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Jane Singer
For Jane Singer's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Mar 20, 2010
Fire in the belly, passion in the eyes
Tania Luiz is a rare woman able to provoke hoots and screeches in a room packed with girls — and she does it all with her torso. The Osaka-based Portuguese belly dancing teacher and performer is profiting from a recent surge of interest in her art among Japanese females.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Feb 27, 2010
Teaching visitors traditional ways
Upon meeting Michi Ogawa, who is deftly aligning the collar of a kimono that she has tucked around her guest, a few adjectives might come to mind, like "graceful" and "soft-spoken," but "feminist" or "outspoken" probably wouldn't be among them. But speak with her about her concerns and some of your preconceptions about "typical" middle-aged Japanese women may be shaken.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Jan 16, 2010
Calm reflections on a turbulent life
In a diminutive wooden house tucked behind the tile-topped white walls surrounding Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, lives Henry "Seisen" Mittwer, 91, a Japanese-American Buddhist priest, author, ikebana and ceramic artist.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Dec 26, 2009
Storyteller of implausible success
Imagine this: An Indian diplomat in London churns out his first novel during a two-month hiatus before his next posting. The novel becomes an international best-seller and is translated into 42 languages. Before the book is even printed it has been optioned for a film, which goes on to win eight Academy Awards.

Longform

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.
Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree