Disability News Japan

A settlement was reached on Friday 15th November at the Nagoya High Court in central Japan in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law, ending a series of similar lawsuits in the country, according to the defense lawyers. The Nagoya lawsuit was filed by Keiko Onoue, 74, and her husband, Kazutaka, 77, against the Japanese government. The settlement terms are based on an agreement reached between the two sides in September. Speaking at a press conference after the settlement was reached, Keiko Onoue said “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with…Now that a new relief law has been created, I hope more victims can come forward.” Episode Notes: ‘Last Remaining Forced Sterilization Lawsuit in Japan Settled’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/17/last-remaining-forced-sterilization-lawsuit-in-japan-settled/ ‘After Lawsuit Settlement, Forced Sterilization Victim Keiko Onoue says: “I kept silent for about 50 years because there were no people to discuss it with”’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/17/after-lawsuit-settlement-forced-sterilization-victim-keiko-onoue-says-i-kept-silent-for-about-50-years-because-there-were-no-people-to-discuss-it-with/

Disability News Japan has noticed a number of adverts and leaflets at train stations of late. Specifically they are aimed at discouraging people from walking on escalators or walking whilst looking at their smartphones.

The saga of Barrier Free Japan versus JR Kyoto Station’s toilet ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ continues… Back in December 2023, Barrier Free Japan wrote about they often leave Kyoto by JR Kyoto Station and noted that one of JR Kyoto Station’s ‘accessible toilets’ had been ‘out of order’ or ‘unavailable for use’ for weeks. Barrier Free Japan reported on October 31st 2024 that almost over one year later, it remained ‘out of order.’ On Friday 8th November 2024, Barrier Free Japan observed an ‘accessible toilet’ which was ‘un-taped off!’ Episode Notes: ‘(Update) JR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – There is Hope!’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/10/update-jr-kyotos-seemingly-permanently-out-of-order-accessible-toilet-there-is-hope/

Companies in Japan of a certain size are required by law to employ people with disabilities, according to the ‘Act on Promotion of Employment of People with Disabilities’. Companies with 40 or more employees in Japan are required by law to employ at least one person with a disability. According to the Toyama Labor Bureau, over half of the companies that meet that certain size have not employed a single person, so-called zero-employment companies. Episode Notes: ‘Over Half of Companies in Toyama Prefecture Employ No People with Disabilities’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/07/over-half-of-companies-in-toyama-prefecture-employ-no-people-with-disabilities/

Ota Ward in Tokyo has decided to introduce a free "5-year-old health check" for preschool children. It has already started on a trial basis at nurseries in the ward. The test places more emphasis on mental development than the current school entry health check, takes more time to test. The aim is to lead to early detection and support of developmental disorders. Ota Ward began the trial of five-year-old health checkups in October for some nursery school children. Based on the results, it is considering implementing them for all five-year-olds in 2026. Episode Notes: ‘Ota Ward, Tokyo Launches Free “Five-year-old check-ups” for Early Detection of Developmental Disorders’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/05/ota-ward-tokyo-launches-free-five-year-old-check-ups-for-early-detection-of-developmental-disorders/

December 3rd to December 9th every year is Disability Week. The Disabled Persons Week was established by the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities to promote interest and understanding of welfare of persons with disabilities among the public at large, and to promote active participation of persons with disabilities in activities in all fields. Shinagawa Ward also focuses on efforts to deepen understanding of people with disabilities during this period.  Every year, Shinagawa Ward holds a “Gathering to Commemorate Disabled Persons Week” with the hope that as many people as possible will become aware of Disabled Persons Week and that they will take an interest in the welfare of people with disabilities. This year, the event will be held at Kyurian again, Shikimachi Mizuki, a violinist who has cerebral palsy will perform a piece composed for the event, “Barrier-free Heart: Healing Tones”. Episode notes: '"Gathering to Commemorate Disabled Persons Week" Event to be Held in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo on December 7th 2024’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/11/03/gathering-to-commemorate-disabled-persons-week-event-to-be-held-in-shinagawa-ward-tokyo-on-december-7th-2024/ Shikimachi Mizuki on Soundcloud: ‘Memory of Moment’: https://soundcloud.com/mizuki-shikimachi/memory-of-moment?in=mizuki-shikimachi/sets/s-ballad&si=83faaedfd9704a35879bfa35340aec49&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Back in December 2023, Barrier Free Japan wrote about they often leave Kyoto by JR Kyoto Station and noted that one of JR Kyoto Station’s ‘accessible toilets’ had been ‘out of order’ or 'unavailable for use' for weeks. Almost one year later, it remains ‘out of order.’ It might seem a small thing to some, but one wonders how people would react if ‘regular’ - i.e. for non-disabled people - was ‘signed’ as being available but in actuality was permanently ‘out of order’. Episode Notes: ‘JR Kyoto’s Seemingly Permanently ‘Out of Order’ ‘Accessible Toilet’ – 1 Year Later Update’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/31/jr-kyotos-seemingly-permanently-out-of-order-accessible-toilet-1-year-later-update/

A Post-election in Japan digest podcast episode, full of pneumonia and abandoned Yakuza facilities! Episode Notes: ‘Medical society in Japan recommends steps to prevent mycoplasma pneumonia’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/28/medical-society-in-japan-recommends-steps-to-prevent-mycoplasma-pneumonia/ ‘Former yakuza office repurposed to become elderly care facility’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/29/former-yakuza-office-repurposed-to-become-elderly-care-facility/

As this blog post is being written it is 8PM on Sunday 27th October, the polls have just closed and NHK is predicting that the LDP and New Komeito may lose their majority. The polling place near where Barrier Free Japan lives in Kobe had NHK crew near it in the morning and were asking questions about how people voted, and what they thought about far right groups like the ‘Sanseito’, a party that in English refers to themselves as the ‘Party of Do it Yourself!!’ Episode Notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/27/election-day-in-japan-the-podcast-episode-of-do-it-yourself-podcast-episode/

Tomorrow, Sunday October 27th 2024, is a general election in Japan, or more specifically, an election for the ‘lower house’ the House of Representatives. I did think it was kind of cool that Hiromi Fujisue, the Japanese Communist Party Candidate for the Hyogo 1st District,, passed by me and seemed to waved at me from her van whilst canvassing today.

This just happens too often to Michey of Barrier Free Japan. Michey will be walking down a street and then, from behind, someone will grab Michey’s backpack. Some will say ‘but they were trying to be kind.’ As someone with a physical disability, all I can say is this: their unwelcome attention is no less painful because it was well-intentioned. Just ask permission before grabbing people and their belongings!

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has taken issue with the response of the organizing group regarding the participation of a man with a mild intellectual disability at a matchmaking party posted on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's website. The man was refused participation immediately after declaring his disability. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has asked the organizers to "take sincere action," and the group has expressed its intention to improve. Episode Notes: ‘Man with Intellectual Disability Refused Participation in Tokyo Matchmaking Event, Told “only people who are healthy in body and mind are eligible to participate” ’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/22/man-with-intellectual-disability-refused-participation-in-tokyo-matchmaking-event-told-only-people-who-are-healthy-in-body-and-mind-are-eligible-to-participate/

On October 18th, the Japan Council of Disabled People, an NPO made up of groups for disabled people, requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to improve the barrier-free environment at polling stations so that disabled people can vote smoothly in the Lower House election. They said there are differences in the way election commissions handle things depending on the city, ward, town, and village, and called for the thorough use of the collection of support cases created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The request calls for (1) the preparation of materials with the list of candidates written in Braille or large print, (2) permission to have a helper accompany people when voting, and (3) publicizing the fact that people who have difficulty moving around can vote by post, and people who have difficulty writing can vote by proxy by having a polling station employee write for them. Episode Notes: ‘Ahead of Lower House Election, Japan Council of Disabled People Calls for Improvements to Enable Ability to Vote’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/19/ahead-of-lower-house-election-japan-council-of-disabled-people-calls-for-improvements-to-enable-ability-to-vote/

The suspect (71) arrested on suspicion of non-consensual sexual intercourse, is a driver for a disability support facility in Koganei City, Tokyo, who is suspected of sexually assaulting a female user in her 20s on the bus he was driving in July this year. The suspect denied the charges, saying, “I did nothing obscene.” The woman claims to have been a victim of similar assaults multiple times, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is investigating her for other crimes as well. Episode notes: ‘Driver arrested for sexually assaulting female user of a support facility for people with disabilities on a Tokyo shuttle bus’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/16/driver-arrested-for-sexually-assaulting-female-user-of-a-support-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-on-a-tokyo-shuttle-bus/

A 34-year-old man was arrested for assaulting a visually impaired man by kicking him with his foot in the multipurpose restroom at Jimbocho Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line in Tokyo. The suspect Ikeda admitted to the investigation that he “felt rushed” and admitted to the charges. Episode Notes: ‘Man arrested for allegedly assaulting visually impaired man in multi-purpose toilet at Jimbocho Station, Tokyo: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/14/man-arrested-for-allegedly-assaulting-visually-impaired-man-in-multi-purpose-toilet-at-jimbocho-station-tokyo/

A total of 38 cases suspected to be abuse were confirmed going back about 10 years, with 11 users abused and nine staff members abusing them, and the committee pointed out that "abuse had become the norm.” According to the report, the abuse continued from around 2014 until last year, and included the following acts: hitting users on the head and ankles with a mallet in what was called "Hammer Chance"; forcing users to drink large amounts of fluids in what was called the "Sakazuki Challenge"; and making users run down the hallways and do squats under the pretext of dieting and exercise. Episode Notes: ‘38 cases of suspected abuse at facility for people with disabilities in Kanagawa Prefecture’s Aina Yamayuri En facility: Abuse has been the norm for 10 years’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/12/38-cases-of-suspected-abuse-at-facility-for-people-with-disabilities-in-kanagawa-prefectures-aina-yamayuri-en-facility-abuse-has-been-the-norm-for-10-years/

The Diet enacted a bill into law on Tuesday to compensate victims of forced sterilization under Japan’s now-defunct eugenic protection law. The new law includes a preamble expressing the state’s apology and calls for compensation of 15 million yen each for victims and 5 million yen for their spouses, as well as a lump-sum payment of 2 million yen for those forced to have abortions. The compensation law will take effect three months after its promulgation. MARK: A CALL TO ACTION is the story of Dr. Mark Bookman, a severely disabled Pennsylvania-born American who later resided in Tokyo full-time, becoming one of Japan's leading experts on accessibility and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations around the world. His tireless efforts helped raise awareness and positively impacted the lives of not only disabled persons, but also children, seniors and vulnerable populations in the United States, Japan and many other nations. Episode notes: ‘Japan’s Diet Passes Forced Sterilization Bill’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/09/diet-passes-forced-sterilization-compensation-bill/ Information About Accessing ‘Mark: A Call to Action’: https://geni.us/markacalltoaction?fbclid=IwY2xjawF0jgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXqXdN7gkBFTcCO7ro-YQ3nSMTftJ7uMNwO7VTRdJXGFZzj_yt5WwN7DKg_aem_V73vfBOJY4wH4AT_VpYkug

Japan’s House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, unanimously passed a bill on Monday 7th October to compensate victims of forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law. The bill is expected to be enacted on Tuesday after approval by the House of Councillors, the upper chamber. It calls for compensation of 15 million yen each for victims and 5 million yen for their spouses, as well as a lump-sum payment of 2 million yen to those forced to have abortions. If victims and their spouses are already deceased, the bill allows their bereaved families to seek compensation. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Lower House OKs Forced Sterilization Compensation Bill’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/07/japan-lower-house-oks-forced-sterilization-compensation-bill/ 'Japan's Diet Enacts Forced Sterilization Compensation Bill' https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/10/09/diet-passes-forced-sterilization-compensation-bill/

There is one week to go until the release of ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ on October 8th 2024! 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. The film is directed by Ron Small. Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Call-Action-DVD-Various/dp/B0D6PH3C85/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UMQ5O7K36KT6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AV5r-khNLphtP721iOKIug_CiNHu6cpdFjhGG7o7EjtzT5kDW5KwctMxFwPX7QwbzWjbhVl-ZmHz2y2VFGdlftGQ5SjE_8RAL9DUrUFdP_WIPkBKsEfueyuvagRWLlqtEcc7uJaTiUJteBTx3LyFiBvh4Xt4-BfKm7dIVTD3b-pgU6wTcXUxXLWREXy9cvXRGxvzN5rHSdTmibGhQCqklMV5jV53YmJPYhVeEztvS-Y.Tat_fiKhi8Sed3nt3GPnK2ARv2J2cKYfPaihOsL2uoc&dib_tag=se&keywords=mark+a+call+to+action+dvd&qid=1727700351&sprefix=mark+a+c%2Caps%2C309&sr=8-1 MVDshop: https://mvdshop.com/products/mark-a-call-to-action-dvd?_pos=1&_sid=0cf54414d&_ss=r Information about the ‘GLIDE Fund, Inc’: https://www.glidefund.org GLIDE Stands for ‘Global Leaders in International Disability Education’. The organization was established to provide financial assistance to disabled students interested in education exchange experiences to foster an inclusive society in which anyone can lead an independent and self-determined life. GLIDE’s goal is to carry on the legacy of Dr. Mark Bookman and spark dialogue surrounding the ways architects, engineers, educators, policy makers and other interested parties can help improve access to built environments, and through the GLIDE Fund, a network of disabled University students will receive scholarships to travel globally to learn, train, and be motivated to share ideas and bring about greater change and awareness in the community throughout the world.

A forum was held in Tokyo on September 22nd to form a national network for people with developmental disabilities, Kyodo News reported. In order to reflect the voices of people with developmental disabilities in national and local government policies, local groups of people with developmental disabilities have decided to form a national network. Representatives of the initiators exchanged opinions on issues such as employment and welfare. A website will be launched within the year and participation will be encouraged. Episode notes: ‘National network for people with developmental disabilities will be formed; voices of people with developmental disabilities will be reflected in policies’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/24/national-network-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-will-be-formed-voices-of-people-with-developmental-disabilities-will-be-reflected-in-policies/

On September 17th, two parents and their children in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, filed a human rights complaint with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, claiming that their opinions and those of their guardians were not respected and were harmed during school counselling sessions for their children with disabilities. The parents and children allege that they wished to study in regular classes at public elementary and junior high schools, but were not accepted by the local public schools and the Board of Education, and that they were further subjected to human rights violations in which their wishes were denied by the parents and children, who were subjected to hurtful words during the consultation. Episode notes: ‘ “You won’t let him go to school”: Parents and child file suit, claiming their “human rights were violated” during consultation on school enrollment for disabled child’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/19/you-wont-let-him-go-to-school-parents-and-child-file-suit-claiming-their-human-rights-were-violated-during-consultation-on-school-enrollment-for-disabled-child/

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. The documentary film ‘Mark: A Call To Action’, directed by Ron Small about Mark, will be released on DVD on October 8th 2024: Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3xD55Ik

On September 13th, the plaintiffs and the government signed a settlement agreement in a lawsuit over forced sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law. Final adjustments were being made on the government’s payment of 15 million yen in compensation to any individual who underwent the surgery. Lawsuits currently underway in various regions have been gradually entering settlement procedures, and the settlement will take place about six years and seven months after the first lawsuit was filed in 2018. The agreement covers 19 plaintiffs of pending lawsuits across the country. Episode notes: ‘All forced sterilization lawsuits settled; plaintiffs and Japanese government sign agreement’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/13/all-forced-sterilization-lawsuits-settled-plaintiffs-and-japanese-government-sign-agreement/

The Tokyo Shimbun reported that although Shinjiro Koizumi is considered one of the “favorite” candidates due to his high name recognition and ability to communicate, there are strong concerns about his ability to answer questions as prime minister, as he has made some unique statements at international conferences, such as “I will tackle climate change in a sexy way.”  At the press conference that day, Koizumi was asked, “Doesn’t your intellectual level seem low?” Episode notes: ‘LDP Hopeful Shinjiro Koizumi accused of being “intellectually low” at press conference announcing candidacy’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/11/ldp-hopeful-shinjiro-koizumi-accused-of-being-intellectually-low-at-press-conference-announcing-candidacy/

A survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found that 761 people with disabilities suffered abuse at work, such as unpaid wages and verbal abuse, last year, an increase of 105 from the previous year. This is thought to be due to the recovery of economic activity from COVID-19, which has increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Episode Notes: ‘761 people with disabilities in Japan suffered abuse at work last year, 105 more than the previous year’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/08/761-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-suffered-abuse-at-work-last-year-105-more-than-the-previous-year/

Japan won its first Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair rugby Monday after seeing off the United States 48-41 in Paris, with the nation adding two badminton gold on the day to make it five total at the ongoing games. The Chunichi Shimbun reported that on August 30th, businessman Hiroyuki Nishimura (47), known as "Hiroyuki", updated his X (formerly Twitter), giving his personal opinion regarding Nippon Television's “24-hour TV", which began its broadcast on August 31st. Posting about the Paralympics, “Hiroyuki” said: "If they're going to deal with people with disabilities on 24-hour TV, they should broadcast the Paralympics…”, referring to the Paris Paralympics that began on the 28th. Episode notes: ‘Paralympics: Japan wins wheelchair rugby, 2 badminton golds in Paris’: https://english.kyodonews.net/paralympics/news/2024/09/e47d88fd9363-paralympics-japan-wins-wheelchair-rugby-2-badminton-golds-in-paris.html ‘ “They should broadcast the Paralympics” Japanese businessman criticises lack of broadcasting of Paris Paralympics’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/09/01/they-should-broadcast-the-paralympics-japanese-businessman-criticises-lack-of-broadcasting-of-paris-paralympics/

It is Sunday 1st September 2024. Now a tropical cyclone, ‘Shanshan’ has moved past Kansai on to Kanto (mostly). Might still be rainy on the 2nd September though.

Saturday 31st August 2024. Now a tropical cyclone and probably a depression by tomorrow, ‘Shanshan’ is hanging around between Shikoku and Kansai. It’s windy and rainy and it’s amazing how slow moving and ‘localized’ the storm is - it is much more rainy in Osaka than it is here in Kobe - & might still be around Kansai on Sunday!

It is now the evening of Friday 30th August here in Kobe. Typhoon 10 ‘Shanshan’, is now a tropical cyclone and should be further downgraded to a tropical depression by the morning of the 31st. It is still amazing to me that what remains of ‘Shanshan’ won’t even be that near to here in Kansai until 6AM on 31st August.

It is now the evening of Thursday 29th August 2024. Typhoon 10 ‘Shanshan’ is still ‘doing its thing’, has arrived in Kyushu and will take a long time to get to Shikoku and Kansai. It may not be deep into Kansai until 6PM on the 30th, if indeed, it goes there, it is not impossible it will go more eastwards nearer Tokyo. The bullet train between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo has already been suspended.

It is the evening of Wednesday 28th August. For a typhoon that’s essentially still almost two days away from my part of Japan - it might hit Kansai late 30th August - it is incredibly windy outside.

Typhoon 10 approaches Japan, it is slow moving, expected to be strong and intensify after it makes landfall. It was August 27th 2024 when this podcast was uploaded, apparently the typhoon might hang around Japan until Saturday.

Typhoon 10 is on its way and Japan’s Paralympic Team is in Paris! Japan is sending 176 athletes to the Paris Games, a record high for a Paralympics held overseas. The first group of Japanese athletes competing at the Paris Paralympics entered their village in Saint-Denis, just outside of Paris, on Wednesday. 21st August. About 40 athletes and staff of sports such as blind football, goalball, rowing and swimming arrived a week before the start of the games, with some of them taking commemorative photos with their smartphones. The opening ceremony will be held at the Place de la Concorde on Aug. 28, and the games will run through Sept. 8. Episode Notes: ‘Paris Paralympics: First group of Japan delegation enters athletes’ village’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/25/paris-paralympics-first-group-of-japan-delegation-enters-athletes-village/

In lawsuits still ongoing across the country over people who were forced to undergo sterilization under the old Eugenic Protection Law, the government has presented the defense team with a basic settlement proposal that includes paying 15 million yen in compensation to each plaintiff. The government and the defense team are making final adjustments and are expected to reach a formal basic agreement soon. Episode Notes: ‘Japanese Government Presents Draft Agreement for Lawsuits over Forced Sterilization’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/22/japanese-government-presents-draft-agreement-for-lawsuits-over-forced-sterilization/

A man who ran a group home for people with disabilities admitted to habitually sexually abused two women who stayed there, also filming obscene scenes with a smartphone. In court, he repeatedly stated that "it was his own weakness that led him to commit the crime." The prosecution denounced the crime as "treating the victims as an outlet for sexual desire and severely violating their personalities," and sought a 10-year prison sentence. According to the indictment, defendant Yuji Shiomoto (64) of Osaka Prefecture is charged with non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual indecent acts, and quasi-forcible indecent acts for sexually assaulting two women who stayed at the group home for people with disabilities that he ran from 2022 to January of this year, including touching and licking their bodies and inserting his fingers into their genitals. In addition, he is also accused of photographing the two women in lewd positions and taking photos of them on his smartphone. Episode Notes: ‘Osaka Group Home for Disabled Manager Admits to Sexually Abusing, Photographing Two Intellectually Disabled Women’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/18/osaka-group-home-for-disabled-manager-admits-to-sexually-abusing-photographing-two-intellectually-disabled-women/

“Currently, over 14,000 people in Japan are waiting for a kidney transplant — by far the largest group when classified according to organ — with an average waiting period of 14 years and nine months. That compares with an average wait time of three to five years among 90,000 patients in need of kidney transplants in the United States.” Episode Notes: ‘Patients Needing Transplants in Japan Face A Long Wait’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/17/patients-needing-transplants-in-japan-face-a-long-wait/

