Disability News Japan

Japan has entered the influenza season, the health ministry said on Friday 28th August, marking the second earliest start since 1999, when the infectious disease control law went into force. In the week to Sunday, the number of flu patients reported by some 3,000 designated medical institutions across the country stood at 1.11 per institution. A reading of 1 or higher suggests that flu season has begun. The earliest start of flu season was recorded in 2009, about a week earlier than the ongoing season, excluding 2023, when the outbreak continued yearlong. Episode notes: ‘Japan Enters Flu Season, Marking 2nd Earliest Start': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/09/01/japan-enters-flu-season-marking-2nd-earliest-start/

In the aftermath of the Kumamoto Earthquake, a new support center is working to reach people with disabilities who have been left without assistance and are unable to speak up for themselves. With many still isolated in their homes and surrounded by the destruction, local and national support organizations are joining forces to identify those in need and deliver help where government support has yet to reach. For inquiries, contact the Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster-Affected Persons with Disabilities Support Center at 070-5475-1100. Episode notes: ‘Support Center Launched to Help People with Disabilities Affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake Unable to Speak Up': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/09/03/support-center-launched-to-help-people-with-disabilities-affected-by-the-kumamoto-earthquake-unable-to-speak-up/

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 31st that it plans to introduce regulations, including mandatory notification requirements, for businesses that provide workplaces for people with disabilities to be employed by companies. The move comes after reports of inappropriate practices, including businesses effectively leaving the management of disabled employees entirely to outside operator. Episode notes: "Disability Employment Businesses” in Japan to Face Regulation Following Inappropriate Practices; Health Ministry to Require Registration': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/09/01/disability-employment-businesses-in-japan-to-face-regulation-following-inappropriate-practices-health-ministry-to-require-registration/

The Supreme Court's Third Petty Bench, presided over by Justice Masami Okino, has rejected an appeal by a visually impaired couple who sued Kanagawa Prefecture for damages, arguing that police officers who responded to an emergency call unlawfully entered their home without their consent. The decision was dated the 26th. The ruling by the Tokyo High Court, which had rejected the couple's claim, is now final. The High Court found that the couple had consented to the officers entering their home and overturned a March 2024 ruling by the Yokohama District Court, which had ordered the prefecture to pay the couple ¥275,000 in damages. Episode notes: ‘Japan's Supreme Court refuses damages to visually impaired couple over police entry': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/29/japans-supreme-court-refuses-damages-to-visually-impaired-couple-over-police-entry/

Two typhoons are out there, 22 and 23, but unlikely to get near Japan. They are relatively weak, although it's early in the season to have already reached the 23rd typhoon.

Evacuee life poses various challenges for those with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable people following last month's massive earthquake that struck the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto. Keisuke Wakiyama, a 49-year-old evacuee with hearing loss living at an evacuation center in the city of Kumamoto, said he initially went without food because he was unaware that disaster relief goods were being handed out. Episode notes: 'People with Disabilities Face Challenges after Kumamoto Quake': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/26/people-with-disabilities-face-challenges-after-kumamoto-quake/

A Nippon Foundation survey found on August 23rd that 76.5% of people diagnosed with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or with mental illnesses, said they had never disclosed their diagnosis during their job search. The main reason was concern that doing so would put them at a disadvantage, such as being rejected for a job. The survey targeted people who did not have a disability certificate and had sought employment through standard recruitment channels. Episode notes: ‘76% Don't Disclose Disabilities or Diagnoses During Job Hunting, Nippon Foundation Survey Finds': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/24/76-dont-disclose-disabilities-or-diagnoses-during-job-hunting-nippon-foundation-survey-finds/

On August 23rd there was a sizable quake at 2AM in the Kanto region and at 22:45 on August 23rd, a sizable earthquake in Hokkaido. Aftershocks are dying down in size now.

Japan's Princess Aiko on Friday 21st August, interacted with people at a medical and welfare facility in the city of Maibara in the western prefecture of Shiga. At the facility, the princess, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, observed a rehabilitation session for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy. Episode notes: ‘Japan's Princess Aiko Visits Shiga Welfare Facility': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/22/japans-princess-aiko-visits-shiga-welfare-facility/

An earthquake occurred off the coast of Hokkaido on Aug. 23 2026 at 22:45. The magnitude was 6.0, Shindo 4. No tsunami warning was issued.

It was learned on the 19th that, in February this year in Kyoto City, a male home-care worker who was assisting a man with severe physical and intellectual disabilities and who lived alone left the man's home for about two and a half hours in order to play pachinko. In April, the city officially recognized the incident as abuse under the Act on the Prevention of Abuse of Persons with Disabilities. Calling it “an issue involving the man's life and safety,” the city also ordered the home-care service provider employing the caregiver to take measures to prevent a recurrence and make other improvements. Episode notes: ‘Kyoto Man with Disabilities Left Alone for 2½ Hours While Caregiver Played Pachinko': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/20/kyoto-man-with-disabilities-left-alone-for-2%c2%bd-hours-while-caregiver-played-pachinko/

Regarding the wooden reconstruction of the Nagoya Castle keep, Nagoya City is aiming to install a vertical lifting device, while disability organizations are calling for the installation of a large elevator. The two sides remain at odds, but Nagoya City says it hopes to present an overall plan for accessibility, including the lifting equipment, by February 2027. Episode notes: ‘Individual interviews with organizations representing people with disabilities regarding Nagoya Castle reconstruction begin': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/18/individual-interviews-with-organizations-representing-people-with-disabilities-regarding-nagoya-castle-reconstruction-begin/

According to the complaint, Runa (a pseudonym), who was 16 at the time, was arrested in June last year on suspicion of assaulting a user at a disability welfare facility in Hyogo Prefecture. She was held in custody for 18 days. Runa was released and subsequently not prosecuted. However, her family says that she developed PTSD and an eating disorder due to the stress caused by the interrogation, during which investigators allegedly pressured her to confess, saying things such as, “Do you want to go to a juvenile detention center?” About five months later, she died in a state of severe malnutrition. Episode notes: ‘Complaint Filed Over Death of 16-Year-Old Girl Following Arrest, Interrogation': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/15/complaint-filed-over-death-of-16-year-old-girl-following-arrest-interrogation/

At least eight people are dead after unprecedented downpours in Chiba Prefecture east of Tokyo. Local officials say many homes have been damaged, Rain pounded the area from Thursday evening into Friday. Authorities issued the maximum Level 5 Emergency Warning for heavy rain in 22 cities and towns across the prefecture. “Hope I'm right on that number” was meant of a desire for journalistic accuracy, not for the number of people whom died. Episode notes (NHK World): 'Deadly rain in Chiba Pref. leaves many homes flooded': https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260813_81/

According to the bureau, at around 4:30 p.m. on May 19, a woman using an electric wheelchair attempted to board a bus at the Higashinada Ward Office bus stop in Kobe's Higashinada Ward. The driver refused her request, citing overcrowding. In fact, only the front part of the bus was crowded, and the bureau determined that the driver had failed to assess the situation properly or ask other passengers for their cooperation. Episode notes: ‘Written Warning Issued to ‘Hanshin Bus' After Electric Wheelchair User Refused Boarding': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/13/written-warning-issued-to-hanshin-bus-after-electric-wheelchair-user-refused-boarding/

Its all a bit 'typhoon-y'. Plus, a rather large aftershock affected Kyushu. on August 12 at 13:05. Shindo 4, Magnitude 4.9.

Efforts are underway in Kumamoto Prefecture to provide children with developmental and intellectual disabilities with places to stay during the day and relieve stress, after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture late last month. At Asobi Studio Uki, an after-school daycare service facility in the city of Uki, the voices of elementary and junior high school students echoed through the building Friday. Some children relaxed by lying on balance balls, while others had their hair tied by staff members. During a game of team ball-toss, a boy on the losing team asked a staff member for another round. Episode notes: ‘Children with Disabilities Offered Places to Feel at Ease in Quake-Hit Kumamoto': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/10/children-with-disabilities-offered-places-to-feel-at-ease-in-quake-hit-kumamoto/

Shindo 3 and M.4.4 earthquake in the early hour of August 10. All seems to be well in the main.

*Due to my bad eyesight I misread the information about the earthquake. It occurred on August 9 at around 8:02AM and was Shindo 4 and M4.2 in intensity.

Typhoon 13 'Dolphin' - passing through Okinawa on August 8th through the 9th, then on to China.

More aftershocks and two typhoons hanging around!

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) announced in a press release on August 5 that it has partnered with the upcoming film ‘Parallel and Vertical' as part of a nationwide campaign to promote public understanding of developmental disabilities. The film directed by Seitaro Kobayashi and starring Shota Yasuda and Non, opens in cinemas across Japan on Aug. 28. The story follows the siblings as they confront a major turning point in their lives when the younger sister prepares to marry, prompting both to reconsider the nature of their lifelong bond. Episode notes: ‘Japan health ministry teams up with film to promote understanding of developmental disabilities': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/06/japan-health-ministry-teams-up-with-film-to-promote-understanding-of-developmental-disabilities/

From NHK World: "A powerful typhoon is expected to approach the Okinawa and Amami regions in southern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Dolphin was located south of Japan as of 3 a.m. on Wednesday, and traveling west at a speed of about 20 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving away from the Ogasawara Islands, but it is forecast to approach Okinawa and Amami with strong intensity. The typhoon is projected to head westward and bring rough seas to the Okinawa region on Wednesday and the Amami region on Thursday." Episode notes: 'Typhoon Dolphin expected to approach Okinawa, Amami' (NHK World 05/08/2026)' : https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260805_03/

At least 20,000 people with disabilities across 30 prefectures are waiting to enter residential care facilities or group homes (GHs) despite wishing to use them, a nationwide survey by Kyodo News found on Aug. 2. Seventeen prefectures said they either did not track waiting lists or did not disclose the figures, citing reasons such as the lack of a standardized method for compiling the data. Episode notes: ‘More than 20,000 People with Disabilities in Japan Waiting for Care Facilities Across 30 Prefectures; Government Lacks Comprehensive Data': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/04/more-than-20000-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-waiting-for-care-facilities-across-30-prefectures-government-lacks-comprehensive-data/

As of Monday 3rd August, 38 people have died, 278 disability care homes were ‘affected' and some ‘disaster-related deaths' have sadly occurred. A total of 278 disability care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture have been affected by the powerful earthquake that struck the region earlier this week, Kyodo reported on July 31, citing the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry. A woman in her 70s died while sleeping in a car, apparently from heatstroke. Her death was judged potentially to be disaster-related, with the physical and mental strain of life as an evacuee among the possible causes. Episode notes: ‘Death Toll from Kumamoto Quake Rises to 38': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/03/death-toll-from-kumamoto-quake-rises-to-38/ ‘278 disability care facilities affected by Kumamoto earthquake': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/01/278-disability-care-facilities-affected-by-kumamoto-earthquake/

A nurse who worked at a disability support facility in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, filed a lawsuit claiming it was unlawful for the facility to dismiss them after they made a public-interest whistleblower report about problems at the facility. The Sakai branch of the Osaka District Court ruled that the dismissal was invalid, finding that it was intended to remove the nurse from the workplace, and ordered the facility to pay unpaid wages and damages. The court ordered the facility to pay the three plaintiffs a total of more than ¥20 million in unpaid wages, damages, and other compensation. Episode notes: ‘Sakai District Court Rules Dismissal of Whistleblower Nurse at Disability Facility Invalid': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/31/sakai-district-court-rules-dismissal-of-whistleblower-nurse-at-disability-facility-invalid/

A total of 278 disability care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture have been affected by the powerful earthquake that struck the region earlier this week, Kyodo reported on July 31, citing the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry. Episode notes: ‘278 disability care facilities affected by Kumamoto earthquake': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/08/01/278-disability-care-facilities-affected-by-kumamoto-earthquake/

Searches for those still missing after Tuesday's major earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, continued in extreme heat Friday even after the 72-hour window crucial for survival closed. The death toll from the quake, which recorded a seismic intensity of up to 7, highest on the Japanese scale, reached 35, including a case being investigated for a suspected link to the disaster, according to the prefecture's disaster response headquarters.

Kumamoto earthquake update on Friday 31st July.

The earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.1 occurred at around 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday 28th July, registering a seismic intensity of 7, the highest level on Japan's scale, in the city of Uki and the town of Hikawa in Kumamoto. The cities of Yatsushiro and Kumamoto in the same prefecture recorded an intensity of upper 6.

“Through these experiences and the many people he has met along the way, Kazuya seems to be steadily expanding his world and broadening his horizons,” said Yasuki Otsubo, Ono's lead caregiver.  An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 jolted southwestern Japan on Tuesday, with many feared injured as authorities scrambled to assess the extent of the damage amid reports of collapsed buildings, fires, power outages and traffic disruptions. Episode notes: ‘Sagamihara survivor shows what inclusion can look like' (‘The Japan Times' article): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/07/26/japan/lessons-from-sagamihara-survivor/ 'M7.1 quake rocks southwestern Japan, several injured' (Kyodo News): https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/80886

The facility is operated by Innovel Healthcare (Midori Ward, Nagoya City), which took over the operations in March 2025 from “Megumi”, a major group home operator whose license was revoked in 2024 due to issues such as overcharging for food expenses. According to the city, staff members engaged in physical violence against residents, including kicking them, and made threatening statements such as “Do it properly.” The city determined these actions constituted physical and psychological abuse. Episode notes: ‘Okazaki City Sanctions Disability Facility Over Abuse; Facility Ran by Successor Company to “Megumi” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/25/okazaki-city-sanctions-disability-facility-over-abuse-facility-ran-by-successor-company-to-megumi/ *Apologies for the sound quality in the second half of this podcast.

"My name is Yasuki Otsubo, and I am Kazuya Ono's lead caregiver. Kazuya himself finds it difficult to write emails or communicate verbally, so I am writing on his behalf. This year marks Kazuya's sixth year living independently with the support of personal assistants after moving from an institution into a community apartment. Recently, he has increasingly been invited to speak in a variety of settings: university lectures, policy study groups in the National Diet, and events hosted by disability organizations such as DPI and People First. He is also frequently invited to participate in online events and discussions." (The Japan Times article, July 26 2026) Sagamihara survivor shows what inclusion can look like: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/07/26/japan/lessons-from-sagamihara-survivor/

On July 22nd, the liquidator carrying out the liquidation process for the former Unification Church - officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification - which received a dissolution order from the Tokyo High Court in March of this year, published their fourth report submitted to the court on their website. Episode notes: ‘Former Unification Church's Assets at Time of Dissolution Exceeded 83.4 Billion Yen, Liquidator Announces': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/23/former-unification-churchs-assets-at-time-of-dissolution-exceeded-83-4-billion-yen-liquidator-announces/

More than 800,000 students attending public elementary and junior high schools across Japan are estimated to have developmental disabilities, according to a government survey, with experts saying the increase reflects improved recognition rather than a sudden rise in prevalence. Episode notes: ‘As awareness increases, more than 800,000 students in Japan may have developmental disabilities': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/19/as-awareness-increases-more-than-800000-japanese-students-may-have-developmental-disabilities/

According to the city, when physical restraints are used, facilities are required to obtain the consent of the resident's family and document the reasons for and methods of the restraint. The city suspects these procedures were not followed. Officials conducted an on-site inspection of the facility on July 15 and are now considering possible administrative sanctions. Episode notes: ‘Yokohama Considers Administrative Sanctions After Alleged Improper Use of Restraints is Discovered at Disability Facility': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/17/yokohama-considers-administrative-sanctions-after-alleged-improper-use-of-restraints-is-discovered-at-disability-facility/

According to those familiar with the situation, in late June a staff member verbally abused a male resident who was using the toilet, shouting remarks such as, “Come on, get it out (the feces),” and “You piece of trash.” The toilet door was also left open, allowing other residents to see him while he was defecating. Episode notes: ‘Suspected Abuse at Yokohama Disability Support Facility, Residents Called “Scum”, Locked in Rooms': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/16/suspected-abuse-at-yokohama-disability-support-facility-residents-called-scum-locked-in-rooms/

The Abilympics Fukuoka 2026, a competition in which people with disabilities demonstrate and compete in vocational skills they have developed through their work and daily employment, was held in Kasuga, Fukuoka Prefecture, on July 11. The Abilympics are organized to help working people with disabilities improve their skills while also promoting greater understanding of the employment of people with disabilities. Competitors who achieved outstanding results qualified to compete at the National Abilympics, which will be held in Aichi Prefecture this December. Episode notes: ‘Abilympics' Held in Fukuoka': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/13/abilympics-held-in-fukuoka/

According to the complaint and a report by a third-party committee established by the city, the young woman, now a high school student, attended a municipal elementary school in Sakai. Between her third and fourth grades (2018–2019), she was bullied by classmates, who blacked out her name in a shared notebook and stuffed small stones and other objects into her shoes. She eventually stopped attending school and later transferred to another school. Episode notes: ‘Osaka High Court upholds dismissal of bullying lawsuit by schoolgirl with developmental disability': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/10/osaka-high-court-upholds-dismissal-of-bullying-lawsuit-by-schoolgirl-with-developmental-disability/

Not a happy weekend with a typhoon near Okinawa and I do wish more attention could be paid to Employment Support Agency fraud.

In the case involving a teenage girl with an intellectual disability who was allegedly confined in a closet at her family's home in Machida, in which her parents and two brothers – a total of four people – were arrested and indicted, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's First Investigation Division on July 6 arrested another teenage brother on suspicion of unlawful confinement, according to investigative sources. Police believe the girl had been subjected to abuse by every other member of her family. Episode notes: ‘Disabled girl allegedly held captive; another brother arrested over confinement in closet': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/07/disabled-girl-allegedly-held-captive-another-brother-arrested-over-confinement-in-closet/

Following an incident where two former male staff members were arrested on suspicion of assault for physically abusing a resident at the “Tsurugaoka Gakuen” disability support facility in Kushiro City, the operating social welfare corporation, “Kushiro Aiiku Kyokai,” has drafted an improvement plan and submitted it to the Hokkaido prefectural government. In addition to reviewing security camera footage daily, the organization will establish a system that makes it easier to report and seek counselling regarding abuse.  Episode notes: ‘Kushiro Disability Facility Operator Drafts Improvement Plan Following Assault of Resident': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/06/kushiro-disability-facility-operator-drafts-improvement-plan-following-assault-of-resident/

A tragic accident has raised questions after a 10-year-old boy attending a special needs school in Komatsu City went missing during class and was later found dead in a nearby waterfall. According to the school, the boy had a relatively mild disability and had no difficulty communicating. However, three years ago he had left the school building through the main entrance on his own. Since then, the school said it had strengthened supervision of students and ensured that doors remained locked. Episode notes: ‘Boy, 10, dies after disappearing from Ishikawa special needs school': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/04/boy-10-dies-after-disappearing-from-ishikawa-special-needs-school/

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has compiled manuals on group guidance, operational inspections, and audits conducted by prefectural governments and other authorities for disability welfare service providers, and distributed them to local governments on the 8th. Until now, the ministry had only outlined its approach through training sessions. The new manuals are intended to strengthen guidance and audits, primarily in response to a growing number of disciplinary cases involving fraudulent practices as the number of facilities operated by for-profit corporations continues to rise. Episode notes: ‘Japan's Health Ministry Produces Manual, Strengthens Guidance and Oversight of Disability Welfare Providers Following Fraud Cases': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/07/01/japans-health-ministry-produces-manual-strengthens-guidance-and-oversight-of-disability-welfare-providers-following-fraud-cases/

A 57-year-old company employee has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding the parents of a child suspected of having a developmental disorder out of approximately ¥19 million (about US$130,000) by recommending the child study abroad. Police believe the suspect may have used the same scheme to defraud multiple victims of more than ¥50 million in total and are continuing their investigation. Episode notes: ‘Woman arrested for ¥19 million fraud targeting parent of child with suspected developmental disorder': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/28/woman-arrested-for-¥19-million-fraud-targeting-parent-of-child-with-suspected-developmental-disorder/

According to the prefectural government, a male nurse in his 40s working at the Prefectural Child Development Medical Center grabbed the wrist of an elementary school boy, who was hospitalized at the facility and lying on his back in a hallway, and dragged him approximately 10 meters in January this year. Episode notes: ‘Mie Prefecture Says Nurse Abused Hospitalized Disabled Child': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/27/mie-prefecture-says-nurse-abused-hospitalized-disabled-child/

Typhoon Mekkhala is expected to move close to the Kanto region of eastern Japan on Saturday night after traveling northeast over the sea off the Shikoku western region earlier in the day. The seventh typhoon of the year is then expected to turn into an extratropical cyclone.

Japan's weather agency on Friday warned that a typhoon could approach the country from the Pacific and make landfall the following day, as heavy rain fell across western and eastern regions. Along with the possible landfall of Typhoon Higos, the Japan Meteorological Agency also expressed concern about another typhoon, Mekkhala, which approached the Amami region in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Friday and could move toward the Kanto region the following day. Episode notes: ‘Japan weather agency warns typhoon to make landfall over weekend (Kyodo News)': https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/78727

A ceremony was held in Tokyo on Monday to restore the honor of leprosy patients in Japan, who had suffered severe discrimination based on the government's past forced isolation policy.”We former patients and their families still live silently, hiding ourselves from prejudice and discrimination that are still swirling,” said Isao Tateyama, head of a group of plaintiffs in damages lawsuit against the government. Episode notes: ‘Honor-Restoring Ceremony for Leprosy Patients Held in Tokyo': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/23/honor-restoring-ceremony-for-leprosy-patients-held-in-tokyo/

The temblor, with an estimated magnitude of 6.9, occurred around 7:30 a.m. on June 25th at a depth of about 50 kilometers off Iwate Prefecture, south of Aomori, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunamis are believed to have occurred as a result of the earthquake.

According to the city and other sources, the man requires assistance with walking and also has a visual impairment. He visited the polling station together with his mother. Because it took him some time to complete his ballot, his mother spoke to him while standing nearby. However, polling station staff judged her actions to constitute “voting interference,” which is prohibited under the Public Offices Election Act. Episode notes: ‘Miyazaki Disabled Man Gave Up on Voting After Mother's Help Deemed Interference by Polling Station Staff': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/06/20/miyazaki-disabled-man-gave-up-on-voting-after-mothers-help-deemed-interference-by-polling-station-staff/