author

 
 
 Tomoko Otake

Meta

Twitter

@Tomoko_Otake

Tomoko Otake
Tomoko Otake is a senior writer with a strong interest in health, medical and social issues. A native of Nara Prefecture, she obtained an M.A. in journalism from The University of Montana.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2023
As disease ravages Japan's oak trees, researchers tap tech to aid neglected forests
By digitally cataloging the trees and facilitating their use for green tourism or the building of furniture, researchers say extensive oak wilt can be prevented.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 13, 2023
Abe assassination suspect Tetsuya Yamagami indicted over shooting
Prosecutors have judged Yamagami fit to stand trial after a psychiatric evaluation process required to establish his criminal responsibility.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 12, 2023
Record COVID deaths complicate debate on Japan’s post-pandemic policy
Medical experts are calling for a “gradual” approach as the government eyes a possible downgrade of COVID-19's classification as early as this spring.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jan 11, 2023
Japan study points to high probability of twin earthquakes in Nankai Trough
Running 900 km from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture to the southern coast of Shikoku, the Nankai Trough has been the source of many devastating earthquakes.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Jan 5, 2023
Indictment draws near for Abe assassination suspect
Tetsuya Yamagami is currently in detention and undergoing psychiatric evaluation, but the period for that process is set to expire soon.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / New Year Special 2023
Jan 3, 2023
Tracing the history of Mio, a rural Wakayama community with deep ties to Canada
Efforts to preserve Mio's cultural heritage, including memories of the longstanding connections with Canada, have gained momentum in recent years.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 27, 2022
Japan to tighten borders for travelers from China on Dec. 30
All travelers from China as well as those who have been to China within the previous seven days will be tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival in Japan.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 18, 2022
Tokyo's solar panel mandate a major shift in a country where fossil fuels reign
The capital is moving to break away from a longtime reliance on other regions — and planet-warming fossil fuels — to meet its massive energy demand.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Dec 15, 2022
Despite unclear effectiveness, kanpō in short supply amid COVID wave
The widespread use and availability of kanpu014d in Japan has given some people hope that it may work as a viable treatment for the viral disease.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 4, 2022
From Kyoto Protocol to ‘fossil’ awards: Japan’s climate image stained by inaction
A quarter century after Japan hosted the COP3 climate talks where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, the country's record at the national level is a study in contrasts.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society
Dec 3, 2022
Global conference stresses need to put women's issues at top of policy agendas
Leaders and luminaries weigh in on how to incorporate women's perspectives into government and business decision-making.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2022
Japan panel seeks clarification of primary care system after COVID issues
A health ministry panel has proposed clarifying the function of such physicians in law, after the pandemic highlighted ambiguities in the role they play in the community.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Nov 25, 2022
Keio University researchers seek approval for first uterus transplant in Japan
If approved, the procedure could pave the way for some women without a functional uterus to have a child without turning to surrogacy or adoption.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Nov 17, 2022
Facing stigma, people with diabetes seek change of disease's Japanese name
According to a recent survey of over 1,000 people who have diabetes, many feel 'uncomfortable' or 'troubled' by the disease's current name.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 16, 2022
Foreign visitors to Japan doubled in October on border reopening
The figure, which follows the lifting of COVID-19 entry restrictions on Oct. 11, is still down 80% from the same month in 2019 prior to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 15, 2022
Recent flu outbreaks in Japan raise alarm over possible 'twindemic'
Though still small in scale, flu outbreaks have started hitting elementary and junior high schools.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 11, 2022
Japan to allow prefectures to declare medical state of emergency if COVID cases hit records
The government announced it will let prefectures enact stronger measures if infections soar above the level of the last wave and their health care system is threatened.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 10, 2022
Japan's eighth COVID wave expected to be biggest since pandemic began
Unlike during past surges of the virus, infections this time around are being driven by areas that didn't experience a huge spike during the seventh wave.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 9, 2022
Japan has no plans to impose restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise
After a lull in infections, numbers have rebounded again, with the nationwide daily tally reaching 87,410 on Wednesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 8, 2022
Japan government to discuss bill outlawing 'socially unacceptable' donations
The new law would ban religious groups from soliciting donations in a “socially unacceptable and malicious” manner, as well as allow people to cancel donations.

Longform

Traditional folk rituals like Mizudome-no-mai (dance to stop the rain) provide a sense of agency to a population that feels largely powerless in the face of the climate crisis.
As climate extremes intensify, Japan embraces ancient weather rituals