Shows
Disability News JapanThoughts on Showa Day on the Controversial BookTuesday 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/2025-04-2902 min
Disability News JapanDo We Need to Talk About Social Care in Sagamihara?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/2025-02-2304 min
Disability News JapanChiba father, 78, pleads guilty to murder of disabled 44-year-old son saying “I did nothing wrong”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/2025-02-2006 min
Disability News JapanNew ‘Welfare’ NHK E TV Programme ‘toi-toi’ to Start in April 2025, Replacing ‘NHK Baribara’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...2025-02-1803 min
Disability News JapanPeople with Disabilities in Yamagata Face Redundancy as Seven Employment Offices are Due to CloseIt 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...2025-02-1606 minDisability News JapanJapan’s Health Ministry Introducing System to Assist Institutions with 'Brain-Death' Organ DonationsJapan’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/2025-02-1307 min
Disability News JapanThe Saga of “Scandal-Tainted Kobayashi Pharma Co” ContinuesKobayashi 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 expe...2025-02-1104 min
Disability News JapanA Disability News Digest From ‘Snow Country’!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-2/2025-02-0906 min
Disability News JapanFear of Shaming May Cause Hesitancy in Making Claims for Japan’s 25,000 Forced Sterilization VictimsJapan’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 hesi...2025-02-0604 min
Disability News JapanDisabled student filmed in school toilet, serious bullying incident in Mie PrefectureIt 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...2025-02-0405 minDisability News JapanChiba civil engineering company settles lawsuit over “insufficient understanding" of disabilityA 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 tha...2025-02-0203 min
Disability News JapanRecord Number of Teachers in Japan Took Leave for Mental Illness in Fiscal Year 2023A 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-2023/2025-01-2804 min
Disability News JapanSupport People with Disabilities by Going to Mister Donut in Japan on January 27th!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/2025-01-2601 min
Disability News JapanAs Influenza Cases Increase in Japan, Facilities for People with Intellectual Disabilities StruggleAs 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...2025-01-2306 min
Disability News JapanJapan PM Ishiba on Forced Sterilization: “We must not repeat human rights violations that destroy the dignity of individuals”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 th...2025-01-2204 min
Disability News JapanOsaka High Court Rules ‘Lost Earnings’ After Death of Eleven Year Old Hearing-Impaired Girl Should be Same as Able-Bodied PersonIn 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...2025-01-2108 min
Disability News Japan30 Year Anniversary of Kobe EarthquakeJanuary 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...2025-01-1902 min
Disability News Japan'Cashless' Vending Machines in Japan Can Create InaccessibilityBarrier 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!2025-01-1603 min
Disability News JapanEarthquake in Southwestern Japan: All Tsunami Warnings and Advisories LiftedAt 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=en
https://apnews.com/article/japan-earthquake-tsunami-warning-c9f7ee7959770dbc4ea12debfe68fd4c2025-01-1403 min
Disability News Japan6.9M, Shindo 5 Earthquake, Miyazaki Pref 21:19 13 January 2025At 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=en
https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/map.html#6/30.823/132.205/&elem=warn&contents=tsunami&lang=en2025-01-1300 minDisability News JapanJapan’s parents of children with disabilities face “18-year-old wall”, forced to quit jobsThe 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 fo...2025-01-1201 min
Disability News JapanNHK’s Disability TV Show “Baribara” to End in March after 15 Years on AirOn 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/8Q416M6Q79/2025-01-0902 minDisability News JapanIshikawa Investigates Deaths of Elderly from “indirect causes” One Year After Noto EarthquakeConcerns 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/2025-01-0707 min
Disability News Japan2025: The Year for Deaf Athletes in Japan?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...2025-01-0303 min
Disability News JapanOshōgatsu 2025 Edition!Oshōgatsu! Welcome to 2025! Happy New Year from Disability News Japan & Barrier Free Japan!2024-12-3101 min
Disability News JapanThe Disability News Japan 2024 Wrap-Up!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 Ono...2024-12-2104 minDisability News JapanLarge Number of Disabled in Japan ‘let go’ from Workplaces as Government-aided Employers Close DownA 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 Ja...2024-12-1904 minDisability News JapanFukui Takes “administrative action” Over 7.95 Million Yen Fraudulent Benefit Claims for DisabledOn 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/2024-12-1703 min
Disability News JapanSecond Anniversary of Disability Studies Scholar and Japanologist Dr. Mark Bookman’s DeathTwo 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) organizati...2024-12-1502 minDisability News JapanSapporo Care Facility for Disabled Receives Three-Month Suspension on New Users After Two AssaultsThe 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...2024-12-1204 min
Disability News JapanWoman with Dementia, Yasuko Arakawa is Missing 「荒川泰子さんが行方不明です。」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/2024-12-1003 min
Disability News JapanBarrier Free Straws at Starbucks, but the Empire of QR Codes Encroaches Further on JapanStarbucks 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/2024-12-0803 min
Disability News JapanForced Sterilization Plaintiff Yumi Suzuki Named an “Influential and inspiring woman” by the BBCYumi 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/2024-12-0502 min
Disability News JapanI Cannot Think of My Disabled Daughter as "Precious"; Children Without Disabilities are “Adorable”“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 ado...2024-12-0302 min
Disability News JapanSanta Arrives in Japan from Finland!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/2024-11-3001 min
Disability News JapanDoctor’s 18 Year-Term for Consensual Killing of ALS Patient UpheldThe 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 assist...2024-11-2803 min
Disability News JapanSouth Korean Disability Activist Park Kyung-Seok Deported at NaritaOn 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...2024-11-2610 minDisability News JapanSpeech-to-Text Tech Used in Osaka High Court, Wage Hike to Keep Carers & COVID Cases IncreaseSpectators 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 ro...2024-11-2406 min
Disability News JapanNiigata Civic Group Produces Film About People with Disabilities「Voice〜あなたの声がききたい〜」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...2024-11-2103 min
Disability News Japan‘Last’ Forced Sterilization Plaintiff Keiko Onoue SpeaksA 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.”
