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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
Apr 16, 2017
Schizophrenia support exists in Japan, but state is wary of stepping in
A reader asks, 'Is there some system in Japan for the police, ambulance or hospital to take an unwilling schizophrenic patient to hospital?'
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES
Mar 25, 2017
'The Sound of the Mountain': Yasunari Kawabata's slow-burning meditation on getting older
The first Japanese winner of the Nobel Prize in literature in 1968, Yasunari Kawabata, deals with the gradual decline that comes with aging in "The Sound of the Mountain."
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES
Mar 11, 2017
'Twenty-four Eyes': A quiet commentary on the inhumanity of war
Any list of Japan's top 10 films invariably includes the 1954 movie version of "Twenty-four Eyes," directed by Keisuke Kinoshita and starring Hideko Takamine in one of her signature roles as schoolteacher Hisako Oishi.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Mar 5, 2017
What's a visitor with a food allergy to do in Japan?
A selection of foreign nationals coping with food allergies in Japan offer tips for visitors to Japan facing the same challenges.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Feb 5, 2017
No free ride for foreign drivers with disabilities on Japan's expressways
British tourist N.W. contacted Lifelines about benefits for disabled drivers in Japan.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Jan 7, 2017
'Falling into the Dragon's Mouth': a poetic tale of overcoming school bullies
In her third verse novel, Japan-based writer Holly Thompson tackles the topical issue of bullying. Her protagonist, likable American sixth-grader Jason Parker, struggles to fit in at his Japanese elementary school after moving from America to a seaside community on the Shonan coast in Kanagawa Prefecture....
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Dec 31, 2016
Misuzu Kaneko: A deeper empathy for the natural world
In her brief life, Japanese poet Misuzu Kaneko (1903-1930) produced a body of work with themes that are every bit as relevant today as when she first put pen to paper nearly 100 years ago. Ostensibly a writer of poems for children, Kaneko's work reveals a deep respect for the environment and an awareness...
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR JAPANOPHILES
Dec 17, 2016
'Goodbye Tsugumi': Banana Yoshimoto's portrait of a feisty young woman in '80s Japan
Banana Yoshimoto found fame in 1988 when her wildly successful debut novel "Kitchen" was published. Her unique take on contemporary themes and ability to conjure up feisty yet vulnerable heroines was what attracted readers — two aspects that reappear in "Goodbye Tsugumi," her 1989 novel that chronicles...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Dec 7, 2016
Japan's taxman sticks his OAR in, looking for leviable expat assets held abroad
Experts answer readers' queries about the overseas assets reporting law aimed at taxing wealth held outside Japan.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Dec 4, 2016
Riding while foreign on JR Kyushu can be a costly business
A problem regarding buying JR train tickets in Kyushu and a reminder to travelers to get the correct travel documents before booking their flights to Canada.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Oct 30, 2016
Long-term foreign Japan residents must declare overseas assets — and could be taxed on them
Foreign residents who have been in Japan for more five years are required to report any assets held abroad and may have to pay tax on them if their combined value tops ¥50 million.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Oct 22, 2016
'Identity, Gender and Teaching English in Japan': 10 women share stories from the front lines
Diane Hawley Nagatomo, an associate professor at Ochanomizu University, combines meticulous research with rich narratives in her new work, "Identity, Gender and Teaching English in Japan." At its heart are the stories of 10 non-Japanese women working in the English education industry in Japan, ranging...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Sep 28, 2016
Medecins Sans Frontieres Japan calls for end to deadly attacks on hospitals
MSF Japan has launched a campaign, 'Don't Attack Hospitals,' as well a petition asking for the people of Japan to support MSF in their advocacy efforts.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Sep 21, 2016
Body image and the foreign female in Japan: survey shows frustration with one-size-fits-all thinking
Survey of nearly 600 women reveals that many feel society places pressure on them to meet narrow Japanese definition of beauty.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Aug 21, 2016
Teens' reproductive health rights are at doctors' whim
Japan has no laws regarding age limits or parental consent when it comes to advice on reproductive health care advice and obtaining contraception.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Aug 14, 2016
Some schools in Japan need educating about the dangers of heat stroke
A 'Concerned Mum' writes in regarding the risks of heat stroke at Japanese schools.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Aug 3, 2016
Foreign wives provide insight into temple lives
Japan's temples are an integral part of the country's traditional culture. For the majority of us, visits are usually limited to specific events such as New Year's Eve, or perhaps as part of a sightseeing agenda if the temple is a famous one. The lives of some Japanese, however, still revolve around...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 31, 2016
Difficult questions for Japan's animal-loving city dwellers
This week's column deals with two queries that highlight cultural differences in attitudes to animal welfare.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 10, 2016
Ailing parents outside of Japan can end up dividing families
Care for a sick or elderly parent is an issue that many adult sons and daughters will have to confront sooner or later. What about when mom and dad live overseas?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jul 3, 2016
Tired of government inaction, activist works to make Japan rape crisis center a reality
Victim once known only as 'Jane' is now raising funds for a long-sought rape crisis center in Tokyo equipped with a 24-hour hotline.

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