Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 28, 2022 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan

Why is Japan Seemingly Obsessed with “Barrier-Free Minds”?

“Barrier-free minds” is a phrase that various parts of the Japanese government uses often in its various campaigns to raise awareness of disability issues; and of course, raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities within the non-disabled population of Japan is a positive thing. However sometimes the desire of the Japanese government to talk about “barrier-free minds”, seems to replace any talk or action about developing ‘barrier-free spaces’. It is all very well and good to talk about “barrier-free minds”, but sometimes, people with disabilities need accessible physical spaces, ultimately no ‘positive attitude’ will turn that staircase into an elevator.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 26, 2022 1
Barrier Free Japan Tourism

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism campaign highlights proper use of facilities and promotes “barrier-free minds”

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has established appropriate facilities and equipment such as barrier-free toilets, parking facilities for wheelchair users, elevators in passenger facilities, and priority seats in vehicles so that those who truly need them can use them when they need them. The Ministry will carry out a campaign to promote the use of these facilities and promote “barrier-free minds.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 24, 2022 Number of comments0
Education Japan

Former Okinawan male student with ‘adjustment disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder’ sues school seeking 12 million yen in damages

The man claims that from around July to October 2017, when he was in his first year of junior high school, he was bullied by six students in the same class, resulting in an adjustment disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, forcing him to change schools. The man is seeking approximately 12 million yen in damages from the school.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 21, 2022 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Gender Japan

Rancha Misumi’s Dream Starts at Night, in a Space where Developmental Disabilities and Gender Dysphoria are not Stigmatized

Rancha’s day begins in the internet virtual space ‘Metaverse’.

Her silky black hair sways just below her shoulders and her eyes are so transparent they seem to suck you in. Rancha is a V-tuber who streams on YouTube in her 3D avatar form. Around the third or fourth grade, Rancha was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 17, 2022 Number of comments0
Disability Hearing Impaired Japan

In Osaka court, parents seek full damages over death of hearing impaired daughter

In ongoing hearings for a damages lawsuit after a girl with impaired hearing was killed in a traffic accident in 2018, estimating lost wages have become a key point of contention.

At Osaka District Court, the family of the deceased girl, Ayuka Ide, who was 11 years old at the time of the accident, have pressed for her to be treated equally to people without disabilities.