Category: Podcast

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 30, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: “The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Disabilities”: Book Explaining Legal Terms and Issues Published in Japan

In an effort to make people with disabilities aware of the reality of their situation, the Japan Council on Disability (Tokyo) has published an encyclopedia that explains issues such as “support for children with disabilities” and “disasters and people with disabilities” in addition to laws and terminology. The encyclopedia was written not only by academics, but also by people with disabilities and their supporters to reflect their perspectives on the frontlines.


by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 27, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Sagamihara

Disability News Japan Podcast: First Memorial Speech by a Resident of ‘Sagamihara Massacre’ Care Facility Given by Yukari Okutsu on Seven Year Anniversary of Killings

Yukari Okutsu (54), who has lived in the facility since before the attack, told the gathering at the ceremony that she tries to ease the anxiety of her fellow residents by talking to them when they are in trouble. She went on to say, “My 19 friends, please continue watching over us from heaven.” Okutsu gave the first memorial speech by a resident of the facility.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 22, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Writing

Disability News Japan Podcast: Sao Ichikawa, A Woman with a Disability, Wins Japan’s Prestigious Literary Prize

Sao Ichikawa, the winner of the Akutagawa Prize, is a 43-year-old resident of Kanagawa Prefecture.

She was diagnosed with congenital myopathy, a muscle disease, one of the most intractable diseases, when she was 10 years old, began using a ventilator at the age of 14, uses an electric wheelchair for transportation, and writes using a tablet device.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 12, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Nagoya Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: Nagoya Mayor apologizes for Discriminatory Remarks by Participants Toward the Disabled in ‘Barrier-Free Castle debate’

At a public debate held on June 3rd regarding barrier-free measures when restoring the wooden castle tower of Nagoya Castle, some participants said that an elevator that can go up to the top floor, which groups for the disabled and others are calling for, is unnecessary. Some were claiming that this was a discriminatory remark that made fun of people with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 2, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Wheelchair

Disability News Japan Podcast: Hiroshima Mazda Car Dealer’s TikTok Video Imitating Wheelchair Users Causes Firestorm Online

A spokesperson for Hiroshima Mazda said, “We recognize that the thoroughness of our employee training up to now has not been sufficient. Although we did not intend to do so, we have made thorough efforts to understand how the other side will perceive us, both when we joined the company and during subsequent training. I think we have to go forward,” he said.