Tag - explainer

 
 

EXPLAINER

Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Jan 31, 2022
Looking to get your booster in Japan? Here's what you need to know.
Efforts to increase the administration of boosters are ramping up, with a mass vaccination site run by the Self-Defense Forces having opened in Tokyo.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 21, 2022
Decades on, text governing U.S. forces in Japan is yet to be revised
Scrutiny of the Status of Forces Agreement has been renewed after U.S. military personnel were exempted from Japanese COVID-19 measures and areas around U.S. bases saw rises in cases.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 6, 2022
The ins and outs of Japan's COVID-19 booster shot rollout
Japan recommends people receive a different shot for their third doses to the one they received in the initial rollout, but what's the rationale behind that strategy?
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Jan 4, 2022
What's next for English-language education in Japan?
English has been at the heart of discussions over nationwide university entrance exams amid growing frustrations that few Japanese students learn to speak the language fluently.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Dec 20, 2021
Japan has released its digital vaccine passport. Here's what you need to know.
The digital version of the proof of vaccination issued by municipalities is joined by a new online service intended to simplify entry procedures for travelers.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Dec 11, 2021
After a month of shifting rules, who can enter Japan?
Over the past month, Japan's border control policies have flip-flopped over the newly discovered omicron variant of the coronavirus, leaving many would-be travelers confused.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Nov 17, 2021
The state of play for the LDP's factions after October's Lower House election
The big winner appeared to be the party's largest faction, now headed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while the one led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also strengthened its presence.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Nov 12, 2021
Japan's eased entry restrictions: What incoming travelers need to know
Although companies and organizations are responsible for applications, individuals still need to prepare some things and be aware of restrictions after their arrival.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Nov 11, 2021
What travelers from Japan need to know ahead of the holiday season
The latest information on returning to Japan after end-of-year travel: COVID-19 tests, required documentation, quarantine updates and more.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 24, 2021
A crucial U.N. climate summit kicks off Oct. 31. Here's what you need to know.
Experts say the COP26 summit in Glasgow could prove decisive in determining whether humankind can avoid catastrophic global warming.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Oct 20, 2021
Oral drug molnupiravir seen as 'trump card' in Japan's battle against COVID-19
The treatment developed by Merck could receive fast-track approval by the end of the year, and other oral drugs to fight the coronavirus are not far behind.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Oct 13, 2021
Major opposition parties in Japan unite in attempt to dislodge LDP
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Japanese Communist Party and two other groups have pursued unified policies and candidates, but tensions remain in some areas.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / EXPLAINER
Oct 6, 2021
Saber-rattling around Taiwan ratchets up tensions to new heights
Chinese incursions into the self-ruled island's air defense identification zone and drills by democratic nations off Okinawa have highlighted the severity of the situation around Taiwan.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Sep 27, 2021
What you need to know about the not-so-fairy tale of Princess Mako
The wedding between the princess and Kei Komuro was originally scheduled to take place in November 2018. But things did not go as planned.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 23, 2021
Japan prepares booster shots amid worries over waning vaccine efficacy
Preparations have begun to administer additional shots to health care workers and older people, but debate still swirls around how extra doses should be given and when.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 22, 2021
The LDP's secretary-general: A combination of CEO and diplomat
The LDP presidential race has put renewed focus on the powerful position, with various party heavyweights looking to get rid of the long-standing incumbent.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 20, 2021
Questions answered about vaccine effectiveness against the delta variant
With the strain of the virus running rampant in parts of the world, and having an effect on Japan, researchers are keen to find ways to deal with it.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Sep 14, 2021
The LDP's leadership race kicks into high gear this week: This is how it will go down
Support from rank-and-file members will be key for candidates, but if the election goes to a runoff, LDP lawmakers will have a bigger say.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Sep 4, 2021
Lambda variant has been found in Japan: Here's what you need to know
Despite being listed as a variant of interest by the WHO, Japan has been slow to release information on lambda.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 30, 2021
Foreign substances in Japan's Moderna shots: Here's what you need to know
Other possibly contaminated batches have been reported in recent days, but experts say health risks are low.

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