National / Science & Health May 12, 2022
Japan detects first cases of BA.4 and BA.5 omicron in airport screening
The three individuals were fully vaccinated with three shots, according to the health ministry.
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:
National / Science & Health May 12, 2022
Japanese researcher suggests ties between omicron variant and severe hepatitis in children
Professor Hiroshi Nishiura told the coronavirus advisory board that countries with larger omicron infection rates report higher numbers of childhood hepatitis.
National / Science & Health | EXPLAINER May 10, 2022
The coronavirus keeps subtly changing, but how serious are new subvariants?
In the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no shortage of new coronavirus variants to track.
National / Science & Health May 6, 2022
Japan detects more probable cases of acute hepatitis in children
The number of potential cases has reached seven, the health ministry said Friday, with one patient also testing positive for the coronavirus.
National / Science & Health Apr 28, 2022
New COVID-19 subvariant found in Japan patient
The subvariant, detected in a patient from Sendai, has genetic information from both the B.A.1 and B.A. 2 omicron sublineages.
National / Science & Health Apr 28, 2022
Japan's mask debate grows as public urged to stay vigilant during Golden Week
Experts maintain that indoor ventilation and other basic prevention measures are still vital, as infection levels remain high in many places.
National / Science & Health Apr 25, 2022
Possible case of mysterious acute child hepatitis found in Japan
The patient, who has been hospitalized, corresponds to the working definition of a “probable case" of the acute, severe hepatitis provided by the World Health Organization.
National / Science & Health | FOCUS Apr 21, 2022
How Japan's slow acknowledgement of COVID's airborne spread has hampered its response
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced its determination late last month that COVID-19 can spread via aerosols. For many scientists, it was too little, too late.
National Apr 12, 2022
XE variant adds to concern over low vaccination rates among young people in Japan
Seemingly on the verge of a seventh wave of COVID-19, Japan is struggling to balance infection control and a resumption of normal life.
National Apr 7, 2022
People urged to stay vigilant as coronavirus infections rebound in Japan — again
The lifting of quasi-emergency measures and the spread of a highly infectious omicron subvariant may be to blame for the quick rebound, experts say.