Disability News Japan

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/

During the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election, the political party Sanseito has drawn attention with a controversial pledge: that all medical expenses for life-sustaining treatment at the end of life should be entirely self-funded by patients or their families. Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified the policy's intent on July 8 while campaigning in Morioka City. Speaking to reporters, Kamiya explained that the proposal was intended to raise public awareness about the financial realities of end-of-life care. “I included it with the intention of raising awareness,” he stated, “that it would be difficult if people don't save up when they are facing their final moments.” Beyond the funding issue, Sanseito is also calling for the establishment of legislation to support death with dignity. The party advocates for a legal framework that both honours patient wishes and offers protection to medical professionals making end-of-life decisions. Episode notes: ‘Sanseito's Leader Kamiya Calls for Self-funded End-of-Life Healthcare and ‘death with dignity' Legislation': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/10/sanseitos-leader-kamiya-calls-for-self-funded-end-of-life-healthcare-and-death-with-dignity-legislation/

Encountering ‘Sanseito': Japan's New Right-Wing Populist Party it was somewhat unexpected when Disability News Japan, a foreign resident in Kobe was handed a leaflet by one of Japan's more recently established and increasingly vocal political parties: Sanseito (参政党). Bright orange and emblazoned with the slogan “Don't destroy Japan any further” (これ以上、日本を壊すな), the leaflet's assertive tone immediately stood out. It promotes a platform built around the phrase “Japanese People First” (日本人ファースト), and outlines what the party calls its “three pillars” and “nine policies.” Episode notes: ‘Encountering ‘Sanseito': Japan's New Right-Wing Populist Party': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/08/encountering-sanseito-japans-new-right-wing-populist-party/ *Correction: ‘Sanseito' was formed in 2020 and won 1 seat in the House of Councillors in 2022 not a ‘couple' as was stated in the podcast.

The Mainichi Shimbun has obtained images from a video showing residents at a facility for people with disabilities in Goshogawara city , Aomori being slapped across the face. In another image, a resident is being struck. Episode notes: ‘Images show repeated abuse suspected at facility for people with disabilities in Aomori': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/05/images-show-repeated-abuse-suspected-at-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-in-aomori/ ‘Repeated abuse suspected at facility for people with disabilities in north Japan city' (Mainichi original article with video, July 1st 2025): https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250701/p2a/00m/0na/007000c

Is Japan going to sink to the bottom of the ocean on July 5th? No. But there is fun with podcasts to be had; although there are earthquakes off the coast of Kagoshima. A manga by Ryo Tatsuki published in 1999, ‘The Future I Saw (私が見た未来)' included reference to a “great disaster in March 2011,” which has since convinced a small but vocal cult of believers that her dreams are direct memos from the universe, only slightly less vague than your daily horoscope. In her revised edition, she claims she dreamed of a giant seaquake on July 5, 2025, somewhere in the waters between Japan and the Philippines, followed by a tsunami (tidal wave)  of biblical proportions. Fingers crossed Disability News Japan will be podcasting on July 6th 2025!

On July 2nd, Goshogawara city conducted a second investigation following the one in June, following suspicions that a disability support facility in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, had physically abused residents. The city conducted an investigation on June 26, including interviewing those involved with the facility, but was unable to identify the suspected abuser or the resident who was abused, so city officials visited the facility on the 2nd and conducted a re-investigation. The facility has 39 residents from within and outside the prefecture, and about 50 staff members. In response to an interview by Aomori Television on July 1st, the facility said it was "confirming the facts.” Episode notes: ‘Second Investigation Conducted Over Abuse at Disability Support Facility in Aomori Prefecture': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/07/03/second-investigation-conducted-over-abuse-at-disability-support-facility-in-aomori-prefecture/

A Japanese court on Friday sentenced a woman to three years in prison, suspended for four years, for injuring eight students in a hammer attack at a university campus in suburban Tokyo. The court found Yoo Ju Hyun, a 23-year-old South Korean, guilty of injuring the students on Jan. 10 at Hosei University's Tama Campus in Machida. The presiding judge put her actions down to a mental disorder she was suffering. Episode notes: ‘Woman handed suspended term over hammer attack at Japan univ. campus': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/28/woman-handed-suspended-term-over-hammer-attack-at-japan-univ-campus/

