~:[CH14 - Day 181]:~ How Sweet It Is

 

~:[CH14 - Day 181]:~ How Sweet It Is

It was a mostly chill day as I relaxed and got some work done. I ran some errands and took care of this and that, but mostly was trying to settle down before a whirlwind. It's always nice to be able to a friend who is willing to chill and after working on a few things, I was able to relax. It was a nice conversation as we tried to understand each other as best as possible, but because of it, laughter soon followed. It was nice start of the week where I try to plan on how to use the rest of what's in my fridge before it spoils. It looks like I planned well and hopefully that means thing ahead will go well too. It's actually the end of the first half of the year and with no "halftime" break, I wonder how we are going to refuel for the second half of 2025. Let's look at our progress, treat ourself to a short celebration, then find the energy to power our way through the second half. Today was my ending to that first half and with the company of a friend, I can truly say just how sweet this first half's ending was. 

~:[CH14 - Day 180]:~ Rooted in Celebration

 

~:[CH14 - Day 180]:~ Rooted in Celebration 

I ended up with a free morning and used it to catch up on some edits I needed to do. I wrapped it up and then headed to Takanawa Gateway City, an area that has been developed from the previous transportation history for which it is most well known. I was happy to see the celebration, but was most intrigued by the modern feel it gave as it was held in their newly developed convention center and when their bon dori began, it was intriguing to see the cultural past tied into the modern as they added a few upbeat dances and the layout made it feel like a concert stage of sorts. At the end of the night, I was happy to have been able to enjoy this event, capturing some fabulous moments in the process. 

~:[CH14 - Day 179]:~ The Trek to the Unknown

 

~:[CH14 - Day 179]:~ The Trek to the Unknown

I never went to Tochigi before, nor I had been to a venue this size in Japan, however, I still made the trek. I did a little research, but due to my schedule, I kind of just went with the flow. I timed it out and knew I could make it there and back from Tokyo in a day. I headed off, found the venue and everything else played out. The group was young and vibrant, the crowd was engaged, and it ended up being a great night and event. I looked at my directions and realized the last rapid train back to Tokyo was leaving in forty minutes and I had to walk back to the station. I quickly powerwalked my way back to the station and made it. It was a long train ride back and thus, I edited on the way. I actualy wrapped up the full edit and posted it before heading to a birthday celebration. It ended up being a long day, but one that was fulfilling and full of lessons. When we trek to the unknown, we'll have a mix of good and bad that we'll need to navigate. Do not be afraid, rather, trust in yourself that you can not only survive, but thrive in places unfamiliar as that will give you the confidence that will help catapult you ahead. 

~:[CH14 - Day 178]:~ Closing Doors

~:[CH14 - Day 178]:~ Closing Doors

I was schedule to arrive in Niigata thirty minutes before our meeting time at noon, leaving me enough time to browse and relax. Instead, I was an hour and 45 minutes late. Arriving at my transfer station, I panicked as the shinkansen machine wasn't working. I had a few minutes to catch a train in an unfamiliar station.  I arrived to the platform and the train was there. I noticed the number was wrong, but the timing and track were correct. I went on board and then got off again looking for a station attendant. I decided to check my seat to see if someone was there and seeing there was, I went to deboard and the doors closed, as my heart sank. Even worse, the train was a super rapid train directly to Nagano, so there was no space to transfer. I was cooked. Figuring it out with the attendant, I routed my way to Niigata, arriving for the shoot, but missing the welcome lunch. In the end, there were no chance encounters that benefited me when going the wrong way, but, luckily, I was able to enjoy a wonderful shoot and I enjoyed a meal before heading home. As always, Chibi Unity was so welcoming and I appreciated that they were always so respectful. I enjoyed the shoot and happy with the contents, I headed away. One of the models was one of the top Kendama players in the world. It was impressive to see how great she was at her craft. It was a challenge to shoot such a rapidly moving object, but in the end, we captured so many amazing shots. I'm not sure if my adrenaline ever lowered until I got home, but I could say that I learned a valuable lesson of trusting my gut as sometimes trying to make it on time sets you back more than accepting a potential delay. I'll be busy editing the next few days on top of a few events, however, at least I can rest well as while the doors of life closed in my face, I still found my way to make it to the otherside and finish what I needed to, arriving just in time.

