Latest Posts

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 4, 2026 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Disability Elderly Golden Week Japan

Elderly People in Japan Still Cautioned against COVID during Golden Week

While COVID-19 infections have decreased significantly since Japan downgraded the disease to the same category as seasonal influenza almost three years ago, elderly people and others are still cautioned against the risk of contracting the virus during the country’s ongoing Gold Week holiday period. The Japan Institute for Health Security continues to monitor COVID-19 cases at about 3,000 medical institutions nationwide. In the week through April 19, the number of cases per institution was 0.68, less than half of 1.77 a year earlier. The figure was 3.64 two years before, when the survey covered about 5,000 medical institutions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 3, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Employment Japan Welfare

Osaka city files criminal complaint against Kizuna Holdings over ¥15 billion in fraudulent disability employment support funds

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 in disability employment support benefits. As of the 1st, the city has also revoked the designation of the company’s facilities. Kizuna Holdings has filed a lawsuit against the city and plans to contest the matter in court.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 1, 2026 Number of comments0
10 Golden Week Blind Disability Japan Travel

Some Notes on Blindness in Japan During Golden Week [Podcast Episode]

Two recent developments in Japan have highlighted ongoing safety challenges faced by people with visual impairments in public spaces. At the Imabari branch of the Matsuyama District Court, a visually impaired woman has filed a lawsuit seeking about 1.7 million yen in damages from a dog owner, alleging she was injured after an unleashed dog approached her guide dog, causing her to fall; she warned that such incidents on public roads can be life-threatening and called for greater awareness of the dangers of interfering with guide dogs doing their work. Separately, East Japan Railway Co. opened a platform-based training session at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to the media, where visually impaired participants practiced navigation with mobility instructors using actual train cars, underscoring efforts by transport operators to improve safety and prevent accidents.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 30, 2026 1
Disability Employment Japan Welfare

Kizuna Holdings Files Lawsuit Against Osaka City as Repayment Deadline for 11 Billion Yen in Repayment of Disability Employment Subsidies Passes

In the ongoing issue involving the fraudulent receipt of disability employment support bonuses by four “Type A” continuous employment support offices under the umbrella of the Osaka-based welfare company Kizuna Holdings (HD), it has been learned through interviews with both the company and the city that Kizuna HD has filed a lawsuit in the Osaka District Court. The suit seeks to rescind the city’s order to return approximately 11 billion yen.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 30, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Health Japan

Japan Govt Calls for Road Map to Medical Payment Hikes

Japan’s Finance Ministry on Tuesday called for a road map to raising out-of-pocket medical payments by patients aged 70 or older to reduce the health insurance premium burden on the working generation. The road map to consolidating their payment rates eventually to a uniform 30 pct should be created, the ministry said at a meeting of a subcommittee of the Fiscal System Council, which advises the finance minister.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 29, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Japan Podcast

The Showa Day Pod: Earthquake Advisories Lifted and ‘Disability Dating App’ Fraudster Suspects Re-Arrested [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 27, 2026 1
Crime Disability Japan Relationships

Tokyo Met Police Re-arrest Two over 85 Million Yen Fraud, Targeting the Disabled with Dating App

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 27, 2026 1
Animals Blind Disability Japan

Visually impaired woman sues for 1.7M Yen after unleashed dog attacks guide dog, causing fall

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.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 27, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Discrimination Japan Podcast Travel Unmanned Stations

Oita District Court Rejects Disabled People’s Claim over Unmanned Stations, Citing “Excessive Burden” on JR Kyushu [Podcast Episode]

A district court in southwestern Japan on Thursday 23rd April dismissed a damages claim by people with disabilities who said that the unmanned operations of stations by Kyushu Railway Co., or JR Kyushu, violated their freedom of movement. “It cannot be acknowledged that there was unfair and discriminatory treatment” 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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 25, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Discrimination Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

Oita Court Rejects Disabled People’s Freedom of Movement Claim, Cites ‘Excessive Burden’ on JR Kyushu

The Oita District Court dismissed a lawsuit by six people with disabilities who claimed that JR Kyushu’s use of unmanned stations infringed their freedom of movement, with Presiding Judge Mina Tomita ruling that “It cannot be acknowledged that there was unfair and discriminatory treatment” and concluding that while requiring advance notice for assistance “cause[s] a difference in the use of stations,” the policy was not illegal. She added that, given factors such as population decline, operating stations without staff “was unavoidable” and that maintaining staffing would impose an “excessive burden” on the company. In response, plaintiffs’ lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda condemned the decision as an unjust ruling and said the legal team would continue to fight the case.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 24, 2026 2
Disability Discrimination Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

Oita Court Rejects Disabled People’s Claim over Unmanned Stations

A district court in southwestern Japan on Thursday dismissed a damages claim by people with disabilities who said that the unmanned operations of stations by Kyushu Railway Co., or JR Kyushu, violated their freedom of movement. “It cannot be acknowledged that there was unfair and discriminatory treatment” 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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 24, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Crime Disability Disasters Intellectual disabilities Japan Podcast

Male Radiologist Found Guilty of Molesting Fukuoka Female Student with Intellectual Disabilities During Medical Exam [Podcast Episode]

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.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 23, 2026 Number of comments0
Cults Disability Japan Unification Church

