children with Disabilities Sanctioned for Falsifying Care Plans':https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/31/kumamoto-day-care-service-for-children-with-disabilities-sanctioned-for-falsifying-care-plans/
Two people who used the ‘beni koji’ health supplement have died, one of whom died of a kidney disease.Episode Notes:‘Second Fatal Case Reported among Kobayashi Supplement Users’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/27/second-fatal-case-reported-among-kobayashi-supplement-users/
In a country notorious for its reliance on cash, municipalities across Japan have been staging electronic payment uptake drives to stimulate digitalized consumption by granting shopping points for transactions using QR codes.Some remain reluctant, especially elderly people and others who find digital devices difficult to operate, and who continue to view cash as the be-all and end-all for making purchases.Episode notes:‘Local gov'ts supporting elderly by promoting cashless payment systems’: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/00a0c8bd5862-feature-local-govts-supporting-elderly-by-promoting-cashless-payment-systems.html?phrase=vodka&words=
Episode Notes: Japan’s NHK has produced a new program that explores "questions" through dialogue with a wide variety of people, including doctors who understand the language of birds, philosophers, businessmen, people with drug addictions and intellectual disabilities, and designers! How would you answer?鳥の言葉がわかる博士、哲学者、ビジネスマン、薬物依存症や知的障害のある人、デザイナーなど…多様な人たちとの対話で「問い」を探求する新番組！あなたならどう答える？‘Toi ‘Toi’ to air for the first time on NHK E TV on Friday 29th March 2024初回放送日: 2024年3月29日NHK ‘Toi Toi’ Website: https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/72L62Z715X/episode/te/MPWR8X85LZ/?fbclid=IwAR2RvMAHFU-ePnaQZB6SeWCPIhyJjIuOboavPLOXnknY9EdV4rw7thQVaB8
‘Access Yell’, a venture company based in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture that manufactures assistive devices for people with disabilities, has developed a smart remote control for televisions that is easy to operate for people with physical disabilities, and began selling it at the end of 2023.Episode Notes:‘Osaka Company Develops Smart Remote Control for People with Disabilities’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/24/osaka-company-develops-smart-remote-control-for-people-with-disabilities/‘Access Yell’ Company Website: https://accessyell.co.jp
The day after Ryoko Nakajima made the post, Aeon Entertainment, which operates the cinema chain, issued an apology:“It has come to our attention that an Aeon Entertainment employee made an inappropriate comment to a customer while assisting the customer to move to another location after the customer had finished watching a movie. We regret the incident and believe that it was caused by a lack of guidance to our employees.”Episode Notes: ‘(Update) Wheelchair User Denied Accessible Space at Tokyo Cinema, Aeon Cinema Company Apologizes and Social Media Responds’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/22/update-wheelchair-user-denied-accessible-space-at-tokyo-cinema-aeon-cinema-company-apologizes-and-social-media-responds/
The incident took place at an Aeon cinema in Tokyo, which is regularly used by Ryoko Nakajima, a wheelchair-using woman. TBS reported that: “The woman watched the movie not from the wheelchair-only space, but from a reclining seat with four steps.” When Ryoko Nakajima posted about this incident on social media, in which she said she would be refused admission to the cinema next time, it went viral. People on social media, or Social Network System (SNS) had a variety of opinions, here are some examples with the ‘poster’s’ name removed.Episode Notes: ‘Social Media ‘X’ Responds to Wheelchair-User Ryoko Nakajima Posting About Tokyo Cinema Access Denial’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/22/social-media-x-responds-to-wheelchair-user-ryoko-nakajima-posting-about-tokyo-cinema-access-denial/
The Shog-A.I. Shimbun goes to the movies, sort of…An incident took place at a cinema in Tokyo, which is usually used by a woman in a wheelchair. TBS reported that: “The woman watched the movie not from the wheelchair-only space, but from a reclining seat with four steps.”The woman paid an additional fee and watched the movie in a reclining seat, rather than in the wheelchair-only space.Episode Notes:‘Wheelchair User Denied Accessible Seating at Tokyo Cinema Raises Concern as Japan’s Barrier Free Laws Change in April’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/20/wheelchair-user-denied-accessible-seating-at-tokyo-cinema-raises-concern-as-japans-barrier-free-laws-change-in-april/
March 20th 2024 was the Spring equinox and a national holiday in Japan, but it is was very windy. There is also very little news!
The Spring equinox, March 20th 2024 is a national holiday in Japan! There is sakura and a Shog-A.I. Shimbun episode! Today’s episode mentions an NPO in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture that has begun an initiative to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the agricultural field. Michey Peckitt in A.I. mode also talks a bit about the derogatory language that is sometimes used in both LGBT+ and disability journalism.Episode Notes:(In Japanese): ‘Expanding employment of people with disabilities in agriculture: NPO in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture provides fields and know-how for new businesses’: https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/1218844The ‘Transgenderism’ vs ‘being transgender’ article (In Japanese): https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2342ae1cbcf591265766966635c8be2a9dc5d952
What was formerly the GID (Gender Identity Disorder) Society, which promotes research on transgender people whose minds and bodies do not match, officially announced at its general meeting held in Okinawa Prefecture on March 17th that it will change its name. The change, announced Sunday at its general meeting, is in line with the World Health Organization's recent advice to use the term "gender incongruence" instead of "gender disorder." The society's new English name is yet to be formally decided.The name change was made in response to the growing belief that transgenderism is not a disorder and is no longer used as an international diagnostic name.Episode Notes: ‘Japan Society for Gender Dysphoria Renamed as “It’s not a disorder” ’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/17/japan-society-for-gender-dysphoria-renamed-as-its-not-a-disorder/
Ok, this is a bit of fun, but behind it are two serious points. Firstly since the term ‘shogai’ or ‘障害’ can mean ‘failure’, ‘obstacle’ as well as ‘disability’, the algorithm Gods of Google won’t quickly show up recent news stories about disability in Japan because everyone is talking about the McDonald’s App ‘fail’ that happened on Friday. Secondly, a reliance on technology to accomplish tasks like buying food is also a concern for me as a person with disabilities.I'm not always lovin' it.
Whilst reading about the ranch operator in northern Japan's Hokkaido who admitted in court on March 12th that they had not paid intellectually disabled workers for decades, giving them only "snacks and juice,” Barrier Free Japan went back to their blog and re-read reports.Episode notes:‘ “Besides being intellectually disabled, you are a human being” ’: Plaintiff claims in Hokkaido farm abuse lawsuit’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/28/besides-being-intellectually-disabled-you-are-a-human-being-plaintiff-claims-in-hokkaido-farm-abuse-lawsuit/‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/14/hokkaido-ranch-operator-in-abuse-suit-admits-to-paying-disabled-workers-in-snacks-juice/
As soon as the second episode of the ‘Shog-A.I. Shimbun’ was uploaded a report by The Mainichi Shimbun on a similar theme - that of people with disabilities not being paid for work - was published, so this is kind of a ‘Shog-A.I, episode two: evening edition.’A ranch operator in northern Japan's Hokkaido admitted in court on March 12 that they had not paid intellectually disabled workers for decades, giving them only "snacks and juice.”Three mentally disabled men in their 60s, all living in Hokkaido, have filed suit in the Sapporo District Court against the operators of the Endo ranch in Eniwa, Hokkaido, plus the municipal government there for some 94 million yen (about $635,000), alleging decades of abuse and poor working conditions.Episode Notes: ‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/14/hokkaido-ranch-operator-in-abuse-suit-admits-to-paying-disabled-workers-in-snacks-juice/
This is the second edition of The ‘Shog-A.I. Shimbun’, the AI narrated news report about disability issues in Japan. This episode covers news reports from March 11th - March 14th 2024. The first news story is about people with disabilities not being paid wages in Saitama, the second is about worries of a potential German measles outbreak and the third is about high wages for people with disabilities in Tottori Prefecture.Episode Notes:‘Saitama Employment Support Business Closed Over Non-Payment of Wages to People with Disabilities’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/13/saitama-employment-support-business-closed-over-non-payment-of-wages-to-people-with-disabilities/‘Concerns Growing over Measles Outbreak in Japan’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/13/concerns-growing-over-measles-outbreak-in-japan/‘Wages at Tottori welfare service offices earned by people with disabilities exceeds 20,000 Yen for the first time’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/12/wages-at-tottori-welfare-service-offices-earned-by-people-with-disabilities-exceeds-20000-yen-for-the-first-time/
Barrier Free Japan Japan introduces the 'Shog-A.I. Shimbun'! The podcast news digest about disability issues in Japan!Episode notes: 'Websites in Japan becoming more friendly to people with disabilities’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/07/websites-in-japan-becoming-more-friendly-to-people-with-disabilities/‘Fathers of babies in Japan who die of abuse on day of birth rarely identified’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/09/fathers-of-babies-in-japan-who-die-of-abuse-on-day-of-birth-rarely-identified/
The robots are coming, Barrier Free Japan is being upgraded against their will! Well, not quite yet, but playing around with Sora AI and the Echo AI and it is convincing to a point. I can see why artists, writers, composers are worried. I can also see some benefits of AI as a person with disabilities, university lecturer and podcast creator. Maybe legislation at the very least clarifying if and how AI infringes copyright and intellectual property is needed.And yes, I am enjoying ‘Shogun’.
While her father, Kazuo Hayashi believes her death was the course his daughter chose, Kazuo had nothing but disdain for the two doctors implicated in her death.“I have no idea why they did what they did, but it is only to be expected that they were arrested,” Kazuo said.He also expressed anger that the doctors received 1.3 million yen before Yuri died.“How could they take money by taking advantage of the weakness of an individual?” Kazuo asked.Episode Notes: ‘Father of woman in ‘mercy killing’ case vents his rage at doctors’ (Asahi July 25th 2020) https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13576880
The trial of Yoshikazu Okubo (45), who was charged with commission murder and murder for killing a patient with the incurable disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by administering drugs at her request concluded on March 5th. The Kyoto District Court handed down the verdict on March 5th.Presiding Judge Hiroshi Kawakami rejected the defense’s claim of innocence and sentenced him to 18 years in prison (23 years in prison was originally sought), stating that “social appropriateness cannot be recognized at all.” He read out the reasons for the judgment and then delivered the main sentence.According to the ruling, in November 2019, Okubo conspired with former doctor Naoki Yamamoto (46) to administer drugs to a female ALS patient, Yuri Hayashi at her home in Kyoto City, causing her to suffer from acute symptoms. She died from drug poisoning. In March 2011, he conspired with defendant Yamamoto and others to somehow murder the defendant’s father, Yasushi (then 77), in an apartment in Tokyo.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/05/kyoto-district-court-sentences-physician-to-18-years-in-prison-for-killing-patient-with-als/
At some branches of 7-11, as you walk up to pay, you might see this mat, stuck to the counter. The mat has images with writing underneath, the writing is in Japanese & English and below the images it reads: ‘Buy Coffee’, ‘Buy Plastic Bag’, ‘Chopsticks’, ‘Fork’, ‘Spoon’, ‘Warm Up Microwave’, ‘Yes’ & ‘No’.The mat is intended to help people with difficulties communicating, especially d/Deaf people and people with hearing impairments, when attempting to tell the 7-11 staff what they want to buy.Episode Notes: ‘‘Assist Mats’ Begin to Appear in Branches of 7-11 in Japan’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/04/assist-mats-begin-to-appear-in-branches-of-7-11-in-japan/
On March 2, it was learned that the Kanagawa prefectural government had conducted on-site inspections at two group homes for the severely disabled in Kanagawa Prefecture.According to the officials, last year, a mentally disabled woman moved into a Group Home (GH) in Fujisawa City, and the GH asked her to move out immediately after a month or so because the staff could not handle her well and her behavior had become unstable. The woman was forced to return to her home with her parents.Episode Notes: ‘Kanagawa Prefecture conducts on-site inspection of a home for the severely disabled’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/02/kanagawa-prefecture-conducts-on-site-inspection-of-a-home-for-the-severely-disabled/
Japan’s infrastructure ministry plans to create a nationwide rule requiring that 0.5 pct of seats at sports venues and theaters be reserved for wheelchair users. The central government’s move comes after many local governments have set their own wheelchair space requirements of 0.5 pct or more.Episode Notes: ‘Japan to Set 0.5％ Rule for Space for Wheelchair Users at Events’:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/27/japan-to-set-0-5％-rule-for-space-for-wheelchair-users-at-events/
Here is my ‘review’ - perhaps ‘appraisal’ or ‘observations’ would be a better way of describing it - of the documentary ‘Mark - A Call to Action’, about my friend, the late Dr. Mark Bookman, which I hope receives wider attention.At the beginning and end of the podcast episode, there are audio extracts from Carolyn Stevens, Professor of Japanese Studies and Director of the Japanese Studies Centre at Monash University, Australia, speaking at Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus on February 25th 2024 after a showing of the film.Before he died, Mark was working on a new project; an organisation called ‘GLIDE’ that would help organisations such as governments & businesses be inclusive of people with disabilities. Please click on the GLIDE website given below.GLIDE Website: https://www.glidefund.org‘Mark - A Call to Action’ Trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/7ouJVy0J2n0?si=BntT_pQuvdMvk9xb
The place, Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus. The date, Sunday 25th February 2024.The reason for this gathering was to watch ‘Mark - A Call to Action’, a documentary film about the late Dr. Mark Bookman, an academic and disability activist who lived in Japan and researched about disability issues in Japan.This podcast begins with Wasna Al Dabbagh introducing the film ‘Mark - A Call to Action’, followed by the trailer for the film. Finally, there are some comments made after the film by Prof. Nagase Osamu of Ritsumeikan University, who is a disability studies scholar, as well as being a mentor and colleague to Mark.‘Mark - A Call to Action’ trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/7ouJVy0J2n0?si=zLty7nuLjo0tYpik
Barrier Free Japan is hopefully off to Tokyo by the time this podcast episode drops, or in the language of Douglas Adams, ‘will and have been’ to Tokyo, weather permitting on Sunday 25th February 2024, to see the film about the late Mark Bookman.Episode notes: ‘New families sought for children with disabilities via adoption in Japan’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/23/new-families-sought-for-children-with-disabilities-via-adoption-in-japan/‘Disabled woman forced to sell body sentenced for killing client’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/21/disabled-woman-forced-to-sell-body-sentenced-for-killing-client/‘Mark – A Call to Action’ Online Registration Form for Tokyo Premiere on February 25/27 2024:https://woobox.com/cg5e8w?fbclid=IwAR27Kqy-ObiWOJ1rhGEYDckuAqwbcVUWYIJK0YPngV4BrjoTZPBSUYf_PRM* Correction: When speaking about the ‘Disabled woman forced to sell body sentenced for killing client’ article, Barrier Free Japan erroneously said she was sentenced to 9 years. The prosecutors sought 9 years, she was sentenced to 6 years.
