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 Kanako Takahara

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Kanako Takahara
Kanako Takahara is a staff writer who has covered national politics, diplomacy, business and the economy at The Japan Times. A graduate of Sophia University, she is currently a national news editor.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 24, 2022
Japan to drop pre-arrival testing for vaccinated travelers next month
To ease the burden on medical institutions, paperwork will also be simplified for doctors in areas with large COVID-19 numbers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 23, 2022
Japan weighing end to pre-departure COVID testing, report says
An exemption for those who have been vaccinated is among options the government is considering.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 18, 2022
Japan to launch campaign to support victims of Unification Church
At present, victims have various consultation services they can turn to, but Japan's ministries hope to share information on what kind of problems they are facing to offer better advice.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 17, 2022
Japan set to permit online sales of COVID-19 test kits
The move is aimed at reducing the number of people visiting so-called fever clinics in order to be tested and comes amid the nation's largest wave of infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Aug 12, 2022
What we know about the new omicron vaccines
New vaccines developed for the COVID-19 omicron variant are scheduled to be available from mid-October in Japan, raising hopes that the population will soon be better protected.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 8, 2022
What it would mean for Japan to downgrade its COVID classification
Changing the classification could reduce the burden on sections of the medical system, but at the cost of limiting authorities' understanding of the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 5, 2022
How to self-test for COVID in Japan, and which antigen kits to use
Two kinds of antigen test kits are available, but most municipalities only accept those identified as being for medical use. Here's a guide on where and how to get them.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 2, 2022
Experts urge Japan to downgrade COVID to similar class as seasonal flu
Making it the equivalent of a Class V disease would affect which hospitals and clinics can treat patients, as well as the reporting of cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 22, 2022
As COVID wave grows, Japan beefs up response but won't limit business activities
With the seventh wave reaching unprecedented heights, the government is ramping up the number of hospital beds available and expanding the scope of those eligible for fourth vaccine shots.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jul 21, 2022
As cases surge across Japan, here’s what you need to know if you catch COVID-19
With the peak of the last wave coming more than five months ago, some might struggle to remember the protocols to follow if they become infected with COVID-19.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 11, 2022
Constitutional revision inches closer in Japan, but actual change still far off
Divisions over what aspects to revise and more pressing political issues for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could delay change to the top law.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 10, 2022
Sweeping LDP Upper House victory heralds fresh start for Kishida
The ruling parties are on course to maintain a majority in the Upper House, according to an exit poll, while pro-constitutional revision forces are set to clear a crucial threshold.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 10, 2022
With fresh mandate, Kishida set to have hands full in coming months
Fresh off his party's Upper House election victory, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to set his sights on a signature economic policy, Japan's COVID measures and a defense overhaul.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 8, 2022
Despite shock of Abe's death, Upper House poll to proceed as planned
Although some leeway is given to local elections, the government has previously said that national elections cannot be postponed.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 8, 2022
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assassinated
A suspect was arrested after Abe, one of the most consequential leaders in Japan's postwar history, was shot while campaigning in the city of Nara on Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 8, 2022
Former PM Shinzo Abe in 'serious condition' after being shot in Nara
The former prime minister was attacked while giving a campaign speech ahead of Sunday's Upper House election.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 4, 2022
Celebrity and intense competition define Tokyo's Upper House race
With a large number of votes needed to secure a seat, new and unknown candidates face an uphill struggle, leading to many well-known faces on the ballot.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Jun 29, 2022
Unpacking Japan's latest ruling on same-sex marriage
While the Osaka and Sapporo courts agreed on one key point, they diverged on whether the lack of same-sex marriage violates the Constitution's equality principle.
Japan Times
JAPAN / New Normal 2.0
Jun 27, 2022
Japan prepares for bounce in tourism, but pre-pandemic demand still far off
Destinations such as Niseko in Hokkaido are gearing up for 'revenge travel' by domestic and foreign tourists, but caution over COVID-19 limits the expected rise in numbers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 21, 2022
Japan's Justice Ministry to propose shared parental authority after divorce
Under the system, parents would be able to jointly make major decisions for their child, such those related to health care and education.

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?