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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
BUSINESS / Tech
Feb 12, 2012
Are supercomputers worth their super price tags?
"Why do we have to aim for the world's No. 1 — what's wrong with being the world's No. 2?"
Japan Times
MULTIMEDIA
Feb 12, 2012
Drugs of the future will be computer-designed
The moment Hideaki Fujitani unlocks the heavy door and enters the room, the buzzing noise — which sounded like a simple hum from the outside — gets much louder.
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Feb 12, 2012
10,000,000,000,000,000 calculations per second
In today's ever-more digitalized world, we all have a tale or two to share about how personal computers have let us down: like how they refused to let us run different programs at the same time or how the data was so heavy that the damned device kept us on hold forever before conducting even the most...
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Feb 10, 2012
Popular Chekhov play gets fresh treatment for audiences in Tokyo
Despite being 112 years old, Russian playwright Anton Chekhov's "Three Sisters" is still one of the most popular translated plays to be staged in Japan.
Japan Times
LIFE
Jan 22, 2012
What to call baby?
While clearing closets at my parents' house in Nara in December following my mother's death the month before, I came across a large square card in a pile of old documents. A snapshot of a baby looking at a birthday cake was glued in the center of the card, and I recognized that it was me at the time...
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Jan 20, 2012
Get ready for a sweet race
Calorie watchers and fitness freaks should no longer feel guilty for nibbling at sweets — that is, if they join the upcoming Sweets Marathon.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHO'S WHO
Jan 17, 2012
Indian doctor finds success in Japan
Ruby Pawankar stumbled across Japan in 1988, when as a young physician in Pune, western India, she accompanied her Indian husband here to curate an exhibition held as part of the Festival of India in Japan.
Japan Times
LIFE / WEEK 3
Jan 15, 2012
Kabuki workout helps students to stand out in a crowd
Looking for an enjoyable way to get back into shape after gaining a few pounds over the festive season? Well, look no further than kabuki — or learning a few moves basic to this traditional Japanese theatrical form, to be precise.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Jan 12, 2012
Artists always find ways to represent themselves
For the countless number of budding visual artists in Japan, 3331 Arts Chiyoda's "Independents" exhibitions, which are held in the event space's main gallery, offer the chance to publicly show works and get feedback from some of the most prominent artists, critics and curators in the country.
CULTURE / Art
Jan 12, 2012
Artists always find ways to represent themselves
For the countless number of budding visual artists in Japan, 3331 Arts Chiyoda's "Independents" exhibitions, which are held in the event space's main gallery, offer the chance to publicly show works and get feedback from some of the most prominent artists, critics and curators in the country.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Dec 15, 2011
'POCORART'
3331 Arts Chiyoda Closes Dec. 25
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Dec 9, 2011
Miraikan uses anime to teach
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo's Odaiba waterfront district has unveiled a new anime program that is both fun and educational for families.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / CLOSE-UP
Dec 4, 2011
Tenten Hosokawa: Drawing the blues away
In the last few decades, clinical depression in Japan has emerged from its longstanding obscurity shrouded in shame and guilt to becoming far more openly recognized as a national disease.
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Nov 25, 2011
Charity event for Nara to help storm victims
The Nara Mahoroba-kan, the pilot store and tourism information center run by the Nara Prefectural Government in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district, is hosting a series of events to help communities and businesses affected by torrential rain and typhoons that hit the southern parts of prefecture earlier this...
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Nov 25, 2011
Saitama B-class meals vie for public honor
If you missed the B1 Gold Grand Prix of so-called B-class cuisines in Hyogo this month, The 9th Saitama B-class Local Gourmet King Championship should satisfy your appetite.
Japan Times
LIFE / WEEK 3
Nov 20, 2011
French researchers seek raison d'etre of hikikomori
Is the hikikomori phenomenon unique to Japan — or does it exist in other societies, too?
Japan Times
LIFE / Digital
Nov 2, 2011
Shōgi showdown for supercomputer
Eiki Ito, 49, started programming a shōgi (Japanese chess) computer in 1998, because back then, he says, his job with an IT firm wasn't keeping him busy enough. Thirteen years later, his pet machine boasts a computing ability of 4 million moves per second. And it may well soon beat one of the strongest...
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Oct 25, 2011
Feeling your way around the Tokyo National Museum
Next time you have a chance to visit the Tokyo National Museum (TNM) in Tokyo's Ueno district, before walking around that home to a vast and impressive collection of traditional Japanese paintings, sculptures and crafts, remember to make a quick stop in the room on the left of the foyer.
Japan Times
LIFE
Oct 23, 2011
Citizens' forum queries nuclear 'experts'
To whom does scientific debate belong?
Japan Times
Events / Events Outside Tokyo
Oct 21, 2011
Try out some laughter yoga with the sun at your back
An ocean breeze, live music, organic food, ayurvedic massage and yoga with a glorious sunset at your back. You'll have the opportunity to experience all this in Enoshima, Kanagawa Prefecture, this weekend.

Longform

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