Author: Michael Gillan Peckitt

UK & CP born, living in Japan, blogging about disability
by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 3, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Dementia Japan

Japan Government to Promote “New Perception of Dementia”

The Japanese government will promote a “new perception of dementia” to offer hope to those living with the syndrome, according to a draft plan presented Monday. The plan, which incorporates opinions from dementia sufferers, sets four priority targets, including utilizing new insights and technologies, and calls on local governments to draw up their own plans for helping people with dementia. It is expected to be approved by the cabinet in autumn.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 2, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Elderly Japan Travel

Recent Refusal of disabled man from boarding a bus in Kawasaki Echoes Cause of 1977 ‘Kawasaki bus struggle’

In 1977, large-scale protests were held over the public bus operator’s refusal to allow people in wheelchairs with cerebral palsy to board, which became known as the “Kawasaki bus struggle.” This became an impetus for the progression of rights for those with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 1, 2024 1
2024 Paris Summer Paralympics Barrier Free Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics

“They should broadcast the Paralympics” Japanese businessman criticises lack of broadcasting of Paris Paralympics

Hiroyuki Nishimura (47), known as “Hiroyuki”, updated his X (formerly Twitter), giving his personal opinion regarding Nippon Television’s “24-hour TV”, which began its broadcast on August 31st.

“If they’re going to deal with people with disabilities on 24-hour TV, they should broadcast the Paralympics…”, referring to the Paris Paralympics that began on the 28th.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 30, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Technology Travel

Kawasaki City Bus “Refuses Boarding” Of Disabled Person, Not Allowing Use of Disability Certificate App

In August, a physically disabled man (53) was denied boarding a Kawasaki City bus because he was refused use of the disability certificate app on his smartphone. The city has approved the use of the app, and the man claims he was “unfairly refused boarding.” The city apologized to the man, saying “the driver was not aware of the problem.” While the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is progressing, the situation shows that operators are lagging behind in their understanding.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 29, 2024 Number of comments0
Health Japan

Obesity among Japanese Men Continues to Rise: Govt Survey

Obesity among men in Japan has continued to rise over the past decade, a survey by the health ministry showed Wednesday. The 2022 survey found that 31.7 pct of men aged 20 and older had a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or higher, which indicates obesity by Japanese standards. Although the obesity rate was down 1.3 percentage points from the previous research in 2019, the ministry said it has continued to rise over the past 10 years.