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by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 31, 2024 1
Deaf Deaflympics Disability Japan Para Sports Sports

2025 Promises to be the Year for Deaf Athletes in Japan

The year is almost over, it is time to greet the next one. The event Barrier Free Japan is looking forward to the most that will take place next year is the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, which will be held from November 15 to 26, 2025 in Tokyo with other venues in Shizuoka and Fukushima. Despite being older than the Paralympics – the first Deaflympics was held in Paris, France in 2024 – it doesn’t receive as much attention as the Paralympics, although like the Paralympics it is recognized by the IOC. This event will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympics, the Winter events being held in 2024 in Erzurum, Turkey.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 30, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Health Japan Medical

Japan to allow convenience stores to handle over-the-counter drugs

The health ministry announced plans Thursday to revise regulations to allow over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to be picked up at convenience stores without the presence of pharmacists or registered salespersons. Customers will be required to receive explanations about the medication online from a pharmacist or registered salesperson before making a purchase.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 29, 2024 2
Barrier Free Deaf Disability Imperial Family Japan

Japan Federation of the Deaf Employee Princess Kako Turns 30

Japanese Princess Kako, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, turned 30 on Sunday. As an adult member of the Imperial Family, Princess Kako has performed various official duties at home and abroad this year, while working twice a week since April at the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, which she joined as a part-time employee in 2021.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 27, 2024 Number of comments0
Abuse Care Disability Elderly Japan

Elderly abuse at facilities in Japan up 30% to record high, over 1,000 cases, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Reports

In fiscal year 2023, the number of cases in which elderly individuals were abused by staff at care facilities increased by 31.2% compared to the previous year, reaching 1,123 cases, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released on the 27th. This marks the third consecutive year of record-high figures and the first time the number has exceeded 1,000 since the survey began in fiscal year 2007.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 26, 2024 1
Abuse Crime Disability Japan

Number of people with disabilities abused by family members or facility staff in Japan reached record high last year

Last year, 4,641 people with disabilities were abused by family members or staff at welfare facilities for the disabled, the highest number ever. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, last year, there were 3,477 cases of abuse of people with disabilities in local governments nationwide, and 4,641 people were abused, both of which are the highest numbers since statistics began being collected in 2012.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 25, 2024 Number of comments0
Disability Imperial Family Influenza Japan

Japanese Princess Aiko Diagnosed with Influenza

Japanese Princess Aiko has been diagnosed with influenza, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday. The 23-year-old princess, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, canceled her planned participation in an event to celebrate the 91st birthday of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, held at his residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward the same day.