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Osamu Tsukimori
For Osamu Tsukimori's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Mar 31, 2022
As Japan looks to possible fourth COVID shots, hesitancy and disinformation linger
Almost 80% of people in Japan have received at least two COVID-19 doses, but that doesn't mean all are planning to get additional shots.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 29, 2022
Japan’s top power producer Jera makes bet on ammonia and hydrogen
The firm is also exporting its ambitions abroad, as it sees a potential to help some other countries, especially in Southeast Asia.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 17, 2022
Princess Aiko offers condolences to quake victims in first solo conference
Princess Aiko, 20, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, gave her first solo news conference on Thursday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 16, 2022
Japanese municipalities step up preparations for teen booster shots
About 6.8 million — or 75.3% — of people age 12 to 19 have received the initial two doses so far, according to Cabinet Secretariat data.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Mar 15, 2022
Japanese firms near domestic rollout of their COVID-19 vaccines
Several companies are expecting to introduce their shots in the coming fiscal year, a major step in Japan reducing its reliance on foreign vaccine manufacturers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 3, 2022
Japan scientists say omicron variant proves to be more lethal than flu
The finding is a reminder that the coronavirus still poses a threat despite the milder nature of the highly contagious variant.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Mar 2, 2022
COVID-19 is forcing some Japanese hospitals to limit conventional care
With medical facilities full of coronavirus cases, doctors are scheduling fewer surgeries and ambulances search longer to find an emergency room that has space.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 25, 2022
Shionogi seeks approval for Japan’s first domestic COVID pill
Kishida has signaled that the central government will expedite the review process to pave the way for a swift approval if the drug's efficacy and safety are confirmed.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 22, 2022
Japan set to fall short of February booster goal
The government plans to give boosters to 37.5 million people by the end of February, but to attain that target the pace of vaccinations would need to more than double.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 18, 2022
COVID tests still in short supply in Japan despite peak of sixth wave
Many pharmacies and doctors are complaining that they cannot get hold of PCR or antigen tests, but there are signs that supply will soon improve.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 16, 2022
Despite ministry recommendation, some parents in Japan wary of COVID jabs for children
Vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 could start by the end of February, with the government recommending all children receive a shot, particularly those with underlying conditions.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 14, 2022
Workplace booster vaccinations kick off in Japan
ANA and Japan Airlines began administering third doses to staffers in earnest Monday, with more major firms set to join them later this week.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 10, 2022
Japanese health ministry approves Pfizer's COVID-19 oral treatment drug
The drug, paxlovid, is to be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people 12 and older and who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Feb 10, 2022
The 'stealth' subvariant of omicron is spreading in Japan. What impact could it have?
A look at the two known types of the omicron variant and what BA.2's spread could mean for the nation's health care system.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 7, 2022
Japan's booster rollout is relying on Pfizer and Moderna. How do the shots compare?
Despite an apparent preference among some in the general public for Pfizer, experts have emphasized that getting a booster jab as soon as one is eligible, no matter which type, is key.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Feb 1, 2022
Japan scrambles to speed up slowest booster rollout among developed nations
Less than 4% of all residents have received their booster, with the rollout stymied by initial plans for an eight-month shot interval and a seeming preference for Pfizer's vaccine.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jan 28, 2022
Omicron has fueled a rapid COVID surge in Japan. Still, the endgame may be in sight.
Some experts are optimistic that more treatment options, a high vaccination rate and a so-far lower mortality rate could herald a transition from pandemic to endemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 21, 2022
Japan approves Pfizer shot for children age 5 to 11 as omicron spreads
The health ministry has issued fast-track approval to ease the age restriction on receiving the Pfizer vaccine.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 14, 2022
Intestinal bacteria could be behind Japan's low COVID deaths, study says
Many have searched for an X-factor to explain differing mortality rates between countries, and Nagoya University scientists think part of the answer might be in the gut.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 14, 2022
Japan shortens interval for COVID booster by a month amid omicron's spread
The gap for people under 65 has now been shifted to seven months, and the government has also cut the isolation time for close contacts to 10 days.

Longform

High-end tourism is becoming more about the kinds of experiences that Japan's lesser-known places can provide.
Can Japan lure the jet-set class off the beaten path?