The number of mental disorder cases recognized as work-related in Japan rose by 172 in fiscal 2024 to 1,055, marking a record high for the sixth straight year, the government said Wednesday, with harassment by superiors cited as the leading cause. Of the total, 88 cases involved suicides or suicide attempts in the fiscal year that ended in March, up nine from the previous year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said. Episode notes: ‘Japan work-related mental illness cases top 1,000, record for 6th year': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/25/japan-work-related-mental-illness-cases-top-1000-record-for-6th-year/

Early on the morning of June 24th, a man in his 70s was found dead on the grounds of an apartment complex in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, and two other people, a man and a woman in their 70s, were found dead in the room where the man is believed to have lived. Investigators said a note was found saying "I'm going to take my disabled brother and my beloved wife with me," and police are investigating the possibility that the man attempted a murder-suicide. Episode notes: ‘“I'm going to take my disabled brother and wife with me”: Three die in possible murder-suicide in Chiba Prefecture': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/25/im-going-to-take-my-disabled-brother-and-wife-with-me-three-die-in-possible-murder-suicide-in-chiba-prefecture/

The Izumisano Welfare Association, a social welfare corporation operating 28 disability welfare facilities in Osaka Prefecture (chaired by Hirofumi Muroi), has created a program titled “Parent-Child Mirai Work: A Guide to Everyone's Path to Jiritsu (Independence) from a Lifewide Learning Perspective”, which helps both young people with disabilities and their parents learn about “jiritsu” (independence). The word “jiritsu” is written in hiragana to avoid making the concept seem overly complicated. The program summarizes the results of a two-year project supported by the Nippon Foundation. Episode notes: ‘Izumisano Welfare Association in Osaka Runs Program for People with Disabilities and Their Parents to Learn “Jiritsu” (Independence)': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/21/izumino-welfare-association-in-osaka-runs-program-for-people-with-disabilities-and-their-parents-to-learn-jiritsu-independence/

Individual evacuation plans are plans that determine in advance where and how elderly and disabled people who have difficulty evacuating on their own will evacuate in the event of a disaster. It has been four years since municipalities became obligated to create individual evacuation plans, but a national summary has revealed that only just over 10% of municipalities have created plans for most of the residents who are eligible. It has been a legal obligation for all municipalities for the past four years. Episode notes: ‘Barely more than 10% of municipalities in Japan have created evacuation plans for individual elderly and disabled persons': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/22/barely-more-than-10-of-municipalities-in-japan-have-created-evacuation-plans-for-individual-elderly-and-disabled-persons/

House of Councillors lawmaker Yasuhiko Funago, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, held a press conference on Tuesday and announced his intention not to seek another term in this summer's Upper House election and to retire from politics. At the press conference in the Diet building, a statement prepared by Funago, 67, also deputy leader of the opposition Reiwa Shinsengumi party, was read using the automatic speech function of a personal computer, as he is unable to use his own voice. Episode notes: ‘Reiwa Shinsengumi Lawmaker with ALS to Retire': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/18/reiwa-shinsengumi-lawmaker-with-als-to-retire/

A 39-year-old businesswoman in Tokyo has been working to help disabled people get jobs in an effort to create a society that recognizes the value of all people. Rie Usui now runs the talent agency ‘Accessibeauty' for people with disabilities. Episode notes: ‘Tokyo Woman Working to Help Disabled People Get Jobs': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/14/tokyo-woman-working-to-help-disabled-people-get-jobs/ ‘Accessibeauty' Website: https://accessibeauty.co.jp

Japan's top court rejected an appeal on Thursday 12th June by a doctor convicted of consensually killing a woman, Yuri Hayashi, 51, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2019 in Kyoto, western Japan, finalizing his 18-year prison sentence. The Supreme Court's Second Petty Bench rejected arguments that found Yoshikazu Okubo, 47, guilty of aiding another's suicide would violate the constitutional right to self-determination. Episode notes: ‘Top court rejects appeal by doctor over euthanasia of ALS patient': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/12/japans-top-court-rejects-appeal-by-doctor-over-euthanasia-of-als-patient/

