Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 10, 2026 1
Crime Disability Group Homes (GH) Intellectual disabilities Japan

Chiba Group Home Representative Arrested for Killing 19-Year-Old Man

According to police, the suspect, Yasuki Nemoto, the corporate representative of the disability group home in Kashiwa, is suspected of punching and kicking the resident, Ryuhei Mihara, who had an intellectual disability, in March last year, resulting in his death. In addition, Miki Tobari, who was a staff member at the time, was arrested on suspicion of destroying evidence, including wiping away bloodstains at the scene. Nemoto’s wife was also arrested on suspicion of inciting the destruction of evidence.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 9, 2026 2
Abuse Disability Group Homes (GH) Intellectual disabilities Japan

Chiba disability group home resident dies; former representative to be arrested

Police in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, plan to arrest a man in his 30s who formerly headed a disability group home on suspicion of assault resulting in death after a 19-year-old male resident with an intellectual disability died under suspicious circumstances in 2025. Investigators believe the former representative assaulted the resident, leading to his death, and are also examining possible liability among staff members who allegedly failed to report the abuse despite being aware of it. Police suspect the victim may have been subjected to routine violence and are continuing the investigation.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 9, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Election Japan Podcast Politics

LDP Wins Two-Thirds Majority, Sanseito and Team Mirai Gain Seats [Podcast Episode]

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s general election, delivering a strong mandate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and enhancing her ability to advance key policies. Holding more than 310 seats in the 465-member chamber allows the party to pursue constitutional revision and pass legislation even if rejected by the House of Councillors, where the ruling bloc lacks a majority. Meanwhile, the minor populist party Sanseito expanded its lower house presence to 13 seats from two, though its leader voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, while Team Mirai won its first seat in the Lower House, according to early returns.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 9, 2026 1
Disability Election Japan Politics Sanae Takaichi Sanseito

LDP Wins Two-Thirds Majority, Sanseito and Team Mirai Gain Seats

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday’s general election, delivering a strong mandate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and enhancing her ability to advance key policies. Holding more than 310 seats in the 465-member chamber allows the party to pursue constitutional revision and pass legislation even if rejected by the House of Councillors, where the ruling bloc lacks a majority. Meanwhile, the minor populist party Sanseito expanded its lower house presence to 13 seats from two, though its leader voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, while Team Mirai won its first seat, according to early returns.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 8, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Produces Draft Report on Disability Employment Guidelines

A meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Study Group on the Future of the Employment Promotion System for Persons with Disabilities” (chaired by Ryuichi Yamakawa, professor at Meiji University) was held on January 30, where a draft report was compiled. To improve the quality of employment for persons with disabilities, elements that the government should prioritize will be compiled into guidelines and stipulated in laws and regulations. Guidelines will also be formulated for the rapidly increasing disability employment business sector, and user companies will be required to submit certain reports so that authorities can provide guidance and supervision.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 8, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games Para Sports Paralympics Podcast Sports

Less than a month until the Paralympics, Japan finalizes Milan–Cortina preparations [Podcast Episode]

With less than a month to go until the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games open on March 6, Japan is stepping up final preparations for a campaign that will feature broad representation across the six-sport program, including the return of its para ice hockey team.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 7, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Election Japan

Japan Disability Forum Calls for Better Polling Station Access

Ahead of the House of Representatives election to be held and counted on the 8th, the Japan Disability Forum, comprising 59 disability organizations and related groups, submitted a written request to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on January 20 concerning voting by people with disabilities. Pointing out that there are still disparities in how municipal election management committees respond, the group called for wider dissemination of the ministry’s guide, “Examples of Polling Station Responses for Persons with Disabilities,” and for thorough implementation of reasonable accommodations in voting.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 6, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Hyogo Japan Kobe

Kobe Meeting Calls for End to Institutionalization and Violence Against People with Disabilities

A meeting held in Kobe on January 24th 2026 drew disability rights advocates and community organizers calling for an end to institutionalization following recent reports of violence at residential care facilities in Hyogo Prefecture. The gathering, organized by independent living groups, highlighted concerns that segregated living environments heighten the risk of abuse and isolate people with disabilities from society.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 5, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Group Homes (GH) Japan

Ex-Care Worker Arrested for Assaulting Female Resident at Saitama Disability Group Home

According to the arrest allegations, between approximately 8:17 p.m. and 8:43 p.m. on October 12, 2025, at the disability group home in Sekiyama 1-chome, Hasuda City where he worked, the man allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old female resident by punching her in the face and causing injuries, including a subconjunctival hemorrhage in her right eye. The man denies the charges, stating, “I did not use violence. I cannot accept the arrest.”