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December 03, 2023
 

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Louise George Kittaka

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Louise George Kittaka
Originally from New Zealand, Louise George Kittaka is a bilingual writer based in Tokyo. She contributes to a wide range of news and information media, as well as Japan’s educational publishing sector. When she isn’t at her computer, Louise loves exploring waterfalls, going to cake buffets and collecting anything related to the Aliens movie franchise.
For Louise George Kittaka's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Michiko Aoyama’s “What You are Looking For Is in the Library” centers on a local library where five Tokyoites are gently guided through personal issues by kindly librarian Sayuri Komachi.
CULTURE / Books
Nov 13, 2023
‘What You are Looking For is in the Library’: A tender tale with a touch of whimsy
Five readers discover comfort and direction at their local library in Michiko Aoyama’s novel, which offers a believable take on modern life in Tokyo.
While inaka sushi still uses dashi broth to flavor some ingredients, it's possible to make this sushi 100% vegan.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Oct 29, 2023
Sushi sans fish: How rural traditions led to vegan-friendly rolls
Leave the salmon behind with “inaka sushi,” which trades raw fish for mushrooms, ginger and other fresh veggies.
Vagaries in Japanese law mean single mothers are sometimes left without financial support from their former partners.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Oct 23, 2023
Documentary shines a spotlight on Japan’s single mothers
"The Ones Left Behind" explores the successes and struggles of single mothers in modern Japan.
Diane Hawley Nagatomo at her home office in Chiba. Born in the U.K., Diane has called Japan “home” for more than 40 years.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Sep 23, 2023
Diane Hawley Nagatomo: ‘The only way to improve writing is to write’
After retiring from her position as a professor in 2022, Diane Hawley Nagatomo has just released her first novel, “The Butterfly Cafe.”
Kurara Okuno first encountered mermaiding in 2020, not long before she jumped into the deep end of the aquatic subculture.
LIFE / Lifestyle
Aug 19, 2023
Move over Ariel: Meet Japan’s professional merpeople
While mermaiding is still a niche activity in Japan, it is possible to slip on a tail and dive in.
Oliviero Morelli
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Aug 8, 2023
MSC Cruises' Morelli aims to sail the ocean green
We grew up with Japanese anime and manga in Italy. Many companies found it cheaper to buy the rights from Japan than from the USA
L'aube's new restaurant in Roppongi offers 50% more floorspace than its previous Akabanebashi location.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jul 29, 2023
A new day dawns for Michelin-starred L'aube
The French restaurant has a new home in Roppongi, but everything that brought it culinary acclaim remains.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues
Jun 8, 2023
Amnesty International Japan wants your help in supporting human rights
Looking to test your knowledge, get out the house and do good for charity? Amnesty"s pub quiz nights are back and a fun way to raise funds.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
May 13, 2023
In the world of tatami, one Kyushu variety is a cut above
Shichitōi rushes can be difficult to harvest and weave, but many consider them the superior ingredient for unparalleled tatami.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
May 8, 2023
H&M’s Pokucinska seeks something for everyone
Name: Aneta Pokucinska
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Apr 17, 2023
Traditional Japanese homes are the focus of weekend-long Minka Summit
Amid a movement toward sustainable living, old Japanese farmhouses are getting a second look from the non-Japanese population.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Feb 19, 2023
Kiwi cafe culture goes down smooth at Iki’s coffeehouses
In the unassuming Kiyosumi Shirakawa neighborhood, two coffeeshops pride themselves on recreating the experience of a morning out at an Auckland or Christchurch cafe.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Dec 29, 2022
Answers in 2022 encouraged activism, recommended books and provided advice
The 20 Questions section discusses people's experiences of Japan in their own words. As we emerge from the pandemic, an underlying theme in 2022 was fighting for change.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Dec 10, 2022
Deep in Yamagata's mountains, rural artisans pull on history's threads
A spell of financial insecurity during the Edo Period gave rise to one of Japan's strongest textile traditions.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Dec 4, 2022