A child victim of forced sterilization under Japan's now-defunct eugenics protection law said the surgery ruined his life, as he described his experiences at a U.N. event on disability rights on Tuesday 10th June in New York. “Because of the surgery, my life was thrown completely off course,” the 82-year-old man, who uses the pseudonym Saburo Kita, said at the event linked to a United Nations conference on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Episode notes: ‘Japanese man tells U.N. forced sterilization at 14 ruined his life': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/11/japanese-man-tells-u-n-forced-sterilization-at-14-ruined-his-life/

In Japan, a growing number of people with dementia are going missing each year, with many tragically found dead close to where they disappeared—491 in 2024 alone. Efforts to prevent such outcomes include the promotion of GPS tracking devices and the introduction of an orange “dementia help mark,” designed to alert others that the wearer may need assistance. Despite these initiatives, individual cases like that of Yasuko Arakawa—a woman with rare semantic dementia who vanished in 2023 and remains missing—highlight the emotional toll on families and the urgent need for greater public awareness, early intervention, and nationwide support systems in a rapidly aging society. Episode Notes: ‘Despite Technology, Japan Faces Challenges with its Dementia and Disappearance Problem': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/09/despite-technology-japan-faces-challenges-with-its-dementia-and-disappearance-problem/

The Japanese government said Friday 6th June that it will deny entry of foreign tourists who have failed to pay medical expenses in the country in the past. The government also said that medium-and long-term foreign residents who have failed to pay national health insurance or pension premiums in Japan will not be allowed to renew their period of stay or change their status of residence. Episode notes: ‘Japan to Deny Entry of Foreigners with Unpaid Medical Bills': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/06/japan-to-deny-entry-of-foreigners-with-unpaid-medical-bills/

On May 30th, the Japanese government held the first event to deepen understanding of people with disabilities, "Tomotomo Festa 2025," at the State Guest House in Motoakasaka, Tokyo. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who attended the opening ceremony, said, "We must make it the norm to have spaces where people can interact with each other regardless of whether they have a disability or not.” Episode notes: ‘Japan's PM Ishiba: “We must make it the norm to have spaces where people can interact with each other regardless of whether they have a disability” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/06/01/japans-pm-ishiba-we-must-make-it-the-norm-to-have-spaces-where-people-can-interact-with-each-other-regardless-of-whether-they-have-a-disability/

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito coalition and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party) agreed Thursday 29th May to remove up to 110,000 redundant hospital beds across the country, in an effort to reduce social security costs. The three parties will formalize the agreement soon, aiming to include the reduction in the government's upcoming economic and fiscal policy guidelines, which will be adopted in June. Nippon Ishin estimates that reducing 110,000 hospital beds would save around 1 trillion yen in medical costs. "The three parties share the same recognition (about the effect of reducing hospital beds)," Ryohei Iwatani, secretary-general of the party, told reporters after meeting with officials from the LDP and Komeito earlier on the day. Episode notes: ‘LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin Agree to Reduce Hospital Beds': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/30/ldp-komeito-nippon-ishin-agree-to-reduce-hospital-beds/

Half of people with mental disabilities or developmental disabilities in Japan have experienced problems using trains, but only 10% have requested reasonable accommodation from train staff, according to a survey conducted by the mental disability group Polke on May 2nd. The revised Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, which came into force in April 2024, requires private businesses, including trains, to provide reasonable accommodation, but the survey report points out that only 10% of people have requested reasonable accommodation, which is a "very serious problem." It recommended that training for disabled people's organizations and train staff to learn together needs to be improved. Episode notes: ‘Despite Half of Commuters with Disabilities Experiencing Problems Using Trains in Japan, Only 10% of People with Mental Disabilities Request Reasonable Accommodation': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/24/despite-half-of-commuters-with-disabilities-experiencing-problems-using-trains-in-japan-only-10-of-people-with-mental-disabilities-request-reasonable-accommodation/

NHK reported on May 28th that the city of Higashiosaka announced that it has decided to revoke the designation of two offices operated by a nonprofit organization (NPO) providing employment support for people with disabilities, after determining that they fraudulently received over 120 million yen in subsidies by falsifying service provision records. The city is also demanding repayment of the funds. One of the offices responded to inquiries by stating that it plans to contest the decision in court and will seek a reassessment of the penalties. Episode Notes: ‘Higashiosaka Disability Employment Support Providers Penalized for Fraudulent Claims; Providers Dispute Allegations': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/28/higashiosaka-disability-employment-support-providers-penalized-for-fraudulent-claims-providers-dispute-allegations/

