Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 28, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Election Intellectual disabilities Japan

Parents’ Association created pamphlet to support voters with intellectual disabilities

In order to encourage disabled young people over 18 to exercise their voting rights, a Fukushima City group made up of parents with intellectually disabled children created a pamphlet introducing the “proxy voting system” for the upcoming House of Representatives election, and is calling for active voting.

The “proxy voting system” is a system in which a polling station official can write the ballot for you if you have difficulty filling it out yourself due to a disability, illness, or injury.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 28, 2024 1
Disability Health Japan Medical

Medical society in Japan recommends steps to prevent mycoplasma pneumonia

A respiratory society and other institutions in Japan have jointly announced measures to prevent the spread of mycoplasma pneumonia, which is on the rise in the country. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria. Children are more susceptible to infection than adults. Symptoms include a fever and a persistent cough. Cases of mycoplasma pneumonia began to rise this summer in Japan. Data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases show that the weekly average number of cases reported by about 500 medical institutions nationwide hit a new high on October 13. It was the third straight weekly high since a new method of data collection was instituted.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 27, 2024 Number of comments0
Election Japan Podcast

Election Day in Japan: The Podcast Episode of ‘Do it Yourself!!’ [Podcast Episode]

As this blog post is being written it is 8PM on Sunday 27th October, the polls have just closed and NHK is predicting that the LDP and New Komeito may lose their majority.

The polling place near where Barrier Free Japan lives in Kobe had NHK crew near it in the morning and were asking questions about how people voted, and what they thought about far right groups like the ‘Sanseito’, a party that in English refers to themselves as the ‘Party of Do it Yourself!!’

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 26, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Minamata Disease

Minamata disease photo collection strikes chords of tragedy

A close-up of a Japanese fisherman’s contorted hand grimly reminds us of Minamata disease’s human toll, officially recognized in 1956, though it took over a decade for the government to link it to industrial pollution. A project, known as “Minamata: The Eyes of Photographers,” features over 200,000 photos, including original prints, which have been collected for digitization, storage and archival purposes, along with other materials such as the photographers’ interview notes. On Sept. 3, members of the organization visited the environment ministry to submit a request to create a government framework for the preservation and utilization of the photos.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 25, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast

Storytime with Barrier Free Japan: Unwanted ‘Backpack Grabs’ and Painful ‘Help’ [Podcast Episode]

This just happens too often to Michey of Barrier Free Japan. Michey will be walking down a street and then, from behind, someone will grab Michey’s backpack. Some will say ‘but they were trying to be kind.’ As someone with a physical disability, all I can say is this: their unwelcome attention is no less painful because it was well-intentioned. Just ask permission before grabbing people and their belongings!

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 24, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Medical MTBI

Over 1 million Japanese affected by concussions not shown in CT scans

1.35 million people in Japan who suffer from mild traumatic brain injury or MTBI, most commonly manifesting as concussion. Symptoms include memory loss, dizziness, sensory sensitivity, difficulty with thinking, and mood swings, among others. Many of the patients typically experience whiplash in car accidents or from sports injuries, resulting in the symptoms of higher brain dysfunction without proper treatment or compensation since their injuries are too small to detect in MRIs and CT scans.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 23, 2024 Number of comments0
Dating Disability Japan Matchmaking Podcast Relationships

Intellectually Disabled Man Barred from Tokyo Matchmaking Event, Told “only healthy are eligible” [Podcast Episode]

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has taken issue with the response of the organizing group regarding the participation of a man with a mild intellectual disability at a matchmaking party posted on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s website. The man was refused participation immediately after declaring his disability. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has asked the organizers to “take sincere action,” and the group has expressed its intention to improve.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 22, 2024 1
Disability Discrimination Eugenics Japan

Man with Intellectual Disability Refused Participation in Tokyo Matchmaking Event, Told “only people who are healthy in body and mind are eligible to participate”

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has taken issue with the response of the organizing group regarding the participation of a man with a mild intellectual disability at a matchmaking party posted on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s website. The man was refused participation immediately after declaring his disability. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has asked the organizers to “take sincere action,” and the group has expressed its intention to improve.