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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
Sep 7, 2022
Japan opens borders to foreign travelers on ‘self-guided tours’
The country also raised the daily arrival cap to 50,000 and dropped a requirement that visitors test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departing for Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 6, 2022
Japan to shorten COVID-19 isolation period to seven days
For asymptomatic people with the virus, the self-quarantine period will be shortened from seven days to five, so long as they get a negative result from an antigen test.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 1, 2022
Japan clarifies new border rules as it moves to allow most individual tourists to enter
Under the eased restrictions, only tourists who wish to book their travel independently, rather than through agencies, will be denied entry.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 31, 2022
Japan to ease tourism restrictions and raise daily arrival cap to 50,000
Starting Sept. 7, entry will be allowed for nonescorted visitors on package tours and the daily arrival cap will be raised to 50,000.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 30, 2022
Border restrictions causing shift away from Japan studies, survey finds
According to the survey of about 300 foreign academics and students of Japanese studies, 186 respondents said there was less scholarly interest in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Aug 29, 2022
4chan owner under fire for sexual violence remarks in wake of scandal
2channel founder Hiroyuki Nishimura said that hostesses who entertain men at bars receive high pay in exchange for tolerating sexual violence, triggering harsh criticism.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 26, 2022
Actor Teruyuki Kagawa apologizes after report alleges he groped hostess
The report also said the kabuki performer took off the hostess' bra and passed it around to colleagues in an incident in 2019.
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.

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