NHK reports that life begins to return to normal in Ishikawa Prefecture after the earthquake on January 1st 2024 and it seems that Barrier Free Japan will get to go to Tokyo and see the film about Mark Bookman!‘Mark - A Call to Action’ Online Registration Form for Tokyo Premiere on February 24/25/27 2024: https://woobox.com/cg5e8w?fbclid=IwAR27Kqy-ObiWOJ1rhGEYDckuAqwbcVUWYIJK0YPngV4BrjoTZPBSUYf_PRM
Recent reports made by Japan’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Land and Transport regarding the elderly and people with disabilities are arguably a kind of good news/bad news situation.Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Land Ministry to take steps to help property owners who “hesitate” to rent to elderly and disabled’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/15/japans-land-ministry-to-take-steps-to-help-property-owners-who-hesitate-to-rent-to-elderly-and-disabled/‘Japan’s Transport Ministry Points Out Language Used to Refer to Disabled on Airline Website May Be Misinterpreted’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/17/japans-transport-ministry-points-out-language-used-to-refer-to-disabled-on-airline-website-may-be-misinterpreted/
Mark Bookman was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo.Before he died, Mark was working on a new project with an organization that would help organizations such as governments & businesses include people with disabilities called ‘GLIDE’ or ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’. The documentary “Mark – A Call to Action” produced by GLIDE will premiere in February 2024 in Tokyo.Registration application form to attend the premiere in Tokyo in February 2024: https://woobox.com/cg5e8w?fbclid=IwAR27Kqy-ObiWOJ1rhGEYDckuAqwbcVUWYIJK0YPngV4BrjoTZPBSUYf_PRMGLIDE: https://www.glidefund.org
A male client suffered severe burns while taking a bath at a facility for the disabled in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture. The staff neglected to check the temperature of the hot water.Ibaraki City announced on February 5th that a male user in his 30s suffered severe burns to approximately 85% of his body after taking a bath at a municipal living support center for people with disabilities.However, at the time, the two male employees in charge of bathing did not measure the temperature, so it is possible that the temperature was higher than that.The man is being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/10/client-at-osaka-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-suffers-serious-burns-after-staff-fail-to-check-the-temperature-of-the-bath/
A Japanese court on Wednesday 7th February recognized a transgender man’s petition to legally change his gender without having first undergone sterilization, after the country’s top court ruled the requirement unconstitutional in October.The plaintiff, 50-year-old Tacaquito Usui, welcomed the ruling from the Okayama Family Court’s Tsuyama Branch as “profoundly moving.” It is likely to be followed by more from other family courts deliberating over similar circumstances.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/07/japanese-court-approves-nonsterilized-trans-mans-gender-change/
Three cities and towns in Aichi Prefecture, including Koda Town, Aichi Prefecture, have accused Megumi (Headquarters, Tokyo) of a major management company of group homes (GHs) for people with disabilities of overcharging food costs. This is the first time that financial abuse has been found in a series of issues, Governor Hideaki Omura stated in an announcement at a press conference on February 5th. According to Governor Omura, by the end of last year, there were reports that two other cities in the prefecture had recognized economic abuse. Details were not disclosed.According to a prefectural audit, the GH “Fuwafuwa Koda” in Koda Town has over-collected about 12 million yen in food costs from 25 users since its opening in July 2020. Although they collected 28,000 yen per person per month, it was revealed that only about 7,500 yen per month was actually spent on meals.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/05/three-municipalities-in-aichi-accuse-megumi-corporation-of-economic-abuse-of-people-with-disabilities-over-excessive-collection-of-food-costs/
On January 30th, users of a facility for the disabled in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was hit by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and their families evacuated to a facility in Aichi Prefecture, together with the staff who had been supporting them.A total of 19 people, including users and family members of a facility for people with disabilities run by the social welfare corporation Kowa-kai in Wajima City, as well as support staff, moved from Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, where they had been staying temporarily since the earthquake, to a facility in Aichi Prefecture on January 30th.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/01/users-and-families-of-wajima-city-facility-for-disabled-evacuated-to-aichi-prefecture/
A man in his 40s who is severely disabled, filed a criminal complaint against an online contributor in Tokyo for defamation and insult on December 18, 2023.Prior to the criminal complaint, the man filed a civil suit against the online poster, seeking compensation for damages, and the Maebashi District Court ordered him to pay approximately 960,000 yen on December 8, 2023.The criminal complaint was filed because the online contributor submitted a written defense in the civil trial, stating that the man was “such a socially unacceptable item”.The man, who has vertebral osteodystrophy, a disease that causes bone deformities, filed a mandatory lawsuit against Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture, where he lives, demanding 24-hour nursing care services, and a series of slanderous remarks were made on the Internet.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/28/gunma-disabled-man-files-criminal-complaint-over-online-abuse-after-being-called-socially-unacceptable-during-civil-lawsuit/
The audio is from a NHK G TV programme broadcast at 7PM on Tuesday 30th January 2024. It reports that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, continue to struggle after the earthquake that hit Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on January 1st 2024.
The photograph was taken at my local train station in Kobe. The station itself is quite accessible to a person with disabilities like myself. However, there is one small problem when one enters the station, because those who enter the station, enter what I like to call an ‘empire of QR codes’.If you want to know where and when the trains are arriving or departing at this station, the quickest – and possibly the only way of finding out – is by scanning the QR code on posters.‘But isn’t that ok, maybe even accessible’ I hear you say? But, I find it difficult to hold my body still for a lengthy period of time because it spasms, it took me more than ten minutes to take this photo, imagine how much time it would take for me to scan a QR code.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/27/scanning-errors-qr-codes-encroach-on-barrier-free-travel-in-japan/
A meeting of a national organization made up of local politicians with disabilities was held in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture on January 15th, and the plan was to provide extensive support to people with disabilities in anticipation of a prolonged evacuation period following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/16/anticipating-a-long-time-to-recovery-local-politicians-with-disabilities-meet-to-discuss-disabled-peoples-needs-after-quake/
More on why some elderly and people with disabilities are reluctant to take the ‘secondary evacuation’ option and Japan’s Education Ministry drafts a report on how to accommodate the increasing number of people with disabilities attending universities in Japan.And snow is coming…Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/23/japans-education-ministry-discusses-support-for-increasing-number-of-university-students-with-disabilities/
NHK reported on its TV programme ‘News Watch 9’ on January 22nd that four ‘Group Homes’ and facilities for people with disabilities in Ishikawa Prefecture decided not to take the ‘secondary evacuation’ option, out of a concern that a change of environment might be disruptive to their mental health.
Former comedian Esper Ito, who was reported to have passed away on the 17th at the age of 63, announced on the 19th that the cause of his death was status epilepticus.The office said, “Esper Ito (real name Masuo Ito) had been receiving rehabilitation treatment at a facility for a long time and has been repeatedly in and out of the hospital, but on January 16, 2024, due to status epilepticus, He passed away at a medical institution.” Episode notes: Retired Japanese Comedian Masuo ‘Esper’ Ito’s Cause of Death Determined to be Epileptic Seizure https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/21/retired-japanese-comedian-masuo-esper-itos-cause-of-death-determined-to-be-epileptic-seizure/NHK Baribara news report on care homes in Ishikawa prefecture [Video with Japanese audio]: https://plus.nhk.jp/watch/st/e1_2024011933071
This is a short audio extract from the NHK G TV programme ‘News Watch 9’ broadcast on January 19th 2024, reporting about the elderly and people with disabilities in Ishikawa prefecture after the earthquake on January 1st 2024.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has determined that ‘Megumi’, a major group home management company for people with disabilities, was overcharging food costs from residents. It was revealed on January 17th, through interviews with related parties, that the government has recommended that a report be submitted by the end of this month. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare conducted a special audit and made recommendations at the end of last year. This is a form of sloppy management led by the head office that is being backed up by the government.Problems such as abuse of users occurred at some of the offices run by ‘Megumi’ but it was pointed out that there was no operational system in place to prevent recurrence, and there was insufficient awareness of compliance with laws and regulations. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare can also issue improvement orders if the company does not comply with its recommendations.Regarding the recommendation, the Megumi Head Office said in an interview, “The person in charge is not available so we cannot answer.’’Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/17/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-finds-megumi-a-major-care-home-for-people-with-disabilities-overcharging-for-food-expenses/
There was an aftershock from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on Tuesday 16th January 2024 at 18:42. It was only 4.8 in magnitude but Shindo 5 and apparently NHK felt it was worth interrupting its programming to report it. This short audio clip is the sound of an NHK G TV reporting it just as it happened.
Fourteen people who evacuated to safety are now believed to have died from causes related to the earthquake in Ishikawa prefecture. Medical experts warn the figure could increase due to poor sanitary conditions in shelters.On January 15th, NHK reported how some elderly people are hesitant to evacuate out of Ishikawa prefecture because it may disrupt their medical care regime.
For a break from ‘earthquake news’, Barrier Free Japan talks about the prevalence of ‘QR codes’ at train stations in Japan and how this might affect accessibility.On September 9th 2020, Kyodo reported that:“East Japan Railway Co. on Wednesday began testing new ticket gates in Tokyo that can be accessed using QR codes to make travel smoother for those without its Suica IC prepaid travel cards such as overseas tourists or visitors from rural regions.It can read a code downloaded via a smartphone or printed on paper 1.5 times faster than the existing system, according to the railway operator known as JR East.”The question is, will the increasing use of QR codes make it more difficult for some in Japan to use the railway?
A massive earthquake that struck central Japan on New Year's Day has now claimed 215 lives in Ishikawa Prefecture. Fourteen people who evacuated to safety are now believed to have died from causes related to the disaster. Medical experts warn the figure could increase due to poor sanitary conditions in shelters.A survey has found that caregivers at facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities are working under extreme stress following the earthquake.One facility said only ten percent of its staff are able to come to work, and that some employees have been working since New Year’s Day.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/13/after-the-quake-concerns-rise-for-service-users-and-staff-at-ishikawa-care-facilities/
The death toll in Ishikawa Prefecture from a huge earthquake that struck central Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day has risen to 206, the prefectural government said Wednesday.Of the total, eight died of indirect causes related to the earthquake, including exhaustion and poor health during evacuation. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the number of people still unaccounted for stood at 52.The Japanese government plans to focus more on preventing deaths from indirect causes, rushing to move evacuees, especially elderly people, from stopgap shelters to more livable accommodation out of concern about deteriorating sanitary conditions.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/11/death-toll-in-central-japan-quake-rises-to-206-8-deaths-due-to-indirect-causes-related-to-the-earthquake/
Fatalities in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa from a massive earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day have exceeded 200. According to an announcement by the Ishikawa prefectural government Tuesday, the death toll in the 7.6 magnitude quake rose to 202.Episode notes: *Since recording this podcast episode fatalities in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa from a massive earthquake that struck on New Year's Day have exceeded 200. https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/09/death-toll-from-central-japan-quake-exceeds-200/
Mayor Shigeru Sakaguchi of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, announced on January 7th that one victim of the Noto Peninsula earthquake who had evacuated to an evacuation center in the city had died of hypothermia.Nine people at evacuation center in Ishikawa were infected with norovirus and two people were infected with the new coronavirus.They were all in the same evacuation center.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/08/ishikawa-experiences-medical-woes-after-quake-supply-shortage-and-infections-a-concern/
The death toll in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa from Monday's powerful earthquake has risen to 126, prefectural officials said Saturday. The magnitude-7.6 New Year's Day quake has left 210 people unaccounted for in the prefecture, the officials said. The toll is likely to increase, as many people are believed to remain trapped under collapsed houses. More than 30,000 people stay in evacuation facilities set up in the prefecture. Water outage continues to affect about 66,400 households, and some 23,200 households are out of electricity.*Since making the podcast episode the death toll increased again from 100 to 126.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/06/central-japan-quake-death-toll-rises-to-126/
According to Ishikawa Prefecture, as of 10 a.m. on the 4th, damage such as water outages and power outages had been confirmed at around 120 elderly facilities in the prefecture, including special nursing homes and group homes. . Residents are not able to take a bath, and the toilets cannot be flushed, raising concerns about hygiene. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/04/residents-of-ishikawa-care-home-unable-to-use-toilet-or-take-a-bath/
At the time of posting this it is 72 hours after the earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. Aftershocks seem to be lessening, although one should not be too blasé. *Since recording the podcast episode there has been a NHK report about a care home in Ishikawa where residents cannot use the toilet or take a bath: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/04/residents-of-ishikawa-care-home-unable-to-use-toilet-or-take-a-bath/
Not ‘disability news’ exactly, but a powerful earthquake registering Shindo 7, the highest on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, rocked Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Monday 1st January 2024. The temblor struck around 4:10PM, registering 7.6M. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, a total of 30 people were killed and 48 people in six prefectures were injured in the quake, at the time of writing this post at 19:30 on Tuesday 2nd January 2024.The Japan Meteorological Agency has named this earthquake the ‘2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake’ which in Japanese is ‘ 令和6年能登半島地震’ or the ‘Reiwa 6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake’, ‘Reiwa 6’ being the Japanese Imperial Year in 2024.
After more than 400 years, the iconic Nagoya Castle is under siege, this time by those wanting to make it more accessible to wheelchair-users and those who are determined to keep it as original as possible.At a town hall meeting on the planned reconstruction of the castle here on June 3, a man scolded a wheelchair-user.“Don’t confuse equality with your selfishness,” the man said. “How dare you be so selfish.”The harsh remarks were hurled by a participant of the debate toward a 70-year-old man with a disability, who called for the installation of an elevator in the city’s iconic castle.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/29/disabled-people-seeking-an-accessible-nagoya-castle-to-be-enjoyed-by-all-called-selfish-as-history-vs-accessibility-debate-continues/
A 27-year-old employee of a support facility for people with disabilities in Miyazaki City was arrested on the night of December 22nd on suspicion of assault after allegedly punching a resident in his 50s this month. Miyazaki City has revealed that this employee has been confirmed to have committed abusive behavior towards a total of five residents, and has decided to issue administrative guidance to the facility in the future.Episode notes: ‘Miyazaki Disability Support Facility Employee Arrested on Suspicion of Assault and Abusive Behaviour Towards Five Residents’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/24/miyazaki-disability-support-facility-employee-arrested-on-suspicion-of-assault-and-abusive-behaviour-towards-five-residents/Barrier Free Japan apologizes for the sound quality in parts of this podcast episode. ‘BoxingHeimer Day’ in Kobe was loud and a difficult place in which to record!
