Category: developmental disabilities

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 1, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime developmental disabilities Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

Woman arrested for 19 million Yen fraud targeting parent of child with suspected developmental disorder [Podcast Episode]

A 57-year-old company employee has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding the parents of a child suspected of having a developmental disorder out of approximately ¥19 million (about US$130,000) by recommending the child study abroad. Police believe the suspect may have used the same scheme to defraud multiple victims of more than ¥50 million in total and are continuing their investigation.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 28, 2026 Number of comments0
Children Crime developmental disabilities Disability Japan

Woman arrested for ¥19 million fraud targeting parent of child with suspected developmental disorder

A 57-year-old company employee has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding the parents of a child suspected of having a developmental disorder out of approximately ¥19 million (about US$130,000) by recommending the child study abroad. Police believe the suspect may have used the same scheme to defraud multiple victims of more than ¥50 million in total and are continuing their investigation.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 12, 2026 1
Abuse Crime developmental disabilities Disability Japan Sexual Assault

Former Instructor Arrested For Indecent Acts Against Woman with Developmental Disability: “I did it to satisfy my sexual desires”

A former instructor at a support organization has been arrested on suspicion of committing indecent acts against a woman with a developmental disability during a class. He partially denies the allegations, but reportedly said, “I did it to satisfy my sexual desires.”

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 9, 2026 1
developmental disabilities Disability Discrimination Employment

60% of Workers in Japan with Mental or Developmental Disabilities Do Not Disclose Disability

When an advocacy group for people with mental and developmental disabilities conducted a survey on employment, over 60% of respondents reported having experience with “closed employment” – working without disclosing their disability. Many cited the reason for non-disclosure as “feeling that it would lead to employment disadvantages such as dismissal or contract non-renewal.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 3, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free developmental disabilities Disability Discrimination Employment Japan Podcast

Yokohama Court Rules Disability-Based Dismissal After ‘Outing’ Illegal [Podcast Episode]

While the court ordered the payment of ¥800,000 in consolation money, it did not recognize the claim for wages for the period during which the man was unable to work after his dismissal. The plaintiff’s attorney, Motoya Tsuchida, said, “The ruling does, in a sense, squarely acknowledge disability discrimination,” while indicating that they plan to appeal.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 1, 2025 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Disability Education Japan Podcast

University students with developmental disabilities increase in Japan [Podcast Episode]

The number of university students with developmental disabilities in Japan is on the rise, with their conditions often identified at a late stage through challenges in their social lives. According to a survey by the Japan Student Services Organization, 14,666 students with developmental disabilities were enrolled in universities, junior colleges and technical colleges in the 2024 academic year, approximately five times the number from 10 years ago.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 14, 2025 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Disability Japan

Miyako Island pesticide-linked contamination suspected amid surge in developmental disorders

The number of children diagnosed with developmental disorders has risen sharply on Miyako Island in recent years, with pesticide-related groundwater contamination suspected as a possible cause. While the issue has become a major concern among local residents, it has received little to no coverage in national media. Similar cases of groundwater, river and tap water contamination have also been reported in other parts of Japan in recent years, suggesting the problem may be more widespread.