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April 29, 2024
 

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Tomoko Otake

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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
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2023
Heavy rain lashes Japan as tropical storm passes south of archipelago
The rain disrupted travel along the country's busiest shinkansen line and prompted one city in Aichi Prefecture to issue a level 5 warning over imminent flooding.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2023
Japan’s fertility rate matches record low as it drops for seventh consecutive year
The total fertility rate was down to 1.26 from 1.30 the year before and on par with a record low marked in 2005.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 30, 2023
Swedish chemist assumes presidency of prestigious Okinawa science institute
She has said will work closely with other academic institutions, industry and local partners to nurture the next generation of global leaders in science and business.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 30, 2023
Japan aims to halve allergy-triggering cedar pollen in 30 years
The proposal comes as pollen allergies, which are mostly caused by cedar trees, have become a major social concern, affecting an estimated 40% of the population.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 29, 2023
Doctors in Japan turn to crowdfunding to continue stroke treatment trial
The trial for the drug to treat acute stroke sufferers has hit a snag due to surging import costs, with the price of a vial going from ¥300,000 to ¥1.6 million.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 28, 2023
Japan slowly wakes up to health risks of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’
Residents in western Tokyo have been testing themselves to measure their exposure, with results showing levels of the chemicals that could bring long-term health risks.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 25, 2023
Small measles outbreak in Japan raises alarm
The most recent infections appear to have happened to strangers riding the same shinkansen for less than three hours.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 19, 2023
Japan's new COVID cases see small rise in first count since downgrade
By prefecture, Okinawa saw the highest average of 6.07 new patients per clinic in the week through Sunday, followed by 4.9 in Ishikawa, 4.36 in Hokkaido and 4.3 in Niigata.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 19, 2023
Scientists urge G7 leaders to improve vaccine access in developing countries
Advocates used the summit to push back against the pharmaceutical industry’s pressure to strengthen intellectual property rights.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / FOCUS
May 18, 2023
Japan has a new vaccine research funding unit for future pandemics — is it up to the task?
The country lacked a sense of urgency to prepare for potential outbreaks — this lack of preparedness has had a lasting impact.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 12, 2023
IAEA says public trust key to projects using radioactive soil from Fukushima
A delegation toured the Nagadoro district in the village of Iitate, Fukushima, where a pilot project is ongoing to demonstrate the safety of soil covered by non-contaminated topsoil.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
May 9, 2023
Alert for 'long-period ground motion' issued for Ishikawa quake. But what is it?
The lesser known type of quake can cause violent shaking on the upper floors of tall buildings, as well as major structural damage.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 7, 2023
Japan steps into post-pandemic phase with scrapping of COVID measures
The move will have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s health care system and beyond, affecting everything from the cost of treatment to the reporting of COVID cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 27, 2023
Japan to drop COVID border measures from Saturday
All incoming passengers are currently required to present proof of at least three COVID-19 vaccinations or have tested negative for the virus before departure.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Apr 26, 2023
Japanese startup fails in historic bid to put private lunar lander on moon
The firm, Ispace, is believed to have fallen short of making the world’s first private lunar landing after miscalculating the distance to the surface and running out of fuel.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 26, 2023
Foreign residents projected to make up 10% of Japan’s shrinking population in 2070
Japan’s population has been in decline since 2009, after peaking the year before at 128 million, and the downward trend is likely to continue.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Apr 20, 2023
Despite hurdles, more political candidates hit campaign trail with young children
Politics in Japan has long been considered the domain of those who are capable of committing to the duty 24/7, marginalizing the voices of families with young children.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 14, 2023
Japan adopts national strategy on nuclear fusion as competition intensifies
The strategy comes as the global race heats up to develop and commercialize fusion — considered the ultimate emission-free energy source.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 14, 2023
Kishida's verbal slip sees Japan target new hay fever countermeasures
Steps likely to be taken are the periodic thinning of cedar trees, the utilization of the trees as timber and replanting forests with trees that produce less pollen.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Apr 10, 2023
Justice Ministry panel backs abolishing Japan's foreign trainee program
The panel said a new system should be established that recognizes the interns as workers helping Japan overcome its labor shortage.
Number of homeless in Japan hits record low
Homeless people sleep on the street in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward in August 2021.
In Japan, regional revitalization fails to halt population decline
Sakiyama elementary school in Tamba, Hyogo Prefecture, in March .Over the past decade, the government has directed efforts toward policies designed to give young people incentives to base themselves in rural areas.
Town to block view of Mount Fuji in response to overtourism
The town government of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, decided to set up a 2.5-meter-high screen to prevent tourists from taking pictures of Mount Fuji looming behind a convenience store.
Ukraine is far from doomed
When comparing Ukraine’s military situation in 2024 to Europe’s in 1941, Russia’s defeat seems entirely possible.
When will Japan intervene to support the yen?
Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki has reiterated the government's readiness to take an appropriate action as the yen continues to slide against the U.S. dollar.
Japan wants you to spend more with ‘luxury tourism’
Performers play a traditional drum unique to Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the prefectural capital of Kanazawa on March 16 to mark the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture.
Theaster Gates’ ambitious ‘Afro-Mingei’ brings Black Chicago to Tokyo
Theaster Gates' “A Heavenly Chord” lines up church pews before seven speakers and a Hammond B3 organ, a type of electric organ prevalent in Black American churches.
Casa del Cibo: A thriving jewel born from Tohoku’s harsh past
When chef Ryohei Ikemi moved to Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, and opened Casa del Cibo in 2011, it was the first proper Italian restaurant in the city.
Town to block view of Mount Fuji in response to overtourism
The town government of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, decided to set up a 2.5-meter-high screen to prevent tourists from taking pictures of Mount Fuji looming behind a convenience store.
Kyotographie's strong 12th edition shines light into the margins
Yassine Alaoui Ismaili, who goes by Yoriyas, turned to photography, shooting motion while in motion himself, after an injury forced him to give up his career as a professional breakdancer.

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

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
By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

A young restaurant leads the way in Karuizawa
A young restaurant leads the way in Karuizawa

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