Disability News Japan

The NHK TV drama ‘Percent’ premiered on Saturday 11th May on NHK G. The drama concerns Mirai (Miku, Marika Ito) who joins a TV station because she admires their drama production, and one day, her project is accepted for the first time. Her joy is short-lived, however, when her programming manager Fujitani (Satoshi Hashimoto) tells her to change the character of her main character to a person with a disability in a special drama for "Diversity Month.'' Although she is confused, she begins to interview, during which she meets Haru (Yui Wago), a high school student in a wheelchair. She feels a strange attraction towards Haru, but she rejects her, saying, "She doesn't want her disability to be taken advantage of.'' Episode Notes: NHK ‘Percent’ TV Drama webpage: https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/8N2ML9PMRG/episode/te/V2QYW74VX6/

The president of National Hospital Organization Omuta National Hospital apologized on May 2 after confirming that male employees sexually abused patients who have severe mental and physical disabilities. The hospital has not taken any administrative action against the five employees who are suspected of abuse. The employees abused patients by stimulating their pubic areas while they were sleeping or being assisted in the bath, and touching female patients' breasts. Episode Notes: ‘Fukuoka Prefecture Hospital says sorry for male staff sexually abusing patients, no further action taken’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/04/fukuoka-prefecture-hospital-says-sorry-for-male-staff-sexually-abusing-patients-no-further-action-taken/

“The work was far from professional agriculture, and most of the time was spent on breaks. If there was a harvest, I would do it, but there were days when I just watered the crop. In those cases, it only took about 30 minutes, and I had five or six hours of free time. Some people were on their cell phones or listening to music, and had a lot of free time. They told me that ‘coming to the farm is your job.' Compared to the employment support facility, my salary was several tens of thousands of yen higher, but it didn’t lead to my personal growth or career advancement. I was harassed by the management staff, and in the end, I had to quit after six months.” Episode Notes: ‘ “Coming to the farm is your job”: Workers with Disabilities in Japan Harassed, Given Little Work to Make Up Employment Numbers’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/02/coming-to-the-farm-is-your-job-workers-with-disabilities-in-japan-harassed-given-little-work-to-make-up-employment-numbers/ ‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’ (March 14 2024): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/14/hokkaido-ranch-operator-in-abuse-suit-admits-to-paying-disabled-workers-in-snacks-juice/

Author of ‘No One’s Perfect’, Hirotada Ototake who ran as an independent in Tokyo’s 15th district in a by-election for a seat in House of Representatives on Sunday 28th April, came in fifth, about 30,000 votes behind the winner. In a post on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, Ototake stated on April 28th: “I was unsuccessful this time. I blame it all on my own lack of ability.” Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/29/writer-and-disability-activist-hirotada-ototake-speaking-after-conceding-tokyo-by-election/

On April 27th Kobe City started to literally ‘fly the flag’ – put out flags in Kobe City – heralding the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships to be held from May 17th – May 25th. An event titled ‘PARAgrressive Day’ was held in various locations in Kobe. Barrier Free Japan made some videos! As of the evening of April 28th 2024, Hirotada Ototake is set to lose the by-election for a House of Representatives seat. On April 23rd it was reported that someone was arrested for attacking a staffer working for Ototake. Episode Notes: YouTube: ‘Kobe City ‘Flies the Flag’ for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships’: https://youtu.be/uiQcAMCE9g4?si=VonRxWrxjxPHt9N1 Kobe Begins to ‘Fly the Flag’ for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships with ‘PARAgrressive Day’’ (YouTube & TikTok Links): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/27/kobe-begins-to-fly-the-flag-for-the-kobe-2024-para-athletics-world-championships-with-paragrressive-day/ ‘Man arrested over assault of Tokyo by-election campaign staffer of disabled candidate, Hirotada Ototake’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/25/man-arrested-over-assault-of-tokyo-by-election-campaign-staffer-of-disabled-candidate-hirotada-ototake/ ‘Hirotada certain to lose by-election’ (Japanese language): https://mainichi.jp/articles/20240426/k00/00m/010/325000c

Eight years ago, eight patients living in Osaka, Nara, etc. filed a lawsuit against the government after their long-term basic disability pension was discontinued, and all of them won, but they were subsequently rejected again by the government. Since the payment was made, they filed a second complaint. A second court case was held in which the same eight patients with type 1 diabetes, whose bodies cannot produce insulin to lower blood sugar levels due to immune abnormalities, sued the government, claiming that it was unfair to have their basic disability pension payments terminated. The high court, contrary to the first court case, on April 19th, approved the lawsuit and ordered the government to pay pensions to all eight people, stating that it was illegal to deny them pensions. Episode Notes: ‘After Second Court Case, Osaka High Court Upholds Right to Disability Pension for Type 1 Diabetes Patients, Reversing Govt’s Decision’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/20/after-second-court-case-osaka-high-court-upholds-right-to-disability-pension-for-type-1-diabetes-patients-reversing-govts-decision/

“In Japan, the idea of a right to move is missing. It is not a problem only for people with disabilities. In rural areas, public transportation declines for business reasons and elderly people who cannot drive a car are inconvenienced,” said wheelchair user Hideto Kijima (45) after he was was forced to crawl up a set of stairs to the plane on the now defunct ‘Vanilla Air’ LCC in June 2017. Vanilla Air later merged with ‘Peach Aviation’ and it was reported on April 13th 2024 that a “Taiwanese national with a physical disability attempted to board a Taiwan-bound flight of low-cost carrier (LCC) Peach Aviation (headquartered in Osaka Prefecture) at Naha Airport in Okinawa, but was denied boarding because the battery in their electric wheelchair was not visible from the outside.” Episode Notes: ‘Electric Wheelchair User Denied Boarding on Japan LCC ‘Peach’ Due to ‘Visible Battery’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/15/electric-wheelchair-user-denied-boarding-on-japan-lcc-peach-to-due-to-visible-battery/ ‘Vanilla Airline Incident 1 & a Half Year Later’ (December 9th 2018): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/12/10/year-and-half-after-vanilla-airline-incident-japanese-wheelchair-user-reflects-on-disability-issues/

About 40 pct of Japanese medical institutions accepting hospitalizations of children ask family members to stay around the clock with them in certain circumstances, a government survey showed Friday 12th April. Following the initial concerns with ‘beni koji’ supplements, problems linked to 18 food items with functional claims have been reported in Japan other than those allegedly caused by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. supplements. Episode Notes: ’40% of Hospitals in Japan Request Family Be Caregivers for Child Inpatients’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/12/40-of-hospitals-in-japan-request-family-be-caregivers-for-child-inpatients/ ‘Health Problems Reported over 18 Functional Foods in Japan’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/13/health-problems-reported-over-18-functional-foods-in-japan/

Author of ‘No One’s Perfect’, Hirotada Ototake said on Monday April 8th that he will run as an independent in the April 28 House of Representatives by-election in the Tokyo No. 15 constituency with the backing of Tomin First no Kai or ‘Tokyoites First Party’, a political organization closely linked to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike that he serves as deputy leader. Ototake said that as one who has congenital tetra-amelia syndrome, he wants to "help people in need through the power of politics.” Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/08/disabled-japanese-author-hirotada-ototake-to-run-in-lower-house-by-election/

A disability news-related digest from the first few days of April 2024 in Japan, the beginning of the fiscal year. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. says that water leaked “into ‘beni-koji’ production tank in past.” Japan’s Health Ministry conducted a poll that revealed 35% of people are prejudiced against ex-leprosy patients and 2024 brings changes regarding policies about health and for people with disabilities in Japan. Episode Notes: ‘Spring 2024 in Japan Brings In Changes for Health and People with Disabilities’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/06/spring-2024-in-japan-brings-in-changes-for-health-and-people-with-disabilities/ ‘35% in Japan Prejudiced against Ex-Leprosy Patients Says Government Survey’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/05/35-in-japan-prejudiced-against-ex-leprosy-patients-says-government-survey/ ‘Kobayashi Pharma says water leaked into ‘beni-koji’ production tank in past’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/06/kobayashi-pharma-says-water-leaked-into-beni-koji-production-tank-in-past/

There were 7,637,967 ambulance dispatches in Japan in 2023, the highest figure since comparable data became available in 1963, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said in a preliminary report. From the previous year, ambulance dispatches increased 5.6 pct. The agency also said a record 6,639,959 people, up 6.8 pct, were transported by ambulance. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Saw Record Ambulance Dispatches in 2023’ (March 29 2024): https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/29/japan-saw-record-ambulance-dispatches-in-2023/

Well, the tsunami warnings and advisories for Okinawa are lifted, of course we still have to be cautious and be aware of the possibility of further earthquakes. We breath a sigh of relief!

At around 8:58AM on Wednesday 3rd April 2024 there was an earthquake near Taiwan, the exact magnitude of which is still be determined, but it was between 7.4 and 7.7. The earthquake also registered in Japan and a tsunami warning was issued for Okinawa. It has since be reduced from a warning to an advisory, but caution is still advised.

The Japanese government has raised the legally required ratio of employees with disabilities in the private sector to 2.5 percent or higher starting on April 1. The labor and welfare ministry says the number of people with disabilities working at private firms has been on an upward trend. It estimates the figure to be more than 1.1 million as of June 2023. Episode Notes: ‘Japan raises ratio of employees with disabilities to 2.5% in private sector’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/04/01/japan-raises-ratio-of-employees-with-disabilities-to-2-5-in-private-sector/

An office that provides after-school day care services for children with disabilities has been subject to administrative sanctions for falsifying support plans for the children. According to Kumamoto City, ‘Banana Land’ had falsified dates and other information about the support plan, using the parent’s seal or stamp without permission. Episode notes: 'Kumamoto Day Care Service for Children with Disabilities Sanctioned for Falsifying Care Plans': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/31/kumamoto-day-care-service-for-children-with-disabilities-sanctioned-for-falsifying-care-plans/

Two people who used the ‘beni koji’ health supplement have died, one of whom died of a kidney disease. Episode Notes: ‘Second Fatal Case Reported among Kobayashi Supplement Users’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/27/second-fatal-case-reported-among-kobayashi-supplement-users/

In a country notorious for its reliance on cash, municipalities across Japan have been staging electronic payment uptake drives to stimulate digitalized consumption by granting shopping points for transactions using QR codes. Some remain reluctant, especially elderly people and others who find digital devices difficult to operate, and who continue to view cash as the be-all and end-all for making purchases. Episode notes: ‘Local gov'ts supporting elderly by promoting cashless payment systems’: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/03/00a0c8bd5862-feature-local-govts-supporting-elderly-by-promoting-cashless-payment-systems.html?phrase=vodka&words=

Episode Notes: Japan’s NHK has produced a new program that explores "questions" through dialogue with a wide variety of people, including doctors who understand the language of birds, philosophers, businessmen, people with drug addictions and intellectual disabilities, and designers! How would you answer? 鳥の言葉がわかる博士、哲学者、ビジネスマン、薬物依存症や知的障害のある人、デザイナーなど…多様な人たちとの対話で「問い」を探求する新番組！あなたならどう答える？ ‘Toi ‘Toi’ to air for the first time on NHK E TV on Friday 29th March 2024 初回放送日: 2024年3月29日 NHK ‘Toi Toi’ Website: https://www.nhk.jp/p/ts/72L62Z715X/episode/te/MPWR8X85LZ/?fbclid=IwAR2RvMAHFU-ePnaQZB6SeWCPIhyJjIuOboavPLOXnknY9EdV4rw7thQVaB8

‘Access Yell’, a venture company based in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture that manufactures assistive devices for people with disabilities, has developed a smart remote control for televisions that is easy to operate for people with physical disabilities, and began selling it at the end of 2023. Episode Notes: ‘Osaka Company Develops Smart Remote Control for People with Disabilities’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/24/osaka-company-develops-smart-remote-control-for-people-with-disabilities/ ‘Access Yell’ Company Website: https://accessyell.co.jp

The day after Ryoko Nakajima made the post, Aeon Entertainment, which operates the cinema chain, issued an apology: “It has come to our attention that an Aeon Entertainment employee made an inappropriate comment to a customer while assisting the customer to move to another location after the customer had finished watching a movie. We regret the incident and believe that it was caused by a lack of guidance to our employees.” Episode Notes: ‘(Update) Wheelchair User Denied Accessible Space at Tokyo Cinema, Aeon Cinema Company Apologizes and Social Media Responds’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/22/update-wheelchair-user-denied-accessible-space-at-tokyo-cinema-aeon-cinema-company-apologizes-and-social-media-responds/

The incident took place at an Aeon cinema in Tokyo, which is regularly used by Ryoko Nakajima, a wheelchair-using woman. TBS reported that: “The woman watched the movie not from the wheelchair-only space, but from a reclining seat with four steps.” When Ryoko Nakajima posted about this incident on social media, in which she said she would be refused admission to the cinema next time, it went viral. People on social media, or Social Network System (SNS) had a variety of opinions, here are some examples with the ‘poster’s’ name removed. Episode Notes: ‘Social Media ‘X’ Responds to Wheelchair-User Ryoko Nakajima Posting About Tokyo Cinema Access Denial’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/22/social-media-x-responds-to-wheelchair-user-ryoko-nakajima-posting-about-tokyo-cinema-access-denial/

The Shog-A.I. Shimbun goes to the movies, sort of…An incident took place at a cinema in Tokyo, which is usually used by a woman in a wheelchair. TBS reported that: “The woman watched the movie not from the wheelchair-only space, but from a reclining seat with four steps.” The woman paid an additional fee and watched the movie in a reclining seat, rather than in the wheelchair-only space. Episode Notes: ‘Wheelchair User Denied Accessible Seating at Tokyo Cinema Raises Concern as Japan’s Barrier Free Laws Change in April’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/20/wheelchair-user-denied-accessible-seating-at-tokyo-cinema-raises-concern-as-japans-barrier-free-laws-change-in-april/

March 20th 2024 was the Spring equinox and a national holiday in Japan, but it is was very windy. There is also very little news!

