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by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 17, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Japan

Japan Panel Warns of Possible COVID-19 Resurgence in Summer

A Japanese health ministry panel of experts said Friday that a certain level of COVID-19 resurgence may occur in the country in summer as the number of new infection cases has been rising since the status of the disease was downgraded in May.
The number of new COVID-19 cases in the week through Sunday grew 1.12 fold from the previous week to 25,163, or 5.11 per hospital, according to a fixed-point survey covering designated hospitals across the country.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 15, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Genetics Japan Medical

Japan Team Identifies Mutations Linked to Brain Aneurysms

A Japanese research team has identified gene mutations involved in the development of brain aneurysms, a discovery that raises hopes for pharmaceutical treatment of the condition.

About 5 pct of Japanese people are said to have brain aneurysms that have not ruptured. But the only treatment available is surgical procedures such as those using vascular catheters and craniotomy, in which part of the skull is temporarily removed.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 15, 2023 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Nagoya Tourism

Wheelchair User Told to “Be Patient” at Public Meeting about ‘Barrier Free’ Access to Nagoya Castle

At the citizens’ debate on June 3rd, where the theme was barrier-free access, a man in a wheelchair expressed his opinion, calling for the installation of an elevator (EV) to the top floor of the castle tower. In response, other participants who were in favor of not requiring EVs used discriminatory expressions that insulted the physically disabled, and countered with comments such as “Be patient” and “You are being too impudent.” This comment was followed by applause from some in the audience.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 14, 2023 Number of comments0
Dementia Disability Japan

Japan’s Upper House passes law to support people with dementia

Japan’s Upper House of the Diet has enacted a bill aimed at providing support for people with dementia to live with dignity. It was unanimously approved on Wednesday.

A study group of the health ministry says the number of people afflicted with the condition in Japan is increasing annually. The group expects the figure to reach around 7 million in 2025.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 12, 2023 Number of comments0
Assassination of Shinzo Abe Crime Japan

Pretrial Hearing for Alleged Abe Killer Cancelled over Suspicious Item

Nara District Court canceled Monday’s pretrial hearing for the suspect of the fatal shooting of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after a suspicious cardboard box arrived at the court in western Japan on the day.

After the box was checked with a metal detector, an official at the court in the city of Nara reported the incident to the police department of Nara Prefecture.

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 June 11, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Japan Technology

Japan making efforts to bridge digital divide between young, elderly

According to a public opinion survey on smartphone usage conducted by the government in 2020, less than 10 percent of those between the age of 18 to 59 responded that they “hardly use” or “do not use” such devices.

In contrast, the percentage of those saying they hardly use their smartphones rose substantially for older generations, standing at 25.7 percent of those aged 60 to 69, and 57.9 percent of those aged 70 and above.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 10, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Transplantation

Japan’s Health Ministry Survey Reveals 543 People Treated in Japan Post-Transplant Overseas

A survey by Japan’s health and welfare ministry shows at least 543 people in the country had received organ transplants overseas, as of the end of March this year.

The ministry conducted the survey following the arrest of the director of an NPO who is accused of brokering overseas organ transplants in February without government permission.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 8, 2023 1
Barrier Free Japan Nagoya Tourism

Nagoya Castle ‘Hate Speech and Barrier Free Debacle’: A Timeline

Nagoya Castle ‘Hate Speech and Barrier Free Debacle’: A Timeline 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. The restoration of Nagoya Castle has been debated since May 2018 when a proposal that the castle be rebuilt without an elevator – or other ‘accommodations’ for people with disabilities – prompting disability rights groups to write to Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura urging him to rethink the restoration plan.