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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 / Our Lives
Jul 18, 2022
Tapping into the wisdom of Japan’s small communities
While working in broadcasting, Adam Fulford was able to see a lot of Japan. Now he sees the bigger picture, learning from his travels as a way to seek a sustainable path moving forward.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jun 12, 2022
Ally Hongo: ‘If Japan wants to elevate its “brand,” it has to see how the world is changing’
Ally Hongo’s background in media came in handy as she and her husband launched Shiitake Creative, which promotes responsible tourism.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Jun 6, 2022
Swiss envoy ‘creating value together’ with Japan
With a career that spans three decades, Swiss Ambassador to Japan Andreas Baum hopes to work with Tokyo to tackle climate change through innovation.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
May 15, 2022
Sara Yoshihara: ‘The best reaction is when a kid with allergies stops by and gets to have a treat’
A wheat allergy diagnosis prompted Hototogisu Bakery and Farm to switch to gluten-free products, which has helped foster a community.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Issues
Apr 1, 2022
TELL Japan hopes to ‘build resilience’ with mental health summit
The mental health support group has landed some notable speakers for its second annual conference on resilience including Kathy Matsui and Gail Palmer.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Mar 7, 2022
SEGO Initiative creates connections in Kanagawa
Educator and environmentalist Alana Bonzi’s love for nature and a desire to create connections within her community are reflected in the SEGO Initiative, a not-for-profit she founded with her husband, Michel, in the coastal city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Feb 27, 2022
Diane Kichijitsu: ‘Human interactions provide plenty of comedic material’
The male-dominated world of ‘rakugo,’ traditional Japanese comic storytelling, has welcomed a British woman who’s in on the joke.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Dec 12, 2021
‘The Shut Ins’: A poignant look at loneliness from four points of view
The individual voices of the characters shine in Katherine Brabon’s novel, which delves into societal pressures and isolation in contemporary Japan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Nov 28, 2021
Jayne Nakata: ‘In life the hard things are the things that give you the most chance to grow’
Finding herself in a part of Japan where there weren’t so many foreign women, Jayne Nakata decided to reach out through podcasting.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Nov 14, 2021
‘The Cat Who Saved Books’: A friendly reminder of the joys of reading
Sosuke Natsukawa’s English-language debut about a withdrawn boy who joins a chatty cat on a quest to liberate books is quirky and heartwarming in equal measure.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Oct 17, 2021
Both plants and people thrive when you garden with the neighbors
Since the start of the pandemic, community gardens have become more popular than ever. And surprisingly, spring isn’t the only time to get your garden growing.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Oct 4, 2021
Puratos: Good food, good company, better future
Name: Jean-Pierre Bernardino
LIFE / Lifestyle
Sep 12, 2021
How parents can help kids deal with back-to-school anxiety
Two experts from TELL who specialize in working with young people and schools offer some reassuring insights and tips to help kids and parents alike navigate these stressful times.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / The Big Questions
Jun 21, 2021
David Malone, rector of the United Nations University
Name: David Malone
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
May 15, 2021
Japan’s growing cider industry presses on through adversity
Bars, breweries and even a bilingual magazine are helping the apple-based beverage find a new, appreciative audience across the country.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Apr 24, 2021
The time is ripe to bring hops back to Yamanashi
Dave Prucha is bringing domestic hop production, perfect for use at craft beer microbreweries, to his Obina Hops farm.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives
Mar 22, 2021
Martin Holman: A pioneer in Japan’s puppet theater tradition
Martin Holman knew early on that he had a passion for puppets. What he didn’t know, however, is just how far that passion would take him.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Mar 9, 2021
Hiroko Ito: ‘When disaster strikes, secure your own safety first of all’
Hiroko Ito is a specialist in disaster management, and has also helped launch Kyushu’s first Mobile Pharmacy service.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Feb 27, 2021
A childhood tradition makes a comeback with yusanbako
Three-tiered lacquered wooden lunch boxes, which originated in Tokushima Prefecture during the late Edo Period (1603-1868), are having a revival thanks to a trio of collaborators.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / 20 QUESTIONS
Jan 23, 2021
Gizem Sakamaki: ‘I’m finding a lot of joy in sharing Japan and its hidden gems with a global audience’
A self-described ‘multipassionate’ entrepreneur, Gizem Sakamaki’s main source of joy is a sustainable food culture.

Longform

The Terasaka Rice Terraces are seen with Mount Buko in the background.
What Yokoze can teach Japan about rural revival