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced on December 20th that the number of cases of abuse against people with disabilities confirmed by prefectures and municipalities in fiscal 2022 was 3,079, an increase of 386 from the previous year, setting a new record high. The incident appears to have come to light partly because the government is requiring businesses to take measures to prevent abuse through the revision of remuneration for disability welfare services.People aged 65 or older will comprise over 40 pct of the population in 25 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures in 2050, according to estimates released by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research on Friday 22nd December.Episode Notes: ‘3,079 Cases of Abuse Against Disabled’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/20/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-reports-3079-cases-of-abuse-against-disabled-confirmed-by-local-governments-in-2022-highest-recorded-number/‘2050 Elderly Population to Top 40 Pct in 25 Japan Prefectures’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/22/2050-elderly-population-to-top-40-pct-in-25-japan-prefectures/
On December 18th, the Nagoya City Citizen Debate Committee held its fourth meeting on the issue of discriminatory comments made against disabled people during a citizens’ debate on the Nagoya Castle wooden restoration project. The city presented a draft of the interim report, which it aims to publish by the end of the year, and the committee members expressed their opinions. The meeting was closed to the public.The preliminary draft is a compilation of the facts on the day of the debate held in June and the opinions expressed by the committee members at previous meetings. On the basis of the preliminary report, the committee discussed the ‘problems of the debate’ that could have led to the discriminatory comments.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/18/citizens-debate-held-regarding-restoration-of-nagoya-castle-and-discriminatory-remarks-against-disabled/
On 15th December, the Osaka Prefectural Police arrested the manager (32) of a welfare facility for the disabled in Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, on suspicion of assaulting a 48-year-old woman by dragging her and knocking her to the floor. He denies the charge, saying he dragged the woman but made a slight mistake in the part where he knocked her to the floor. The police will investigate the possibility that he may have assaulted the woman and other users.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/16/manager-of-facility-for-the-disabled-arrested-by-osaka-prefectural-police-for-assaulting-woman/
Mark was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo.Before he died, Mark was working on a new project; a charity that would help organisations such as governments & businesses include people with disabilities. The charity is called ‘GLIDE’ or ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’. The documentary “Mark – A Call to Action” produced by GLIDE will premiere in February 2024. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/04/17/the-late-mark-bookmans-call-to-action-about-international-disability-education/Mark – ‘A Call to Action’ Trailer: https://vimeo.com/815400131?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=41605078GLIDE Website: https://www.glidefund.org
In preparation for the next fiscal year's revision of compensation for welfare services for persons with disabilities, Kyosaren, a Tokyo-based national organization that supports persons with disabilities, submitted a petition signed by 1,411 organizations to Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Keizo Takemi on December 8th, requesting a positive revision of basic compensation in light of the severe operating environment at service centers, including a serious labor shortage.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/08/as-preparations-for-next-fiscal-year-are-made-disability-welfare-organization-in-japan-warns-of-unprecedentedly-severe-staff-shortage/
Japan's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the parents of a boy from Kawasaki City against a lawsuit in which they sought damages from Kanagawa Prefecture and the city on the grounds that it was illegal for the boy to be designated to a special-needs school on the grounds of severe disability.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/11/kawasaki-parents-of-severely-disabled-boy-lose-appeal-claiming-son-illegally-sent-to-special-needs-school/
The Maebashi District Court has ordered a man who made a post on an anonymous bulletin board on the Internet to pay 960,000 Yen in damages to a man with severe disabilities.Kazuaki Hyodo, a man with severe disabilities from Maebashi City, was seeking approximately 1.95 million yen in damages from the man who made the post, in Tokyo, for suffering mental pain after being defamed on an anonymous bulletin board on the Internet. On December 8th, the Maebashi District Court handed down a judgment ordering the man [who posted] to pay approximately 960,000 yen. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/09/maebashi-court-orders-man-to-pay-960000-yen-in-damages-over-disability-hate-speech-on-online-anonymous-bulletin-board-despite-defamation-claim-rejected/
To coincide with Disabled Persons Week, which started on the 3rd December 2023, the "Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities 110 Hotline'' is being held, where lawyers provide free consultations for people with disabilities and their families. Every year, the three bar associations in Tokyo hold consultation sessions during Disability Week, where lawyers provide free consultations to people with disabilities and their families by phone or fax.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/07/tokyo-lawyers-offer-free-telephone-consultation-human-rights-for-disabled-persons-110-in-disabled-persons-week/
Creating a fun haven for children with disabilities hoping to see wildlife is a global effort that has lasted over a quarter century.And it is spreading widely among Japanese zoos, albeit normally as a one-day event as they embrace the twilight by opening their gates at night or reserving entire days exclusively for those with special needs and their families.Episode Notes: Dreamnight program enables disabled children to enjoy visits to zoos in Japan: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/02/dreamnight-program-enables-disabled-children-to-enjoy-visits-to-zoos-in-japan/Nine referred to prosecutors over detainee with chronic illnesses death at Japan police station: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/01/nine-referred-to-prosecutors-over-detainee-with-chronic-illnesses-death-at-japan-police-station/*Editors note. When recording the podcast ‘Dreamnight’ was mistakenly referred to as ‘Dreamland.’ Apologies for the error.
At a daily-life care facility for people with severe intellectual disabilities in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, a staff member was found to have posted a photo of a user defecating on a LINE group used for business communication. The pictures of users’ faces had been doctored in a manner that could be interpreted as teasing. The city’s Disability Welfare Division is investigating the possibility of abuse. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/29/employees-at-chiba-facility-for-the-mentally-disabled-put-a-photo-of-patient-defecating-on-line-doctoring-photo-to-make-fun-of-the-patients-face/
Three men with intellectual disabilities filed a lawsuit asking a ranch owner’s family and the city to pay a total of approximately 94 million yen in damages, alleging that they were abused at the ranch where they lived and worked for many years (in Eniwa City, Hokkaido). The first hearing was held on November 28th at the Sapporo District Court (presiding judge Yuji Fuse). The defendants, the manager’s family, and the city requested that the claim be dismissed, stating that they were not aware of any abuse.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/28/besides-being-intellectually-disabled-you-are-a-human-being-plaintiff-claims-in-hokkaido-farm-abuse-lawsuit/
In response to the issue of Megumi, a nationwide operator of group homes (GH) for people with disabilities, having been found to have misappropriated food expenses from people with disabilities at 139 GH facilities in Aichi Prefecture, including those operated by Megumi, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Keizo Takemi announced at a post-cabinet meeting on November 24th that he would take measures to revise compensation for welfare services for the disabled in the next fiscal year.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/24/japans-minister-of-health-labor-and-welfare-to-take-measures-to-revise-compensation-regarding-overcharging-for-food-at-megumi-group-homes-for-the-disabled/
On November 22nd, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced through a press release that it is offering 200 tickers for spectators who have visual impairments for free for the Paris Paralympic Qualifier IBSA Judo Grand Prix which is to be held on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th December 2023 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. “IBSA Judo Grand Prix Tokyo 2023", the qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. This tournament is the second largest tournament after the Paralympics and the World Championships, attracting athletes from around 40 countries, and will be held for the first time in East Asia. Details about how to apply can be found on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website and the decline for applications is November 30th at 23:59.Tokyo Metropolitan Government website: https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tosei/hodohappyo/press/2023/11/22/14.htmlEpisode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/25/tokyo-metropolitan-government-offers-tickets-to-200-visually-impaired-people-to-paris-paralympic-2024-judo-qualifying-event-for-free/
On November 20th, a defense team supporting former members of the religious group Jehovah’s Witnesses held a press conference and stated that many second-generation parents who were raised by believer parents have experienced abuse from their parents. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/20/many-second-generation-jehovahs-witnesses-in-japan-experienced-abuse-by-their-parents-lawyer-alleges/https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/21/90-pct-of-children-of-jehovahs-witnesses-followers-whipped-survey-shows/
On Tuesday 21st November 2023 North Korea was suspected of attempting to launch a spy satellite or a ballistic missile. Here are the sounds of NHK reporting it at around 22:55.
Group homes for people with disabilities operated by a company in Minato Ward, Tokyo, are being audited by the national and local governments for allegedly overcharging food expenses. A support group for the disabled has set up a consultation service, citing widespread concern among users and their families.Megumi, which is headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo and operates group homes for the disabled in various locations, is under investigation by the local government for allegedly overcharging users for food and improperly claiming compensation for welfare services for the disabled.Under these circumstances, NHK learned that Megumi had applied to open group homes in Midori-ku, Nagoya City, and Togo Town, Aichi Prefecture, respectively, but later withdrew the applications.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/19/support-group-for-people-with-disabilities-sets-up-a-consultation-service-over-concerns-about-the-megumi-group-homes/
A Kyoto Prefectural Police Officer, who was arrested for stealing cash from the scene of an investigation, told police that he had visited other homes of elderly people with dementia under the guise of crime prevention guidance and stole cash, according to interviews with investigators.The police are investigating whether there are any additional crimes, but in an interview with an investigator, it was learned that he had explained to the investigator that he had visited the home of an elderly dementia patient in the name of providing crime prevention guidance, and had stolen cash.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/16/kyoto-police-officer-arrested-on-suspicion-of-theft-during-investigation-suspected-of-stealing-from-the-home-of-an-elderly-person-with-dementia/
Prime Minister Kishida has instructed his cabinet ministers to quickly study the need to prevent “care leavers” from quitting their jobs for nursing care or nursing reasons, with the aim of submitting the necessary amendments to the law in next year’s ordinary Diet session.In an effort to strengthen measures against dementia, the government has established the “Council for Realization of a ‘Happy Aging Society’ Facing Dementia” with the participation of people affected by dementia and their families, and has been promoting discussions on the issue.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/13/pm-kishida-instructs-cabinet-as-care-leavers-become-an-issue-in-japans-aging-society/
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced in a press release on November 7th that it “will carry out various initiatives in conjunction with ‘Disabled Persons Week’ from December 3rd to 9th in order to give Tokyo residents an opportunity to learn about and think about disabilities and people with disabilities.”According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website ‘Heart-to-Heart Handshake’, a “slogan suitable for Disabled Persons Week was chosen through a public contest, and the poster was selected from among the works selected for the 38th Tokyo Comprehensive Art Exhibition for Persons with Disabilities.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/08/tokyo-metropolitan-govt-announces-heart-to-heart-handshake-for-disabled-persons-week-from-december-3rd-9th-2023/
Incidents with people using wheelchairs, especially elderly people using wheelchairs, seem to be reported more often in Japan.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/07/kansai-railway-line-suspended-due-to-collision-with-wheelchair-user/https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/09/17/wheelchair-using-man-killed-at-kobe-railway-crossing/
According to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disability Services Division, the employee said that he was on his way to take another resident for a medical checkup when the resident spoke to him repeatedly, and that he assaulted the resident because he was in a hurry and his medical checkup time was approaching.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/05/employee-at-kanagawa-care-facility-for-disabled-says-he-assaulted-resident-because-he-was-in-a-hurry/
A 37-year-old employee at a prefectural support facility for people with disabilities in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a male user, causing serious injuries that left his leg cracked.According to the police, at around 2:20 p.m. on November 2nd, a 29-year-old male user was pushed to the ground in the hallway of the facility, causing serious injuries that included a crack in the thigh bone of his right leg.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/03/employee-at-kanagawa-prefectural-facility-for-disabled-arrested-for-seriously-assaulting-male-patient-cracking-his-leg/
The Japanese Supreme Court’s First Petty Bench decided Wednesday to have the top court’s Grand Bench issue a unified ruling on five damages lawsuits filed by forced sterilization victims under the now-defunct eugenic protection law. The lawsuits were initially filed with district courts in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe. All but Tokyo District Court found the old law unconstitutional, while all the five rejected damages claims citing the statute of limitation.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/01/japans-supreme-court-grand-bench-to-rule-on-forced-sterilization-damages/
The first prison in the country to house only young inmates with physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis on supporting their reintegration into society, was established in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/30/first-prison-in-japan-to-house-only-young-inmates-with-developmental-and-other-disabilities-opens/
The movie “Moon,” modelled on the Sagamihara Massacre has opened nationwide in Japan and on Sunday 29th October 2023, I watched it. Here are my initial thoughts, recorded almost right after watching the movie. Apologies for the sound quality, I just wanted to capture how the movie struck me.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/22/disabled-actors-star-in-sagamihara-massacre-inspired-film-moon/
Five years in the making, Sony PlayStation is releasing a new highly adjustable video game controller for a wide variety of gamers with various physical disabilities.Playing video games has long been a challenge for people with disabilities, chiefly because the standard controllers for the PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo can be difficult, or even impossible, to maneuver for people with limited mobility.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/24/sony-unveils-new-video-game-controller-for-gamers-with-disabilities/Sony Press Release: https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/News/Press/202309/23-026E/
The film 'Moon' is set in a facility for the severely disabled, where the disabled are repeatedly subjected to heartless treatment and violence. The story depicts an employee with an irrationally amplified sense of justice and mission as he approaches the incident.In June of last year, the users of “AGALA” (Arita City, Wakayama Prefecture), a facility that supports the employment of people with disabilities, were offered the chance to appear in a movie.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/22/disabled-actors-star-in-sagamihara-massacre-inspired-film-moon/
An interview with a person concerned revealed that a man in his 50s was seriously injured last month (September) at a facility for the disabled in Takatsuki City, Osaka, breaking his ribs. According to the facility, one of the former employees admitted to assaulting the man, and the city is now investigating the details.Three organizations representing people with disabilities in Aichi Prefecture have submitted a written request to the prefectural government and the city of Nagoya demanding that the government take action in response to the issue of the Megumi Corporation (Tokyo), a welfare company that operates facilities for people with disabilities nationwide, overcharging its users for foodstuffs.Episode Notes: ‘Takatsuki City investigates assault by former employee of resident at facility for disabled people’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/21/takatsuki-city-investigates-assault-by-former-employee-of-resident-at-facility-for-disabled-people/‘Three Aichi organizations submit requests to provide relief for people with disabilities over excessive food costs’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/17/three-aichi-organizations-submit-requests-to-provide-relief-for-people-with-disabilities-over-excessive-food-costs/
Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday visited Ishikawa Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Kanazawa, the prefecture's capital.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/16/japan-emperor-empress-visit-ishikawa-pref-attends-national-arts-and-culture-festival-for-persons-with-disabilities/
Some issues and incidents regarding people with disabilities in Japan seem to keep re-appearing and re-occurring. They also often seem to keep happening in the same place. A lot of the recent cases of suspected abuse of people with disabilities seem to occur in Tsu City in Mie Prefecture, western Japan. The episodes notes for this podcast episode provides a brief timeline of the suspected abuse reported in the press.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/14/suspected-abuse-of-disabled-people-in-tsu-city-mie-prefecture-a-timeline/
According to the Japanese Government, 'Society 5.0' is a “human-centered society that achieves both economic development and the resolution of social issues through a system that highly integrates cyberspace (virtual space) and physical space (real space)."Episode Notes:'Society 5.0': https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/society5_0/The Robots Are Coming! (To Take Care of You, We Promise): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/17/disability-news-japan-podcast-the-robots-are-coming-to-take-care-of-you-we-promise/
Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward is trialing a virtual ward office in the metaverse, aiming to offer administrative services for people unable to visit the real-life office.In the “metaverse ward office,” local residents can use their avatars to move around inside a virtual municipal hall, which is designed like the real one, after accessing the virtual space from the ward’s website. The ward aspires to make the service fully available to all residents, covering all of its departments by fiscal 2028.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/08/tokyo-ward-tests-metaverse-office-for-disabled-seeks-full-support-by-fy-2028/
“Miss Keller met the press upon completion of her tour of Japan and gave her impressions of the work being done here for the blind and deaf.Just as the education of normal people in Japan depends on school boards represented by intelligent men and women alive to democracy and public ideals, so the blind and the deaf will receive the best assistance if the persons appointed to watch over their affairs are well qualified, forward-looking and sincerely interested in the well-being of the sensorially crippled, Miss Keller went on.The Japanese public must get it out of their heads that blind people are limited to just one job, that of massage, she emphasized.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/07/the-japan-times-1948-helen-keller-recounts-impression-of-japan-tour/
Two cases of abuse at a facility for persons with disabilities in Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama City, where staff members kicked users in the knees, have been recognized by the city as abuse of persons with disabilities, and the city has instructed the facilities to prevent recurrence.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/05/yokohama-city-recognizes-two-cases-of-abuse-at-facilities-for-persons-with-disabilities/
It was learned on October 1st that a 31-year-old woman with a mild intellectual disability living in a group home (GH) in Kanagawa Prefecture gave birth to a boy and wanted to raise him, but had no choice but to place him in an infant home. They were not accepted at GH, and it was difficult to receive sufficient childcare support outside of the GH.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/03/people-with-intellectual-disabilities-in-japan-unable-to-raise-their-children-sent-to-infant-home-without-support-system/
The Mie Prefectural Support Center for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, which provides support for the hearing impaired and trains sign language interpreters, announced that someone had gained unauthorized access to a staff member's computer, possibly leaking the names, addresses, and other personal information of about 1,200 people, including the hearing impaired and sign language interpreters, to outside parties.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/30/unauthorized-computer-access-at-mie-support-center-for-the-hearing-impaired-personal-information-may-have-leaked/
I went to Tokyo for an academic conference, my first time going to Tokyo for over four years. I do approve of the work that is being done on JR Shibuya Station to make it more accessible, but I can appreciate that it can be an inconvenience to some people whilst the work is being carried out.
