Disability News Japan

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/

Japan's Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry reported a slight decline in the number of disabled workers found to be abused by employers in fiscal 2024, even as reports of suspected cases increased. A total of 1,827 workers were the subject of abuse reports, down 1.5% from the previous year, while confirmed cases involved 652 people across 434 workplaces, a 14.3% drop. Most cases involved economic exploitation, such as unfair pay, with part-time and temporary workers most affected. Intellectual disabilities were the most common among victims. Labor bureaus responded mainly with guidance under labor laws, including the Minimum Wage Act. Episode notes: ‘Abuse of Disabled Workers by Employers in Japan Fell by 1.5% in FY2024': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/05/abuse-of-disabled-workers-by-employers-in-japan-fell-by-1-5-in-fy2024/

The family of a pregnant woman who died after being hit by a vehicle in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, is urging prosecutors to recognize her newborn daughter Hinami, who was left severely disabled due to the accident, as a legal victim. Sayaka Togitani, 31, died two days after the incident on May 21st, and her daughter Hinami was delivered via emergency cesarean section but suffered brain damage from fetal hypoxia. While the 50-year-old driver has been indicted for negligent driving resulting in Sayaka's death, no charges have been filed in relation to Hinami, as she was a fetus at the time under Japan's Criminal Code. On September 2, Sayaka's husband, Yudai, submitted a petition with over 112,000 signatures calling for prosecutors to also pursue charges for the injury to Hinami. At the driver's first court hearing the same day, they admitted guilt and apologized, while Yudai emphasized the importance of acknowledging his daughter's life and suffering. Episode notes: ‘(Update) Nagoya Prosecutors Urged to Deem Girl, Hinami, Born Severely Disabled after Accident as Victim': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/04/update-nagoya-prosecutors-urged-to-deem-girl-hinami-born-severely-disabled-after-accident-as-victim/

Led by Dr. Ryotaro Hashizume of the Graduate School of Medicine, Unit for Genomic Manipulation and Technology Development, the team had successfully developed a technique to eliminate the extra copy of chromosome 21 in cells derived from individuals with Down syndrome. The condition, caused by trisomy 21, affects roughly one in every 700 births and leads to intellectual disabilities and other health complications. *Apologies for the sound quality halfway through the podcast. Episode notes: ‘Mie University Researchers Develop Groundbreaking CRISPR Technique to Remove Extra Chromosome in Down Syndrome Cells': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/09/02/mie-university-researchers-develop-groundbreaking-crispr-technique-to-remove-extra-chromosome-in-down-syndrome-cells/

Japan Post announced that a contractor employee at the Nagasaki Central Post Office was dismissed after writing a discriminatory remark on a delivery notice left for an elderly customer with hearing difficulties. The incident occurred on July 29 and came to light two days later when the customer reported it. Japan Post staff visited the customer to apologize directly. The company stated there was no prior trouble between the two and pledged to strengthen human rights awareness to prevent a recurrence. Episode notes: ‘Japan Post Apologizes After Delivery Contractor Writes Discriminatory Note to Hearing Impaired Customer': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/31/japan-post-apologizes-after-delivery-contractor-writes-discriminatory-note-to-customer/

A Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry survey has found that only about 10% of local governments have implemented caps on disability welfare services to prevent oversupply, despite rising demand. Around 40% said they were considering adopting the measure, while 30% opposed it, citing the need to respond flexibly when demand exceeds projections. The cap currently applies to residential facilities, day activity services, and two types of employment support, but whether to add group homes, whose numbers have surged in recent years has become a key issue. Episode notes: ‘Only 10% of Municipalities Implement Caps on Disability Welfare Services, Japan's Health Ministry Reports': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/28/only-10-of-municipalities-implement-caps-on-disability-welfare-services-japans-health-ministry-reports/

It has come to light through interviews with the organization operating a disability employment support facility in Aki City that the former executive director was certified by a regional union as having committed abuse, such as kicking a chair used by a facility user. The organization in question is Kochi Kizuna Farm, a general incorporated association that operates employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Aki City and Ino Town. According to the organization, the regional union conducted interviews with staff and others after receiving information that abuse was taking place at the facility in Aki City. The investigation confirmed that the former executive director, a man in his 50s, had kicked a user's chair and that a life support worker at the facility had also kicked a user. In addition, the facility was recognized for its role in preventing recidivism by accepting individuals with criminal records and was awarded a commendation by the Prime Minister last year. Episode notes: ‘Former Executive Director Accused of Abusing Users at a Disability Employment Support Facility in Aki City': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/26/former-executive-director-accused-of-abusing-users-at-a-disability-employment-support-facility-in-aki-city/

A 73-year-old woman, a resident of a facility for the disabled in Kitaakita City, Akita, who was attacked by a bear late last month, passed away on the 20th. According to police, the cause of death was injuries to her head and face sustained during the attack and the deceased's name was Hideko Miura (73). Hideko Miura was found bleeding and collapsed near the entrance to Tsutsuji, a group home for the intellectually disabled in Uesugi, Kitaakita City, around 11:00 PM on the 31st of July. Based on injuries to her head and face, it was suggested that she had been attacked by a bear. Miura was reportedly unconscious when transported to the hospital, but never regained consciousness and passed away on the morning of August 20th. According to Akita Prefecture, this is the first time this year that someone has died in a bear attack in the prefecture. Episode notes: ‘Bear attacks woman outside disabled home in Akita': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/05/bear-attacks-woman-outside-disabled-home-in-akita/ ‘73-Year-Old Woman Dies After Bear Attack on Grounds of Akita Prefecture Facility for the Disabled': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/21/73-year-old-woman-dies-after-bear-attack-on-grounds-of-akita-prefecture-facility-for-the-disabled/

Digital technology is set to play an exciting role at the Tokyo Deaflympics in November, with organizers aiming to create an immersive experience that engages athletes and spectators with hearing impairments. Sounds such as those made when a ball is hit, or when fans cheer, are translated into onomatopoeic words and displayed at the table tennis venue during the Deaflympics. Monitors near the table display written characters in sync with the decisive moments of a match, offering a more immersive and visually engaging experience for spectators. An after-school day service facility for children with disabilities in Hiroshima City has been penalized after staff, including the operator's representative, were found to routinely use wrestling moves, shouting, and hitting as a supposed form of “communication” with children—behaviour described by a former employee as a daily occurrence and treated as “part of a game.” Hiroshima City has suspended the operator Watanohana for three months. Episode Notes: ‘Abuse was “part of a game” at Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Facing Administrative Action': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/21/abuse-was-part-of-a-game-at-hiroshima-support-facility-for-children-with-disabilities-facing-administrative-action/ ‘Deaflympics: Tech innovation to immerse athletes, spectators in sport': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/14/deaflympics-tech-innovation-to-immerse-athletes-spectators-in-sport/

In Hiroshima City, at a support facility that takes care of children with disabilities, abuse such as hitting a child on the buttocks was found to have occurred. In addition, improper receipt of benefit payments was confirmed. As a result, the city has taken administrative action, including revoking the operator's authorization. Episode notes: ‘After Cases of Abuse are Discovered, Hiroshima Support Facility for Children with Disabilities Faces Administrative Action': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/19/after-cases-of-abuse-are-discovered-hiroshima-support-facility-for-children-with-disabilities-faces-administrative-action/

Kobe City announced on August 14th, that in fiscal year 2024, it received a total of 21 reports of abuse of persons with disabilities at psychiatric hospitals, and recognized one of them as a case of abuse. Following the revision of the Mental Health and Welfare Act, from fiscal year 2024 onward, prefectures and government-designated cities are required to publicly disclose the status of abuse occurring at psychiatric hospitals. Episode notes: ‘Following Revision of Mental Health Legislation in 2024, Kobe City Receives 21 Reports, Recognizes 1 Case of Abuse of People with Disabilities at Psychiatric Hospitals': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/16/following-revision-of-mental-health-legislation-in-2024-kobe-city-receives-21-reports-recognizes-1-case-of-abuse-of-people-with-disabilities-at-psychiatric-hospitals/

