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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 / How-tos / LIFELINES
Feb 21, 2018
What Trump's tax reforms mean for Americans in Japan
Changes under the U.S. Republican administration are likely to affect the bottom line for individuals and companies here alike.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jan 21, 2018
Teething troubles in tapping into Japan pensions from abroad
While the easing of eligibility rules is welcome news, reading about it is one thing and actually tapping into the system is another.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Jan 6, 2018
'Lady First': Lea O'Harra examines gender roles in a murder mystery
Women have made significant inroads towards infiltrating Japan's patriarchal society, but their progress is still stymied by traditional views. With a long career as a university lecturer in Shikoku, Lea O'Harra draws on her own experiences to examine gender roles in provincial Japan in this, her third...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Nov 29, 2017
Students benefit from homestays without going overseas
Traveling overseas for a homestay to brush up their English or try life in another culture has become almost de rigueur for Japanese students, with many going as teenagers through their schools or as a private arrangement. However, the costs involved mean such an experience is often beyond the reach...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Oct 25, 2017
PanCAN Japan makes strides against pancreatic cancer
PanCAn Japan supports research projects and advocates for new medical techniques to improve both treatment for pancreatic cancer patients and early detection of the disease.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Oct 18, 2017
Ushering in a new, kinder era for Japan's zoos
Lack of legal regulation means the worst facilities continue to taint Japan's image abroad.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Oct 15, 2017
Shine On! works its animal magic on kids facing tough times
Shine On! Kids offers support and encouragement to very ill children and their families around Japan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Oct 8, 2017
A mission to capture the full range of half-Japanese experience — in 192 photos
Tetsuro Miyazaki has the ambitious plan of photographing half-Japanese individuals with one parent from every nation in the world.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / WHY DID YOU LEAVE JAPAN?
Sep 23, 2017
Conductor Tonio Shiga: Overcoming communication struggles with a baton
As a conductor for the City Theater of Bremerhaven in the north of Germany, Tonio Shiga is used to being at the center of the action whenever he leads a musical performance with his orchestra. He is equally at home, however, sitting behind a piano and accompanying the theater's performers for a rehearsal...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Sep 17, 2017
Finally, non-Japanese residents can draw pensions after 10 years of paying in
Foreign residents can now receive a Japanese old-age pension if they have paid in for a total of at least 10 years, rather than 25 years, as was the case.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Sep 9, 2017
'The Expat's Guide to Growing Old in Japan: What You Need to Know': a review
If you'r e Japan resident and retirement is now closer than your college graduation, you probably need this book.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Aug 20, 2017
On inheritance tax, net banking and retiring in Japan
This week, Lifelines plays catch-up with some useful tips that have come in from readers over the past few months. However, we start off with a follow-up question from reader S.S. in response to last month's column on recent changes in Japan's inheritance tax laws (bit.ly/jtinheritax) It seems S.S. spends...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 23, 2017
Gift and inheritance tax reforms leave more of Japan's foreign residents liable
A reader writes to Lifelines about Japan's recently introduced inheritance tax law, which he calls 'one of the most punitive in the world.'
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 16, 2017
House sitting in Japan — still mostly an expatriate affair
A reader writes in about the possibility of coming to Japan as a house sitter.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 9, 2017
Thank you, Jean Pearce, for helping us get things done in Japan
If the U.S. had Ann Landers and Dear Abby, and Britain had Marge Proops, then Japan had Jean Pearce — someone who transcended the title of 'columnist' and became a media icon for generations of readers.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jun 18, 2017
Explicit porn pamphlets on display for all to see in Japan's hotels
This week's topic comes courtesy of M.J., who contacted Lifelines after her uncomfortable experience at a Tokyo hotel with her family.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 21, 2017
Don't bank on Japan's lenders making it easy to relocate abroad
A reader shares her experiences with internet banking upon leaving Japan on a temporary basis.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 14, 2017
Unions can offer a hand in dealing with recalcitrant employers
This week's query comes from A.R., who is having some problems with a less-than-cooperative former employer
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
May 6, 2017
'A Girls' Guide to the Islands': A touching reflection on travel, art and parent-teen relationships
Touring art museums with a teenager may not sound like everyone's idea of a good time, and at the beginning of this pocket-sized memoir, Shikoku-based writer Suzanne Kamata finds herself wondering how she can renege on a promise to take her daughter to a Yayoi Kusama art exhibit in Osaka.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Apr 26, 2017
Help for those seeking left-behind parents in Japan
Two adult daughters contacted Lifelines hoping to get help with issues related to their fathers.

Longform

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.
How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan