Category: Podcast

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 27, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Human Rights Japan Korea Podcast

South Korean Disability Activist Park Kyung-Seok Deported at Narita [Podcast Episode]

On November 22nd, a Korean disability activist Park Kyung-Seok was deported from Japan after seven hours at Narita Airport, along with his two caregivers. The reason given for Park’s deportation was that in South Korea he has received a suspended sentence for violation of the Assemblies and Demonstrations Act in 2012 for attending an illegal demonstration in South Korea and that under Article 5, paragraph 1, paragraph 4 of the Japanese Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Park could be deported. However, Park had been allowed to enter Japan in 2016 and in May of this year, at the invitation of Amnesty International, according to Daisaku Seto of the ‘Anti-Poverty Network’.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 22, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Film Japan Podcast

Niigata Civic Group Produces Film About People with Disabilities「Voice～あなたの声がききたい～」[Podcast Episode]

A civic group and university students in Higashi Ward, Niigata City, produced a short film “Voice ~ I want to hear your voice ~”. A person involved said, “We hope that this will be an opportunity for people to learn about the real daily life of living together with people with disabilities.” The film collects candid opinions about the image of people with disabilities and asks the question, “What is a disability? The film asks the question, “What is disability? The filmmakers hope that the audience will learn about the real daily lives of people with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 18, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Eugenics Forced Sterilization Japan Podcast

Last Remaining Forced Sterilization Lawsuit in Japan Settled [Podcast Episode]

A settlement was reached on Friday 15th November at the Nagoya High Court in central Japan in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law, ending a series of similar lawsuits in the country, according to the defense lawyers. The Nagoya lawsuit was filed by Keiko Onoue, 74, and her husband, Kazutaka, 77, against the Japanese government. The settlement terms are based on an agreement reached between the two sides in September. Speaking at a press conference after the settlement was reached, Keiko Onoue said “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with…Now that a new relief law has been created, I hope more victims can come forward.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 11, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Japan Kyoto Podcast

JR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – There is Hope! [Podcast Episode]

The saga of Barrier Free Japan versus JR Kyoto Station’s toilet ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ continues…Back in December 2023, Barrier Free Japan wrote about they often leave Kyoto by JR Kyoto Station and noted that one of JR Kyoto Station’s ‘accessible toilets’ had been ‘out of order’ or ‘unavailable for use’ for weeks. Barrier Free Japan reported on October 31st 2024 that almost over one year later, it remained ‘out of order.’ On Friday 8th November 2024, Barrier Free Japan observed an ‘accessible toilet’ which was ‘un-taped off!’

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 8, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan Podcast

Over Half of Companies in Toyama Prefecture Employ No People with Disabilities [Podcast Episode]

Companies in Japan of a certain size are required by law to employ people with disabilities, according to the ‘Act on Promotion of Employment of People with Disabilities’. Companies with 40 or more employees in Japan are required by law to employ at least one person with a disability. According to the Toyama Labor Bureau, over half of the companies that meet that certain size have not employed a single person, so-called zero-employment companies.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 6, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free developmental disabilities Disability Education Japan Podcast

Tokyo Ward Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental Disabilities [Podcast Episode]

A national subsidy system has been launched for “five-year-old health checkups” conducted by local governments. The main aim is to detect developmental disorders early before entering elementary school and connect them to support through medical care, welfare. The results of the checkups are thought to have a bearing on each individual’s schooling.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 4, 2024 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast

Violinist with Cerebral Palsy to Perform in Shinagawa During Disabled Persons Week [Podcast Episode]

December 3rd to December 9th every year is Disability Week. The Disabled Persons Week was established by the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities to promote interest and understanding of welfare of persons with disabilities among the public at large, and to promote active participation of persons with disabilities in activities in all fields. Shikimachi Mizuki, a violinist who has cerebral palsy will perform a piece composed for the event, “Barrier-free Heart: Healing Tones”.