Disability News Japan

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering adding Japanese language proficiency as a requirement for permanent residency for foreigners, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. To obtain the status, foreigners will also be mandated to take a program aimed at helping them smoothly integrate into local communities, the sources said. The envisaged new requirements will be included in a draft package of proposals on policy for foreign nationals, to be compiled next month for submission to the government. Episode notes: ‘Japanese Proficiency Eyed as Permanent Residency Requirements': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/23/japanese-proficiency-eyed-as-permanent-residency-requirement/

Nearly two years after Japan's revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities made the provision of “reasonable accommodation” mandatory for private businesses, progress remains uneven. While some companies in Okayama Prefecture have introduced measures such as sign-language captions, communication apps, Braille menus, and barrier-free design, people with disabilities say daily experiences have changed little. Episode notes: ‘Two Years After Japan's Anti-Disability Discrimination Law Revision, Mixed Progress on “Reasonable Accommodation”': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/23/two-years-after-japans-anti-disability-discrimination-law-revision-mixed-progress-on-reasonable-accommodation/

Well, that's more or less a wrap for 2025! There was a story on December 19th that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the results of a survey showing that, as of June 1, the number of people with disabilities working at private companies stood at 704,610, a 4.0% increase from the previous year. This marks the 22nd consecutive year in which the figure has reached a record high. However, only 46.0% of companies achieved the legally mandated employment ratio of 2.5%, unchanged from the previous year. I might make a few podcast episodes should something momentous happen, other than that, have a Barrier Free Solstice, New Year and Disability News Japan will return in 2026! Episode notes: ‘700,000 People with Disabilities in Japan Employed by Companies; Only 46% Meet Employment Quota': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/20/700000-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-employed-by-companies-only-46-meet-employment-quota/

It has been learned that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is making arrangements to set an upper limit on the number of “retained workers” used to calculate support bonuses. This move comes in response to allegations that three “Type A Support Centers for Continuous Employment” in Osaka City received excessive payments. The Ministry revealed this plan on the 16th during a meeting to discuss revisions to the compensation system for disability welfare services. Episode notes: ‘Japan Govt to set cap on number of ‘retained workers' used to calculate disability employment subsidies following excessive payments': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/19/japan-govt-to-set-cap-on-number-of-retained-workers-used-to-calculate-disability-employment-subsidies-following-excessive-payments/

Three years have now passed since the disability studies scholar and Japanologist Mark Bookman (1991 – 2022) died on December 16th 2022. At the time of his death, Mark was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Tokyo College and about to take up a position at Ritsumeikan University. Episode notes: ‘ ‘Mark - A Call to Action' (documentary) dir. Ron Small ': https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Call-Action-Ron-Small/dp/B0DFV5ZCD4 ‘Disability Publics: Making Accessibility in Modern Japan': https://www.amazon.co.jp/Disability-Publics-Making-Accessibility-Modern/dp/0198979738#immersive-view_1766021047271

In April two years ago, in Oguni Town, Yamagata Prefecture, a bullet fired by a hunter engaged in a bear extermination operation struck another man in the leg, causing serious injuries that resulted in permanent aftereffects. The injured man has filed a lawsuit against the town, seeking approximately 30 million yen in damages. Episode notes: ‘Man Disabled in Bear Cull Shooting; Town Seeks Damages from Hunter': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/15/man-disabled-in-bear-cull-shooting-town-seeks-damages-from-hunter/

Almost half of Japanese nationals feel familiar with loneliness and isolation, a government survey showed Friday. According to the Cabinet Office's first public opinion survey on the issue, 48.4% of respondents answered they feel “familiar” or “rather familiar” with such feelings, while 49.6% chose “not familiar” or “rather do not feel it.” The remaining 2.0% did not answer. Episode notes: ‘Nearly Half of Japanese Familiar with Loneliness, Isolation': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/13/nearly-half-of-japanese-familiar-with-loneliness-isolation/