A jury trial began on September 20th at the Okayama District Court for a mother accused of strangling and killing her 8-year-old son, who was severely intellectually disabled, in Wake Town, Okayama Prefecture in June 2022. The mother admitted to the indictment, saying, "There is no doubt.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/20/there-was-no-one-i-could-talk-to-about-my-worries-mother-admits-charges-for-strangling-son-with-a-severe-intellectual-disability-to-death/
A free app for people with disabilities and supporters seeking friendship in Japan has achieved 10,000 downloads in two months since its launch in July. As with other matching tools, users of the "Irodori" app register their own information, such as date of birth and gender, and it has a field to enter whether or not they have a disability. The app has communities where people with similar interests can communicate with each other, and a matching function for men and women. Users' feedback included, "I have been able to casually talk with people who have similar characteristics to myself.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/15/japans-free-matching-app-for-disabled-supporters-marks-10000-downloads/“Irodori” App Official Website: https://irodori.icu
At the Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly on September 12, Governor Kuroiwa announced his intention to transfer three of the prefectural support facilities for people with disabilities to the private sector.Among the prefectural facilities, Nakai Yamayuri Garden will continue, and the future direction of Serigaya Yamayuri Garden and Tsukui Yamayuri Garden will be considered based on the operational status.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/13/management-of-three-kanagawa-prefectural-facilities-for-persons-with-disabilities-may-be-transferred-to-private-sector/
It was a chilling act, and one with an unusual motive. The death of the 79-year-old woman was not a mercy killing. The husband bore no ill-feelings toward her, nor did he feel overburdened by caring for her for about 40 years. Instead, he stubbornly felt that he, and he alone, should be the one tending to the needs of his beloved partner, even when he became too weak to do the job.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/11/obsession-to-care-for-disabled-wife-by-himself-led-man-to-kill-her/
Original Asahi Article: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14993908
In terms of specific damage, there were cases where people were paid less than the local minimum wage, and cases where people suffered burns when a gas burner was pressed against their arms.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/09/update-656-disabled-abused-in-the-workplace-in-fy2022/
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced on September 8th that in fiscal year 2022, a total of 656 people with disabilities were found to have been abused by their superiors or employers in the workplace, an increase of 30.7% from the previous year.Episode Notes https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/08/656-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-were-abused-in-the-workplace-in-fy2022-30-increase-from-previous-year/
“At the World Expo 2025 (Osaka Kansai Expo), based on “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” theme and “Unity in diversity” venue design concept, we respect the values and individuality of each person, regardless of his/her nationality, culture, race, sex, generation, whether he/she has disabilities or not, etc., and aim to implement a universal design that is easy to use for people from all over the world visiting the Osaka Kansai Expo.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/06/osaka-kansai-world-expo-2025-venue-to-follow-universal-design-guidelines-have-unity-in-diversity-theme/Osaka Kansai World Expo 2025 Website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
A man accused of carrying out a deadly arson attack on a Kyoto Animation Co. studio four years ago admitted the charges in the indictment, in the first hearing of his trial at Kyoto District Court on Tuesday.The defense said Aoba should be acquitted due to his mental incompetence or given leniency due to his diminished capacity.Episode Notes: ‘ “I now think that I went too far” Suspect in 2019 KyoAni Arson Attack Admits Charges’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/05/i-now-think-that-i-went-too-far-suspect-in-2019-kyoani-arson-attack-admits-charges/‘Linking mental illness to violence tarnishes an entire community’ https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/08/02/voices/linking-mental-illness-violence-tarnishes-entire-community/
Alpinist Yuichiro Miura, 90, reached the summit of Mount Fuji with a group of friends and family on Thursday, having used a wheelchair for the three-day ascent.With the theme of the “circle'' that connects people through the tournament, the design features a hand used in sign language and cherry blossom petals as motifs, and will be widely used in PR for the tournament.Episode Notes: ‘90-year-old Japanese alpinist summits Mount Fuji in wheelchair’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/03/90-year-old-japanese-alpinist-summits-mount-fuji-in-wheelchair/‘Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics Emblem Unveiled’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/04/tokyo-2025-summer-deaflympics-emblem-unveiled/
All timetables have been removed from platforms on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakura-dori Line and replaced by QR codes that allow users to check the schedule on the web instead.
Episode Notes: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230901/p2a/00m/0bu/012000c
In August, it was discovered that there was a suspicion that a staff member assaulted a resident at a facility for the disabled in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture.According to Mie Prefecture Inaba-en, a facility for the disabled in Inaba-cho, Tsu City, there was a whistleblower report on August 25 that there was a suspicion of abuse. It was shown how to assault an adult resident with a disability.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/31/left-in-a-pickup-truck-disabled-person-calls-facility-on-his-cell-phone-asking-to-be-dropped-off/https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/09/01/staff-member-at-a-mie-facility-for-the-disabled-assaults-resident-confirmed-by-security-camera-another-staff-member-has-also-committed-psychological-abuse/
A group of legislators with disabilities requested on Aug. 21 that Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura consider installing an elevator going up to Nagoya Castle’s top floor, as the city aims to replace the current reinforced concrete castle keep with a wooden structure true to the building’s roots.
The group consisting of disabled National Diet and local assembly members from across the country, whose name translates to “the network to promote independence and political participation of people with disabilities,” met with Kawamura.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/29/legislators-with-disabilities-request-elevator-be-installed-to-nagoya-castles-top-floor/
Japanese Princess Kako attended the 40th national high school sign language speech contest held in Tokyo on Sunday 27th August 2023
“I strongly hope that a society where everyone can have a wider range of choices will be created,” the princess, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, said using sign language. Princess Kako gave applause to each of the 10 high school students who joined the event.
This is the second time that Princess Kako has attended the contest on her own.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/27/japans-princess-kako-attends-high-school-sign-language-speech-contest/
A survey by the Tokyo-based recruiting firm ‘Leverages’ found that 26% of people with disabilities who are working took “more than a year” to find their first job. 42% of those who answered “more than a year” were intellectually disabled, the highest percentage by disability.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/26/survey-by-tokyo-recruiting-firm-finds-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-struggle-to-find-jobs/
As early as 20th November 2019, disability groups in Kyushu, specifically disability groups in Oita Prefecture had concerns about ‘unmanned stations’, although protest rallies were held as long ago as late September 2018. In November 2019, it was reported that a“civic group made up of people with disabilities and supporters will file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the Oita District Court.” Since 2020, more wheelchair users and other parties have filed numerous lawsuits with the Oita District Court, claiming that their constitutionally protected right to freedom of movement is being infringed.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/24/unmanned-stations-prompts-disability-groups-in-japan-to-worry-about-freedom-of-movement/
Nagano prefecture has taken administrative action to revoke the designation of a corporation operating an employment support facility for persons with disabilities in Ueda City, on the grounds that it had repeatedly abused several users. This is the first time that the prefecture has revoked the designation of a business that provides support to persons with disabilities.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/22/in-first-for-the-prefecture-nagano-government-revokes-designated-status-of-company-providing-employment-support-for-disabled-over-abuse/
In response to a Japanese Diet investigation into the issue of forced sterilization of persons with disabilities under the former Eugenic Protection Law (1948-96), 26 prefectures submitted ‘blacked out’ documents to the Japanese Diet, according to an interview with the Research Bureau of the House of Representatives and local governments.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/20/twenty-six-prefectures-in-japan-blacked-out-information-on-former-eugenics-protection-law-victims/
Through the OriHime sponsored Disability Equality Training meeting, all participants will discuss diversity and coexistence with “disability” as an entry point, think about it, and connect it to action to realize diversity and coexistence.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/17/worlds-first-even-a-bedridden-person-with-a-disability-can-become-a-facilitator-with-the-alter-ego-robot-robotics-company-orihime-sponsors-disability-equality-training/
Typhoon Lan, or the 7th typhoon of the 2023 Typhoon Season ‘did its thing’ here in Kansai on Tuesday 15th August 2023. In the episode notes is a link to a YouTube video showing what it looked like in my corner of Kobe.
Episode Notes: https://youtu.be/to18uph7p8M
Typhoon 7 ‘Lan’ is due to make landfall on Honshu, Japan sometime on Tuesday 15th August 2023.
It may seem odd, but in my experience, most typhoons are best experienced through the sound of the wind and rain, rather than the visual; or at least it is not a good idea to go outside (much) if the visual would be more interesting!
What you are hearing is from Monday 13th August 2023 to 4PM Monday 14th August 2023.
It was discovered that a facility for persons with disabilities in Sasebo City was abused by its staff, and the city imposed an administrative sanction to suspend acceptance of new users for one year.
This facility is used by people with intellectual disabilities and people with physical disabilities, and according to Sasebo City, 5 cases of physical abuse and 1 case of psychological abuse were confirmed in 2022.
In fiscal 2015, the facility had also used inappropriate physical restraints, and the prefecture recommended improvements.
Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/13/administrative-sanctions-for-sasebo-facility-for-disabled-over-abuse/
At a support facility for the disabled in Betsukai, East Hokkaido, a male resident who was locked in a second-floor room by a male staff member fell out of a window and sustained injuries. The Hokkaido Prefectural Government is conducting interviews with the staff to investigate the possibility that the incident may have been an act of abuse.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/10/male-resident-of-hokkaido-facility-for-disabled-injured-after-falling-out-of-window-of-2nd-floor-room-possible-abuse-investigated/
A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found on August 6th that 81.7% of companies answered that they “do not give special consideration” even if their employees have children with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities tend to take time off from work to go to hospitals or accompany them, and often have no choice but to give up their careers. The government’s study group is asking companies to provide support that respects the wishes of their employees.
Regarding considerations (multiple answers) for employees’ children who have disabilities or require medical care (multiple answers), 81.7% answered “nothing in particular”, while “period of use such as reduced working hours” 4.0% answered “extend”, and 3.3% answered “extend the number of years taken such as childcare leave”. 1.2% of respondents said that they would receive subsidies for childcare and housework support services.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/07/japanese-government-survey-shows-81-7-of-companies-do-not-give-special-consideration-if-their-employees-have-children-with-disabilities/
A former director of a facility for the disabled in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, was arrested and indicted for committing an obscene act against a woman who entered the facility.
The former director of a facility (87) for the disabled in Nishi Ward, Sakai City, was arrested and indicted for quasi-forced indecency.
According to the indictment and other documents, the defendant is accused of indecent acts such as touching the breasts of a woman with an intellectual disability (42 years old at the time), who was a resident of the facility in September last year for about 20 minutes.
Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/06/touching-breasts-for-20-minutes-former-director-of-osaka-care-facility-for-disabled-arrested-for-quasi-forced-indecency/
Shinya Tateiwa, a sociologist and professor at Ritsumeikan University, who was known for his essays on the disabled and euthanasia, including a critique of the murder case at a facility for people with disabilities in Sagamihara, passed away at 1:33 p.m. on July 31 at a hospital in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City due to a malignant lymphoma. He was 62 years old.
Please forgive my bad pronunciation of the late Prof. Tateiwa's name, 'Tateiwa'. In the 'English tongue' it is best pronounced as 'Tateh-Ihwa', with the emphasis on the 'ihwa'. I find the name difficult to say.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/08/01/shinya-tateiwa-sociologist-who-researched-people-with-disabilities-dies-aged-62/
In an effort to make people with disabilities aware of the reality of their situation, the Japan Council on Disability (Tokyo) has published an encyclopedia that explains issues such as "support for children with disabilities" and "disasters and people with disabilities" in addition to laws and terminology. The encyclopedia was written not only by academics, but also by people with disabilities and their supporters to reflect their perspectives on the frontlines.
Episode Notes:
“The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Disabilities” Explaining Legal Terms and Issues Published in Japan:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/07/30/encyclopedia-understanding-the-reality-of-people-with-disabilities-explaining-legal-terms-and-issues-published-in-japan/
Book Publisher: https://book.yadokarinosato.org/items/75172329
Nineteen people were killed by a former worker at a facility for people with disabilities in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, on July 26, 2016. A memorial ceremony was held on Wednesday for the 19 people killed in the attack.
Yukari Okutsu (54), who has lived in the facility since before the attack, told the gathering at the ceremony that she tries to ease the anxiety of her fellow residents by talking to them when they are in trouble. She went on to say, “My 19 friends, please continue watching over us from heaven.” Okutsu gave the first memorial speech by a resident of the facility.
Episode Notes ‘First Memorial Speech by Resident of ‘Sagamihara Massacre’ Care Facility Given by Yukari Okutsu on Seven Year Anniversary of Killings’:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/07/26/first-memorial-speech-by-resident-of-sagamihara-massacre-care-facility-given-by-yukari-okutsu-on-seven-year-anniversary-of-killings/
Sao Ichikawa, the winner of the Akutagawa Prize, is a 43-year-old resident of Kanagawa Prefecture.
She was diagnosed with congenital myopathy, a muscle disease, one of the most intractable diseases, when she was 10 years old, began using a ventilator at the age of 14, uses an electric wheelchair for transportation, and writes using a tablet device.
Episode Notes:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/07/19/sao-ichikawa-woman-with-congenital-myopathy-wins-japans-akutagawa-prize/
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/07/20/i-wrote-this-with-the-mind-that-there-are-not-many-authors-like-me-says-sao-ichikawa-woman-with-a-disability-on-winning-the-akutagawa-prize/
Police on June 22 found the body of a 6-year-old boy near the home of his 34-year-old mother here who was arrested by Hyogo Prefectural Police the same day along with three siblings on suspicion of illegally confining and injuring the boy’s grandmother.
Arrested were Nao’s mother, 34, and her brother, 32, and twin siblings both 30. Nao had lived with his 57-year-old grandmother, Yumiko, and the four suspects in an apartment complex in Kobe’s Nishi Ward. The four are also accused of conspiring to mistreat Nao’s grandmother, Yumiko, intermittently confining her in a closet at the home between around March and June 20. On June 19, they allegedly hit her in the back several times with a metal pipe, injuring her. Police have not disclosed whether the four suspects, including Nao’s mother, have admitted to or denied the allegations against them.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/06/26/suspects-in-6-year-old-boys-death-in-kobe-also-arrested-for-mistreating-boys-wheelchair-using-grandmother/
In the last week a lot of stories have been reported that concerns people with disabilities in Japan.
Episode Notes:
Report to Mention Forced Sterilization of 9-Yr-Olds under Former Law in Japan:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/06/17/report-to-mention-forced-sterilization-of-9-yr-olds-under-former-law-in-japan/
Request to Cut Interview with Disabled Employee from Japan’s ‘Itoham’ Video Sparks Controversy:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/06/24/request-to-cut-interview-with-disabled-employee-from-japans-itoham-video-sparks-controversy/
The audio in this podcast is a short extract from ‘The Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan’ video “Victims of the Eugenic Protection Act” streamed live on 21 Jun 2023:
Episode Notes:
https://www.youtube.com/live/6_MQPHddJ-s?feature=share
The speaker, Junko Iizuka (a pseudonym), from Miyagi Prefecture, was forced to undergo forced sterilization surgery when she was sixteen years old.
