wellbeing

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

A man without welfare benefits starved to death

A man has starved to death in Moji Ward in Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, though he had twice asked the ward administration for welfare benefits and was rejected. Citizens are criticizing the city administration for "eventually committing murder through its cold-hearted policy."

The 56-year-old man lived in a city-run housing unit. He had a handbook for the physically handicapped. He was a taxi driver until August 2005. The supply of electricity, water, and gas to the house was cut off and city officials in charge were aware of this.

In late October, he requested the city office for public welfare assistance, but was told to seek support from his second son. He was not even given an application form. At the year end, he requested for assistance saying that his second son cannot afford to support him. Again the city office refused to give him an application form on the grounds that other relatives could help him.

On May 23, he was found dead. He was believed to have been dead for four months.

In compliance with a welfare ministry directive, Kitakyushu City is trying to keep the payment of welfare benefits as low as possible. The city approval rate of welfare benefits is ranked the lowest among 15 major cities in Japan.

In 2005, the city approved only 951, or 12.88 percent of the total of 7,383 applicants for welfare benefits, less than half of Fukuoka City, near Kitakyushu City, which receives a similar number of applications.

The handbook issued by Kitakyushu City says nothing about Article 25 of the Constitution stipulating that "All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living. In all spheres of life, the State shall use its endeavors for the promotion and extension of social welfare and security, and of public health."

The Japanese Communist Party Kitakyushu City Committee held a press conference on June 2 and criticized the city for its cold-hearted welfare administration. The committee established a task force on this issue, saying, "We won't allow any more deaths from starvation as a result of a cold-hearted city policy."
- Akahata, June 5, 2006