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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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 16, 2025 1
Abuse Disability Hospitals Japan Mental Health

Following Revision of Mental Health Legislation in 2024, Kobe City Receives 21 Reports, Recognizes 1 Case of Abuse of People with Disabilities at Psychiatric Hospitals

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 15, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Disability Japan Podcast

Bring Out Your Dead on No News Obon! [Podcast Episode]

It’s Obon! Although there is an interesting article about how In June, Japan enacted the Act on the Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language, a law aimed at advancing the acquisition and use of sign language and preserving sign language culture. Building on the 2011 amendment to the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities, which recognized sign language as a language, and the spread of local ordinances such as Kanagawa Prefecture’s 2015 Sign Language Ordinance, the new legislation clarifies the responsibilities of national and local governments. It mandates securing opportunities for learning sign language, training interpreters, enhancing education, and ensuring cultural transmission. The law has prompted municipalities such as Yokohama to strengthen interpreter placement and related services, while deaf advocacy groups are calling for further expansion, particularly the assignment of interpreters to all ward offices.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 14, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaf Deaflympics Japan Para Sports Sports

Deaflympics: Tech innovation to immerse athletes, spectators in sport

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. Sounds such as those made when a ball is hit, or when fans cheer, are translated into onomatopoeic words and displayed at the table tennis venue during the Deaflympics. Monitors near the table display written characters in sync with the decisive moments of a match, offering a more immersive and visually engaging experience for spectators.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 14, 2025 1
Deaf Disability Japan Sign Language

Deaf Advocacy Groups in Japan Hopes New Law Leads to Expanded Support

In June, Japan enacted the Act on the Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language, a law aimed at advancing the acquisition and use of sign language and preserving sign language culture. Building on the 2011 amendment to the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities, which recognized sign language as a language, and the spread of local ordinances such as Kanagawa Prefecture’s 2015 Sign Language Ordinance, the new legislation clarifies the responsibilities of national and local governments. It mandates securing opportunities for learning sign language, training interpreters, enhancing education, and ensuring cultural transmission. The law has prompted municipalities such as Yokohama to strengthen interpreter placement and related services, while deaf advocacy groups are calling for further expansion, particularly the assignment of interpreters to all ward offices.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 13, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Japan Kyushu Podcast Travel Unmanned Stations

23,000 Sign Petition Demanding Safety Reforms After Death of Blind Woman at JR Tsukumi Station [Podcast Episode]

A disability rights group has submitted over 23,000 signatures to JR Kyushu, urging an investigation and stronger safety measures following the death of a visually impaired woman at Tsukumi Station in Ōita Prefecture three years ago. The woman was struck by a limited express train during unstaffed hours in December 2022. The group, comprising people with visual and physical disabilities, also delivered a written statement reflecting concerns from visually impaired passengers. During a meeting at JR Kyushu’s Ōita branch, members called for clear rescue protocols for falls from platforms. Co-representative lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda urged JR to take the voices of disabled passengers seriously.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 12, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Kyushu Travel Unmanned Stations

Visually Impaired Plaintiffs Oppose JR Kyushu’s Unstaffed Stations After Blind Woman’s Death

A lawsuit challenging JR Kyushu’s move to make stations in Oita Prefecture unstaffed has intensified after plaintiffs, including people with disabilities, criticized the company for failing to fully investigate the 2022 death of a visually impaired elderly woman hit by a train at Tsukumi Station. At a briefing on August 11, they argued that unstaffing compromises passenger safety, with supporters submitting a petition of more than 23,000 signatures calling for stronger safety measures. JR Kyushu maintains that operational decisions are influenced by profitability, but plaintiffs insist that preventing passenger deaths must remain the railway’s foremost priority.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 11, 2025 Number of comments0
Disasters Japan

(Update) Heavy Rain Emergency Warning Briefly Issued for Parts of Kumamoto

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a heavy rain emergency warning to parts of Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, temporarily on Monday, calling on residents to secure their safety immediately.The agency first issued the warning to the city of Tamana and the town of Nagasu at 12:20 a.m. and later expanded it to include the cities of Yatsushiro, Uki, Kamiamakusa and Amakusa and the town of Hikawa.The emergency warning was downgraded to a heavy rain warning for all areas at 3:45 p.m. after the intensity of the rain waned.