Category: Crime

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 12, 2026 1
Crime Disability Japan Welfare

Sapporo Employment Support Agency Executive Referred to Prosecutors Over False Disability Claims

Masamichi Sone, the representative of a company operating facilities such as “Rapport” in Nishi Ward, Sapporo, has been arrested and referred to prosecutors. Sone is suspected of repeatedly submitting false applications to Sapporo City between 2022 and 2025, claiming to have provided employment support services for persons with disabilities despite not having appointed a qualified managing supervisor as required. He allegedly defrauded the city of approximately ¥35 million in benefit payments.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 11, 2026 1
Crime Day Care Service Deaf Disability Japan Welfare

Tokyo’s Toshima Ward Revokes Designation of Deaf Child Daycare Centre Over 58.3 Million Yen Fraud, Falsified Staff Reports

Tokyo’s Toshima Ward announced on the 10th that it has revoked the designation of the childcare support service “Aton Juku – Child Development Support and After-School Day Service for Children Living with Sign Language,” after it was found to have fraudulently received approximately 58.3 million yen in benefits by concealing a staff shortage. The revocation will take effect from July 1.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Crime Disability Japan Sexual abuse

Resident at Kochi Welfare Facility for Persons with Disabilities Dies; Abuse Confirmed

Following an investigation, four types of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, were confirmed, and the prefectural government is considering administrative sanctions. According to the Kōchi Prefectural Government, the death occurred at around 7:00 p.m. on January 9 this year at a welfare facility for persons with disabilities in the prefecture.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 25, 2026 1
Care Crime Disability Japan Welfare

Tottori Accepts Liability in Death of Disabled Teen at Care Facility

In an accident last March at the “Prefectural Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center,” a residential facility for children with disabilities in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, a resident (then 14) fell from a stretcher, suffered fractures, and later died. On the 23rd, the prefectural government released the results of its investigation. As to causes, it pointed to failures to thoroughly ensure safety, including in the operation of equipment, as well as a lack of shared caregiving methods tailored to each resident.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime Japan KyoAni Mental Health Podcast

Withdrawal of Appeal against Death Sentence Found Valid in KyoAni Arson Case [Podcast Episode]

In the ruling on Tuesday 17th March, Presiding Judge Hisashi Ito said that Aoba clearly understood the meaning of his decision, and that the impact of his delusional disorder on the decision was hardly seen. The judge added that it is “not unreasonable” for Aoba to believe that withdrawing the appeal was better than being deemed delusional by a higher court and being executed.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 18, 2026 1
Crime Disability Japan KyoAni Mental Health

Withdrawal of Appeal against Death Sentence Found Valid in KyoAni Case

In Tuesday’s ruling, Presiding Judge Hisashi Ito said that Aoba clearly understood the meaning of his decision, and that the impact of his delusional disorder on the decision was hardly seen. The judge added that it is “not unreasonable” for Aoba to believe that withdrawing the appeal was better than being deemed delusional by a higher court and being executed.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 14, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Crime Disability Japan Podcast

“Stop your damn crying”: Guilty Verdict for Staff Member in Abuse Case at Hyogo Facility for Disabled [Podcast Episode]

In September 2025, a 21-year-old man residing in a welfare facility for people with disabilities in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, was assaulted by a male staff member and lost sight in his left eye. On the 10th, the Kobe District Court sentenced the former staff member, Akira Kamitake (23), to three years in prison, suspended for five years (the prosecution had sought four years of imprisonment). Testimony from the trial and further reporting have shed light on the background of the incident.