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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:
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Jul 22, 2015
Unforgiving system leaves family mired in debt
International couple say that advice from city officials to defer paying health insurance payments left them owing millions and dealing with debt collectors.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Jul 11, 2015
The ogres of Oga are not as frightening as they may appear
Although surely one of Japan's most scenic areas, the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture is off the beaten track and retains an unhurried vibe, still relatively untouched by commercial tourism. Here, it is still possible to see small fishing hamlets as you drive round the coast, rewarded with stunning...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Voices / VIEWS FROM THE STREET
Jul 8, 2015
Views from Akita: What should be done to make people come, stay and have children in Akita?
Corin Kanazawa (with son Zen)Business consultant, 37 (Australian)
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Jun 3, 2015
Pregnancy and birth in Japan: a cultural primer for foreign mothers
Some aspects of Japanese prenatal care may leave foreign women bemused, bewildered — or even belligerent.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 31, 2015
Foreign volunteers in Tokyo and Tottori bring cheer to Fukushima children's homes
Lifelines introduces two groups working to make life better for kids in children's homes in Tokyo and Fukushima Prefecture.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 10, 2015
Residence cards, U.S. taxation and pension posers
A mixed bag of topics — from yet more on filing U.S. taxes to a looming deadline for 'gaijin cards.'
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / TELLING LIVES
Apr 15, 2015
Family overcomes learning and health challenges to make cafe dream a reality
Originally a nurse by profession, Rhonda Tezuka is overcoming cultural barriers and helping others to take charge of their own health and welfare.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Apr 5, 2015
Under-30s short of cash can defer their Japan pension payments
The official line is that anyone residing in Japan aged 20-59 must sign up for the national pension. However, there are two options for deferral for young people.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Mar 8, 2015
NGOs looking out for little lives in the wake of 3/11
Introducing two groups that are helping children in the areas affected by the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Mar 7, 2015
Rikuzentakata looks to future with new tourism ventures
The coastal town of Rikuzentakata in southeastern Iwate Prefecture became an international symbol of the devastation wreaked by the tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. Lashed by waves up to 13 meters high in places, the sections of the town closest to the sea were...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Mar 1, 2015
In lycra and online, foreigners are doing their bit for Tohoku
Four years on from the catastrophic events of March 2011, Lifelines introduces two examples of how foreign nationals are pitching in for Tohoku and having fun in the process.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Feb 22, 2015
More tips for filing your U.S. taxes from Japan
With the help of a tax specialist, Lifelines tackles a number of queries in response to the special on U.S. taxation a few weeks back.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Feb 1, 2015
Desperately seeking people from the past
A selection of inquiries from people eager to make contact with long-lost friends or family members in Japan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jan 28, 2015
Making your U.S. tax filing from Japan that little bit less ... taxing
Calvin Tong, an American taxation expert and long-term Japan resident, explains recent changes in U.S. taxation laws that have left many Americans here confused.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jan 18, 2015
'Baby-friendly' Tokyo cafe tells moms to pay to use their own baby food — or go
Reader N was decidedly unimpressed with the service encountered at one Tokyo establishment when she and her friend took their young babies out for lunch.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Dec 14, 2014
JCN on mission to tackle Japan's stray-cat problem
Japan Cat Network rescues abandoned felines and advocates for spaying and neutering as a means of cutting the country's stray cat population.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Dec 7, 2014
Group offers free English to kids in care in Japan and aid to children in Philippines
JOYFUL — the Japan Outreach Youth Foundation for Underprivileged Learners — is a volunteer group that helps children here in Japan and in the founder's homeland of the Philippines.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Dec 6, 2014
On the hunt for Tono's mythical water trolls
Sushi fans will probably know that cucumber rolls are known as kappamaki in Japanese. This is in honor of what is surely one of Japan's strangest mythical creatures — the kappa.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / TELLING LIVES
Nov 30, 2014
Stage veteran invites Tokyoites to try treading the boards
While Ann Jenkins has taken roles in numerous Tokyo International Players productions during her 24-year involvement with the group, she is just as active behind the scenes.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Nov 10, 2014
Foreign wives of Japan offer NHK and 'Massan' criticism and kudos
Ellie's successors question the character's swift mastery of Japanese and penchant for hugs but welcome the issues she raises.

Longform

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