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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
Nov 8, 2022
Expert panel approves criteria for probe into religious groups
The conditions put forward by the panel will also serve as a basis for future cases where similar instances of wrongdoing are suspected by religious groups.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 31, 2022
Japan has learned from its own deadly crowd crushes, but risks remain
Authorities significantly stepped up crowd control measures in the wake of a deadly pedestrian crush in Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, in 2001.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 28, 2022
XBB variant, spreading fast in Singapore, detected in Tokyo
The coronavirus subvariant features several mutations in its spike protein, giving it an exceptional ability to evade immunity. But its severity is not yet known.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 27, 2022
Faith or manipulation? Debate grows over regulating Unification Church tactics
Some argue that followers were manipulated into giving donations, while others say that questioning their 'faith' could lead to restrictions on freedom of religion.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 21, 2022
Kei Komuro, husband of former Princess Mako, passes New York bar exam
The result, which came at the third attempt, will likely bring relief to a couple dogged by intense criticism and scrutiny from the Japanese public.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 20, 2022
With period shorts and fertility trackers, 'femtech' firms tackle neglected health needs
The buzz surrounding Femtech Fes! 2022 in Tokyo reflects the scale of interest and expectations for the budding industry, the value of which is only expected to grow.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 17, 2022
Project aims to help mothers run in Japan's local elections next year
The project — called “Kosodate Senkyo Hack!” — aims to give a greater voice in local politics to the dwindling ranks of families with small children.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Oct 14, 2022
Think you've got COVID? You might have fall allergies instead
Unlike allergies from cedar and cypress pollen, which hit in the spring, fall allergies — caused by several grasses and weeds — are less recognized in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 7, 2022
What did Japan learn from its largest and deadliest COVID wave?
While the surge of infections — fueled by the BA.5 subvariant of the omicron variant — has subsided, some important questions remain unanswered.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 7, 2022
Former Unification Church member recounts fear and hardship as daughter of devout followers
The former member said that as a child she was forced to attend the church's worship services and read its doctrine, and was banned from having romantic relationships.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 4, 2022
Japan residents wake up to rare J-Alert missile warning
Under the J-system, developed in 2007, messages are sent in times of national emergencies such as earthquakes, terrorist attacks and certain missile launches.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Oct 2, 2022
Kowa says ivermectin not effective in treating COVID-19
The Nagoya-based company announced the results of its clinical trial, indicating it would no longer seek the drug's approval for COVID-19 treatment.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 30, 2022
Japan publishes guidelines on ‘confidential births’ amid growing attention
The guidelines were compiled after Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto started accepting women who wish to give birth anonymously.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Sep 14, 2022
Japan study shows how to put a crying baby to bed
According to a new study, there may be a science-based technique to prevent the never-ending sleep routine: walking.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 9, 2022
What you need to know as Japan prepares to roll out new COVID vaccines
The drive featuring shots that target the omicron subvariant will start later this month and go into full swing in October and November.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 8, 2022
Japan's shortened COVID isolation policy comes into effect
While many experts agreed on the new seven-day quarantine period for symptomatic patients, some raised concerns that the move might end up playing down risks.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 2, 2022
Japan drafts plan to punish hospitals and people for skirting pandemic rules
The government is planning to revise a related law to mandate that people suspected of having COVID-19 isolate at home.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 30, 2022
Japan OKs third Pfizer shot for children and AstraZeneca COVID treatment
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 will be able to get the booster shot five months or more after they received their second dose.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 29, 2022
Mapping Ukraine’s war damage, one image at a time
University of Tokyo professor Hidenori Watanave has used satellite images and crowdsourced photos to track the damage caused by Russia's invasion.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 24, 2022
Japan to drop pre-arrival testing for vaccinated travelers next month
To ease the burden on medical institutions, paperwork will also be simplified for doctors in areas with large COVID-19 numbers.
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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Exploring Japanese culturevia Tohoku’s festivals
Exploring Japanese culturevia Tohoku’s festivals

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