Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 3, 2024 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Japan

Number of COVID-19 patients increases for 12 consecutive weeks, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Reports

According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of COVID-19 patients reported from approximately 5,000 medical institutions nationwide in the week up to the 28th of last month increased by 4,669 from the previous week to 72,003. In addition, the average number of patients per medical institution was 14.58, 1.07 times the previous week. This is the 12th consecutive week of increase from the previous week.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 2, 2024 Number of comments0
Alzheimer’s Dementia Health Japan

Japan set to approve Lilly’s donanemab to treat Alzheimer’s disease

A Japanese health ministry panel gave the green light Thursday for the manufacture and sale of the Alzheimer’s drug donanemab-azbt, developed by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co.

After the soon-to-come formal approval by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the drug, under the brand name Kisunla, will become the second medicine available in Japan for treating early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. The drug works by removing accumulated amyloid beta proteins in the brain, slowing the progress of the disease.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 1, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Eugenics Forced Sterilization Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures toward the Realization of a Coexisting Society Free from Prejudice and Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Japan Podcast

The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #49: Japan’s PM Kishida Vows to “eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities”

On July 29th, Prime Minister Kishida held the first meeting of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures toward the Realization of a Coexisting Society Free from Prejudice and Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 31, 2024 1
Disability Eugenics Forced Sterilization Japan

1st Plaintiff, Sumiko Nishi, Reaches Settlement in Forced Sterilization Lawsuits in Japan

A plaintiff in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilizations conducted under Japan’s now-defunct eugenic protection law reached a settlement Wednesday with the government, the first such resolution among similar lawsuits filed across the country. The settlement in the suit filed by Sumiko Nishi, 77, of Hino, Tokyo, was finalized in Tokyo District Court. Nishi, who has cerebral palsy, was subjected to sterilization without consent at around 14 years old. Nishi’s legal team says the government agreed to pay more than 16 million yen, or about 106,000 dollars, for the compensation, legal fees and other costs. She filed a lawsuit against the government in September 2022 for damages of 30 million yen, citing severe mental anguish from the surgery.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 31, 2024 1
Eugenics Forced Sterilization Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures toward the Realization of a Coexisting Society Free from Prejudice and Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Japan

PM Kishida Holds First Meeting of “Headquarters” That Will “eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities and eugenics”

PM Kishida stated: “we must make this into a headquarters that will eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities and eugenics. We believe that it is society’s responsibility to remove the social barriers that people with disabilities face, and that the entire society must change. This is why we have established this headquarters, which includes not only the ministries and agencies that oversee administration for people with disabilities and disabled children, but all other ministries and agencies, and which includes all ministers as members. The government will work together as one to eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities and eugenics. I ask all ministers to understand the importance of this headquarters and to cooperate with it.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 30, 2024 Number of comments0
Eugenics Forced Sterilization Japan

Japan to draw up plan to tackle discrimination against disabled people

The government will draw up a new action plan to combat discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday at the first meeting of a new panel on the issue.

The panel, which involves all ministers, was set up in response to a Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that the now-defunct eugenic protection law, which forced sterilizations on the grounds of disabilities, was unconstitutional.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 29, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Sagamihara Shog.A.I. Shimbun

The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #48: Despite Sympathy for People with Disabilities ‘Post-Sagamihara’, Group Homes for Disabled Often Opposed

In response to the ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’, Kanagawa Prefecture has set a goal of “realizing a society where we can live together,” placing emphasis on a shift away from welfare policies that require people with disabilities to spend their entire lives in facilities, and promoting a shift to community living. However, in reality, there are many cases where attempts to open group homes (GHs) have been met with opposition from residents and forced to abandon plans.

“We won’t let them do it unless everyone agrees.” At an information session for a GH for people with disabilities scheduled to open in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, residents repeatedly voiced their opposition.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 28, 2024 Number of comments0
Alzheimer’s Health Japan

EU Negative on Approving Eisai’s Alzheimer’s Drug Lecanemab

The European Medicines Agency has said that its committee for assessing medicines recommended “not granting a marketing authorization” to Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab.
According to the announcement by the EMA, which is under the European Union, on Friday, the committee pointed out that the effect of lecanemab, developed jointly by Japan’s Eisai Co. and U.S. drugmaker Biogen Inc., in delaying cognitive decline “does not counterbalance” the risk of serious side events, such as bleeding in the brain.