Latest Posts

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 15, 2025 Number of comments0
Hospitals Japan Podcast

Barrier Free Japan Experiences ‘Clinical Omotenashi’ [Podcast Episode]

Barrier Free Japan is now freed from hospital! After a stay during there the weekend after an ‘episode’ on Friday after work, he is out!

Apologies for the audio quality , but I thought it was still worth posting to reassure those who listen to the podcast or read the blog and sorry for the rather overly vague description of what happened. As I say in the podcast, it is not infectious or communicable, but outside of the West (and even in some countries in it) there is still some stigma towards it.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 11, 2025 Number of comments0
Blind Disability Japan Podcast Police

Yokohama Couple with Visual Impairments File Damages Lawsuit After Police Officers Enter Their Home Without Permission [Podcast Episode]

In the appeal trial of a lawsuit where a visually impaired couple residing in Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, is seeking damages from the prefectural police, alleging that police officers entered their home without permission, the prefectural police have newly asserted that “(even without sight) the movements of police officers can be understood by the sounds of their equipment.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Travel

UK-Based Company ‘Transreport’ and Hankyu in Japan Collaborate to Improve Accessibility

Transreport is a UK-based accessibility technology company specializing in solutions that enhance travel experiences for disabled and older individuals. Their flagship product, the Passenger Assistance app, allows users to book assistance, communicate access needs, and provide feedback on public transport journeys.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2025 1
Blind Crime Disability Japan

Yokohama Couple Files Damages Lawsuit: Police Officers Enter Visually Impaired Person’s Home Without Permission

In the appeal trial of a lawsuit where a visually impaired couple residing in Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, is seeking damages from the prefectural police, alleging that police officers entered their home without permission, the prefectural police have newly asserted that “(even without sight) the movements of police officers can be understood by the sounds of their equipment.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 9, 2025 Number of comments0
Abuse Intellectual disabilities Korea Podcast

Suspicion of Forced Labour of Intellectually Disabled People in Korea’s Taepyeong Salt Fields Emerge [Podcast Episode]

Since 2014, suspicions of human trafficking and forced labor of intellectually disabled people have emerged in salt fields in Sinan-gun, including Taepyeong Salt Fields. In 2022, victims of forced labour in salt fields spoke to the media, saying things like “I ran away but was caught” and “I was beaten.” The US has imposed an import ban on solar salt products produced by a Korean company, citing “forced labour.” This is the first time that a foreign government has banned the import of a Korean company’s products for the reason that they were made using forced labour.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 8, 2025 1
Abuse Disability Korea

“Disabled people forced to work at Taepyeong Salt Fields in Korea” – US Imposes Import Ban

Since 2014, suspicions of human trafficking and forced labor of intellectually disabled people have emerged in salt fields in Sinan-gun, including Taepyeong Salt Fields. In 2022, victims of forced labor in salt fields spoke to the media, saying things like “I ran away but was caught” and “I was beaten.” The US has imposed an import ban on solar salt products produced by a Korean company, citing “forced labor.” This is the first time that a foreign government has banned the import of a Korean company’s products for the reason that they were made using forced labor.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 7, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Mobility Technology Wheelchair

Japan startup to sell stair-climbing electric wheelchair in 2026

A Japanese startup will introduce an all-terrain electric wheelchair in 2026 that allows users to climb and descend stairs, and board trains and buses without assistance, with plans to develop a model that can navigate escalators. The wheelchair developed by Lifehub Inc., which normally drives on four wheels on flat surfaces, has caterpillar tracks to negotiate stairs, slopes and uneven ground.