Category: Podcast

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 8, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: Typhoon and a Lack of “special consideration” for Employees with Children with Disabilities in Japan

A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found on August 6th that 81.7% of companies answered that they “do not give special consideration” even if their employees have children with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities tend to take time off from work to go to hospitals or accompany them, and often have no choice but to give up their careers. The government’s study group is asking companies to provide support that respects the wishes of their employees.

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

Disability News Japan Podcast: Shinya Tateiwa, Japanese Disability Studies Scholar Dies Aged 62

Shinya Tateiwa, a sociologist and professor at Ritsumeikan University, who was known for his essays on the disabled and euthanasia, including a critique of the murder case at a facility for people with disabilities in Sagamihara, passed away at 1:33 p.m. on July 31 at a hospital in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City due to a malignant lymphoma. He was 62 years old.

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.