Japan's Ministry Research Articles

Trends in ambulance dispatches related to heat illness from 2010 to 2019: An ecological study.

Heatstroke is a serious heat-related illness that can even cause death. Heat alert systems play an important role in reducing the number of patients experiencing heat illness, as they encourage preventive actions such as the use of air conditioning, hydration, or other strategies. However, to date, the Japanese hazard classification has not considered seasonal and regional variations, despite clear differences in meteorological conditions across different regions in Japan. Moreover, several studies have reported a difference in thermoregulation between older and younger adults, implying that the hazard classification should also consider age differences. This study examined the relationship between the number of ambulance dispatches related to heat illness (ADRHI) and the Japanese heat hazard classification from 2010 to 2019, focusing on monthly and regional differences. Data from 47 prefectures during the 10-year period were collected and analyzed. ADRHI and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) data were collected from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of the Environment Heat Illness Prevention Information website, respectively. The findings showed a significant relationship between ADRHI and WBGTmax (p < 0.05, r = 0.74). ADRHI per 100,000 people showed significant differences across months. The post hoc test detected the first steep increase in ADRHI at a WBGTmax of 23°C than at 22°C in June, and at a WBGTmax of 26°C, 27°C, and 25°C in July, August, and September, respectively. Moreover, the first significant increase in ADRHI per 100,000 people at WBGTmax differed across each region, at a WBGTmax of 24°C in Hokkaido-Tohoku, 25°C in Kanto, Kansai, and Chugoku, 26°C in Chubu, 27°C in Shikoku, and 28°C in Kyushu-Okinawa. Further, Poisson regression analysis revealed that the relative risks differed across each region and month. These results imply that the hazard classification should be adjusted according to region and month in Japan.

Clinical Application of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) refers to stimulation of the vagus nerve through the skin of the left cymba conchae and is a unique strategy that is investigated as a useful therapeutic approach for a variety of conditions including epilepsy, depression, cardiac diseases, tinnitus, and migraine. A randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Although several pilot studies were performed before this trial and showed that taVNS was safe, well tolerated, and feasible for long-term treatment, no statistically significant difference was observed between the high- and low-stimulation groups, and further studies are warranted to gain a deeper understanding of this subject. A tingling sensation or pain at the site of stimulation is the most common adverse effect associated with taVNS. Therefore, intermittent stimulation, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, is provided during each session several times a day. Currently, taVNS is not approved for insurance coverage by the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Further studies and investigations are necessary in the near future.

Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity in Japan

The study sought to examine the effect of climate change on agricultural productivity in Japan. The study adopted the cross-section research design. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The respondents included farmers and officials in Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The study indicated the negative and significant correlation between agricultural productivity and climate change. Climate change was found to be satisfactory in explaining agricultural productivity in Japan. The results indicated that climate change is a good predictor of agricultural productivity. The regression results showed that climate change is negatively and significantly related to agricultural productivity. The results implied that when the climate change deteriorates by one unit, the agricultural productivity will reduce by 0.327 units holding other factors constant. The effect of climate change is frequent wildfires, more extended periods of drought in some regions and an increase in the number, duration and intensity of tropical storms. The study recommended there is a need to focus on planet-friendly investments. Individuals can spur change through savings and investments by choosing financial institutions that do not invest in carbon-polluting industries. The government needs to accomplish sensitization program awareness on cause, influence, reduction and adjustment to environmental change. The government needs to additionally urge the adoption of smart agriculture where farmers do not count on rain feed agriculture but on scientific agriculture. It should provide farmers with drought-resistant seeds and livestock to improve production and ensure food security in Japan. Technological development can decrease the unfavorable effects of weather irregularity and might affect global adaptation efforts favoring various nations. There should be an emphasis on more tree planting in the country. Keywords:  Climate Change, Agricultural Productivity, Japan

Diplomasi Publik Jepang (Studi Kasus : Budaya Pop Jepang Di Indonesia)

This thesis aims to discuss the importance of using Japanese pop culture in this case, Manga, Anime and Cosplay as part of Japanese public diplomacy in Indonesia. This discussion is divided into the MOFA (Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs) program and the Japan Foundation as one of the actors who also carry out public diplomacy. The research in this thesis uses qualitative research methods with descriptive elaboration through the description of programs implemented such as the International Manga Award, World Cosplay Summit or even the appointment of anime or manga characters as Ambassadors (ambassadors) such as Doraemon as Anime ambassadors, the appointment of Kawaii Ambassadors and also The Cool Japan program is a program carried out to export pop culture and other commodities and content from Japan. This is intended to increase understanding and trust in Japan both in terms of politics between Indonesia and Japan, the economy and even a strategy to increase Japan's domestic tourism. From a political point of view, it can be seen through diplomatic relations with Indonesia which have existed for 60 years, and from an economic point of view between the two countries through the policy of granting broadcasting rights and licenses as well as expansion of investment by Japan which is expected to improve domestic welfare in Japan. tourism, namely increasing tourist visits to Japanese tourism which is now starting to be polished with a touch of pop culture elements such as Tokyo One Piece Tower, a theme park with the theme of the One Piece anime. So it can be said that Japanese pop culture is important for Japanese public diplomacy as a way to increase public trust and understanding outside Japan in general and especially the public in Indonesia regarding the image of Japan and gain prosperity for the Japanese domestic public.

The Emerging Power Play in the Mekong Subregion: A Japanese Perspective

The Emerging Power Play in the Mekong Subregion:A Japanese Perspective Kei Koga (bio) As one of the most active development donors in Southeast Asia, Japan has committed to socioeconomic development in the Mekong subregion since the end of the Cold War. However, as the Sino-U.S. rivalry intensifies, socioeconomic development in Asia, including the Mekong subregion, has become a theater for strategic competition. In 2013, China initiated the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), raising its economic and political influence in the region through massive development assistance. For its part, Japan launched the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure (PQI) in 2015 to boost its assistance to Asia, and Tokyo strengthened its development cooperation with like-minded partners, particularly the United States, by establishing joint frameworks such as the OPIC-JBIC-Australia agreement on development finance in 2018 and the Blue Dot Network in 2019.1 Is the Mekong subregion destined to be subsumed into a power play of China versus Japan and the United States? This essay argues that Japan does not always aim to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Mekong subregion and could even play a role to ease geopolitical tensions in the region. Although the intensified U.S.-China strategic competition narrows Japan's diplomatic space to engage China, the Mekong subregion is still a potential area for Japan-China cooperation, mitigating the negative impact of great-power rivalry. Under the condition that China meets "quality infrastructure" standards, Japan and China could explore cooperation on development policy through a working-level bilateral dialogue, the ASEAN +3 (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations members plus China, Japan, and South Korea), and the East Asia Summit. The Development of Japan-Mekong Relations Japan's development commitment to the Mekong subregion began near the end of the Cold War, when Vietnam and Laos moved to become market [End Page 28] economies in the late 1980s and the Paris Peace Accords for Cambodia were signed in 1991. To facilitate the subregion's socioeconomic development, Japan created the Forum for Comprehensive Development of Indochina in 1993 to promote connectivity, such as the Greater Mekong Subregion's East-West Economic Corridor that aimed to improve transportation and economic integration between the states. Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the ASEAN Economic Mechanism (AEM) also established the AEM-MITI Working Group of Economic Cooperation for Indochina and Myanmar in 1994 to facilitate market economy and infrastructure development.2 After ASEAN incorporated all five Mekong subregional states as members, Japan aimed to help address the "ASEAN divide"—the large economic and development gap between the original ASEAN members and the new members, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV). Accordingly, when Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (CLV) proposed the concept of a "development triangle," they successfully solicited Japan for political and financial support.3 The countries then created the Japan-CLV framework, through which they held summits and foreign ministers' meetings annually from 2006 to 2008 to discuss subregional development schemes. From 2007 onward Japan's socioeconomic focus began to shift when it launched the Japan-Mekong Region Partnership Program. The program has three pillars: (1) economic integration, (2) trade and investment expansion, and (3) "universal values" and common goals, particularly the Millennium Development Goals.4 Japan then expanded its official development assistance (ODA) to the region and conducted negotiations for bilateral investment agreements with Cambodia and Laos, respectively. This Japan-Mekong framework was rapidly institutionalized through regular foreign ministers' meetings from 2008 and summits from 2009. The framework also gradually incorporated discussions over regional strategic [End Page 29] issues, such as the management of China's rapidly growing influence in the Mekong subregion.5 In 2010, Japan's intention to shape the subregional order based on existing international rules and norms grew clearer. It used the Japan-Mekong cooperation framework as a steppingstone for this agenda, corresponding with the U.S. "rebalancing" strategy and the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI). To be sure, Japan still emphasized socioeconomic development as a top priority. The Tokyo Strategy 2012, which was issued during the 4th Mekong-Japan Summit and encapsulated three-year cooperative guidelines, aimed to build connectivity through infrastructure development, improve the investment environment...

