Yokohama Considers Administrative Sanctions After Alleged Improper Use of Restraints is Discovered at Disability Facility

From Kyodo via Yahoo! Japan

July 16 2026

YOKOHAMA – The City of Yokohama announced on July 16 that it is investigating allegations that staff at the ‘Asahi Juku’ disability support facility in Totsuka Ward subjected residents to verbal abuse and imposed improper physical restraints without following the legally required procedures.

According to the city, when physical restraints are used, facilities are required to obtain the consent of the resident’s family and document the reasons for and methods of the restraint. The city suspects these procedures were not followed. Officials conducted an on-site inspection of the facility on July 15 and are now considering possible administrative sanctions.

According to Asahi Juku, when a resident was suspected of having an infectious disease, the individual was isolated in their room, with the door secured shut using a brace. The facility did not prepare parental consent forms or other required documentation.

The facility also acknowledged that staff members had made remarks to residents such as, “You’re the reason we’re wasting our time,” according to the report.