Category: Discrimination

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 25, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Discrimination Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

Oita Court Rejects Disabled People’s Freedom of Movement Claim, Cites ‘Excessive Burden’ on JR Kyushu

The Oita District Court dismissed a lawsuit by six people with disabilities who claimed that JR Kyushu’s use of unmanned stations infringed their freedom of movement, with Presiding Judge Mina Tomita ruling that “It cannot be acknowledged that there was unfair and discriminatory treatment” and concluding that while requiring advance notice for assistance “cause[s] a difference in the use of stations,” the policy was not illegal. She added that, given factors such as population decline, operating stations without staff “was unavoidable” and that maintaining staffing would impose an “excessive burden” on the company. In response, plaintiffs’ lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda condemned the decision as an unjust ruling and said the legal team would continue to fight the case.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 24, 2026 1
Disability Discrimination Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

Oita Court Rejects Disabled People’s Claim over Unmanned Stations

A district court in southwestern Japan on Thursday dismissed a damages claim by people with disabilities who said that the unmanned operations of stations by Kyushu Railway Co., or JR Kyushu, violated their freedom of movement. “It cannot be acknowledged that there was unfair and discriminatory treatment” on the grounds of disability in operating stations without staff, Oita District Court Presiding Judge Mina Tomita said, rejecting the claim for damages totaling 660,000 yen against JR Kyushu.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2026 1
developmental disabilities Disability Discrimination Employment

60% of Workers in Japan with Mental or Developmental Disabilities Do Not Disclose Disability

When an advocacy group for people with mental and developmental disabilities conducted a survey on employment, over 60% of respondents reported having experience with “closed employment” – working without disclosing their disability. Many cited the reason for non-disclosure as “feeling that it would lead to employment disadvantages such as dismissal or contract non-renewal.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 3, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Discrimination Employment Podcast Autism

“We’d like you to resign”: Worker in Japan fired 4 days after revealing autism [Podcast Episode]

“We’d like you to resign.” Hearing those words, Yamakawa (a pseudonym) was shocked. They never expected such a drastic change in their employer’s attitude. The incident that came to mind had happened just four days earlier. Yamakawa had revealed to the head of the company, where they had been working for three years, that they had ASD.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 24, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Housing Japan Podcast

People with disabilities in Japan face persistent barriers to housing, accommodation [Podcast Episode]

People with disabilities in Japan continue to face significant barriers in securing housing and accommodation, with multiple recent cases highlighting concerns over discrimination, limited legal enforcement, and a lack of understanding among property owners and service providers.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 26, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Japan Nagoya Podcast

Almost Three Years After Ableist Remarks, Nagoya Aims to Finalize Barrier-Free Policy for Castle Keep [Podcast Episode] 

Nagoya City held a meeting with disability groups and others regarding the wooden reconstruction of the main keep of Nagoya Castle. On February 11th the city held its first public briefing session since discriminatory remarks were made at a citizens’ debate in 2023. At the session, it reaffirmed its policy of proceeding with the wooden reconstruction plan by installing a small-scale lifting device. Nineteen groups, including disability organizations, took part in the meeting held on the 20th, where the city explained the basic principles of the plan.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 22, 2026 1
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Japan Nagoya

Nagoya Aims to Finalize Barrier-Free Policy for Castle Keep by February

Nagoya City held a meeting with disability groups and others regarding the wooden reconstruction of the main keep of Nagoya Castle.On the 11th, the city held its first public briefing session since discriminatory remarks were made at a citizens’ debate in 2023. At the session, it reaffirmed its policy of proceeding with the wooden reconstruction plan by installing a small-scale lifting device. Nineteen groups, including disability organizations, took part in the meeting held on the 20th, where the city explained the basic principles of the plan.