~:[CH14 - Day 177]:~ This & That

~:[CH14 - Day 177]:~ This & That

It was nice to sleep in. No alarm, no urgency. I got some work done as I had promised and ran a few errands for tomorrow. I also did my laundry, but forgot the whole reason I did the laundry and forgot to wash something. It was a day of this and that that really had nothing special about it, but that might what made it better. I played Pokémon for a bit and got a special card, fried up a good dinner, but otherwise, the day was just regular. As I think about a day where nothing really happened, it actually makes me grateful. We are in a time where things are chaotic and unstable and to have the stability to have a normal day, might just be underrated. Let's appreciate our meals and our comforts even if they are not luxurious, as for many, this peace of mind is a luxury. It was a day of this and that, but it was great because of it.

~:[CH14 - Day 176]:~ Just a Little Bit of Seoul

 

~:[CH14 - Day 176]:~ Just a Little Bit of Seoul

It was a whirlwind. I landed two days before, met up with a few people, finished up a photoshoot, and headed back. It was a short trip, but a fun and loaded one. With so much to recall, it's hard to put into words what I did and how much I enjoyed it, still yet, I was happy to enjoy Seoul for a little while. My friend and Korean tutor Hun met up and we ate, wandered around, and just caught up. He was nice enough to take the time to meet me and send me off. I can with an empty bag, but left with one full of all the prizes I won at the crane game machines. I can with a heart already so full from so many great moments, but I left with my heart overflowing as well. It was just what my soul needed to add a little spice admist a marathon period abroad. While I came here alone, many along this journey have helped me avoid any feeling of loneliness. I looked out the window as I took the train home, crossing the waterways, which was a sign that it was time to depart. I was sad to leave, but knew that there was still quite a lengthy journey ahead as I got just what I needed to help me power through, just a little bit of Seoul.

~:[CH14 - Day 175]:~ The Beauty of Rain

~:[CH14 - Day 175]:~ The Beauty of Rain

I was happy to catch up with an alum in the morning exploring Apgujeong. It was a little different than our normal as we explored the various areas which was somewhat familiar, but not an area I often visit. It was nice to sit and chat before I had to head off to my shoot. I went to Hongdae to meet them as they had their luggage straight off the plane. We found a locker then headed to the DDP. It ended up being a cool shoot as we captured the images we had hoped despite the rain. In fact, the rain added a little more to the shot, as I tried to figure out a way to use it without getting soaked. Successful, we ventured around and explored before heading our separate ways. I ended up wandering around, enjoying my final night in Seoul, but while quick, there was something poetic about it all. Everything I was able to do had its own beauty to it and for that, I was grateful. To appreciate the beauty of each day, even when the storms chase after you, is something you learn over time. You may never master it, but you can have some influence over how your days go if you can find the beauty that lies within each of these moments and occurrences. 

 

~:[CH14 - Day 174]:~ Each and Every Stroke

~:[CH14 - Day 174]:~ Each and Every Stroke

The end of my evening was fabulous. I had a birthday celebration for my friend, which we had an awesome evening and then I stopped off and captured some amazing moments for an artist singing on the street. On top of it all, someone donated thousands of opened playing cards packing including Pokémon and One Piece for free! It was only a few hours before I needed to wake up, so I put the bag away, edited a few photos and before I knew it, headed to the airport. I landed in Korea and with a changed schedule, I didn't have anything scheduled. I messaged my friend and we ended up meeting a street calligraphy and did a mini reel of him created a piece of the new single by Balming Tiger feat. AG! It was cool to find a connection like that and walk away with a piece of art. We hung out for a bit and grabbed dinner, but after that, I was engrossed in the pictured and videos from the day, thinking about each and ever stroke the artist took. He did it so freely, but also so meticulously. He was fast, but did it with precision. Each of us has a certain balance in each and every stroke that works for us. Be confident and use our own style to create something in our lives to be proud of. Don't live up to the expectations of other, but rather focus on what you want to do and set your own standards in life. With each moment, make sure each and every stroke you make in life is something you can be proud of. Even though he didn't make any noticeable mistakes, even if we don don't be afraid and confidently work on our next stroke until our life is complete.

