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May 19, 2024
 

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Kanako Takahara

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Kanako Takahara
Kanako Takahara is a staff writer who has covered national politics, diplomacy, business and the economy at The Japan Times. A graduate of Sophia University, she is currently a national news editor.
For Kanako Takahara's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 16, 2022
Business license of disgraced Hokkaido tour boat firm revoked
Shiretoko Yuransen, based in the town of Shari, Hokkaido, will not be able to apply for a new license for the next two years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 15, 2022
No more silent lunches? Some Japan schools ease COVID restrictions
With coronavirus infections dropping, some municipalities are lifting restrictions to let students socialize during the midday meal.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 10, 2022
Travel agencies rush to meet COVID-19 guidelines as Japan reopens for tourism
With new government protocols in place, it will take time before Japan's airports swarm with overseas travelers again.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 7, 2022
Japan to make tourists wear masks and purchase medical insurance
The Japan Tourism Agency has unveiled guidelines setting out what travel agencies, escorting guides and tourists will be required to do before and during their trip.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 3, 2022
Japan allows visits by extended family, fiances and common-law partners
Those in a relationship with a resident of Japan equivalent to a relative, such as a fiance, will be required to provide proof of their relationship, such as an engagement certificate.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2022
Japan residents flock to South Korean Embassy for visas as tourism resumes
Demand for South Korean tourist visas is so great that the country's embassy in Tokyo has limited applications to 150 per day, with some applicants camping out overnight.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 1, 2022
Japan’s experience rebuilding can help Ukraine, Tokyo's envoy says
Ukraine has estimated direct losses from the war totaling at least $650 billion, with the indirect cost being as much as $1 trillion.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 1, 2022
Japan eliminates airport testing and quarantine for some arrivals
The eased measures come as the country plans to open its borders to inbound tourists on guided tours from June 10.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 31, 2022
Japan to end special visas for people stranded in country due to COVID
The temporary measure has granted six-month “designated activities” residence statuses to foreign students and trainees stuck in Japan due to border controls in their home country.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 30, 2022
Tourist on Japan's package tour trial tests positive for COVID-19
The patient and three close contacts got tested after the individual complained of a sore throat on Monday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
May 27, 2022
As Japan’s borders creak open, who can enter now?
With the nation reopening little by little — a limited number of tourists have already arrived on package tour trials — it's difficult to keep track of who is allowed in and who isn't.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 26, 2022
It's official: Japan to allow in foreign tourists on package tours from June 10
Kishida has said that Japan's strict border controls were necessary to buy time, but the government will ease restrictions from here on.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 24, 2022
Global tensions dominate discussions at ‘Quad’ leader summit in Tokyo
Divisions over the invasion of Ukraine contrast with unity on the issue of maritime security, which offered a breakthrough at the meeting.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 24, 2022
Japanese formula-makers consider exporting product to the U.S. amid shortage
The agriculture ministry has contacted five baby formula manufacturers to see if it's possible to export their products to the U.S., which is experiencing a shortage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 16, 2022
From Tran Anh Tuan to Masaki Ito: A Vietnamese refugee's journey to Japanese citizenship
When Masaki Ito saw Ukrainians who had fled their war-torn country arriving in Japan on TV, it brought back strong memories of his own arrival from Vietnam 40 years ago.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 13, 2022
Japan granted refugee status to a record 74 people in 2021
The government also granted residential status out of humanitarian consideration to a record 580 people, most of whom were from Myanmar.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
May 12, 2022
When will Japan open to tourists?
Kanako Takahara joins to discuss when Japan might reopen to international tourism, and what form that reopening might take.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 3, 2022
The ¥22 trillion question: When will Japan reopen to foreign tourists?
Kishida is facing increased pressure from businesses to make what experts say is a political decision.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 15, 2022
Third time’s the charm? Kei Komuro fails to pass New York bar for second time
Komuro, who aims to take the exam again in July, has said he was five points short of passing.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 13, 2022
Japan’s stealth reopening: Parents of foreign residents get OK to visit
With the cap on daily arrivals raised to 10,000, the number of visas issued to first- and second-degree family members of Japanese citizens and residents continues to grow.
Japanese stripper bids to have her porn movies taken off internet
Plaintiff Miyuki Ariga (left) speaks at a news conference along with her lawyer, Yoshitomo Morohashi, after filing a lawsuit at the Tokyo District Court on Monday.
America wasn’t made for walking, and it’s killing them
A 2010 study found that U.S. adults averaged 5,117 steps daily and that this was lower than the averages found in similar studies in Switzerland, western Australia and Japan.
U.S. envoy to Japan makes landmark visit to front-line island near Taiwan
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel meets with members of the Self-Defense Forces stationed on Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, on Friday.
Japan passes bill to introduce 'blue ticket' fines for cyclists
A new system under which bicycle riders pay fines for minor traffic violations to escape criminal punishment is expected to be introduced in Japan no later than 2026.
Japan changes law to allow joint custody after divorce
Legislation that allows the option of joint custody of children after divorce is passed at the Upper House plenary session on Friday.
Can AI-generated inventions be patented? A Tokyo court says no.
The Tokyo court's ruling comes amid ongoing debates on how to regulate generative AI and is part of a transnational class action lawsuit.
A new initiative rethinks old Tohoku crafts
The colored patterns of Tsuguru "nuri," made in Aomori Prefecture, are achieved by applying multiple coatings of lacquer, which are later polished down to reveal layers of colors beneath.
Xi and Putin mark ‘new era’ amid efforts to counter U.S. ‘containment’
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend an event in Beijing on Thursday. During Putin's visit, the leaders showed off their growing alignment amid efforts to push back against the U.S.-led world order.
Unraveling the Japanese prose of Yukio Mishima
Author Yukio Mishima accepts the Arts Festival Award in the drama category at the 20th Arts Festival Award Ceremony on Jan. 22, 1966.
New Taiwan president to set tone for ties with China at inauguration
Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te arrives at the CyberSec 2024 Exhibition in Taipei on Wednesday.

Podcast

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

Longform

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.
How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan
By Mai Yoshikawa

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