Author: Yukana Inoue

Yukana Inoue is a journalist and staff writer for the Japan Times. Yukana covers local news from Japan and top stories making headlines from Asia.

Narusawa, Yamanashi Prefecture – Mount Fuji has started to see positive results from its recent measures to combat overtourism. With entrance fees and restricted entry periods now in place, the popular climbing destination is aiming to curb the phenomenon of “bullet climbers” who rush to the summit without resting. Yamanashi prefectural government has introduced restrictions on the Yoshida trail, the most frequented route starting from the 5th Station. The main objectives are to prevent overtourism and discourage hikers from attempting the arduous climb without proper rest. Katsuhiro Iwama, an official involved in the project, highlighted the importance of these new…

Read More

Breaking News: Toyota Motor issued Correction Order by Transport Ministry In a recent development, the transport ministry has issued a correction order to Toyota Motor due to additional reports of fraudulent certifications. Correction orders are serious administrative actions taken by the government in cases where fraudulent acts by manufacturers are deemed to be systemic. Toyota Motor President Koji Sato responded to the correction order by expressing his commitment to addressing the issue. “We take the issuance of the correction order by the ministry very seriously and promise to make efforts to improve,” Sato stated on Wednesday. This latest development underscores…

Read More

Japan announced a road map to tackle the issue of unavailable foreign drugs in the country due to complex approval processes, with plans to develop in-demand medicines by April 2026. The strategy also includes the establishment of over 10 pharmaceutical startups by 2028, aiming to double investment in the sector by that time. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing drug discovery efforts, ensuring access to essential medicines for both Japanese citizens and the global community. The road map aims to streamline the approval process for foreign drugs, ultimately reducing the phenomenon of “drug loss” in Japan.…

Read More

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has secured a decisive victory in the capital’s gubernatorial election, winning a third term in office. Despite facing tough competition, Koike managed to receive nearly 3 million votes, making up 42.8% of the total turnout. Her win comes as a result of her dedication to implementing innovative policies, such as the “Children First” initiative and efforts to address the growing need for nursing care resources due to the aging population. However, the election also saw a strong performance from Shinji Ishimaru, who finished in second place. This unexpected outcome has led analysts to predict potential changes…

Read More

The Tokyo gubernatorial election is heating up as candidates hit the campaign trail over the weekend, despite the drizzly weather. Incumbent Yuriko Koike and challenger Renho are taking different approaches, with Koike focusing on businesses and smaller communities, while Renho is concentrating on central Tokyo to reach a larger audience. Early polls from Asahi Shimbun and Nikkei show Koike leading the pack of 56 candidates vying for the position, with Renho close behind. The election, scheduled for July 7, has garnered a record number of candidates in the city’s history, making the race even more competitive. Shinji Ishimaru, a former…

Read More

The Tokyo Gubernatorial Election: Koike vs. Renho The upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election is gearing up to be a showdown between the current governor, Yuriko Koike, and the likely challenger, Renho. Both candidates have made their campaign promises, focusing on bolstering child-rearing policies to address the city’s declining birth rate. Although Koike and Renho share similar goals, Renho emphasizes the importance of timing as the main difference between them. While Koike is more focused on immediate child-birth and child-rearing support, Renho is looking to improve assistance for young Tokyoites. During a news conference, Koike highlighted her accomplishments, such as advocating for…

Read More

The Tokyo governor race took an unexpected turn when opposition party lawmaker Renho challenged incumbent Yuriko Koike for a third term. Renho, known for her iconic white suit and straightforward personality, brings nearly 20 years of political experience to the table. Renho’s platform focuses on anti-Liberal Democratic Party politics and non-Koike governance, promising a shift away from old politics towards policies that truly benefit the people. This bold stance has positioned Renho as a serious contender in the race to dethrone Koike, who has held the governor position for eight years. As the campaign heats up, all eyes are on…

Read More

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has officially announced her candidacy for a third term in the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election, surprising many as she had initially kept her intentions under wraps. The 71-year-old incumbent made the declaration on the last day of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly session, just a week before the campaign period begins. Koike expressed her commitment to improving Tokyo and implementing what she calls “Tokyo reform 3.0.” She emphasized the importance of working with like-minded individuals to achieve this goal and stated her determination to run for re-election in July. After weeks of speculation, Koike’s announcement has garnered…

Read More

In a surprising turn of events, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has decided to hold off on announcing her participation in the upcoming gubernatorial election. This comes as a disappointment to many who were expecting her to declare her candidacy on Wednesday. With over 20 candidates already throwing their hats into the ring, including prominent figures like Renho and Shinji Ishimaru, the race is shaping up to be fiercely competitive. The election is scheduled for early July, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event. Despite speculations and hints indicating she may run for a third term, the 71-year-old incumbent…

Read More

A Japanese government panel unveiled plans to revamp the drug discovery process and ensure timely delivery of cutting-edge medicines to the public. The country, known for its historic contributions to the pharmaceutical field, is looking to catch up with advancements in biopharmacy, regenerative cell medicine, and innovative drug development methods such as AI and pharmacogenomics. Despite its rich legacy in drug discovery, Japan has been lagging behind in the global pharmaceutical landscape. The nation is determined to address delays in providing crucial medications, particularly for rare diseases and pediatric patients. \ Source link

Read More