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May 18, 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
Aug 23, 2022
Japan weighing end to pre-departure COVID testing, report says
An exemption for those who have been vaccinated is among options the government is considering.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 18, 2022
Japan to launch campaign to support victims of Unification Church
At present, victims have various consultation services they can turn to, but Japan's ministries hope to share information on what kind of problems they are facing to offer better advice.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 17, 2022
Japan set to permit online sales of COVID-19 test kits
The move is aimed at reducing the number of people visiting so-called fever clinics in order to be tested and comes amid the nation's largest wave of infections.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Aug 12, 2022
What we know about the new omicron vaccines
New vaccines developed for the COVID-19 omicron variant are scheduled to be available from mid-October in Japan, raising hopes that the population will soon be better protected.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 8, 2022
What it would mean for Japan to downgrade its COVID classification
Changing the classification could reduce the burden on sections of the medical system, but at the cost of limiting authorities' understanding of the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 5, 2022
How to self-test for COVID in Japan, and which antigen kits to use
Two kinds of antigen test kits are available, but most municipalities only accept those identified as being for medical use. Here's a guide on where and how to get them.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 2, 2022
Experts urge Japan to downgrade COVID to similar class as seasonal flu
Making it the equivalent of a Class V disease would affect which hospitals and clinics can treat patients, as well as the reporting of cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 22, 2022
As COVID wave grows, Japan beefs up response but won't limit business activities
With the seventh wave reaching unprecedented heights, the government is ramping up the number of hospital beds available and expanding the scope of those eligible for fourth vaccine shots.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jul 21, 2022
As cases surge across Japan, here’s what you need to know if you catch COVID-19
With the peak of the last wave coming more than five months ago, some might struggle to remember the protocols to follow if they become infected with COVID-19.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 11, 2022
Constitutional revision inches closer in Japan, but actual change still far off
Divisions over what aspects to revise and more pressing political issues for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could delay change to the top law.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jul 10, 2022
Sweeping LDP Upper House victory heralds fresh start for Kishida
The ruling parties are on course to maintain a majority in the Upper House, according to an exit poll, while pro-constitutional revision forces are set to clear a crucial threshold.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 10, 2022
With fresh mandate, Kishida set to have hands full in coming months
Fresh off his party's Upper House election victory, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to set his sights on a signature economic policy, Japan's COVID measures and a defense overhaul.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 8, 2022
Despite shock of Abe's death, Upper House poll to proceed as planned
Although some leeway is given to local elections, the government has previously said that national elections cannot be postponed.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 8, 2022
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assassinated
A suspect was arrested after Abe, one of the most consequential leaders in Japan's postwar history, was shot while campaigning in the city of Nara on Friday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 8, 2022
Former PM Shinzo Abe in 'serious condition' after being shot in Nara
The former prime minister was attacked while giving a campaign speech ahead of Sunday's Upper House election.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 4, 2022
Celebrity and intense competition define Tokyo's Upper House race
With a large number of votes needed to secure a seat, new and unknown candidates face an uphill struggle, leading to many well-known faces on the ballot.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Jun 29, 2022
Unpacking Japan's latest ruling on same-sex marriage
While the Osaka and Sapporo courts agreed on one key point, they diverged on whether the lack of same-sex marriage violates the Constitution's equality principle.
Japan Times
JAPAN / New Normal 2.0
Jun 27, 2022
Japan prepares for bounce in tourism, but pre-pandemic demand still far off
Destinations such as Niseko in Hokkaido are gearing up for 'revenge travel' by domestic and foreign tourists, but caution over COVID-19 limits the expected rise in numbers.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 21, 2022
Japan's Justice Ministry to propose shared parental authority after divorce
Under the system, parents would be able to jointly make major decisions for their child, such those related to health care and education.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 17, 2022
BOJ stands pat on policy despite pressure following Fed rate hike
While many economists had said a policy shift was unlikely, the Fed's decision to introduce its largest rate hike since 1994 had fueled speculation that an adjustment might be made.
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.
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.
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 to review romanization system for first time in 70 years
An advisory panel to the education ministry will consider how the Japanese language should be transcribed into the Latin alphabet, including unifying different romanization styles currently in use.
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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