Disability News Japan

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/

A mother in Hiroshima reported that her 21-year-old autistic son was mistakenly accused of groping on a bus after failing to respond to a woman's request to move, highlighting how individuals with developmental disabilities are often misjudged due to difficulties with communication and social cues; although the police confirmed no wrongdoing through surveillance footage, the emotional impact remains, prompting calls for greater public awareness and understanding—especially through visible aids like the “Help Mark”—to prevent such distressing incidents. Episode Notes: ‘“I'm in shock”: Autistic Man in Hiroshima Mistaken for Molester, Reported to Police': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/30/im-in-shock-autistic-man-in-hiroshima-mistaken-for-molester-reported-to-police/

Tuesday 29th April was both ‘Showa Day' and Michael Gillan Peckitt's of the Disability News Japan Podcast birthday. Unusually he had to work that day, but he made a brief podcast on the way home about recent news regarding the book depicting neurodivergent people as animals. Episode notes: ‘Amidst Controversy Over Book Depicting Neurodivergent People as Animals, Publisher Changes Author's Credentials': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/27/amidst-controversy-over-book-depicting-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-publisher-changes-authors-credentials/

As Golden Week approaches with Showa Day on April 29th, ‘Barrier Free Japan' & ‘Disability News Japan' has been busy! Here is a digest of recent news stories about disability issues in Japan. *Apologies for the background noise, it is why Disability News Japan sometimes engages ‘AI mode'. ‘Digitalized Osaka Expo Troubling Elderly Visitors' (April 19): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/20/__trashed-7/ ‘Nippon Foundation Estimates 360,000 Young People in Japan have been Diagnosed with Developmental Disorders' (April 24): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/26/nippon-foundation-estimates-360000-young-people-in-japan-have-been-diagnosed-with-developmental-disorders/ ‘Amidst Controversy Over Book Depicting Neurodivergent People as Animals, Publisher Changes Author's Credentials': (April 27): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/27/amidst-controversy-over-book-depicting-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-publisher-changes-authors-credentials/

A group home for people with disabilities located in Uruma City has been found to be operating without meeting required standards and allegedly overcharging for service benefits. The prefectural government has announced that it will revoke the facility's designation as a disability welfare service provider. According to the prefecture, from the time the facility was designated as a disability welfare service provider in August two years ago until an audit conducted in November last year, the home had delegated operations to another organization, with the official manager failing to carry out oversight duties. Furthermore, it failed to create individualized support plans for users, among other violations of operational standards. Episode Notes: ‘Okinawa Group Home for People with Disabilities Suspected of Overcharging without Meeting Standards has Designation Revoked': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/24/okinawa-group-home-for-people-with-disabilities-suspected-of-overcharging-without-meeting-standards-has-designation-revoked/

Publisher Mikasa Shobo released a press statement on April 18th addressing the criticisms of the book ‘Psychological Techniques to Skillfully Handle 'Difficult' People in the Workplace' by Yuko Kanda ahead of its publication on April 22nd. Episode Notes: ‘Ahead of Going On Sale Publisher of Controversial Book Depicting Neurodivergent People as Animals and as ‘Difficult' Responds to Criticism': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/21/ahead-of-going-on-sale-publisher-of-controversial-book-depicting-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-and-as-difficult-responds-to-criticism/

A new book by the counselor Yuko Kanda, that categorizes people suffering from conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, depression, and trauma disorders as animals — and portrays them as “troublesome people in the workplace” — is drawing strong backlash for promoting discriminatory views. The book claims to be packed with “techniques for winning without fighting.” Episode Notes: ‘ “ASD is a sloth, ADHD is a monkey, trauma disorder is a sheep” New Book by Japanese Counselor Classifying Neurodivergent People as Animals Sparks Controversy': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/19/asd-is-a-sloth-adhd-is-a-monkey-trauma-disorder-is-a-sheep-new-book-by-japanese-counselor-classifying-neurodivergent-people-as-animals-sparks-controversy/

