Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Hokkaido Farm Abuse Case Japan

Concerns Over Farm Labour Conditions for People with Disabilities in Japan Prompts Push for Self-Regulation

In Japan, growing concerns about the exploitation of people with disabilities on farms—where they are sometimes assigned meaningless tasks or treated as sources of funding—have led to calls for reform. In response, the Association for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities has introduced a voluntary certification system to encourage farms and other businesses to self-regulate and provide fair, meaningful work. The initiative aims to promote transparency, ethical labor practices, and the dignity of disabled workers in an industry increasingly reliant on their participation.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 16, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Association for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities Establishes Certification System, Aims for Healthy Industry Development

The Japan Association of Business Operators for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities has launched a “Qualified Business Operator Certification System for Disability Support Services.” This new system requires member companies, who provide services like farms and satellite offices to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities, to self-inspect their operations against 107 criteria. The aim is to ensure the healthy growth of the disability employment industry, which currently supports over 9,000 disabled individuals working for more than 1,500 companies. While acknowledging concerns that some companies may view these services merely as a means to meet employment quotas, JAPED believes this industry-wide self-regulation will improve service quality and promote meaningful employment for persons with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 14, 2025 1
Disability Election Immigration Japan

Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign

Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric — often lacking a factual basis — gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 14, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations Calls for Review of Disability Certification Standards [Podcast Episode]

In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that “one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities.” They called for “immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 12, 2025 1
Disability Japan Welfare

“Standards far removed from the real life of people with disabilities”: Japan’s Lawyers Call for Review of Disability Certification Standards

In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that “one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities.” They called for “immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 11, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Election End of Life Care Japan Podcast

Sanseito’s Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity’ Laws [Podcast Episode]

During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy’s intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don’t save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honours patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 10, 2025 1
Assisted Dying Disability Elderly Election End of Life Care Health Japan

Sanseito’s Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity’ Legislation

During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy’s intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don’t save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honors patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 9, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Election Japan Podcast

Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Party [Podcast Episode]

It was somewhat unexpected when Barrier Free Japan, a foreign resident in Kobe was handed a leaflet by one of Japan’s more recently established and increasingly vocal political parties: Sanseito (参政党). Bright orange and emblazoned with the slogan “Don’t destroy Japan any further” (これ以上、日本を壊すな), the leaflet’s assertive tone immediately stood out. It promotes a platform built around the phrase “Japanese People First” (日本人ファースト), and outlines what the party calls its “three pillars” and “nine policies.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 8, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Health Immigration Japan Welfare

Foreigners May Have to Pay Lump Sum for Health Insurance in Some Parts of Japan

Foreign residents may soon have to pay their national health insurance premiums up front in some areas, according to a plan by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. The move is meant to keep foreign residents from dodging medical fees. As of the end of 2024, foreigners were only paying their insurance premiums 63% of the time, well below the 93% figure for all residents of Japan, both Japanese and foreign nationals, according to a survey by the ministry of 150 municipalities.