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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.
Japan Times
JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Jun 15, 2014
'Womenomics' push raises suspicions for lack of reality
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may be a political hawk who believes Japan can once again become a macho state that can hold its own against regional threats, but as he looks for money and muscle he is turning to an unlikely source: women.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 23, 2014
Duolingo chief shakes up language learning
While in his teens, growing up in a family running a candy factory in Guatemala, Luis von Ahn said he often fantasized about creating a gym anyone could join for free.
JAPAN
May 8, 2014
Riken stands behind STAP paper probe
The Riken institute states that it will not reopen its probe into the so-called STAP cell papers, leaving biologist Haruko Obokata guilty of research misconduct.
Japan Times
JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Apr 20, 2014
'STAPgate' shows Japan must get back to basics in science
On Jan. 30, as NHK kicked off its evening news program with upbeat music, footage aired of a young woman with immaculately coiffed brown hair wearing pearl earrings and her trademark "kappogi," a Japanese-style white apron.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Apr 11, 2014
Pain in the body may start in the mind
Good diagnosis takes persistent questioning and good analytical skills. It's a bit like a detective piecing together a puzzle from seemingly unrelated bits of information.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 9, 2014
Obokata says STAP cell discovery not fabrication, claims Riken dissuaded her from giving her side of story earlier
Apologetic but resolute in the face of intense international scrutiny of her stem cell research, Haruko Obokata stood by her claim Wednesday that she had discovered so-called STAP cells.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 1, 2014
Obokata falsified data in STAP papers: probe
A probe into possible “research misconduct” by the authors of two potentially revolutionary papers on pluripotent stem cells turns up two instances of deliberate falsification.
BUSINESS
Feb 20, 2014
New tax rules to hit holders of overseas assets
Individuals with overseas assets worth more than ¥50 million must report them to the nation's tax authorities or face tough penalties, according to new government regulations introduced ahead of this year's tax return filing.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 10, 2014
Firm's smartphone bar code system offers food info in foreign languages
Bar code maker Sato Holdings develops a multilingual system to let people call up information on allergens or religiously sensitive ingredients in Japanese food by smartphone.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 31, 2014
Indie designer Kanai carves out niche with analog board games
In an age when every toddler fiddles with electronic game consoles and smartphones, Seiji Kanai says his passion lies in creating analog board games.
JAPAN
Jan 30, 2014
Scholar quits NHK over nuclear power hush-up
A noted professor who regularly provides commentary on an NHK AM radio show resigns from the program to protest the broadcaster's demand that nuclear power not be discussed until after the Feb. 9 Tokyo gubernatorial poll.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Jan 24, 2014
Over 1 in 10 men have experienced 'paternity harassment': survey
Survey results show a staggering gap between the government's push for a family-friendly working environment and workplace realities.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 22, 2014
Barakan says broadcasters told him to avoid nuclear issues till after poll
Freelance TV and radio commentator Peter Barakan said he was pressured by two broadcast stations to steer clear of nuclear power issues on his programs until after the Tokyo gubernatorial election on Feb. 9, causing concern among some about possible media censorship.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jan 13, 2014
Novartis drug's data-tampering reflects unchecked collusion
Last week, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors against Novartis Pharma K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, alleging the firm made exaggerated advertising claims for its blockbuster blood pressure drug Diovan.
BUSINESS
Jan 9, 2014
Security firm offers ¥1 million grant to nurture young computer buffs
A Tokyo-based IT security firm has established a unique program that offers up to ¥1 million in financial assistance to computer whizzes under the age of 20.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 7, 2014
Abandoned homes a growing menace
Shinichi Ueda points to a two-story house standing on 7-meter-tall concrete blocks, flanked by other elevated dwellings. Built on a slope, the wooden structure — part of a 1,000-unit-plus residential area developed in the late 1970s in the suburban city of Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture — has been...
BUSINESS / Economy / ANALYSIS
Dec 24, 2013
Debt-issuance levels point to lack of concern for debt: experts
Experts say the draft fiscal 2014 budget doesn't show that the Abe team is serious about revising the debt-driven fiscal structure as more than 40 percent of the budget will be paid for through new debt issuance.
Japan Times
JAPAN / NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Dec 15, 2013
No country for small-time rice farmers
In the suburbs of Tokyo, rice farmer Koichi Yuge is weighing how the government's change of heart on controlling rice prices will impact his 300-year-old family business.
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 10, 2013
Popular Dwango to charge job applicant fee to narrow field
Internet firm Dwango Co. has announced that it will charge a fee of ¥2,525 for students applying for entry-level jobs at the company.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2013
Line censoring messages in China
In another example of the dilemmas facing Internet companies operating in China, Japan-based instant messaging app provider Line Corp. has been censoring chats among users there, blocking the transmission of politically sensitive words and phrases.
Who needs AI when you have Hatsune Miku?
Over the first six months of 2024, a handful of songs using Vocaloid singer Hatsune Miku’s voice have enjoyed widespread attention, underlining a global interest in the character and the technology she represents.
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.
Shooter came within inches of killing Trump, but left few clues as to why
An aerial view shows the stage where Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump had been standing during an assassination attempt the day before, and the roof of a nearby building where a gunman was shot dead by law enforcement, in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Sunday.
Yen’s woes seem too big for even a BOJ hike this month to solve
The Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo
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.
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.

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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