t's Obon! Although there is an interesting article about how In June, Japan enacted the Act on the Promotion of Measures Concerning Sign Language, a law aimed at advancing the acquisition and use of sign language and preserving sign language culture. Building on the 2011 amendment to the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities, which recognized sign language as a language, and the spread of local ordinances such as Kanagawa Prefecture's 2015 Sign Language Ordinance, the new legislation clarifies the responsibilities of national and local governments. It mandates securing opportunities for learning sign language, training interpreters, enhancing education, and ensuring cultural transmission. The law has prompted municipalities such as Yokohama to strengthen interpreter placement and related services, while deaf advocacy groups are calling for further expansion, particularly the assignment of interpreters to all ward offices. Episode notes: ‘Deaf Advocacy Groups in Japan Hopes New Law Leads to Expanded Support': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/14/deaf-advocacy-groups-in-japan-hopes-new-law-leads-to-expanded-support/

A disability rights group has submitted over 23,000 signatures to JR Kyushu, urging an investigation and stronger safety measures following the death of a visually impaired woman at Tsukumi Station in Ōita Prefecture three years ago. The woman was struck by a limited express train during unstaffed hours in December 2022. The group, comprising people with visual and physical disabilities, also delivered a written statement reflecting concerns from visually impaired passengers. During a meeting at JR Kyushu's Ōita branch, members called for clear rescue protocols for falls from platforms. Co-representative lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda urged JR to take the voices of disabled passengers seriously. Episode notes: ‘23,000 Sign Petition Demanding Safety Reforms After Death of Blind Woman at JR Tsukumi Station': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/09/23000-sign-petition-demanding-safety-reforms-after-death-of-blind-woman-at-jr-tsukumi-station/

Nagoya Mayor Hirosawa has apologized to disability groups for discriminatory comments made at a June 2023 public forum on barrier-free access in the planned wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main keep. At the meeting, a wheelchair user's request for an elevator was met with remarks such as “endure it” and “don't confuse equality with selfishness,” along with a derogatory term, drawing applause from some attendees. Then-Mayor Kawamura and city officials present did not intervene, prompting public outrage. Following a review, the city pledged human rights training for staff, formal apologies, and measures to prevent a recurrence. Hirosawa said the city will work to balance historical authenticity with accessibility in the reconstruction plan. Episode notes: ‘Discriminatory Comments Over Nagoya Castle Accessibility Towards Wheelchair User Prompts Mayor to Apologize': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/09/discriminatory-comments-over-nagoya-castle-accessibility-towards-wheelchair-user-prompts-mayor-to-apologize/

Officials of Kirishima City in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima, Japan, where many homes were flooded due to record rain on Friday, have begun inspecting the damage caused by the downpour. In the city, heavy rain emergency warnings were issued temporarily on Friday and many homes suffered flood damage. But details, such as the number of affected houses, are not yet known. A resident in his 70s whose home was flooded above the floor level said, "When I looked outside, the water came up to the height of my chest.” He added, "I took a day off from work on Friday to dispose of furniture that was submerged in water." A Kirishima city official says they will conduct a thorough inspection so that affected homes can be quickly restored. The inspections will continue on Sunday. Episode notes (NHK World): ‘Flood damage assessment underway in Kirishima City, southwestern Japan': https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250809_12/

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is considering creating a new framework to support elderly people who live alone and have no relatives they can depend on. The framework would cover hospital admission, entry into nursing homes and post-mortem procedures such as funerals. The ministry aims to launch the program in fiscal 2027 with an eye toward revising the Social Welfare Law next year. Episode notes: ‘Japan to Launch Public Support System for Elderly Living Alone; Hospitalization, Nursing Homes, Funeral Arrangements Covered': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/05/japan-to-launch-public-support-system-for-elderly-living-alone-hospitalization-nursing-homes-funeral-arrangements-covered/

A woman was sent to hospital unconscious after an apparent bear attack outside a facility for people with disabilities, police said on Friday. More and more wild bears have been spotted in residential areas in Japan in recent years, resulting in a rising number of attacks and deaths. "A 73-year-old woman was found lying down with head injuries at the facility entrance on Thursday night," a local police spokesman in Akita Prefecture said. Emergency doctors told police they believed it was a bear attack based on the injuries the woman suffered, the spokesman said. Episode notes: ‘Bear attacks woman outside disabled home in Akita': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/05/bear-attacks-woman-outside-disabled-home-in-akita/