~:[CH14 - Day 173]:~ Even When Hope Is Lost

 
~:[CH14 - Day 173]:~ Even When Hope Is Lost

I've actually got a lot of messages lately asking me about what is going on in the world lately. Even among my international friends, they ask me about everything when we sit down for a meal and are catching up. The reality is, it's tough. It's tough to even find a bit of hope in all that is going on when the Constitution is being trampled on, lies are being spread and quickly debunked, and lives are being torn apart. I can only imagine what everyone at home is going through as I am abroad during these critical moments. I think back to a moment today when my cousin (who plays on her college's basketball team) tipped the ball and didn't have a chance to save it. There was really no hope for her to get it, but she chased after it anyway with everything she had. I know many feel hopeless at this point in time, but the reality is, hope should exist as in life, there's almost always a chance. Especially in what we're dealing with as the "out of bounds" line only exists when we give up, which means we have a chance. Unlike my cousin who could have enacted every superhero power available or and probably still couldn't save the ball, until we give up hope, we still have room to make the save. Raise your voices, speak up, and do what you know is right. Follow the laws and constitutions, but as much as some still don't see is, part of that is giving people their right to due process by following standards and procedures that have endured for some time now. I have no clue what to expect in the future, but for now, we can only hope, pray, but most importantly, never give up hope. 

~:[CH14 - Day 172]:~ Changing Route

~:[CH14 - Day 172]:~ Changing Route

My plans for today were canceled as my friend got sick. We were supposed to shoot, but all that went away as she ended up bedridden. I actually have another photographer friend who asked me if I was free today and thus I quickly sent a message and our plans were laid out. To pass the time, I played a pit of PoGo and it was fun to chill, clean, and just relax a bit for the time being. I caught up on photo edits and things I put off with just enough time to spare. By the time I wrapped up, it was time to meet up and the rest is history. It's always nice to have someone unplanned time to yourself. It feels good to be able to wrap up things you wanted to finish and makes your free time much more enjoyable. I was carefree at dinner and as we roamed around and chatted. I didn't have to think about work and just appreciated everything around me. I guess instead of my original plan, I took a more relaxing scenic route and it was just what I needed. That's life. Enjoy the ride ya'll.

 

~:[CH14 - Day 171]:~ Hidden Inside

~:[CH14 - Day 171]:~ Hidden Inside

I hung out with my friend the other day. We wandered around the store for a bit and she purchased some bread. I didn't think much of it, but it ended up being a gift for me to eat in the morning. It made me think of all the gestures that people have done for me. Often times, when I'm watching television around the holidays, you see a bow on the car as they gift each other cars. Expensive gifts can be impressive, but does it have as much value as something that is thoughtful and meaningful? As I ate my breakfast today, I appreciated the bread even more. It was inexpensive, but some thought went into the process of buying it and for that I was grateful. Many times, it's not the most expensive or even the most time consuming gestures that take the top spot, but rather those with a genuine intent. Thoughtful, meaningful, and sometimes useful. I ended up hanging out with another friend for dinner as we caught up after a year's time. It was a simple gathering, but just like the bread, there was much more inside to unpack. There was nothing really picturesque or flashy, but the evening was truly valuable for all the things you couldn't necessarily see. It will be a nice few days with a little bit of work, but mostly reconnecting  and enjoying experiences must like the past few days. Let's hope we can all see the true contents of all things in our life and appreciate even the simplest things in our life.

~:[CH14 - Day 170]:~ As Close As You Can

 

~:[CH14 - Day 170]:~ As Close As You Can

I cooked up a homestyle meal today and I did what I could to make the dish as close to how I did at home as possible. I found what I could, ordered some things from Amazon and cooked it up fairly close. You do what you can to find the comforts of home when you're away and I've been able to do so pretty well. After enjoying catching up with my friend, I headed to dinner with another friend after a short break. It was nice to see him as it's been about a year and he also speaks English so it's a little less stressful. He is fluent in Japanese (born and raised here), but has roots in America, hence the English. It was nice chatting about baseball and life before heading our separate ways. It was as close to a home interactions as possible both in cooking at in hanging out and it was a nice change of pace from the past few weeks of work and my fragmented Japanese. I love it here, but it's always nice to get the comforts of home every once in awhile.

