Category: Mental Health

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 26, 2026 Number of comments0
Abuse Disability Japan Mental Health

Saitama received 284 reports of staff abuse at psychiatric hospitals in fiscal 2025

The Saitama Prefectural Government has announced that, in fiscal 2025, it received a total of 284 reports and notifications concerning abuse of people with disabilities by staff at psychiatric hospitals in the prefecture, an increase of nine from the previous fiscal year. Of these, nine cases, two more than the previous year, were officially determined to constitute abuse. According to the announcement on the 21st, six of the nine cases involved physical abuse, three involved psychological abuse, and one involved neglect or abandonment.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 24, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Mental Health Welfare

Japan’s Health Ministry Proposes One-Year Grace Period for People with Mental Disabilities Even if Disability Certificate Is Not Renewed

At a meeting of the Labour Policy Council on the 22nd, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicated that it plans to allow workers with mental disabilities to continue being counted toward a company’s disability employment quota for about one year even if their Mental Disability Health and Welfare Handbook (certificate) is not renewed. The measure is intended to prevent situations in which companies suddenly become unable to meet the legally mandated employment rate because an employee forgot to complete the renewal procedure or chose not to renew the certificate due to an improvement in their condition. On the other hand, disability advocates have raised concerns that the measure could reduce new employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 19, 2026 2
Disability Japan Mental Health Hyogo Police Care

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 April 16, 2026 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Mental Health Podcast

Government Survey Indicates 4.5 Percent in Japan Constantly Feel Lonely [Podcast Episode]

A Japanese government survey in 2025 published on Tuesday 14th April showed that 4.5 pct of respondents in the country often or constantly feel lonely, up 0.2 percentage point from the previous year. The share of people who often or constantly feel lonely was higher in their 30s to 50s. The survey, conducted by the Cabinet Office in December, found that 13.7 pct said they sometimes feel lonely and 19.5 pct said they have lonely feelings once in a while.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 14, 2026 1
Disability Japan Mental Health

Government Survey Indicates 4.5 Percent in Japan Constantly Feel Lonely

A Japanese government survey in 2025 showed Tuesday that 4.5 pct of respondents in the country often or constantly feel lonely, up 0.2 percentage point from the previous year. The share of people who often or constantly feel lonely was higher in their 30s to 50s. The survey, conducted by the Cabinet Office in December, found that 13.7 pct said they sometimes feel lonely and 19.5 pct said they have lonely feelings once in a while.