Sagamihara care home stabbings accused to plead not guilty
The defense team of Satoshi Uematsu, 29, plans to argue in the trial that he was mentally incompetent due to the effects of drugs such as marijuana, the sources said.
Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt
UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
Paralympic marathon to stay in Tokyo; street party planned
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons said data shows the heat and humidity should not be a problem. The Paralympics open Aug. 25, several weeks after the Olympics close on Aug. 9. Parsons emphasized the athletes did not want to leave Tokyo.
Former Japanese Vice Agriculture Minister admits to killing 44 year old developmentally disabled son
“The son, unemployed for 11 years, had difficulty communicating with others due to a developmental disorder. He had been violent at home since his school days.”
Paralympics: IPC to make official 2020 Paralympic film with NHK
“It will be the first time the IPC has directly engaged in the production of the official film of the games, with NHK producers, rather than well-known movie directors, steering the production.”
A Record 3.1 Million Requests were made for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Tickets
“The number is three times more than were requested during the same period for the London 2012 Paralympics and far exceeds the 2.3 million tickets available for the Games.”
“I want to live in the community”: A play about life of severely disabled woman in Japan to be performed in Tokyo
“A drama that looks back on the lives of women with severe disabilities, who have been working to help people with disabilities to live in the community, will held at the Kunitachi Arts Center in Kunitachi City, on December 11th. The drama is about a disabled woman and the many barriers that she has overcome and the actions she has taken to the government.”
Despite concerns about access from disability groups, new JR Station to have AI guide robot and ‘unstaffed’ convenience store
JR East hopes to make the Takanawa Gateway Station on its Yamanote Line a model for its future stations with cutting-edge technologies, but disability action groups in Japan have voiced concerns about ‘unstaffed’ stations before.
Japan’s Transport Minister calls current bullet train booking system for wheelchair users “outrageous”, to set up study group to improve accessibility
“According to the rail companies, space for one or two wheelchairs is available on each bullet train. Users are requested to reserve them by telephone or at JR counters at least two days before boarding, in principle. At the committee meeting, Akaba called the system “outrageous.”“
Japanese Newspaper notes ‘glimpse of anxiety’ from Sagamihara suspect as trial is set to begin in January 2020
“The suspect in the Sagamihara massacre of disabled people, whilst saying he won’t “claim that I’m unable to take criminal responsibility”, according to The Mainichi Newspaper, shows ‘glimpses of anxiety’ as trial approaches in early January 2020.”
Japanese Disability Rights Group criticizes Labor Ministry as Disabled Employment Rate regularly falls below legal standard
“Last year there were a series of incidents found where the employment rate in Japan fell below the 2.5% required by law, despite each ministry promoting the employment of people with disabilities. Disabled People International argues that there is a lack of awareness about employment of people with disabilities.”
Barrier Free Japan 