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by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 1, 2025 Number of comments0
Birth Rate Children Health Japan

Half of Needy Households in Japan Unable to Buy Diapers

As many as 49.2 pct of needy households with infants have experienced an inability to buy disposable diapers due to economic reasons, according to a survey by international nongovernmental organization Save the Children Japan. 
   An inability to buy baby formula has been experienced by 39.6 pct.
   According to the survey, conducted online between June and August last year, 74.6 pct of respondents said they changed diapers less often when they couldn’t buy diapers, while an inability to buy powdered milk led 41.1 pct to feed babies with diluted formula and 27.9 pct to use less of it.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 31, 2025 1
Abuse ADHD Autism Disability Education Japan Musashino Higashi Gakuen

Parents Raised Concerns Early About Appointment of Chairman at ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School, Alleging Harassment and Threats by Chairman

Parents of students attending Musashino Higashi Gakuen raised concerned about the appointment of Kenzo Matsumura as early as February 2024. In their change.org petition, parents express their concerns that the school as a “safe haven for our children is in a deep state of crisis, and with an ever growing concern about the future of our school”.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 31, 2025 Number of comments0
ADHD Autism Disability Education Japan Musashino Higashi Gakuen Podcast

Musashino Higashi Gakuen: “Remaining teachers have no choice but to do what they can” [Podcast Episode]

Musashino Higashi Gakuen is an educational corporation that has two kindergartens, an elementary school, a junior high school, and a higher vocational school under its umbrella and is known for its inclusive education model, in which children with and without autism study together. A teacher at Musashino Higashi Gakuen says this with a grim resolve: “For the sake of the students and parents who remain, even though the school has had so many problems since the president was replaced, all the remaining teachers have no choice but to do what they can.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 30, 2025 Number of comments0
Children Health Japan Pregnancy

Secondhand Smoke More Than Doubles Placental Abruption Risk Tohoku University Study Indicates

Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy increases by about 2.3 times the risk of placental abruption, a condition in which part of the placenta separates from the uterine wall before childbirth, according to a study conducted by a team from Japan’s Tohoku University.  It found that pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke for four to seven days a week and at least an hour a day had 2.34 times the risk of suffering placental abruption compared with those who were not. The risk was 2.21 times higher among pregnant women who smoked at least 11 cigarettes per day compared with nonsmokers.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 28, 2025 6
ADHD Autism Disability Education Japan

Confusion Reigns Amid Mass Teacher Resignations at ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School Just Prior to New School Year

Some parents have noted that “few places offer inclusive education for children with autism,” amid growing unease about the institution’s future: “Will the safety of children and the quality of education be maintained as before with so many teachers quitting? Many of my friends have already transferred to other schools. I’m just anxious about the new school year.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 28, 2025 Number of comments0
ADHD Autism Education Intellectual disabilities Japan Podcast

Parents and Neurodivergent Children Attending ‘Inclusive’ Tokyo School Required to Sign Non-Disclosure Agreement [Podcast Episode]

A school operator in the Tokyo suburbs required parents of newly enrolled students to submit a written pledge promising not to leak internal school information to outside parties, sources have told the Mainichi Shimbun. Musashino Higashi Gakuen is known for its inclusive education model, in which children with and without autism study together. Some parents have noted that “few places offer inclusive education for children with autism,” amid growing unease about the institution’s future.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 27, 2025 1
ADHD Autism Disability Education Japan

The ‘Non-Disclosure Agreement’ New Neurodivergent Students & Their Parents Attending ‘Inclusive’ School in Tokyo May Have to Sign

Musashino Higashi Gakuen, chaired by businessman Kenzo Matsumura, operates an elementary school, junior high school and vocational high school in the city of Musashino. The pledge included a clause stating parents would be subject to claims for damages if they violated its terms, prompting some to voice strong concerns, describing the measure as “suppression of free speech.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Elderly Japan

Japan Eyes 300,000-Yen Limit on Daily ATM Use for Elderly

Japan’s National Police Agency is considering setting a ceiling of 300,000 yen per day on the amount of money elderly people can withdraw or send from automated teller machines, it was learned Tuesday. 
   The agency has consulted with the Japanese Bankers Association to revise the enforcement regulations of the criminal proceeds transfer prevention law in response to the increasing number of special fraud cases targeting the elderly.
   Currently, banks voluntarily set the upper limit on cash withdrawals from ATMs at 500,000 yen per day, with no legal regulations.