Latest Posts

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Hospitals Japan

University of Tokyo to Directly Run Hospital after Scandals

The University of Tokyo will put its hospital under the direct control of the university headquarters by the end of June at the earliest as part of reform efforts following corruption scandals involving doctors at the university. The plan was featured in a set of governance reform proposals, released Wednesday, after an outside investigative panel pointed to problems at the prestigious national university, such as a lack of crisis awareness and a vertically divided organizational culture, in the wake of the scandals.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2026 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Disability Discrimination Employment

60% of Workers in Japan with Mental or Developmental Disabilities Do Not Disclose Disability

When an advocacy group for people with mental and developmental disabilities conducted a survey on employment, over 60% of respondents reported having experience with “closed employment” – working without disclosing their disability. Many cited the reason for non-disclosure as “feeling that it would lead to employment disadvantages such as dismissal or contract non-renewal.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability iPS Japan Medical

Japan Eyes Public Insurance for iPS Cell-Based Products

Japan’s Central Social Insurance Medical Council on Wednesday started to discuss extending the public health insurance coverage to two regenerative medicine products using induced pluripotent stem, or iPS, cells. The council, which advises the health minister, is expected to decide the official prices for the products as early as summer. The products will come into use for medical treatment after that.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 8, 2026 Number of comments0
Alzheimer’s Dementia Health Japan

Novel Alzheimer’s Therapies Given to Less than 20 Percent of Applicants

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 8, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Japan

Abuse of People with Disabilities by Wakayama Facility Staff Reached Record High in FY2024

The number of reports of abuse of persons with disabilities by staff at welfare facilities in Wakayama Prefecture reached 46 in fiscal 2024, the highest since the enforcement of the Act on the Prevention of Abuse of Persons with Disabilities in fiscal 2012, according to a prefectural survey. Of these, 12 cases were officially recognized as abuse.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 7, 2026 Number of comments0
Japan Medical

Direct Fuel Sales to Medical Institutions Sought in Japan

Japan’s industry ministry has requested major oil wholesalers to sell fuel directly to medical institutions and public transportation operators affected by crude oil supply disruptions amid the worsening situation surrounding Iran. Designating hospitals and other institutions as critical facilities, the ministry asked wholesalers to supply fuel to them on a priority basis, ministry officials said Monday. The fuel subject to the request is expected to include fuel oil used in boilers for sterilizing medical equipment.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 4, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Children Disability Japan Podcast

Survey Reveals 60% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan Feel They are at Care “Limit” [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 3, 2026 Number of comments0
Autism Disability Discrimination Employment Japan Podcast

“We’d like you to resign”: Worker in Japan fired 4 days after revealing autism [Podcast Episode]

“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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Unification Church

Unification Church Believers Eye New Organization for Continuation

The planned organization may not have legal status. It is expected to be led by Masaichi Hori, a former head of the Unification Church in Japan, according to the sources. As the liquidation process of the religious group is underway, about 280 churches of the group cannot be used, leaving about 100,000 believers to worship at home or online. The new organization would accept donations and manage funds, the sources said.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Crime Disability Japan Sexual abuse

Resident at Kochi Welfare Facility for Persons with Disabilities Dies; Abuse Confirmed

Following an investigation, four types of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, were confirmed, and the prefectural government is considering administrative sanctions. According to the Kōchi Prefectural Government, the death occurred at around 7:00 p.m. on January 9 this year at a welfare facility for persons with disabilities in the prefecture.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 2, 2026 1
Autism Disability Employment Japan

“We’d like you to resign”: Worker in Japan fired 4 days after revealing autism

“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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Children Disability Employment Japan

Japan begins day care system regardless of parental employment status

Japan began implementing a public system on Wednesday 1st April that allows children to attend day care for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of parental employment status, as part of a larger initiative to alleviate child care stress as the number of births continues to decline. Children will be cared for at authorized day care centers and kindergartens. Those with disabilities will also be accepted.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 1, 2026 Number of comments0
Japan Health Children Medical Hospitals

Funds Sought for Doctor Jet Project to Help Sick Children

A nonprofit organization in the western Japan prefecture of Osaka has launched a crowdfunding campaign to continue its “doctor jet” service, which transports critically ill patients to medical facilities by air. Japan Critical Care Jet Network (JCCN), based in the city of Suita in Osaka, began the campaign on Monday to maintain the service for severely ill pediatric patients, with a goal of raising 200 million yen. The project has relied on donations, but funds have become depleted, making it difficult to continue operations without additional support. The doctor jet is an aircraft staffed with doctors and nurses that provides intensive care, including artificial respiration, while transporting patients to medical institutions, including those equipped with pediatric intensive care units.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 1, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast Welfare

Wakayama Fails to Hire Statutory Number of People with Disabilities [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 31, 2026 2
Disability Employment Japan

Wakayama Fails to Hire Statutory Number of People with Disabilities

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 31, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

Osaka revokes licenses of four Kizuna Holdings employment support facilities over excess disability subsidies [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 29, 2026 1
Disability Japan Osaka Welfare

Osaka revokes disability employment support designation over ¥15 billion in improper payments

On the 27th, Osaka City revoked the designation of a business operated by a subsidiary of the welfare-related company “Kizuna Holdings,” based in the city, after determining that it had received excessive additional payments for employment support for people with disabilities. The amount of the improper payments is said to total approximately ¥15 billion nationwide.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 26, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Children Disability Japan Podcast

Tottori Accepts Liability in Death of Disabled Teen at Care Facility [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 25, 2026 1
Care Crime Disability Japan Welfare

Tottori Accepts Liability in Death of Disabled Teen at Care Facility

In an accident last March 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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 25, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Disability Invisible Disabilities Japan Podcast

227,000 people in Japan have “Higher Brain Dysfunction” [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 24, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Housing Japan Podcast

People with disabilities in Japan face persistent barriers to housing, accommodation [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 23, 2026 Number of comments0
Gender Health Japan Podcast

Japan’s new guidelines aim to reduce long lines of women at public toilets [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 22, 2026 1
Care Disability Invisible Disabilities Japan Welfare

227,000 people in Japan have “Higher Brain Dysfunction”; families speak of loneliness and reality

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 22, 2026 1
Gender Health Japan

Japan’s new guidelines aim to reduce long lines of women at public toilets

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Welfare

Tottori City Imposes 3-Month Partial Suspension on Disability Support Facility For Improper Benefit Claims

Tottori City announced on the 19th that it has imposed a three-month administrative sanction of “partial suspension of business operations” on a local facility that provides independent living training and employment transition support for people with disabilities, for fraudulently claiming approximately 8 million yen in training and related benefits. The measure includes a halt on accepting new users.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Disability Japan Podcast Travel

Shikoku Island Town Trials New Pedestrian Crossing for Visually Impaired [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime Japan KyoAni Mental Health Podcast

Withdrawal of Appeal against Death Sentence Found Valid in KyoAni Arson Case [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 18, 2026 1
Crime Disability Japan KyoAni Mental Health

Withdrawal of Appeal against Death Sentence Found Valid in KyoAni Case

In Tuesday’s ruling, 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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 18, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Disasters Hearing Impaired Japan

Oita Prefecture receives notebooks to assist hearing-impaired in emergencies

Oita Prefecture on Monday 17th March received a donation of “Emergency Phone Request Notebooks” designed to help people with hearing impairments ask others to place emergency calls on their behalf. 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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 17, 2026 Number of comments0
Hospitals Japan Medical Podcast

Patient Dies, Two Critical after Injections at Hospital near Tokyo [Podcast Episode]

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.