Category: Employment

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 3, 2025 Number of comments0
2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disability Earthquake Employment Japan Welfare

Hardship Continues for Ishikawa’s Workers with Disabilities as Earthquake Damage to Companies Hits Facilities

Since the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, work opportunities for people with disabilities in Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto region have sharply declined as local companies that once purchased goods or outsourced simple tasks to employment support facilities were damaged by the disaster. Facilities such as Minorien in Nanao, known for its handmade additive-free natto, have been struggling to sustain operations but are now seeking new forms of work, including grass-cutting and leaflet delivery, to help disabled workers stay engaged, regain income, and maintain their connection to the community.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 2, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Osaka Welfare

Osaka Launches Probe into Disability Work Centers Over Improper Training

Osaka Prefecture has launched an investigation into roughly 2,050 “Type B continuous employment support” facilities that help people with disabilities engage in work-like activities, following reports that some providers offering at-home programs may not be giving appropriate training. Funded by government subsidies, these facilities are required to provide meaningful vocational support, but several cases have emerged where users were assigned minimal tasks—such as watering plants a few times a day—raising concerns about misuse of public funds and inadequate care. The prefecture plans to review each case and issue guidance or corrective action where necessary.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Employment Health Japan

Fatigue causing increase in ‘workplace accidents due to falls’ incidents in Japan

Fatigue is emerging as a key factor behind the rise in workplace accidents caused by falls, according to Hideki Katano, author of Rest Science and Fatigue Science, and head of the Japan Recovery Association. In an interview reported by Toyo Keizai on Friday, October 17, Katano warned that widespread fatigue is not only a health concern but also a growing safety risk. The association’s latest 2025 survey found that 82% of working-age Japanese feel tired—an all-time high—translating to over 71 million people, up 300,000 from the previous year. With fatigue-related economic losses estimated at 15 trillion yen annually and the number of “frequently tired” individuals continuing to climb, Katano emphasizes the urgent need for nationwide fatigue management and prevention efforts.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 13, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan Mobility as a Service Travel

Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage

A long-running bus service for people with disabilities in Saitama Prefecture will be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year due to a shortage of drivers and the wider availability of lift-equipped charter buses from private operators, the prefectural government said. The Oozora-go, a 40-seat bus donated over decades by Musashino Bank, has served thousands annually since 1973, offering affordable group travel for disability organizations. Advocates have expressed disappointment, saying the service promoted social participation for people with disabilities, while Governor Motohiro Ōno said the prefecture will consider alternative measures in light of user feedback and social changes.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 10, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Fureasu Tops 2025 Ranking for Disability Employment in Japan

The 2025 ranking of Japanese companies with the highest employment rates of people with disabilities shows home-visit massage firm Fureasu topping the list with a rate of 15.13 percent, Toyo Keizai magazine reported Thursday. The survey covered 1,137 companies employing at least three people with disabilities. The average rate among all 1,339 firms that disclosed data was 2.25 percent, up slightly from the previous year’s 2.2 percent. Japan raised its legally required employment rate for people with disabilities from 2.3 to 2.5 percent in April, with a further increase to 2.7 percent planned for fiscal 2026.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 13, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan

Japan Firms Facing Challenge of Employing More Disabled

Japanese companies are tackling the difficult task of hiring more disabled people as the statutory minimum employment rate for the disabled will be lifted to 2.7 pct next July from 2.5 pct at present. While the labor market is favorable for job seekers, companies are required to follow a thorough selection process that takes into account traits of each candidate.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 8, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Disability Employment Japan Podcast

Abuse of Workers with Disabilities by Employers in Japan Fell by 1.5% in Fiscal Year 2024 [Podcast Episode]

Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry reported a slight decline in the number of disabled workers found to be abused by employers in fiscal 2024, even as reports of suspected cases increased. A total of 1,827 workers were the subject of abuse reports, down 1.5% from the previous year, while confirmed cases involved 652 people across 434 workplaces, a 14.3% drop. Most cases involved economic exploitation, such as unfair pay, with part-time and temporary workers most affected. Intellectual disabilities were the most common among victims. Labor bureaus responded mainly with guidance under labor laws, including the Minimum Wage Act.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 6, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan

Kanagawa Prefecture Opens Consultation Desk to Support Employment Retention of People with Disabilities

Kanagawa Prefecture has set up a consultation desk for companies to address issues related to helping employees with disabilities remain in the workplace. Specialists such as certified social workers with expertise in disability employment will respond to concerns like: “An employee with a disability often takes days off, but we don’t know what the problem is,” or “They seem troubled by workplace relationships, how should we respond?”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 5, 2025 1
Abuse Disability Employment Japan

Abuse of Disabled Workers by Employers in Japan Fell by 1.5% in FY2024

Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry reported a slight decline in the number of disabled workers found to be abused by employers in fiscal 2024, even as reports of suspected cases increased. A total of 1,827 workers were the subject of abuse reports, down 1.5% from the previous year, while confirmed cases involved 652 people across 434 workplaces, a 14.3% drop. Most cases involved economic exploitation, such as unfair pay, with part-time and temporary workers most affected. Intellectual disabilities were the most common among victims. Labor bureaus responded mainly with guidance under labor laws, including the Minimum Wage Act.