Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 1, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Hansen's disease Japan Medical

Nippon Foundation’s Sasakawa Visits Leprosy Colony in New Delhi

Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chair of the Nippon Foundation and WHO goodwill ambassador for leprosy elimination, visited a leprosy colony in New Delhi where up to 250 residents live, urging about 30 accompanying Japanese business representatives to support efforts against the disease. India accounts for roughly 60 percent of the world’s new leprosy cases, and the Sasakawa Health Foundation organized the visit to raise awareness among Japanese residents in the country. Although effective treatments exist, people affected by leprosy in India still face deep-rooted social exclusion and often form or join isolated colonies—some of the roughly 800 believed to exist nationwide—to escape discrimination tied to the caste system

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 November 29, 2025 1
Disability Education Intellectual disabilities Japan

University students with developmental disabilities increase in Japan

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 November 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Deaflympics Disability Japan Para Sports Sports

Tokyo Deaflympics close with Japan winning record 51 medals

A ceremony was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in the capital to formally close the 12-day international sporting event for the deaf and hard of hearing, which Japan hosted for the first time in the games’ history. The Japanese delegation, comprising around 270 athletes, was represented in every event for the first time.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Deaflympics Disability Imperial Family Japan Para Sports Podcast Sports

Record 31 Medals for Japan at Tokyo Deaflympics; Crown Princess Kiko and Hisahito Attend Event [Podcast Episode]

Japan’s medal count at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics rose to a record 31 on Sunday, surpassing the country’s previous best from 2022, after athletes secured new medals in karate, swimming and athletics. Crown Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito visited Izu Oshima to watch the men’s orienteering relay, with the prince encouraging athletes in sign language, and later toured a local farm products shop.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 23, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Welfare

Chiba ‘salon’ to provide support for people with disabilities and their families

Tae Owada (55) of Tateyama City, whose daughter has both intellectual and physical disabilities, is preparing to open a community “salon” where people with disabilities, their families, and other caregivers can gather, talk, and support one another. The space will be located in a former day-service building near Tajima Shrine and Tateyama Station, and is planned to offer weekday support for parents, after-school activities with children, and occasional weekend workshops. Owada hopes the salon will also welcome caregivers of the elderly, school-refusing children, and immigrant families. Her goal is to create a place of solidarity and mutual empowerment, and she is calling on the community for help in making it a reality.