Pet service
In reply to a dog owner in Tokyo last year seeking a sitter or pet hotel while abroad, here are Susan and Takashi Shiobara with a great service: Pet Mate, located in the Fuchu/Koganei area of west Tokyo, offers petsitting at the owner's home while they're away as well as dog walking services any time. Call for information in either English or Japanese on (042) 302-1808.
"My husband and I are the owners/walkers; we're in our 10th year serving both the foreign and Japanese community out here," they write.
Roger asks: "What is the Japanese equivalent to a physiotherapist in Canada and the U.S.? My doctor in Canada recommended that I find one here to work on my posture and bad back. And is such treatment covered under national health insurance?"