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July 16, 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.
Mid-match water breaks have become common occurrences at J. League games as temperatures have risen in recent years.
SOCCER / Women's World cup
Jul 20, 2023
Soccer feeling the heat from Japan's scorching summer
Postponements of matches reflect the growing challenges facing amateur teams as they attempt to cope with Japan’s increasingly hostile summer months.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 18, 2023
Rise in new COVID-19 cases in Japan shows little sign of abating
Experts predict the trend will continue amid high heat, declining population-level immunity and the start of the holiday season.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 11, 2023
Japan tries to turn page on eugenics policies, but related ideas persist
A 1,400-page report by parliament on forced sterilizations of people with disabilities sets out Japan's grim history with eugenics, but experts say the matter is far from closed.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 9, 2023
G7 urban ministers meet in Kagawa, agree to tackle global challenges
Group of Seven Urban ministers meeting in Japan agreed to work together with municipal governments to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / FOCUS
Jul 4, 2023
Expectations grow for Alzheimer's drug in Japan, but hurdles remain
Lecanemab could be approved in the country as early as fall, but more specialist doctors and a patient screening system would be needed for widespread use.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 30, 2023
COVID-19 cases continue to rise, straining health care system in Okinawa
The number of new cases per hospital was 39.48 in Okinawa Prefecture, up from 28.74 a week before and marking an increase for six consecutive weeks.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 26, 2023
Surge in children's summer colds in Japan prompts government warning
Officials say increased precautions due to COVID-19 kept cases of herpangina and RS virus low last year.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 23, 2023
First fatal case of tick-borne Oz virus reported in Japan
A woman in her 70s who had suffered a tick bite died of myocarditis last year after being infected with the Oz virus, the health ministry said Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 19, 2023
Japan to roll out COVID-19 booster targeting XBB subvariant in the fall
A vaccine subcommittee under the health ministry is aiming to prepare for another spike in infections possibly arriving in the winter.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 16, 2023
COVID wave looms in Japan after case numbers nearly double in a month
The average number of patients at each reporting facility was 5.11, up from 4.55 in the previous week and from 2.63 between May 8 and May 14.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 13, 2023
Japan braces for a more intense typhoon season this year
According to Weathernews, around 29 typhoons are expected to develop this year, slightly more than the 30-year average of 25.1 formed per year.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 12, 2023
Culture at Johnny's to be scrutinized amid investigation into abuse claims
A team of experts hired by the talent agency have said they will “independently” and “exclusively” investigate claims of sexual assaults by late founder Johnny Kitagawa.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 8, 2023
PFAS in western Tokyoites’ blood more than double national average
One expert has said that higher-than-normal readings are likely attributable to past contamination of drinking water in the area.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 6, 2023
Deluge of the century: Researchers highlight rarity of deadly Japan rainfall
Many coastal areas of the Tokai region, including Toyohashi in Aichi and Hamamatsu in Shizuoka, experienced an amount of rain that falls once in 100 years or more.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2023
Heavy rain lashes Japan as tropical storm passes south of archipelago
The rain disrupted travel along the country's busiest shinkansen line and prompted one city in Aichi Prefecture to issue a level 5 warning over imminent flooding.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2023
Japan’s fertility rate matches record low as it drops for seventh consecutive year
The total fertility rate was down to 1.26 from 1.30 the year before and on par with a record low marked in 2005.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 30, 2023
Swedish chemist assumes presidency of prestigious Okinawa science institute
She has said will work closely with other academic institutions, industry and local partners to nurture the next generation of global leaders in science and business.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 30, 2023
Japan aims to halve allergy-triggering cedar pollen in 30 years
The proposal comes as pollen allergies, which are mostly caused by cedar trees, have become a major social concern, affecting an estimated 40% of the population.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 29, 2023
Doctors in Japan turn to crowdfunding to continue stroke treatment trial
The trial for the drug to treat acute stroke sufferers has hit a snag due to surging import costs, with the price of a vial going from ¥300,000 to ¥1.6 million.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 28, 2023
Japan slowly wakes up to health risks of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’
Residents in western Tokyo have been testing themselves to measure their exposure, with results showing levels of the chemicals that could bring long-term health risks.
Bloodied Trump survives assassination attempt at political rally
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is surrounded and evacuated by Secret Service agents at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Trump was rushed off stage at the rally after shots rang out.
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
Amid same-sex marriage ban, LGBTQ couples opt for 'photo weddings'
A lesbian couple, consisting of a 35-year-old woman (left) and 40-year-old woman, cover their faces with bouquets as they pose for wedding photos in Yokohama on Nov. 1.
China and Russia conduct joint Pacific military patrol
The Russian corvette Gromkiy enters the Chinese port of Zhanjiang as part of a joint China-Russia naval exercise on Saturday.
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
After Trump shooting, U.S. presidential race might take a violent turn
United States Secret Service Counter Snipers stand guard on a rooftop during a campaign rally for U.S. President Donald Trump in Avoca, Pennsylvania, in 2020.
No AC this summer? No problem (for me).
Think air conditioning is a requirement for a Tokyo summer? Think again.
She’s paying ¥1 million to help behind the scenes at the Paris Olympics
Mai Tarumi, who previously volunteered at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, has a travel budget of ¥1 million for her trip to volunteer at the Paris Games.
How to tweak your diet when temperatures spike
Most people think of hydration as a strictly liquid-based concept, but eating foods with high water content is an essential part of making it through a Japanese summer unscathed.

Podcast

You can often see generations of families enjoying performances together at Fuji Rock Festival.
Japan’s summer music festivals are feeling the heat in more ways than one

Longform

Akiko Trush says her experience with the neurological disorder dystonia left her feeling like she wanted to chop her own hand off.
The neurological disorder that 'kills culture'
By Tomoko Otake

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