On April 15th, Musashino Higashi Gakuen, an educational corporation based in Tokyo renowned for its inclusive educational model, filed a lawsuit seeking 725.72 million yen in damages. The lawsuit names several defendants, including individuals affiliated with an association purporting to protect the school, parents and guardians of graduates from its advanced vocational school, along with a reporter from the ‘Weekly Bunshun.' *Clarification: Musashino Higashi Gakuen is seeking at least 725.72 million yen as stated in the initial report in the podcast - not 750 million yen as mentioned in the editorial comment made in the second part of the podcast, although it is unclear whether the 33 million claimed specifically by the Chairman (with possible further damages claims to be made) are part of the initial 725.72 million yen defamation claim. Episode notes: ‘Scandal-Hit ‘Inclusive' Tokyo School Files Suit Against Parents Association and Reporter After Concerns Raised Over New Chairman': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/17/scandal-hit-inclusive-school-files-suit-against-parents-association-and-reporter-after-concerns-raised-over-new-chairman/

Barrier Free Japan is now freed from hospital! After a stay during there the weekend after an ‘episode' on Friday after work, he is out! Apologies for the audio quality , but I thought it was still worth posting to reassure those who listen to the podcast or read the blog and sorry for the rather overly vague description of what happened. As I say in the podcast, it is not infectious or communicable, but outside of the West (and even in some countries in it) there is still some stigma towards it. And of course Japanese hospital staff rock!

In the appeal trial of a lawsuit where a visually impaired couple residing in Isogo Ward, Yokohama City, is seeking damages from the prefectural police, alleging that police officers entered their home without permission, the prefectural police have newly asserted that "(even without sight) the movements of police officers can be understood by the sounds of their equipment.” Episode Notes: ‘Yokohama Couple Files Damages Lawsuit: Police Officers Enter Visually Impaired Person's Home Without Permission': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/09/yokohama-couple-files-damages-lawsuit-police-officers-enter-visually-impaired-persons-home-without-permission/

The US has imposed an import ban on solar salt products produced by a Korean company, citing “forced labour.” This is the first time that a foreign government has banned the import of a Korean company's products for the reason that they were made using forced labour. Since 2014, suspicions of human trafficking and forced labor of intellectually disabled people have emerged in salt fields in Sinan-gun, including Taipyeong Salt Fields. In 2022, victims of forced labour in salt fields spoke to the media, saying things like "I ran away but was caught" and "I was beaten." The US has imposed an import ban on solar salt products produced by a Korean company, citing "forced labour." This is the first time that a foreign government has banned the import of a Korean company's products for the reason that they were made using forced labour. Episode Notes: ' “Disabled people forced to work at Taepyeong Salt Fields in Korea” – US Imposes Import Ban': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/08/disabled-people-forced-to-work-at-taipyeong-salt-fields-in-korea-us-imposes-import-ban/

The Japan Branch of Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) has announced that Shoji Nakanishi, a former Chair and long‑serving Standing Committee member of DPI Japan, died on March 26, 2025. Nakanishi founded Japan's first ‘Independent Living Centre' in 1986. Episode Notes: ‘Shoji Nakanishi, Founder of Japan's First Independent Living Centre, Dies Aged 80': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/06/shoji-nakanishi-founder-of-japans-first-independent-living-centre-dies-aged-80/

In 2024, at a vocational high school run by Musashino Higashi Gakuen in Musashino City, a male board chairman was sent for indictment on suspicion of coercion for forcing a female student, then in her third year, to write an apology letter. On the 2nd, the Tachikawa branch of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office announced that he would not be prosecuted. The decision is effective as of March 31, and no reasons have been disclosed. And yes, Barrier Free Japan has been published in the online publication ‘Unseen Japan.' Episode Notes: ‘Parents Say Tokyo School Once Safe for Autistic Kids Is In “Crisis' (Unseen Japan): https://unseen-japan.com/musashino-higashi-gakuen-school-crisis/ ‘Prosecutors Decide Not to Prosecute ‘Inclusive' Tokyo School Chairman Over Coercion of Female Student': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/04/03/prosecutors-decide-not-to-prosecute-inclusive-tokyo-school-chairman-over-coercion-of-female-student/

