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by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 22, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast

Games with people with disabilities in Japan; both technological and abusive [Podcast Episode]

There are two types of ‘game’ for people with disabilities in Japan being played here. On the one hand, digital technology is set to play an exciting role at the Tokyo Deaflympics in November, with organizers aiming to create an immersive experience that engages athletes and spectators with hearing impairments; and on the hand, an after-school day service facility for children with disabilities in Hiroshima City has been penalized after staff, including the operator’s representative, were found to routinely use wrestling moves, shouting, and hitting as a supposed form of “communication” with children, behaviour described by a former employee as a daily occurrence and treated as “part of a game.” Hiroshima City has suspended the operator Watanohana for three months.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 21, 2025 Number of comments0
Japan Typhoon

Typhoon Lingling Makes Landfall in Kagoshima

Typhoon Lingling, the 12th typhoon of the year, made landfall near the city of Hioki, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, at around 5 p.m. Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. 
   The typhoon, which developed from a tropical depression at 9 a.m. the same day, had a central atmospheric pressure of 1,002 hectopascals as of 4 p.m. It is expected to move into neighboring Miyazaki Prefecture before weakening back into a tropical depression by Friday afternoon.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 21, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Children Disability Japan

Abuse was “part of a game” at Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Facing Administrative Action

An after-school day service facility for children with disabilities in Hiroshima City has been penalized after staff, including the operator’s representative, were found to routinely use wrestling moves, shouting, and hitting as a supposed form of “communication” with children—behavior described by a former employee as a daily occurrence and treated as “part of a game.” Hiroshima City has suspended the operator Watanohana for three months.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 21, 2025 2
Care Disability Elderly Japan

73-Year-Old Woman Dies After Bear Attack on Grounds of Akita Prefecture Facility for the Disabled

A 73-year-old woman, a resident of a facility for the disabled in Kitaakita City, who was attacked by a bear late last month, passed away on the 20th. According to police, the cause of death was injuries to her head and face sustained during the attack and the deceased’s name was Hideko Miura (73). According to Akita Prefecture, this is the first time this year that someone has died in a bear attack in the prefecture.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 20, 2025 Number of comments0
Expo 2025 Japan Osaka Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Travel

Osaka Expo Organizer Aims to Prevent Recurrence of Train Issue

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition is tackling transportation challenges after a service suspension on Osaka Metro Co.’s Chuo Line stranded visitors at the site last week. On Monday, the association admitted that information sharing about the incident was insufficient, vowing to improve its handling of such cases.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 20, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Health Heatstroke Japan

Tokyo considers reducing burden on air conditioner purchases as elderly and disabled households suffer from heatstroke

In light of the recent spate of indoor heatstroke cases due to the record-breaking heatwave, it was learned on the 18th that Tokyo has decided to implement measures to reduce the financial burden on elderly and disabled households who purchase energy-efficient air conditioners. On the same day, four Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly factions each submitted requests to Governor Koike Yuriko as part of their heat countermeasures.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 20, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Children Disability Japan Podcast

Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Faces ‘Administrative Action’ After Abuse Discovered [Podcast Episode]

In Hiroshima City, at a support facility that takes care of children with disabilities, abuse such as hitting a child on the buttocks was found to have occurred. In addition, improper receipt of benefit payments was confirmed. As a result, the city has taken administrative action, including revoking the operator’s authorization.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 19, 2025 2
Abuse Care Children Disability Japan

After Cases of Abuse are Discovered, Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Faces Administrative Action

In Hiroshima City, at a support facility that takes care of children with disabilities, abuse such as hitting a child on the buttocks was found to have occurred. In addition, improper receipt of benefit payments was confirmed. As a result, the city has taken administrative action, including revoking the operator’s authorization.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Disability Hospitals Japan Mental Health Podcast

Kobe City receives total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, only 1 recognized [Podcast Episode]

Kobe City announced on August 14th, that in fiscal year 2024, it received a total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, and recognized one of them as a case of abuse. Following the revision of the Mental Health and Welfare Act, from fiscal year 2024 onward, prefectures and government-designated cities are required to publicly disclose the status of abuse occurring at psychiatric hospitals.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 17, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Entertainment Japan

Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs considers tax cuts for barrier-free cinema renovations

The Agency for Cultural Affairs has begun considering reducing property taxes and other taxes for private movie theater owners who renovate their facilities to make them more accessible for people with disabilities. The aim is to create an environment where people with and without disabilities can enjoy cultural and artistic activities. The agency plans to include this in its request for tax reform in fiscal 2026, jointly with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Recognition of reasonable accommodation remains stagnant: 60% of people with disabilities are unaware that it should become mandatory.