First Case of Severe Mpox Strain Confirmed in Japan

KOBE, Sep 17 (News On Japan) - Japan has confirmed its first domestic case of a more severe strain of the mpox virus, which has been spreading rapidly in Africa.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease. In Africa, infections with the so-called Clade I type, regarded as more likely to cause severe illness, have been rising.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a woman in her 20s who had traveled to Africa visited a medical facility in Kobe on September 12th with symptoms including rash and fever. Tests confirmed that she was infected with the Clade I strain of mpox.

This is the first such case identified in Japan. Authorities believe the woman contracted the virus during her stay in Africa, and her condition is currently stable.

Mpox typically has an incubation period of one to two weeks, after which symptoms such as rash and fever appear.

Source: TBS

Japan-Bound Tanker Clears Strait of Hormuz

An Idemitsu Kosan crude oil tanker has safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first vessel bound for Japan to do so since attacks on Iran heightened tensions in the region and effectively disrupted maritime traffic.

Golden Week Crowds Seen From Above

Japan’s Golden Week holiday period got fully underway on April 29, drawing large crowds to major tourist destinations and airports, where long lines formed as overseas travel surged.

Giant Bears Return to Hokkaido

A series of sightings involving unusually large brown bears in Hokkaido has heightened concerns among local residents, with one 330-kilogram animal captured in Tomamae and another 280-kilogram bear attacking a hunter in Shimamaki.

Golden Week Travel Kicks Off

Full-scale Golden Week travel began on April 29, with Chubu Centrair International Airport experiencing its busiest outbound travel day of the holiday period. The airport was crowded from the morning with vacationers heading overseas.

Japan Faces Higher Power and Gas Bills

Electricity and gas bills for usage in May will rise slightly in Japan, with the impact of tensions involving Iran expected to appear in utility charges from June onward. Larger increases could follow in subsequent months.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Hokkaido Nuclear Restart Delayed by Seawall Construction

Hokkaido Electric Power Co. said the restart of its Tomari nuclear power plant may be delayed from its original schedule after announcing on April 28 that completion of a seawall under construction at the plant is now expected to be around four months later than the initial target of three years from now.

Dolphin Study Reveals Complex Moves by Copying Others

A marine park in Hyogo Prefecture is presenting research findings in a live show demonstrating that a young dolphin can learn by imitating the movements of adults.

Powerful Early-Morning Earthquake Shakes Hokkaido

A strong earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of lower 5+ struck Hokkaido early on April 27, with no risk of a tsunami, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The quake occurred at around 5:24 a.m. and was centered in southern Tokachi. It had an estimated magnitude of 6.1 and a focal depth of about 80 kilometers.

SkyDrivet to Launch Flying Cars from Expressway Service Area

SkyDrive and NEXCO West Japan have partnered to develop a flying car hub at the Beppu Bay Service Area in Oita Prefecture, aiming to launch operations in 2028 for sightseeing flights and other services.

Japan's Answer to Dangerous Sewer Pipes

Road cave-ins are occurring one after another across Japan. According to a survey released on April 22 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, so-called dangerous sewer lines requiring urgent countermeasures now total 748 kilometers nationwide.