A nationwide survey of local governments by Kyodo News on the 13th revealed that 329 workplaces where disabled people could gain skills and knowledge while working were closed nationwide between March and July of this year, resulting in at least 5,000 disabled people who worked there being fired or quitting. The highest number of disabled people ever fired in a year was about 4,000. Although this includes retirees, this is an unprecedented number in just five months. "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.'" Episode Notes: ‘‘Unprecedented’ 5,000 People with Disabilities Quit or Fired from Workplaces in Japan, 329 Workplaces Closed Due to Cuts in Compensation Payments’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/15/unprecedented-5000-people-with-disabilities-quit-or-fired-from-workplaces-in-japan-329-workplaces-closed-due-to-cuts-in-compensation-payments/ ‘The Shog-A.I. Shimbun Podcast #24: Workers with Disabilities Told Only “Coming to the farm is your job” ’ https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/03/the-shog-a-i-shimbun-podcast-24-workers-with-disabilities-told-only-coming-to-the-farm-is-your-job/

On the 10th, three staff members from the Prefectural Center for the Hearing Impaired drove around the homes of hearing-impaired people living in the city, where a seismic intensity of 6-low was observed in the earthquake on the 8th. The staff members used sign language to ask about damage caused by the earthquake and their concerns. Mitsuhira Kazuo, director of the Prefectural Center for the Deaf, who conducted the survey, said, "We don't know when the next big earthquake will occur, so we went there to listen in detail. We would like to hear the honest feelings of disabled people in other areas of the prefecture as well." Episode Notes: ‘Miyazaki Prefecture City Conducts Survey on Nankai Trough Earthquake Information to Support Deaf People’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/12/miyazaki-prefecture-city-conducts-survey-on-nankai-trough-earthquake-information-to-support-deaf-people/

A survey conducted by Satoko Tsuda, associate professor at Chubu University, and her colleagues found that more than 60% of teachers in charge of student guidance at special-needs schools for children with intellectual disabilities have dealt with problems related to sex on social networking sites (SNS). Only about 30% of the respondents answered that they had provided literacy education on risks and other issues. Episode Notes: ‘60% of Teachers at Japan’s Schools for Intellectually Disabled Have Dealt with Issues Related to Sex On SNS: Survey’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/08/08/60-of-teachers-at-japans-schools-for-intellectually-disabled-have-dealt-with-issues-related-to-sex-on-sns-survey/

The Japan Meteorological Agency on Thursday issued its first-ever alert warning about a possible megaquake around the Nankai Trough, following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Miyazaki Prefecture off the coast of Kyushu at 4:43PM.

A plaintiff in a damages lawsuit over forced sterilizations conducted under Japan's now-defunct eugenic protection law reached a settlement Wednesday with the government, the first such resolution among similar lawsuits filed across the country. The settlement in the suit filed by Sumiko Nishi, 77, of Hino, Tokyo, was finalized in Tokyo District Court. Nishi, who has cerebral palsy, was subjected to sterilization without consent at around 14 years old. Nishi's legal team says the government agreed to pay more than 16 million yen, or about 106,000 dollars, for the compensation, legal fees and other costs. She filed a lawsuit against the government in September 2022 for damages of 30 million yen, citing severe mental anguish from the surgery. Episode Notes: ‘1st Plaintiff, Sumiko Nishi, Reaches Settlement in Forced Sterilization Lawsuits in Japan’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/31/1st-plaintiff-sumiko-nishi-reaches-settlement-in-forced-sterilization-lawsuits-in-japan/

On July 29th, Prime Minister Kishida held the first meeting of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Measures toward the Realization of a Coexisting Society Free from Prejudice and Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. Episode Notes: ‘PM Kishida Holds First Meeting of “Headquarters” That Will “eradicate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities and eugenics”’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/31/pm-kishida-holds-first-meeting-of-headquarters-that-will-eradicate-prejudice-and-discrimination-against-people-with-disabilities-and-eugenics/

In response to the ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’, Kanagawa Prefecture has set a goal of “realizing a society where we can live together,” placing emphasis on a shift away from welfare policies that require people with disabilities to spend their entire lives in facilities, and promoting a shift to community living. However, in reality, there are many cases where attempts to open group homes (GHs) have been met with opposition from residents and forced to abandon plans. “We won’t let them do it unless everyone agrees.” At an information session for a GH for people with disabilities scheduled to open in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, residents repeatedly voiced their opposition. Episode notes: ‘Memorial ceremony held for disabled victims of 2016 care home stabbings’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/28/memorial-ceremony-held-for-disabled-victims-of-2016-care-home-stabbings/ ‘Eight Years Pass Since ‘Sagamihara Stabbings’ at Care Home for People with Disabilities in Japan, Group Homes for Disabled Still Often Opposed’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/26/eight-years-pass-since-sagamihara-stabbings-at-care-home-for-people-with-disabilities-in-japan-group-homes-for-disabled-still-often-opposed/

In the early hours of July 26, 2016, a former employee of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en care home in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, broke in and killed 19 residents between the ages of 19 and 70 with a knife, injuring 26 others. Later sentenced to death, the killer believed he didn’t deserve such a harsh sentence and that people with disabilities that are unable to communicate can only “create unhappiness in society.”

