Tennis: Japan’s Tokito Oda fights back to win 2nd Wimbledon wheelchair crown
Japan’s Tokito Oda won his second Wimbledon wheelchair tennis title in three years, coming from a set down to beat Britain’s Alfie Hewett on Sunday.
Category: Japan
Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign
Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric — often lacking a factual basis — gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.
The Japan Federation of Bar Associations Calls for Review of Disability Certification Standards [Podcast Episode]
In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that “one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities.” They called for “immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”
Sumo wrestler-sized wheelchair deployed ahead of Nagoya tournament
With the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament set to open Sunday, a medical center near the competition venue has taken possession of a heavy-duty wheelchair built to transport the sport’s heftiest wrestlers. The chair, designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 300 kilograms, was presented Friday to the medical center affiliated with Nagoya City University Medical School. The facility is located a short distance from the newly built IG Arena, where the 15-day tournament will run through July 27. It will also be on hand for use at next year’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
“Standards far removed from the real life of people with disabilities”: Japan’s Lawyers Call for Review of Disability Certification Standards
In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that “one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities.” They called for “immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”
Sanseito’s Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity’ Laws [Podcast Episode]
During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy’s intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don’t save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honours patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions.
Sanseito’s Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity’ Legislation
During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy’s intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don’t save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honors patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions.
Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Party [Podcast Episode]
It was somewhat unexpected when Barrier Free Japan, a foreign resident in Kobe was handed a leaflet by one of Japan’s more recently established and increasingly vocal political parties: Sanseito (参政党). Bright orange and emblazoned with the slogan “Don’t destroy Japan any further” (これ以上、日本を壊すな), the leaflet’s assertive tone immediately stood out. It promotes a platform built around the phrase “Japanese People First” (日本人ファースト), and outlines what the party calls its “three pillars” and “nine policies.”
Over 10,000 People Sent to Hospital in Japan due to Heatstroke Last Week
A total of 10,048 people were taken to hospital with heatstroke in Japan in the week through Sunday, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said in a preliminary report Tuesday.
Foreigners May Have to Pay Lump Sum for Health Insurance in Some Parts of Japan
Foreign residents may soon have to pay their national health insurance premiums up front in some areas, according to a plan by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. The move is meant to keep foreign residents from dodging medical fees. As of the end of 2024, foreigners were only paying their insurance premiums 63% of the time, well below the 93% figure for all residents of Japan, both Japanese and foreign nationals, according to a survey by the ministry of 150 municipalities.
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