Dental care behavior and related factors during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Japan

Objectives In response to the spread of SARS-CoV-2, a state of emergency was declared in Japan on April 7, 2020, and in the same month, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare informed dentists of the need to postpone non-emergency dental care. The purpose of this study was to identify the patients who refrained from dental care during the state of emergency in April 2020, and to clarify their personal characteristics.Methods A total of 1,335 patients who visited 28 dental clinics in Saitama in September 2020 completed survey questionnaires; of these, 1,227 valid responses were received. Among those who sought dental care under the state of emergency, those who did not visit a dental clinic comprised the "refrained group" and those who visited the dental clinics comprised the "visited group".Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratios for the "refrained group" were 1.69 (95%Cl: 1.12-2.55) for females, 2.91 (95%Cl: 1.88-4.49) for those younger than 65 years, 1.71 (95%Cl: 1.04-2.82) for those that visited the dental clinic less than once a month, and 7.12 (95%Cl: 4.56-11.11) for those who did not have an appointment during the state of emergency.Conclusion In conclusion, 35% of patients in this study refrained from visiting the dental clinic during the state of emergency. The related factors for refraining from dental care were being females, middle-aged (<65 years), visiting the dental clinic less than once a month, and not having an appointment during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Does participation in community gatherings suppress aggravation of functional decline risk among older people? A study based on 2013-2016 data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study

Objective Through the amendment of the Long-Term Care Insurance Law in 2014, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare established a general long-term care and prevention project centered on "Kayoinoba" to promote participation in social and physical activities for older people, which included environmental approaches for individual health and well-being through community-building. However, reports show that the effectiveness of long-term care and prevention in Kayoinoba across multiple municipalities is limited. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of participation in Kayoinoba in reducing the risk of functional decline among older people, using data from 24 municipalities of 10 prefectures nationwide.Methods This study examined self-administered mail survey data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The participants were older people aged ≥65 years who lived in 24 municipalities of 10 prefectures, in 2013 and 2016. The dependent variable was an increase in total score of ≥5 points on a risk assessment scale predicting incident functional disability ("incident functional disability risk score")(Tsuji et al., 2018), and the explanatory variable was existence of participation in a Kayoinoba program. Nine variables were used as the covariates: educational attainment, equivalent income, depression, smoking, drinking, instrumental activities of daily living, incident functional disability risk score in 2013 (including sex and age), living status (whether the person lived alone), and employment status in 2013. We conducted Poisson regression analysis with stratification of the participants into two groups according to age: young older people and old older people. Sensitivity analysis of the possible increase of ≥3 or 7 points in the incident functional disability risk score was also conducted.Results Of the 3,760 participants in the study, 472 (316 young older people and 156 old older people)[12.6% (11.8%, 14.5%)] participated in Kayoinoba. Compared with those who did not participate in Kayoinoba, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of increase in risk assessment score was 0.88 (95% confidence interval: 0.65-1.18) for all who did participate, 1.13 (0.80-1.60) in the young older people and 0.54 (0.30-0.96) in the old older people, and was significant in the latter. In addition, similar results were obtained in the sensitivity analysis with the dependent variable as an increase in total score of ≥3 or 7 points on the risk assessment scale predicting incident functional disability.Conclusions Compared with those who did not participate in Kayoinoba, functional decline risk was suppressed in those who did participate. The IRR was suppressed 46% in old older people. Promoting participation in Kayoinoba may effectively prevent the need for long-term care in old older people.

