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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
Feb 19, 2017
Japan's health care system edges foreign care in expat survey
Just over half of non-Japanese residents feel Japan's health care system is generally better than that in their home countries, a trend particularly pronounced among U.S. citizens, with 3 out of 4 rating it more highly, an informal Japan Times survey has found.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 19, 2017
Japanese offer mixed views of foreign health care
Japanese people who have received medical care overseas have mixed views of other countries' health systems, according to an online straw poll conducted by The Japan Times.
Japan Times
WORLD / Science & Health
Feb 7, 2017
U.S. patients could end up paying the price if travel ban bars foreign doctors, Japanese researcher says
U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries could end up impairing the health of Americans, according to a new study led by a Harvard University-based Japanese researcher.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 3, 2017
Schools close, hospitals swell as influenza spikes
Japan sees a surge of 400,000 influenza cases in just one week as patients rush to get doctor's notes instead of resting.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jan 21, 2017
When pollen attacks! Experts reveal new approaches to combating hay fever
With the allergy season just around the corner, we examine the latest attempts to stem one of the country's most irritating problems.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 18, 2017
Apa takes flak from China over books in its inns denying Nanking Massacre
Major hotel chain operator Apa Group is facing fierce criticism after two students who stayed at one of its hotels in Tokyo posted a video about a book written by its CEO, which claims the 1937 Nanking Massacre committed by the Imperial Japanese Army was "fabricated by the Chinese side."
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jan 12, 2017
Japanese city to use vein data to identify lost dementia sufferers
In a possible first for Japan, the city of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, will start an experiment to register the vein data of elderly residents with dementia so they can be instantly identified if they wander off and are found without an ID.
JAPAN
Jan 12, 2017
Fukushima hospital finds temporary replacement after only doctor dies
A Fukushima hospital that suddenly found itself in crisis following the death last month of its only full-time doctor has found a temporary replacement for late director Hideo Takano.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 10, 2017
Number of foreign visitors to Japan tops 20 million mark for first time
The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a whopping 24.03 million last year, but the growth rate has started to slow down.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 6, 2017
Death of doctor in Fukushima disaster zone hospital throws patients’ futures into question
The only hospital to brave Fukushima's radiation woes loses its only full-time doctor, throwing its patients' fates into doubt.
Japan Times
JAPAN / GEARING UP FOR THE GAMES
Jan 5, 2017
Advanced tech used by Paralympic athletes could throw perception of disabilities into question
On Dec. 10, some 40 elementary school children showed up for a running workshop at Shin-Toyosu Brillia Running Stadium, a brand new indoor track facility opened the day before in Tokyo's waterfront Toyosu district.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 27, 2016
Japanese dream of long year-end holiday but will settle for five days, and some sleep
A long, leisurely sojourn at a tropical beach resort, listening to the waves and counting seagulls ... is only a pipe dream for most workers in Japan as the New Year's holiday period draws near.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 21, 2016
Romance dance routine featuring Santa-clad Ambassador Kennedy an instant online hit
U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and other embassy staff across Japan made a splash on social media Tuesday by releasing a Christmassy, U.S. Embassy version of a koi (falling in love) dance routine aired in a popular Japanese TV drama series.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 19, 2016
Citizens petition Tokyo to save trees amid Ueno Park face-lift
As a planned face-lift for Tokyo's Ueno Park goes forward in preparation for the 2020 Olympics, residents are asking that the government refrain from cutting down decades-old trees.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 9, 2016
New running facility opens in Tokyo for athletes of all stripes
As the metropolis gears up to host the Olympics and Paralympics in four years’ time, a new running stadium opened in Tokyo on Friday. The private-sector facility will provide an inclusive training venue for athletes of all stripes.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 9, 2016
Aerial photos capture dark side of solar power plants
Koichiro Otaki started taking aerial pictures of photovoltaic power stations in April 2015. At first, it was an innocent desire to capture their sheer scale and aesthetic value that motivated him, he says.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 8, 2016
Soseki android unveiled to rekindle interest in late author
"Hello. Excuse me for remaining seated. It's been nearly 100 years, hasn't it?"
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Dec 5, 2016
Both pressure and perks used to coax seniors into giving up driving licenses
These days have seen frequent news reports of elderly drivers losing control of their vehicles, slamming into stores, running over pedestrians and traveling in the wrong direction on expressways.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Dec 1, 2016
Shady work practices earn nominations for Black Company Award
Ad giant Dentsu Inc. and courier company Sagawa Express Co., where employees committed suicide, were among this year's nominees.
JAPAN
Nov 16, 2016
Japan government panel halves price of cancer drug Opdivo
In an unprecedented move, the official price of the drug is slashed amid fears that widespread use could drain state coffers.

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