Category: Hyogo

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Disability Hyogo Japan Mental Health Police

Teenage Girl Dies After Falling Ill; Family Sues Hyogo Prefecture and State, Alleging Illegal Police and Prosecutorial Investigation Was the Cause

The girl, who was 16 at the time and worked at a disability welfare facility in Hyogo Prefecture, had been arrested on suspicion of assault after restraining a service user who became violent. She was detained for 18 days. Although prosecutors ultimately decided not to indict her, she continued to suffer from eating disorders and other physical and psychological health problems, and died five months after her release.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 13, 2026 2
Abuse Crime Disability Hyogo Japan

“Stop your damn crying”: Guilty Verdict for Staff Member in Abuse Case at Hyogo Facility for Disabled

In September 2025, a 21-year-old man residing in a welfare facility for people with disabilities in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, was assaulted by a male staff member and lost sight in his left eye. On the 10th, the Kobe District Court sentenced the former staff member, Akira Kamitake (23), to three years in prison, suspended for five years (the prosecution had sought four years of imprisonment). Testimony from the trial and further reporting have shed light on the background of the incident.

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 January 5, 2026 1
Abuse Care Disability Hyogo Independent Living Japan Podcast

Hyogo Disability Rights Groups to Rally in Kobe Following Facility Violence Reports [Podcast Episode]

People with disabilities in Hyogo Prefecture will hold an emergency rally in Kobe on January 24th to protest violence at residential care facilities and to call for the early realization of deinstitutionalization. The gathering was prompted by reports that a resident with intellectual and physical disabilities died after being assaulted by staff at a facility in Sanda City. Organized by the Independent Living Center ‘Ring Ring’ and co-hosted by ‘Remember 7.26 Kobe Action’, the event will feature speakers from ‘Hyogo People First’ and will focus on disability rights and the need for community-based living.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt January 1, 2026 1
Abuse Care Crime Disability Hyogo Japan

Hyogo Disability Rights Groups to Rally in Kobe Following Facility Violence Reports

People with disabilities in Hyogo Prefecture will hold an emergency rally in Kobe on January 24th to protest violence at residential care facilities and to call for the early realization of deinstitutionalization. The gathering was prompted by reports that a resident with intellectual and physical disabilities died after being assaulted by staff at a facility in Sanda City. Organized by the Independent Living Center ‘Ring Ring’ and co-hosted by ‘Remember 7.26 Kobe Action’, the event will feature speakers from ‘Hyogo People First’ and will focus on disability rights and the need for community-based living.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 25, 2020 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Disability Hyogo Japan

Amid coronavirus crisis, Hyogo Prefecture city to extend financial support for disabled and elderly

Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, will expand public support for facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities. “Supporting money” is provided for continuing work while the new coronavirus infection spreads. For residents who cannot meet their family to prevent infection, the city will subsidize the cost of purchasing equipment so that an “online visit” is possible. Local products such as vegetables and meat will also be delivered to the facility.