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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.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Nov 4, 2015
Different strokes: navigating the Japanese school system with a learning difficulty
Japan's schools can be ill-prepared for dealing with bicultural children with learning problems.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Nov 1, 2015
Medecins du Monde brings health care to Tohoku, Tokyo and the world
Now marking its 20th year in Japan, MdM works with local partners to develop medical practices with the aim of providing universal access to health care.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Oct 18, 2015
Residents upset over condominium overhaul
It is a common sight in Japan to see houses or condominiums undergoing a spruce up. Covered in tarpaulins and wrapped in a steel cage of scaffolding, this state of affairs can last from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the scale of the renovations.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues / THE FOREIGN ELEMENT
Oct 14, 2015
Animal advocates divided over shelter practices
Foreign volunteers break off contact with Tokyo NPO over conditions at dog facility.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Sep 6, 2015
Tourist disturbed by treatment of horses on Mount Fuji courses
This week's query comes from an overseas tourist who was concerned at the condition of some horses she saw on a recent visit to Mount Fuji.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos / LIFELINES
Aug 9, 2015
Desperately seeking visas: a mixed bag of queries
One of the perennial topics that crops up regularly in reader inquiries is visas. Here are some answers that cover fairly common situations.
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.

Longform

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