Chasing Light: Why I Still Shoot 35mm Film
In an era of instant gratification, the unpredictability of film feels like a luxury. This post documents a roll of Kodak Portra 400 shot during a rainy afternoon, discussing the aesthetics of waiting.
Pressing the shutter shouldn't be a cheap action. Every frame costs money and intent. The first half of the roll was wasted on poor lighting, but that gritty texture in the shadows? That's something digital sensors just can't replicate perfectly. It's raw, imperfect, and human...
Grainy Street Photo
Lost in Kyoto: Finding a Jazz Kissa with No Name
No maps, no "must-visit" lists. Just a random walk through a quiet neighborhood. How do we find a sense of belonging in a foreign city? Sharing a hidden gem and my travel sketchbook.
The best trips start when you get lost. I stumbled into a narrow alley and found an old shop serving only hand-drip coffee and playing Miles Davis. The owner didn't speak much, just focused on the bloom. That level of focus is healing in itself. Traveling isn't about arriving; it's about noticing...
Cafe Corner Shadow
Living with Less: The Japanese Concept of 'Ma'
Clutter in the room often reflects clutter in the mind. I spent three weekends emptying my workspace, reducing items by 40%, and learning to appreciate negative space.
Throwing things away isn't hard; facing the "what if I need this" fear is. When I took down the gallery wall and left it blank, the room suddenly felt like it could breathe. We don't need more options. We just need a few things that we truly, deeply love...
White Minimalist Room
The Morning Ritual: Pour-over as Meditation
For many, coffee is just caffeine. For me, it's the switch that starts the day. Not talking about complex bean notes here, just the simple, grounding act of brewing a clean cup.
Rinse the paper filter. Watch the water temperature (92°C is my sweet spot). And most importantly: don't look at your phone. Just watch the bubbles rise and fall. These three minutes are a private meditation before the world rushes in...
Kettle and Dripper
Dusty Pages: Rereading Classics in a Digital Age
Reading shouldn't be about gathering talking points. Revisiting these 5 old books reminded me that great literature changes as we change.
These stories deal with loneliness and human nature. In a world of 15-second videos, spending two entire afternoons finishing a dense novel feels like a small victory against forgetting. The smell of old paper alone is worth the time...
Old Bookstore Shelf
Tokyo in Rain: Jazz, Umbrellas, and Silence
A personal travel diary from a rainy November. Browsing art books in Jimbocho, listening to vinyl in Shinjuku, and watching the world go by from a park bench.
There's a secondhand bookstore in Jimbocho perfect for killing time. Later, in Daikanyama, I sat in a corner watching clear umbrellas drift by like jellyfish. The rain seemed to press a mute button on the entire city...
Rainy Tokyo Street
Urban Jungle: Lessons from My Monstera
Plants are the best way to observe the passage of time. This post tracks the slow growth of my balcony garden and what pruning taught me about patience.
Accepting that leaves will wither is part of the process. Don't panic over a yellow leaf; pruning it allows new growth. Watering them every morning and seeing a new uncurling leaf reminds me that life finds a way, even in a small apartment...
Green Leaf Close-up
Vinyl B-Sides: The Warmth of Imperfection
Streaming is convenient, but vinyl is an experience. Here are a few ambient and jazz records I've been spinning lately, and why the crackle matters.
Taking the record out, wiping the dust, dropping the needle—it's a ritual. The physical engagement forces you to actually listen. Sometimes, the pops and clicks on an old record are just proof that the music has lived a life before it reached you...
Turntable and Vinyl
Comfort Food: A Simple Stew for Cold Nights
Cooking isn't just a chore; it's self-care. This recipe for a slow-cooked beef stew is perfect for those quiet weekend evenings when you don't want to talk to anyone.
Sear the meat until browned, then toss in the carrots and potatoes. Let it simmer. The sound of the pot bubbling and the smell of savory broth filling the kitchen is enough to dissolve the stress of a long week. Eat slowly...
Warm Stew Pot