When tsunami warnings were issued across parts of Japan on July 30, tens of thousands of residents were urged to evacuate coastal areas. However for some elderly and disabled people, evacuation proved either extremely difficult or impossible. An 80-year-old woman in Iwaki, caring for her 86-year-old husband who uses a wheelchair, explained her dilemma: “It's physically impossible for me to push his wheelchair to the local elementary and junior high schools designated as evacuation centers. And there's no way I'll go and leave my husband behind.” Episode notes: ‘Elderly and Disabled Struggled to Evacuate Amid Japan Tsunami Warnings': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/02/elderly-and-disabled-struggled-to-evacuate-amid-japan-tsunami-warnings/

The last remaining advisories, in place for Pacific coastal areas between Hokkaido and Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, as well as for Tokyo's Izu Islands and the Tanegashima and Yakushima islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, were lifted at 4:30 p.m on Thursday 31st July, roughly 32 hours after the quake. Severe Tropical Storm number nine ‘Krosa' will probably brush past the Kanto region of Japan late August 1st/early August 2nd. Episode notes: ‘(Update) Tsunami Advisories Fully Lifted in Japan': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/08/01/update-tsunami-advisories-fully-lifted-in-japan/

All 'Tsunami Warnings' are now lifted, and at the time of recording, only some ‘advisories' for northern and eastern Japan remained. The government on Tuesday approved expanded disaster relief to better support the elderly and people with disabilities during emergencies, including armed attacks. There are concerns about disaster-related deaths, as some evacuees die due to their health deteriorating after evacuation. The government also sees a need to strengthen protection for evacuees in the event of armed attacks. Episode notes: ‘Japan expands aid for the elderly and people with disabilities in emergencies': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/31/japan-expands-aid-for-the-elderly-and-people-with-disabilities-in-emergencies/

On Wednesday 30th July a tsunami warning of up to 3 meters issued for Japan's Pacific coast of up to 3 meters has been issued along Japan's Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Wakayama. This comes after an intense earthquake struck east of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. A magnitude 8.7 quake struck off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 8:25 AM Wednesday. The US Geological Survey says it struck at a depth of 18.2 kilometers. Episode notes: ‘A tsunami warning of up to 3 meters has been issued along Japan's Pacific coast' (NHK World): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250730_80/

Japan has provided rehabilitation equipment to Ukraine to help support children with disabilities. More than 130 items are being delivered to the capital city of Kyiv through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The gear includes electric wheelchairs, and robot suits, which help wearers move their lower limbs with less effort. A handover ceremony was held at the rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in Kyiv on Tuesday 22nd July. Some children tried out the devices. Episode notes: ‘Japan provides support for children with disabilities in Ukraine': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/28/japan-provides-support-for-children-with-disabilities-in-ukraine/

A memorial ceremony commemorating the victims of the 2016 mass stabbing at Tsukui Yamayuri-en, a care facility for people with disabilities, was held on Saturday July 26, marking nine years since the tragedy. The ceremony was organized by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, Sagamihara City, and the facility's managing welfare organization, took place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. at the facility in Midori Ward, where 19 residents were killed and 26 injured in one of Japan's worst mass killings. Kyodo reported that Kiyomitsu Nagai (age 55), the director of the facility, stood in front of the memorial altar alongside resident Masanao Shimada (also 55), and solemnly said, “You are, and will always be, irreplaceable.” At the flower offering table, people were seen placing flowers and praying, expressing their resolve: “We will not forget the incident.” Some political action groups also marked the day as a way to highlight injustices against people with disabilities and minority groups in general. In Kobe, the group ‘Remember 7.26 Kobe Action' on July 25 held a ‘silent action'. Episode notes: ‘Memorials and ‘Silent Action' by Disability Rights Groups Mark Ninth Anniversary of Sagamihara Stabbings': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/26/memorials-and-silent-action-by-disability-rights-groups-mark-ninth-anniversary-of-sagamihara-stabbings/

In a prefectural facility for people with disabilities in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, 14 care workers physically abused residents, including hitting them forcefully. In response, the prefecture has issued an administrative punishment, suspending the intake of new residents for three months. According to the prefectural government, 14 male and female care workers in their 20s to 70s committed 40 acts of abuse against 18 residents between July and October of last year. These acts included forcefully hitting residents on the face or head for spilling food and kicking them in the legs while administering medication. Episode notes: ‘14 Staff Members Abused Residents at Gifu Disability Support Facility, Intake Suspended for Three Months': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/24/14-staff-members-abused-residents-at-gifu-disability-support-facility-intake-suspended-for-three-months/

Sohei Kamiya, founder and prominent figure of the right-wing political party Sanseito, faced criticism from disability rights groups and medical experts in the lead up to the election after remarks made in a party-published booklet that denied the existence of developmental disabilities resurfaced. In the 2022 booklet Sanseito Q&A Book – Basics, Kamiya wrote, “If you provide the exact same education as for typical children, there's no problem. Actually, developmental disabilities simply do not exist.” The booklet likened neurodevelopmental differences to personality quirks, using fictional characters from Doraemon as examples. Episode Notes: ‘Sanseito Leader Kamiya Claimed Developmental Disabilities “do not exist” in 2022 Pamphlet': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/22/sanseito-leader-kamiya-claimed-developmental-disabilities-do-not-exist-in-2022-pamphlet/

Election time is over and yes the right wing party Sanseito made gains, winning about 14 seats. In other news, Japan's central and local governments are required under a new law to take steps to promote the use of sign language, aiming to build momentum ahead of hosting the Deaflympics in November. The law took effect on June 25 following the approval in parliament of legislation drafted by cross-party lawmakers. It marks the first time Japan has enacted a law specifically on sign language, according to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. Calling the legislation "historic," the Japanese Federation of the Deaf said in a statement it is "deeply moved" when thinking of the predecessors who worked tirelessly to raise awareness of sign language. Episode notes: ‘Japan to promote sign language with new law ahead of Deaflympics': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/21/japan-to-promote-sign-language-with-new-law-ahead-of-deaflympics/

Hyoshim Maeng, a North Korean defector now living in South Korea, is drawing attention to the treatment of people with disabilities under the Kim regime. Her mother, who contracted polio as a child, lived without state support in North Korea. The family fled the country in 2018. Hyoshim Maeng now advocates for disability rights, describing widespread stigma, minimal access to education, and limited mobility. Her account highlights the gap between official narratives and lived realities for disabled people in North Korea. Episode Notes: ‘North Korean Defector: Disabled “simply cannot survive in society” under Kim Regime': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/18/north-korean-defector-disabled-simply-cannot-survive-in-society-under-kim-regime/

Friday 18th July is two days before election day for the Upper House in Japan on Sunday 20th July. Here are some sounds of the parties canvassing for votes in Kobe and Kyoto.

Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, policies toward foreigners in Japan have emerged as a central issue, with minor conservative opposition parties gaining momentum amid waning support for the long-dominant ruling bloc. Analysts warn that the discussion extends beyond short-term electioneering, saying that if xenophobic rhetoric -- often lacking a factual basis -- gains broader acceptance, it could deepen discrimination and social divisions. Episode notes: ‘Foreigners at center of debate in Japan's tense election campaign': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/14/foreigners-at-center-of-debate-in-japans-tense-election-campaign/

In a statement, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations pointed out that "one of the fundamental factors behind the occurrence of what is suspected to be arbitrary non-payment of benefits this time is the disability certification standards based on a medical model and far removed from the actual living conditions of people with disabilities." They called for "immediate improvement to the current situation in which the rights of those who are entitled to benefits are unfairly violated.” Episode notes: ‘“Standards far removed from the real life of people with disabilities”: Japan's Lawyers Call for Review of Disability Certification Standards': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/12/standards-far-removed-from-the-real-life-of-people-with-disabilities-japans-lawyers-call-for-review-of-disability-certification-standards/