Following the Supreme Court ruling that the former Eugenic Protection Law, which forced sterilization on the grounds of disability, was unconstitutional, the government has decided to create a new council with all cabinet members as members to eradicate discrimination against people with disabilities. It will be launched within this week and its first meeting will be held within the month. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference on the 22nd, "We would like to proceed with preparations to establish the council as soon as possible.” Episode Notes: ‘Cabinet Council to be established to eradicate discrimination against people with disabilities after ruling deeming former Eugenic Protection Law unconstitutional’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/22/cabinet-council-to-be-established-to-eradicate-discrimination-against-people-with-disabilities-after-ruling-deeming-former-eugenic-protection-law-unconstitutional/

Kikuo Kojima, 83, of Sapporo was put up for adoption soon after his birth. He contracted polio, leaving him with a disabled right leg for which he was bullied. At age 19, when he was leading a desolate life, he was forced to undergo sterilization. Kojima was handcuffed by a police officer in front of his home and put into a psychiatric hospital in Sapporo. It was one-sidedly determined that he was mentally ill, and when he was sterilized, a nurse told him that this had to be done “since it would be terrible if people like you had children.” Episode Notes: ‘Forced Sterilization Plaintiff Kikuo Kojima says he was told “it would be terrible if people like you had children” ’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/20/forced-sterilization-plaintiff-kikuo-kojima-says-he-was-told-it-would-be-terrible-if-people-like-you-had-children/

In front of more than 130 plaintiffs, lawyers and supporters, Kishida said, “It is with deep regret that at least 25,000 people have suffered the grave harm of being sterilized,” under the eugenics law, which was in effect between 1948 and 1996. In his first direct apology to the victims since the Supreme Court ruling on July 3, at a meeting with the victims held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Kishida expressed his government’s readiness to settle cases currently pending in courts and even compensate those who have not filed lawsuits, saying: “The government’s responsibility is extremely serious, I am sincerely sorry.” Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s PM Kishida Apologizes Directly to Forced Sterilization Victims for “inexcusable violation of human rights” ’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/17/japans-pm-kishida-apologizes-directly-to-forced-sterilization-victims-for-inexcusable-violation-of-human-rights/

Megumi, which operates a group home for people with disabilities, submitted its business policy to Aichi Prefecture on July 12th, indicating its intention to transfer the business within the year. There is a possibility that some facilities will no longer be able to operate. Megumi, which operates a group home for people with disabilities, aims to transfer the business to a separate corporation within the year. After being found to have inflated food costs and fraudulent compensation claims, Megumi was administratively punished by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City, and will no longer be able to operate group homes nationwide. Episode notes: ‘ “Some facilities will no longer be able to operate” as Disgraced Megumi Care Facility Operator Prepares to Transfer Control of Business’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/14/some-facilities-will-no-longer-be-able-to-operate-as-disgraced-megumi-care-facility-operator-prepares-to-transfer-control-of-business/ 'Life in Japan: An encounter with disability and a call to action’ (By David McNeill, The Mainichi Shimbun, July 10 2024): https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240709/p2a/00m/0op/011000c

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he plans to apologize to the plaintiffs in lawsuits involving forced sterilization next week. Kishida said at a meeting of ruling Liberal Democratic Party executives on Tuesday that he will meet the plaintiffs on July 17. He said the government has clearly stated that it is sincerely remorseful and offers deep apologies. Episode Notes: ‘Japan PM Kishida to apologize to plaintiffs in forced sterilization lawsuits’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/10/japan-pm-kishida-to-apologize-to-plaintiffs-in-forced-sterilization-lawsuits/

Kyoto police arrested two men on Thursday for allegedly forcing a disabled coworker into an industrial washing machine and turning it on, injuring him. On March 26 at around 2:30 p.m, the two suspects reportedly told their coworker, a 50-year-old man with an intellectual disability, “You stink! Get in the washing machine.” They allegedly proceeded to force him into the machine and turn it on, resulting in injuries that required two weeks to heal. The victim sought medical attention a few days after the incident. The doctor who treated him noticed bruises and other injuries all over his body and reported the case to the police. Questioning of the victim has revealed further past instances of abuse, leading the police to investigate potential bullying in the workplace. Episode Notes: ‘Kyoto men accused of forcing disabled person into washing machine’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/06/kyoto-men-accused-of-forcing-disabled-person-into-washing-machine/

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed Ayuko Kato, minister in charge of child policy, to set up a meeting between him and the plaintiffs this month, Kato told reporters after she met with Kishida at the prime minister’s office. Kato met with the plaintiffs on Thursday. The documentary film ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ about the late Dr. Mark Bookman, Tokyo based disability studies scholar and advocate will be released on DVD in October 2024. Episode Notes: ‘Forced Sterilization Ruling: Japan Govt “will promptly pay compensation based on the ruling,” says Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/03/update-japan-forced-sterilization-ruling-japan-govt-will-promptly-pay-compensation-based-on-the-ruling-says-chief-cabinet-secretary-yoshimasa-hayashi/ ‘Mark - A Call to Action’ Pre-Order DVD via Amazon (Release Date October 8th 2024): https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Call-Action-DVD-Various/dp/B0D6PH3C85?crid=THLOX5LC9WV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GYNntE_aiSHFhVkvyn_Yirr3pCbDwVJyFKIVy9Qb0JzGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.FIEC-PWYIeqh6y_dyMrZv6VBvSYjJVHbxiYhbhDKvK4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mark:+A+Call+to+Action+DVD&qid=1719947965&sprefix=mark+a+call+to+action+dvd,aps,63&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=soundmed1-20&linkId=74e1b641b9ea1a160ca50bb29a5e9802&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&fbclid=IwY2xjawD2RKxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHanWrmNi6Yskz2serMh-xCTCWNOvXdANCCGdxC6sdPEqnH1aIImhKoLA1w_aem_OkiEZ7GY6ulRMfAWkqX_CQ

