Category: Children

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 31, 2026 Number of comments0
Children Crime Disability Japan Welfare

Kawasaki City to File Criminal Complaint Over ¥550 Million Fraud at Disability Child Support Facility

A provider of after-school day services for children with disabilities designated by Kawasaki City has failed to repay more than ¥548 million in fraudulently obtained funds and related charges, and the city has announced its intention to file a criminal complaint. Mutsumi Tanno, director of Kawasaki City’s Disability Health and Welfare Department, said:

“The misconduct is extremely malicious. We regard this as a very serious incident. We intend to take the appropriate measures.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 15, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Children Crime Disability Japan Welfare

Saitama disability child day-care support service representative arrested over suspected fraud

According to police, from June 2020 to April two years ago, the suspect allegedly falsified attendance records on 45 occasions for two child users at a facility he operated in Higashimatsuyama City, and is suspected of defrauding the city of about 8.81 million yen, including disability child day-care benefits.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Children developmental disabilities Disability Japan

With Five-Month Waiting Lists for Initial Appointments, Nagasaki Introduces ‘Blue Doctor’ system for Children with Developmental Disabilities

In an effort to strengthen the medical system for children with developmental disabilities, the prefecture has certified pediatricians and other specialists who have completed specialized training as ‘Nagasaki Blue Doctors.’ There are currently three specialized medical institutions for developmental disabilities within the prefecture. In fiscal year 2024, the number of patients reached approximately 33,000, a 1.5-fold increase compared to ten years ago, and the waiting period for an initial consultation now stands at five months.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 16, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Children Crime Disability Japan

Mother of Five-Year-Old Girl with Disabilities Abused by Ex-Care Worker Seeks “Severe Punishment”

The mother of a five-year-old girl with a disability, who was who was kidnapped and abused by a 46-year-old staff member at a facility for children with disabilities, has spoken out about the suspect’s arrest. “I cannot forgive the culprit for doing such a thing to my precious only daughter”, speaking to the Japan news programme ‘TBS Newsdig’.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 10, 2026 Number of comments0
Children Disability Japan

Support group for siblings of people with disabilities to start in Nara

The initiative was launched in Nara City by a group of volunteers, including welfare professionals, prompted by growing awareness of “young carers” – children who take on caregiving and daily responsibilities for family members with illnesses or disabilities. The group aims to provide a space where participants can talk about and share their individual feelings and struggles, as well as offer information that may lead to support.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 4, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Children Disability Japan Podcast

Survey Reveals 60% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan Feel They are at Care “Limit” [Podcast Episode]

A survey of families of people with disabilities has revealed that nearly 60% responded that they feel they have reached their limit with caregiving (care/assistance). It was also found that about 90% said they are worried about the lives of people with disabilities after their parents have passed away.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Children Disability Employment Japan

Japan begins day care system regardless of parental employment status

Japan began implementing a public system on Wednesday 1st April that allows children to attend day care for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of parental employment status, as part of a larger initiative to alleviate child care stress as the number of births continues to decline. Children will be cared for at authorized day care centers and kindergartens. Those with disabilities will also be accepted.