It was learned on the 25th through interviews with involved parties that the Japan Pension Service (JPS) secretly re-evaluated over a thousand cases that had previously been denied disability pension benefits in fiscal 2024, as part of an internal review following media reports. Normally, such cases are not re-evaluated, making this an unusual move. In response to inquiries, the JPS denied the allegations, stating, “There are no such facts.” However, Kyodo News has confirmed the existence of internal documents indicating that re-evaluations are being conducted. Some staff members have said, “The JPS's response is false.” Episode Notes: ‘Secret Re-evaluation of Disability Pension Cases Following Media Reports – Over 1,000 Denials Reviewed by Japan Pension Service': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/26/secret-re-evaluation-of-disability-pension-cases-following-media-reports-over-1000-denials-reviewed-by-japan-pension-service/

In a survey conducted in 2022 by the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo), 68.4% of respondents said they were “troubled” by the digitalization of government and businesses. In addition to self-checkouts, there were also many responses citing image authentication for internet banking and login operations using one-time passwords. Toyoharu Yoshiizumi (67), head of the information department at the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (and himself visually impaired), pointed out, "As digitalization progresses, we are being left behind." He said the increase in unmanned stores is also a concern, saying, "Without store clerks, reasonable consideration cannot be given. I think it is difficult for businesses, but I would like them to improve the environment so that visually impaired people can use the facilities.” Episode Notes: ‘“We are being left behind”: Visually Impaired People in Japan Struggle with Digitalization': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/22/we-are-being-left-behind-visually-impaired-people-in-japan-struggle-with-digitalization/

Japan's Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Takamaro Fukuoka announced that he will investigate the actual situation and make the results public in one month. The incident began with a Kyodo News report dated April 28th. The report stated that the number of people who were denied disability pensions in fiscal 2024 is more than double the number in fiscal 2023, reaching about 30,000. It has also been mentioned that the requirements have become stricter since the director of the Japan Pension Service Disability Pension Center was replaced in October 2023, and that centre staff may be inducing doctors to deny pensions. Episode Notes: ‘Doubts over doubling of disability pension denials: Minister Fukuoka will “investigate the actual situation and make it public” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/22/doubts-over-doubling-of-disability-pension-denials-minister-fukuoka-will-investigate-the-actual-situation-and-make-it-public/

Your intelligence stopped at the third grade of elementary school" -- the rapper and comedian from ‘Sapporo's Gag Man' from Sapporo, (28), was told these shocking words by a teacher in the summer of his first year of junior high school. He was diagnosed with intellectual disability and panic disorder. How did his life change after his disability was discovered? Here is an excerpt from his new book, "Not Normal: Why I'm a Rapper, Even though My Intelligence Stopped in Third Grade.” Episode Notes: ‘ “Your intelligence stopped at the third grade of elementary school” Sapporo rapper (28) with an intellectual disability writes about “the sadness of living as a disabled person” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/19/your-intelligence-stopped-at-the-third-grade-of-elementary-school-sapporo-rapper-28-with-an-intellectual-disability-writes-about-the-sadness-of-living-as-a-disabled-person/

In the wake of three employees being arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for luring a man they met through a matching app to a restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo, forcing him to pay 1.1 million yen in cash and other charges in a scam; a man in his 20s who was a victim of the “rip-off” scam by the recently arrested group spoke to NHK. The man has a level two visual impairment and usually uses a white cane when walking outside. Episode Notes: ‘Japan's Disability Dating App Scammers: Man with Visual Impairment Speaks Out': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/17/japans-disability-dating-app-scammers-man-with-visual-impairment-speaks-out/

Children in Japan continue to suffer poor mental health, with the country ranking 32nd among 43 developed and emerging nations due to high suicide rates and other factors, a UNICEF report released Wednesday showed. The country improved from 37th in 2020 when the ranking was last published, although this time the suicide rate among Japanese youth was the fourth highest among wealthy states surveyed, worsening from 12th. Episode notes: ‘Japanese kids' mental health ranks poorly among rich nations: UNICEF': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/15/japanese-kids-mental-health-ranks-poorly-among-rich-nations-unicef/

