Category: Podcast

Disability Eugenics Forced Sterilization Japan Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: Twenty-Six Prefectures in Japan ‘blacked out’ Information on Former Eugenic Protection Law Victims

In response to a Japanese Diet investigation into the issue of forced sterilization of persons with disabilities under the former Eugenic Protection Law (1948-96), 26 prefectures submitted ‘blacked out’ documents to the Japanese Diet, according to an interview with the Research Bureau of the House of Representatives and local governments.

Abuse Care Disability Intellectual disabilities Japan Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: ‘Administrative Sanctions’ for Nagasaki Care Facility Over Abuse of Disabled Users

It was discovered that a facility for persons with disabilities in Sasebo City was abused by its staff, and the city imposed an administrative sanction to suspend acceptance of new users for one year.

This facility is used by people with intellectual disabilities and people with physical disabilities, and according to Sasebo City, 5 cases of physical abuse and 1 case of psychological abuse were confirmed in 2022.

In fiscal 2015, the facility had also used inappropriate physical restraints, and the prefecture recommended improvements.

Care Disability Japan Podcast

Disability News Japan Podcast: Between Typhoon Days & Disabled Resident of Hokkaido Facility Injured After Falling Out of 2nd Floor Window

At a support facility for the disabled in Betsukai, East Hokkaido, a male resident who was locked in a second-floor room by a male staff member fell out of a window and sustained injuries. The Hokkaido Prefectural Government is conducting interviews with the staff to investigate the possibility that the incident may have been an act of abuse.

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.

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.

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.