Latest Posts

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 28, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability HIV Infectious Diseases Japan

New HIV Infections, AIDS Patients in Japan Up for 2nd Year

Japan confirmed 994 new cases of HIV infection and AIDS in 2024, up 34 from the previous year and marking the second consecutive annual increase, the health ministry said Friday. The tally included 662 new HIV carriers, down seven, and 332 new AIDS patients, up 41. Sexual contact remained the leading transmission route, with 417 HIV and 170 AIDS cases. By age, people in their 30s accounted for the most HIV infections at 210, followed by those in their 20s at 208, while among AIDS patients, those 50 and older made up the largest group with 106 cases, followed by people in their 40s with 85.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 27, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Travel Wheelchair

From October 1, JR East to Begin Crew-Assisted Ramp Service on the Jōetsu, Shin’etsu, and Agatsuma Lines

Crew-assisted ramp services have been in place since 2022 at certain stations operated by JR Kyushu, JR East, JR Central, JR West, and JR Shikoku. Within JR East, they are already available at selected stations on the Ōme Line, Sōbu Main Line, Narita Line, Sotobō Line, Uchibō Line, Kururi Line, Sagami Line, Ryōmō Line, and Echigo Line. DPI Japan encourages wheelchair users living along these lines to try the service and share your feedback.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Disability Japan Sign Language

Hokkaido Deaf Students Denied Classes in Japanese Sign Language Take Case to Supreme Court

Two deaf students have appealed to Japan’s Supreme Court after lower courts rejected their claim that being denied classes in Japanese Sign Language violated their right to education. The pair are seeking 11 million yen in damages from the Hokkaidō government, a case their lawyer called a test of basic human rights protections for people with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 25, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Health Heatstroke Hospitals Japan

Japan sets new record for heat-related ambulance transport incidents

Japan set a new record for ambulance transports due to heat-related illness this summer, the government said Wednesday, surpassing last year’s figure amid unprecedented heat waves and an unusually early end to the rainy season. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said in preliminary data that 99,573 people across Japan were taken to hospitals for heat-related illness between May 1 and Sunday.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 24, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Crime Disability Japan

Death Penalty Sought for Man over Quadruple Murder in Nagano

Public prosecutors Wednesday sought the death penalty for Masanori Aoki, 34, who has been accused of murdering four people in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, in May 2023. 
   Aoki has been indicted on charges of fatally stabbing two local women and killing two police officers with a knife and a hunting gun in the city of Nakano on the evening of May 25, 2023.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 24, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Para Sports Sports

“Photo-Stimulation Start” Used for the First Time at Track and Field Meet for People with Disabilities in Fukuoka

Held at Fukuoka City’s Hakatanomori Athletic Stadium on September 23rd, approximately 300 athletes aged 12 to 79, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities, competed. Athletes were divided into 15 events based on their disability, including the 50-meter sprint, 1500-meter sprint, long jump, and shot put, and attempted to break their personal records. For the first time, a “photo-stimulation start” system was introduced in a competition for hearing-impaired athletes, using light to signal the start.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 24, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

124 Previously Denied Disability Pension Claims Approved, Japan’s Health Ministry to Continue Review and Publish Monthly Updates [Podcast Episode]

In response to the higher rate of disability pension denials last fiscal year compared to the year before, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted a detailed review of over 2,800 claims that had been denied between April and July last year. As a result, 124 of these cases were re-evaluated and will now be approved for payment. The ministry has announced it will continue to investigate recognition decisions and publish monthly updates on the progress.