Category: Disability

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 1, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Minamata Disease

Kumamoto Marks 68th Anniversary since Minamata Disease Confirmation

A ceremony to mark the 68th anniversary of the official recognition of Minamata disease, a neurological disorder caused by polluted industrial wastewater, was held on Wednesday in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan. “Many people are still suffering from symptoms without relief,” Toshio Kawabata, 73, said in a speech. He became eligible for support provided under the special law for the Minamata disease relief program that was enacted in 2009.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 28, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Kobe World Para Athletics Championships Para Sports Paralympics Politics

The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #22: Kobe Gets ‘PARAgrressive’ about Sports, Disabled Writer Ototake ‘Certain’ to Lose By-Election

On April 27th Kobe City started to literally ‘fly the flag’ – put out flags in Kobe City – heralding the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships to be held from May 17th – May 25th.
An event titled ‘PARAgrressive Day’ was held in various locations in Kobe. Barrier Free Japan made some videos!
As of the evening of April 28th 2024, Hirotada Ototake is set to lose the by-election for a House of Representatives seat. On April 23rd it was reported that someone was arrested for attacking a staffer working for Ototake.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 24, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Health Japan Welfare

Japan Health Insurance Premium Rate to Hit Record High

The average premium rate at corporate health insurance societies in Japan is projected to hit a record high of 9.32 pct in fiscal 2024, according to the National Federation of Health Insurance Societies, or Kenporen. Reflecting an increase in contributions to the medical care services for the elderly, the rate is expected to rise 0.05 percentage point from the previous year, which ended in March, the group of health insurance societies for employees of large corporations and their families said Tuesday.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 22, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Shog.A.I. Shimbun Welfare

The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #21: Eight Kansai-based Type 1 Diabetes Patients Have Disability Payments Restored After Second Court Case

Eight years ago, eight patients living in Osaka, Nara, etc. filed a lawsuit against the government after their long-term basic disability pension was discontinued, and all of them won, but they were subsequently rejected again by the government. Since the payment was made, they filed a second complaint.