Kyoto Approves Kidney Transplant Between Same-Sex Partners

KYOTO, Oct 02 (News On Japan) - Kyoto University Hospital has announced that a kidney transplant was conducted using a same-sex partner as the donor.

According to the hospital, the recipient of the kidney was a woman living in Kyoto City who suffered from chronic renal failure. In Japan, living organ transplants are typically restricted to close relatives. However, the female patient’s same-sex partner was approved as the donor based on Kyoto City’s "Partnership Oath System."

Following this approval, the hospital performed its first "living kidney transplant" between same-sex partners in May 2024. The two individuals were discharged three weeks after the surgery and have already returned to their daily lives.

Four Young Mechanics Die After Car Crashes at High Speed

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

Fire Breaks Out on Yodobashi Camera Billboard in Front of JR Osaka Station

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Toxic Chemicals Detected in Rivers and Groundwater Across Japan

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

Japan to Issue Bicycle Blue Tickets from April 2026

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

Woman Arrested for Drunk Driving After Eating Alcohol-Filled Chocolate

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Kyoto University Links Lung Disease to PFAS Exposure

Kyoto University and its research team have revealed that several former employees of Daikin Industries developed lung diseases, potentially linked to exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of chemical compounds used in industrial manufacturing.

Amazon's Ring Gains Ground in Fukuoka

Amazon held a product briefing for its security brand "Ring" in Fukuoka City on April 21st, aiming to boost recognition in Fukuoka Prefecture, where the population continues to grow.

Japanese Astronaut Onishi Becomes ISS Commander

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been appointed commander of the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the third Japanese to assume the role.

Kyoto University Confirms Effectiveness of iPS Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

A new treatment for Parkinson's disease using iPS cells developed by Kyoto University has shown a certain level of effectiveness in clinical trials.

Fake Base Stations Detected in Tokyo and Osaka, Expert Warns of Fraud Risk

Concerns are mounting over the discovery of illegal radio signals believed to originate from "fake base stations" mimicking cell towers in Tokyo and Osaka, with experts warning of the risk of personal data theft and potential fraud.

Doctors Warn of Hidden Risk Facing Millions of Women: Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition affecting a significant number of women over the age of 40, yet remains largely under-recognized. It occurs when organs in the pelvic region, such as the bladder or uterus, descend due to weakened support muscles, often as a result of childbirth or aging.

Whooping Cough Spreads Across Japan

As the new school term begins, a concerning trend is emerging with whooping cough—caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium—spreading across Japan and posing a potentially life-threatening risk, especially to infants who may suffer severe complications or even death from persistent coughing fits.

World's First iPS Cell Heart Sheet Aims to Restore Cardiac Function

A new treatment using iPS cells, known for their ability to transform into any type of cell in the body, is poised to become the first of its kind in the world. A venture from Osaka University has applied to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for approval to manufacture and market the innovative therapy.

< 2 3 4 5 >