Today's print edition

Subscribe for more access

JAPAN

Science & Health

Science & Health

A woman in the Tokai region posts her meals on social media and gives advice to young people suffering from eating disorders.

JAPAN / Science & Health / Regional voices: Chubu

Apr 22, 2024

Woman with eating disorder looks to help young sufferers via social media

The woman is letting people know that a person’s value is not determined by their body shape.

The NanoTerasu facility uses special X-rays to enable researchers to analyze at the nanometer level the properties and functions of materials that cannot be identified with the naked eye.

JAPAN / Science & Health

Apr 22, 2024

NanoTerasu accelerator goes into operation in northeastern Japan

The technology is expected to be used in research in a wide range of areas, from food to medicine.

The legality of products that contain cannabinoids, a group of substances derived from the cannabis plant, has been somewhat murky in Japan.

JAPAN / Science & Health

Apr 21, 2024

Japan’s cannabis market growing rapidly amid regulatory shift

By Tomoko Otake

Robust sales of products using CBD, a compound found in marijuana, are attributed to rising demand for products that offer relaxation and stress relief.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's Tokyo office. The company has received 88,000 inquiries about health damage from its supplements.

JAPAN / Science & Health

Apr 20, 2024

More unexpected compounds found in Kobayashi Pharma's beni kōji supplements

At least two compounds not normally found in the supplements were detected in an analysis of ingredient samples.

Lung cancer causes about 76,000 deaths in Japan each year, and about 1.8 million deaths worldwide.

JAPAN / Science & Health

Apr 16, 2024

Japan study shows link between passive smoking and lung cancer

By Tomoko Otake

The study shows how passive smoking causes genetic mutations, providing further evidence of the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

A survey of the 6,975 products with the functional food label was initiated by the government last month following the scandal over Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals’ beni kōji supplements.

JAPAN / Science & Health

Apr 12, 2024

Probe finds 18 functional food products with past reports of health damage in Japan

By Yukana Inoue

The survey results come as the industry reels from deaths linked to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's beni kōji supplements.

Health experts say the beni kōji supplement scandal should not be treated as a one-off incident. Instead, it should be seen as a cautionary tale about how such health food items could pose more risks than benefits.

JAPAN / Science & Health / FOCUS

Apr 12, 2024

Kobayashi Pharma’s slow response to scandal spotlights deeper issues

By Yukana Inoue and Tomoko Otake

Health experts say the scandal should be seen as a cautionary tale, and not a one-off incident.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.

The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

Leading Japan’s sustainability from Tokyo

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

international-reports