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November 22, 2024
 

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Tomoko Otake

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Tomoko Otake
Tomoko Otake is a senior writer with a strong interest in health, medical and social issues. A native of Nara Prefecture, she obtained an M.A. in journalism from The University of Montana.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 28, 2022
New COVID-19 subvariant found in Japan patient
The subvariant, detected in a patient from Sendai, has genetic information from both the B.A.1 and B.A. 2 omicron sublineages.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 28, 2022
Japan's mask debate grows as public urged to stay vigilant during Golden Week
Experts maintain that indoor ventilation and other basic prevention measures are still vital, as infection levels remain high in many places.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 25, 2022
Possible case of mysterious acute child hepatitis found in Japan
The patient, who has been hospitalized, corresponds to the working definition of a “probable case' of the acute, severe hepatitis provided by the World Health Organization.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / FOCUS
Apr 21, 2022
How Japan's slow acknowledgement of COVID's airborne spread has hampered its response
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced its determination late last month that COVID-19 can spread via aerosols. For many scientists, it was too little, too late.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 12, 2022
XE variant adds to concern over low vaccination rates among young people in Japan
Seemingly on the verge of a seventh wave of COVID-19, Japan is struggling to balance infection control and a resumption of normal life.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 7, 2022
People urged to stay vigilant as coronavirus infections rebound in Japan — again
The lifting of quasi-emergency measures and the spread of a highly infectious omicron subvariant may be to blame for the quick rebound, experts say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / A MATTER OF HEALTH
Mar 16, 2018
Saitama medical device makers fill vital health care niche
Saitama Prefecture has always been overshadowed by Tokyo, its bigger and glitzier neighbor to the south that is also the capital of Japan. But Saitama, sometimes referred to by its unflattering nickname Dasai-tama (dasai means uncool), is in fact home to a number of small manufacturing businesses developing...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media
Mar 4, 2018
Automation comes to news-gathering in Japan
The news business in Japan has long been notoriously labor-intensive. Reporters assigned to the crime and disaster beats have largely relied on briefings from police officers or firefighters for their initial reports.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 24, 2018
One-dose flu drug Xofluza gets nod from health ministry
Osaka-based drugmaker Shionogi & Co. has announced that the health ministry gave it approval to manufacture and market its new flu drug Xofluza, which requires only a single dose regardless of age.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / A MATTER OF HEALTH
Feb 20, 2018
Online test aims to educate Japanese teen girls about sexual violence
Question: "Someone I've met on the internet asked me to send them a picture of myself. What should I do?"
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 13, 2018
April 1 marks start of Japan's new medical fees and processes
The new medical prices are out.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / A MATTER OF HEALTH
Feb 8, 2018
Japan doctors tap health-monitoring app to help diabetics keep dialysis at bay
In September 2016, freelance journalist Yutaka Hasegawa touched off a firestorm of criticism after writing in his blog that diabetes patients receiving dialysis should pay for the treatment themselves instead of using public health insurance. He argued that it was their "corrupt" lifestyles that spawned...
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jan 29, 2018
Japan's dramatic surge in syphilis cases, with particularly high incidence in Tokyo, puzzles experts
Syphilis, a classic sexually transmitted disease nearly eradicated decades ago, is seeing a resurgence in Japan, with the reported number of patients in 2017 topping 5,000 for the first time in 44 years.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / A MATTER OF HEALTH
Dec 27, 2017
'The doctor would not listen': Japan faces off against over-prescription of drugs for seniors
There's no denying that, as you grow older, you are likely to visit doctors more often and have more medicine prescribed. According to 2014 data from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the amount of prescription drugs patients are given goes up as they age, especially after they turn 60.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Dec 25, 2017
Health ministry uses anime to spread word about coughing etiquette
The health ministry often relies on the nation's "soft power" to spread its public health messages. This time, it is using one of the hottest anime series — "Attack on Titan" — to promote proper coughing etiquette as the influenza season gets into full gear as the New Year holidays approach.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Dec 21, 2017
University of Tokyo team's robots mimic human exercise, even working up a sweat
A team of Japanese researchers has built two humanoid robots that can do pushups, situps and stretches just like their human creators. One can even sweat, releasing heat generated by the physical activity.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Dec 21, 2017
'Brain on Fire': Film chronicling U.S. woman's fight with rare brain disease makes Japan debut
A U.S. film about a rare but serious disease that impairs the body's autoimmune system is being shown in Japan, boosting hope among patients and their families that it will help raise awareness of the little-known illness.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / A MATTER OF HEALTH
Dec 12, 2017
Tokyo-based fund CEO leads public-private fight against diseases around globe
BT Slingsby was 13 years old when he made a career decision: to become a medical doctor.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Dec 6, 2017
Rape allegation against high-profile journalist, dropped by prosecutors last year, returns in civil suit
A female journalist who is suing a high-profile journalist over an alleged rape in 2015 expressed hope that the truth will come out in open court as the oral hearings of her civil lawsuit began at the Tokyo District Court on Tuesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / A MATTER OF HEALTH
Nov 29, 2017
Japanese firm uses VR simulations to offer a glimpse into the world of dementia
On a moderately crowded train, I've just woken up after dozing off, but I can't remember where I am or where I'm going. Apart from the noise of the moving train, it's quiet, and the other passengers are half asleep, fiddling with their phones or spacing out.
Two of America’s biggest debt holders are dumping Treasurys
The U.S. Treasury building in Washington. Investors in Japan and China sold a pile of U.S. debt in the last quarter, just before the U.S. presidential election.
Ishiba aggravates his own political failures with diplomatic faux pas
Prime Minster Shigeru Ishiba is greeted at the APEC summit in Lima by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. The Japanese leader was criticized for remaining seated while meeting several world leaders at the event.
Japan's 3.31 million visitors in October set monthly record
Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto in December 2023. Famous autumn leaf colors contributed to increased tourism demand last month from many markets across Asia, Europe and North America, the Japan National Tourism Organization has said.
Japan ranks last in romance satisfaction for second straight year
In a survey of 31 countries, Japan ranked last in terms of those who felt loved, with just 51% of respondents saying so.
Ruling coalition and DPP strike last-minute deal over economic policy
DPP policy chief Makoto Mahaguchi speaks at the party's policy gathering in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Japan, U.K. and Italy discuss inviting more countries to joint fighter project
A new concept model of a next-generation fighter jet to be jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy is on display in Farnborough, Hampshire, in July.
Haruki Murakami's 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' gives deep deja vu
For “The City and Its Uncertain Walls,” translated into English by Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami confronts the ghosts who won't leave him alone.
Japanese expats in Asia find community through rugby
The Taiwan Fivewoods celebrate their victory at the 2023 Asian Japanese Rugby Cup in December of last year.
In Fukushima, a weekend of prose, poetry and translation
Aomori-based writer JJ Carter presented on tabletop gaming as creative inspiration for building characters and narratives.
For Dr. Nakamats, aging is just experience in action
Though he didn't win the recent gubernatorial election in Tokyo, the 96-year-old Dr. Nakamats' run was seen as inspirational in Japan's aging society.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

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

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