The Spring equinox, March 20th 2024 is a national holiday in Japan! There is sakura and a Shog-A.I. Shimbun episode! Today’s episode mentions an NPO in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture that has begun an initiative to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the agricultural field. Michey Peckitt in A.I. mode also talks a bit about the derogatory language that is sometimes used in both LGBT+ and disability journalism. Episode Notes: (In Japanese): ‘Expanding employment of people with disabilities in agriculture: NPO in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture provides fields and know-how for new businesses’: https://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/articles/-/1218844 The ‘Transgenderism’ vs ‘being transgender’ article (In Japanese): https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2342ae1cbcf591265766966635c8be2a9dc5d952

What was formerly the GID (Gender Identity Disorder) Society, which promotes research on transgender people whose minds and bodies do not match, officially announced at its general meeting held in Okinawa Prefecture on March 17th that it will change its name. The change, announced Sunday at its general meeting, is in line with the World Health Organization's recent advice to use the term "gender incongruence" instead of "gender disorder." The society's new English name is yet to be formally decided. The name change was made in response to the growing belief that transgenderism is not a disorder and is no longer used as an international diagnostic name. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Society for Gender Dysphoria Renamed as “It’s not a disorder” ’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/17/japan-society-for-gender-dysphoria-renamed-as-its-not-a-disorder/

Ok, this is a bit of fun, but behind it are two serious points. Firstly since the term ‘shogai’ or ‘障害’ can mean ‘failure’, ‘obstacle’ as well as ‘disability’, the algorithm Gods of Google won’t quickly show up recent news stories about disability in Japan because everyone is talking about the McDonald’s App ‘fail’ that happened on Friday. Secondly, a reliance on technology to accomplish tasks like buying food is also a concern for me as a person with disabilities. I'm not always lovin' it.

Whilst reading about the ranch operator in northern Japan's Hokkaido who admitted in court on March 12th that they had not paid intellectually disabled workers for decades, giving them only "snacks and juice,” Barrier Free Japan went back to their blog and re-read reports. Episode notes: ‘ “Besides being intellectually disabled, you are a human being” ’: Plaintiff claims in Hokkaido farm abuse lawsuit’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/28/besides-being-intellectually-disabled-you-are-a-human-being-plaintiff-claims-in-hokkaido-farm-abuse-lawsuit/ ‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/14/hokkaido-ranch-operator-in-abuse-suit-admits-to-paying-disabled-workers-in-snacks-juice/

As soon as the second episode of the ‘Shog-A.I. Shimbun’ was uploaded a report by The Mainichi Shimbun on a similar theme - that of people with disabilities not being paid for work - was published, so this is kind of a ‘Shog-A.I, episode two: evening edition.’ A ranch operator in northern Japan's Hokkaido admitted in court on March 12 that they had not paid intellectually disabled workers for decades, giving them only "snacks and juice.” Three mentally disabled men in their 60s, all living in Hokkaido, have filed suit in the Sapporo District Court against the operators of the Endo ranch in Eniwa, Hokkaido, plus the municipal government there for some 94 million yen (about $635,000), alleging decades of abuse and poor working conditions. Episode Notes: ‘Hokkaido ranch operator in abuse suit admits to paying disabled workers in snacks, juice’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/14/hokkaido-ranch-operator-in-abuse-suit-admits-to-paying-disabled-workers-in-snacks-juice/

This is the second edition of The ‘Shog-A.I. Shimbun’, the AI narrated news report about disability issues in Japan. This episode covers news reports from March 11th - March 14th 2024. The first news story is about people with disabilities not being paid wages in Saitama, the second is about worries of a potential German measles outbreak and the third is about high wages for people with disabilities in Tottori Prefecture. Episode Notes: ‘Saitama Employment Support Business Closed Over Non-Payment of Wages to People with Disabilities’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/13/saitama-employment-support-business-closed-over-non-payment-of-wages-to-people-with-disabilities/ ‘Concerns Growing over Measles Outbreak in Japan’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/13/concerns-growing-over-measles-outbreak-in-japan/ ‘Wages at Tottori welfare service offices earned by people with disabilities exceeds 20,000 Yen for the first time’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/12/wages-at-tottori-welfare-service-offices-earned-by-people-with-disabilities-exceeds-20000-yen-for-the-first-time/

Barrier Free Japan Japan introduces the 'Shog-A.I. Shimbun'! The podcast news digest about disability issues in Japan! Episode notes: 'Websites in Japan becoming more friendly to people with disabilities’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/07/websites-in-japan-becoming-more-friendly-to-people-with-disabilities/ ‘Fathers of babies in Japan who die of abuse on day of birth rarely identified’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/09/fathers-of-babies-in-japan-who-die-of-abuse-on-day-of-birth-rarely-identified/

The robots are coming, Barrier Free Japan is being upgraded against their will! Well, not quite yet, but playing around with Sora AI and the Echo AI and it is convincing to a point. I can see why artists, writers, composers are worried. I can also see some benefits of AI as a person with disabilities, university lecturer and podcast creator. Maybe legislation at the very least clarifying if and how AI infringes copyright and intellectual property is needed. And yes, I am enjoying ‘Shogun’.

While her father, Kazuo Hayashi believes her death was the course his daughter chose, Kazuo had nothing but disdain for the two doctors implicated in her death. “I have no idea why they did what they did, but it is only to be expected that they were arrested,” Kazuo said. He also expressed anger that the doctors received 1.3 million yen before Yuri died. “How could they take money by taking advantage of the weakness of an individual?” Kazuo asked. Episode Notes: ‘Father of woman in ‘mercy killing’ case vents his rage at doctors’ (Asahi July 25th 2020) https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13576880

The trial of Yoshikazu Okubo (45), who was charged with commission murder and murder for killing a patient with the incurable disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by administering drugs at her request concluded on March 5th. The Kyoto District Court handed down the verdict on March 5th. Presiding Judge Hiroshi Kawakami rejected the defense’s claim of innocence and sentenced him to 18 years in prison (23 years in prison was originally sought), stating that “social appropriateness cannot be recognized at all.” He read out the reasons for the judgment and then delivered the main sentence. According to the ruling, in November 2019, Okubo conspired with former doctor Naoki Yamamoto (46) to administer drugs to a female ALS patient, Yuri Hayashi at her home in Kyoto City, causing her to suffer from acute symptoms. She died from drug poisoning. In March 2011, he conspired with defendant Yamamoto and others to somehow murder the defendant’s father, Yasushi (then 77), in an apartment in Tokyo. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/05/kyoto-district-court-sentences-physician-to-18-years-in-prison-for-killing-patient-with-als/