At a public debate held on June 3rd regarding barrier-free measures when restoring the wooden castle tower of Nagoya Castle, some participants said that an elevator that can go up to the top floor, which groups for the disabled and others are calling for, is unnecessary. Some were claiming that this was a discriminatory remark that made fun of people with disabilities. The restoration of Nagoya Castle has been debated since May 2018 when a proposal that the castle be rebuilt without an elevator - or other ‘accommodations’ for people with disabilities - prompting disability rights groups to write to Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura urging him to rethink the restoration plan.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/06/05/nagoya-castle-mayor-apologizes-for-discriminatory-remarks-by-some-participants-in-barrier-free-castle-debate-toward-people-with-disabilities/
The magazine ‘Newsweek Japan’ commented on the Hiroshima Mazda disability TikTok Video controversy saying it served as a reminder of how far Japanese corporate society is separated from global standards.In response to the spread of a video of a Hiroshima Mazda employee in an electric wheelchair imitating a disabled person and laughing, which caused a firestorm, Hiroshima Mazda released a written statement on April 30 explaining that it never intended to make fun of the disabled person.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/05/17/magazine-newsweek-japan-calls-hiroshima-mazda-disability-tiktok-video-apology-unbelievable/
Episode Notes:35% of Chiba residents with disabilities “felt” human rights violationshttps://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/05/07/35-of-chiba-residents-with-disabilities-felt-human-rights-violations/A Timeline of Recent Incidents of Abuse Involving Chiba Residents with Disabilitieshttps://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/05/07/a-timeline-of-recent-incidents-of-abuse-involving-chiba-residents-with-disabilities/
In response to the spread of a video of a Hiroshima Mazda employee in an electric wheelchair imitating a disabled person and laughing, which caused a firestorm, Hiroshima Mazda released a written statement on April 30 explaining that it never intended to make fun of the disabled person.The video in question appears to have originally been posted on "TikTok," but in late April a third party shared it on Twitter in the form of criticism of a Hiroshima Mazda employee playing with an electric wheelchair to imitate a disabled person.The video was so bad that it caused a firestorm because it showed a man in a uniform with the "MAZDA" logo on it riding in an electric wheelchair and operating it by tilting his head while slightly sticking out his lips and tongue as if imitating a disabled person, and the filmer who saw it laughed and said, "One more time!”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/05/01/video-of-hiroshima-mazda-employee-imitating-wheelchair-user-starts-social-media-firestorm-in-japan/
A Korean disability rights advocacy group on Thursday 20th April staged a surprise “subway-riding” protest at one of Seoul’s busiest subway stations to mark the 43rd Day of Persons with Disabilities, causing train delays for about 15 minutes.After a standoff with police for about 10 minutes, the activists boarded a southbound train and got off at Yeouinaru Station on Line 5 in the Yeouido district, where the government’s Day of Persons with Disabilities ceremony was about to begin.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/04/29/korean-disabled-activists-stage-surprise-subway-protest-in-downtown-seoul-on-national-disability-day/
A female staff member of the Japan Ski Federation for the Disabled (JSFD), in her 20s has told Nippon TV that she was sexually assaulted by the head coach of the Japan Ski Federation for the Disabled in January of this year, specifically that she was raped by the Italian head coach during a trip to the World Championships in Spain.She said, “He called me over for dinner to show me around or something. I thought it would be rude to ignore him since he was my coach, so I followed him, and he put me straight into his room…”On the first night of the training camp, the head coach called her out and sexually assaulted her.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/04/27/japan-ski-federation-for-the-disabled-coach-fired-after-claims-of-sexual-assault-made-by-female-staff-member/
Mark Bookman PhD, was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo.Before he died, Mark was working on a new project; a charity that would help organisations such as governments & businesses include people with disabilities. The charity is called ‘GLIDE’ or ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’.Mark - 'A Call to Action' Trailer: https://vimeo.com/815400131?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=41605078
An unfortunate event led me to be hospitalised for about 24 hours, annoyingly at the very beginning of the academic year and I had to miss teaching some classes. More COVID cases at welfare facilities in Shimane Prefecture.Episode Notes:Cluster of Eight People Infected with COVID at a Shimane Prefecture Welfare Facility for the Disabled: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/04/12/cluster-of-eight-people-infected-with-covid-at-a-shimane-prefecture-welfare-facility-for-the-disabled/Shimane Prefecture’s End-Of-Year Care Home COVID Woes (31st December 2022): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/01/shimane-prefectures-end-of-year-care-home-covid-woes/
I often experience this in Japan. People who want to ‘help’ but never ask before touching me, often from behind, causing me a lot of pain and shock as I think I am being attacked.Website: https://barrierfreejapan.com
Five of the six former staff members are charged with assault for repeatedly abusing residents at a support facility for the disabled in Nishi-okobe village on the Sea of Okhotsk side of the country.Six former employees of ‘Seiryu no Sato’, a support facility for persons with disabilities in Nishi-okobe village, were sent to prosecution on suspicion of assault for repeatedly abusing residents last year, including unnecessarily pressing down on them.The Monbetsu District Public Prosecutor’s Office summarily charged five of them with assault on 29 March.On the other hand, one former employee was not prosecuted.The prosecutor’s office has not revealed the detailed reasons for the indictment.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/29/five-former-staff-members-of-hokkaido-support-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-charged-with-assault/
The leader of a disability rights advocacy group who led years long rush-hour subway protests was arrested Friday in Seoul on charges of illegal demonstrations.Police apprehended Park Kyoung-seok, the 63-year-old leader of the Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD), for investigation in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency headquarters in central Seoul where he was holding a press conference.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/21/leader-of-korean-disability-rights-protests-park-kyoung-seok-arrested-on-illegal-demonstration-charges/
Awareness of developmental disabilities is increasing year by year. It used to be thought that it was a problem for children, but now it is becoming known that a certain percentage of adults also have developmental disabilities. As a result, there are more people who suspect that “I might be the same”, and confusion is occurring in the workplace. ‘SPA!’ followed the front line of “adult developmental disabilities” that your colleagues and subordinates may also have experienced.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/20/workers-in-japan-worry-about-disclosing-their-developmental-disabilities/
East Japan Railway Co, or JR East, Tokyo Metro Co. and other railway operators raised their regular fares for train services in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures by 10 yen.The Transport Ministry has set up a new system to add to fares “barrier-free fees” to be shouldered by passengers to accelerate efforts to install platform doors and other facilities.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/18/tokyo-area-train-fares-raised-by-10-yen-a-barrier-free-fee-to-improve-accessibility/
On 14th March, the Japanese Government decided to require businesses and other operators to provide 'reasonable accommodations', such as installing ramps for wheelchair users at shop entrances and exits, from 1 April 2024. The Cabinet approved the Cabinet Order on the revised Disability Discrimination Law. Until now, the State and local authorities have been obliged to provide reasonable accommodations, while the start date of the obligation for businesses was undecided.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/15/japans-disability-discrimination-laws-are-revised-requiring-private-businesses-to-comply-with-reasonable-accommodations/
Kenzaburo Oe, regarded as one of Japan’s leading contemporary novelists and the second Japanese person to win the Nobel Prize in literature, died on March 3, his publisher, Kodansha, announced in a statement Monday. He was 88.He won the Nobel Prize in 1994 as he was working on the "A Flaming Green Tree" trilogy. The prize was awarded for works including the novel "A Personal Matter" — which was dedicated to his son, the composer Hikari Oe — solidifying his place in contemporary literature.Hikari Ōe was born and developmentally disabled. Doctors tried to convince his parents to let their son die, but they refused to do so. Even after an operation, Ōe remained visually impaired, developmentally disabled and epileptic, with limited physical coordination. Episode Notes: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/13/national/kenzaburo-oe-obit/
Ibaraki prefecture will ask bus companies for cooperation to evacuate senior residents and disabled people. The prefectural government estimates that more than 400 buses will be needed for the task, and it does not know how it can secure that many buses.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/10/twelve-years-after-fukushima-nuclear-power-station-disaster-evacuation-plans-for-disabled-elderly-seem-to-be-vague/
A director of a corporation that operates facilities for the disabled was arrested for sexually assaulting a teenage female user. The Kumamoto District Court sentenced him to five years in prison.Episode Notes: Former Director of Kumamoto Facilities for the Disabled Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Sexual Assault: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/03/07/former-director-of-kumamoto-facilities-for-the-disabled-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison-for-sexual-assault/
In December 2022 Mark R. Bookman, a Disability Studies scholar and postgraduate fellow at Tokyo College at the University of Tokyo died. On the 1st March an article he was co-authoring with Prof. Carolyn S. Stevens of Monash University about the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and Australia at the time of his death was published open-access by Ritsumeikan University.Episode Notes: ‘Living with Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan and Australia’ by Mark R. Bookman & Carolyn S. Stevenshttps://www.ritsumei-arsvi.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/AVJ15_Mark_and_Carolyn.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3c7f6w-11V_VDP7VGi8dTbaibbBWu_3Ekcd09_ToQ4WxL-ETUwZ3uFn00Obituary: Mark Bookman (1991 – 2022), Japan-based disability studies scholar dies: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/12/17/obituary-mark-bookman-1991-2022-japan-based-disability-studies-scholar-dies/
A video showing the legs of apparently able-bodied people entering an elevator or lift in Japan has been doing the rounds on ‘Japan Twitter’. As someone with cerebral palsy, I thought I would weigh in.Twitter: @JapanBarrierEmail: micheypeckitt@gmail.com
In November 2022, hearings for a damages lawsuit after a girl with impaired hearing was killed in a traffic accident in Osaka in 2018, estimating lost wages have become a key point of contention.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/28/civil-lawsuit-over-death-of-deaf-girl-in-osaka-raises-questions-about-the-value-of-a-life/Contact:Twitter: @JapanBarrierEmail: micheypeckitt@gmail.com
Kyodo News conducted a survey of people with intellectual disabilities and their families nationwide regarding the problem of people with intellectual disabilities being sterilized or treated at a group home in Hokkaido, it was found on February 26 that approximately one in five (19%) people in their 20s or older have experienced opposition or restrictions from those around them regarding love, marriage or childbirth.Only 8% had ever married, cohabited or had children. The majority of family members and others were in favour of love and marriage, but about 60% were against having children.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/26/survey-shows-19-of-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-in-japan-continue-to-face-restrictions-regarding-social-relationships/
At approximately 6PM on September 25th, 2007, 25-year-old Kenta Yasunaga was cycling home from a workshop he regularly attended in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, when police officers attempted to stop him, believing him to be acting suspiciously.However, Kenta Yasunaga had difficulties in communicating due to his autism. Kenta Yasunaga would later die at the hospital to which he was taken and his cause of death was found to be acute cardiac arrest.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/25/documentary-on-the-way-home-alleges-prejudice-by-police-towards-people-with-intellectual-disabilities-in-japan/‘On The Way Home’ YouTube Video (Japanese language with sign language): https://youtu.be/TML4BzxFqcc
February 24th marks one year since the war in Ukraine began and a survey about awareness of disability discrimination produced by Japan's Cabinet Office has been released.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/21/more-in-japan-aware-of-discrimination-against-disabled-people/People in Kobe, Japan Protest against Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine (Video): https://youtu.be/0CjvF5rBVts
A survey by a private organization found that 69% of people with disabilities said they were unaware of the state subsidy paid to companies that support the assistance of disabled people in employment. The organizations say that the system is not well known and would like to ask the government to make it known in order to promote the system.Episode Notes:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/20/69-of-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-are-unaware-of-assistance-grants-for-companies-where-they-work/
A survey by the Hokkaido prefectural government found that there are at least nine towns and villages in the prefecture that prohibit people with intellectual disabilities from sitting on the council through bylaws or regulations. The prefecture is calling for action, such as considering amendments to the ‘Act for the Elimination of Disability Discrimination’, on the grounds that this may be in violation of the Act.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/17/at-least-9-towns-and-villages-in-hokkaido-ban-people-with-mental-and-intellectual-disabilities-from-attending-council-meetings/
In the last few days, there were two incidents involving both suspected theft and fraud at facilities for people with disabilities in Japan.Episode Notes: Fukushima after-school care facility for children with disabilities: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/15/fukushima-after-school-care-facility-for-children-with-disabilities-found-not-to-meet-legal-standards-ordered-to-return-15-million-yen-in-funding/Nagoya disability support facility employee allegedly stole ATM card from male client, withdrawing 1.3 million yen:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/16/nagoya-disability-support-facility-employee-allegedly-stole-atm-card-from-male-client-withdrawing-1-3-million-yen/
The Tokyo police have arrested the head of a Yokohama-based nonprofit organization on suspicion of arranging organs for transplants without government permission.Episode Notes: ‘Organ Transplant Scandal’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/10/npo-director-arrested-for-arranging-organs-for-transplant-without-permit/‘Mask Wearing Guidelines’ https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230211/p2a/00m/0li/011000c
In January this year, a woman who lives in Ota Ward, Tokyo, who has cerebral palsy, a speech impediment palsy and uses home visiting care contracted a new variant of the coronavirus and requested to be admitted to a metropolitan hospital, but was refused.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/09/severely-disabled-woman-contracted-coronavirus-in-january-2023-refused-admission-to-a-tokyo-metropolitan-hospital/
Kyoto District Court on Tuesday sentenced former doctor Naoki Yamamoto, 45, to 13 years in prison for killing his father in 2011, against 20 years sought by the prosecution.Yamamoto had previously been arrested and charged by the Kyoto District Public Prosecutors Office on Thursday August 13th 2020 for allegedly killing Yuri Hayashi, a woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an intractable disease, at the victim’s request.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/08/kyoto-district-court-sentences-doctor-accused-of-euthanizing-als-patient-to-13-years-for-killing-father/
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed government officials to consider giving Japanese wheelchair tennis legend Shingo Kunieda the People’s Honor Award, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Friday. The 38-year-old wheelchair tennis star “achieved an unprecedented feat that will go down in history,” Matsuno said at a press conference. He “made an outstanding contribution in boosting the popularity of parasports and the development of sports,” Matsuno said.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/03/japan-govt-considering-honoring-wheelchair-tennis-legend-kunieda/
The draft report compiled by the city’s human rights policy council will include two proposals on penalties on hate speech: one that imposes an administrative fine for malicious acts, and the other in which a criminal penalty or an administrative fine will be imposed for such acts. The council will later meet again to go over the details and propose the final report to the Sagamihara Municipal Government.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/02/01/sagamihara-massacre-municipal-government-to-introduce-human-rights-ordinance-with-penalties-including-fines/
An estimated 20,000 people between 40 and 64 in Yokohama, who have no illness or disability, have mostly stopped going out for at least six months, according to a survey by the city government.In the survey, nearly 40% of those residents who are in a state of “hikikomori,” or social reclusion, said their condition began when they started avoiding leaving home amid the coronavirus pandemic. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/30/nearly-40-of-yokohamas-hikikomori-recluses-stopped-going-out-due-to-covid-survey/
Lawmaker Yasuhiko Funago, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, on Friday 27th January 2023, became the first in Japan to ask questions using a text-to-speech function of a computer in a parliamentary plenary meeting. Using the function to read out a prepared speech on his laptop, Funago urged PM Fumio Kishida to reduce defense spending. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/28/lawmaker-funago-1st-to-use-text-to-speech-at-japan-diet/
When Japanese news outlets reported the problems with software like Microsoft Teams, they used the term “障害”, and since the same term is often used in a news story about disability issues, it was difficult to find news about people with disabilities in Japan, as any Google search with the term “障害” only returned results to do with the Microsoft 365 outage. Coincidentally “障害” – or ‘shogai’ can be translated as ‘disability’, ‘impairment’, as well as more troublingly, ‘hindrance’, ‘obstacle’ and ‘failure.’ A person with disabilities in Japan could be translated literally as a ‘failed’ or ‘obstacle’ person’.
The rate of employment of people with disabilities, whereby companies are obliged to increase the employment of people with disabilities, reached the highest level in the prefecture last year, but nearly 30% of companies do not employ even one person with disabilities.According to the summary, as of June 1, last year, the employment rate of target companies in the prefecture was 2.19% as a whole, an increase of 0.04 points from the previous year, the highest ever. It was 0.06 points below the average of 2.25%. Only 825 companies, or 54.3% of the target companies, achieved the legal employment rate of 2.3%, which is required by law for private companies. Public institutions such as prefectures and municipalities have a legal employment rate of 2.6%, and as of the 1st of last month, 30, or about 40%, of the prefecture’s 79 institutions have not achieved it.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/26/rate-of-employment-of-people-with-disabilities-in-fukushima-despite-nearly-30-of-companies-not-employing-any-disabled/
*A warning, for the first minute or so of this podcast, due to technical difficulties the sound is quite loud, those listening may want to turn down the volume.KUMAMOTO – A southwestern Japan court ordered the national government on Monday to pay a total of 22 million yen in damages over the forced sterilization of two people under the now-defunct eugenic protection law.Kumamoto District Court, presided over by Judge Yuichiro Nakatsuji, found that the law was unconstitutional, and denied the application to the case of the 20-year statute of limitations on compensation claims.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/23/kumamoto-court-orders-national-japanese-government-to-pay-damages-over-forced-sterilization/
Japan’s Shingo Kunieda, considered one of the greatest wheelchair tennis players of all time, said Sunday he has hung up his racket.The 38-year-old Kunieda, a winner of 28 Grand Slam titles and three Paralympic gold medals in the men’s singles, retired while at the top of the world rankings.He won his third Paralympic gold in Tokyo in 2021 and completed his career Grand Slam by winning Wimbledon last year. He also won 22 Grand Slam doubles titles.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/22/world-no-1-wheelchair-tennis-player-shingo-kunieda-retires/
An update after the last episode about the relaxing of rules regarding scooters in Japan; it is likely that the same rules that will apply e-scooters from July will also apply to mobility scooters, but the guidance is a bit more ambiguous as on JR trains, mobility scooters must:“move at a speed no more than 2km/h and follow the instructions and warnings of the train attendant, and do not use routes other than the ones specified.”Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/21/will-the-relaxed-rules-regarding-e-scooters-in-japan-also-apply-to-mobility-scooters-日本でのeスクーターに関す/
When preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan Railways (JR), based on guidance from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport required that when at JR stations, mobility scooters:“move at a speed no more than 2km/h and follow the instructions and warnings of the train attendant, and do not use routes other than the ones specified.”Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/20/japan-to-allow-unlicensed-electric-scooter-riding-from-july/
The panel plans to propose keeping the required employment rate unchanged at 2.3 pct in fiscal 2023 starting in April and raising the rate in stages to 2.5 pct in fiscal 2024 and 2.7 pct in fiscal 2026.Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/18/japan-to-raise-required-employment-rate-for-disabled-to-2-7-pct/
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan have often seemingly thought nothing of grabbing my arm, the side not affected by cerebral palsy, whilst they sell their religious wares, and I clearly have a physical disability as I use a walking stick. The person must be aware that by grabbing me in that fashion, they are causing me a great deal of pain.Ultimately I can move away, but in the past, I have been present as Jehovah’s Witness seem to try to recruit people with intellectual disabilities.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/08/09/jehovahs-witnesses-attempt-to-recruit-intellectually-disabled-people-in-kobe/
Over a period of more than three months, a male JR station attendant in Tokyo repeatedly made sexual comments such as "Are your breasts heavy?" to a visually impaired woman who asked him to guide her. JR East is considering disciplinary action against the station staff member.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/14/male-jr-east-station-staff-attendant-allegedly-made-numerous-sexually-explicit-comments-towards-visually-impaired-woman/
Japanese firms have been using proxy agencies to employ disabled people, hiring them to work for unrelated farming schemes in a move seen as a way to fulfill official disability quotas, a welfare ministry probe and a Kyodo News investigation found.Disability advocates criticized the practice, with both houses of parliament requesting when the law was amended in December that the government consider asking businesses to not use the proxy agencies.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/11/proxy-agencies-in-japan-for-hiring-people-with-disabilities-grows-as-firms-try-to-fill-quota/
According to the corporation’s investigation, in the lock-in incident, a staff member took one of the residents to his room, locked the door and prevented him from leaving for approximately four hours. The staff member is said to have explained that he was trying to protect other users because they had become violent inside the facility, but he was not given lunch during that time, and the corporation says, “It was an inappropriate response. The corporation states that “there was a lack of education for the staff.”Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/10/kagoshima-care-home-corporation-confined-intellectually-disabled-people-for-four-hours/
The “Hiroshima Abilympics” was held in Hiroshima City, where people with disabilities compete in customer service, cleaning, and other skills that they have trained for on a daily basis.The “Hiroshima Abilympics” has been held since 2003 by Hiroshima Prefecture and other organizations to promote employment of people with disabilities. 51 people, including students from special needs schools and people working at companies in the prefecture, participated in the event on the 7th.The Abilympics (Olympics of Abilities) are competitions of vocational skills and abilities specifically designed for persons with disabilities to enable them to demonstrate and develop their talents.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/08/hiroshima-abilympics-held-people-with-disabilities-compete-in-customer-service-and-cleaning-skills/
Back to work after New Year and writing a syllabus for the ‘Barrier Free Theory’ course at The Kobe City University of Foreign Studies.
Hiyori Tamaki is a popular TikToker who calls herself "Wheelchair JK". Tamaki aged 17, is a second year high school student at a metropolitan high school.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/04/introducing-wheelchair-jk-a-17-year-old-japanese-wheelchair-using-tiktoker/
Miho, who lost her life in the incident, her mother and her brother at that time (19) commented through a lawyer on April 29th. Before the lay judge trial in 2020, her mother announced her real name, “Miho lived hard. She wants to leave a testimony.” She asked Uematsu to be sentenced death in court directly, “I want you to be sentenced to death.” Miho’s mother visited the completed ‘Requiem Monument’ in the garden on the anniversary on March 26th 2022, and she said, “I wonder if there was a break here and her shoulders were unloaded, ” she said.Takeshi Ono (78), whose son Kazuya (49) was seriously injured in the incident, said, “I am surprised and have no words. I expressed my anger.”
On December 18th 2022 the ‘group home’ operated by Asunaro Social Welfare Service Corporation in Esashi, Hokkaido, admitted that it had made sterilization a condition for mentally disabled couples for more than 20 years.The Asunaro Social Welfare Service Corporation operates group homes for people with intellectual disabilities and other welfare facilities in the town of Esashi and elsewhere in Hokkaido. About 410 people use its facilities.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/12/28/a-week-of-the-hokkaido-care-home-sterilization-scandal/
In the space of a week, Shimane prefecture reported two sets of clusters at care homes for children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Five clusters were confirmed on December 24 & three more on December 31st.Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/01/01/shimane-prefectures-end-of-year-care-home-covid-woes/
At first, elevators were not included in the reconstruction plan pushed by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, who insisted that the rebuilt castle should be as faithful to the original as possible. However, the plan has faced opposition from disabled people’s groups and others.Episode Notes:Special elevators eyed for Nagoya Castle rebuild for barrier-free accessibility: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/12/22/special-elevators-eyed-for-nagoya-castle-rebuild-for-barrier-free-accessibility/‘Elevator at Nagoya Castle!’ Aichi disability groups appeal to Governor to reconsider renovation plans: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/09/20/elevator-at-nagoya-castle-aichi-disability-groups-appeal-to-governor-to-reconsider-renovation-plans/
Mark Bookman PhD, was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo.Works by or featuring Mark: “Paralimited Access (w/Mark Bookman)” via ‘Japan by River Cruise’ https://archive.japanbyrivercruise.com/episodes/paralimited-access-w-mark-bookman“Paralympics as Possibility” | Mark Bookman | TEDxFulbrightTokyo https://youtu.be/EUvkdhrIgsg
Daisuke Tenbata, who has been a member of the House of Councillors and a member of the Reiwa Shinsengumi party since being elected in July 2022, tested positive for COVID-19 on December 10th.Correction In the recording it was said that Daisuke Tenbata was a member of the Japanese government. Tenbata is not a member of the ruling party in Japan , but he is a member of the Japanese Diet or Parliament.Episode link:https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/12/11/japanese-politician-with-multiple-disabilities-tests-positive-for-covid-recovering-at-home/
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has established appropriate facilities and equipment such as barrier-free toilets, parking facilities for wheelchair users, elevators in passenger facilities, and priority seats in vehicles so that those who “truly need them” can use them when they need them. The Ministry states that it will carry out a campaign to promote the use of these facilities and promote “barrier-free minds.”https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/11/28/why-is-japan-seemingly-obsessed-with-barrier-free-minds/
He said his wife, Teruko, lost the ability to move her legs more than four decades ago, and that he was “tired” of taking care of her, according to police.https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/11/04/kanagawa-man-81-accused-of-pushing-wife-in-wheelchair-into-sea-killing-her/
Japan Government to Face 3 New Suits over Forced SterilizationThe Japanese government is slated to face three new damages lawsuits over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law.https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/09/26/japan-govt-to-face-3-new-suits-over-forced-sterilization/The Japan Time’s ‘Deep Dive’ Podcast Returnshttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/podcast_category/deep-dive/
Possible Sagamihara Stabbings Retrial & Three Years Since KyoAni by Michael Gillan Peckitt
Episodes Notes
No, this episode of ‘Disability News Japan’ is not about disability in Japan, but I thought this was worth documenting and sharing.
A group outside JR Sumiyoshi Station in Higashinada Ward, Kobe protest against the War in Ukraine in the evening of Wednesday 23rd March 2022.
Be warned that partly because some of this podcast episode was recorded outside and some indoors (and partly because of the podcast creator's lack of skill with audio), the sound quality varies and is loud at times. If your hearing is good, listen with the volume down low!
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/03/23/the-things-barrier-free-japan-sees-on-the-way-home-people-in-kobe-protest-against-putins-invasion-of-ukraine/
The Tokyo High Court overturned a lower court ruling, ordering the Japanese government to pay 15 million yen in damages to a 78-year-old man over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law.
Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/03/11/japan-govt-ordered-to-pay-damages-over-forced-sterilization-after-tokyo-high-court-overturns-lower-court-ruling/
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/03/08/japan-govt-appeals-to-top-court-over-forced-sterilization/
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/02/23/japanese-government-ordered-to-pay-damages-over-forced-sterilization/
Katsunori Fujii, a representative of the Japan Council on Disability held a press conference November 27th 2020 on the then proposed ‘Law on Special Provisions to the Civil Code regarding legal parent-child relationships of children born through Assisted Reproductive Technology’, saying that the law allows for the possibility of a ‘eugenic policy’ and creates a ‘sense of crisis’ for people with disabilities.
Episode link:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/01/10/pre-implantation-screening-raises-spectre-of-eugenic-policy-for-some-people-with-disabilities-in-japan/
Tokyo Police send Papers to Prosecutors on Toyota Worker over Paralympic Village ‘Self-driving bus’ Accident
Tokyo police sent to public prosecutors on Thursday papers on an employee of Toyota Motor Corp. over a self-driving bus accident at the Paralympic athletes village in Tokyo that inflicted injury on a visually impaired Japanese athlete.
Episode link:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2022/01/06/tokyo-police-send-papers-to-prosecutors-on-toyota-worker-over-paralympic-village-self-driving-bus-accident/
Episode links: The suspect in a fatal fire at a mental health clinic in Osaka earlier this month died Thursday 30th December, police said.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/12/30/suspect-in-fire-at-osaka-mental-health-clinic-dies/
Happy New Year from Disability News Japan!
Episode links: Hosting Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics chosen as top domestic news in Japan in 2021:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/12/30/hosting-tokyo-olympics-paralympics-chosen-as-top-domestic-news-in-japan-in-2021/
Japan Govt Recognizes 675 COVID-19 Deaths at Home:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/12/29/japan-govt-recognizes-675-covid-19-deaths-at-home/
A mother accused of murdering her 17-year-old son, who had severe intellectual disabilities in Kyoto last July has been given a suspended sentence by the Kyoto District Court.
During the trial, the mother, Fumino Sakayama (54) of Sakyo Ward admitted to killing her son, Ryu (17) but the defence argued that she was insane at the time, although the prosecutor’s office demanded a five-year sentence.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/12/14/kyoto-mother-who-killed-intellectually-disabled-son-given-suspended-sentence/
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has issued administrative guidance to Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu) over an inability to provide assistance to a wheelchair user in Nagasaki Prefecture when the station had no personnel present, sometimes referred to as an ‘unmanned station.’
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/12/07/japans-transport-ministry-issues-administrative-guidance-to-jr-kyushu-after-wheelchair-user-was-left-unable-to-board-train/
From The Mainichi Shimbun
December 5 2021
YOKOHAMA - In July in Naka-ku, Yokohama, a hearing-impaired woman tried to ride on a ropeway by herself, but was refused use because of her disability, according to an interview with a person concerned. It was reported that the business operator has stipulated in the manual that hearing-impaired people should not use it alone.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/12/05/hearing-impaired-woman-refused-access-to-yokohama-ropeway/
From Jiji
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/11/17/jr-west-develops-automatic-ramp-for-wheelchair-passengers/
OSAKA – West Japan Railway Co said Wednesday that it has developed an automatic ramp system designed to help wheelchair users get on and off trains. The system automatically extends a stainless ramp when a train arrives at a station platform.
This is the first device in Japan that simultaneously eliminates any vertical or horizontal gap between the platform and the train door, according to the company, better known as JR West.
JR West plans to conduct demonstration tests until February next year, aiming to put it into practical use in a few years.
The ramp is about 3.6 meters wide and some 1.5 meters long. When a censor at a station detects that a train has stopped, the ramp installed at the end of the platform will automatically come out in about five seconds, causing no delay in the train schedule.
Episode Information:
Toyota Motor Corp re-started running its driverless buses again in the athletes’ village in Tokyo on Tuesday 31st August with improved safety measures after they have been stopped since an accident last week involving a visually impaired Paralympian.
The suspension was made after one of Toyota’s e-Palette autonomous electric buses hit a Paralympian, Japanese judoka Aramitsu Kitazono, who was trying to cross an intersection in the village, around 2 p.m. on Thursday.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/30/toyota-self-driving-buses-in-paralympic-village-to-restart-on-august-31-toyota-ceo-apologizes-for-overcofidence-in-the-technology/
Afghan athlete Hossain Rasouli competed in a long jump event on Tuesday at the Tokyo Paralympics after recently being evacuated from his home country, now under the control of the Taliban.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/31/evacuated-afghan-athlete-hossain-rasouli-makes-debut-at-tokyo-2020-paralympics/
A person involved in the Tokyo Paralympics has been hospitalized with COVID-19, the games organizing committee said Thursday, the first of such case linked to the event.
In confirming the hospitalization, organizers were keen to reiterate that the largest sporting event for athletes with disabilities is being held safely.
A person from overseas linked with the Paralympics, but not an athlete, has been hospitalized after testing positive on Monday for the coronavirus. The patient is not displaying severe symptoms, committee spokesman Masanori Takaya said:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/26/tokyo-paralympics-confirm-1st-covid-19-hospitalization/
Afghanistan’s two Paralympic athletes have been safely evacuated from the country, the International Paralympic Committee said Wednesday, declining to specify their destination.
The two taekwondo athletes, Zakia Khudadadi and Hossain Rasouli, were originally due to represent their country at the Tokyo Paralympics But with the swift fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, the pair were among the tens of thousands trapped and unable to leave the country. Before the Games began, the IPC confirmed that the athletes would no longer be able to compete, and the Afghan flag featured at Tuesday’s opening ceremony in a symbolic fashion only, carried by a volunteer.
“Efforts have been made to remove them from Afghanistan, they are now in a safe place,” IPC spokesman Craig Spence said Wednesday. “I’m not going to tell you where they are because this isn’t about sport, this is about human life and keeping people safe.”
Spence said the pair would not be competing at the Games, and their focus at the moment was on their well-being.
“Obviously they’ve been through a very traumatic process, they’re undergoing counseling and psychological help,” he told reporters.