...2024-11-1902 minDisability News JapanLast Remaining Forced Sterilization Lawsuit In Japan SettledA 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...2024-11-1704 min
Disability News JapanJapan Train Companies Asks for ‘No Walking’ on Escalators and ‘No Looking at Smartphones’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.2024-11-1402 min
Disability News JapanJR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – There is Hope!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://barr...2024-11-1005 minDisability News JapanOver Half of Companies in Toyama Prefecture Employ No People with DisabilitiesCompanies 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/2024-11-0703 min
Disability News JapanTokyo Ward Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental DisabilitiesOta 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 Ea...2024-11-0505 min
Disability News JapanViolinist with Cerebral Palsy Mizuki Shikimachi to Perform in Shinagawa During Disabled Persons WeekDecember 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...2024-11-0304 min
Disability News JapanJR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – 1 Year Later UpdateBack 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...2024-10-3105 min
Disability News JapanPost-Election, Pneumonia & So Long Yakuza and Thanks for the Care Facility!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/2024-10-2904 min
Disability News JapanElection Day in Japan: The Podcast Episode of ‘Do it Yourself!!’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/2024-10-2704 min
Disability News JapanOn The Eve Of An Election In JapanTomorrow, 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.2024-10-2602 min
Disability News JapanStorytime with Barrier Free Japan: Unwanted 'Backpack Grabs' and Painful ‘Help'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!2024-10-2403 min
Disability News JapanIntellectually Disabled Man Barred from Tokyo Matchmaking Event, Told “only healthy are eligible”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/2024-10-2204 min
Disability News JapanAhead of Election, Japan Council of Disabled People Calls for Improvements to Enable Ability to VoteOn 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...2024-10-1904 minDisability News JapanDriver arrested for sexually assaulting female user of facility for disabled on Tokyo shuttle busThe 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 shuttl...2024-10-1703 minDisability News JapanMan arrested for allegedly assaulting visually impaired man in accessible toilet at Jimbocho StationA 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/2024-10-1504 minDisability News Japan38 Cases of Suspected Abuse, “norm for 10 years” at ‘Sagamihara Massacre sister facility’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 No...2024-10-1204 minDisability News JapanJapan’s Diet Passes Forced Sterilization Bill, ‘Mark: A Call to Action’ on Some Amazon PrimesThe 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 J...2024-10-1003 minDisability News JapanJapan's Diet Enacts Forced Sterilization Compensation BillJapan’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 Lowe...2024-10-0804 minDisability News JapanFilm about Academic Mark Bookman ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ On Amazon US on October 8th 2024There 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_CiNHu6cpdFjhGG7o7Ejtz...2024-09-3001 minDisability News JapanNational Network for People with Developmental Disabilities to be FormedA 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...2024-09-2602 minDisability News Japan“You won’t let him go to school”: Hyogo parents and child with disabilities file human rights suitOn 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...2024-09-1901 minDisability News JapanDocumentary film ‘Mark: A Call To Action’ to be released on DVD on October 8th 2024Mark 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/3xD55Ik2024-09-1700 minDisability News Japan‘All’ forced sterilization lawsuits settled; plaintiffs and Japanese government sign agreementOn 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...2024-09-1504 min
Disability News JapanLDP Candidate Asked Whether He Seems Too ‘intellectually low’ To Be LeaderThe 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/2024-09-1204 minDisability News Japan761 People With Disabilities In Japan Suffered Abuse At Work Last YearA 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/2024-09-0803 min
Disability News Japan“Broadcast the Paralympics!”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 Para...2024-09-0302 min
Disability News JapanTyphoon 10 'Shanshan' Update September 1st 2024It 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.2024-09-0101 minDisability News JapanTyphoon 10 'Shanshan' Update August 31st 2024Saturday 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!2024-08-3102 min
Disability News JapanTyphoon 10 ‘Shanshan’ Update August 30th 2024It 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.2024-08-3002 min
Disability News JapanTyphoon 10 ‘Shanshan’ Update August 29th 2024It 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.2024-08-2902 min
Disability News JapanTyphoon 10 'Shanshan' Update August 28th 2024It 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.2024-08-2801 min
Disability News JapanWaiting For A TyphoonTyphoon 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.2024-08-2701 min
Disability News JapanTyphoon and Paralympic WoesTyphoon 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, an...2024-08-2502 minDisability News JapanJapanese Government Presents Draft Agreement For Lawsuits Over Forced SterilizationIn 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/2024-08-2304 minDisability News JapanOsaka Group Home Manager Admits To Sexually Abusing Two Intellectually Disabled WomenA 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...2024-08-2003 min
