Tag - explainer

 
 

EXPLAINER

Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 5, 2022
How to self-test for COVID in Japan, and which antigen kits to use
Two kinds of antigen test kits are available, but most municipalities only accept those identified as being for medical use. Here's a guide on where and how to get them.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Jul 28, 2022
Everything you need to know about BA.5, the dominant strain spreading across Japan
Amid a seventh wave of infections, daily case numbers have been reaching unprecedented highs, with the nation logging 969,000 cases over the seven-day span to Sunday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jul 21, 2022
As cases surge across Japan, here’s what you need to know if you catch COVID-19
With the peak of the last wave coming more than five months ago, some might struggle to remember the protocols to follow if they become infected with COVID-19.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Jul 12, 2022
As Japan mourns Abe's death, details of shooting suspect begin to emerge
Investigative sources have indicated that Tetsuya Yamagami planned his attack on Shinzo Abe extensively.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jul 1, 2022
With LDP victory likely, what's at stake in Japan's Upper House poll?
While the winner seems assured, the exact outcome will determine Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's authority, the prospect of constitutional revision and the smooth working of parliament.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Jun 29, 2022
Unpacking Japan's latest ruling on same-sex marriage
While the Osaka and Sapporo courts agreed on one key point, they diverged on whether the lack of same-sex marriage violates the Constitution's equality principle.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Society / EXPLAINER
Jun 28, 2022
Abortion legal and apolitical in Japan, but cost and consent present barriers
Only expensive surgical procedures are currently available, and in most cases married women must also get spousal consent.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jun 7, 2022
Five ways to save energy this summer as Japan's bills tick upward
Electricity prices are set to hit the highest level in five years this month on the back of energy market chaos set off by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
May 27, 2022
As Japan’s borders creak open, who can enter now?
With the nation reopening little by little — a limited number of tourists have already arrived on package tour trials — it's difficult to keep track of who is allowed in and who isn't.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
May 25, 2022
Japan steps up monkeypox surveillance amid growing outbreak in Europe
More than 100 confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported in Europe, North America and Australia, but none have been found in Japan so far.
Japan Times
JAPAN / 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.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Apr 18, 2022
Japan bids for more streamlined approach to children’s issues with new agency
Deliberations on a series of bills that will allow the government to create the agency, a key part of the agenda for the current parliamentary session, will begin on Tuesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 21, 2022
Japan is set to lower the legal age of adulthood. How will young people be affected?
From April, those age 18 and 19 in Japan will be legal adults and will be given more freedom in making life choices without parental consent — but not without criminal responsibilities.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / EXPLAINER
Mar 16, 2022
Can Russia pay its creditors, and what happens if not?
The country due to pay interest on two sovereign bonds Wednesday. But diplomatic standoffs and economic curbs raise questions over if and how they can pay it.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / EXPLAINER
Mar 3, 2022
Japan’s oil stockpiles come into spotlight following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
The IAE, of which Japan is a member, decided to release 60 million barrels of oil reserves as a step toward stabilizing global oil markets, which have been rattled by the war in Ukraine.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Mar 1, 2022
As tensions in East Asia mount, Japan looks to beef up Okinawa defense
Due to China's growing regional assertiveness, momentum behind the deployment of SDF forces to the Nansei Islands, and Ishigaki in particular, has grown.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 21, 2022
What you need to know about Japan's upcoming eased border restrictions
March will bring sweeping changes to the country's border rules — covering quarantines to those eligible for entry — but navigating government websites for answers can be tricky.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 6, 2022
Volatile international oil situation takes toll on Japan’s gas prices and policy
The price at the pump reached u00a5170 per liter on Jan. 24 — the highest it's been in over 13 years.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Feb 2, 2022
What you need to know about recovering from COVID-19 at home
To lower the burden on health care systems, the rules for self-isolation are changing — here's a rundown of the latest from the health ministry.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Feb 2, 2022
Dispute over northern islands shapes Tokyo’s stance on Ukraine crisis
Russia-Japan relations are centered on the decadeslong dispute over four islands northeast of Hokkaido that Russia occupies and Japan claims.

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