Category: Japan

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 21, 2026 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Disability Discrimination Employment Japan

Nearly Half of Workers With Developmental Disabilities in Japan Keep Diagnosis Hidden

Nearly half of workers with developmental disabilities in Japan do not disclose their diagnosis to supervisors or human resources departments, with fear of discrimination and prejudice cited as the leading reason, a survey has found. Among respondents who received a diagnosis while employed, 37.6% said they had not told anyone, while 8.7% had informed colleagues but not their supervisors, bringing the total who withheld the information from management to 46.3%.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 21, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Asian Para Games: Judoka Nishimura falls short of gold on home tatami

Local judoka Atsumi Nishimura expressed regret after settling for silver in the women’s J1 70-kilogram event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Paris Paralympic champion Junko Hirose secured bronze in the women’s J2 60-kg category despite being injured. In Para judo, J1 is the category for athletes who are blind or almost blind, while J2 is for those with visual impairment. During bouts, J1 judokas are escorted by the referee to the center of the mat at the start of the contest and whenever necessary.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 21, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Deaf Hearing Impaired Imperial Family Japan Podcast

Japan’s Princess Kako calls for greater understanding of hearing loss [Podcast Episode]

Princess Kako on Sunday called for greater understanding of hearing loss at a national welfare convention in Kyoto, expressing hope for a society where everyone can communicate with confidence. At the ceremony, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito, also known as Crown Prince Akishino, said, “I hope everyone can access a wide range of information, communicate their thoughts to one another with peace of mind and live together.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics Sports

6-time Paralympian swimmer Suzuki wins gold at home Asian Para Games

Six-time Paralympian swimmer Takayuki Suzuki was relieved after winning gold in the men’s 50-meter freestyle S4 final at the home Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Monday. Meanwhile, 14-year-old debutant Ryuga Yamada was satisfied after setting a personal best despite finishing seventh in the men’s 200m individual medley SM6 final.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Japan’s Hangai, Kawamoto Clinch Gold at Asian Para Games

Japan’s Shizuka Hangai, 38, and Shota Kawamoto, 30, on Monday clinched Asian Para Games gold in the women’s J1 class 52-kilogram judo event and in the men’s C1-2 class 3,000-meter individual cycling pursuit, respectively. A day after the opening ceremony was held for the quadrennial sporting festival mainly in the central Japan prefecture of Aichi, Hangai added the Asian Para gold to her medal haul after winning silver for the women’s 48 kg judo event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, which was her fourth Paralympics.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics

1st Japan-Hosted Asian Para Games Officially Kick Off

The opening ceremony of the first Japan-hosted Asian Para Games took place at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on Sunday, officially marking the start of the 2026 Games. About 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are scheduled to participate. The Japanese delegation has entered about 280 athletes. At the opening ceremony, Japanese Emperor Naruhito declared the opening of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. The ceremony was also attended by Crown Prince Akishino, the honorary president of the Games, and Crown Princess Kiko.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 19, 2026 1
Deaf Disability Imperial Family Japan Sign Language

Princess Kako calls for greater understanding of hearing loss

Princess Kako on Sunday called for greater understanding of hearing loss at a national welfare convention in Kyoto, expressing hope for a society where everyone can communicate with confidence. At the ceremony, the second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito, also known as Crown Prince Akishino, said, “I hope everyone can access a wide range of information, communicate their thoughts to one another with peace of mind and live together.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 19, 2026 Number of comments0
Care Disability Employment Japan Nursing Care Welfare

Tokyo launches subsidy to help care, disability welfare workers balance jobs and family responsibilities

Eligible small and medium-sized corporations operating nursing care or disability welfare service facilities can receive up to 2.3 million yen per employee for replacement staff costs during childcare or family care leave, depending on the employment period. Additional subsidies are also available for recruitment advertising and workplace improvements.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 17, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Paralympics Sports

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games competitions start ahead of opening ceremony

Sporting action began at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games on Friday, two days before the opening ceremony, as Japan hosts the event for the first time. Japan were beaten 1-0 by China in blind football, while in men’s wheelchair basketball, the host nation defeated China 76-38. Table tennis and badminton also got underway in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan.