Disability News Japan

The fraudulent claims amounted to approximately 7 million yen in total, disbursed across 17 municipalities in four prefectures: Ibaraki, Chiba, Saitama, and Tokyo. The respective local governments will demand the return of approximately 9.8 million yen, which includes surcharge penalties. This marks the fifth time since July 2025 that Ibaraki prefecture has revoked a facility's designation due to fraudulent benefit claims and document forgery. Episode notes: ‘Ibaraki Prefecture Announces Revocation of Welfare Facility's License Over 7 Million Yen Fraudulent Benefit Claims': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/18/ibaraki-prefecture-announces-revocation-of-welfare-facilitys-license-over-7-million-yen-fraudulent-benefit-claims/

Hirotada Ototake, who was born with a congenital condition resulting in the absence of limbs (“tetra-amelia”), quoted a post by a user who argued that support for people with mental disabilities should be prioritized over that for those with physical disabilities. He commented, “These kinds of ‘misery comparisons' or ‘pulling each other down' are not only meaningless, but actually counterproductive.” Episode notes: ‘Japanese Disability Advocate Hirotada Ototake Questions Ranking Disabilities by Hierarchy in Social Media': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/16/japanese-disability-advocate-hirotada-ototake-questions-ranking-disabilities-by-hierarchy-in-social-media/

My beloved wrote a book about Disability! Pre-order ‘障害と生きることの現象学: 脳性まひの身体からみえる生活世界' by 稲原 美苗 (Minae Inahara on Amazon today!: https://www.amazon.co.jp/障害と生きることの現象学-脳性まひの身体からみえる生活世界-稲原-美苗/dp/4582703755

A former instructor at a support organization arrested on suspicion of committing indecent acts against a woman with a developmental disability during a class told her they were “going to practice making a baby”. Episode notes: ‘Instructor Arrested for Indecent Acts Against Woman with Developmental Disability Told Her They Were “going to practice making a baby” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/13/instructor-arrested-for-indecent-acts-against-woman-with-developmental-disability-told-her-they-were-going-to-practice-making-a-baby/

In a case where disabled persons working from home were employed by large companies through a disability employment agency but were not given any actual work, it has been revealed that “Thanks Lab” (Naha City), the agency that brokered the employment, had requested people with disabilities not to contact their employers directly in cases of absence or other issues. It appears that some disabled persons perceived this as a “rule” of employment and were unable to communicate their situation to their employers. The people either work at the welfare offices or from home, and Thankslab received a support fee of about ¥200,000 per person per month from client companies. Thankslab's clients include major corporations. Episode notes: ‘Okinawa Company Denies Hiring People with Disabilities and Prohibiting Contact with Employer': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/10/okinawa-company-denies-hiring-people-with-disabilities-and-prohibiting-contact-with-employer/ ‘People with Disabilities in Japan Employed via Outsourcing Business Neglected by Firms That Hired Them' (The Japan News): https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20260510-326657/

About 10 passengers were taken to hospital after an emergency report of something being sprayed in a train car on the Tokaido Line section of the Ueno-Tokyo Line of East Japan Railway Co. at about 4:35 p.m. on Sunday 10th May. Episode notes: 'Passengers Taken to Hospital After Spraying Incident on JR East Train': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/11/passengers-taken-to-hospital-after-spraying-incident-on-jr-east-train/

Employees with disabilities were referred to as “talents,” and “connections between talents via chat tools, social media, etc., are prohibited,” forbidding contact with other employees with disabilities, such as colleagues. The reason given for this was that it would “lead to trouble.” Episode notes: ‘Okinawa Company Denies Hiring People with Disabilities and Prohibiting Contact with Employer': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/10/okinawa-company-denies-hiring-people-with-disabilities-and-prohibiting-contact-with-employer/

According to Health, Labour, and Welfare Ministry data released on the 4th, the number of vocational training centres for the disabled where “more than half of users work from home” has surged 3.2 times over the four-year period ending in 2025. Because remote support reduces overhead costs, such as personnel expenses for on-site staff, the Ministry suspects that some profit-driven operators are abusing the system. Consequently, the Ministry issued a notice to local governments nationwide this April, calling for stricter oversight. Episode notes: ‘Japan Labour Ministry Suspects Abuse of Remote Work Systems for People with Disabilities as Use Triples': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/05/japan-labour-ministry-suspects-abuse-of-remote-work-systems-for-people-with-disabilities-as-use-triples/

After a man with disabilities went missing from a ‘Group Home' in Tokyo recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police requested information from the public then later took the request down from the Internet. I'm sure the man has been found, but I offer some thoughts on the differences between Britain and Japan with such incidences.

The city of Osaka has filed a criminal complaint against the operating company of Kizuna Holdings (HD), which had been subject to administrative sanctions for fraudulently receiving approximately 15 billion Yen in disability employment support benefits. As of May 1st 2026, Osaka city has also revoked the designation of the company's facilities. Episode notes: ‘Osaka city files criminal complaint against Kizuna Holdings over ¥15 billion in fraudulent disability employment support funds': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/03/osaka-city-files-criminal-complaint-against-kizuna-holdings-over-¥15-billion-in-fraudulent-disability-employment-support-funds/

The Japanese tabloid magazine ‘FRIDAY' has been investigating misuse of the ‘Help Mark', which was designed to help people with disabilities alert people of possible needs they might have. Episode notes: Japanese Tabloid Investigates Misuse Of Disability ‘Help Mark' as ‘Life Hack': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/05/02/japanese-tabloid-investigates-misuse-of-disability-help-mark-as-life-hack/

A lawsuit is being heard at the Imabari branch of the Matsuyama District Court in which a visually impaired woman is seeking approximately 1.7 million yen in damages from a dog owner, alleging that she fell and was injured after an unleashed dog approached her guide dog. In an interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, the plaintiff stressed, “If you fall on a public road, there's a risk of being hit by a car, could be life-threatening.” She added, “I want people to understand how dangerous it is to interfere with a guide dog while it is guiding.” In March, representatives of the media were invited to observe a walking training session held on a platform at East Japan Railway's Shinagawa Station in Tokyo's Minato Ward, using actual train cars. The session brought together six participants with visual impairments and six mobility instructors, who worked in pairs. Episode notes: ‘Visually impaired woman sues for 1.7M Yen after unleashed dog attacks guide dog, causing fall': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/27/visually-impaired-woman-sues-for-1-7m-yen-after-unleashed-dog-attacks-guide-dog-causing-fall/ ‘Japan starts platform safety training for visually impaired': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/30/japan-starts-platform-safety-training-for-visually-impaired/

Tokyo police have re-arrested two men, including the alleged leader of a group accused of exploiting a dating app aimed at people with disabilities, in what investigators describe as a systematic fraud scheme targeting vulnerable users. The suspects are accused of luring victims, such as a man in his 30s, to bars in Shibuya after meeting them on the app, then falsely claiming losses like canceled reservations to demand large “compensation” payments, in one case about ¥4.7 million. Police believe the group deliberately focused on people with disabilities and may have defrauded dozens of victims out of roughly ¥85 million in total; the alleged ringleader denies the charges while another suspect has admitted involvement. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Met Police Re-arrest Two over 85 Million Yen Fraud, Targeting the Disabled with Dating App': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/27/tokyo-met-police-re-arrest-two-over-85-million-yen-fraud-targeting-the-disabled-with-dating-app/

An earthquake struck the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido early Monday morning. The Japan Meteorological Agency says it occurred at 5:24 a.m. The epicenter was the southern Tokachi region and the focus was at a depth of 80 kilometers. The estimated magnitude was 6.1. An intensity of upper 5 on the Japanese scale of zero to seven was recorded in Urahoro Town, while an intensity of lower 5 was observed in Niikappu Town. An intensity of 4 was recorded in Kiyota Ward of Sapporo City, Hakodate City, Kushiro City, Obihiro City, Mikasa City, Chitose City and elsewhere in the prefecture. Hashikami Town in Aomori Prefecture also had an intensity of 4. Jolts ranging in intensity from 3 to one were felt in a wide area, including the Tohoku and Kanto regions. Episode notes: ‘Earthquake with upper 5 intensity strikes Hokkaido, northern Japan': https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260427_05/

A district court in southwestern Japan on Thursday 23rd April dismissed a damages claim by people with disabilities who said that the unmanned operations of stations by Kyushu Railway Co., or JR Kyushu, violated their freedom of movement. "It cannot be acknowledged that there was unfair and discriminatory treatment" on the grounds of disability in operating stations without staff, Oita District Court Presiding Judge Mina Tomita said, rejecting the claim for damages totaling 660,000 yen against JR Kyushu. Episode notes: ‘Oita Court Rejects Disabled People's Claim over Unmanned Stations': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/24/oita-court-rejects-disabled-peoples-claim-over-unmanned-stations/

In a retrial at the Fukuoka District Court on the 20th, Presiding Judge Shinichi Suzushima sentenced a 44-year-old male radiological technologist to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years.The man had been charged with quasi-forcible indecency for touching the chest of a female student with intellectual disabilities during a 2018 medical check-up at a high school in Fukuoka Prefecture. Judge Suzushima upheld the credibility of the student's testimony, describing the act as a “despicable crime that exploited his professional position.” Episode notes: ‘Male Radiologist Found Guilty of Molesting Fukuoka Female Student with Intellectual Disabilities During Medical Exam': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/21/male-radiologist-found-guilty-of-molesting-fukuoka-female-student-with-intellectual-disabilities-during-medical-exam/

A strong earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Monday, measuring up to upper 5, the fourth-highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, and triggering tsunami warnings. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tremor occurred at around 4:52 p.m. off the Sanriku Pacific coastal area of northeastern Japan, with upper 5 seismic intensity observed in the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.7 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres.

A strong earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Monday 20th April 2026, measuring up to upper 5, the fourth-highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, and triggering tsunami warnings. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.7 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres. A ‘Subsequent Earthquake Advisory' has been issued so to be wary of aftershocks. This is the second time such an advisory has been issued.

A strong earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Monday, measuring up to upper 5, the fourth-highest level on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, and triggering tsunami warnings. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tremor occurred at around 4:52 p.m. off the Sanriku Pacific coastal area of northeastern Japan, with upper 5 seismic intensity observed in the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture. The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.5 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometres.

“Kizuna Holdings hasn't suffered any damage, but we are the ones struggling. They are the embodiment of insincerity…When I look for new work, I'm often asked, ‘Where did you work before?' When I tell them it was a Kizuna Holdings facility, they say, ‘Oh, there. That means you were complicit in the crime. You're an accomplice,' and then tell me not to come back. But the one truly in the wrong is Kizuna Holdings, the users are the victims.” Episode notes: ‘ “The users are the victims”: After ‘Kizuna Holdings' Scandal, 1,280 Disabled Service Users to Lose Jobs': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/18/the-users-are-the-victims-after-kizuna-holdings-scandal-1280-disabled-service-users-to-lose-jobs/

Two strong earthquakes jolted Nagano Prefecture in central Japan on Saturday 18th April, with the first measuring a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 followed by another registering magnitude 5.1, the country's weather agency said. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of aftershocks on a similar scale over the next week or so. No tsunami warnings were issued. The first major quake occurred at 1:20 p.m. in Omachi and registered upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7, according to the agency. At 2:54 p.m., another quake registering lower 5 hit Omachi and nearby areas. Upper 5 is defined by the agency as a level at which many people find it difficult to walk.There were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage due to the quake in the landlocked prefecture. Podcast Notes: ‘Strong M5.0, 5.1 quakes hit Nagano Prefecture in central Japan': https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/74418

Japan's health ministry decided on Wednesday to lift restrictions on organ donations from individuals who have stayed in Europe, a measure introduced to combat variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). The change is expected to take effect as early as this autumn. Episode notes: ‘Japan to Lift Organ Donation Curbs on Europe Stayers': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/16/japan-to-lift-organ-donation-curbs-on-europe-stayers/

A Japanese government survey in 2025 published on Tuesday 14th April showed that 4.5 pct of respondents in the country often or constantly feel lonely, up 0.2 percentage point from the previous year. The share of people who often or constantly feel lonely was higher in their 30s to 50s. The survey, conducted by the Cabinet Office in December, found that 13.7 pct said they sometimes feel lonely and 19.5 pct said they have lonely feelings once in a while. Episode notes: ‘Government Survey Indicates 4.5 Percent in Japan Constantly Feel Lonely': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/14/government-survey-indicates-4-5-percent-in-japan-constantly-feel-lonely/

Tokyo police have arrested a former worker of a facility for children with disabilities in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, for an alleged indecent assault against a 5-year-old girl who attended the facility, it was learned Monday. * Apparently 'Indecent Assault' and 'Abuse' are different types of crimes. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Police Arrest Ex-Child Facility Worker for Indecent Assault Against 5-Year-Old Girl with Disability': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/14/tokyo-police-arrest-ex-child-facility-worker-for-indecent-assault/

Masamichi Sone, the representative of a company operating facilities such as “Rapport” in Nishi Ward, Sapporo, has been arrested and referred to prosecutors. Sone is suspected of repeatedly submitting false applications to Sapporo City between 2022 and 2025, claiming to have provided employment support services for persons with disabilities despite not having appointed a qualified managing supervisor as required. He allegedly defrauded the city of approximately ¥35 million in benefit payments. Episode notes: 'Sapporo Employment Support Agency Executive Referred to Prosecutors Over False Disability Claims': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/12/sapporo-employment-support-agency-executive-referred-to-prosecutors-over-false-disability-claims/

Tokyo's Toshima Ward announced on the 10th that it has revoked the designation of the childcare support service “Aton Juku – Child Development Support and After-School Day Service for Children Living with Sign Language,” after it was found to have fraudulently received approximately 58.3 million yen in benefits by concealing a staff shortage. The revocation will take effect from July 1. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo's Toshima Ward Revokes Designation of Deaf Child Daycare Centre Over 58.3 Million Yen Fraud, Falsified Staff Reports': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/11/tokyos-toshima-ward-revokes-designation-of-deaf-child-daycare-centre-over-58-3-million-yen-fraud-falsified-staff-reports/

When an advocacy group for people with mental and developmental disabilities conducted a survey on employment, over 60% of respondents reported having experience with "closed employment" - working without disclosing their disability. Many cited the reason for non-disclosure as "feeling that it would lead to employment disadvantages such as dismissal or contract non-renewal.” Episode notes: ‘60% of Workers in Japan with Mental or Developmental Disabilities Do Not Disclose Disability': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/09/60-of-workers-in-japan-with-mental-or-developmental-disabilities-do-not-disclose-disability/

Novel Alzheimer's therapies have been given to 19 pct of outpatients who applied for the medications, according to a recent survey at a Tokyo hospital. The lecanemab and donanemab therapies for early-stage Alzheimer's patients are now clinically available under Japan's national health insurance scheme, which curbs a sharp rise in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Despite the relatively low-cost availability, however, the drugs have eventually been administered to only 87 out of 456 applicants, the survey by a study group at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology showed. Episode notes: ‘Novel Alzheimer's Therapies Given to Less than 20 Percent of Applicants': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/08/novel-alzheimers-therapies-given-to-less-than-20-percent-of-applicants/

Amid support programs for the employment of people with disabilities, an unprecedented case of fraudulent benefit claims by an Osaka-based company has come to light. The total amounts to ¥15 billion, funded, of course, by taxpayers. Episode notes: ‘Disabled Service Users at Employment Facility Exploiting Benefit Loopholes “felt something like guilt”': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/04/disabled-service-users-at-employment-facility-exploiting-benefit-loopholes-felt-something-like-guilt/

A recent analysis of a government report showed that nearly 500 people aged 65 and older died between fiscal 2006 and 2024 as a result of murder or abuse by family members or relatives who had been caring for them, highlighting the increasingly harsh environment surrounding in-home caregiving. Episode notes: ‘Nearly 500 elderly killed by family caregivers in Japan in FY 2006-2024': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/06/__trashed-6/

Japanese health minister Kenichiro Ueno on Friday 3rd April urged the public to exercise caution as measles cases are increasing. The number of people infected with the disease in Japan this year had reached 152 as of March 22, the highest total for the same period since 2020. Episode notes: ‘Japan Health Minister Warns about Rising Measles Cases': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/04/japan-health-minister-warns-about-rising-measles-cases/

A survey of families of people with disabilities has revealed that nearly 60% responded that they feel they have reached their limit with caregiving (care/assistance). It was also found that about 90% said they are worried about the lives of people with disabilities after their parents have passed away. 'Survey Reveals 60% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan Feel They are at Care “Limit” ‘: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/03/survey-reveals-60-of-families-of-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-feel-they-are-at-care-limit/

“We'd like you to resign.” Hearing those words, Yamakawa (a pseudonym) was shocked. They never expected such a drastic change in their employer's attitude. The incident that came to mind had happened just four days earlier. Yamakawa had revealed to the head of the company, where they had been working for three years, that they had ASD. Episode notes: ‘ “We'd like you to resign”: Worker in Japan fired 4 days after revealing autism': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/04/02/wed-like-you-to-resign-worker-in-japan-fired-4-days-after-revealing-autism/

An earthquake struck eastern Japan on the morning of April 1st, with the Japan Meteorological Agency reporting a magnitude of 5.0. The quake occurred at around 10:06 a.m. Strong shaking was observed across parts of Tochigi Prefecture and neighboring areas in the Kanto region, including zones registering intensity 4. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation. No tsunami warning was issued.

According to the announcement, as of June 1, 2024, three municipalities, Kinokawa, Shirahama, and Kushimoto, did not meet the statutory employment rate of 2.8% for persons with disabilities under the Act on Employment Promotion of Persons with Disabilities. As a result, they formulated employment plans for hiring persons with disabilities as required by the law. However, despite guidance from the bureau aimed at achieving the target, the situation had not improved by the deadline of the end of December 2025. Episode notes: 'Wakayama Fails to Hire Statutory Number of People with Disabilities': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/31/wakayama-fails-to-hire-statutory-number-of-people-with-disabilities/

Osaka City said March 27 it had revoked the operating licenses of four disability employment support facilities run by subsidiaries of Kizuna Holdings, after determining they had improperly received excessive public subsidies tied to employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Kizuna Holdings operates Type A continuous employment support facilities, where users with disabilities work in structured settings while receiving wages subsidized by public funds, with the aim of transitioning into regular employment. Episode notes: ‘Osaka revokes licenses of Kizuna Holdings units over excess disability subsidies': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/30/osaka-revokes-licenses-of-kizuna-holdings-units-over-excess-disability-subsidies/

According to the report for 2025 compiled jointly by the health ministry and the National Police Agency, the total suicide figure dropped 1,132 from the previous year to 19,188, the lowest since 1978, when the statistics began. Episode notes: ‘Japan Sees Fewest-Ever Suicides in 2025': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/28/japan-sees-fewest-ever-suicides-in-2025/

The number of students diagnosed with developmental disabilities in Japan is increasing. A key issue is how schools provide support. This report looks at both students struggling with disabilities and efforts by universities. Episode notes: ‘Students with Developmental Disabilities Rise to 12,000 Nationwide in Japan': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/27/students-with-developmental-disabilities-rise-to-12000-nationwide-in-japan/

Miyazaki City has revoked the designation of service provider ‘Porto' that supports preschool children with disabilities after it was found to have fraudulently received approximately 14 million yen in benefits from the city. Episode notes: ‘Miyazaki City Day Care Centre for Disabled Children Improperly Claimed 14 Million Yen, Designation Revoked': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/26/miyazaki-city-day-care-centre-for-disabled-children-improperly-claimed-14-million-yen-designation-revoked/

In an accident in March 2025 at the “Prefectural Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center,” a residential facility for children with disabilities in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, a resident (then 14) fell from a stretcher, suffered fractures, and later died. On the 23rd, the prefectural government released the results of its investigation. As to causes, it pointed to failures to thoroughly ensure safety, including in the operation of equipment, as well as a lack of shared caregiving methods tailored to each resident. Episode notes: ‘Tottori Accepts Liability in Death of Disabled Teen at Care Facility': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/25/tottori-accepts-liability-in-death-of-disabled-teen-at-care-facility/

An estimated 227,000 people in Japan are living with higher brain dysfunction, an “invisible disability” caused by brain damage from strokes or accidents, yet the condition remains poorly understood because its symptoms are not outwardly apparent. As a result, families of those affected often face profound and isolating challenges, including sudden personality changes, emotional instability, and cognitive impairments that others may misinterpret as normal behavior. This lack of visible signs can lead to misunderstanding and insufficient support, leaving caregivers to cope with stress, confusion, and loneliness while navigating daily life alongside their loved ones. Episode notes: ‘227,000 people in Japan have “Higher Brain Dysfunction”; families speak of loneliness and reality': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/22/227000-people-in-japan-have-higher-brain-dysfunction-families-speak-of-loneliness-and-reality/

People with disabilities in Japan continue to face significant barriers in securing housing and accommodation, with multiple recent cases highlighting concerns over discrimination, limited legal enforcement, and a lack of understanding among property owners and service providers. Episode notes: ‘People with disabilities in Japan face persistent barriers to housing, accommodation': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/23/people-with-disabilities-in-japan-face-persistent-barriers-to-housing-accommodation/

Japan's transport ministry has come up with draft guidelines aimed at reducing long waiting lines at women's toilets at stations and commercial facilities. At a meeting of experts and businesspeople on Friday 13th March, the ministry presented its first draft guidelines for public restrooms in such places. The guidelines say it is important for both men and women to be able to use restrooms comfortably, and that the waiting times for each must be equal. They also say that the number of toilets for women needs to be higher than those for men at facilities where the number of male and female toilet users are almost the same. Episode notes: ‘Japan's new guidelines aim to reduce long lines of women at public toilets': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/22/japans-new-guidelines-aim-to-reduce-long-lines-of-women-at-public-toilets/

I thought ‘Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future' by Tom Feiling was interesting and engaging. I recommend the audiobook. ‘Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future' (Amazon JP): https://amzn.asia/d/0a0h4eQN

A pedestrian crossing built to a new standard with wider spacing between white lines than before was introduced this month at an intersection near JR Takase Station in Takase Town, Mitoyo City, the first such installation in Shikoku. On the 18th, the prefectural police invited visually impaired people and others to walk across it and share their feedback. In July 2024, related laws on road markings were partially revised, making it possible to widen the spacing between white lines from the previous 45–50 centimetres to as much as 90 centimetres. This is expected to reduce maintenance costs, as it can lessen deterioration caused by vehicle traffic. Episode notes: ‘Shikoku Island Town Trials New Pedestrian Crossing for Visually Impaired': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/19/shikoku-island-town-trials-new-pedestrian-crossing-for-visually-impaired/

In the ruling on Tuesday 17th March, Presiding Judge Hisashi Ito said that Aoba clearly understood the meaning of his decision, and that the impact of his delusional disorder on the decision was hardly seen. The judge added that it is “not unreasonable” for Aoba to believe that withdrawing the appeal was better than being deemed delusional by a higher court and being executed. Episode notes: ‘Withdrawal of Appeal against Death Sentence Found Valid in KyoAni Case': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/18/withdrawal-of-appeal-against-death-sentence-found-valid-in-kyoani-case/

The notebooks include instructions such as “Please call 110 (police)” and are intended for use by people who are deaf or have difficulty speaking, enabling them to request assistance from those nearby in emergency situations. At a presentation ceremony held at the prefectural government office, the notebooks were donated by the Oita branch of NTT West Japan. Episode notes: ‘Oita Prefecture receives notebooks to assist hearing-impaired in emergencies': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/18/oita-prefecture-receives-notebooks-to-assist-hearing-impaired-in-emergencies/

A male leukemia patient between 10 and 19 died and two other young male patients are unconscious after spinal injections of anticancer drugs at a hospital in the city of Saitama, near Tokyo, hospital officials have said. The Saitama Prefectural Children's Medical Center is consulting police in view of the possibility that the incident resulted from a criminal or accidental cause, the officials said Wednesday. Of the three patients, one died in February, while a boy under 10 and the other patient, who is between 10 and 19, are in critical condition. Episode notes: ‘Patient Dies, 2 Critical after Injections at Hospital near Tokyo': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/12/patient-dies-2-critical-after-injections-at-hospital-near-tokyo/

Japan's Daichi Oguri won the silver medal in the men's snowboard banked slalom SB-LL1 event at the Milano-Cortina Paralympics on Friday. This is Japan's third medal in the ongoing Paralympics, and its 100th winter Paralympic medal overall. Alpine sit skier Momoka Muraoka's 11th career Paralympic medal at this year's Milan Cortina games has made her Japan's most decorated winter Paralympian, a new high in an already stellar career. Episode notes: ‘Japan's Oguri Wins Para Snowboard Silver at Milan-Cortina': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/14/japans-oguri-wins-para-snowboard-silver-at-milan-cortina/ ‘Paralympics: Record 11th medal for Momoka Muraoka marks new high in stellar career' (Peter Masheter for Kyodo): https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/72185

In September 2025, a 21-year-old man residing in a welfare facility for people with disabilities in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture, was assaulted by a male staff member and lost sight in his left eye. On the 10th, the Kobe District Court sentenced the former staff member, Akira Kamitake (23), to three years in prison, suspended for five years (the prosecution had sought four years of imprisonment). Testimony from the trial and further reporting have shed light on the background of the incident. Episode notes: ‘ “Stop your damn crying”: Guilty Verdict for Staff Member in Abuse Case at Hyogo Facility for Disabled': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/13/stop-your-damn-crying-guilty-verdict-for-staff-member-in-abuse-case-at-hyogo-facility-for-disabled/

Referring to “the case in which a mother killed her daughter with a severe disability,” Noburo Takachi mentioned the incident that occurred in Mobara, Chiba Prefecture. He noted that many opinions online say “the mother cannot be blamed,” creating an atmosphere suggesting it was unavoidable, referring to comments circulating on social media about the suspect. Episode notes: ‘Actor Noburo Takachi on Murder of Disabled Daughter: “I Feel a Discrimination Between Lives”': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/03/12/actor-noburo-takachi-on-murder-of-disabled-daughter-i-feel-a-discrimination-between-lives/