Category: Podcast

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 12, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Crime Disability Japan Podcast

Shiga care worker for disabled arrested with knife will not be prosecuted [Podcast Episode]

The Hikone branch of the Otsu District Public Prosecutors Office announced on the 10th that it has decided not to indict a 70-year-old male care worker from Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. The man had been arrested on suspicion of preparation for murder and violation of the Firearms and Swords Control Act after allegedly hiding a kitchen knife at the welfare facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, where he worked, with the intent to kill a 44-year-old resident. The prosecutors did not disclose the reason for their decision.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 10, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Employment Japan Podcast Welfare

Osaka Firm Suspected of Tens of Billions in Improper Disability Work Subsidies [Podcast Episode]

A welfare-related company based in Osaka City is suspected of having improperly received tens of billions of yen in disability employment support subsidies (payments) since fiscal 2024, city officials revealed on November 5. The company allegedly exploited a system that increases subsidy amounts based on the number of disabled workers who find employment in regular companies. Osaka City has launched an audit under the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act and is considering demanding repayment.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 5, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Japan Podcast

Shiga Care Facility Worker Suspected of Abusing Disabled Residents, 15 Possible Victims, Says He “Couldn’t Control His Frustration” [Podcast Episode]

A 43-year-old care worker at a facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture, has been arrested for indecent assault and is suspected of abusing 15 residents in total, the facility’s operator said Thursday. According to the social welfare corporation Gamounokai, which runs the Akane support facility, the worker admitted to acts including pinching, headbutting, and hiding stuffed toys from residents between April last year and August this year, saying he “couldn’t control [his] irritation.” All additional victims were men with disabilities, though no injuries were reported. The corporation has apologized to residents and families, and pledged measures such as stricter staff supervision and the installation of monitoring cameras to prevent further abuse.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 3, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Discrimination Housing Japan Podcast

Tokyo couple denied housing after disabilities revealed [Podcast Episode] 

A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access. The couple then realized the company’s decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 31, 2025 Number of comments0
Cults Japan Podcast

Warning about cult groups solicitation activities on university campuses in Japan [Podcast Episode]

These groups cleverly approach university students, both on and off campus, using topics that interest them (social contribution, job hunting, international exchange, etc.), and subtly manipulate them through mind control, drawing them into their activities. Students may be forced to purchase expensive goods, separated from their families and friends, and have their student lives ruined.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 29, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Gaming Japan Podcast Technology

Japanese Gaming Industry Moves to Improve Accessibility [Podcast Episode]

The Japanese gaming industry is working to improve video game accessibility by developing equipment and systems that allow people with disabilities affecting their hands to play by using other parts of their body, such as their cheeks, feet and eyes. There were people playing games without using their hands at an area dedicated to accessibility at the Tokyo Game Show in the city of Chiba in September. Such an area was set up at the show for the first time.