Around 11:44 a.m. on Friday December 12th, a quake with an estimated magnitude of 6.7 occurred off Aomori, logging 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in 38 municipalities in five prefectures, including Hokkaido's Hakodate, Aomori's Hachinohe and Iwate's Morioka. The intensity was the sixth-highest level on the 10-point scale. All the advisories were lifted at 2:05 p.m. after minor tsunami waves were observed in some municipalities, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Aikawa Shinseien, a remote facility in Akita Prefecture housing nearly 90 intellectually disabled people sent from Tokyo, illustrates the long-standing practice of placing disabled residents far from their home communities due to Tokyo's high land prices and neighborhood resistance to disability facilities, with some locals claiming such facilities would “damage the image” of the area. Many residents have lived there for decades, seldom see their families, and feel trapped, one 65-year-old man, who has lived there since the facility opened, says poignantly, “I don't want to end my life here.” As parents age and die and “out-of-Tokyo facilities” continue to fill in replacements, some question what a truly inclusive living environment for disabled people should look like. Episode notes: “ ‘I Don't Want to End My Life Here”: Half of the Disabled People Living in Facilities Sent Outside Tokyo': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/10/i-dont-want-to-end-my-life-here-half-of-the-disabled-people-living-in-facilities-sent-outside-tokyo/

A powerful earthquake mainly struck Japan's Tohoku northeastern region, including Aomori Prefecture, on Monday night, measuring up to upper 6, the second-highest level on the country's seismic intensity scale. The temblor, with an estimated magnitude of 7.6, occurred at a depth of about 50 kilometers off the east coast of Aomori around 11:15 p.m. Episodes notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/09/powerful-quake-hits-northeastern-japan/

Japan plans to introduce a ban with penalties on implanting a genome-edited fertilized human egg into the womb of a human or another animal amid concerns over “designer babies.” A Japanese government expert panel broadly approved a proposal, including the ban, at a meeting on Thursday 4th December. Episode notes: ‘Japan Eyes Ban on Gene-Edited Babies': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/05/japan-eyes-ban-on-gene-edited-babies/

The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, accused of killing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, continued this week at the Nara District Court with detailed testimony about the defendant's motives and a courtroom appearance by Abe's widow, Akie. Yamagami, 45, told judges and lay judges that he targeted Abe because he believed the former leader sat “at the center” of ties between politics and the Unification Church, saying his “hatred and hostility” developed gradually and that attacking any other politician would have carried “weak significance.” Akie Abe attended Wednesday's session through a system for victims' families, listening silently as Yamagami bowed toward her before questioning resumed on why he shifted his focus from church leaders to Abe. The high-profile proceedings will continue as the court weighs Yamagami's intent and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. Episode Notes: ‘Yamagami Viewed Abe as Center of Politics-Church Relations': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/03/yamagami-viewed-abe-as-center-of-politics-church-relations/ ‘Slain Ex-PM Abe's Wife Attends Attacker's Trial for 1st Time': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/04/slain-ex-pm-abes-wife-attends-attackers-trial-for-1st-time/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on December 1st that it will hold its annual ‘Disability Week' from December 3rd to 9th. The aim of ‘Disability Week' is to deepen public interest and understanding of disability welfare and to encourage people with disabilities to actively participate in all areas of social, economic, and cultural activities. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Annual Disability Week to be Held December 3rd to 9th': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/12/02/tokyo-annual-disability-week-to-be-held-december-3rd-to-9th/

The number of university students with developmental disabilities in Japan is on the rise, with their conditions often identified at a late stage through challenges in their social lives. According to a survey by the Japan Student Services Organization, 14,666 students with developmental disabilities were enrolled in universities, junior colleges and technical colleges in the 2024 academic year, approximately five times the number from 10 years ago. Episode notes: ‘University students with developmental disabilities increase in Japan': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/29/university-students-with-developmental-disabilities-increase-in-japan/

The organizers of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics have revealed that the number of people who visited the event's venues totaled about 280,000, far more than their target of 100,000. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Deaflympics Venue Attendance Far Exceeded Expectations': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/27/tokyo-deaflympics-venue-attendance-far-exceeded-expectations/