40 Billion Yen Secured in Liquidation of Unification Church in Japan

At least 40 billion yen in deposits and savings have been secured during the liquidation process of the Unification Church in Japan, it was learned on Wednesday 22nd April. Also on Wednesday, it was publicly announced that claims of losses from large donations to the Unification Church will be accepted for a year from May 20.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 22, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan

Japan’s Labour Ministry Begins Discussions on Future of “Disability Employment Business”

On the 20th, the Labor Policy Council of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began discussions aimed at amending laws to promote the employment of people with disabilities. The focus of these talks includes the nature of “disability employment businesses”, which provide alternative workspaces for people with disabilities hired by companies, and expanding the scope of levies paid by companies that fail to meet their mandatory employment quotas. The goal is to submit the legal amendment to the Diet as early as 2027.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 21, 2026 1
Abuse Crime Disability Intellectual disabilities Japan Medical

Male Radiologist Found Guilty of Molesting Fukuoka Female Student with Intellectual Disabilities During Medical Exam

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.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Disasters Earthquake Japan Tsunami

7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northeastern Japan, Tsunami Warnings Issued [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast Welfare

“The users are the victims”: After ‘Kizuna Holdings’ Scandal, 1,280 Disabled Service Users to Lose Jobs [Podcast Episode]

“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.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Children developmental disabilities Disability Japan

With Five-Month Waiting Lists for Initial Appointments, Nagasaki Introduces ‘Blue Doctor’ system for Children with Developmental Disabilities

In an effort to strengthen the medical system for children with developmental disabilities, the prefecture has certified pediatricians and other specialists who have completed specialized training as ‘Nagasaki Blue Doctors.’ There are currently three specialized medical institutions for developmental disabilities within the prefecture. In fiscal year 2024, the number of patients reached approximately 33,000, a 1.5-fold increase compared to ten years ago, and the waiting period for an initial consultation now stands at five months.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 19, 2026 Number of comments0
COVID-19 Disability Infectious Diseases Japan

Japan on Track to Log Highest Post-Pandemic Measles Cases

Japan is on pace to log its highest annual measles cases this year since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 236 patients confirmed by early April compared with the post-pandemic full-year high of 265 marked last year. About half of patients are in the 10-29 age group, and the Japan Pediatric Society is calling on people to get vaccinated.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 18, 2026 1
Disability Employment Japan Welfare

“The users are the victims”: After ‘Kizuna Holdings’ Scandal, 1,280 Disabled Service Users to Lose Jobs

“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.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 16, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Children Crime Disability Japan

Mother of Five-Year-Old Girl with Disabilities Abused by Ex-Care Worker Seeks “Severe Punishment”

The mother of a five-year-old girl with a disability, who was who was kidnapped and abused by a 46-year-old staff member at a facility for children with disabilities, has spoken out about the suspect’s arrest. “I cannot forgive the culprit for doing such a thing to my precious only daughter”, speaking to the Japan news programme ‘TBS Newsdig’.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 16, 2026 1
Disability Japan Organ Donation

Japan to Lift Organ Donation Curbs on Europe Stayers

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. Previously, the ministry restricted blood donations from people who had stayed in Britain or elsewhere in Europe between 1980 and 2004 and imposed similar restrictions on organ donations.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 16, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Mental Health Podcast

Government Survey Indicates 4.5 Percent in Japan Constantly Feel Lonely [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 14, 2026 1
Disability Japan Mental Health

Government Survey Indicates 4.5 Percent in Japan Constantly Feel Lonely

A Japanese government survey in 2025 showed Tuesday 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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 14, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast Welfare

Sapporo Employment Support Agency Executive Referred to Prosecutors Over False Disability Claims [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 13, 2026 1
Crime Disability Employment Japan Welfare

Osaka-based Employment Support Agency Fraudulently Received Subsidies from 76 Municipalities

It is said that they abused a system intended to promote stable employment, receiving about 7.9 billion yen from Osaka City and about 7.1 billion yen from 75 other municipalities, mainly in the Kansai region. Osaka City has decided to revoke the designation of the four offices effective May 1. Including penalty charges under the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act, the city has requested the return of a total of approximately 11 billion yen.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 13, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

Tokyo’s Toshima Ward Revokes Designation of Deaf Child Daycare Centre Over 58.3 Million Yen Fraud, Falsified Staff Reports [Podcast Episode]

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 12, 2026 1
Crime Disability Japan Welfare

Sapporo Employment Support Agency Executive Referred to Prosecutors Over False Disability Claims

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 11, 2026 1
Crime Day Care Service Deaf Disability Japan Welfare

Tokyo’s Toshima Ward Revokes Designation of Deaf Child Daycare Centre Over 58.3 Million Yen Fraud, Falsified Staff Reports

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 11, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast

60% of Workers in Japan with Mental or Developmental Disabilities Do Not Disclose Disability [Podcast Episode]

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 10, 2026 Number of comments0
Children Disability Japan

Support group for siblings of people with disabilities to start in Nara

The initiative was launched in Nara City by a group of volunteers, including welfare professionals, prompted by growing awareness of “young carers” – children who take on caregiving and daily responsibilities for family members with illnesses or disabilities. The group aims to provide a space where participants can talk about and share their individual feelings and struggles, as well as offer information that may lead to support.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 10, 2026 Number of comments0
Alzheimer’s Dementia Japan Podcast

Novel Alzheimer’s Therapies Given to Less than 20 Percent of Applicants in Japan [Podcast Episode]

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 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 1
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 1
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.