At some branches of 7-11, as you walk up to pay, you might see this mat, stuck to the counter. The mat has images with writing underneath, the writing is in Japanese & English and below the images it reads: ‘Buy Coffee’, ‘Buy Plastic Bag’, ‘Chopsticks’, ‘Fork’, ‘Spoon’, ‘Warm Up Microwave’, ‘Yes’ & ‘No’. The mat is intended to help people with difficulties communicating, especially d/Deaf people and people with hearing impairments, when attempting to tell the 7-11 staff what they want to buy. Episode Notes: ‘‘Assist Mats’ Begin to Appear in Branches of 7-11 in Japan’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/04/assist-mats-begin-to-appear-in-branches-of-7-11-in-japan/

On March 2, it was learned that the Kanagawa prefectural government had conducted on-site inspections at two group homes for the severely disabled in Kanagawa Prefecture. According to the officials, last year, a mentally disabled woman moved into a Group Home (GH) in Fujisawa City, and the GH asked her to move out immediately after a month or so because the staff could not handle her well and her behavior had become unstable. The woman was forced to return to her home with her parents. Episode Notes: ‘Kanagawa Prefecture conducts on-site inspection of a home for the severely disabled’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/03/02/kanagawa-prefecture-conducts-on-site-inspection-of-a-home-for-the-severely-disabled/

Japan’s infrastructure ministry plans to create a nationwide rule requiring that 0.5 pct of seats at sports venues and theaters be reserved for wheelchair users. The central government’s move comes after many local governments have set their own wheelchair space requirements of 0.5 pct or more. Episode Notes: ‘Japan to Set 0.5％ Rule for Space for Wheelchair Users at Events’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/27/japan-to-set-0-5％-rule-for-space-for-wheelchair-users-at-events/

Here is my ‘review’ - perhaps ‘appraisal’ or ‘observations’ would be a better way of describing it - of the documentary ‘Mark - A Call to Action’, about my friend, the late Dr. Mark Bookman, which I hope receives wider attention. At the beginning and end of the podcast episode, there are audio extracts from Carolyn Stevens, Professor of Japanese Studies and Director of the Japanese Studies Centre at Monash University, Australia, speaking at Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus on February 25th 2024 after a showing of the film. Before he died, Mark was working on a new project; an organisation called ‘GLIDE’ that would help organisations such as governments & businesses be inclusive of people with disabilities. Please click on the GLIDE website given below. GLIDE Website: https://www.glidefund.org ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ Trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/7ouJVy0J2n0?si=BntT_pQuvdMvk9xb

The place, Sophia University, Yotsuya Campus. The date, Sunday 25th February 2024. The reason for this gathering was to watch ‘Mark - A Call to Action’, a documentary film about the late Dr. Mark Bookman, an academic and disability activist who lived in Japan and researched about disability issues in Japan. This podcast begins with Wasna Al Dabbagh introducing the film ‘Mark - A Call to Action’, followed by the trailer for the film. Finally, there are some comments made after the film by Prof. Nagase Osamu of Ritsumeikan University, who is a disability studies scholar, as well as being a mentor and colleague to Mark. ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/7ouJVy0J2n0?si=zLty7nuLjo0tYpik

Barrier Free Japan is hopefully off to Tokyo by the time this podcast episode drops, or in the language of Douglas Adams, ‘will and have been’ to Tokyo, weather permitting on Sunday 25th February 2024, to see the film about the late Mark Bookman. Episode notes: ‘New families sought for children with disabilities via adoption in Japan’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/23/new-families-sought-for-children-with-disabilities-via-adoption-in-japan/ ‘Disabled woman forced to sell body sentenced for killing client’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/21/disabled-woman-forced-to-sell-body-sentenced-for-killing-client/ ‘Mark – A Call to Action’ Online Registration Form for Tokyo Premiere on February 25/27 2024: https://woobox.com/cg5e8w?fbclid=IwAR27Kqy-ObiWOJ1rhGEYDckuAqwbcVUWYIJK0YPngV4BrjoTZPBSUYf_PRM * Correction: When speaking about the ‘Disabled woman forced to sell body sentenced for killing client’ article, Barrier Free Japan erroneously said she was sentenced to 9 years. The prosecutors sought 9 years, she was sentenced to 6 years.

NHK reports that life begins to return to normal in Ishikawa Prefecture after the earthquake on January 1st 2024 and it seems that Barrier Free Japan will get to go to Tokyo and see the film about Mark Bookman! ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ Online Registration Form for Tokyo Premiere on February 24/25/27 2024: https://woobox.com/cg5e8w?fbclid=IwAR27Kqy-ObiWOJ1rhGEYDckuAqwbcVUWYIJK0YPngV4BrjoTZPBSUYf_PRM

Recent reports made by Japan’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Land and Transport regarding the elderly and people with disabilities are arguably a kind of good news/bad news situation. Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Land Ministry to take steps to help property owners who “hesitate” to rent to elderly and disabled’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/15/japans-land-ministry-to-take-steps-to-help-property-owners-who-hesitate-to-rent-to-elderly-and-disabled/ ‘Japan’s Transport Ministry Points Out Language Used to Refer to Disabled on Airline Website May Be Misinterpreted’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/17/japans-transport-ministry-points-out-language-used-to-refer-to-disabled-on-airline-website-may-be-misinterpreted/

Mark Bookman was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo. Before he died, Mark was working on a new project with an organization that would help organizations such as governments & businesses include people with disabilities called ‘GLIDE’ or ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’. The documentary “Mark – A Call to Action” produced by GLIDE will premiere in February 2024 in Tokyo. Registration application form to attend the premiere in Tokyo in February 2024: https://woobox.com/cg5e8w?fbclid=IwAR27Kqy-ObiWOJ1rhGEYDckuAqwbcVUWYIJK0YPngV4BrjoTZPBSUYf_PRM GLIDE: https://www.glidefund.org

A male client suffered severe burns while taking a bath at a facility for the disabled in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture. The staff neglected to check the temperature of the hot water. Ibaraki City announced on February 5th that a male user in his 30s suffered severe burns to approximately 85% of his body after taking a bath at a municipal living support center for people with disabilities. However, at the time, the two male employees in charge of bathing did not measure the temperature, so it is possible that the temperature was higher than that. The man is being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/10/client-at-osaka-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-suffers-serious-burns-after-staff-fail-to-check-the-temperature-of-the-bath/

A Japanese court on Wednesday 7th February recognized a transgender man’s petition to legally change his gender without having first undergone sterilization, after the country’s top court ruled the requirement unconstitutional in October. The plaintiff, 50-year-old Tacaquito Usui, welcomed the ruling from the Okayama Family Court’s Tsuyama Branch as “profoundly moving.” It is likely to be followed by more from other family courts deliberating over similar circumstances. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/07/japanese-court-approves-nonsterilized-trans-mans-gender-change/

