Category: Podcast

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 5, 2025 Number of comments0
Assassination of Shinzo Abe Crime Japan Mental Health Podcast

Shinzo Abe Shooting Trial: Defendant Explains Motive, Akie Abe Attends Hearing [Podcast Episode]

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, accused of killing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, continued this week at the Nara District Court with detailed testimony about the defendant’s motives and a courtroom appearance by Abe’s widow, Akie. Yamagami, 45, told judges and lay judges that he targeted Abe because he believed the former leader sat “at the center” of ties between politics and the Unification Church, saying his “hatred and hostility” developed gradually and that attacking any other politician would have carried “weak significance.” 

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 3, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Tokyo

Tokyo Annual ‘Disability Week’ to be Held December 3rd to 9th [Podcast Episode]

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on December 1st that it will hold its annual ‘Disability Week’ from December 3rd to 9th. The aim of ‘Disability Week’ is to deepen public interest and understanding of disability welfare and to encourage people with disabilities to actively participate in all areas of social, economic, and cultural activities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 1, 2025 Number of comments0
developmental disabilities Disability Education Japan Podcast

University students with developmental disabilities increase in Japan [Podcast Episode]

The number of university students with developmental disabilities in Japan is on the rise, with their conditions often identified at a late stage through challenges in their social lives. According to a survey by the Japan Student Services Organization, 14,666 students with developmental disabilities were enrolled in universities, junior colleges and technical colleges in the 2024 academic year, approximately five times the number from 10 years ago.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Deaflympics Japan Para Sports Podcast Sports

Japan’s Women Win Basketball, Volleyball Gold As Tokyo Deaflympics Ends [Podcast Episode]

As the Tokyo Deaflympics nears its conclusion, the Japanese women’s basketball and volleyball teams won gold medals at the Tokyo Deaflympics on Tuesday. Japan narrowly beat the United States 65-64 in the women’s basketball final, and trumped Turkey to win their first women’s volleyball gold in two Deaflympics.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Deaflympics Disability Imperial Family Japan Para Sports Podcast Sports

Record 31 Medals for Japan at Tokyo Deaflympics; Crown Princess Kiko and Hisahito Attend Event [Podcast Episode]

Japan’s medal count at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics rose to a record 31 on Sunday, surpassing the country’s previous best from 2022, after athletes secured new medals in karate, swimming and athletics. Crown Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito visited Izu Oshima to watch the men’s orienteering relay, with the prince encouraging athletes in sign language, and later toured a local farm products shop.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 21, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Deaflympics Disability Japan Para Sports Podcast Sports

Japan Picks Up Five Judo Bronzes, Gold in Men’s 400-metres at Tokyo Deaflympics [Podcast Episode]

Japan’s first judo podium came on Nov. 14, when Kazuma Gamo secured bronze in the men’s 73-kilogram division. The remaining medals followed on Nov. 17, with Yuto Fukasawa taking bronze in the men’s 81-kg class, Mizuki Mizutare in the men’s 90-kg, and Tomoki Takahashi in the men’s 100-kg. In the women’s events, Akira Kinugawa added another bronze in the 70-kg category.

Maki Yamada won the men’s 400-meter race at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics on Wednesday, earning Japan its first gold medal at the ongoing event.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 19, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Discrimination Housing Intellectual disabilities Japan Podcast

Osaka Woman With Intellectual Disability Refused UR Housing, Raising Rights Questions [Podcast Episode]

A 60-year-old woman with an intellectual disability in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, was denied a UR rental apartment despite having spent more than a year preparing to live independently with support from a local nonprofit, prompting concerns that the agency’s requirement for a co-resident family member constitutes discriminatory treatment.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 17, 2025 Number of comments0
Crime Deaf Deaflympics Dementia Japan Podcast

Ex-Policeman Nabbed over Defrauding Person with Dementia, Tokyo Deaflympics Begins [Podcast Episode]

The former officer, Masato Takeuchi, and another suspect arrested over the case, 55-year-old company employee Hiromi Ishichi, are apparently denying the allegations. The Deaflympics officially opened Saturday in Tokyo, marking the first time Japan has hosted the international sporting event for the deaf or hard of hearing.