Experimental study on CO2 concentration and indoor thermal comfort pf different classrooms during new normal in the University of Kitakyushu

Indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality in educational buildings are essential for students’ health and learning performance. In this pandemic situation, regulation of door and ventilation opening in the classroom for offline class become important for infection spread prevention. Based on Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare standard, CO2 concentration level shall not exceed 1,000 ppm to prevent infection spreading. Yet significant amount of door and ventilation opening may reduce the level of thermal comfort because the Air-conditioning leakage. This study aims to evaluate CO2 concentration and indoor thermal comfort in two classrooms with door and ventilation opening regulation. In this study, the experimental measurements conducted in spring and summer season in The University of Kitakyushu. The method used in this study is by measuring air temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentration. The research results are expected to be a reference for the optimal application of regulations for thermal comfort and infection spread prevention.

Investigating the efficacy and safety of elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, in patients with Parkinson’s disease with chronic constipation: a multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study (CONST-PD)

IntroductionChronic constipation worsens the quality of life (QOL) of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, is a useful laxative, but its effect on chronic...

The First-in-Human Clinical Trial of iPSC-Derived Platelets (iPLAT1): Autologous Transfusion to an Aplastic Anemia Patient with Alloimmune Platelet Transfusion Refractoriness

The First-in-Human Clinical Trial of iPSC-Derived Platelets (iPLAT1): Autologous Transfusion to an Aplastic Anemia Patient with Alloimmune Platelet Transfusion Refractoriness

Sociodemographic and work-related factors influencing long working hours among cardiovascular surgeons in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

The maximum limit on overtime working hours for physicians will be applied from 2024. To explore sociodemographic and work-related factors influencing overtime work among cardiovascular surgeons (CS) in Japan. This cross-sectional study included 607 CS who responded to an online survey. Working hours were categorized into ≤60 hours, 60–79 hours, and ≥80 hours per week according to Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated using a multinomial analysis with stepwise reduction after adjustment for potential confounders. Compared to ≤60 hours, significant factors related to 60–79 hours and ≥80 hours per week were age groups of 30s to 50s versus 60s (aOR: 7.48–3.22 and 23.64–4.87), management with cardiovascular drugs (aOR: 1.87 and 5.80), and postoperative wound management (aOR: 0.47 and 0.16), respectively. Significantly related informed consent for surgery (aOR: 3.29) was seen in 60–79 hours. Contrarily, CS who worked for ≥80 hours took on-duty 5 times or more per month (aOR: 3.89), performed night or holiday calls 20 times or more per month (aOR: 2.26), and attended the intensive care unit (aOR: 3.12). These findings suggest that younger, and some non-surgical work-related factors could influence long working hours among CS.

Life history of the endangered Japanese striped loach, Cobitis kaibarai (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), with special reference to its reproductive ecology and the influence of creek reshapings on its population density.

In recent years, the biodiversity of freshwater fishes has been markedly decreasing worldwide because of anthropogenic activities. The Japanese striped loach, Cobitis kaibarai (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), is a primary freshwater fish endemic to northern Kyushu, Japan. This species is designated as endangered IB class in the Red List by the Japan Ministry of the Environment. Its population is decreasing, possibly because of habitat loss and degradation. To conserve C. kaibarai populations, information on its basic ecology is necessary; nonetheless, its detailed life history and reproductive ecology have yet to be clarified. In this study, the authors conducted monthly capture-mark-recapture surveys and periodical observations to investigate the life history, spawning sites and season of C. kaibarai. They also evaluated the influence of creek reshaping (concrete revetment) on the C. kaibarai population in Saga Plain, northern Kyushu. Between 2015 and 2018, more individuals were captured during winter than summer. The average body width of females peaked in early June and small immatures were confirmed from July. Some individuals were captured across 15 or more months after their initial marking. In the survey of reproductive sites, eggs and larvae of C. kaibarai were found in shallow areas in mid-June; these were temporarily submerged following the increase in water level from early June. Therefore, C. kaibarai spawns in shallow areas during this season. Based on the capture-mark-recapture surveys, the estimated population density of C. kaibarai significantly decreased in a census site that had undergone creek reshaping, which contrasted with the results in a control site, where no significant difference was detected. The standard length of C. kaibarai increased following creek reshaping, suggesting that the proportion of C. kaibarai postponing spawning had increased, possibly because of degradation of spawning environments. The results of this study provide important ecological knowledge for the conservation of C. kaibarai and emphasize the importance of shallow waters for floodplain spawners.

