McDonald’s Japan to stop using paper straws from November 19th 2025
The fast-food chain said it will begin introducing a new lid design that eliminates the need for straws, starting Nov. 19, replacing the paper straws introduced in 2022.
Category: Japan
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.
Tokyo couple denied housing after disabilities revealed [Podcast Episode]
A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access. The couple then realized the company’s decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities.
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.
Care Facility Worker Suspected of Abusing Disabled Residents, 15 Possible Victims, Says He “Couldn’t Control His Frustration”
A 43-year-old care worker at a facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture, has been arrested for indecent assault and is suspected of abusing 15 residents in total, the facility’s operator said Thursday. According to the social welfare corporation Gamounokai, which runs the Akane support facility, the worker admitted to acts including pinching, headbutting, and hiding stuffed toys from residents between April last year and August this year, saying he “couldn’t control [his] irritation.” All additional victims were men with disabilities, though no injuries were reported. The corporation has apologized to residents and families, and pledged measures such as stricter staff supervision and the installation of monitoring cameras to prevent further abuse.
Japan’s eugenics law victim shares story on world stage
Saburo Kita was labeled a delinquent as a child and sterilized at age 14. He was told the procedure was simply “to remove the bad part.” After the surgery, he discovered he would never be able to have children.
Warning about cult groups solicitation activities on university campuses in Japan [Podcast Episode]
These groups cleverly approach university students, both on and off campus, using topics that interest them (social contribution, job hunting, international exchange, etc.), and subtly manipulate them through mind control, drawing them into their activities. Students may be forced to purchase expensive goods, separated from their families and friends, and have their student lives ruined.
Tokyo couple denied housing after disabilities revealed
A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access.
The couple then realized the company’s decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities.
Japan Lawmaker Sato Testifies at Abe Shooter Trial
Japanese lawmaker Kei Sato, who was at the scene of the shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the western Japan city of Nara in 2022, appeared in the trial of the suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, as a witness Wednesday, expressing his resentment and grief over the fatal attack. “At that time, I was there with mixed feelings of anger and sadness, while crying,” Sato, 46, a member of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, said during the second hearing of the trial at Nara District Court.
(Update) Abe Shooter Yamagami Pleads Guilty to Murder
Tetsuya Yamagami, who is charged with murdering former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the western Japan city of Nara about three years ago, pleaded guilty at the first hearing of his trial at Nara District Court on Tuesday. The 45-year-old defendant said that the charges against him were “all true.” Meanwhile, the defense contested the charge of firing a weapon in violation of the firearms and swords control law, arguing that the homemade gun he used in the attack was not covered by the law.
Barrier Free Japan 