Data show twisters form over Kanto in September

| Sep 5, 2013

Data show twisters form over Kanto in September

by Jun Hongo

Damage to people and property by tornadoes made headlines over the past week, with the latest in Tochigi Prefecture injuring three people while destroying houses and other buildings. Here are some questions and answers regarding twisters: Are twisters common in Japan? About 17 were ...

Monju: Generating only misfortune

| May 15, 2013

Monju: Generating only misfortune

by Jun Hongo

The troubled Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor made headlines again when the Nuclear Regulation Authority said it apparently plans to ensure the facility remains idled after announcing that the Japan Atomic Energy Agency failed to properly inspect some 10,000 components, including critical ones. Following are ...

Take care with ticks to avoid potentially fatal illness

| Feb 21, 2013

Take care with ticks to avoid potentially fatal illness

by Jun Hongo

The health ministry confirmed Tuesday that the tick-borne disease thrombocytopenia syndrome, or SFTS, was responsible for the death of an adult male in Hiroshima last summer, bringing the number of known domestic fatalities to four. Nine other similar deaths are being investigated. Here are ...

Chinese smog bomb floats toward Japan

| Feb 8, 2013

Chinese smog bomb floats toward Japan

by Eric Johnston

Smog in China has reached alarming levels as its rapid industrialization spews ever-more toxic particles into the air. Over the past month or so, the problem has become particularly acute, raising health concerns in neighboring parts of Asia, including Japan. Following are questions and ...

Tokyo's intentions for Senkaku islets

| Apr 19, 2012

Tokyo's intentions for Senkaku islets

by Jun Hongo

Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara’s plan to have the metropolitan government purchase the Senkaku Islands continued to cause ripples Wednesday, with both China and Taiwan quickly issuing statements criticizing the move. Following are questions and answers regarding the controversy and ownership of the islands: What ...

Scrub homes, denude trees to wash cesium fears away

| Nov 9, 2011

Scrub homes, denude trees to wash cesium fears away

by Mizuho Aoki

Worried about radioactive fallout from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant? Don’t wait for the government to help. Experts advise people who live in and near Fukushima Prefecture where they face cumulative annual radiation exposure exceeding 1 millisievert — the legal limit for the ...