As the Tokyo Deaflympics nears its conclusion, the Japanese women's basketball and volleyball teams won gold medals at the Tokyo Deaflympics on Tuesday. Japan narrowly beat the United States 65-64 in the women's basketball final, and trumped Turkey to win their first women's volleyball gold in two Deaflympics. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Women Win Basketball, Volleyball Gold at Tokyo Deaflympics': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/26/japan-women-win-basketball-volleyball-gold-at-tokyo-deaflympics/

Japan's medal haul at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics reached a record 31 on Sunday, surpassing the previous national best of 30 set at the 2022 Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, organizers said. Japan added to its tally with strong performances across multiple sports. In karate, the women's team won gold in the team kata event, while 20-year-old Kenji Mori captured the men's individual kata title. In swimming, Ryutaro Ibara, 31, claimed his third gold of the Games by winning the men's 400-meter individual medley. On the track, Maki Yamada, 28, earned silver in the men's 200-meter sprint. Crown Princess Kiko and Prince Hisahito attended an orienteering event on Izu Oshima, part of metropolitan Tokyo. The two watched the final round of the men's relay, which featured Japan and seven other teams, with Prince Hisahito offering cheers to athletes in sign language. The Crown Princess, who first tried the sport after an introduction by a foreign researcher at the 2019 International Cartographic Conference in Tokyo, has since been a regular participant in competitions and training sessions. Earlier in the day, the pair visited Buratto House, a shop selling local farm products. Episode notes: ‘Japan's Tokyo Deaflympics Medals Reach Record 31': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/25/japans-tokyo-deaflympics-medals-reach-record-31/ ‘Crown Princess Kiko, Prince Hisahito Watch Deaflympic Event': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/24/crown-princess-kiko-prince-hisahito-watch-deaflympic-event/

Japan will substantially hike visa issuance fees for foreign residents in the next fiscal year and utilize the additional revenue to strengthen policies supporting multiculturalism, government sources said Thursday. The new fees come amid a rise in foreign residents in the country, with the cost of changing visa status or reissuing for a term of one year or longer to be hiked by up to 40,000 yen ($250) or so from the current 6,000 yen. A permanent residency visa may be upped to over 100,000 yen from 10,000 yen. Episode notes: ‘Japan to raise visa fees for foreign residents next fiscal year' (Kyodo): https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/65315#:~:text=The%20new%20fees%20come%20amid,100%2C000%20yen%20from%2010%2C000%20yen.

Japan's first judo podium came on Nov. 14, when Kazuma Gamo secured bronze in the men's 73-kilogram division. The remaining medals followed on Nov. 17, with Yuto Fukasawa taking bronze in the men's 81-kg class, Mizuki Mizutare in the men's 90-kg, and Tomoki Takahashi in the men's 100-kg. In the women's events, Akira Kinugawa added another bronze in the 70-kg category. Maki Yamada won the men's 400-meter race at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics on Wednesday, earning Japan its first gold medal at the ongoing event. Yamada finished the race in 47.61 seconds, rewriting his own deaf Japan record. "I've worked hard to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Games," he said. "My efforts have paid off." Episode notes: ‘Japan Picks Up Five Judo Bronzes at Tokyo Deaflympics': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/19/japan-picks-up-five-judo-bronzes-at-tokyo-deaflympics/ ‘Sprinter Yamada Wins Japan's 1st Gold at Tokyo Deaflympics': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/20/sprinter-yamada-wins-japans-1st-gold-at-tokyo-deaflympics/

A 60-year-old woman with an intellectual disability in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, was denied a UR rental apartment despite having spent more than a year preparing to live independently with support from a local nonprofit, prompting concerns that the agency's requirement for a co-resident family member constitutes discriminatory treatment. Episode notes: ‘Osaka Woman With Intellectual Disability Refused UR Housing, Raising Rights Questions ‘: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/16/osaka-woman-with-intellectual-disability-refused-ur-housing-raising-rights-questions/