~:[CH14 - Day 169]:~ Just One of Many in the Sea

 

~:[CH14 - Day 169]:~ Just One of Many in the Sea

"There are plenty of fish in the sea," they often say. It's often an idiom connected to love, but have you ever felt like you're growing amongst the billions of people in this world? As I walked through the crowds of Sensoji, I wondered to myself if I rather blend in with the crowd, standing out amongst the crowd, or just stay at home.  Really, it would be the latter, but in reality, many people are trying to find a way to stand out and be exceptional. When you reach celebrity status, you often realize that it may not be the most ideal as your normal is not longer that, although you may live comfortably. Still yet, many don't want to just blend in and be like everyone else. I think attention is often mistaken for respect. People who have a lot of attention, don't always have the respect of others and just because you aren't the center of attention doesn't mean you don't have the admiration of others around you. One a day that I ended up just venturing out a bit, taking photos and discovering local markets that were nearby, I felt like I blended in and I didn't mind at all, in fact, I was ecstatic to feel more like a local. At the end of the day, you may be one of many in this sea of people, but the most important thing is to just be unapologetically you.

~:[CH14 - Day 168]:~ In Sync, Out of Snyc

 

~:[CH14 - Day 168]:~ In Sync, Out of Snyc

It was cool to go to the Port of Nagoya Aquarium and capture some amazing footage while there. I had my friend join me since she was from the area and everything went smoothly aside from the weather. It was nice to have someone on this little adventure with me as we watched all the incredible programs at the aquarium. When I got back to Tokyo, after meeting with my friend, my photoshoot plans for tomorrow were rescheduled. It contrasted the day as things just kind of fell apart slowly as we planned. It happens, but made me think. Sometimes, we are so in sync that it feels unreal and at other times, things just won't go your way and it's frustrating. As I was once told, just sway with the winds of life and stay rooted. Don't allow yourself to get uprooted just because things are out of sync. The days will come when things get better, but for now, just do what you can, accept it, and move on. We have our good days and our bad days and sometimes days that are split like today, but remember that it's just a day amongst a stack of many others. Tomorrow, find your rhythm once again and hopefully you'll find yourself back in sync.

~:[CH14 - Day 167]:~ Dance to Your Own Beat

~:[CH14 - Day 167]:~ Dance to Your Own Beat

Having a dance battle in the middle of a busy area must feel pretty cool. From experience from staying in the area, the acoustics get amplified in that spot, which adds to the energy of the stage. With many different styles, it was cool to see each person dance to their own beat. Too often, we comform to what others may want from us and watching these dancers was a confirmation that we need to find our own style in life, not allowing others to sway us from what we want. It's okay to adjust and adapt with the help of others, but when push comes to shove, choose what's best for you and show yourself off to the world. In the end, there was only one champion, but there's no doubt that they all left that stage feeling proud of what they did, dancing to their own beat in their own way.

 

~:[CH14 - Day 166]:~ 久しぶり (It's Been While)

 

~:[CH14 - Day 166]:~ 久しぶり (It's Been While)

I think we often tell people, I'll see you again next time and never see them again. It's not because we don't want to, but because the opportunities in life don't always allow it. It's been about six years, but these two finally reconnected after such a long time. Their see you again became a reality. We waited at Nara Station for this surprise. A smile showed up on one face as the other as was already smiling walking up the stairs. They've grown so much since they first met, but it felt like their connection still existed. We ventured around Nara as we started amongst the deer at the park, the headed to the bowling alley with the thing they enjoyed doing together the most. We bowled so well as a group that we got the top score of the month at Round1 and we had our picture taken and won a prize. With some time left, we walked through Fushimi Inari Taisha before we headed toward the station. The day passed by so quickly, but the memories created will be everlasting. I hope in our lives we have many opportunities to reconnect. I hope the see you agains will actually come to pass and we'll be able to reconnect with those who we have formed bonds with, no matter how far they are. It may take some effort, but I hope that the opportunities in life allows for it. This reunion worked out and I hope that for all those around me, your reunions work out so you can say how happy you are to see someone again! On a day dedicated to those who served in a fatherly role, it's good to appreciate the impact that people have on our lives especially thkse incredible fathers and father-like figured in our lives. 久しぶり

Happy Father's Day to all!

~:[CH14 - Day 165]:~ Even Just One ...

 

~:[CH14 - Day 165]:~ Even Just One ...

As a teacher, many go into the profession aiming to help as many students as possible. However, the reality is, you feel the success even if you're able to help just one student. In my second day, I was working with a smaller Model UN club and in the end, I ended up working with just one student. However, at day's end, it felt incredible. Being able to answer her questions and guide her in the right directions was rewarding, even though she was already on top of it and super sharp! In my own classroom, I aim to help as many students as possible, but the reality is, you do whatever you can, but sometimes you feel like you failed. This doesn't just go for teaching, but for any profession or even life. Try to do just one thing right, help one person out, or accomplish one step in life. Aim to accomplish all you wish to do, but at the end of the day, try your best to at least make a little bit of progress in some ways. Don't give up the fight just because you didn't reach your ambitious goals as doing that one thing right might just make an impact you could never have imagined. It's been a trying time in the lives of many. As I watched everything unfolding from afar, I only hope that each person doesn't give up and aims to keep making progress in hopes that their effort can lead to success. At times, we can feel hopeless, but let's aim toward inching forward together and find a way to reverse the course of things in disarray and aim for progress even if it just one thing, as that one thing may just be the difference. 

~:[CH14 - Day 164]:~ Finding a Comfort Zone

 

~:[CH14 - Day 164]:~ Finding a Comfort Zone

It's strange when you're in a foreign country, but seem to find a routine. As I've done the same route a few times, I've slowly figured out how to find my comfort zone. I was able to figure out how to strategize where to leave my luggage to be the most efficient, which seems simple, but I have nightmares of when I forgot to leave my luggage, walking thirty minutes to the school (since I got lost) as I entered dripping in a pool of sweat. It was perfect. I decided to pass on the Expo for now due to the logistics and explored Nipponbashi. It was a fun area and just my style. I ventured over to Kindai where I taught my annual MUN seminar in preparation for their conference. At first they were a bit quiet, yet began to open up at the end, especially when I handed out snacks. Afterward, I ventured back to where my luggage was to eat with my friends. It was great to catch up after awhile. The time flew by quickly as I had to jet over to my new accommodation for the weekend. My friend messaged me and we ended up grabbing a quick bite before heading our separate ways so early in the AM. The entire day, I didn't feel out of place or like a tourist. It felt like more of an everyday life type of day. Good food, good friends, and passing on to the next generations, one of the lessons they'll need in life. While I may be thousands of miles away and even outside of Tokyo, I found my comfort zone. I hope that near or far, ya'll can find your groove and find yourself adapting and adjusting to find that zone in which you can be most comfortable.

~:[CH14 - Day 163]:~ Peace & Tranquility

 

~:[CH14 - Day 163]:~ Peace & Tranquility

I don't like to be in big crowds or around a lot of people. Strangely, my job places me in these exact situations. I am fine in a quiet space, minding my own business uncovered. As I walked through Arashiyama again, I felt like it symbolized my life. A quiet morning, a chaotic day, and a return to tranquility in the evening (usually). I wonder if I could handle this isolated tranquility forever, as with my experiences, I've had to be in these large settings filled with people. As while it gives me time to clear my mind and think, I wonder id being around people is something that can recharge me, when my belief was always the opposite. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed interacting with people, but typically, it's in a one-on-one or small group setting that is less chaotic. I'll look to discover what the perfect balance is for me as I progress through life, but for now, I'll enjoy these moments of peace and tranquility until I reach that fork in the road where I must decide which road to take next.

~:[CH14 - Day 162]:~ Slight Adjustments

~:[CH14 - Day 162]:~ Slight Adjustments

Sometimes the slightest of adjustments can make everything you experience different. In life, those adjustments can be the difference between success and failure. With the tourist packed Dotonburi a street away, we visited a little alley that I often frequent that doesn't feel like the same world. It wasn't too crowded, yet the food and experience were quite amazing including this crab and uni appetizer. It was a nice quick getaway from the crowds while also enjoying the local area. It wasn't a hidden spot, but definitely one not traveled as much, which kind of makes you wonder why. People tend to be attracted to the spot, while often the slight adjustments in life can help lead you to a spot that is better for you or simply, just better. I ended up journeying around a bit more before trekking to Arashiyama for a bit more of a calming environment to soak in nature. Even here, my schedule adjustments have helped me avoid the massive crowds that descend here during peak hours. Regardless, look to make some slight adjustments in life as it may not seem like "the path," it might just be the path for you.

~:[CH14 - Day 161]:~ A Little Rain, A Little Pain

 

~:[CH14 - Day 161]:~ A Little Rain, A Little Pain

We really did suffer all day trying to get some shots. The rain came down almost all day as we adventure around the parking, finding places to take photos when the weather permitted. It was pain. We focused on doing what we could and ended the day with a shot just outside of City Walk. I ended up with a few shots we could use for our project, but obviously a lot less than what we had hoped for. Life is like that. You'll find rain, you'll find pain, but you also find some opportunities amongst it all. Although it was not as we had hoped, we ended the day with a few shots and had fun in the process. All my stuff was wet when I came back home as I tried to dry it all out, as I did my best to get some edits done before I headed to bed. I ended up finishing more than expected and I know I will be able to sleep well, completing what I needed to, while also not having to set an alarm as I transfer to Kyoto/Arashiyama. Find something to light up your day in those days full of rain and pain!

~:[CH14 - Day 160]:~ On the Go ...

 

~:[CH14 - Day 160]:~ On the Go ...

It was a transition day as I was headed to Osaka. I cleaned up the place and then got ready for a photoshoot. It's always fun to shoot with someone you know as it makes it a little smoother, especially when you have a smaller window to get everything done. We got the shots we needed before I headed out the door to catch the train. I took the evening train instead of rushing in the morning and I think it was a good decision as I was tired when I arrived, but I got to relax a bit. It already started raining here, which wasn't a good sign for tomorrow, but you can only go with the flow and hope that everything works out. It was a fairly tight scheduled day, but there's only so much to do when you're on the go. I am always amazed at how much my friends are able to do in a given day and it always makes me confident I can do everything I have on my schedule.  Life is actually a lot more interesting when you're always on the go, so hey, why not?

~:[CH14 - Day 159]:~ Workout

~:[CH14 - Day 159]:~ Workout

My family and I were able to find some time to meet. It's always difficult to coordinate with so many people, but they always seem to make it happen. We ended up going to Round One Stadium which essentially is a sports complex mixed with the traditional Round One. We ended up playing a lot of various sports with bowling, basketball, and darts being two of the best. We also played a lot of arcades include the crane games. I got off to a slow start, but ended with two figurines, seven types of food, and about ten smaller stuffed animals. We laughed a lot about how we would be sore tomorrow as I could already feel it as I headed home. Of course, at the time, I didn't feel the exhaustion at all since I was enjoying myself. Family and friends often make tiring tasks easier and while it may be taxing on your body or mind, they can make it much easier. Appreciate them and love them always. 

~:[CH14 - Day 158]:~ After a While ...

 

~:[CH14 - Day 158]:~ After a While ...

It is always great to see those who homestayed with us when I was younger. Although the communication is difficult, it is always nice to catch up and talk about what we are able to. We enjoyed good food and chatted about the old softball days and what is going on in our lives now. Similarly, I met with my Japanese friend who I have not seen in awhile at a local festival. While brief, it was nice to see each other after awhile. While it's been awhile, with people you've truly connected with, it always feels like you're in stride when you get back together. I enjoyed a more relaxed day overall, but my body was tired as I briefly fell asleep on the train on the way home, content on how everything went. It's time for bed. Good night!

~:[CH14 - Day 157]:~ A Love Letter (恋文)

~:[CH14 - Day 157]:~ A Love Letter (恋文)

I had a typical day. I made breakfast, I did my laundry, and I went grocery shopping. It was an errand day. I then ate an early dinner with an alumni before catching the Atarashii Gakko movie. As I watched it, I felt like it was a love letter. The movie showed their incredible energy on stage, but it also showed what goes on behind the scenes and mixed in an array of things from fans messages to all the things they did that we didn't quite know. It brought a sense of humanism combined with the life of someone in the spotlight invoking an icon-like appeal when in fact with true artists, these performances are a love letter for their fans. It was strange that I wore my eaJ shirt a day early because his message was just that, the performances are for the fans. Without the fans, it would be hard for the artist to be anywhere. Artists who realize this truly inspire their fans, not because of their superhero qualities, but because of their humanism. I couldn't stop thinking about this through the movie as I thought of how beautifully assembled the movie was. I was energized, but also touched by their messages and how much they sincerity they showed in showing gratitude for their fans. The fan base is one of the most enthusiastic group I have ever met and it has a lot to do with the fact that each of these performances is a thank you to their fans. They bring the energy and positive vibes the crowd needs and in turn, the crowd sends back that same energy and vibe. I think for each of us, we not only have that artist, but that person in our lives who does this for us. They energized us and give us the vibes we need when we need it most and I hope that on our stage in life, we are able to devote some of our greatest moments for them as without those who lift us up, we will never have risen to the heights that we did. Even if you're day is as mundane as mine; cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping, I'm sure there is an opportunity in there to make the life of someone else around us better, just by doing the ordinary. Let's lift each other up and find a way to live to laugh and to love together. ❤️  AG around the world!

いつも通りの一日でした。朝食を冷やし、洗濯をし、食料品の買い物に行きました。用事で一日を終え、その後、卒業生と早めの夕食をとった後、新しい学校の映画を見に行きました。映画を観ていると、まるでラブレターを読んでいるような気分になりました。映画は彼らのステージ上の圧倒的なエネルギーだけでなく、舞台裏の様子も映し出していました。ファンからのメッセージから、私たちがよく知らない彼らの活動まで、様々な要素が織り交ぜられていました。スポットライトを浴びるアーティストの人生と、ヒューマニズムが融合し、まるでアイコンのような魅力を醸し出していましたが、真のアーティストにとって、こうしたパフォーマンスはファンへのラブレターなのです。eaJのシャツを一日早く着ていたのが不思議な感覚でした。というのも、彼のメッセージはまさに「パフォーマンスはファンのためにある」というものでした。ファンがいなければ、アーティストはどこにも存在できない。このことを理解しているアーティストは、スーパーヒーローとしてではなく、ヒューマニズムとして、ファンに真のインスピレーションを与えるのです。 映画を観ている間、このことについて考えずにはいられませんでした。映画の美しさに心を奪われ、彼らのメッセージやファンへの感謝の気持ちを示す誠実さに、私は元気づけられると同時に感動しました。彼らのファンベースは、私が今まで出会った中で最も熱狂的なグループの一つであり、それは彼らのパフォーマンスの一つ一つがファンへの感謝の気持ちであるという事実と深く関係しています。彼らは観客が必要とするエネルギーとポジティブなバイブをもたらし、観客も同じようにエネルギーとバイブを送り返します。私たち一人一人には、アーティストだけでなく、私たちのためにそうしてくれる人がいると思います。彼らは私たちにエネルギーを与え、最も必要な時に必要なバイブを与えてくれました。人生のステージで、私たちが最高の瞬間を彼らに捧げることができることを願っています 。 皆さんの一日が私と同じように、料理、洗濯、食料品の買い物といった平凡なものであったとしても、ただ普通のことをするだけで、周りの誰かの生活をより良くできるチャンスがそこにはあると確信しています。 私たちを励ましてくれる人たちがいなければ、私たちは決してあのような高みに到達することはできなかったでしょう。お互いを高め合い、共に笑い、愛し合う生き方を見つけましょう。❤️ AGを世界中に！

 

~:[CH14 - Day 156]:~ Something's Brewing

 

~:[CH14 - Day 156]:~ Something's Brewing

I'm getting into the groove of things as I find a routine that works. After quite the lengthy sleep, I was energized and headed to Shin-Okubo for lunch. As you may have guessed, we had a Korean lunch, as 
samgyeopsal was on the menu. I've actually been craving it for a few days so it was perfect timing. We wandered around for a bit before heading to Roppongi to capture the tea at Ama Terrace Tea Terrace. It's a fairly new shop with an art gallery inside. My friend knows one of the people in the shop, as she is a tea lover herself. It was great to look around with the artist about all his pieces in between drinking teas. We said our goodbyes at midtown and I got to check out the architecture at the National Art Center, before heading to Shibuya for a show by the amazing drummer Yoyoka. She performed with a number of talented artists including Jean-Ken Johnny of Man with a Mission and Noboru Uesugi of Wands. It was cool to watch everyone enjoy the moment and since I was a guest versus working the camera, I simply got to enjoy the moment. I said my goodbyes after a busy day, but looking back, I was appreciative of such a wide range of experiences in a single day. From tea to architecture to music, it's nice to see my horizons being expanded in what could be. Something new is always brewing and waiting for you, but you need to put yourself out there and give yourself a chance to experience it. When you do, you might just find a new door you never knew existed. 

