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by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 17, 2025 Number of comments0
Crime Health Japan Medical

Japan Government Says Its Taking Strict Fentanyl Countermeasures

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Tuesday that Japan is taking thorough measures against fentanyl, noting that Japanese customs have not uncovered any attempts to smuggle the synthetic opioid through the country in the past six years. Health minister Takamaro Fukuoka and Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato also mentioned fentanyl in separate press conferences on the day. The ministers’ remarks followed media reports that a Chinese organization is suspected of being involved in fentanyl-related exports from Japan to the United States.



by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 16, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Association for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities Establishes Certification System, Aims for Healthy Industry Development

The Japan Association of Business Operators for the Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities has launched a “Qualified Business Operator Certification System for Disability Support Services.” This new system requires member companies, who provide services like farms and satellite offices to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities, to self-inspect their operations against 107 criteria. The aim is to ensure the healthy growth of the disability employment industry, which currently supports over 9,000 disabled individuals working for more than 1,500 companies. While acknowledging concerns that some companies may view these services merely as a means to meet employment quotas, JAPED believes this industry-wide self-regulation will improve service quality and promote meaningful employment for persons with disabilities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 16, 2025 Number of comments0
Election Immigration Japan Podcast

Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign [Podcast Episode]

Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric — often lacking a factual basis — gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 15, 2025 Number of comments0
Children Health Japan Medical

‘Slapped cheek syndrome’, or Fifth Disease in Japan Hits 26 Year High

The number of patients with fifth disease, or slapped cheek syndrome, in Japan hit the highest level in some 26 years in the week that ended June 22, according to data compiled by the Japan Institute for Health Security.The number of fifth disease patients reported by some 2,000 medical institutions nationwide stood at 2.53 per institution in the week, the highest since the current counting method was adopted in 1999. In the following week through June 29, the figure came to 2.13, the third highest.Japan’s health ministry is urging pregnant women to consult medical institutions if they experience symptoms, as infections can lead to miscarriages.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 14, 2025 1
Disability Election Immigration Japan

Foreigners at center of debate in Japan’s tense election campaign

Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric — often lacking a factual basis — gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 14, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Welfare

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations Calls for Review of Disability Certification Standards [Podcast Episode]

In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that “one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities.” They called for “immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 13, 2025 Number of comments0
Japan Sports Sumo Wheelchair

Sumo wrestler-sized wheelchair deployed ahead of Nagoya tournament

With the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament set to open Sunday, a medical center near the competition venue has taken possession of a heavy-duty wheelchair built to transport the sport’s heftiest wrestlers. The chair, designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 300 kilograms, was presented Friday to the medical center affiliated with Nagoya City University Medical School. The facility is located a short distance from the newly built IG Arena, where the 15-day tournament will run through July 27. It will also be on hand for use at next year’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 12, 2025 1
Disability Japan Welfare

“Standards far removed from the real life of people with disabilities”: Japan’s Lawyers Call for Review of Disability Certification Standards

In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that “one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities.” They called for “immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt July 11, 2025 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Election End of Life Care Japan Podcast

Sanseito’s Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity’ Laws [Podcast Episode]

During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy’s intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don’t save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honours patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions.