Society

Japan's new COVID-19 vaccine czar Taro Kono commits to rapid yet safe rollout

Jan 20 (Japan Times) - Taro Kono, newly appointed as minister in charge of rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, said Tuesday he would tackle the challenge with a complicated logistics plan to deliver an effective blitz of vaccinations quickly.

“I will do my best so that more people can get safe and effective vaccines at the earliest possible date,” he told a news conference after a Cabinet meeting.

Hisayuki Fujii, state minister for the Cabinet Office, and Hiroshi Yamamoto, state minister for the health ministry, will support Kono in their roles as state ministers with responsibility for the rollout.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced Monday night that Kono, the minister in charge of administrative reform, would oversee the distribution of novel coronavirus vaccines, as the administration attempts to recover from sinking approval ratings and simmering criticism over its handling of the pandemic.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Japan's Dairy Farms Shrink by Half

The number of dairy farms in Japan has halved over the past 15 years, dropping below 10,000 for the first time, raising the alarm about the future of domestic milk production.

Kyoto's Geisha Observe 'Kotohajime'

Geiko and maiko in Kyoto's hanamachi districts participated in the traditional 'Kotohajime' event on December 13th, offering gratitude to those who supported them over the past year and extending early New Year's greetings.

Japan's New Energy Policy Aims to Promote Nuclear

The government is revising its energy policy framework for the first time in three years. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the policy has included a commitment to "reduce dependency on nuclear power as much as possible." However, it has been revealed that discussions are underway to remove this wording.

Ex-Wife of ‘Don Juan of Kishu’ Found Not Guilty in Murder Trial

The Wakayama District Court delivered a not-guilty verdict on December 12th in the trial of the former wife of a Wakayama-based wealthy man, popularly known as the ‘Don Juan of Kishu,’ who had been accused of murder and other charges.

Japan's New Cannabis Law Takes Effect

Concern about the growing use of cannabis in Japan, particularly among young people, has prompted new legislation banning the use of cannabis, starting from December 12th.

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Tokyo Makes First Arrest for Drunk Driving on Bicycle

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Osaka Turns Roads Yellow to Help Curb Prostitution

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Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nihon Hidankyo accepts honors

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