“We are being kept in the loop about their whereabouts and their well-being”:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/26/afghan-paralympians-evacuated-and-safe-ipc-says/
Episode Information:
Japan started a special program Wednesday to allow schoolchildren to view Tokyo Paralympic events at venues as an exception to the policy of holding the Games without spectators. Participating children showed up at venues in and outside Tokyo, showing their support for Paralympians without uttering a sound. Meanwhile, schools are divided over whether to participate in the program. A growing number of schools have decided not to take part amid the spread of the novel coronavirus.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/26/children-start-watching-tokyo-paralympics-at-venues/
Episode Information:
The Tokyo Paralympics’ opening ceremony included the flag of Afghanistan as a “sign of solidarity” since athletes from the country will not be able to compete against their wishes, a top official said Monday.
Two athletes from Afghanistan, female para-taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and male track athlete Hossain Rasouli, were expected to compete at the Paralympics, involving up to about 4,400 participants from roughly 160 countries and regions.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/24/tokyo-2020-paralympic-games-opening-ceremony-to-include-afghanistan-flag/
Episode Information:
The International Paralympic Committee, along with dozens of other major organizations, has launched an advertising campaign entitled WeThe15.
The #WeThe15 Campaign was launched on August 19 2021 just before opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
'WeThe15' is a global movement, which was founded by a coalition of organisations from sport, human rights, policy, communications, business, arts and entertainment, uniting to change attitudes and create more opportunities for persons with disabilities, as well as improve mobility and accessibility.
‘WeThe15’ plans to initiate change over the next decade by bringing together the biggest coalition ever of international organisations from the world of sport, human rights, policy, communications, business, arts and entertainment.
WeThe15 Website: https://www.wethe15.org
The musician Keigo Oyamada has been removed from the line-up at the prestigious music festival ‘Fuji Rock’.
Keigo ‘Cornelius’ Oyamada, who confessed and apologized for forcing his classmates who had disabilities to eat their own faeces and masturbate in public, was to play as part of the band ‘Metafive’ on Friday August 20th and on the ‘Green stage’ on Saturday 21st August, in his solo capacity as ‘Cornelius’ at the popular music festival.
Website link https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/15/musician-who-worked-for-tokyo-2020-olympics-and-boasted-of-assaulting-disabled-is-removed-from-fuji-rock-line-up/
Spanning across all of Japan’s prefectures as well as in Stoke Mandeville in the United Kingdom – the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement – the flame will be brought together to create a single flame at a Flame Gathering Event in Tokyo on 20 August.
The Paralympic flame will also tour Shizuoka, Chiba and Saitama before the climax of the Paralympic Torch Relay from 17 August to 24 August; the day of the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Website link https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/08/10/paralympic-torch-relay-to-span-all-of-japans-prefectures/
July 26th 2021 marks the five year anniversary of what is now often referred to as the ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’, when in the early hours of July 26th 2016, Satoshi Uematsu, a former employee of the ‘Tsukui Yamayuri En’ or ‘Tsukui Lily Garden’ care home for people with disabilities, killed 19 residents with disabilities and injured at least 26 others. Uematsu, who talked about how people with disabilities could cause ‘only misery’. was later sentenced to death by the Yokohama District Court.
Barrier Free Japan:
Keigo ‘Cornelius’ Oyamada, who confessed and apologized for forcing his classmates who had disabilities to eat their own faeces and masturbate in public, will play on the ‘Green stage’ on Saturday 21st August at the popular music festival.
Oyamada, who was in charge of composing some of the music for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, had apologized for assaulting disabled classmates in the past but continued to stir an outcry on social media with growing calls for him to step down. He has since resigned for his role with the Olympics and his contribution, a four minute long composition, will reportedly be cut from the opening ceremony on Friday 23rd July.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/21/fuji-rock-festival-gives-high-billing-to-musician-who-confessed-to-assaulting-disabled-children/
Oyamada, who was in charge of composing some of the music for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, apologized for bullying disabled classmates in the past but continued to stir an outcry on social media with growing calls for him to step down.
The well-known rock musician admitted last week that interviews published in the January 1994 edition of magazine “Rockin’ On Japan” and in the August 1995 edition of magazine “Quick Japan” had quoted him correctly when he spoke about bullying childhood classmates with disabilities “without any regrets.”
Barrier Free Japan:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/19/composer-for-tokyo-2020-opening-and-closing-ceremony-who-assaulted-disabled-people-informed-officials-of-his-intention-to-resign/
Japan Subculture Research Center:
http://www.japansubculture.com/japans-olympic-composer-tortured-disabled-children-and-the-olympic-committee-says-to-the-world-eat-shit-no-problem/?fbclid=IwAR3N2vVZLgP6yWcOu7qGZYMcVnoJWwfGSM804TpibORGbVp-yeN8CcGKS4g
“Oyamada confessed to two magazines that he bullied during his school days. In the January 1994 issue of the Japanese music magazine "Rocking On Japan," he wrote, "I would make him naked, wrap a string around him, and make him masturbate.”
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/17/composer-for-the-tokyo-2020-olympics-for-the-opening-and-closing-ceremonies-apologizes-for-bullying-confessions-regarding-disabled-people/
Japan Subculture Research Center: http://www.japansubculture.com/japans-olympic-composer-tortured-disabled-children-and-the-olympic-committee-says-to-the-world-eat-shit-no-problem/?fbclid=IwAR2ado8PcnhtKvCzw6P2eYo1O2XMQGWCR7yHip5ZA4jeBWbLxaiNydgGGCQ
“It would be nice to have at least some spectators” when the Paralympics are held from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5, Japan’s PM Suga said, adding the decision will be made among organizers including his government, the Japanese organizing committee and the International Paralympic Committee.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/17/japans-pm-suga-thinks-it-would-be-nice-to-have-at-least-some-spectators-at-paralympic-games/
With the opening of the Olympic & Paralympic Games looming amid renewed fears of the spread of a new coronavirus, a group consisting of women with disabilities have issued a statement calling for the Tokyo Games to be cancelled, claiming that holding the Games would endanger their lives.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/14/tokyo-olympics-should-be-cancelled-say-women-with-disabilities-in-japan/
Disability News Japan’s vaccine appointment in Kobe has been cancelled due to lack of supply of the vaccine:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/08/barrier-free-japans-vaccine-appointment-has-been-cancelled-due-to-lack-of-supply/
Mudslides in Japan deprive disabled people of a place to work’:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/07/10/mudslides-in-japan-deprive-disabled-people-of-a-place-to-work/
The trial in a murder case in which an elderly mother, who lived alone with her daughter who had a severe intellectual disability, will begin at the Tsu District Court on June 7th.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/06/06/tsu-district-court-to-hear-case-of-killing-of-daughter-with-a-disability-by-72-year-mother-with-an-illness/
On March 26, during a session on the budget, Japanese lawmakers with disabilities were able to cast a vote in person owing to a ramp that had been built in the House of Councillors in January. This was the first time in history a lawmaker with a disability could vote in person, before it had to be done via a House of Councillors staff member.
Japanese disabled lawmakers vote in person for first time due to ramp installation:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2021/03/27/japanese-disabled-lawmakers-vote-in-person-for-first-time-due-to-ramp-installation/
Deck the halls with boughs of vaccine! So much of 2020 has been about the coronavirus – which does of course affect people with disabilities – but sometimes does make for a boring podcast, so I haven’t been making many recordings. However, I have mentioned a case of COVID-19 infection at a care home for people with disabilities in the link below:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/12/23/coronavirus-cluster-found-at-gifu-welfare-facility-for-people-with-disabilities/
The number of “unmanned stations” without station staff all day long has risen to more than 4,500 stations, which is close to half of the stations nationwide, and is still increasing.
Article link: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/11/09/unmanned-train-stations-continues-to-pose-problems-for-people-with-disabilities-in-japan/
On the day of Nippon Television's "24-hour TV" that will broadcast on the 22nd to 23rd, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department main office said on the 21st that the suspect posted on Twitter phrases such as "Sprinkle Sarin." The suspect also stated that:
"On the day of 24-hour TV, I will release sarin at the Budokan and kill a lot of people with disabilities."
Article link: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/08/21/on-the-day-of-24-hour-tv-i-will-release-sarin-at-the-budokan-and-kill-a-lot-of-people-with-disabilities/
Arrested doctors knew Kyoto based woman with ALS seeking to end her life through SNS:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/07/23/arrested-doctors-knew-kyoto-based-woman-with-als-seeking-to-end-her-life-through-sns/
According to the Kyoto prefectural police department, the two suspects were not the woman's attending doctors and were unacquainted with her. They apparently got to know each other through social media.
I have not had Coronavirus, but my lack of podcasting is kind of ‘COVID-19 related.’
Barrier Free Japan: https://barrierfreejapan.com
Episode links:
‘900 Welfare offices for persons with disabilities closed throughout Japan due to COVID-19’:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/28/900-welfare-offices-for-persons-with-disabilities-closed-throughout-japan-due-to-covid-19/
‘Two employees at a Tokyo facility for disabled found to be infected with COVID-19 after ten were known to be infected’:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/27/two-employees-at-a-tokyo-facility-for-disabled-found-to-be-infected-with-covid-19-after-ten-were-known-infected/
Episode links:
As the disability welfare facility in Kanagawa Prefecture, where 19 disabled residents and 26 others were injured by Satoshi Uematsu in July 2016, is rebuilt in a new location, part of the name of the old facility “Yamayuri” was registered with the Japanese Sign Language Institute on March 27 so that the massacre is not forgotten.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/18/name-of-care-home-where-disabled-residents-were-killed-and-injured-registered-with-japanese-sign-language-institute/
Episode links:
Saitama Prefecture announced on April 12 that a total of 40 new coronavirus infections have been confirmed in the prefecture. In addition, at two facilities for the disabled, operated by a social welfare corporation in Tokorozawa City, a total of 10 staff members and users were found to be infected, and the prefecture was examined as a cluster.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/13/40-new-covid-19-cases-confirmed-in-saitama-at-facilities-for-disabled-people/
Episode links:
‘Japan's PM Abe declares state of emergency amid widespread virus infections’:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/07/japans-pm-abe-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-widespread-virus-infections/
"I can't participate in TV or teleconferences." Japan's disabled face difficulties working from home:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/03/i-cant-participate-in-tv-or-teleconferences-japans-disabled-face-difficulties-working-from-home/
Episode links:
95 people confirmed as infected with COVID-19 at Chiba welfare facility for the disabled:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/01/95-people-confirmed-as-infected-with-covid-19-at-chiba-welfare-facility-for-the-disabled/
As death sentence is finalized, Sagamihara killer says he was “wrong to continue the trial”:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/04/01/as-death-sentence-is-finalized-sagamihara-killer-says-he-was-wrong-to-continue-the-trial/
Episode links:
Chiba Governor Kensaku Morita held a press conference on the night of the 28th, calling it a “grave situation” and saying that a total of 58 people were newly infected, including 32 of the staff of the Hokuso Ikusei-en facility as well as 26 of the residents.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/03/28/57-people-at-chiba-welfare-facility-for-persons-with-disabilities-infected-with-new-coronavirus/
Sagamihara killer’s defense team to apply to appeal death sentence:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/03/28/sagamihara-killers-defense-team-to-apply-to-appeal-death-sentence/
Episode links: On March 24, the man convicted of killing 19 disabled residents and injuring dozens more restated his intention to not appeal his death sentence.
Satoshi Uematsu said: “I had expected to be given the death sentence, but I’m not satisfied with the contents of the trial because it proceeded on the assumption that people with disabilities have human rights.”
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/03/26/as-deadline-approaches-sagamihara-killer-re-states-that-he-will-not-appeal-death-sentence/
Episode links:
On Thursday March 19th, Eiko Kimura, a representative of the House of Councillors and a member of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, who has cerebral palsy, was excluded from a cross-party committee meeting about the novel coronavirus threat.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/03/23/lawmaker-with-cerebral-palsy-excluded-from-covid-19-committee-meeting-claims-discrimination/
Episode links:
The Yokohama District Court sentenced Satoshi Uematsu (30) to death on March 16th for killing 19 residents and injuring 26 others at a care home in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture in July 2016:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/03/16/sagamihara-massacre-defendant-receives-death-penalty/
Sagamihara Care Home Killings documents to be archived:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/03/19/documents-and-materials-relating-to-sagamihara-care-home-killings-to-be-permanently-preserved/
Paralympics: IPC to continue preps for Tokyo Games despite coronavirus
Episode links:
The International Paralympic Committee said Thursday it will stay the course in preparations for this summer’s Tokyo Games despite mounting concerns over the spread of coronavirus in Japan.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/02/28/paralympics-ipc-to-continue-preps-for-tokyo-games-despite-coronavirus/
NHK reports on the fourth day of hearings, the families of the Sagamihara victims speak out in court.
Episode links:
A man accused of killing 19 residents and injuring dozens more in a knife rampage at a care home for mentally disabled people near Tokyo in 2016 pleaded not guilty Wednesday in court, insisting he was mentally incompetent.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2020/01/08/man-pleads-not-guilty-over-2016-mass-murder-of-19-people-at-care-home/
Episode links:
A man accused of killing 19 residents and injuring dozens more at a care home for people with mental disabilities in Kanagawa Prefecture in 2016 said on Monday 23rd December that he will admit to charges of murder and attempted murder at his trial, slated to begin on January 8th. It was previously reported by Kyodo News that the he would plead not guilty.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/12/24/confusion-over-how-care-home-killings-suspect-intends-to-plead/
Episode links:
IT’S CHRISTMAS! This will probably my last ‘Disability News Japan’ podcast of 2019, although there is an interesting report about how FY 2018 was a record high for abuse of people with disabilities in Japan as 2,745 were recorded. The trial of the suspect in the Sagamihara ‘stabbings’ or ‘massacre’ case will begin on January 8th 2020
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/12/20/abuses-against-disabled-hit-record-2745-in-japan-in-fy-2018/
Episode links:
A man accused of killing 19 residents at a care home for mentally disabled people near Tokyo is expected to plead not guilty at a trial to begin ion January 8th, sources reported on Friday 13th December.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/12/14/sagamihara-care-home-stabbings-accused-to-plead-not-guilty/
Episode links:
Under questioning in parliament on Tuesday, PM Abe repeated this explanation, adding the shredding took place when it did “because of the work schedule of the disabled contractor in charge”.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/12/04/prime-minister-abe-blames-shredding-of-documents-of-cherry-blossom-viewing-party-on-the-work-schedule-of-the-disabled-contractor-in-charge/
Episode links:
Eiko Kimura, a member of the Reiwa Shinsengumi political party, who has a severe disability, asked her first question at the National Land Transportation Committee on November 5th. Kimura, who was elected for the first time in the Summer, at House of Councilors election, faced the first question at the House of Councilors Land Transportation Committee on the 5th, and gave her opinion to the government about making public facilities barrier-free.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/11/05/asking-her-first-question-at-the-diet-disabled-lawmaker-eiko-kimura-highlights-accessibility-issues-at-public-facilities-in-japan/
Episode links:
The 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games marathon will proceed in the Japanese capital as planned, International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said Thursday. Parsons made the statement after meeting in Tokyo with local organizing committee chief Yoshiro Mori as talks continue between the Tokyo metropolitan government and the International Olympic Committee on the relocation of the Olympic marathon and race walk events to Sapporo.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/10/31/paralympics-ipc-says-marathon-to-proceed-in-tokyo/
Episode links:
A woman in her 70s died after accidentally falling from a helicopter in a rescue operation during Typhoon Hagibis. The Tokyo Fire Department apologized on October 13th for the accident, saying that rescuers forgot to attach the hook of her safety harness.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/10/15/elderly-woman-falls-to-her-death-in-typhoon-hagibis-rescue-operation-updated/
pisode links:
The Japanese government and manufacturers are promoting electric wheelchairs as a means of transportation to replace automobiles at a time when elderly people are increasingly returning their driver’s licenses.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/09/18/japanese-government-and-manufacturers-promote-electric-wheelchairs/
Episode links:
A man aged 52, accused of murdering his eldest son who lived with him in his home in Kita-ku, Nagoya, has admitted to strangling him in January 2018. The defendant was quoted as saying “I strangled my son”. The defense asked for a probationary sentence saying that “the eldest son had a disability and that the defendant should not be blamed.”
