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Angela Jeffs
After 26 years in Japan, Angela is currently test driving the Scottish winter. Describing herself as a “people person,” she wrote weekly profiles and features for The Japan Times between 1987 and 2011. For writings since 3/11/2011, see www.embrace-transition.com/. Her first book, "Chasing Shooting Stars – A South American Paper Trail into the Past," was published in paperback in January 2013.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Jun 23, 2007
Feet, feet . . . where would we be without them?
As the weather warms up, off come the tights and socks and it's time for sandals. But what are these? Yes, the two possibly pale, calloused, misshapen — for which read "mistreated" — things upon which you are now standing, called feet.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jun 19, 2007
Roaches; taxing stuff
'Gokiburi': the third way Here are three wildly different approaches to the recurring summer problem of cockroaches in the home.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Jun 16, 2007
Taking steps to raise funds for AIDS orphans
Lynne Charles is tired. She's rarely to bed before 4 a.m., and has to be up at 6:30 to get her son off to school.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Jun 9, 2007
Koshu Project sets out to redefine Japanese wine
Ernest Singer is young at heart, with six children from three different families, and an office with staff members mostly half his age. "It's the young that have the passion that Millesimes thrives upon," he explains, navigating a sea of desks and concentrated faces.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Jun 5, 2007
Camping, reflection and cream clover
Dropping off the kids Yoko, who is married to an American and recently returned to Tokyo from the U.S., asks about summer camps in Japan for their children.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
May 26, 2007
Bringing about world change through literacy
Imagine. You are a rising executive with Microsoft, with a corporate credit card and an associated lifestyle. Then one day, at age 35, you clear your desk, cash in your investments and walk away.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
May 19, 2007
Doctor to foreign community moves with times
Dr. Fred Shane is a familiar figure in his community. Something to do with his pink hat, perhaps? "I've always sported colorful head gear," he chuckles, peering over his doctor's desk in a brand new clinic in Minato Ward, Tokyo. "This one my daughter bought for me. Before that, I had a red hat — I...
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
May 15, 2007
Unique presents, being seen
Customized 'omiyage' Several of you have responded to the request for ideas for interesting personalized gifts.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
May 12, 2007
Art activist works toward helping spirits flourish
Several years ago, I was privileged to hear the Nubian musician Hamza El Din play at Enkaku-ji temple in Kita Kamakura. The space in which he played was open to the elements, and the sound of rain falling provided an accompaniment to the notes of his instrument, the oud, in a way that still resonates....
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
May 5, 2007
Initial terror turns into picture-book fascination
The color, excitement and vibrancy of Japanese matsuri festivals leap off the pages of Betty Reynolds' latest book, a welcome commission by Tuttle to fill a niche in children's publishing.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Apr 28, 2007
Homeless jet-setter brings life, hope to scores
A little over a year ago, composer and songwriter Joseph (Joe) Curiale had a residence in Hollywood with a flashy car parked in front. Now he is technically homeless. A homeless jet-setter, he jokes.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Apr 24, 2007
Drawn-out dentistry, legal help
Do you have a problem? Is there something you need, whether it be information, a service or an item that you cannot find?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Apr 21, 2007
Accidental president has a history with change
Toyoki Kozai is surprised to find himself president of Chiba University. He would rather have been a farmer, he insists, growing things.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Apr 7, 2007
'Don of Roppongi' seeks peace in East Asia
It's a rum kind of shop. But then Takeshi Maki -- who, while regarding himself as a member of Japan's silent majority, is nicknamed the Don of Roppongi -- is a rum kind of bloke.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Apr 3, 2007
Drugs, bikes, the hard cell
Where are they now? Jim wonders what happened to the American Pharmacy, for years located in Yurakucho, Tokyo.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Mar 31, 2007
Helping to give back the power that is theirs
The two small rooms and kitchen occupied by Kalakasan have been bulging at the seams since early morning. First there was a regular staff meeting. In the afternoon, a group of Filipino women providing support to one of their members, came with a distressed mother and teenager. The youngster was raped...
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Mar 20, 2007
Where can I get an original Japan gift?
Another creperie In reply to Sophie's recent plea for an authentic creperie in Tokyo, Yolande writes: "I am French and always enjoy the exquisite and authentic crepes served with delicious Brittany beer at 'Le Bretagne' in Kagurazaka. They also have a restaurant in Omotesando."
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Mar 17, 2007
Blues band does its bit for Internet freedom
It's early for Mac (Makoto) "The Knife" Okuyama and Mark "The Spark" Schwarz to be up and about, especially since both have the day off from filling their rice bowls.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Mar 10, 2007
Hit's failure to woo Japan baffles inventor
In the U.K. over Christmas, 300,000 electronic Test Tube Aliens flew off toy store shelves to encourage kids to be both active and interactive nurturers.
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Mar 6, 2007
Divorce and a taste of France
More on divorce A reader offers advice to the American reader wondering about the process for divorcing his Japanese wife.

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?