Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 15, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Asian Para Games: Endo eyes boccia pinnacle after final loss at worlds

Japan’s Hiromi Endo arrives at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games sitting second in the women’s boccia world rankings and looking to go one better than her runner-up finish at the recent world championships. Playing in the BC1 category for athletes with significant impairment of all four limbs and trunk, the 40-year-old emerged as Japan’s leading figure in boccia after the individual men’s and women’s events were adopted for the Tokyo Games in 2021.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 14, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Japan

Osaka group home suspended for three months over abuse of disabled residents

ABC reported on October 13 that the city of Kaizuka, Osaka Prefecture, has announced that it will impose administrative sanctions on a group home for people with disabilities following reports of abuse against residents. The facility, Megumi Home, is operated by the nonprofit organization Yume ga Megumi. The administrative sanction involves the suspension of all designated service-provider status for three months.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 14, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Disability Employment Business Discrimination Employment Japan Podcast

50 Workers with Disabilities in Japan Lose Jobs After Nine Months, Despite 18-Month Contract [Podcast Episode]

The workers had been told by an employment support provider, which arranges workplaces for disabled people through a scheme known as the “disability employment business”, that they would be participating in an 18-month programme. Some were so shocked by the news that they became unable to continue working.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 13, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Disability Elderly Health Japan Welfare

Japan Government White Paper finds over 70% concerned about future healthcare, welfare staff shortages

The report focused greatly on expected labour shortages which are thought will become even more severe by 2040, the role that technology will play in the care sector in the future with a strong emphasis on boosting productivity through the adoption of technology, such as artificial intelligence. The report also notes that survey results showed that more than 70% of the public are concerned about future staff shortages in healthcare.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 12, 2026 Number of comments0
Children Education Japan Sexual abuse Sexual Assault

Anti-Sexual Assault Certification Set for Japan’s Cram Schools

A Japanese public-interest association has established a system to certify “juku” cram schools taking sufficient measures to prevent sexual violence against children, with requirements including the installation of security cameras in classrooms. The move comes ahead of the Dec. 25 launch of a Japanese version of Britain’s Disclosure and Barring Service, which obliges facilities including schools and licensed nurseries to check the sexual offense records of teachers and others whose work involves contact with children.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 12, 2026 Number of comments0
Abilympics Disability Employment Japan Podcast Welfare

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Seeks Competitors for Tokyo Abilympics for February 2027 [Podcast Episode]

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will hold the 25th Tokyo Skills Competition for Persons with Disabilities, known as the Tokyo Abilympics, on Feb. 20, 2027, and will accept applications from Oct. 19 to Nov. 13. Applications must be submitted through an online form to be published on the website of the organisation’s Tokyo branch. Applicants’ eligibility will be reviewed, and participants will be selected and notified individually. Selection may be necessary if applications exceed the available places.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 11, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Sports

Asian Para Games: Torch relay starts ahead of opening on October 18

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games torch relay started Saturday, ahead of the opening ceremony on Oct. 18, with around 3,000 athletes from more than 40 countries and regions expected to compete. Yoshimi Kaji, who represented Japan in canoeing at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, became the first runner in her hometown of Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture.