travel– tag –

Why does Shōgun feel so "authentic" to us Japanese viewers, even though we've never seen a real samurai? I suspect our common image is a sophisticated fiction created by the entertainment industry. While the language barrier of the 17th century was real (we'd need translators!), the architectural detail is authentic, thanks partly to a Belgian historian advisor. This realism captured the era’s aesthetic: the appreciation of shadow and dimness. The implicit message is that true Japanese beauty is revealed only in the dark. Try it: find the perfect shadow for your furniture and discover the hidden elegance of the samurai era.

Tomamu was a ruin left by Japan's Bubble Economy. We uncover the Unkai Paradox: its resurrection came not from a CEO, but a humble lift mechanic's observation. We analyze the success of the 'Unkai Terrace'—a tourism product based on luck and a 3-hour window—and how we captured that cloud-like comfort in our Mola sofa. Why drive nine hours for a chance at a cloud when you can guarantee a perfect simulation at home?

Why do people object to windmills? They say "natural landscapes are spoiled by artificial human structures." But I suspect this reflects human arrogance. I find validation in the words of sci-fi writer Stanisław Herman Lem: he argued that we see an anthill as "natural" but our houses as "artificial" because we believe we are beyond nature. If we accept that we are merely one part of nature, then a human structure is no more "artificial" than a structure built by a beaver. This perspective is liberating. Maybe we should stop seeing "artificial blight" where there is just a very tall anthill, built by nature's cleverest species.

The Universal Horror: The top co-occurrence word for "own voice" in a Japanese search is "ugly." We explore the Vocaloid Paradox: why Japan embraced Miku Hatsune’s synthetic voice, actively demanding a sound that is obviously artificial. This aesthetic of artificiality shows that human psychology is far more complex than the simple science of the 3000 Hz frequency. We have a plan to collaborate with her.

There are so many hidden gems in Hokkaido. You can see beautiful scenery e.g.; lakes, mountains, forest, sea and so on. I would like to share some gems in Hokkaido. 【The Place, SOUNKYO Onsen】 SOUNKYO is a picturesque gorge located in t...

Have you ever seen "jewelry ice?" It is completely different from drift ice, made of not sea water but fresh water, and so, it's highly transparent like a diamond. River water turns into ice on the surface at river mouth, and the ice pieces, before getting washed ashore, drift in the sea for a while, get rounded off, and are more brightly polished. According to Wikipedia, this natural phenomenon occurs only along the coast of a small town in Hokkaido even in all the wide world.

There are so many hidden gems in Hokkaido. You can see beautiful scenery e.g.; lakes, mountains, forest, sea and so on. I would like to share some gems in Hokkaido. Today, let's talk about "Three Must Eat major cuisines in Hokkaido." 【I...

Why do Japanese people eat KFC and cake on Christmas? I analyze this "culturally blank" phenomenon, tracing the origins of the traditions from aggressive commercial marketing to intense social pressure to avoid being a "loser." I conclude by inviting readers to Hokkaido to trade the chaos of collective anxiety for the silence and true, natural beauty of a White Christmas.

There are so many hidden gems in Hokkaido. You can see beautiful scenery e.g.; lakes, mountains, forest, sea and so on. I would like to share some gems in Hokkaido. 【Too famous Blue Pond】 The Blue Pond is next to Asahikawa city and tak...

There are so many hidden gems in Hokkaido. You can see beautiful scenery e.g.; lakes, mountains, forest, sea and so on. I would like to share some gems in Hokkaido. 【Autumn leaves everywhere】 Many people may not like to Hokkaido after ...