Tomoko Otake
The Japan Times
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Recent articles by Tomoko:
Kowa says ivermectin not effective in treating COVID-19
The Nagoya-based company announced the results of its clinical trial, indicating it would no longer seek the drug's approval for COVID-19 treatment. → Read More
Japan study shows how to put a crying baby to bed
According to a new study, there may be a science-based technique to prevent the never-ending sleep routine: walking. → Read More
With COVID-19 cases still high, Japan debates how best to monitor them
The present system is being reviewed by health authorities, as it places an enormous administrative burden on medical institutions. → Read More
Japan looks to sewage to gain new insight into state of pandemic
Following the example of other countries, Japan is carrying out pilot projects that monitor wastewater for levels of COVID-19. → Read More
Japan's biggest COVID wave yet pushes medical system near to its limit
Despite data suggesting that many patients now only develop mild symptoms, the nation’s health care system is strained more than ever before. → Read More
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. → Read More
Japan moves to prevent spread of monkeypox after confirming first case
Health minister Shigeyuki Goto has said that the ministry will continue to search for more information about the first patient, including the route of transmission. → Read More
Health ministry panel delays decision on emergency approval for Shionogi’s COVID pill
The delay is a blow to one of Japan's largest drugmakers and also raises questions about the process for drugs to gain fast-track approvals in times of emergency. → Read More
Unification Church says Abe shooting suspect’s mother is follower
The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, reportedly harbored a grudge against Abe over what he believed were the former prime minister’s ties to the group. → Read More
Women win record 35 of 125 seats in Japan's Upper House election
A record high 181 women ran in the Upper House poll, where half of the chamber's seats were up for grabs. → Read More
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dies after being shot in Nara
The former prime minister was attacked while giving a campaign speech ahead of Sunday's Upper House election. → Read More
Former PM Shinzo Abe in 'serious condition' after being shot in Nara
The former prime minister was attacked while giving a campaign speech ahead of Sunday's Upper House election. → Read More
New surge in COVID-19 cases across Japan prompts alarm
The spike in cases comes at a time when people are planning summer holidays and large, in-person events have begun to return. → Read More
Harassment of female candidates a growing issue in Japanese politics
Despite moves to draw more women to public office, Japan remains far behind other developed countries, in part due to abuse on the campaign trail. → Read More
Will a ¥10 trillion fund be the savior of Japan’s universities?
Experts say that without major reform of Japan's deeply ingrained academic culture, it will be hard to improve the quality of the nation's research — no matter how much money is spent. → Read More
As Japan's verdict on Shionogi's COVID pill nears, questions persist over efficacy
There have been calls for Japan to acquire more weapons against COVID-19, especially domestically produced ones, but medical experts are unsure of the drug's merits. → Read More
Japan to form its own CDC-like body to confront viruses of the future
Experts say the speed of government responses are hindered without a “control tower” to address outbreaks and barriers between ministries. → Read More
COVID booster effective in preventing infection for 70% of population, Japan study says
Their findings came as U.S. biotech giant Moderna announced a new vaccine under development that targets the omicron variant. → Read More
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. → Read More
Kishida takes aim at Japan's primary care doctor system in response to pandemic
After COVID-19 patients were turned away from local physicians, the government began considering reforms to how private practice doctors operate. → Read More