Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 18, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Japan Mental Health Pandemic

Pandemic-Linked Depression Recognized as Work-Related in Japan

Japanese labor authorities have recognized depression developed by a woman who handled COVID-19 patients at an elderly care facility in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, as work-related, a lawyer representing the woman said on Friday 18th August 2023.

The woman, in protective clothing, changed diapers for residents, served meals to them and carried the bodies of the deceased residents. While working, she had to see the faces of the deceased residents, who were wrapped in transparent bags to prevent infection, the lawyer said.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 15, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Education Japan Mental Health

Teachers quitting for mental health reasons hit record high in Japan

A record high 953 teachers at public schools left jobs for mental health reasons in the 2021 academic year, up 171 from the previous survey in 2018, a recent poll by the education ministry showed.

Ministry officials say long working hours is one of the factors behind the rise in the number of teachers quitting jobs at public elementary schools, junior high schools and senior high schools.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 13, 2023 Number of comments0
Assisted Reproduction Disability Japan Technology

Legislation on Assisted Reproductive Technology Delayed in Japan

Work in Japan on developing a legal framework for assisted reproductive technology, in which a child is born using the sperm or egg from a third person, has failed to make substantive progress.

In the current situation, the right of children born through fertility treatment to know their biological parents is not guaranteed, making in-vitro fertilization using a third person’s sperm or egg is effectively impossible.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 13, 2023 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Intellectual disabilities Japan Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: ‘Administrative Sanctions’ for Nagasaki Care Facility Over Abuse of Disabled Users

It was discovered that a facility for persons with disabilities in Sasebo City was abused by its staff, and the city imposed an administrative sanction to suspend acceptance of new users for one year.

This facility is used by people with intellectual disabilities and people with physical disabilities, and according to Sasebo City, 5 cases of physical abuse and 1 case of psychological abuse were confirmed in 2022.

In fiscal 2015, the facility had also used inappropriate physical restraints, and the prefecture recommended improvements.