Growing up in the Iwate prefecture on the northeast coast of Japan, Chef Chie Shirahata was, from a young age, very interested in the art of food. Making her foray into the restaurant world by rolling sushi in a restaurant near her home, she quickly showed an aptitude for the art of sushi and was taken under the wing of her chef to learn all she could.

Upon leaving the theater I was "hung up" on The Other End of the Line. It was cute and touching, just what is expected in a romantic comedy. This film was different than most romances- it embraced the theme of star-crossed lovers, one in India and the other in America. A young and charming, professional, NYC advertising guy, Granger, begins talking to a young and beautiful Indian woman, Priya, who is assisting him over the phone with his stolen credit card issues.

So you've been out on a few dates with a potential new beau, you've really hit it off, and the chemistry is definitely there. Could it be you're even starting to fall in love? Okay, let's not jump the gun here. Maybe you're just looking for some ass tonight? Either way, you're having topsy turvy feelings and you eventually want to take it up a notch. To sleep or not to sleep with someone on the first date (or on the second or third or fourth) is a major decision.

I have been warned. I have been repeatedly warned by family, friends and peers that Japan was full of perverts, which was why I smuggled peppy spray into my suitcase. At first I was skeptical, what man isn't a pervert? No matter where I go in this world, there are bound to be perverts and unconventional behaviours alike. It wasn't until I heard stories of what people experience in Japan, and actually experiencing it firsthand that I want to inform others about this pervert sub-culture.I have been warned.

Tina Tang is back answering Fall 2008 fashion questions. Leave your fashion questions for Tina at the bottom and she will answer each and every one.

Dear Tina,
How do I save money during this economy? Is there such a thing as jewelry rentals or places that will update my existing jewelry pieces?
MoneySaver

Dear MoneySaverTina Tang is back answering Fall 2008 fashion questions. Leave your fashion questions for Tina at the bottom and she will answer each and every one.

Dear Tina,

Central Park is one of the most beautiful, peaceful places inside one of the most hectic, fast-paced environments in the world. But among the serene landscape is an untold, disturbing and hidden form of legalized animal abuse. I have personally witnessed, horses on the hottest days of summer with no water and sun blisters being forced to pull heavy carts with 6 adults inside.

For many women who try to carve out a creative career at the cost of a stable corporate job, the first hurdle they often encounter is their family. This is perhaps more true for Asian-American women, particularly children of immigrants, whose parents can't believe that their children would scorn the hard earned advantages of a mainstream career for the risky unstable world of creative entrepreneurship.