Parents of students attending Musashino Higashi Gakuen raised concerned about the appointment of Kenzo Matsumura as early as February 2024. In their change.org petition, parents express their concerns that the school as a “safe haven for our children is in a deep state of crisis, and with an ever growing concern about the future of our school”. Episode Notes: ‘Parents Raised Concerns Early About Appointment of Chairman at ‘Inclusive' Tokyo School, Alleging Harassment and Threats by Chairman': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/31/parents-raised-concerns-early-about-appointment-of-chairman-at-inclusive-tokyo-school-alleging-harassment-and-threats-by-chairman/ ‘Signature campaign calling for Hazuki Loupe Chairman Kenzo Matsumura to step down as Musashino Higashi Gakuen director' (change.org petition): https://www.change.org/p/ハズキルーペ会長松村謙三氏の武蔵野東学園理事退任を要請する署名活動?recruited_by_id=0db854b0-0016-11f0-8ec4-877224ff1059

Musashino Higashi Gakuen is an educational corporation that has two kindergartens, an elementary school, a junior high school, and a higher vocational school under its umbrella and is known for its inclusive education model, in which children with and without autism study together. A teacher at Musashino Higashi Gakuen says this with a grim resolve: “For the sake of the students and parents who remain, even though the school has had so many problems since the president was replaced, all the remaining teachers have no choice but to do what they can.” Episode Notes: ‘Confusion Reigns Amid Mass Teacher Resignations at ‘Inclusive' Tokyo School Just Prior to New School Year': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/28/confusion-reigns-amid-mass-teacher-resignations-at-inclusive-tokyo-school-just-prior-to-new-school-year/ *Apologies for the sound quality in the second part of the podcast, it sounds like I'm speaking in a tunnel, but I thought the audio was clear enough to put the episode out.

A school operator in the Tokyo suburbs required parents of newly enrolled students to submit a written pledge promising not to leak internal school information to outside parties, sources have told the Mainichi Shimbun. Musashino Higashi Gakuen is known for its inclusive education model, in which children with and without autism study together. Some parents have noted that "few places offer inclusive education for children with autism," amid growing unease about the institution's future. Episode Notes: ‘Tokyo operator of school for children with autism required nondisclosure ‘pledge' from parents: Mainichi exclusive': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/26/tokyo-operator-of-school-for-children-with-autism-required-nondisclosure-pledge-from-parents-mainichi-exclusive/ ‘The ‘Non-Disclosure Agreement' New Neurodivergent Students & Their Parents Attending ‘Inclusive' School in Tokyo May Have to Sign': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/27/the-non-disclosure-agreement-new-neurodivergent-students-their-parents-attending-inclusive-school-in-tokyo-may-have-to-sign/

An organization made up of parents of severely physically and mentally disabled children receiving medical care at home has requested Sendai City to expand hospital beds and day care services. The organization visited Aoba Ward Office in Sendai City on March 24th and handed in a request letter calling for an increase in short-term hospital beds for severely physically and mentally disabled children and adults who play an important role when their family members are unwell, and an expansion of day care services that they use on a daily basis. Episode Notes: ‘Parents of severely disabled children request Sendai City expand hospital beds and day care services': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/25/parents-of-severely-disabled-children-request-sendai-city-expand-hospital-beds-and-day-care-services/

Yasuhiko Funago (67), a member of the House of Councillors of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is severely disabled, attracted a great deal of attention when he was elected for the first time in 2019. About five and a half years have passed since then, and Funago says he feels that the reasonable accommodations being promoted in the Diet for people with disabilities are being mistakenly interpreted as "giving charity from above.” Episode Notes: ‘Member of Japan's House of Councillors with ALS, Yasuhiko Funago Concerned that Reasonable Accommodations in the Diet Mistaken for “giving charity from above” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/22/member-of-japans-house-of-councillors-with-als-yasuhiko-funago-concerned-that-reasonable-accommodations-in-the-diet-mistaken-for-giving-charity-from-above/

By March 17th, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had thoroughly informed local governments that it is prohibited for disability welfare service facilities and businesses to pay money or goods to referral companies in return for introducing users to them, as this is a violation of the operating standards. It was originally prohibited to pay referral fees to consultation support specialists who create service usage plans and other disability welfare businesses, but the treatment of the general public and referral companies was unclear, so this was clarified. Episode Notes: ‘Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Informs Local Governments of Prohibition on ‘Paid Referrals' of Disability Welfare Services': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/19/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-informs-local-governments-of-prohibition-on-paid-referrals-of-disability-welfare-services/

School doctors in Japan still have to take the risk of facing complaints from parents about their children's body parts being exposed during regular health checkups although the education ministry took measures to soothe such parental anxiety over a year ago. According to a survey conducted in June by online medical information provider m3.com, more than 80 pct of the 1,970 responding practitioners and physicians did not want to become school doctors chiefly out of concern that parents "more than necessary" tend not to allow their children's bodies to be shown to the doctors. Episode Notes: ‘School Health Checkups in Japan Still Cause Trouble with Parents': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/18/school-health-checkups-in-japan-still-cause-trouble-with-parents/

A stabbing and attempted murder of a political party leader; as well as a ‘livestreamer' being stabbed and killed, leads one to revisit about how crime and narratives about mental illness play out in the Japanese media. Episode Notes: ‘NHK Party Head Tachibana Attacked with Weapon': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/15/nhk-party-head-tachibana-attacked-with-weapon/

On March 12th, the Chiba District Court delivered a verdict in the trial of a 78-year-old man accused of murdering his younger son, who had a severe intellectual disability, by strangling him in July last year in Chosei Village, Chiba Prefecture. The court sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended for five years (the prosecution had sought a five-year prison term). Presiding Judge Ryuta Asaka noted that “the defendant was in a highly pressured situation, and it would be too harsh to place all the blame on him,” justifying the suspended sentence. Episode Notes: ‘ “Blaming Only the Defendant Would Be Too Harsh”: Chiba Father Given Suspended Sentence for Killing Intellectually Disabled Son': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/13/blaming-only-the-defendant-would-be-too-harsh-chiba-father-given-suspended-sentence-for-killing-intellectually-disabled-son/

Barrier Free Japan found a copy of ‘Hunchback' by Saou Ichikawa in the Osaka Umeda branch of Kinokuniya. I have been looking forward to reading this. Saou Ichikawa's ‘Hunchback' won the Akutagawa Prize in 2023. I would love to meet Saou Ichikawa. As people with disabilities we are not meant to use terms like ‘inspires', but as a fellow person with disabilities, she 'inspires' me to write fiction about having a disability in Japan - Ichikawa has congenital myopathy. ‘Hunchback' (Amazon JP): https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Saou-Ichikawa/dp/0241700787/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YWLMGXWX9HX0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tviLY6Hihc9Wld73kSNFDNgIMyu95jzmtY1FHVvoFbo.O-ev19sX2ziT9J5aBh6OU0KTipw5EKycw-KkJEItoZw&dib_tag=se&keywords=hunchback+saou+ichikawa&qid=1741701309&sprefix=%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1

On the 27th of last month, Sho Tanaka, 31, a doctor, was found collapsed in a space on the first basement floor of an elevator in a commercial building in Chuo Ward, Kobe, and later died. Before Dr. Tanaka was found, a store employee saw the elevator's fourth floor door open with no “cage” in place. Episode Notes: ‘Police Investigate Elevator Management Company After Man Dies in Kobe Elevator Accident': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/07/police-investigate-elevator-management-company-after-man-dies-in-kobe-elevator-accident/