Japan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday awarded damages to victims of forced sterilizations conducted under the now-defunct eugenic protection law.  Handing down a unified ruling on five related damages suits, the top court’s Grand Bench, presided over by Chief Justice Saburo Tokura, decided not to apply the 20-year statute of limitations for damages claims, a focal point of the case. It effectively handed total victory to the plaintiffs. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Top Court Orders Damages for Forced Sterilizations’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/03/japan-top-court-orders-damages-for-forced-sterilizations/ ‘Japan top court orders government to pay damages over forced sterilization’ (Kyodo): https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/07/a016e40a84d3-update1-japan-top-court-orders-govt-to-pay-damages-over-forced-sterilization.html ‘(Update) Japan Forced Sterilization Ruling: Japan Govt “will promptly pay compensation based on the ruling,” says Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/07/03/update-japan-forced-sterilization-ruling-japan-govt-will-promptly-pay-compensation-based-on-the-ruling-says-chief-cabinet-secretary-yoshimasa-hayashi/

The death toll from the January 1st Noto Peninsula earthquake in central Japan is projected to reach 300 as 18 more indirect deaths are expected to be recognized. On Tuesday, the Ishikawa prefectural government and affected municipalities held a joint meeting and were advised to recognize 18 deaths as related to the disaster. The 18 cases include the deaths of a COVID-19 patient and an elderly person who lost physical strength while hospitalized. Such a joint meeting has been held three times so far, and the local governments have been advised to recognize a total of 70 indirect deaths. Episode Notes: 'Noto Quake Death Toll to Reach 300 with 18 More Indirect Deaths’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/25/noto-quake-death-toll-to-reach-300-with-18-more-indirect-deaths/ 'Death Toll in Central Japan Quake Rises to 206, 8 Deaths Due to “indirect causes related to the earthquake” ': 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/

Japan's welfare ministry said Wednesday that it has decided to apply a collective responsibility system to Megumi Co. under a related law over irregularities including overcharging, banning renewals of service provider designations for all of its group homes for disabled people. The ministry notified the company and local governments concerned of the decision. The punitive action was based on the comprehensive law on support for disabled people and the decision was made to apply the joint liability system in the belief that there was organized involvement in irregularities committed by the group home operator, such as service fee overcharging. Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Welfare Ministry Confirms it Will Apply Collective Liability to ‘Megumi’ Operator of Homes for Disabled’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/27/japans-welfare-ministry-confirms-it-will-apply-collective-liability-to-megumi-operator-of-homes-for-disabled/ 'Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Minister says he wants to deal with disability welfare service compensation fraud in an appropriate manner’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/16/japans-health-labor-and-welfare-minister-says-he-wants-to-deal-with-disability-welfare-service-compensation-fraud-in-an-appropriate-manner/

Taro Igarashi is the author of “Kabobi Toshi” or “Overprotective city” published 20 years ago and in a recent interview with The Asahi Shimbun Igarashi warns how phenomena such as ‘hostile benches’ –  benches, often installed in public parks that are uncomfortable to sit on – are designed in way to discourage people from using them, that they have an “exclusionary purpose” which “has long been forgotten.” Episode Notes: ‘As Public Spaces Become Limited in Japan, Architectural History Professor Warns of Threat to Vulnerable Groups’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/23/as-public-spaces-become-limited-in-japan-architectural-history-professor-warns-of-threat-to-vulnerable-groups/ ‘INTERVIEW/ Taro Igarashi: Take a stand on ‘hostile benches’ that exclude disabled people’ (The Asahi Shimbun, June 20th 2024)’: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15284631

Two recent court proceedings in Japan have involved claims about the accused’s mental health: an appeal of nurse with autism whom was found guilty of murdering three patients and the man charged with killing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Episode notes: ‘Former Japanese Nurse with Autism Gets Indefinite Term in Appeal Trial’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/20/former-japanese-nurse-with-autism-gets-indefinite-term-in-appeal-trial/ ‘Psychiatric exam finds ex-Japan PM Abe shooter mentally fit’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/20/psychiatric-exam-finds-ex-japan-pm-abe-shooter-mentally-fit/ ‘Linking mental illness to violence tarnishes an entire community’, By Michael Gillan Peckitt & Mark Bookman, The Japan Times, August 2nd 2019, (Behind Paywall): https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/08/02/voices/linking-mental-illness-violence-tarnishes-entire-community/

A woman in her 80s died after her neck became trapped under the handrail at the bottom of an escalator at a supermarket in Nishitokyo on Wednesday June 12th 2024. The incident follows an incident in March at JR Mito Station, northeast of Tokyo, in which a man in his 70s died from suffocation after his suit jacket became ensnared in an escalator handrail. Following the incident in Nishitokyo , it was reported in the The Asahi Shimbun that: “[A]ccording to a survey conducted by the Consumer Affairs Agency and others, fatal accidents involving escalators were recorded at least seven times from June 2004 through March 2024.The Japan Elevator Association reported the number of accidents involving escalators was 1,550 during the two years from 2018 to 2019, which is two times higher than the number 15 years ago.” Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency Reported Seven Fatal Accidents Involving Escalators Over Last 20 Years and 1,550 Accidents Between 2018 to 2019’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/15/japans-consumer-affairs-agency-reported-seven-fatal-accidents-involving-escalators-over-last-20-years-and-1550-accidents-between-2018-to-2019/ ‘Elderly woman dies as neck caught under Tokyo store’s escalator rail’:  https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/13/elderly-woman-dies-as-neck-caught-under-tokyo-stores-escalator-rail/