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/09/05/i-strangled-my-son-father-of-disabled-son-admits-at-nagoya-district-court/
Episode links:
Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said Wednesday that 17 of 44 government entities saw their numbers of workers with disabilities fall short of necessary levels as of June 1st this year.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/08/29/japans-employment-rate-of-disabled-2-3-still-below-legal-level-as-of-june/
Episode links:
Since there was no ramp at the main entrance, recently elected Yasuhiko Funago of Reiwa Shinsengumi, who has ALS had to enter via the rear entrance on August 1st, for an 'extraordinary session' of the Diet.
'Japan lawmakers with severe disabilities attend 1st Diet session'
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/08/2be2923e7f1b-update1-japan-lawmakers-with-severe-disabilities-attend-1st-diet-session.html
https://barrierfreejapan.wordpress.com/2019/07/25/sagamihara-accused-i-wont-claim-that-im-unable-to-take-criminal-responsibility/
The audio report is from NHK G's ‘News Watch 9.’
Episode links: The suspect accused of the 2016 massacre at a care home for people with mental disabilities in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, has said he will not claim that he is mentally incompetent to take responsibility for the attack in his upcoming trial.
https://barrierfreejapan.wordpress.com/2019/07/25/sagamihara-accused-i-wont-claim-that-im-unable-to-take-criminal-responsibility/
Episode links:
A remark made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a Group of 20 dinner that the installation of elevators at Osaka Castle was a “big mistake” has been criticized as lacking consideration for disabled people and especially inappropriate ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics next year.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/06/30/at-g-20-summit-dinner-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-says-installing-elevators-at-osaka-castle-a-big-mistake/
Episode links:
33-year-old arrested over attack on Osaka Prefecture policeman https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/06/18/33-year-old-arrested-over-attack-on-osaka-prefecture-policeman/
In response to questioning, Iimori reportedly said: “That’s not something I did. I think it happened because my illness got worse and the people around me got worse.”
I misspoke on the podcast, although I did correct it later in the recording. The police officer Kose whose first name is Suzunosuke, is still in a coma at the time I recorded this, and I hope Officer Kose Suzunosuke recovers soon.
“If you have not experienced the kind of discrimination the disabled receive, then you cannot understand it.”
Episode links: Forced Sterilization case is heard at the Kobe District Court: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/05/23/forced-sterilization-case-is-heard-at-the-kobe-district-court/ Forced
Episode links:
The suspect will face trial on January 8th 2020.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/04/25/sagamihara-stabbings-suspects-trial-to-begin-january-2020/
Since there is an extra long Golden Week because of the Emperor’s abdication, marking the end of the Heisei era and the beginning of the Reiwa era, there might be a lack of news, so I made an extra long podcast.
April 29th and May 3rd to 6th are already assigned as national and public holidays. May 1st is designated as a national holiday, April 30th and May 2nd will become public holidays, resulting in a rare 10-day vacation period beginning April 27th, which falls on a Saturday.
Hopefully, there will still be news articles to share, but there may no podcasts until the second week of May.
Episode links:
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Marathon ‘Ticket Lottery’ to begin May 9th: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/04/08/tokyo-2020-paralympics-marathon-classes-announced/
Forced Sterilization Compensation Bill is enacted: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/04/24/japan-enacts-law-to-redress-victims-of-forced-sterilization/
Episode links:
The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) confirmed the route of the Paralympic marathon events, following its approval by the World Para Athletics organization.
Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Marathon event classes announced: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/04/08/tokyo-2020-paralympics-marathon-classes-announced/
Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Marathon Course Confirmed (via Accessible Japan @AccessibleJapan on Twitter): https://www.accessible-japan.com/tokyo-2020-paralympic-marathon-course-confirmed/
Episode links:
“[The] Japanese government[sic] announced the new era name on April 1st 2019. However, the JSL interpreter next to chief cabinet secretary made a mistake. The new era name is “Reiwa” which has two Chinerse characters – ‘rei’ and ‘wa’ However, the deaf signers figerspelling [sic] showed it as ‘Mei-wai’ the first broadcast. The TV broadcat will be reproduced many times in the future and many Deaf Japanese people might find the mistake again and again though hearing people would not notice the situation.”
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/04/01/whether-disabled-people-will-be-orderly-or-harmonious-at-least-the-reiwa-eras-name-in-japan-was-announced-with-sign-language/
Episode links:
The facility for people with intellectual disabilities called “Tsukui Yamayurien” in Sagamihara City where 19 people disabled people were killed on July 26th 2016, has been dismantled.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/03/27/two-years-and-eight-months-after-massacre-of-disabled-people-sagamihara-care-home-is-dismantled/
Episode links:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/03/14/hyogo-prefectural-police-instructed-pay-compensation-over-illegal-dna-collection-from-intellectually-disabled-man/
The director of a hospital in Fussa, Tokyo, where a woman with a kidney ailment died after a surgeon discontinued dialysis on her with her consent, has admitted that he approved the surgeon's proposal to stop such treatment.
"In ordinary medical practices, doctors offer various options for treatment," Takeshi Matsuyama, head of Fussa Hospital in the western Tokyo city of Fussa, said in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun.
Website links: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/03/09/20-nonterminally-ill-patients-died-after-hospital-didnt-carry-out-dialysis-treatment/
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/03/12/hospital-head-approved-surgeons-proposal-to-stop-dialysis-for-kidney-disease-patients/
Barrier Free Japan went to JR Shibuya Station to see how accessible it might be for disabled people.
Website links (includes images & video):
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/03/07/attention-there-are-only-stairs-at-jr-shibuya-unless-you-take-the-south-ticket-gate/
Episode Weblink:
Yumi Suzuki, a woman with cerebral palsy, who is now 63 years old, filed a civil lawsuit at the Kobe District Court on Wednesday February 27th seeking compensation of 11 million yen for violations she experienced under the former Eugenic Protection Law, which was a law enforced in Japan from 1948 until 1996.
According to Yumi Suzuki, who is living in bed and was using a wheelchair from early childhood, she was taken to a hospital by the family in the spring of 1968, and was given an operation without explanation. Suzuki said she had forced sterilization surgery after 3 to 4 years after being hospitalized.
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/02/27/kobe-resident-with-cerebral-palsy-yumi-suzuki-files-civil-lawsuit-over-forced-sterilization/
A group representing disabled people in Japan has said the doorway width stipulated in a planned amendment of Tokyo's barrier-free ordinance for hotels is unlikely to be wide enough for many wheelchairs.
Under the Road Traffic Act, wheelchair users are regarded as pedestrians as long as the vehicle they ride in measures no more than 120 centimeters in length, 70 centimeters in width and 109 centimeters in height. Even in the case of an electric wheelchair, if the maximum speed was 6 kilometers or less per hour, the user is regarded as a pedestrian.
Episode Weblinks:
Disability group claims width mandated by Tokyo accessibility ordinance insufficient for wheelchairs: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/02/19/disability-group-claims-width-mandated-by-tokyo-accessibility-ordinance-insufficient-for-wheelchairs/
Man in wheelchair sues department store over wine-tasting refusal: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/22/man-in-wheelchair-sues-department-store-over-wine-tasting-refusal/
In “37 Seconds” Japanese director Hikari chose to tackle a topic that, she said, audiences in her country were reluctant to embrace. Her protagonist, played by amateur actress Mei Kayama, has cerebral palsy.
Episode Weblink: Sex and disability make for a tenderly humorous Japanese drama:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/02/14/sex-and-disability-make-for-tenderly-humorous-japanese-drama/
Accessibility & Japan Related Links: Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
A novel titled ‘Moon’, which depicts a fictionalized version of the Sagamihara killing: was published in October 2018; and in late January 2019, two civil lawsuits were filed over forced sterilization, one in Kumamoto and the other in Osaka.
Episode Weblinks:
A novel titled ‘Moon’ depicts a fictionalized version of the Sagamihara killings: http://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/01/29/a-novel-titled-moon-depicts-a-fictionalized-version-of-the-sagamihara-killings/
Woman from Kumamoto forced to have abortion & sterilized: http://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/01/30/your-first-child-has-a-disability-the-second-will-not-grow-up-properly-either-japanese-woman-forced-to-abort-second-and-sterilized-under-eugenics-law-files-lawsuit/
Couple with hearing impairments file a lawsuit in Osaka over forced sterilization: http://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/01/31/i-want-the-country-to-apologize-couple-with-hearing-impairments-file-a-lawsuit-in-osaka-over-forced-sterilization/
Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com
Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
There just aren't that many stories about disability in Japan yet in 2019! I'm sure will appear soon!
Episode Weblinks:
Japan Government to allow disabled people to work part time beforehand: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/01/15/japan-govt-to-allow-disabled-people-to-work-part-time-beforehand/
Sagamihara defendant interviewed in December 2018: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2019/01/01/sagamihara-defendant-interviewed-in-december-2018/
Accessibility & Japan Related Links: Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com
Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Happy New Year! 明けましておめでとうございます！Welcome to the Year of the boar! A draft of the bill to revise the Employment Promotion Act for Persons with Disabilities submitted to the ordinary Diet session next year by the government was announced on Thursday 3rd January 2019, to deal with the problem in increasing the employment of persons with disabilities such as central ministries.
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/12/31/draft-employment-act-for-disabled-persons-to-be-announced-by-japanese-parliament-early-january/ Accessibility & Japan Related Links: Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
he first oral arguments were heard in the district court here on Dec. 12 in the case of a 75-year-old woman with intellectual disabilities from western Japan suing the government for compensation over her forced sterilization surgery under the eugenic protection law (1948-1996). Facing the courtroom to give her testimony, the woman lamented, “Give me back a body that can bear children.” Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/12/14/return-my-body-that-can-bear-children-testimony-begins-in-osaka-eugenics-case/
Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Since the Sagamihara killings, a bereaved family who lost their son (aged 41)wrote a note describing their feelings, a note that was printed in Kyodo News, saying “I would like to see you. My thoughts are getting stronger.” It has been two years and four months since the occurrence on 26th. “We are paying more attention to people with disabilities”.
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/27/looking-to-people-with-disabilities-a-bereaved-family-writes-about-sagamihara-killing-case/
Accessibility & Japan Related Links: Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
I hope y’all had a good Thanksgiving and will have a good holiday season. Since we all tend to have holidays, Christmas, New Year and such – including the Apple Podcast staff it seems – until 2019 I may not upload a video every week unless something big turns up, which I hope it won’t as it might mean bad news. So unless something big turns up, I hope you all have a good holiday
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/22/man-in-wheelchair-sues-department-store-over-wine-tasting-refusal/
Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Suzuki said: "It is my wish to have an environment that allows people with disabilities like me to work”
Episode Weblink:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/08/after-out-of-court-settlement-an-intellectually-disabled-man-describes-power-harassment-at-tokyo-company/Interesting
Accessibility & Japan Related Links: Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
“The northernmost prefecture plans to have the facilities ready for prospective residents before the end of this year, they said. Hokkaido has devised the plan so that these people displaced by the quake can stay together and maintain their communities. It is hoped that the arrangement can prevent their health from worsening due to sudden changes in their living conditions caused by the quake disaster. The project is the first of its kind in Japan, according to experts.”
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/12/quake-hit-hokkaido-to-build-large-temp-homes-for-elderly-disabled-to-keep-communities/
Interesting Accessibility & Japan Related Links: Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Two months after an earthquake in Hokkaido, many visually impaired people continue to suffer. Even those who have not had their homes destroyed, cannot clean up the interior where household goods have scattered, etc., and assistance from those nearby is indispensable for rebuilding their lives.
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/07/two-months-after-hokkaido-earthquake-visually-impaired-people-lack-assistance/
Interesting Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a House of Representatives Budget Committee on the morning of November 2nd that the central ministries had been increasing the number of persons with disabilities, “I am sorry as a head of an administration for a problem that had been neglected for nearly 20 years,” Abe said, responding to a question from Junya Ogawa of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan in the House of Representatives.
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/11/04/japans-pm-abe-apologizes-for-nearly-20-years-of-neglecting-disability-employment-issue/
Interesting Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Disability News Japan Episode 7 Padded Jobs
According to a report by a third-party inquiry panel, a total of 3,700 employees at 28 ministries, agencies and other government bodies had been counted inappropriately as disabled workers as of June 1, 2017.
Episode Weblink:
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/23/japan-ministries-counted-dead-and-retired-people-in-totals-to-meet-legal-disability-quotas/
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/24/questions-linger-on-govt-padding-of-disabled-workforce-figures-after-third-party-probe/ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/28/japanese-labor-ministry-to-conduct-survey-on-the-padding-of-disability-employment-figures/
Other Interesting Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
“The nondisclosure policy, which would even be applied to victims with surgery records, is designed to protect the victims’ privacy, say its drafters. But caregivers of victims with intellectual disabilities and experts suspect that its hidden goal is to limit the number of people who come forward to receive the compensation.”
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/31/govt-silence-on-sterilization-damage-to-victims-faces-criticism-from-experts/
Other Interesting Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
The posters were part of a series with quotations from 23 athletes with disabilities. One of the athletes is quoting as saying: “Disability is nothing but an excuse. If I lose a game, it only means I’m weak.”
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually be available every Friday at 6am Japan Time.
Episode Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/18/tokyo-2020-paralympics-posters-removed-after-criticism-from-disabled-people/
Other Interesting Accessibility & Japan Related Links:
Accessible Travel Forum: https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Japan: https://www.accessible-japan.com
Japanese Ministries and agencies “arbitrarily interpreted” guidelines for employing disabled people and counted people who were retired or even dead among their numbers in an attempt to meet legal quotas for the employment od disability people.
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually be available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/23/japan-ministries-counted-dead-and-retired-people-in-totals-to-meet-legal-disability-quotas/
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually be available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
Accessible Travel Forum (Website): https://www.accessibletravelforum.com Accessible Travel Forum (Twitter): @AccessibleTF
Accessible Japan (Website): https://www.accessible-japan.com Accessible Japan (Twitter): @AccessibleJapan
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
This week, and under-reported news story about the Yakzua threatening a hearing impaired woman.
Weblink: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/14/three-arrested-for-assaulting-hearing-impaired-woman-japanese-crime-groups-members-allegedly-involved/
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
This episode is posted at an unusual time. I had technical difficulties last week, in other words my iPhone died. Such technological difficulties were in a way, serendipitous, as such problems relate to the subject I just wrote about for Monday 15th October edition of The Japan Times.
Episode Weblink: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2018/10/14/voices/elderly-disabled-people-japan-want-robots-look/#.W8NEc62B2T9
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
This episode offers an editorial comment a civil court case over forced sterilization in Kobe, Japan.
Weblink: Forced sterilization court case in Kobe reveals infertility treatment on 'unhappy children' https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/10/02/forced-sterilization-court-case-in-kobe-reveals-policy-of-infertility-treatment-on-unhappy-children/
The Disability News Japan is the podcast accompanying Barrier Free Japan's website. It is a weekly digest of some of the news about disability, hosted by Michael Gillan Peckitt. New episodes will usually available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
This episode offers an editorial comment about the death of an elderly wheelchair user at a railway crossing in Kobe Japan.
Website link: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/09/18/wheelchair-users-death-at-a-kobe-railway-station-further-highlights-lack-of-accessibility/
The Disability News Japan Podcast is Barrier Free Japan's Podcast, a weekly digest of some of the news about disability in Japan in audio form. New episodes will usually available every Friday at 3pm Japan Time.
This is the first episode, - the format and technology is still being experimented with, so this is 'Episode Zero' intended as kind of test run, I do hope you enjoy it.