Regarding the publication of a discriminatory book on autism in Japan

Hello, I am an ASD individual living in Japan.
A controversial book titled *Psychological Techniques for Successfully Handling Troubled People in the Workplace* (職場の「困った人」をうまく動かす心理術)by industrial counselor Yuko Kanda is about to be released in Japan.
The book contains discriminatory language against people with ASD, ADHD, and other mental illnesses.
It uses illustrations comparing people with disabilities to animals; for example, ADHD is depicted as a "curious monkey," with the author stating in an interview, "I wanted to make it look cute, like a pet."

In the table of contents, the chapter on ASD includes statements like: "They don't mind giving off strange odors."
Regarding ADHD, the author says, "Their desk is a trash can."

The book also includes a simple diagnostic chart and checklist with no medical credibility.

Currently, people with developmental disabilities in Japan are speaking out and trying to stop the release of this book.
Could you please raise awareness of this issue in English-speaking countries?
I am using a translation app, so I apologize for any inappropriate expressions.
Thank you in advance.

Parents
  • Hi Runa  Thanks for that, I live part time in Fushimi near Kyoto.  For me, the good thing about living in Japan is that the Japanese see all Westerners as strange and could never be part of anything. When I am invited out I am not expected to contribute to the conversations even though many know I am familiar with the language and customs. All I need do at parties and functions is to sit down, smile and eat or drink. I am OK with that.  If I am invited out in UK I try to find excuses not to go.

    Because there are are lot more foreigners living in Japan albeit mostly other Asians, the Japanese government is concerned about harmony.  They are bringing out courses and publications on how to co-exist with foreigners. In Kyoto there are (too) many foreign tourists.  There are posters in places and on buses to explain what the various gestures that foreigners make

Reply
  • Hi Runa  Thanks for that, I live part time in Fushimi near Kyoto.  For me, the good thing about living in Japan is that the Japanese see all Westerners as strange and could never be part of anything. When I am invited out I am not expected to contribute to the conversations even though many know I am familiar with the language and customs. All I need do at parties and functions is to sit down, smile and eat or drink. I am OK with that.  If I am invited out in UK I try to find excuses not to go.

    Because there are are lot more foreigners living in Japan albeit mostly other Asians, the Japanese government is concerned about harmony.  They are bringing out courses and publications on how to co-exist with foreigners. In Kyoto there are (too) many foreign tourists.  There are posters in places and on buses to explain what the various gestures that foreigners make

Children
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