Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 5, 2025 1
Disability Health Japan Medical

Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry Council Considers Adding “Sleep Disorder” to Medical Department Names, Along with Internal Medicine

Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is considering allowing “sleep disorders” to be listed as an official medical department name at hospitals and clinics. The move comes after the Japanese Society of Sleep Research requested the change, citing a rise in conditions such as insomnia and hypersomnia and confusion over where patients should seek treatment. Currently, care is divided among psychiatry, respiratory medicine, and otolaryngology. The ministry’s advisory council aims to reach a decision by March 2026.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 4, 2025 1
Children Crime Disability Japan

(Update) Nagoya Prosecutors Urged to Deem Girl, Hinami, Born Severely Disabled after Accident as Victim

The family of a pregnant woman who died after being hit by a vehicle in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, is urging prosecutors to recognize her newborn daughter—left severely disabled due to the accident—as a legal victim. Sayaka Togitani, 31, died two days after the May 21 incident, and her daughter Hinami was delivered via emergency cesarean section but suffered brain damage from fetal hypoxia. While the 50-year-old driver has been indicted for negligent driving resulting in Sayaka’s death, no charges have been filed in relation to Hinami, as she was a fetus at the time under Japan’s Criminal Code. On September 2, Sayaka’s husband, Yudai, submitted a petition with over 112,000 signatures calling for prosecutors to also pursue charges for the injury to Hinami. At the driver’s first court hearing the same day, they admitted guilt and apologized, while Yudai emphasized the importance of acknowledging his daughter’s life and suffering.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 3, 2025 2
Crime Disability Japan

Family Seeks Recognition of Baby, Made Severely Disabled in Utero, as Victim in Ichinomiya Fatal Accident

The family of a pregnant woman killed in a May traffic accident is urging prosecutors to recognize her newborn daughter, left severely disabled, as a victim. Sayaka Togitani, 31, was struck by a car and gave birth by cesarean section before dying. Her baby, Hinami, requires a ventilator. The driver, Naoko Kono, 50, was indicted for negligent driving resulting in death, but not in relation to the baby. Over 112,000 signatures have been submitted supporting the family’s request.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 3, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Down Syndrome Japan Podcast

Mie University Researchers Develop CRISPR Technique to Remove Extra Chromosome in Down Syndrome Cells [Podcast Episode]

Led by Dr. Ryotaro Hashizume of the Graduate School of Medicine, Unit for Genomic Manipulation and Technology Development, the team had successfully developed a technique to eliminate the extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells derived from individuals with Down syndrome. The condition, caused by trisomy 21, affects roughly one in every 700 births and leads to intellectual disabilities and other health complications.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 2, 2025 1
Disability Down Syndrome Genetics Japan

Mie University Researchers Develop Groundbreaking CRISPR Technique to Remove Extra Chromosome in Down Syndrome Cells

Led by Dr. Ryotaro Hashizume of the Graduate School of Medicine, Unit for Genomic Manipulation and Technology Development, the team had successfully developed a technique to eliminate the extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells derived from individuals with Down syndrome. The condition, caused by trisomy 21, affects roughly one in every 700 births and leads to intellectual disabilities and other health complications.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 1, 2025 Number of comments0
Birth Rate Health Japan Medical Sex

Japan Panel OKs Nonprescription Sales of Morning-After Pill

An expert panel of Japan’s health ministry has agreed that Aska Pharmaceutical Co. will be given approval to make and sell its emergency contraceptive pill Norlevo without a prescription. At a meeting Friday, the panel also agreed that the product will be classified as a drug that must be taken in the presence of a trained pharmacist for safety reasons. The panel decided not to set an age limit for access. But for individuals under 16, the age of consent to sexual acts, pharmacists would provide guidance as needed. Parental consent would no longer be required. Sales methods will be discussed at a later date.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 1, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Discrimination Elderly Hearing Impaired Japan Podcast

Japan Post Apologizes After Delivery Contractor Writes Discriminatory Note to Hearing Impaired Customer [Podcast Episode]

Japan Post announced that a contractor employee at the Nagasaki Central Post Office was dismissed after writing a discriminatory remark on a delivery notice left for an elderly customer with hearing difficulties. The incident occurred on July 29 and came to light two days later when the customer reported it. Japan Post staff visited the customer to apologize directly. The company stated there was no prior trouble between the two and pledged to strengthen human rights awareness to prevent a recurrence.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 31, 2025 1
Disability Discrimination Elderly Hearing Impaired Japan

Japan Post Apologizes After Delivery Contractor Writes Discriminatory Note to Hearing Impaired Customer

Japan Post announced that a contractor employee at the Nagasaki Central Post Office was dismissed after writing a discriminatory remark on a delivery notice left for an elderly customer with hearing difficulties. The incident occurred on July 29 and came to light two days later when the customer reported it. Japan Post staff visited the customer to apologize directly. The company stated there was no prior trouble between the two and pledged to strengthen human rights awareness to prevent a recurrence.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 31, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Paralympic Medalist Junichi Kawai Seen as Candidate for Sports Agency Head

Junichi Kawai, a Paralympic gold medalist in swimming and chairman of the Japanese Paralympic Committee, is seen as a candidate for the next commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, sources said Saturday. Kawai, 50, would succeed current Commissioner Koji Murofushi, 50, who will reach the end of his term at the end of September.