The former officer, Masato Takeuchi, and another suspect arrested over the case, 55-year-old company employee Hiromi Ishichi, are apparently denying the allegations. Takeuchi is a board member of a Kyoto-based group, mainly comprising former police officers, that provides daily assistance to elderly people with dementia. The police believe the two suspects withdrew several million yen in cash using the victim's card. The Deaflympics officially opened Saturday in Tokyo, marking the first time Japan has hosted the international sporting event for the deaf or hard of hearing. A record 3,081 athletes from 81 countries and regions, as well as a refugee team and a neutral team competing under the Deaflympics flag, have made the final entry list for the games, with the opening ceremony held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in the heart of the Japanese capital. Episode notes: ‘Ex-Policeman Nabbed over Defrauding Person with Dementia': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/14/ex-policeman-nabbed-over-defrauding-person-with-dementia/ ‘Deaflympics open in Tokyo as Japan hosts games for 1st time': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/15/deaflympics-open-in-tokyo-as-japan-hosts-games-for-1st-time/

Japan is preparing to host its first-ever Deaflympics from Nov. 15 to 26, with events held in Tokyo, Shizuoka, and Fukushima, and Narita airport stepping up accessibility measures for the thousands of athletes and visitors expected from around 80 countries. The airport has introduced pictogram signage, written communication tools, and staff training sessions led by people with hearing impairments to improve interactions with deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers. Meanwhile, the Tokyo metropolitan government is offering sign language lessons to its employees to ensure smooth event operations and promote greater understanding of the deaf community ahead of the 12-day international sporting event. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Gears Up for Japan's First Deaflympics with Push for Accessibility': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/13/tokyo-gears-up-for-japans-first-deaflympics-with-push-for-accessibility/

The Hikone branch of the Otsu District Public Prosecutors Office announced on the 10th that it has decided not to indict a 70-year-old male care worker from Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. The man had been arrested on suspicion of preparation for murder and violation of the Firearms and Swords Control Act after allegedly hiding a kitchen knife at the welfare facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, where he worked, with the intent to kill a 44-year-old resident. The prosecutors did not disclose the reason for their decision. Episode notes: ‘Attempted murder of a resident at Shiga care facility for people with disabilities; care worker arrested with knife will not be prosecuted': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/11/attempted-murder-of-a-resident-at-shiga-care-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-care-worker-arrested-with-knife-will-not-be-prosecuted/

A welfare-related company based in Osaka City is suspected of having improperly received tens of billions of yen in disability employment support subsidies (payments) since fiscal 2024, city officials revealed on November 5. The company allegedly exploited a system that increases subsidy amounts based on the number of disabled workers who find employment in regular companies. Osaka City has launched an audit under the Comprehensive Support for Persons with Disabilities Act and is considering demanding repayment. Episode notes: ‘Osaka Firm Suspected of Tens of Billions in Improper Disability Work Subsidies': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/07/osaka-firm-suspected-of-tens-of-billions-in-improper-disability-work-subsidies/

I am not a climate change denier, nor am I indifferent to environmental issues, but these types of cups are really difficult for me to use as a person with disabilities. The Golden Arches may not be the ‘environmental issue' hill I wish to die on, but its going to be really difficult for me to go to McDonalds in Japan after November 19th. The fast-food chain said it will begin introducing a new lid design that eliminates the need for straws, starting Nov. 19, replacing the paper straws introduced in 2022. Episode notes: ‘McDonald's Japan to stop using paper straws from November 19th 2025': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/04/mcdonalds-japan-to-stop-using-paper-straws-from-november-19th-2025/

A 43-year-old care worker at a facility for people with disabilities in Higashiomi, Shiga Prefecture, has been arrested for indecent assault and is suspected of abusing 15 residents in total, the facility's operator said Thursday. According to the social welfare corporation Gamounokai, which runs the Akane support facility, the worker admitted to acts including pinching, headbutting, and hiding stuffed toys from residents between April last year and August this year, saying he “couldn't control [his] irritation.” All additional victims were men with disabilities, though no injuries were reported. The corporation has apologized to residents and families, and pledged measures such as stricter staff supervision and the installation of monitoring cameras to prevent further abuse. Episode notes: ‘Care Facility Worker Suspected of Abusing Disabled Residents, 15 Possible Victims, Says He “Couldn't Control His Frustration” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/11/01/care-facility-worker-suspected-of-abusing-disabled-residents-fr15-possible-victims-says-he-couldnt-control-his-frustration/

A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access. The couple then realized the company's decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo couple denied housing after disabilities revealed': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/30/tokyo-couple-denied-housing-after-disabilities-revealed/

These groups cleverly approach university students, both on and off campus, using topics that interest them (social contribution, job hunting, international exchange, etc.), and subtly manipulate them through mind control, drawing them into their activities. Students may be forced to purchase expensive goods, separated from their families and friends, and have their student lives ruined.

The Japanese gaming industry is working to improve video game accessibility by developing equipment and systems that allow people with disabilities affecting their hands to play by using other parts of their body, such as their cheeks, feet and eyes. There were people playing games without using their hands at an area dedicated to accessibility at the Tokyo Game Show in the city of Chiba in September. Such an area was set up at the show for the first time. Episode notes: ‘Japanese Gaming Industry Moves to Improve Accessibility': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/27/japanese-gaming-industry-moves-to-improve-accessibility/

Japan's overall suicides fell to 20,320 in 2024, the second-lowest figure on record, but the number of schoolchildren who took their own lives rose to a record 529, government data showed. Suicides among junior high school students reached their highest level since statistics began in 1980, with school-related problems cited as the leading cause. The 2025 White Paper on Suicide Prevention noted that overdoses, including those involving over-the-counter drugs, were a major factor among young people, prompting plans to tighten restrictions on drug sales to minors. Despite the nationwide decline, experts warn the record student suicides reflect deepening mental health and social issues among Japan's youth. Episode notes: ‘Japan student suicides hit record high in 2024 despite overall decline': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/25/japan-student-suicides-hit-record-high-in-2024-despite-overall-decline/

As of Tuesday 21st October, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's new Cabinet appointed Kenichiro Ueno as health, labor and welfare minister and Hitoshi Kikawada as minister for children and population issues, but did not include a minister specifically in charge of elderly or disabled affairs, leaving those areas under the health ministry's broader welfare framework. Episode notes: ‘New Cabinet under Takaichi omits dedicated minister for elderly, disabled': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/22/new-cabinet-under-takaichi-omits-dedicated-minister-for-elderly-disabled/

Japanese public prosecutors on Wednesday 15th October sought the death penalty for Hideaki Nozu, who has been charged with killing three members of his family with a crossbow at his home in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, in June 2020.The prosecution said that Nozu's autism spectrum disorder did not significantly affect his motivation and that his acts were planned. The defendant maintained the capacity to control his actions and was fully competent, as he hesitated to carry out his plan, it said. Episode notes: ‘Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Autistic Defendant over Fatal Crossbow Attack in Japan': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/20/prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-for-autistic-defendant-over-fatal-crossbow-attack-in-japan/

Unicharm Corp. announced on Wednesday 15th October it will begin a trial installation of free sanitary pad dispensers at 22 public facilities in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, in partnership with the local government. Running until Dec. 26, the initiative aims to support individuals who cannot afford menstrual products. While Unicharm provides the dispensers, Shibuya Ward will supply the sanitary napkins. The company, which has already introduced the dispensers in schools and businesses, expressed hopes of expanding the program through further cooperation with local governments. Episode notes: ‘Unicharm to Test Sanitary Pad Dispensers in Tokyo's Shibuya': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/19/unicharm-to-test-sanitary-pad-dispensers-in-tokyos-shibuya/

In two separate incidents in Japan, vulnerable residents of care facilities tragically lost their lives under disturbing circumstances. In Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, a 38-year-old woman with disabilities died in December 2022 after suffering severe burns from overly hot bathwater during staff-assisted bathing. Three employees of the Hitakami-en facility have been referred to prosecutors for professional negligence resulting in death, as the water temperature was found to be dangerously high. Meanwhile, in Tsurugashima, Saitama Prefecture, two elderly women were found dead on October 15, hours after being discovered bleeding and unconscious in their care facility. Episode notes: ‘Three Care Workers Referred to Prosecutors Over Fatal Burn Incident at Miyagi Care Facility': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/16/three-care-workers-referred-to-prosecutors-over-fatal-burn-incident-at-miyagi-care-facility/ ‘2 Women Found Bleeding at Saitama Elderly Care Facility Die, Former Employee Arrested': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/15/2-women-found-bleeding-at-saitama-elderly-care-facility-die/

