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Therese Raphael
For Therese Raphael's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 26, 2021
Did AstraZeneca keep Britain safer from COVID-19 than Europe?
It's suggested that Britain's home-grown jab may be the reason the country is faring better with the latest COVID-19 wave than Europe. Still, is there evidence for that?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 7, 2021
COVID-19 drugs will change the way we live with the virus
New COVID-19 drug approvals couldn't be timelier as hospitals face massive backlogs of delayed procedures.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 29, 2021
New treatment emerges amid COVID-19 vaccine efficacy concerns
With studies showing COVID-19 vaccine efficacy declining faster than expected, boosters aren't the only option, and in some cases they may not even be the best.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 22, 2021
What’s an ex-U.K. prime minister to do?
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron's lobbying for a collapsed finance firm allegedly earned him $10 million for two years of part-time work.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 22, 2021
At this point, the U.K.'s COVID-19 rules follow politics as much as science
If the last 18 months have taught us anything, it's that a successful COVID-19 policy requires three things: high levels of public trust, a coherent strategy and effective implementation.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 17, 2021
The Scottish drama Shakespeare couldn’t make up
Sturgeon has been weakened, no doubt, but in Westminster only one question matters: how best to keep the union intact.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 24, 2021
Northern Ireland is the first test of the post-Brexit order
Trade deals, like peace agreements, aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on without good faith vested in their implementation.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Jan 20, 2021
Brexit troubles aren’t all teething problems
It's not a great sign when a formerly pro-Brexit lobby is suddenly furious about a part of the deal that was billed as a triumph.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 23, 2020
Christmas is canceled for Boris Johnson
The situation on Britain's borders is clearly serious, but will it wound Johnson fatally? That all depends on how many Britons are inclined to blame the virus for the chaos.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY
Nov 22, 2020
Pfizer vaccine's safety milestone is just the beginning
As new vaccines look set for regulatory approval, managing the follow-up on adverse drug reactions will be critical for any vaccination program to be successful.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 11, 2020
Boris Johnson has a serious Joe Biden problem on Brexit
Donald Trump's very presence encouraged Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship with Brussels. Britain could threaten to walk away knowing a friendly White House approved.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 20, 2020
Tories may warm to Biden, but they’ll miss Trump
Chances are that Joe Biden, if he wins in November, would be a little less interested in Britain and a little frostier toward Boris Johnson.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 8, 2020
Boris Johnson takes Brexit in a crazy direction
Trade negotiations are stuck primarily over the question of state-aid rules.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 1, 2020
A COVID-19 vaccine won’t help if people don’t trust it
As the battle to find a solution continues, planning ahead for convincing the public to get on board becomes crucial.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 20, 2020
Britain doesn't want to come out of lockdown
On the question of whether to prioritize the economy or the well-being of older people, Brits are much more bothered about the latter.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 16, 2020
With Javid's departure, Johnson has seized control
Sajid Javid's replacement, Rishi Sunak, is less likely to stand up to No. 10 and Dominic Cummings. U.K. spending may become more lavish as a result.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 4, 2020
Johnson can't be all things to all Britons
The prime minister wants to be a global hero on free trade, while keeping his new working class voters happy, but EU trade talks may make this impossible.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 12, 2020
Jeremy Corbyn is haunting British politics
Labour leadership candidates are still having to preach the left-wing gospel despite the party's stunning loss in last month's election.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 16, 2019
Boris Johnson is an incredibly lucky politician
Corbyn was a gift but the prime minister's promises to his new blue-collar supporters on Brexit and spending will be difficult to honor.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 8, 2019
Tragic motorcycle accident is a real test for Boris Johnson
Diplomatic immunity is all too often used as a shield in ways that were never intended

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