Japan Approves Over-the-Counter Erectile Dysfunction Drug

TOKYO, Sep 20 (News On Japan) - The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved making the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis available without a prescription, opening the way for its sale as Japan’s first over-the-counter treatment for the condition.

A ministry expert panel endorsed an application by SS Pharmaceutical to manufacture and sell Cialis as a nonprescription medicine. Pending final approval after a public comment period, the drug will become available to men aged 18 and older at pharmacies, provided that purchases are accompanied by face-to-face guidance from pharmacists.

Supporters of wider access have argued that erectile dysfunction is a contributing factor to infertility, and improving availability of treatments is essential. The ministry had been reviewing the issue in light of these calls.

Source: FNN

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

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MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japanese Astronaut Uses Robotic Arm to Dock New Supply Craft at Space Station

Astronaut Yui Kimiya, currently on a long-term mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), successfully captured a newly developed supply spacecraft using the station’s robotic arm in the early hours of October 30th.

Linear Maglev Construction Cost Increased by 4 Trillion Yen, Twice the Original Estimate

JR Central announced that the construction cost of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen between Shinagawa and Nagoya is now expected to increase by 4 trillion yen from the previously planned 7 trillion yen, bringing the total to 11 trillion yen.

軽量で薄型！フレキシブルソーラーパネルの基礎知識と導入ポイント

太陽光発電の新たな選択肢として注目されている「フレキシブルソーラーパネル」。軽量で曲面にも設置でき、アウトドアや災害時はもちろん省スペースな住宅にも最適です。

Japan’s H3 Rocket Sends New Cargo Vehicle to Space Station

Japan’s H3 Rocket No. 7, carrying a newly developed unmanned cargo spacecraft, successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 9 a.m. on October 26th, marking another milestone for the nation’s space program.

Japan’s Geothermal Energy In Spotlight

Geothermal energy is drawing growing global attention as a key to combating global warming and achieving a decarbonized society. Among clean energy sources, it stands out for its stability and scalability. Japan, blessed with abundant volcanic activity, possesses the world’s third-largest geothermal reserves—yet its utilization remains limited.

Hydrogen Ship to Ply Tokyo Bay Next Year

A next-generation hydrogen-powered vessel that operated during the Expo is set to expand its role beyond the event.

Lemmon Comet to Make Closest Approach to Earth on October 21st

A rare astronomical event will unfold next week as Comet Lemmon makes its closest approach to Earth on October 21st, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will not return for roughly 1,400 years.

Glitch Shuts Down Japan’s Weather Satellite

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that satellite images from the Himawari-9 weather satellite are currently unavailable due to a communication failure. While some functions have been restored through the backup satellite Himawari-8, key nighttime observation data such as infrared imagery remain inaccessible.

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