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by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 27, 2025 Number of comments0
Cancer Health Japan

Japan Panel Calls for Consolidating Cancer Care Provision

A health ministry panel of experts on Friday called for consolidating surgeries and radiotherapies for cancer treatment, citing such reasons as the dwindling number of surgeons in Japan. Shortages of surgeons are expected to accelerate toward 2040, according to the proposals. Radiotherapy devices are expensive and the number of patients who need radiotherapy varies by region. Demand for cancer surgeries is projected to decrease by 5 pct by 2040, while that for radiotherapy is projected to increase by 24 pct, according to the panel.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 26, 2025 1
Disability Japan Sagamihara

Memorials and ‘Silent Action’ by Disability Rights Groups Mark Ninth Anniversary of Sagamihara Stabbings

A memorial ceremony commemorating the victims of the 2016 mass stabbing at Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a care facility for people with disabilities, was held on Saturday, July 26, marking nine years since the tragedy. The ceremony was organized by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, Sagamihara City, and the facility’s managing welfare organization. Some political action groups also marked the day as a way to highlight injustices against people with disabilities and minority groups in general.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Elderly Japan Travel

Uber Japan Helps Families Book Rides for Elderly Members

Uber Japan announced Thursday the launch of a new service intended to assist elderly users with the help of their families. Specifically, the company added a new feature to its app that allows family members to remotely book rides for their elderly relatives. After creating Uber accounts for their elderly relatives, family members can register their own credit cards as a payment method. This allows elderly users, who may not have credit cards themselves, to easily access the ride-hailing service. A spending limit can also be set.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 25, 2025 Number of comments0
Election Immigration Japan Politics

Prefectural Governors Call for Multicultural Society

Japanese prefectural governors issued a declaration Thursday vowing to seek a multicultural society while rejecting exclusivism and xenophobia. The governors also called for nation-building efforts across party lines, noting that the people of the country need a long-term vision for the future. The declaration was adopted at a meeting of the National Governors’ Association in the northeastern city of Aomori, after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors in Sunday’s election.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 25, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Japan Podcast

14 Staff Members Abused Residents at Gifu Disability Support Facility [Podcast Episode]

Fourteen staff members at the Gifu Prefectural Hana-no-Kien disability support facility in Toki City have been found to have committed 40 instances of abuse against 18 residents, including forcefully hitting their heads and kicking them during medication administration. The abuse, which occurred between July and October 2024, came to light after one employee was arrested for assaulting a male resident. In response, the Gifu Prefectural Government has suspended the facility’s intake of new residents for three months starting in September 2025 and is considering further disciplinary action against 12 of the involved staff.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 24, 2025 1
Abuse Care Disability Japan

14 Staff Members Abused Residents at Gifu Disability Support Facility, Intake Suspended for Three Months

Fourteen staff members at the Gifu Prefectural Hana-no-Kien disability support facility in Toki City have been found to have committed 40 instances of abuse against 18 residents, including forcefully hitting their heads and kicking them during medication administration. The abuse, which occurred between July and October 2024, came to light after one employee was arrested for assaulting a male resident. In response, the Gifu Prefectural Government has suspended the facility’s intake of new residents for three months starting in September 2025 and is considering further disciplinary action against 12 of the involved staff.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 24, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Election Japan Podcast Politics Sanseito

Post Japan Election Analysis: Sanseito Leader Kamiya Claimed Developmental Disabilities “do not exist” in 2022 Pamphlet [Podcast Episode]

Sohei Kamiya, founder and prominent figure of the right-wing political party Sanseito, faced criticism from disability rights groups and medical experts in the lead up to the election after remarks made in a party-published booklet that denied the existence of developmental disabilities resurfaced.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 23, 2025 Number of comments0
Deaflympics Japan Para Sports Podcast

Japan to promote sign language with new law ahead of Deaflympics [Podcast Episode]

Election time is over and yes the right wing Sanseito party made gains, winning about 14 seats. In other news, Japan’s central and local governments are required under a new law to take steps to promote the use of sign language, aiming to build momentum ahead of hosting the Deaflympics in November. The law took effect on June 25 following the approval in parliament of legislation drafted by cross-party lawmakers. It marks the first time Japan has enacted a law specifically on sign language, according to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. Calling the legislation “historic,” the Japanese Federation of the Deaf said in a statement it is “deeply moved” when thinking of the predecessors who worked tirelessly to raise awareness of sign language.