A woman in her 80s died on Wednesday 12th June after her neck became trapped under the handrail at the bottom of an escalator at a supermarket in Tokyo, police said, in the latest accident of its kind in recent months. Security camera footage from the store in Nishitokyo, western Tokyo, shows the woman fell as she attempted to lift the walker she was using as she approached the bottom of the escalator. Her neck then became trapped between the underside of the handrail and the floor. Episode notes: ‘Elderly woman dies as neck caught under Tokyo store’s escalator rail’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/13/elderly-woman-dies-as-neck-caught-under-tokyo-stores-escalator-rail/

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has announced that it will allow disabled people to live with their children until they find a new home, in addition to its previous policy of "not expecting" disabled people to raise their children in group homes (GHs). The ministry has notified local governments nationwide in relation to the issue of disabled people undergoing sterilization procedures at GHs in Hokkaido. Episode Notes: ‘Parents with Disabilities Living in ‘Group Homes’ May Live with Their Children Until New Home is Found, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Announces’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/08/parents-with-disabilities-living-in-group-homes-may-live-with-their-children-until-new-home-is-found-japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-announces/

Japan's parliament enacted on Wednesday an amended law stipulating government assistance for young people who provide daily care for family members. The revised law to promote support for child-nurturing and youth development was approved by a majority vote of the ruling bloc at a plenary meeting of the House of Councillors, the upper parliamentary chamber. Episode Notes: ‘Japan Amends Law to Give National Support to Young Caregivers’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/06/06/japan-amends-law-to-give-national-support-to-young-caregivers/

The film, “Chinmoku no 50-Nen” (50 years of silence), depicts the lives of Takaji Kobayashi, 92, a hearing-impaired man from Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, and his wife. The film uses interviews and dramatic reenactments to depict the suffering of people who were deprived of the right to bear and raise children. According to the police, at around 2:00 p.m. on the 27th of this month, a 69-year-old man with intellectual disabilities who was staying at the Andante Kashima facility for the disabled in Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, lost consciousness while undergoing treatment for a cavity. The man was taken to the hospital, but died about an hour later. Police investigation revealed that the cause of death was acute respiratory failure due to pressure on the chest and abdomen. Episode Notes: ‘New Film Depicts Suffering Of Forced Sterilization Victims; “Chinmoku No 50-Nen” Explores History Of Japan’s Eugenics Law’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/30/new-film-depicts-suffering-of-forced-sterilization-victims-chinmoku-no-50-nen-explores-history-of-japans-eugenics-law/ ‘Male Resident of Osaka Facility for Disabled Dies After Dental Treatment, Chest Compressions Investigated’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/31/male-resident-of-osaka-facility-for-disabled-dies-after-dental-treatment-chest-compressions-investigated/

As Japan’s Supreme Court Hears Appeal Over Forced Sterilization, ‘Junko Iizuka’ Speaks by Michael Gillan Peckitt

Don’t panic! North Korean overlords won’t be here soon! On a serious note, the alert was broadcast on NHK at around 22:47 on Monday 27th May 2024. Residents of Okinawa were advised to take shelter and the advisory was later lifted.

The 2024 World Para Athletics Championships which was held from May 17th to May 25th ended on Saturday. Barrier Free Japan went to the entrance of the stadium and found it to be accessible. Not all did find it accessible though, and a woman - she never gave her name - with her husband and daughter, a daughter who has cerebral palsy. Kyodo reported: “But another Kobe resident in her 50s said that the city was "divided in some parts," while also lamenting that attendance could have been better. She came to see the tournament with her husband and daughter, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound.” Some people with disabilities who use wheelchairs find ‘wheelchair-bound’ to be offensive and prefer the term ‘wheelchair user’. Barrier Free Japan sometimes gets comments and posts on social media about this issue. Episode notes: ‘Para athletics: Athletes, fans praise "successful" Kobe tournament’ (Kyodo): https://english.kyodonews.net/paralympics/news/2024/05/fe0fbc2ad909-para-athletics-athletes-fans-praise-successful-kobe-tournament.html Outside the Stadium for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/21/outside-the-stadium-for-the-kobe-2024-para-athletics-world-championships/

A woman in her 70s died at her home in Nagoya's Meito Ward, and her severely disabled son in his 40s, who lived with her, was found in a weakened state on the 14th of this month. The Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships is the first time the Para Athletics World Championships has been held in an East-Asian country. Barrier Free Japan had a look at the entrance to the stadium on May 21st. Episode notes: ‘Elderly woman dies in Nagoya, severely disabled son weakens; City does not immediately check home as ‘low emergency’’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/23/elderly-woman-dies-in-nagoya-severely-disabled-son-weakens-city-does-not-immediately-check-home-as-low-emergency/ ‘Outside the Stadium for the Kobe 2024 Para Athletics World Championships’: https://youtu.be/K6YtuACMNek?si=avrTAdmJxaphZmJO

Japan’s Supreme Court will take measures to accommodate disabled plaintiffs in five damages lawsuits over forced sterilization under the now-defunct eugenic protection law, including setting up ramps for wheelchair users, it was learned Thursday. It will be the first time for the top court to implement measures for disabled people on a large scale. The Supreme Court’s Grand Bench is scheduled to hold a hearing on the five forced sterilization cases on May 29. The lawsuits against the Japanese government were originally filed with the Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Osaka and Kobe district courts. Episode Notes: ‘Japan’s Top Court to Take Measures for Disabled Plaintiffs Over Forced Sterilization’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/05/17/japans-top-court-to-take-measures-for-disabled-plaintiffs-over-forced-sterilization/

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/