Three cities and towns in Aichi Prefecture, including Koda Town, Aichi Prefecture, have accused Megumi (Headquarters, Tokyo) of a major management company of group homes (GHs) for people with disabilities of overcharging food costs. This is the first time that financial abuse has been found in a series of issues, Governor Hideaki Omura stated in an announcement at a press conference on February 5th. According to Governor Omura, by the end of last year, there were reports that two other cities in the prefecture had recognized economic abuse. Details were not disclosed. According to a prefectural audit, the GH “Fuwafuwa Koda” in Koda Town has over-collected about 12 million yen in food costs from 25 users since its opening in July 2020. Although they collected 28,000 yen per person per month, it was revealed that only about 7,500 yen per month was actually spent on meals. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/05/three-municipalities-in-aichi-accuse-megumi-corporation-of-economic-abuse-of-people-with-disabilities-over-excessive-collection-of-food-costs/

On January 30th, users of a facility for the disabled in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which was hit by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and their families evacuated to a facility in Aichi Prefecture, together with the staff who had been supporting them. A total of 19 people, including users and family members of a facility for people with disabilities run by the social welfare corporation Kowa-kai in Wajima City, as well as support staff, moved from Hakui, Ishikawa Prefecture, where they had been staying temporarily since the earthquake, to a facility in Aichi Prefecture on January 30th. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/02/01/users-and-families-of-wajima-city-facility-for-disabled-evacuated-to-aichi-prefecture/

A man in his 40s who is severely disabled, filed a criminal complaint against an online contributor in Tokyo for defamation and insult on December 18, 2023. Prior to the criminal complaint, the man filed a civil suit against the online poster, seeking compensation for damages, and the Maebashi District Court ordered him to pay approximately 960,000 yen on December 8, 2023. The criminal complaint was filed because the online contributor submitted a written defense in the civil trial, stating that the man was “such a socially unacceptable item”. The man, who has vertebral osteodystrophy, a disease that causes bone deformities, filed a mandatory lawsuit against Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture, where he lives, demanding 24-hour nursing care services, and a series of slanderous remarks were made on the Internet. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/28/gunma-disabled-man-files-criminal-complaint-over-online-abuse-after-being-called-socially-unacceptable-during-civil-lawsuit/

The audio is from a NHK G TV programme broadcast at 7PM on Tuesday 30th January 2024. It reports that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, continue to struggle after the earthquake that hit Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on January 1st 2024.

The photograph was taken at my local train station in Kobe. The station itself is quite accessible to a person with disabilities like myself. However, there is one small problem when one enters the station, because those who enter the station, enter what I like to call an ‘empire of QR codes’. If you want to know where and when the trains are arriving or departing at this station, the quickest – and possibly the only way of finding out – is by scanning the QR code on posters. ‘But isn’t that ok, maybe even accessible’ I hear you say? But, I find it difficult to hold my body still for a lengthy period of time because it spasms, it took me more than ten minutes to take this photo, imagine how much time it would take for me to scan a QR code. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/27/scanning-errors-qr-codes-encroach-on-barrier-free-travel-in-japan/

A meeting of a national organization made up of local politicians with disabilities was held in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture on January 15th, and the plan was to provide extensive support to people with disabilities in anticipation of a prolonged evacuation period following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/16/anticipating-a-long-time-to-recovery-local-politicians-with-disabilities-meet-to-discuss-disabled-peoples-needs-after-quake/

More on why some elderly and people with disabilities are reluctant to take the ‘secondary evacuation’ option and Japan’s Education Ministry drafts a report on how to accommodate the increasing number of people with disabilities attending universities in Japan. And snow is coming… Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/23/japans-education-ministry-discusses-support-for-increasing-number-of-university-students-with-disabilities/

NHK reported on its TV programme ‘News Watch 9’ on January 22nd that four ‘Group Homes’ and facilities for people with disabilities in Ishikawa Prefecture decided not to take the ‘secondary evacuation’ option, out of a concern that a change of environment might be disruptive to their mental health.

Former comedian Esper Ito, who was reported to have passed away on the 17th at the age of 63, announced on the 19th that the cause of his death was status epilepticus. The office said, “Esper Ito (real name Masuo Ito) had been receiving rehabilitation treatment at a facility for a long time and has been repeatedly in and out of the hospital, but on January 16, 2024, due to status epilepticus, He passed away at a medical institution.”  Episode notes: Retired Japanese Comedian Masuo ‘Esper’ Ito’s Cause of Death Determined to be Epileptic Seizure https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/21/retired-japanese-comedian-masuo-esper-itos-cause-of-death-determined-to-be-epileptic-seizure/ NHK Baribara news report on care homes in Ishikawa prefecture [Video with Japanese audio]: https://plus.nhk.jp/watch/st/e1_2024011933071

This is a short audio extract from the NHK G TV programme ‘News Watch 9’ broadcast on January 19th 2024, reporting about the elderly and people with disabilities in Ishikawa prefecture after the earthquake on January 1st 2024.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has determined that ‘Megumi’, a major group home management company for people with disabilities, was overcharging food costs from residents. It was revealed on January 17th, through interviews with related parties, that the government has recommended that a report be submitted by the end of this month. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare conducted a special audit and made recommendations at the end of last year. This is a form of sloppy management led by the head office that is being backed up by the government. Problems such as abuse of users occurred at some of the offices run by ‘Megumi’ but it was pointed out that there was no operational system in place to prevent recurrence, and there was insufficient awareness of compliance with laws and regulations. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare can also issue improvement orders if the company does not comply with its recommendations. Regarding the recommendation, the Megumi Head Office said in an interview, “The person in charge is not available so we cannot answer.’’ Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/17/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-finds-megumi-a-major-care-home-for-people-with-disabilities-overcharging-for-food-expenses/

There was an aftershock from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on Tuesday 16th January 2024 at 18:42. It was only 4.8 in magnitude but Shindo 5 and apparently NHK felt it was worth interrupting its programming to report it. This short audio clip is the sound of an NHK G TV reporting it just as it happened.

Fourteen people who evacuated to safety are now believed to have died from causes related to the earthquake in Ishikawa prefecture. Medical experts warn the figure could increase due to poor sanitary conditions in shelters. On January 15th, NHK reported how some elderly people are hesitant to evacuate out of Ishikawa prefecture because it may disrupt their medical care regime.

For a break from ‘earthquake news’, Barrier Free Japan talks about the prevalence of ‘QR codes’ at train stations in Japan and how this might affect accessibility. On September 9th 2020, Kyodo reported that: “East Japan Railway Co. on Wednesday began testing new ticket gates in Tokyo that can be accessed using QR codes to make travel smoother for those without its Suica IC prepaid travel cards such as overseas tourists or visitors from rural regions. It can read a code downloaded via a smartphone or printed on paper 1.5 times faster than the existing system, according to the railway operator known as JR East.” The question is, will the increasing use of QR codes make it more difficult for some in Japan to use the railway?

