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by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 7, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan

People with Disabilities and Local Residents Connect at “Fureai” Exchange Event in Nishinomiya, Hyogo for 20th Year

The Fureai Network Festival in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo, brought together people with disabilities and local residents for its 20th annual event on October 5. Organized by the nonprofit Nishinomiya Fureai Network, the festival featured 16 organizations running booths where participants sold handmade goods and hosted workshops, including leathercraft. The event provided an opportunity for people with disabilities working at local facilities to engage with the wider community, with organizers highlighting its importance in fostering social connection and inclusion.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 6, 2025 1
Elderly Housing Japan

Japan’s Empty Homes Targeted for Subsidy Program, as Rise in Elderly Households Threatens Wave of Vacancies

A model project is set to launch next fiscal year that will provide subsidies to keep homes from sitting vacant, it has been learned. This will be run by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. The project will target residential areas in major cities and neighboring areas and transform properties — including those about to be vacated by elderly people — into residences and community facilities suitable for families with children. The number of neglected vacant homes is increasing year by year, according to the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. In 2023, a record high 3.85 million units fell into this category.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 6, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Japan Shinkansen Travel

Japan’s new high-speed maglev trains to have non-reclining seats

Trains on Japan’s new high-speed maglev line to run between Tokyo and Nagoya will offer only non-reclining seats to maximize passenger leg and luggage space, Central Japan Railway Co. officials said recently. The train operator decided that seat backs fixed at 15 degrees would not compromise passenger comfort as the 40-minute travel time on the under-construction Linear Chuo Shinkansen line, to link Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station and Nagoya Station in central Japan, will be less than half what it takes existing bullet trains to make the journey.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 6, 2025 Number of comments0
Japan Podcast Politics Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi Becomes New LDP Leader, Likely To Be Japan’s First Female Prime Minister [Podcast Episode]

Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday 4th October, paving the way for her to become the nation’s next prime minister and Japan’s first female prime minister. At her first press conference, Takaichi vowed to form an inclusive leadership team, drawing on members from all generations, including her four rivals in the LDP race. Takaichi is expected to finalize executive appointments within the coming week.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 6, 2025 Number of comments0
Crime Japan Johnny & Associates

Member of Boy Band “Ae! Group” Arrested on Public Indecency Charge

Tokyo police have arrested Keita Richard Kusama, a 29-year-old member of boy band “Ae! Group” on a public indecency charge. Kusama is suspected of exposing his lower body around the entrance of a building in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward at around 5:40 a.m. on Saturday. He is believed to have been drunk at the time.  Ae! Group is a five-member idol group managed by Starto Entertainment Inc., which manages performers who belonged to now-defunct Johnny & Associates Inc.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 5, 2025 1
Japan Politics Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi Becomes New LDP Leader, Promises Economic Relief and Party Unity

Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday, paving the way for her to become the nation’s next prime minister. She pledged to address rising prices and said she would not rule out a consumption tax cut, while also exploring a refundable tax credit system. At her first press conference, Takaichi vowed to form an inclusive leadership team, drawing on members from all generations, including her four rivals in the LDP race. She also signaled she would not exclude lawmakers linked to a recent political funds scandal from key posts, stating it would not affect her personnel decisions. Outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged party unity, calling for “solidarity and tolerance” amid global instability. Speaking after the leadership vote, Ishiba refrained from disclosing whom he supported but expressed hope that Takaichi would lead Japan in the “right direction.” Takaichi is expected to finalize executive appointments within the coming week.