A long-running bus service for people with disabilities in Saitama Prefecture will be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year due to a shortage of drivers and the wider availability of lift-equipped charter buses from private operators, the prefectural government said. The Oozora-go, a 40-seat bus donated over decades by Musashino Bank, has served thousands annually since 1973, offering affordable group travel for disability organizations. Advocates have expressed disappointment, saying the service promoted social participation for people with disabilities, while Governor Motohiro Ōno said the prefecture will consider alternative measures in light of user feedback and social changes. Episode notes: ‘Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/13/bus-service-for-people-with-disabilities-to-be-discontinued-due-to-driver-shortage/

October 13th is ‘Sports Day' a national holiday in Japan! A Japanese government survey showed Friday that 75.8 pct of the respondents are unaware of the enactment of the country's basic law on dementia. The result of the public opinion survey by the Cabinet Office revealed that public awareness in Japan remains low even more than a year and a half after the law's enforcement in January 2024. Of the respondents, 16.4 pct said they are aware of the law's enactment but do not know its content, while 4.5 pct and 1.0 pct said they know its content "to some extent" and "in detail," respectively. Episode notes: ‘75 Percent Unaware of Dementia Basic Law Enactment According to Japan Government Survey': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/11/75-percent-unaware-of-dementia-basic-law-enactment-according-to-japan-government-survey/

The Mie prefectural government plans to create what it says will be Japan's first ordinance with a penalty aimed at deterring customers from behaving abusively to workers.The ordinance would define customer abuse as excessive nuisances that go beyond social norms and harm employees' working environment. Vicious behavior, such as shouting to demand an apology, would be classified as designated customer abuse. When a business files a complaint of customer abuse, the prefectural government will ask a panel including lawyers to investigate and seek opinions. The perpetrator will be fined if the order is not observed. The fine is likely to be about 500,000 yen. Episode Notes: ‘Mie Eyes Japan's 1st Rule with Penalty against Customer Abuse': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/08/mie-eyes-japans-1st-rule-with-penalty-against-customer-abuse/

Japan has entered the influenza season nationwide, marking the second-earliest beginning in the past 20 years, the health ministry said Friday. The number of flu patients reported from some 3,000 regularly monitored medical institutions across the country stood at 1.04 per institution in the week through Sunday 5th October. Episode notes: ‘Flu Season Starts in Japan, 2nd Earliest in 20 Years': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/04/flu-season-starts-in-japan-2nd-earliest-in-20-years/

Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday 4th October, paving the way for her to become the nation's next prime minister and Japan's first female prime minister. At her first press conference, Takaichi vowed to form an inclusive leadership team, drawing on members from all generations, including her four rivals in the LDP race. Takaichi is expected to finalize executive appointments within the coming week. Episode notes: ‘Sanae Takaichi Becomes New LDP Leader, Promises Economic Relief and Party Unity': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/05/sanae-takaichi-becomes-new-ldp-leader-promises-economic-relief-and-party-unity/

On September 26th, Kagoshima City took administrative action to revoke the disability welfare service designation of the "Employment Support Center Shichifukujin" (Takashi 2-chome), a Type B Continuing Employment Support Facility operated by the Social Welfare Corporation Tenyukai (Director: Yurika Nagata) in Murasakihara 5-chome, for fraudulently claiming training and other benefits. The city also ordered the repayment of 25,176,250 yen fraudulently claimed and received, plus additional payments totaling 35,240,631 yen. The revocation of the designation will take effect on September 30th. Episode notes: ‘Kagoshima City Ordered to Repay 35 Million Yen, Disability Welfare Designation Revoked': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/28/kagoshima-city-ordered-to-repay-35-million-yen-disability-welfare-designation-revoked/