Firebrand poet Rin Ishigaki speaks for modern women in 'This Overflowing Light'
Poet Rin Ishigaki may not have been as prolific as some of her contemporaries such as Makoto Ooka and Shuntaro Tanikawa, but she occupies a unique space in Japanese poetry with her affinity for elevating the familiar and her pragmatic take on the human condition.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Nov 28, 2022
Lululemon leader takes change and runs with it
Tudor took the helm at lululemon Japan in March 2020. Since opening its first Japanese store in 2020 in Roppongi, the athleisure brand has expanded to eight locations in Tokyo, Osaka and Shizuoka. The latest addition is the Aoyama store, which just opened this month.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Oct 31, 2022
A store is a ballet stage: LVMH Japan head
Norbert Leuretu2019s career spans more than four decades and his passion for elevating the luxury brand retail experience is palpable. In his eyes, every aspect of a store is an integral part of the total package, from the window display and products to the music and temperature.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Sep 10, 2022
‘An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture’ brings the warriors to life in color
Journalist and author Gavin Blair offers a nuanced view of samurai history and their influence on modern pop culture in his latest book.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Sep 5, 2022
From banana stem: One Planet Cafe grows change
Born in Malmo, Sweden, Ekberg and his wife established their company One Planet Cafe in 2012 with a mission statement to reduce poverty and environmental problems through positive business solutions. In 2020 it was recognized by the economy ministry as one of Japanu2019s 15 best practices for small and medium-sized companies working toward the United Nationsu2019 17 sustainable development goals.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Jul 18, 2022
Tapping into the wisdom of Japan's small communities
While working in broadcasting, Adam Fulford was able to see a lot of Japan. Now he sees the bigger picture, learning from his travels as a way to seek a sustainable path moving forward.
We already know what will happen at COP28
Activists dressed up like CEOs take part in a fake banquet near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Monday where they feign the celebration of company profits over climate responsibility.
Abe's former faction in focus as LDP political fund scandal deepens
A fundraising party for the LDP's largest faction, which was lead by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe until his death
Japan’s 2023 buzzword of the year is all about winning
Tigers manager Akinobu Okada speaks during a news conference in Tokyo after the buzzword of the year was announced on Friday. The team's slogan, an indirect reference to victory, took the top spot.
We must stop Myanmar’s descent into a failed state
Ethnic Ta'ang National Liberation Army fighters stand guard at a check point in the town of Namhkam in Myanmar's northern Shan state on Nov. 10.
A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting
Pages from a new Otaku Dictionary catalog the lexicons of Japan’s various subcultures.
The entertainment story of the year is long overdue
The talent agency formerly known as Johnny & Associates announced it would change its name after acknowledging the long history of abuse company founder Johnny Kitagawa inflicted on young men. The news was followed by the removal of company signage bearing Kitagawa’s name.
Japan’s 2023 buzzword of the year is all about winning
Tigers manager Akinobu Okada speaks during a news conference in Tokyo after the buzzword of the year was announced on Friday. The team's slogan, an indirect reference to victory, took the top spot.
U.S. Osprey crash rekindles safety concerns in Japan
A CV-22 Osprey at the U.S. military's Yokota Air Base in Tokyo in September 2018
Shibuya Sakura Stage to cap once-in-a-century redevelopment around station
A view of a plaza within Shibuya Sakura Stage, what Tokyu Land Corporation is calling the final puzzle piece in its redevelopment of the area around Shibuya Station.
Xi’s Shanghai visit sells city’s ‘innovation’ image
Pedestrians along the Bund in Shanghai on Oct. 29. The Chinese government is pushing a narrative that the city will play an important role in reinvigorating the nation’s economy.

Podcast

Pages from a new Otaku Dictionary catalog the lexicons of Japan’s various subcultures.
A problematic otaku dictionary and the Japanese approach to sitting

Longform

Yoshiko Koide sits in a classroom at Nagoya College where she teaches a Japanese-language observation seminar.
How a dictionary came to spark outrage among the web’s otaku
By Thu-Huong Ha and Yukana Inoue

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Italian cuisine that conveys appeal of Hachinohe

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