Student perceptions of critical thinking in EMI programs at Japanese universities: A Q-methodology study

Over the past two decades, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has pursued the internationalization of the nation's universities, enticing students from overseas through English-medium instruction (EMI) degree programs, that simultaneously aim to nurture Japanese students with global skills. The development of critical thinking (CT), is a stated aim of many such programs, yet CT has been a contested concept in Japanese education, while student understandings of CT differ in a diversified student body. Here, Q-methodology is utilized to investigate views of CT among Japanese and international students in EMI programs. 39 students who had completed CT courses at two national universities ranked statements describing the qualities of a critical thinker. Through factor analysis, four distinct views of CT emerged: two of which were highly favoured by Japanese students; two others by international students. Japanese students accentuated perspective taking, flexibility, listening to others, and reflexivity as essential qualities of a critical thinker, while international students valued logical argumentation, and evidence analysis. While this could be attributed to socio-cultural or pedagogical differences, it also provides impetus to explore the complex range of influences on students' identity construction within EMI programs.

Efficacy of NUTRI’s Softia S Product in Patients with Dysphagia

Background: Dysphagia of various origins is widespread. There is a high risk of developing formidable complications: malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia. The product Softia S is used to solve the problems of swallowing liquids. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan financed this study within the framework of the 8-Point Cooperation Plan presented by the Prime Minister of Japan S. Abe to the President of the Russian Federation V. V. Putin in May 2016. Aims: Assessment of the efficacy and safety of NUTRIs Softia S product for patients with dysphagia of various origins. Materials and methods: Complex assessment of dysphagia included speech therapy, video fluoroscopy and video laryngoscopy with assessment of swallowing function Rosenbek (PAS) and FEDSS scales. Patients were divided into 2 groups (experiment and control). The study lasted 14 days. Examination by a speech therapist and a nutritionist was carried out daily. On the 1st and 14th days, laboratory parameters were monitored, and the patients body weight was determined. Results: The study included 30 patients with mild dysphagia. By the end of the study, 8 people in the experimental group showed a restoration of the swallowing function, residual effects in the form of choking persisted in 7 people. In the control group, a slight improvement was observed in 2 patients, 13 had no changes. The most significant changes were found in the experimental group for the indicators "Time of eating" ("Breakfast", on average, 3.7 minutes, p=0.0033; "Lunch", on average, 6.9 minutes, p 0.0001); "The number of chokes after hydration" ("Breakfast" by an average of 7.0, p 0.0001; "Lunch" by an average of 8.1, p 0.0001; "Dinner" by an average of 6.8, p 0.0001); "The number of chokes during hydration" ("Breakfast" by an average of 8.8, p 0.0001; "Lunch" by an average of 12.1, p 0.0001; "Dinner" by an average of 8.7, p 0.0001). The number of dysphonia cases with sputum significantly decreased only in the experimental group. Conclusions: Softia S can be used in complex therapy for dysphagia by reducing the amount of choking after and during hydration and time of eating and dysphonia cases with sputum.

Incidence of central serous chorioretinopathy (2011–2018): a nationwide population-based cohort study of Japan

AimsThe aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiological background of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), including its incidence and treatment pattern.MethodsThis was a population-based longitudinal cohort study using a...

Estimating the Possibility of Lead Contamination in Soil Surface due to Lead Deposition in Atmosphere

An increase in heavy metal soil contamination, especially lead, in the industrial area or near industrial areas has become a serious environmental problem. An industrial zone including paints, electrical plants, metal works, machining, and smelting factories, in the suburban of Ho Chi Minh City, was chosen as the study area. Soil samples were collected from the industrial area and in the residential area next to the industrial area for three experiments, namely, lead content in the surface soils, lead leachate into the water, and movement of lead in soil. Then, the results were compared to the values in the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law of the Japan Ministry of Environment to assess the possibility of soil contamination which may cause health risks to a human living in that area. The results of the analysis show that the soil has been contaminated by lead. In particular, the lead concentrations of the surface soil samples are 23–35 mg kg-1, while the lead elution of soil samples is quite high, about 0.6 mg L-1. With these results, the soil can harm people by direct ingestion. More importantly, this work proves that lead species have been going down gradually. To assess the possibility of lead approaching groundwater, more further studies need to be achieved.

