Tomoko Otake - The Japan Times

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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.

For Tomoko Otake's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Nov 27, 2003

Japan making tariff list, checking it twice

Japan inched closer to a showdown with the U.S. over steel trade Wednesday, releasing a list of American goods it plans to raise tariffs on in retaliation for ongoing U.S. "safeguard" restrictions on steel imports.

BUSINESS

Nov 20, 2003

Race is on to get into world's most prestigious MBA programs

Some liken it to an event as pivotal as marriage. Others say it's a ticket to a super white-collar job, or even the ultimate test of one's being.

JAPAN / TALKING SHOP

Nov 17, 2003

For headhunter in middle, tactful persuasion is art of the deal

For headhunter Toshiaki Komatsu, the most electric moment in his work is when he negotiates a candidate's salary contract -- in English.

BUSINESS

Nov 15, 2003

Japanese company employees seek career upgrade after time overseas

Many employees at big Japanese corporations see their business environment change dramatically when they are transferred overseas.

BUSINESS

Nov 1, 2003

IRCJ to have another crack at Mitsui Mining

The Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan announced Friday it will bail out Mitsui Mining Co. after all, saying the firm's revised restructuring plan can work.

BUSINESS

Oct 25, 2003

Daiei decides against IRCJ rehab request

Struggling supermarket chain Daiei Inc. has decided against seeking the help of the state-backed Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan following a disagreement with IRCJ officials over the sale of its assets, it was learned Friday.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Oct 21, 2003

Recruitment exec says change must be embraced

As Japan's economic slump lingers and its once near-universal lifetime employment system collapses, many of the nation's workers are sharing an increased sense of insecurity. But the top executive of a global recruitment consultancy tells them not to fear change.

JAPAN

Oct 17, 2003

Japan and Mexico fail to strike FTA deal

Japan and Mexico threw in the towel Thursday, failing to strike a bilateral free-trade agreement after a four-day marathon of ministerial-level talks.

JAPAN

Oct 16, 2003

Mexico's Fox arrives, but FTA in doubt

Mexican President Vicente Fox arrived Wednesday in Tokyo and immediately faced a tough decision: whether to accept a last-minute compromise on pork imports in stalled negotiations for a free trade agreement.

BUSINESS

Oct 15, 2003

Japan, Mexico work late into night on FTA

Japan and Mexico, racing against the clock ahead of President Vicente Fox's visit to Tokyo, extended talks late into the evening Tuesday to hammer out a free trade agreement.

BUSINESS

Oct 8, 2003

Japan hopes to find key to Mexico FTA behind locked doors

Japanese and Mexican negotiators will lock themselves away in a conference hall in Tokyo's Minato Ward beginning Wednesday in an attempt to hammer out a free-trade accord.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Sep 27, 2003

Nakagawa's farm trade background brings mixed bag to METI portfolio

The appointment earlier this week of Shoichi Nakagawa as minister of economy, trade and industry is a mixed blessing for the nation's trade policy.

Japan Times

BUSINESS

Sep 27, 2003

IRCJ takes salvage target list up to six

The Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan announced Friday that it will bail out Matsuya Denki Co., an Osaka home appliances retailer, and Meisei and Co., a chemical trading company also based in Osaka, under its corporate resuscitation scheme.

Japan Times

BUSINESS / CABINET INTERVIEW

Sep 26, 2003

IRCJ not only interested in 'small potatoes': Kaneko

New industrial revival minister Kazuyoshi Kaneko shrugged off accusations that the Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan has a "small potatoes" approach to rescuing ailing firms.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Sep 24, 2003

Shizuoka pulls out all the stops in bid to woo foreign investors

Shizuoka wants you badly -- if your company is considering building a base in the prefecture or doing business with any of the 100 or so local firms.

Japan Times

BUSINESS / INTERNATIONAL RATIONALE

Sep 9, 2003

Hello Kitty, Pokemon, Doraemon battle for global supremacy

A number of U.S. celebrities have been spotted toting Hello Kitty paraphernalia in the past year or so, leaving officials of Sanrio Co., the maker of the long-selling character, scratching their heads.

BUSINESS

Sep 2, 2003

IRCJ opts to bail out ailing Mitsui Mining

The Industrial Revitalization Corp. of Japan announced Monday that it has decided to bail out Mitsui Mining Co. under its resuscitation program.

BUSINESS

Aug 16, 2003

Farm policy may switch from defense to offense

Japan has long been on the defensive over agricultural trade as it sought to protect the nation's farmers, but it may soon go on the offensive.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Aug 9, 2003

Debt-collectors push professionalism, not pain

Despite popular perceptions, profanities and threats are not screamed down the phone and the receiver doesn't end up getting slammed down.

Japan Times

JAPAN

Jul 18, 2003

Town hopes wind bells ring in some new vitality

The tinkling of some 3,000 glass wind bells in a small mountain town in Aichi Prefecture is not just a sign of summer but a sound of hope for community revitalization.

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

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

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

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