Tokyo police have arrested four people on suspicion of robbing and abusing a man in his 40s with a mild intellectual disability after forcing him to drink large amounts of whisky, the Metropolitan Police Department said Sept. 26. The suspects — a 22-year-old company worker from Shizuoka Prefecture, a 24-year-old woman from Tokyo, a 21-year-old university student from Hokkaido, and a 19-year-old male restaurant worker — allegedly met the victim through social media and conspired to exploit his condition. Police said the four made the man drink over 700 milliliters of whisky in Tokyo's Nakano Ward in June, stole his smartphone and used about 100,000 yen in electronic money. They also filmed the incident, which included acts of sexual humiliation, and later abandoned the victim near his home and again in Shizuoka Prefecture. All four have admitted to the allegations, according to the police. Episode notes: ‘4 in Japan accused of robbing intellectually disabled man after forcing him to drink': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/30/4-in-japan-accused-of-robbing-intellectually-disabled-man-after-forcing-him-to-drink/

Saou Ichikawa was born in 1979. Diagnosed in childhood with congenital myopathy, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness, and has used a ventilator since age 14. Ichikawa graduated in March 2023 from Waseda University's School of Human Sciences correspondence program. Her thesis “The Reciprocal Influence Between the Representation of Disabled People and Real Society” won the Ono Azusa Memorial Academic Prize. Her debut novel “Hunchback” won the 169th Akutagawa Prize in July 2023. Her most recent book, to be published in September 2025 is “A Girl's Spine”. Episode notes: ‘Akutagawa Prize Winning Author with Disabilities, Saou Ichikawa, Offers View on ‘Co-existence' in Japan [Podcast Episode]': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/15/akutagawa-prize-winning-author-with-disabilities-saou-ichikawa-offers-view-on-co-existence-in-japan-podcast-episode/

To promote social participation for people with disabilities, on August 30th, the Yamanashi prefectural government held a fashion show at the Aeon Mall Kofu Showa in the town of Showa in the prefecture, featuring both professional models and models with disabilities. Episode notes: ‘Models with Disabilities Walk Runway in Yamanashi Fashion Show, 14 People Participate in 4th Event': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/18/models-with-disabilities-walk-runway-in-yamanashi-fashion-show-14-people-participate-in-4th-event/

In response to the higher rate of disability pension denials last fiscal year compared to the year before, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare conducted a detailed review of over 2,800 claims that had been denied between April and July last year. As a result, 124 of these cases were re-evaluated and will now be approved for payment. The ministry has announced it will continue to investigate recognition decisions and publish monthly updates on the progress. Episode notes: ‘124 Previously Denied Disability Pension Claims Approved, Japan's Health Ministry to Continue Review and Publish Monthly Updates': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/20/124-previously-denied-disability-pension-claims-approved-japans-health-ministry-to-continue-review-and-publish-monthly-updates/

Retired visually impaired swimmer Junichi Kawai was named the next commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency on Friday and will become the first Paralympian to assume the post when his appointment takes effect Oct. 1. Kawai expressed his determination to fulfill his role, saying at a press conference in Tokyo, “My goal is to build a society where citizens recognize the value and appeal of sports.” As it is rare for a government body to be led by someone who is totally visually impaired, he added, “The fact that someone like me has been appointed to this position shows that times have changed, and I hope this means a lot to many people.” Episode notes: ‘Japan names 5-time Paralympic gold medalist Kawai to head sports agency': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/19/japan-names-5-time-paralympic-gold-medalist-kawai-to-head-sports-agency/

An expert panel of Japan's health ministry on Thursday approved over-the-counter sales of a drug to treat erectile dysfunction. It is expected that OTC sales of the drug will help spread opportunities for erectile dysfunction treatment as the male sexual dysfunction has major impacts on society, such as being a factor for declining birthrates. Episode notes: ‘Japan Panel OKs 1st OTC Sales of Erectile Dysfunction Drug': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/19/japan-panel-oks-1st-otc-sales-of-erectile-dysfunction-drug/

A quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 rattled a group of small islands in southwestern Japan but no tsunami warning was issued, the country's weather agency said. The quake occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in waters near the Tokara island chain and its depth was very shallow, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, adding it measured lower 5 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 in Toshima, Kagoshima Prefecture. Episode notes: ‘M4.7 quake shakes southwestern Japan islands, no tsunami warning' (Kyodo): https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/61207

