author

 
 
 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
Jun 14, 2020
Here’s what you need to know before getting a pet in Japan
If time spent at home during COVID-19 made you want to get your own furry friend, here are some points to consider before committing to a new pet.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jun 8, 2020
Preparing for the rainy season in Japan
The humidity is rising and that means there could be mold in the forecast if you don't prepare your home in advance.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 24, 2020
How U.S. citizens in Japan can apply for coronavirus aid payments from home
Lifelines gets answers from two taxation experts regarding the payments from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
May 8, 2020
How to celebrate Mother's Day — or anyone you love — during a pandemic
With everyone's attention focused on the coronavirus pandemic, you could be forgiven for forgetting that it's Mother's Day this weekend. Just remember, it's never too late to tell anyone in your life that they matter.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
May 3, 2020
Longtime work for chamber evolves into leading role
Although her days are packed to the brim, Sally Townsend wouldn't have it any other way. As commissioner for South Australia to Japan and Korea, Townsend leads her home state's trade and investment office in Tokyo.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / LEARNING CURVE
Apr 20, 2020
Coronavirus crisis offers chance to update Japanese schools
The current coronavirus pandemic has caused school closures around the world. While some have been able to make the jump to digital ways of learning, others have fallen short.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Apr 19, 2020
Bridging cultures through ‘food diplomacy’ and more
Peter Tan Hai Chuan was looking forward to enhancing opportunities for bilateral cooperation when he took up his position as Singapore's ambassador to Japan last October.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Apr 11, 2020
Japanese books to get you through a lockdown
With "staying in" now the new "going out," housebound activities have become officially the cool thing to do. But what if you’re stuck for a good book? Read on to see four of our critics’ top reads for an extended period of self-isolation.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Apr 11, 2020
Dean Newcombe wants Japan to clean up its act
Name: Dean Newcombe
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Mar 29, 2020
A leap from academia to first Armenian ambassador
As ambassador of a country with one of the longest histories in the world, Grant Pogosyan is eager to share his homeland's unique culture with Japan. Just as unique, however, is Pogosyan's path to becoming the first ambassador for Armenia in Japan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Mar 28, 2020
Mitsukuni Baba: Japanese culture blossoms in the Windy City
As executive director of the Japan America Society of Chicago (JASC), Mitsukuni Baba plays an integral role in introducing Japan to the people of Chicago in terms of business, politics, education and culture.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN
Mar 28, 2020
'Grit, Grace, and Gold' review: The Olympics are postponed, but this book's a winner
On the surface, sports and haiku are an incongruous mix but, as Nagamura notes in the introduction, 'Writing good haiku involves the same attention to grace, balance, strength, bravery, restraint and observation that propels athletes to their peak.'
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Mar 21, 2020
'The Mad Kyoto Shoe Swapper': What to do when you lose your shoes? Find them and write
Author Rebecca Otowa came into her writing career late in life. But that doesn't stop her from immortalizing many aspects of her experiences of being part of a traditional Japanese family living in a 350-year-old farmhouse.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Mar 14, 2020
Finding new beginnings in the United States
Sachi Asato, a young man on the autistic spectrum, started life with the odds stacked against him. Mother Sheila and father Satoru talk about their family's move to the U.S. to aid his remarkable progress.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Feb 15, 2020
Nao Hirano: A Japanese pillar of the Queensland community
Determined to give back to Australia's Gold Coast community, Nao Hirano's acheivements rank high — from senior police liaison officer to founder of Japan Community of Queensland Inc.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Jan 19, 2020
New opportunities sown from the need to evolve
Having lived in Japan since 2002, Nicolas Floquet feels integrated and comfortable in this country he considers home.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Jan 18, 2020
Eiji Yoshikawa: The 'Compassionate Pugilist'
Boxer Yoshikawa helps others to learn to roll with the punches
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Jan 4, 2020
Motoki Hirai: Spreading the power of music
As an 'artistic emissary for the Japanese government, pianist and composer Motoki Hirai travels the world to promote Japanese culture and heal hearts with music.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Nov 3, 2019
Expanding the narrative of adjusting to life abroad
Since arriving back in Japan in 2015, Ben Jennings, or B.J. Fox as he is known professionally, has built up an impressive body of work.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / 2010S: DECADE IN REVIEW
Nov 2, 2019
Our critics' favorite Japanese books of the decade
As 2020 approaches, The Japan Times' book reviewers look back at a decade of literature and their favorite and most impactful books written about Japan or by Japanese writers.

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