A woman, aged in her 80s, lives in the city of Suzuka in western Japan's Mie Prefecture. She has an artificial bladder due to cancer and so is unable to work. Her son, with whom she lived before he passed away, suffered from an intractable disease and required canes to walk. Both had disability certificates. The woman had been receiving welfare since August 2019, but in September 2022, the payments abruptly stopped. Subsequent district and high court rulings accepted the mother and son's claims, and ordered the city to rescind its decision, although the city appealed the ruling. Episode Notes: ‘Elderly and Disabled Woman in Mie Banned from Using Car for “overuse” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/11/elderly-and-disabled-woman-in-mie-banned-from-using-car-for-overuse/

Maeng Hyo-shim was born and raised in North Korea before she and her family defected in 2018. She graduated from high school in South Korea and is currently attending Seoul Women's University. She works to raise awareness within the international community about the human rights situation in North Korea and was recently interviewed by NHK on the situation people with disabilities face in North Korea. Episode Notes: ‘Defector spotlights disability struggles in N.Korea' (Original NHK Interview): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20250508215833707/

A free app developed by an Osaka company is steadily helping more disabled people around Japan avoid potential aggravations and delays when they seek special benefits and services. Episode Notes: ‘Digital disability certificates replace vexing paper versions': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/08/digital-disability-certificates-replace-vexing-paper-versions/ ‘Mirairo' Website (In English): https://www.mirairo.co.jp/en/

Actress Ryoko Hirosue has announced a suspension of all entertainment activities after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, following hospitalization in Tokyo. The announcement comes after an incident in April where she was involved in a car accident and allegedly kicked a nurse, leading to her arrest and an ongoing police investigation. Her agency confirmed that she will continue outpatient treatment and focus on her recovery, while also cooperating fully with authorities, stating they do not attribute her actions solely to her illness and are committed to responding sincerely. Episode Notes: ‘ ‘Departures' Actress Ryōko Hirosue Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Suspends “all entertainment activities” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/05/departures-actress-ryoko-hirosue-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder-suspends-all-entertainment-activities/

The estimated number of children under 15 in Japan as of April 1 fell by 350,000 from a year before to 13.66 million, down for the 44th consecutive year, the internal affairs ministry said Sunday. The country's child population hit the lowest level since comparable data became available in 1950. The ministry released the data a day before Children's Day. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Child Population Falls for 44th Straight Year': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/04/japan-child-population-falls-for-44th-straight-year/

The legislation for revisions to child welfare and other laws in Japan is designed to make it easier to restrict meetings of parents with their children under the protection of child consultation centers. Following the revisions, it will be possible to place such restrictions on parents and other guardians in cases in which abuse is suspected but not yet officially recognized. This will help prevent centers from falling into trouble with parents. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Enacts Bill to Better Protect Kids from Abuse' (April 18 2025): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/19/japan-enacts-bill-to-better-protect-kids-from-abuse/

In response to a Kyodo News report that the number of people being denied Japan's national disability pension has surged in fiscal 2024, the National Federation of Associations for the Support of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Zenkoku Te o Tsunagu Ikuseikai Rengōkai), which consists of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, issued a protest statement by May 2, saying, “If the report is true, it cannot be overlooked.” The organization is demanding that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare verify the facts and publicly disclose the results. Episode Notes: ‘Protest Statement Issued by Japan National Intellectual Disability Organization Over Sharp Increase in Disability Pension Denials': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/05/03/protest-statement-issued-by-japan-national-intellectual-disability-organization-over-sharp-increase-in-disability-pension-denials/

One year after Japan's revised ‘Act for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities' came into effect—mandating that businesses provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities—surveys show that public awareness remains low, with 60% of disabled respondents unaware of the new legal obligation. Experts stress that without such awareness, meaningful dialogue and support cannot occur, and call for stronger government-led information efforts. Episode Notes: ‘One Year After Japan's Disability Discrimination Laws Were Revised, 60% of Disabled Are Unaware of Rights': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/30/one-year-after-japans-disability-discrimination-laws-were-revised-60-of-disabled-are-unaware-of-rights/