A massive earthquake that struck central Japan on New Year's Day has now claimed 215 lives in Ishikawa Prefecture. Fourteen people who evacuated to safety are now believed to have died from causes related to the disaster. Medical experts warn the figure could increase due to poor sanitary conditions in shelters. A survey has found that caregivers at facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities are working under extreme stress following the earthquake. One facility said only ten percent of its staff are able to come to work, and that some employees have been working since New Year’s Day. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/13/after-the-quake-concerns-rise-for-service-users-and-staff-at-ishikawa-care-facilities/

The death toll in Ishikawa Prefecture from a huge earthquake that struck central Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day has risen to 206, the prefectural government said Wednesday. Of the total, eight died of indirect causes related to the earthquake, including exhaustion and poor health during evacuation. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the number of people still unaccounted for stood at 52. The Japanese government plans to focus more on preventing deaths from indirect causes, rushing to move evacuees, especially elderly people, from stopgap shelters to more livable accommodation out of concern about deteriorating sanitary conditions. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/11/death-toll-in-central-japan-quake-rises-to-206-8-deaths-due-to-indirect-causes-related-to-the-earthquake/

Fatalities in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa from a massive earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day have exceeded 200.  According to an announcement by the Ishikawa prefectural government Tuesday, the death toll in the 7.6 magnitude quake rose to 202. Episode notes: *Since recording this podcast episode fatalities in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa from a massive earthquake that struck on New Year's Day have exceeded 200. https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/09/death-toll-from-central-japan-quake-exceeds-200/

Mayor Shigeru Sakaguchi of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, announced on January 7th that one victim of the Noto Peninsula earthquake who had evacuated to an evacuation center in the city had died of hypothermia. Nine people at evacuation center in Ishikawa were infected with norovirus and two people were infected with the new coronavirus. They were all in the same evacuation center. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/08/ishikawa-experiences-medical-woes-after-quake-supply-shortage-and-infections-a-concern/

The death toll in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa from Monday's powerful earthquake has risen to 126, prefectural officials said Saturday. The magnitude-7.6 New Year's Day quake has left 210 people unaccounted for in the prefecture, the officials said. The toll is likely to increase, as many people are believed to remain trapped under collapsed houses. More than 30,000 people stay in evacuation facilities set up in the prefecture. Water outage continues to affect about 66,400 households, and some 23,200 households are out of electricity. *Since making the podcast episode the death toll increased again from 100 to 126. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/06/central-japan-quake-death-toll-rises-to-126/

According to Ishikawa Prefecture, as of 10 a.m. on the 4th, damage such as water outages and power outages had been confirmed at around 120 elderly facilities in the prefecture, including special nursing homes and group homes. . Residents are not able to take a bath, and the toilets cannot be flushed, raising concerns about hygiene. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/04/residents-of-ishikawa-care-home-unable-to-use-toilet-or-take-a-bath/

At the time of posting this it is 72 hours after the earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. Aftershocks seem to be lessening, although one should not be too blasé. *Since recording the podcast episode there has been a NHK report about a care home in Ishikawa where residents cannot use the toilet or take a bath: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/04/residents-of-ishikawa-care-home-unable-to-use-toilet-or-take-a-bath/

Not ‘disability news’ exactly, but a powerful earthquake registering Shindo 7, the highest on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, rocked Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Monday 1st January 2024.  The temblor struck around 4:10PM, registering 7.6M.   According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, a total of 30 people were killed and 48 people in six prefectures were injured in the quake, at the time of writing this post at 19:30 on Tuesday 2nd January 2024. The Japan Meteorological Agency has named this earthquake the ‘2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake’ which in Japanese is ‘ 令和6年能登半島地震’ or the ‘Reiwa 6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake’, ‘Reiwa 6’ being the Japanese Imperial Year in 2024.

As If The New Year Should Tremble To Begin… by Michael Gillan Peckitt

After more than 400 years, the iconic Nagoya Castle is under siege, this time by those wanting to make it more accessible to wheelchair-users and those who are determined to keep it as original as possible. At a town hall meeting on the planned reconstruction of the castle here on June 3, a man scolded a wheelchair-user. “Don’t confuse equality with your selfishness,” the man said. “How dare you be so selfish.” The harsh remarks were hurled by a participant of the debate toward a 70-year-old man with a disability, who called for the installation of an elevator in the city’s iconic castle. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/29/disabled-people-seeking-an-accessible-nagoya-castle-to-be-enjoyed-by-all-called-selfish-as-history-vs-accessibility-debate-continues/

A 27-year-old employee of a support facility for people with disabilities in Miyazaki City was arrested on the night of December 22nd on suspicion of assault after allegedly punching a resident in his 50s this month. Miyazaki City has revealed that this employee has been confirmed to have committed abusive behavior towards a total of five residents, and has decided to issue administrative guidance to the facility in the future. Episode notes: ‘Miyazaki Disability Support Facility Employee Arrested on Suspicion of Assault and Abusive Behaviour Towards Five Residents’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/24/miyazaki-disability-support-facility-employee-arrested-on-suspicion-of-assault-and-abusive-behaviour-towards-five-residents/ Barrier Free Japan apologizes for the sound quality in parts of this podcast episode. ‘BoxingHeimer Day’ in Kobe was loud and a difficult place in which to record!

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced on December 20th that the number of cases of abuse against people with disabilities confirmed by prefectures and municipalities in fiscal 2022 was 3,079, an increase of 386 from the previous year, setting a new record high. The incident appears to have come to light partly because the government is requiring businesses to take measures to prevent abuse through the revision of remuneration for disability welfare services. People aged 65 or older will comprise over 40 pct of the population in 25 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures in 2050, according to estimates released by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research on Friday 22nd December. Episode Notes: ‘3,079 Cases of Abuse Against Disabled’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/20/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-reports-3079-cases-of-abuse-against-disabled-confirmed-by-local-governments-in-2022-highest-recorded-number/ ‘2050 Elderly Population to Top 40 Pct in 25 Japan Prefectures’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/22/2050-elderly-population-to-top-40-pct-in-25-japan-prefectures/

On December 18th, the Nagoya City Citizen Debate Committee held its fourth meeting on the issue of discriminatory comments made against disabled people during a citizens’ debate on the Nagoya Castle wooden restoration project. The city presented a draft of the interim report, which it aims to publish by the end of the year, and the committee members expressed their opinions. The meeting was closed to the public. The preliminary draft is a compilation of the facts on the day of the debate held in June and the opinions expressed by the committee members at previous meetings. On the basis of the preliminary report, the committee discussed the ‘problems of the debate’ that could have led to the discriminatory comments. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/18/citizens-debate-held-regarding-restoration-of-nagoya-castle-and-discriminatory-remarks-against-disabled/

On 15th December, the Osaka Prefectural Police arrested the manager (32) of a welfare facility for the disabled in Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, on suspicion of assaulting a 48-year-old woman by dragging her and knocking her to the floor. He denies the charge, saying he dragged the woman but made a slight mistake in the part where he knocked her to the floor. The police will investigate the possibility that he may have assaulted the woman and other users. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/16/manager-of-facility-for-the-disabled-arrested-by-osaka-prefectural-police-for-assaulting-woman/

Mark was a historian, whose specialism was disability policy and related social movements in Japanese and global contexts. He studied Japanese Studies at University of Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death on December 16th 2022 he was Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Tokyo. Before he died, Mark was working on a new project; a charity that would help organisations such as governments & businesses include people with disabilities. The charity is called ‘GLIDE’ or ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’. The documentary “Mark – A Call to Action” produced by GLIDE will premiere in February 2024. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/04/17/the-late-mark-bookmans-call-to-action-about-international-disability-education/ Mark – ‘A Call to Action’ Trailer: https://vimeo.com/815400131?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=41605078 GLIDE Website: https://www.glidefund.org

In preparation for the next fiscal year's revision of compensation for welfare services for persons with disabilities, Kyosaren, a Tokyo-based national organization that supports persons with disabilities, submitted a petition signed by 1,411 organizations to Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Keizo Takemi on December 8th, requesting a positive revision of basic compensation in light of the severe operating environment at service centers, including a serious labor shortage. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/08/as-preparations-for-next-fiscal-year-are-made-disability-welfare-organization-in-japan-warns-of-unprecedentedly-severe-staff-shortage/

Japan's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the parents of a boy from Kawasaki City against a lawsuit in which they sought damages from Kanagawa Prefecture and the city on the grounds that it was illegal for the boy to be designated to a special-needs school on the grounds of severe disability. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/11/kawasaki-parents-of-severely-disabled-boy-lose-appeal-claiming-son-illegally-sent-to-special-needs-school/

The Maebashi District Court has ordered a man who made a post on an anonymous bulletin board on the Internet to pay 960,000 Yen in damages to a man with severe disabilities. Kazuaki Hyodo, a man with severe disabilities from Maebashi City, was seeking approximately 1.95 million yen in damages from the man who made the post, in Tokyo, for suffering mental pain after being defamed on an anonymous bulletin board on the Internet. On December 8th, the Maebashi District Court handed down a judgment ordering the man [who posted] to pay approximately 960,000 yen. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/09/maebashi-court-orders-man-to-pay-960000-yen-in-damages-over-disability-hate-speech-on-online-anonymous-bulletin-board-despite-defamation-claim-rejected/

To coincide with Disabled Persons Week, which started on the 3rd December 2023, the "Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities 110 Hotline'' is being held, where lawyers provide free consultations for people with disabilities and their families. Every year, the three bar associations in Tokyo hold consultation sessions during Disability Week, where lawyers provide free consultations to people with disabilities and their families by phone or fax. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/07/tokyo-lawyers-offer-free-telephone-consultation-human-rights-for-disabled-persons-110-in-disabled-persons-week/

Creating a fun haven for children with disabilities hoping to see wildlife is a global effort that has lasted over a quarter century. And it is spreading widely among Japanese zoos, albeit normally as a one-day event as they embrace the twilight by opening their gates at night or reserving entire days exclusively for those with special needs and their families. Episode Notes: Dreamnight program enables disabled children to enjoy visits to zoos in Japan: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/02/dreamnight-program-enables-disabled-children-to-enjoy-visits-to-zoos-in-japan/ Nine referred to prosecutors over detainee with chronic illnesses death at Japan police station: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/01/nine-referred-to-prosecutors-over-detainee-with-chronic-illnesses-death-at-japan-police-station/ *Editors note. When recording the podcast ‘Dreamnight’ was mistakenly referred to as ‘Dreamland.’ Apologies for the error.

At a daily-life care facility for people with severe intellectual disabilities in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, a staff member was found to have posted a photo of a user defecating on a LINE group used for business communication. The pictures of users’ faces had been doctored in a manner that could be interpreted as teasing. The city’s Disability Welfare Division is investigating the possibility of abuse. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/29/employees-at-chiba-facility-for-the-mentally-disabled-put-a-photo-of-patient-defecating-on-line-doctoring-photo-to-make-fun-of-the-patients-face/

Three men with intellectual disabilities filed a lawsuit asking a ranch owner’s family and the city to pay a total of approximately 94 million yen in damages, alleging that they were abused at the ranch where they lived and worked for many years (in Eniwa City, Hokkaido). The first hearing was held on November 28th at the Sapporo District Court (presiding judge Yuji Fuse). The defendants, the manager’s family, and the city requested that the claim be dismissed, stating that they were not aware of any abuse. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/28/besides-being-intellectually-disabled-you-are-a-human-being-plaintiff-claims-in-hokkaido-farm-abuse-lawsuit/

In response to the issue of Megumi, a nationwide operator of group homes (GH) for people with disabilities, having been found to have misappropriated food expenses from people with disabilities at 139 GH facilities in Aichi Prefecture, including those operated by Megumi, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Keizo Takemi announced at a post-cabinet meeting on November 24th that he would take measures to revise compensation for welfare services for the disabled in the next fiscal year. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/24/japans-minister-of-health-labor-and-welfare-to-take-measures-to-revise-compensation-regarding-overcharging-for-food-at-megumi-group-homes-for-the-disabled/

On November 22nd, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced through a press release that it is offering 200 tickers for spectators who have visual impairments for free for the Paris Paralympic Qualifier IBSA Judo Grand Prix which is to be held on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th December 2023 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. “IBSA Judo Grand Prix Tokyo 2023", the qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. This tournament is the second largest tournament after the Paralympics and the World Championships, attracting athletes from around 40 countries, and will be held for the first time in East Asia. Details about how to apply can be found on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website and the decline for applications is November 30th at 23:59. Tokyo Metropolitan Government website: https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tosei/hodohappyo/press/2023/11/22/14.html Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/25/tokyo-metropolitan-government-offers-tickets-to-200-visually-impaired-people-to-paris-paralympic-2024-judo-qualifying-event-for-free/

On November 20th, a defense team supporting former members of the religious group Jehovah’s Witnesses held a press conference and stated that many second-generation parents who were raised by believer parents have experienced abuse from their parents.  Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/20/many-second-generation-jehovahs-witnesses-in-japan-experienced-abuse-by-their-parents-lawyer-alleges/ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/21/90-pct-of-children-of-jehovahs-witnesses-followers-whipped-survey-shows/

On Tuesday 21st November 2023 North Korea was suspected of attempting to launch a spy satellite or a ballistic missile. Here are the sounds of NHK reporting it at around 22:55.

Group homes for people with disabilities operated by a company in Minato Ward, Tokyo, are being audited by the national and local governments for allegedly overcharging food expenses. A support group for the disabled has set up a consultation service, citing widespread concern among users and their families. Megumi, which is headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo and operates group homes for the disabled in various locations, is under investigation by the local government for allegedly overcharging users for food and improperly claiming compensation for welfare services for the disabled. Under these circumstances, NHK learned that Megumi had applied to open group homes in Midori-ku, Nagoya City, and Togo Town, Aichi Prefecture, respectively, but later withdrew the applications. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/19/support-group-for-people-with-disabilities-sets-up-a-consultation-service-over-concerns-about-the-megumi-group-homes/

A Kyoto Prefectural Police Officer, who was arrested for stealing cash from the scene of an investigation, told police that he had visited other homes of elderly people with dementia under the guise of crime prevention guidance and stole cash, according to interviews with investigators. The police are investigating whether there are any additional crimes, but in an interview with an investigator, it was learned that he had explained to the investigator that he had visited the home of an elderly dementia patient in the name of providing crime prevention guidance, and had stolen cash. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/16/kyoto-police-officer-arrested-on-suspicion-of-theft-during-investigation-suspected-of-stealing-from-the-home-of-an-elderly-person-with-dementia/

Prime Minister Kishida has instructed his cabinet ministers to quickly study the need to prevent “care leavers” from quitting their jobs for nursing care or nursing reasons, with the aim of submitting the necessary amendments to the law in next year’s ordinary Diet session. In an effort to strengthen measures against dementia, the government has established the “Council for Realization of a ‘Happy Aging Society’ Facing Dementia” with the participation of people affected by dementia and their families, and has been promoting discussions on the issue. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/13/pm-kishida-instructs-cabinet-as-care-leavers-become-an-issue-in-japans-aging-society/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced in a press release on November 7th that it “will carry out various initiatives in conjunction with ‘Disabled Persons Week’ from December 3rd to 9th in order to give Tokyo residents an opportunity to learn about and think about disabilities and people with disabilities.” According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website ‘Heart-to-Heart Handshake’, a “slogan suitable for Disabled Persons Week was chosen through a public contest, and the poster was selected from among the works selected for the 38th Tokyo Comprehensive Art Exhibition for Persons with Disabilities.” Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/08/tokyo-metropolitan-govt-announces-heart-to-heart-handshake-for-disabled-persons-week-from-december-3rd-9th-2023/

Incidents with people using wheelchairs, especially elderly people using wheelchairs, seem to be reported more often in Japan. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/07/kansai-railway-line-suspended-due-to-collision-with-wheelchair-user/ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2018/09/17/wheelchair-using-man-killed-at-kobe-railway-crossing/

According to the Kanagawa Prefectural Disability Services Division, the employee said that he was on his way to take another resident for a medical checkup when the resident spoke to him repeatedly, and that he assaulted the resident because he was in a hurry and his medical checkup time was approaching. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/05/employee-at-kanagawa-care-facility-for-disabled-says-he-assaulted-resident-because-he-was-in-a-hurry/

A 37-year-old employee at a prefectural support facility for people with disabilities in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a male user, causing serious injuries that left his leg cracked. According to the police, at around 2:20 p.m. on November 2nd, a 29-year-old male user was pushed to the ground in the hallway of the facility, causing serious injuries that included a crack in the thigh bone of his right leg. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/03/employee-at-kanagawa-prefectural-facility-for-disabled-arrested-for-seriously-assaulting-male-patient-cracking-his-leg/

The Japanese Supreme Court’s First Petty Bench decided Wednesday to have the top court’s Grand Bench issue a unified ruling on five damages lawsuits filed by forced sterilization victims under the now-defunct eugenic protection law.  The lawsuits were initially filed with district courts in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe. All but Tokyo District Court found the old law unconstitutional, while all the five rejected damages claims citing the statute of limitation. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/11/01/japans-supreme-court-grand-bench-to-rule-on-forced-sterilization-damages/

The first prison in the country to house only young inmates with physical disabilities or intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis on supporting their reintegration into society, was established in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/30/first-prison-in-japan-to-house-only-young-inmates-with-developmental-and-other-disabilities-opens/

The movie “Moon,” modelled on the Sagamihara Massacre has opened nationwide in Japan and on Sunday 29th October 2023, I watched it. Here are my initial thoughts, recorded almost right after watching the movie. Apologies for the sound quality, I just wanted to capture how the movie struck me. Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/22/disabled-actors-star-in-sagamihara-massacre-inspired-film-moon/

Five years in the making, Sony PlayStation is releasing a new highly adjustable video game controller for a wide variety of gamers with various physical disabilities. Playing video games has long been a challenge for people with disabilities, chiefly because the standard controllers for the PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo can be difficult, or even impossible, to maneuver for people with limited mobility. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/24/sony-unveils-new-video-game-controller-for-gamers-with-disabilities/ Sony Press Release: https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/News/Press/202309/23-026E/

The film 'Moon' is set in a facility for the severely disabled, where the disabled are repeatedly subjected to heartless treatment and violence. The story depicts an employee with an irrationally amplified sense of justice and mission as he approaches the incident. In June of last year, the users of “AGALA” (Arita City, Wakayama Prefecture), a facility that supports the employment of people with disabilities, were offered the chance to appear in a movie. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/22/disabled-actors-star-in-sagamihara-massacre-inspired-film-moon/

An interview with a person concerned revealed that a man in his 50s was seriously injured last month (September) at a facility for the disabled in Takatsuki City, Osaka, breaking his ribs. According to the facility, one of the former employees admitted to assaulting the man, and the city is now investigating the details. Three organizations representing people with disabilities in Aichi Prefecture have submitted a written request to the prefectural government and the city of Nagoya demanding that the government take action in response to the issue of the Megumi Corporation (Tokyo), a welfare company that operates facilities for people with disabilities nationwide, overcharging its users for foodstuffs. Episode Notes: ‘Takatsuki City investigates assault by former employee of resident at facility for disabled people’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/21/takatsuki-city-investigates-assault-by-former-employee-of-resident-at-facility-for-disabled-people/ ‘Three Aichi organizations submit requests to provide relief for people with disabilities over excessive food costs’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/17/three-aichi-organizations-submit-requests-to-provide-relief-for-people-with-disabilities-over-excessive-food-costs/

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday visited Ishikawa Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the National Cultural Festival and the National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities in Kanazawa, the prefecture's capital. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/16/japan-emperor-empress-visit-ishikawa-pref-attends-national-arts-and-culture-festival-for-persons-with-disabilities/

Some issues and incidents regarding people with disabilities in Japan seem to keep re-appearing and re-occurring. They also often seem to keep happening in the same place. A lot of the recent cases of suspected abuse of people with disabilities seem to occur in Tsu City in Mie Prefecture, western Japan. The episodes notes for this podcast episode provides a brief timeline of the suspected abuse reported in the press. Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/10/14/suspected-abuse-of-disabled-people-in-tsu-city-mie-prefecture-a-timeline/