~:[CH14 - Day 155]:~ Another Scale

 

~:[CH14 - Day 155]:~ Another Scale

Life here has been pretty regular. I grocery shop, I clean, I cook, and I work. However, with such a massive spread of city life, everywhere you go is something on a massive scale so close together. From my salon appointment, I visited the Starbucks Roastery, then relaxed for the remainder of the day after cooking dinner. I've been tired since landing since I've been running around the city, but you don't notice it as you hit one place after another. When looking at my steps, after 12,000 steps in a half day, I think my body rebelled and said, go to sleep, as I did. There are so many things to enjoy here, but I also need to remember that I can take my time a bit more and live more like a local for now. It's hard when you're in a place that is on another scale and there's so much to do, but when you look at your schedule and cut things down, you'll also be scaling things down a bit so you can absorb it all. As I settled down a bit and enjoyed my sandwich and drink, I just looked back on these past few days amazed at what I did in such a short time and look forward to a few easy days before ramping it up again soon. Make the most of your days, but also take the time to enjoy those moments instead of rushing through it and leaving it as a blur. 

~:[CH14 - Day 154]:~ Ame

 ~:[CH14 - Day 154]:~ Ame 

It rained, all day. It only rained today. As I met to take some shots at DisneySea, our plans were ruined by the rain, sort of. We improvised and ended up doing a number of umbrella photos as well as finding a few sheltered spots to shoot. However, the rain wasn't all that bad as we ended up getting to all the newer and main rides throughout the day which is quite the feat, as the rain chased some away. It was fun to have a small Frozen themed meal as well just before we headed to catch the Frozen ride. The storms will try to get in your way and it will if you allow it, but learn to adjust, adapt, or simply enjoy what parts you are able to and you will end up in a better place because of it. At the end of the day, looking at my camera roll, I didn't get the quantity of shots I wanted, but I sure ended up with a few I was proud of despite the 雨.

~:[CH14 - Day 153]:~ A Different View

 

~:[CH14 - Day 15]:~ A Different View 

It was enjoyable to rest a bit and get some work done before heading out. I didn't have a lot scheduled since tomorrow will be a long day, but I met up with an alumni and we ended up playing crane games after our meal. It was fun to hear his view of the city as someone who frequently it. There were somethings he noticed that I didn't think of, which was cool. I think that's what's also cool about collaboration as it allows you to earn a different point of view. We finished looking down on an ongoing concert and this to was from a view I was not used to. It wasn't bad, just not what I was used to. I ended up being able to see their formations and movements more clearly, which was kind of a cool things. As we headed out and said our goodbyes, we proudly carried our prizes after starting off on the wrong foot while playing. It was a great moment of laughter, but one that also showed a lot of progress as we helped each other figure out new strategies to help us win. Open yourself up to a different view in life to help you on the road ahead.

~:[CH14 - Day 152]:~ Artsy Fartsy

~:[CH14 - Day 152]:~ Artsy Fartsy 

I'm not sure what it was that drew me into the art world. Was it my grandfather who painted, my uncle and dad who took photographs, or was it the creativity of my mother and whole family. Little by little, I was drawn in, until the camera became one with me. I always enjoy the challenge of getting the shot. No two shoots are the same, from the time of day and weather to the lighting and even the clothes someone is wearing. Everything factors in to your shots and sometimes you have to take a lucky guess and hope that the tech gods treat you well. Every time I shoot in Japan, I'll adjust and play around with the settings, hoping that I get them right. Today wasn't too bad and I hope that the next time, it's even better. Creativity is one of the things that keeps me going and I can't say how my life would be without that outlet. I look forward to sharing all the shots I capture along the way, but for now, it's time to finally sleep with no alarm set for tomorrow. Good night!