Former Director Accused of Abuse at Kochi Disability Employment Support Facility [Podcast Episode]

From Barrier Free Japan

August 27 2025

KOCHI – It has come to light through interviews with the organization operating a disability employment support facility in Aki City that the former executive director was certified by a regional union as having committed abuse, such as kicking a chair used by a facility user. The organization in question is Kochi Kizuna Farm, a general incorporated association that operates employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Aki City and Ino Town. According to the organization, the regional union conducted interviews with staff and others after receiving information that abuse was taking place at the facility in Aki City. The investigation confirmed that the former executive director, a man in his 50s, had kicked a user’s chair and that a life support worker at the facility had also kicked a user.

In addition, the facility was recognized for its role in preventing recidivism by accepting individuals with criminal records and was awarded a commendation by the Prime Minister last year.

Episode notes:

‘Former Executive Director Accused of Abusing Users at a Disability Employment Support Facility in Aki City’:

Former Executive Director Accused of Abusing Users at a Disability Employment Support Facility in Aki City