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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 / Crime & Legal / Q&A
Dec 9, 2014
'Right to be forgotten' on the Internet gains traction in Japan
The Internet has made fact-checking easy and people routinely use it for this end, for example, to Google client names and personal backgrounds before their first business meeting, or to take a quick glance at a potential new hire's reputation.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 17, 2014
Ruling denying welfare for foreign residents finds homegrown, biased support
The landmark Supreme Court ruling in July that found permanent residents of Japan legally ineligible for public assistance is already having an impact. Moves are afoot both at the national and local levels to try to scale back or remove welfare payments to foreign residents.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media
Sep 17, 2014
No use fighting the tide of online journalism, experts say
Major news organizations in Japan have been somewhat insulated from the seismic shift taking place in online journalism around the world. Helped by their still strong, if waning, presence in print, Japan's five national newspaper companies, each boasting millions of copies in daily circulation, have...
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / DEALING WITH DEMENTIA
Jul 2, 2014
Dementia burden weighing on more families
Despite government efforts to improve the lives of people with dementia, the illness takes a heavy toll on patients and those who care for them.
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...

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