Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 6, 2026 1
Abuse Care Disability Japan

Kushiro Disability Facility Operator Drafts Improvement Plan Following Assault of Resident

Following an incident where two former male staff members were arrested on suspicion of assault for physically abusing a resident at the “Tsurugaoka Gakuen” disability support facility in Kushiro City, the operating social welfare corporation, “Kushiro Aiiku Kyokai,” has drafted an improvement plan and submitted it to the Hokkaido prefectural government. In addition to reviewing security camera footage daily, the organization will establish a system that makes it easier to report and seek counseling regarding abuse. 

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 6, 2026 1
Children Disability Education Japan Podcast

Boy, 10, dies after disappearing from Ishikawa special needs school [Podcast Episode]

A tragic accident has raised questions after a 10-year-old boy attending a special needs school in Komatsu City went missing during class and was later found dead in a nearby waterfall. According to the school, the boy had a relatively mild disability and had no difficulty communicating. However, three years ago he had left the school building through the main entrance on his own. Since then, the school said it had strengthened supervision of students and ensured that doors remained locked.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 5, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Welfare

Japan’s municipal oversight of disability service providers falls short, with only just over 10% meeting inspection targets in FY2024; fraudulent claims exceed ¥3.2 billion

The rate at which local governments conduct operational inspections (unei shidō) of disability welfare service providers to ensure they are being properly run remains low. Among the municipalities responsible for overseeing such providers, only just over 10% met the national target in fiscal 2024 for the proportion of facilities inspected. Some municipalities conducted no inspections at all, raising concerns that improper practices may be going undetected.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 4, 2026 1
Children Disability Education Intellectual disabilities Japan

Boy, 10, dies after disappearing from Ishikawa special needs school

A tragic accident has raised questions after a 10-year-old boy attending a special needs school in Komatsu City went missing during class and was later found dead in a nearby waterfall. According to the school, the boy had a relatively mild disability and had no difficulty communicating. However, three years ago he had left the school building through the main entrance on his own. Since then, the school said it had strengthened supervision of students and ensured that doors remained locked.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 3, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast Welfare

Japan’s Health Ministry Produces Manual to Strengthen Guidance and Oversight of Disability Welfare Following Fraud Cases [Podcast Episode]

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has compiled manuals on group guidance, operational inspections, and audits conducted by prefectural governments and other authorities for disability welfare service providers, and distributed them to local governments on the 8th. Until now, the ministry had only outlined its approach through training sessions. The new manuals are intended to strengthen guidance and audits, primarily in response to a growing number of disciplinary cases involving fraudulent practices as the number of facilities operated by for-profit corporations continues to rise.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Welfare

Less than half of Japan’s firms meet disability employment quota as statutory rate rises to 2.7%

The statutory employment quota (hōtei koyōritsu) requiring companies to employ a minimum proportion of people with disabilities will be raised from 2.5% to 2.7% on July 1. The aim is to further promote employment of people with disabilities. However, fewer than half of companies currently meet even the existing quota, highlighting ongoing challenges in creating suitable workplace environments.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 1, 2026 1
Disability Japan Welfare

Japan’s Health Ministry Produces Manual, Strengthens Guidance and Oversight of Disability Welfare Providers Following Fraud Cases

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has compiled manuals on group guidance, operational inspections, and audits conducted by prefectural governments and other authorities for disability welfare service providers, and distributed them to local governments on the 8th. Until now, the ministry had only outlined its approach through training sessions. The new manuals are intended to strengthen guidance and audits, primarily in response to a growing number of disciplinary cases involving fraudulent practices as the number of facilities operated by for-profit corporations continues to rise.

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 30, 2026 1
Disability Employment Japan Welfare

Japan expands disability employment support amid impartiality concerns

A new welfare service designed to help disabled people find jobs suited to their abilities is spreading across Japan, but concerns remain that providers may steer users toward affiliated workplaces rather than make impartial recommendations. While supporters say the program can help people find more suitable career paths, critics warn that operators involved in assessing users may have a financial incentive to direct them to their own facilities.