Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 22, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Police Sports

Seminar held for Saga police officers to learn how to support people with disabilities ahead of the National Sports Festival for the Disabled

Ahead of the National Sports Festival for the Disabled, a seminar was held in Saga City for police officers to learn how to provide necessary support to people with disabilities. The National Sports Festival for the Disabled will be held in Saga Prefecture from the 26th to the 28th of this month.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 21, 2024 Number of comments0
Elderly Japan Pets

Dog lifespan in Japan up by 0.75 years since 2010; owners face ‘elderly pet care’ hurdles

The survey found that dogs owned by regular households lived for 14.62 years on average, up from the 13.87 years when the survey began. According to the association, some factors behind this increased longevity include more owners keeping pets indoors and developments in things such as pet food and medical care. Like humans, when dogs age they undergo changes in appearance, such as their weight or their coat color becoming pale. In some cases, they can require care due to mobility loss or inability to use the litterbox. It’s also said that the animals experience a decline in interests and enthusiasm as well as changes in lifestyle rhythm due to declining cognitive abilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 20, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Election Japan Podcast

Ahead of Lower House Election, Japan Council of Disabled People Calls for Improvements to Enable Ability to Vote [Podcast Episode]

The request calls for (1) the preparation of materials with the list of candidates written in Braille or large print, (2) permission to have a helper accompany people when voting, and (3) publicizing the fact that people who have difficulty moving around can vote by post, and people who have difficulty writing can vote by proxy by having a polling station employee write for them.