Researchers from Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine have found that long COVID symptoms, such as chronic fatigue and depression, are triggered when a coronavirus infection activates dormant herpes viruses in the body. This process produces a protein called SITH-1, which researchers linked to decreased brain function and neurotransmitter deficiencies. The Role of SITH-1 Protein … Read more
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warns that northern Kyushu faces renewed risks of heavy rain as an active seasonal front persists over western Japan. Residents are cautioned to remain on high alert for landslides, flooding, and gusty winds following significant rainfall on Sunday that has already saturated the region’s soil. Additionally, officials are monitoring the … Read more
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended revoking the marketing authorization for Tavneos (avacopan) after determining the drug’s benefits no longer outweigh its risks. The agency’s human medicines committee initiated the review following concerns regarding the data integrity of the clinical trials used to support the medicine’s initial approval for treating rare, vasculitis-related inflammatory diseases. … Read more
Vienna Boys Choir’s “Moon Boat” Signals a Rising Tide of Cultural Exchange in Music The Vienna Boys Choir, renowned for over 500 years of musical excellence, recently unveiled “Moon Boat,” a new song composed in Japanese. This performance isn’t just a one-off event; it represents a growing trend of cross-cultural collaboration and the strategic use … Read more
Tokyo Stocks Surge on Ceasefire Hopes, But Iran Uncertainty Looms Tokyo’s stock market experienced a significant rebound on Thursday, March 5, 2026, as investors reacted positively to reports suggesting Iran was seeking a ceasefire with the United States. The Nikkei 225 briefly jumped over 4.3 percent in early trading, a dramatic reversal from the recent … Read more
The Unshakeable Nobel: Why Your Prize Isn’t Transferable (and What Machado & Trump Reveal About Modern Diplomacy) The Nobel Committee has issued a firm reminder: once a Nobel Prize is awarded, it’s final. No sharing, no revoking, and absolutely no transferring. This seemingly straightforward rule has been thrust into the spotlight thanks to Venezuelan opposition … Read more
Cardboard Beds: A Surprisingly Vital Disaster Relief Tool A recent study by Japanese doctors has revealed a surprising link between the type of bedding provided to earthquake evacuees and the incidence of dangerous blood clots. Following the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024, researchers found a significantly higher rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) … Read more
Japan Earthquake Advisory Lifted, But Vigilance Remains Key Japan’s government recently ended a nationwide advisory issued following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake off the coast of Hokkaido. While the immediate threat level has decreased, officials are emphatically stressing that the risk of a major earthquake hasn’t disappeared. This event highlights Japan’s ongoing vulnerability and the evolving … Read more
Why Northern Japan Remains on High Alert After a Major Quake Seismologists across Japan are warning residents of the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions to stay prepared for additional earthquakes and potential tsunamis. A recent magnitude‑7.5 event off the coast of Aomori Prefecture triggered a cascade of aftershocks, highlighting the lingering danger along the Japan Trench … Read more
Why Japan’s East Coast Is Still Shaking: Current Risks and What’s Next Seismic activity off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture remains unusually high after a magnitude‑7.5 quake rattled the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued an advisory for 182 municipalities spanning Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba, warning of possible … Read more