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Anime Fans! Initial D Sequal – MF Ghost
As a motor head, during my younger years, my favorite anime apart from Gundam was Initial D. It was the anime that drove me much closer to Japanese culture than when I was in my teens. Apart from all the engine roar & the heart pounding race scenes, Initial D showed a lot of Japanese culture through the daily lives of ordinary people that are sometimes extraordinary. There were scenes of joy, scenes of laughter and scenes of tears that reflects how people are in Japan. Roughly a decade has passed since the end of the Initial D anime and a new car related anime named MF Ghost was released.…
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Symbols of Hope, Healing, and a Thousand-Year Tradition
Origami cranes are among the most iconic figures in Japanese paper-folding art, or origami, cherished for their beauty and symbolism. This art form dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868), but the crane’s prominence in origami began as people adopted it as a symbol of peace, longevity, and good fortune. In Japanese culture, the crane is known as a mystical creature that lives for a thousand years, making it an ideal emblem of lasting hope and resilience. The tradition of folding 1,000 origami cranes, known as “senbazuru,” grew from the belief that completing this task would grant one’s deepest wish. This practice became especially meaningful in Japan after World War…
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Exploring the Art of Etegami in the Digital Age
Etegami, meaning “picture letters,” is a Japanese folk art that combines simple, hand-painted images with thoughtful or poetic phrases. This tradition began in the mid-20th century, inspired by calligrapher and artist Kunio Koike, who emphasized creating art that feels approachable and warm. Etegami typically features natural subjects like flowers, animals, or seasonal items, and each piece often conveys a personal message, making it a uniquely heartfelt form of expression that can be shared with others, much like a postcard. Traditionally, Etegami artists use simple materials: sumi ink for outlines, gansai (Japanese watercolor paints) for color, and washi (Japanese paper) as a canvas. These materials are chosen for their natural, organic…
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Art that Surfs into Modern Life
“The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is one of the most iconic artworks to come out of Japan, created by Katsushika Hokusai in the early 1830s. Part of his series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, this ukiyo-e woodblock print captures a dramatic moment as a towering wave threatens to engulf boats, with Mount Fuji calmly sitting in the background. The piece is a striking mix of movement and stillness, blending nature’s beauty with its raw power. Over the years, it has become more than just an artwork—it’s a symbol of Japanese culture that resonates worldwide. It’s fascinating how this piece from the 19th century continues to influence modern life, including mine.…
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A Day at Toei Studio Park
Last April, I had the chance to visit Toei Studio Park in Kyoto, and it turned out to be a fun mix of action, nostalgia, and quirky attractions. The park offers a glimpse into Japan’s cinematic world, but instead of diving into samurai dramas or superhero shows, I focused on the ninja-themed activities—and they didn’t disappoint. The ninja show was packed with thrilling stunts and acrobatics, making it a blast to watch. After the show, my son got to try at throwing ninja stars (shuriken). I won’t lie—hitting the targets wasn’t as easy as the actors made it look, but it was a fun way to test his inner ninja…
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A Farewell to Yokohama’s Gundam Factory
In July of last year, I had the chance to visit the Gundam Factory in Yokohama, and it felt like stepping into the world of giant robots. It was something I’ve been wanting to see for a very long time. But covid postponed my plans for 3 long years. The star of the show was the 18-meter RX-78-2 Gundam, fully functional and capable of limited movement. Watching it raise its arms and shift its head was surreal—it was as if one of the most iconic mecha from anime had come to life right in front of us. Knowing the factory would only be around for a short time made the…
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A Godzilla Fan’s Adventure
My April 2023 trip also lead me to Awaji Island led me straight into the jaws of Shin Godzilla—literally. As part of the island’s Nijigen-no-Mori park, the Godzilla zipline experience has a unique charm that combines adventure with nostalgia. Walking up to the enormous replica of Shin Godzilla was surreal. Its sheer size against the tranquil island backdrop was impressive, and I couldn’t help but pause to take it all in before gearing up for the zipline. The zipline itself was exhilarating. Flying through the air, heading directly toward Godzilla’s mouth, is as strange as it sounds, but there’s something oddly satisfying about it. The sensation of speeding toward a…
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Kyoto Imperial Palace
It was my first time in Kyoto in April 2023. People who know me well knew I was leaving Hong Kong for good at the end of the 2023 to move to a location that wasn’t in Asia. So it was practically the last chance (or so I thought) for me to visit Japan for a long while. My son also has a thing for Japan & Japanese culture, so I took him along for this journey. Kyoto has in many ways retained its tradition unlike other large cities in Japan like Tokyo & Osaka. It holds an immensely important place in Japanese history, as it was the imperial capital…
Exploring Japanese Culture