Disability News JapanOrgan Transplant Stories From Japan“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/2024-08-1802 minDisability News Japan‘Unprecedented’ 5,000 People with Disabilities Quit or Fired from Workplaces in JapanA 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...2024-08-1503 min
Disability News Japan[Emergency Broadcast] Typhoons, Earthquakes & Survey of Deaf Peoples Needs in DisastersOn 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...2024-08-1203 minDisability News Japan60% Of Teachers At Schools For Intellectually Disabled Have Dealt With Issues Related To Sex On SNSA 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/2024-08-0902 min
Disability News Japan[Emergency Broadcast] 7.1M Quake Hits Miyazaki, 1st Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning IssuedThe 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.2024-08-0802 min
Disability News Japan1st Plaintiff, Sumiko Nishi, Reaches Settlement In Forced Sterilization Lawsuits In JapanA 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...2024-08-0403 min
Disability News JapanJapan’s PM Kishida Vows to “eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities”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/2024-07-3105 min
Disability News JapanDespite Sympathy For People With Disabilities ‘Post-Sagamihara’, Group Homes Often OpposedIn 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...2024-07-2805 minDisability News JapanEight Years Pass Since ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’ At Care Home For People With Disabilities In JapanIn 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.”2024-07-2501 minDisability News JapanJapan Government to Establish Cabinet Council to Eradicate Discrimination Against Disabled PeopleFollowing 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...2024-07-2404 minDisability News JapanForced Sterilization Victim Kikuo Kojima Told “it would be terrible if people like you had children”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...2024-07-2103 minDisability News JapanMental Health Claims Made in Two Recent Trials in JapanTwo 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/2024-06-2007 min
Disability News JapanAs Japan’s Supreme Court Hears Appeal Over Forced Sterilization, ‘Junko Iizuka’ SpeaksAs Japan’s Supreme Court Hears Appeal Over Forced Sterilization, ‘Junko Iizuka’ Speaks by Michael Gillan Peckitt2024-05-2902 min
Disability News JapanThe Shog-A.I. Shimbun #6: The Spring Equinox Holiday Edition!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...2024-03-1902 min
Disability News JapanAs If The New Year Should Tremble To Begin…As If The New Year Should Tremble To Begin… by Michael Gillan Peckitt2024-01-0103 min
Disability News JapanPossible Sagamihara Stabbings Retrial & Three Years Since KyoAniPossible Sagamihara Stabbings Retrial & Three Years Since KyoAni by Michael Gillan Peckitt2022-07-2303 min
Asian Ethnology PodcastInterview with Mark BookmanThis episode features Mark Bookman, a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania and a visiting researcher at the university of Tokyo. Mark is completing his doctoral dissertation on the history of disability policy and related social movements in Japan. Mark discusses his personal challenges researching while using a wheelchair, changing research topics from Buddhism to disability in Japan, and accessibility issues related to COVID-19, including “transnational accessibility.” Discussed in this episode: Bookman, Mark, and Michael Gillan Peckitt. “Facing the COVID-19 crisis in Japan with a disability.” Japan Times, 30 March 2020. Bookman, Mark. “Paralympics as Possibi...2020-04-0432 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode 5 Paralympics posters removed from JR Tokyo StationThe 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...2018-10-2511 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode 4 The Dead and Retired Japanese Government Disabled EmployeesJapanese 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/2018-10-2307 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode 3B The Accessible Travel ForumThe 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): @AccessibleJapan2018-10-2202 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode 3 The Tale of the Yakuza and the Hearing Impaired WomanThe 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/2018-10-1905 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode ‘2S’ Technological Difficulties 13:10:18The 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/#.W8NEc62...2018-10-1402 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode 2 Forced Sterilization Case in Kobe 05/10/18The 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/2018-10-0524 min
Disability News JapanDisability News Japan Episode 1 Safety Barriers 28/09/2018The 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/2018-09-2811 min
Just Japan PodcastJust Japan Podcast 63: Disabled in JapanIn Episode 63, host Kevin O'Shea talks to Michael Gillan Peckitt about being disabled in Japan. Michael, a Briton who has been living and working as a univeristy professor in Osaka for several years has Cerebral Palsy. He discusses how he is treated in Japan as a "gaijin" and as a person who is disabled. He also talks about the differences between the way he is treated in Japan versus his home back in Britain. Michael also shares his opinions on accessibitiy in Japan as well as possible infrastructure improvements leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Shownotes/Website: ht...2015-05-0657 min