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Osamu Tsukimori
For Osamu Tsukimori's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 29, 2021
Even with delta surging, experts say two vaccine doses is enough for now
U.S. firm Pfizer Inc. has called for an additional third shot of its COVID-19 vaccine, citing new data showing its efficacy tails off after six months.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Jul 21, 2021
Japan sets 60% target for nonfossil fuel energy sources by fiscal 2030
Difficulties boosting nuclear power and increasing solar and off-shore wind mean the new energy plan's goals will be difficult to achieve, experts say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jul 19, 2021
Japan health ministry panel backs lowering Moderna vaccine age limit to 12
The panel recommended lowering the current age restriction of 18 years of age and older without conducting an additional clinical trial, and ministry approval could come in days.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 17, 2021
Japan's top COVID-19 adviser calls for new approach as restrictions become ineffective
Shigeru Omi believes that instead of restricting people's movement, Japan should focus more on taking advantage of its 'excellent science and technology” to halt the virus in its tracks.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 14, 2021
Alcohol sales controversy compounds Suga's political woes
Amid questions over the legality of the move, the government has retracted a request for suppliers to halt sales to outlets violating an alcohol sales ban during Tokyo's state of emergency.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 13, 2021
Japan's top COVID-19 official faces calls to quit over pressure on private sector
Yasutoshi Nishimura had said the government would pressure banks and liquor retailers to rein in restaurants that are flouting alcohol guidelines amid a COVID-19 state of emergency.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 6, 2021
With variants on the rise, Japan sticks to firm COVID-19 guidance
With more than a third of people age 65 and over having received a second shot, more and more are starting to wonder if they can finally be mask-free outdoors.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 3, 2021
Growing number of Japanese cities cancel vaccine reservations amid supply shortage
The supply issues have come as a shock to municipalities that had been ramping up inoculations at the request of the central government.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 1, 2021
Japan's homeless among those struggling to access COVID-19 vaccines
Pregnant women at their parents' home to give birth, students away from home and company employees living apart from their families may all need to contact local authorities to access shots.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 25, 2021
Benefits of vaccine rollout begin to show in Tokyo infection data
The coronavirus infection rate is plunging for front-line workers and older people — the demographics inoculated first.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2021
How to secure vaccines for billions? One Japanese biotech startup has an idea.
The key benefit of self-replicating vaccines is their efficiency, as they require only a fraction of the dosage of conventional vaccines to trigger a strong immune response.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 28, 2021
Japan set to approve Pfizer's COVID-19 shot for 12- to 15-year-olds
The move comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lowered the minimum age for the vaccine to 12 on May 10.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 23, 2021
Japan clinical trial of COVID-19 plasma therapy highlights slow-moving medical policy
Doctors are gearing up for clinical trials of convalescent plasma therapy, but many overseas hospitals have already moved on to other remedies.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 21, 2021
Japan issues final approval for Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines
The formal approvals, following a health ministry panel's sign-off Thursday, mark a major step toward speeding up the nation's sluggish inoculation drive.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 20, 2021
Japan panel gives Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines the green light
The approval marks an important milestone in increasing vaccine supplies as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga aims to ramp up vaccinations to 1 million shots a day.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 15, 2021
Japan risks multiple new states of emergency with slow vaccine pace, study shows
Four more states of emergency are likely at a pace of 220,000 jabs per day, while only one would be needed if 880,000 shots are given daily, scientists project.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 8, 2021
Japan asking all prefectures to set up mass vaccination centers
The government is hoping to use Moderna Inc.'s COVID-19 shot once it is approved as it looks to quickly ramp up the vaccine rollout amid signs of an explosive rise in new variant cases.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 7, 2021
Japan's largest energy producer bets on ammonia and hydrogen for net zero
Obtaining vast amounts of ammonia is key to the 2050 emissions goal, but procuring only so-called green ammonia produced using renewable energy will be difficult.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 1, 2021
A new virus variant is infecting millions in India. What could its spread mean for Japan?
The Japanese government announced on Monday that it has so far detected a total 21 cases of the Indian variant, including 20 cases confirmed via airport quarantine.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Apr 23, 2021
Japan’s new emissions goals a step forward but not enough to hit 2050 target
Climate Action Tracker analysis shows that Japan needs to reduce emissions by 62% by 2030 from 2013 levels to meet Paris Agreement targets.

Longform

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