In August 2024, Ms. Koyuki Hamano, 16, an intellectually disabled girl who was a resident of Chiba City, was rejected from the Chiba prefectural high school entrance examination, and asked the prefectural government to cancel her rejection, the Chiba District Court rejected her request to be provisionally obligated to enroll in the school. On February 4, Hamano's parents held a press conference in the city and announced that they have given up on the idea of continuing her education in the prefecture, terminated the trial, and that she will enroll in a Tokyo metropolitan high school from April. Episode Notes: ‘Intellectually Disabled Girl Has to Move from Chiba to Tokyo to Attend High School': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/05/intellectually-disabled-girl-has-to-move-from-chiba-to-tokyo-to-attend-high-school/

The final episode of NHK's TV programme on minorities ‘Baribara' will air on NHK E on Thursday March 6th 2024 at 20:00PM. It will look back on the 15 years of the programme covering the issues concerning minority groups in Japan. NHK ‘Baribara' Website: https://www.nhk.jp/p/baribara/ts/8Q416M6Q79/episode/te/X4G14WJ361/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3lm_sjqkgRcXoriLFGcnhx4xjVVOkkunC39QgIO8CeqlmiC25tz_qbW1k_aem_IkpwKm5ZFRuT4FU8-H8xLw

A report by All Nippon News Network (ANN) broadcast on February 28th confirmed that the seven employment support offices of the company ‘Union Social System' that has its headquarters in Shinjo City, Yamagata prefecture, will close in March 2026; leading to 217 employees losing their jobs, a result of the so-called "1.06 million yen barrier.” Episode Notes: ‘Yamagata Employment Support Offices for Disabled Closures Confirmed, Seven Offices to Close in March 2026, 217 Layoffs': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/03/01/yamagata-employment-support-offices-for-disabled-closures-confirmed-seven-offices-to-close-in-march-2026-217-layoffs/

The Japan Branch of the NPO Disabled People' International (DPI), located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, will hold an online rally on the theme of “Prisoners with disabilities and their right to use wheelchairs” on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The rally is being held in response to a ruling handed down in a lawsuit seeking ‘reasonable accommodation' in Gifu, a lawsuit concerning an alleged human rights violation in which an inmate with walking difficulties was denied wheelchair access at Gifu Prison for over 10 years. On October 30, 2024, the Gifu District Court did not recognize the denial of wheelchair access as illegal and ruled against the plaintiff. Episode notes: ‘Disabled People International Japan Branch to Hold ‘Online Rally' on “Prisoners with Disabilities and the Right to Use Wheelchairs” ': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/26/disabled-people-international-japan-branch-to-hold-online-rally-on-prisoners-with-disabilities-and-the-right-to-use-wheelchairs/ DPI Website: https://www.dpi-japan.org/blog/events/disabled-inmates-and-wheelchair-access-rights-rally/

On February 19th, the Niigata District Court handed down a sentence of 14 years in prison to a former employee of an organization, who was charged with crimes including sexually assaulting and injuring a woman with a disability while transporting her in Sanjo City. The court ruled that “he repeatedly committed the crime, taking advantage of the fact that the victim could not resist, which is despicable.” Episode Notes: ‘Former Niigata NPO employee sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman with a disability': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/24/former-niigata-npo-employee-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison-for-sexually-assaulting-a-woman-with-a-disability/

It just does often seem like social care for people with disabilities and the elderly in Sagamihara City and Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole, seems to suck. A Japanese district court on Thursday called on a family court to hear a case involving a 16-year-old boy charged with murdering his parents in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, last year. Takahira Yoshii, presiding judge at Yokohama District Court, said that educative and protective measures are appropriate for the boy. Episode notes: ‘16-Year-Old Boy to Be Sent to Family Court over Murder of Parents near Tokyo': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/02/20/16-year-old-boy-to-be-sent-to-family-court-over-murder-of-parents-near-tokyo/