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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.
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 Leuret's 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 Japan's 15 best practices for small and medium-sized companies working toward the United Nations' 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.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jun 12, 2022
Ally Hongo: 'If Japan wants to elevate its "brand," it has to see how the world is changing'
Ally Hongo's background in media came in handy as she and her husband launched Shiitake Creative, which promotes responsible tourism.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Jun 6, 2022
Swiss envoy ‘creating value together’ with Japan
With a career that spans three decades, Swiss Ambassador to Japan Andreas Baum hopes to work with Tokyo to tackle climate change through innovation.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
May 15, 2022
Sara Yoshihara: ‘The best reaction is when a kid with allergies stops by and gets to have a treat’
A wheat allergy diagnosis prompted Hototogisu Bakery and Farm to switch to gluten-free products, which has helped foster a community.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues
Apr 1, 2022
TELL Japan hopes to 'build resilience' with mental health summit
The mental health support group has landed some notable speakers for its second annual conference on resilience including Kathy Matsui and Gail Palmer.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Mar 7, 2022
SEGO Initiative creates connections in Kanagawa
Educator and environmentalist Alana Bonzi's love for nature and a desire to create connections within her community are reflected in the SEGO Initiative, a not-for-profit she founded with her husband, Michel, in the coastal city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Feb 27, 2022
Diane Kichijitsu: ‘Human interactions provide plenty of comedic material’
The male-dominated world of 'rakugo,' traditional Japanese comic storytelling, has welcomed a British woman who's in on the joke.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Dec 12, 2021
‘The Shut Ins’: A poignant look at loneliness from four points of view
The individual voices of the characters shine in Katherine Brabon's novel, which delves into societal pressures and isolation in contemporary Japan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Nov 28, 2021
Jayne Nakata: 'In life the hard things are the things that give you the most chance to grow'
Finding herself in a part of Japan where there weren't so many foreign women, Jayne Nakata decided to reach out through podcasting.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Nov 14, 2021
‘The Cat Who Saved Books’: A friendly reminder of the joys of reading
Sosuke Natsukawa's English-language debut about a withdrawn boy who joins a chatty cat on a quest to liberate books is quirky and heartwarming in equal measure.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Oct 17, 2021
Both plants and people thrive when you garden with the neighbors
Since the start of the pandemic, community gardens have become more popular than ever. And surprisingly, spring isn't the only time to get your garden growing.

Longform

Dul Saroth (left) and Soeum Samrach, deminers with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority, practice using the Advanced Landmine Imaging System in Cambodia’s Siem Reap province in August.
The Japanese tech that could one day make Southeast Asia landmine-free