Category: Japan

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 7, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Infectious Diseases Influenza Japan Podcast

A podcast of early flu seasons and weak typhoons [Podcast Episode]

Japan has entered the influenza season, the health ministry said on Friday 28th August, marking the second earliest start since 1999, when the infectious disease control law went into force. In the week to Sunday, the number of flu patients reported by some 3,000 designated medical institutions across the country stood at 1.11 per institution. A reading of 1 or higher suggests that flu season has begun. The earliest start of flu season was recorded in 2009, about a week earlier than the ongoing season, excluding 2023, when the outbreak continued yearlong.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 6, 2026 1
Disability Japan Sex

A Care Worker’s Mission to Address Sexuality and Disability in Japan

After witnessing the deeply impersonal way sexual needs were addressed for some people with severe disabilities, care worker Hana became determined to challenge the stigma surrounding disability and sexuality. In 2021, after gaining firsthand experience in Japan’s adult-services industry, she launched a mobile service specifically for people with disabilities. Her story offers a rare look at the practical, emotional and social barriers faced by disabled people seeking intimacy, while also raising difficult questions about dignity, choice, consent and access to sexual services.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 5, 2026 Number of comments0
Crime Disability Elderly Japan

Elderly Taxi Driver Found Guilty over Fatal Hit-and-Run in Tokyo

“It was irresponsible to leave and run away when he could have predicted the risk of collision with the following car,” Judge Yuko Ito of Tokyo District Court said. “The degree of accusation is high considering that he was a professional driver.” Ito added that the accused fault was not serious because he had turned the steering wheel after seeing the victim about 30 meters before the collision.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 4, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Disasters Earthquake Elderly Japan Podcast

Support Center Launched to Help People with Disabilities Affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake Unable to Speak Up [Podcast Episode]

In the aftermath of the Kumamoto Earthquake, a new support center is working to reach people with disabilities who have been left without assistance and are unable to speak up for themselves. With many still isolated in their homes and surrounded by the destruction, local and national support organizations are joining forces to identify those in need and deliver help where government support has yet to reach.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 3, 2026 1
Disability Japan Disasters Kumamoto Earthquake

Support Center Launched to Help People with Disabilities Affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake Unable to Speak Up

In the aftermath of the Kumamoto Earthquake, a new support center is working to reach people with disabilities who have been left without assistance and are unable to speak up for themselves. With many still isolated in their homes and surrounded by the destruction, local and national support organizations are joining forces to identify those in need and deliver help where government support has yet to reach.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 2, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast

“Disability Employment Businesses” in Japan to Face Regulation Following Inappropriate Practices; Health Ministry to Require Registration [Podcast Episode]

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on August 31st that it plans to introduce regulations, including mandatory notification requirements, for businesses that provide workplaces for people with disabilities to be employed by companies. The move comes after reports of inappropriate practices, including businesses effectively leaving the management of disabled employees entirely to outside operator.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 1, 2026 1
Disability Employment Japan

“Disability Employment Businesses” in Japan to Face Regulation Following Inappropriate Practices; Health Ministry to Require Registration

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 31st that it plans to introduce regulations, including mandatory notification requirements, for businesses that provide workplaces for people with disabilities to be employed by companies. The move comes after reports of inappropriate practices, including businesses effectively leaving the management of disabled employees entirely to outside operators.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 1, 2026 1
Infectious Diseases Influenza Japan Medical

Japan Enters Flu Season, Marking 2nd Earliest Start

Japan has entered the influenza season, the health ministry said on Friday 28th August, marking the second earliest start since 1999, when the infectious disease control law went into force. 
   In the week to Sunday, the number of flu patients reported by some 3,000 designated medical institutions across the country stood at 1.11 per institution. A reading of 1 or higher suggests that flu season has begun.
 The earliest start of flu season was recorded in 2009, about a week earlier than the ongoing season, excluding 2023, when the outbreak continued yearlong.