Being the millennial that I am, I've been restless for some time, questioning myself about "what I'm supposed to do", "what I was born to be", despite the fact that I have a job, hobbies, social activities. I've been wondering what should I do for the society. It's definitely hard to always be positive in a … Continue reading Wake-up Call
I usually don't post my poems here, but I want to celebrate the World Poetry Day on March 21. For me, poetry is like having a huge crush on a bad boy: it gives me the thrills. The ooh-aah. Even goosebumps. Not only from reading them but also from crafting them. For most people poetry always look somewhat … Continue reading Happy World Poetry Day!
"It went by too fast!" - says myself at the end of every year. Then I'd try to recollect what I've done in the past 364 days. Then finally, I'd whimper silently at the undeniable fact that I will age one year older. It doesn't help much to have a birthday in February, you'll feel … Continue reading 2016
Last July I celebrated a year of living in Japan. Work contract has been extended, so I'll hopefully be celebrating a second year anniversary next year. As I enter my second year, I made a decision to move to Tokyo. I moved from the suburbs of Yokohama, where most residents were grandmothers and high-school students … Continue reading Living Japan #5: Tokyo “City Girl”
You've seen videos of Japanese school kids cleaning up their classes together or the Japanese supporters tidying up their sections at a World Cup 2014. So "Japanese", aren't they? The habit of keeping personal hygiene starts since childhood. Many Japanese adults still brush their teeth after meal. Although the dental medics society have been continuously debating … Continue reading Living Japan #4: Hygiene and yes, the toilets
Amy was a diamond. Shining bright in her powerful voice. She evolved from a raw talent who jams cheesy line yet catchy melody to an uncanny lyricist with characteristic jazz. But Amy was clearly fighting depression. Nothing was well planned, she was a vulnerable young girl who went deep without needed protection system. Amy wanted … Continue reading Amy: Jewel Faded Too Soon
It’s been a while since I last read a book as touching as this one. Anthony Doerr masterfully tells the story in short chapters - no longer than five pages each - flowing with detail. I found myself too emotional to flip a page at times, but I always did to answer my urgent question, “Then what … Continue reading Book Review: “All the Light We Cannot See”
If you're considering a move to Japan, be ready to get on board the major first mission. I didn't have to do too much moving into Italy and Malawi, having found good places to live before arriving. But moving to Japan was different because my company let us live in the dormitory while finding a … Continue reading Living Japan #3: Mission Apartment
Just finished a book by another Japanese writer, this one with young people set in the more recent years. I was actually reading another book of speeches, but it was left behind when I moved so I can't finish it yet. Banana Yoshimoto's style is contemplative and fresh. If you like Murakami, most likely you'll … Continue reading Book Review: “Kitchen” (and “Moonlight Shadow”), Banana Yoshimoto
Today after lunch, a department staff kindly took me to the Hayama Town Hall to register myself as a resident. The building was familiar; I remembered seeing its image when googling about the town. There, I was comforted by the system and people's efficiency. Registering as a new long-term resident is convenient. Let me explain … Continue reading Living in Japan: Eating with Chopsticks #2 – Non-Alien Registration