Yasuhiko Funago, a former House of Councilors lawmaker with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, called on politicians to guarantee the right to "live until the end," in a recent written interview. The retired lawmaker of Reiwa Shinsengumi, an opposition party, served one six-year term in the Upper House before deciding not to seek re-election in this July's election. Episode notes: ‘Ex-lawmaker with ALS calls on politicians to ensure right to live': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/16/ex-lawmaker-with-als-calls-on-politicians-to-ensure-right-to-live/

Saou Ichikawa was born in 1979. Diagnosed in childhood with congenital myopathy, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness, and has used a ventilator since age 14. Graduated in March 2023 from Waseda University's School of Human Sciences correspondence program. Her thesis “The Reciprocal Influence Between the Representation of Disabled People and Real Society” won the Ono Azusa Memorial Academic Prize. Her debut novel “Hunchback” won the 169th Akutagawa Prize in July 2023. Her most recent book, to be published in September 2025 is “A Girl's Spine”. "Coexistence" is a word used in a variety of contexts, including the global environment, living things, and different cultures, but as a simple search for "coexistence society" reveals, in Japan it is a word that should primarily be used to consider the inclusion of people with disabilities. Japan, in particular, is the country where the horrific Sagamihara Massacre, a mass murder of disabled people, took place. If the meaning and obligation of using the word "symbiosis" in our country since that incident never crossed the minds of the planners and approvers of the Asahi Earth Conference 2024, then beyond feeling disappointed, I'm left with the suspicion that some more serious issue lies between "me" and you. By "me," I mean Ichikawa Saou.” Episode notes: ‘Akutagawa Prize Winning Author with Disabilities, Saou Ichikawa, Offers View on ‘Co-existence' in Japan': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/14/akutagawa-prize-winning-author-with-disabilities-saou-ichikawa-offers-view-on-co-existence-in-japan/ '女の子の背骨'/'A Girl's Spine' (To Be Released 26 September 2025): https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/女の子の背骨-市川-沙央/dp/4163920218/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q_315cnhrTy1Zjrjd1zrbOQwXP-UJLt70rKPpxg3R8PGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.8JMjqZY9dmkTcTHCzcIwRX7YIecMh5m2a5lTa_gyKY8&qid=1757856265&sr=8-1

A 38-year-old woman with disabilities died after suffering severe burns while bathing at the Hitakami-en facility in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, police revealed. Kana Abe developed extensive skin damage following staff-assisted bathing in 2022, and later died in hospital from respiratory failure caused by burns covering 60 percent of her body. A facility report suggested the bathwater temperature was about 50 degrees Celsius. Police are investigating the incident on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death. Abe's family sued the facility in February 2025 and the police are investigating two people who were in charge at the time, along with the person responsible for the site. Episode notes: ‘38-Year-Old Woman Dies at Disability Facility After Bath at 50°C Causes Burns, Police Investigate Possible Negligence': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/09/38-year-old-woman-dies-at-disability-facility-after-bath-at-50c-causes-burns-police-investigate-possible-negligence/ ‘Further Details Emerge About Burns Victim at Ishinomaki Facility for People with Disabilities': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/10/further-details-emerge-about-burns-victim-at-ishinomaki-facility-for-people-with-disabilities/

On September 3rd, Hiroyuki Nishimura (48), founder and former administrator of the online forum “2channel,” shared his personal views on why wages in the nursing care industry do not rise, during his podcast ‘Hiroyuki's Killing Time Radio'. When asked, “I work in nursing care, why don't wages go up?” Hiroyuki responded bluntly: “They don't go up because it's a job paid from taxes.” He added, “I understand that nursing care work is very tough. Let's set that aside. The reality is that nursing care is work that even people without prior experience can do. Of course, there are skills involved, but fundamentally, it's a job that can be done by people without experience.” Episode notes: ‘“That's ridiculous”: 2channel founder on why salary of Japanese caregivers doesn't exceed average annual income': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/07/thats-ridiculous-2channel-founder-on-why-salary-of-japanese-caregivers-doesnt-exceed-average-annual-income/