Regulatory Approval process for marketing drug in Japan

For the development of new drug, it requires a greater amount of research work in chemistry, Manufacturing, control, Preclinical and clinical trials. The drug approval process in all regulatory market carrying responsibilities on multiple factors such as data, safety, efficacy to public health in a country. Current constrain of affairs reveals diverse countries need to follow different regulatory requirements for Regulatory approval process for marketing drug in the different regulatory market of the country to ensure safety and efficacy of the product. In order to conduct a regulatory process for approval of a drug, every country has their unique regulation, guidelines, legislation and respective regulatory authority. Japan has its own regulatory authority for drug and medical device called the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW), Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), respectively. In the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare are overseeing the approval procedure of New drug, Generic Drug and Orphan Drug also. In that regard, the Drug Approval process followed in Japan ensures that every company has adhered to specific guideline available in their respective website. The drug comes to market with safety, efficacy to enhance the health of people in Japan by scrutinised process. It results into the longevity of human, which is so apparent in their demographic chart of Japan's Population.

Trends in sleep problems and patterns among Japanese adolescents: 2004 to 2017

BackgroundSleep problems in adolescence, such as insomnia and short sleep duration, are associated with physical and mental health problems. However, little is known about the recent trends in sleep problems among adolescents. Therefore, this study examined trends in sleep problems among Japanese adolescents. MethodsUsing data from the Lifestyle Survey of Adolescents collected in 2004 (n = 102,451), 2008 (n = 95,680), 2010 (n = 98,867), 2012 (n = 101,134), 2014 (n = 85,931), and 2017 (n = 64,417), we calculated the trends of insomnia, shorter sleep duration, late bedtimes, and poor sleep quality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis models were used to examine the association of each sleep problem and survey years. FindingsWe analyzed data from 545,285 Japanese adolescents. Results indicated that, since 2004, the odds ratio for insomnia have decreased (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0•85, 95% CI 0•82–0•87), as have the odds ratio for poor sleep quality (AOR 0•92, 95% CI 0•88–0•95). However, the odds ratio for shorter sleep duration (AOR 1•13, 95% CI 1•10–1•17) and late bedtimes tended to increase (AOR 1•06, 95% CI 1•03–1•08) during this period. InterpretationThe prevalence of insomnia symptoms and poor sleep quality among adolescents decreased from 2004 to 2017. However, there were increasing trends toward shorter sleep duration and late bedtimes. These changes are both relieving and concerning. Teachers, parents, and health professionals should consider educating adolescents regarding sleep hygiene, adjusting schedules of extracurricular activities, and enhancing time management to improve their sleep quantity. FundingThis study received funding from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

A new leadership amidst Japan’s ongoing energy transition

ABSTRACT With Japan’s thrust towards a more balanced energy mix, it has been undergoing what can be termed as an energy transition. While the Fukushima Disaster has played a crucial role in this transition, the Paris Agreement has further acted as an impetus for the same. However, since 2012 Japan was under the political leadership of Shinzo Abe, who today is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Japan until Yoshihide Suga took over the prime ministership recently. Under Abe’s guidance, Japan’s energy policy has been a mixed bag with a few hits and some major misses. Now, as Japan welcomes its new Prime Minister Suga, it falls upon him to lead Japan on a path of just transition. One which balances its energy and economic goals and pays heed to the necessity of building a climate-friendly sustainable model. This paper maps and evaluates the Abe administration’s broad energy policy measures and attempts to foresee the changes Suga administration can introduce to the ongoing energy transition of Japan. It also highlights the areas within the energy sector, which might require the focus of PM Suga to enable Japan to take advantage of the opportunity of making Japan a part of global green leadership.

The Legacy of Prime Minister Abe Shinzo: Diplomacy and Security

When the first and second terms in office are combined, the total duration that Abe Shinzo served as Prime Minister of Japan exceeded that of all his predecessors. This article reviews and assesses the achievements of his second administration (December 2012–September 2020) with a focus on the fields of diplomacy and security. Selected policies in each of the two fields are described in detail. Although some important policies were not addressed, the author recognizes three particularly significant achievements by the Abe administration in the fields of diplomacy and security, which are: (i) the 2015 Legislation for Peace and Security; (ii) Prime Minister Abe’s statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II; and (iii) his 2016 initiative for pursuing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).