February 19, 1942
How does history inform and educate activism today?
sand-covered barracks
the tower guard witnessed
racial injustice
…
How does history inform and educate activism today?
79 years ago
32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066
which forced over 1000 men, women & children of Japanese ancestry
from their homes & businesses to four wrongful years of incarceration.
non-renewable resources
minerals, metal, fossil fuels & groundwater….
past, present, future
racing to the bottom of
cup of noodles
…
minerals, metal, fossil fuels & groundwater
all stand behind one universal concept
that in a day lasts for 86400 seconds
time is the currency
given to us for us to decide what to do with.
before crossing a busy street...
stop, look, listen & think
street lights, city sounds
pedestrians following
the flashing red hand
…
stop, look, listen & think
four routine habits developed over countless repetitions
over the course of your life
builds up external & internal self-awareness.
We all can stand to be more aware of our surrounding environments rather than on our phones.
is a picture really worth a 1000 words?
not literally but…
smart phone on vibrate
digital applications
dance on a blue stage
…
Not literally but…
a single image with it’s description communicates the essence, significance & symbolism
more effectively together than when the visual mediums are separately apart.
When have you seen or experienced this type of artwork that captivated your world?
loop of rumination
Stuck in a rut or feeling like your life is on repeat? Ask yourself what you can do to move forward.
vhs cassette
rewinding analog tape
the cycle repeats
…
Stuck in a rut or feeling like your life is on repeat? Ask yourself what can you do to move forward.
More so then ever we can feel constrained to our surroundings and settle to a “life in a box.”
Unlike a box of cassettes, concrete or cardboard, this box is made of frustration, depression, anger and sometimes jealousy.
Excepting these passing thoughts is one thing. Moving forward is the real step to getting outside.
the l word
No matter our differences, we all share the same sky.
jewels of the earth
put aside differences
make a better day
…
No matter our differences, we all share the same sky.
Over three billion people on the planet living a life.
One I hope that will be filled with health & happiness.
Make a better day.
less > more
Describe a time when you feel & perform your best.
staring into space
a unfolding universe
piqued your interest
…
Describe a time when you feel & perform your best.
In writing, words come naturally
In music, rhythm kicks in
In sports, unconscious performance is a superpower
All actions and activities point to being in the state of flow or feeling “in the zone”.
Be present the next time you lose your sense of self while creativity & risk taking elevates.
You may find yourself thinking how slow time felt.
a timeless cycle
Happy Lunar New Year! No matter what holiday you observe, what do you appreciate the most?
under moonlit skies
nobody will ever find
a sleeping rabbit
…
Happy Lunar New Year! No matter what holiday you observe, what do you appreciate the most?
Each year, a timeless cycle repeats.
The dance of the moon & sun mark the beginning of the calendar year with food, friends & family.
While the days & environment may change, the traditions hold true.
Let it be known Friday, February 12th, 2021 -truly welcomes the Year of the Ox!
"floating ink"
What is a childhood craft or current activity you find yourself reminiscing or practicing today?
the breath of winter
filling an empty canvas
the artist pauses
…
What is a childhood craft or current activity you find yourself reminiscing or practicing?
Whether it’s something you did as a kid or just now getting into - the power of starting is strong.
Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced, we all can learn a thing or two no matter the expertise.
Just remember to enjoy the art of making and not take things too seriously.
Everyone is an artist.
ichi-go ichi-e
What is a moment that you cherish & can never by fully replicated again?
preparing matcha
bitterness & clarity
with every sip
…
What is a moment that you cherish & can never by fully replicated again?
Each day while it may seem repetitive, has it’s own set of micro-intricacies and fleeting moments.
Everything interwoven into a larger collection of stories that make our month, year & chapter of our lives.
Showing gratitude with the smallest moments (ex. enjoying morning matcha) is a practice worth internalizing.
We may never experience it the same way again.
"long time no see"
Feeling video called out? What about calling a friend or family member you haven’t seen in awhile?
cross or realign
looking into a window
of old memories
…
Two words that consistently come to mind when thinking of 2020 or from a busy day - “burned out”
It comes in all shapes and sizes. We all go through it.
However, I’ve come to find breaking this feeling or monotony of another day is only a video call away.
So go forth, reach out to someone and say these four words - ”long time no see”
It just may spark a conversation of old memories and an appreciation for being here right now.
metabolism
Imagine your forever home. What elements does it have? Was Capsule Architecture on the list?
Known for beauty in simplicity, unparalleled craftsmanship and blending traditional themes with modern design - Japanese Architecture is home to an array of styles of work. One of which is the post-war architectural movement in Metabolism.
ginza district
residing in the future
light steel capsules
…
Imagine your forever home. What elements does it have? Was Capsule Architecture on the list?
Known for beauty in simplicity, unparalleled craftsmanship and blending traditional themes with modern design - Japanese Architecture is home to an array of styles of work. One of which is the post-war architectural movement in Metabolism.
Kenzo Tange, Kisho Kurokawa and Kiyonori Kikutake are considered some of the god-father’s of this movement. The trio believed people should consider how buildings, cities and Japan should be organized similar to emulating a biological organism (hence the name Metabolism).
The prime example of this movement can be seen with Capsule Hotels.
To a casual onlooker, Capsule Hotels may come across as a cheap tourist one-night stay..
To metabolism enthusiasts and now me, see a designer’s careful hand in molding a sustainable and environmentally conscious megastructure.
Odds are this design wasn’t part of your list. Yet, this type of thought process of how human creations impact the planet may help refocus your energy in keeping the earth clean and green.
codependent relationships
Codependent relationships are typically seen in givers & takers and an imbalanced enablement of one’s health & happiness..
three thirty pm
media advertisements
consume attention
…
Codependent relationships are typically seen in givers & takers and an imbalanced enablement of one’s health & happiness..
During the pandemic, consumption of media and other things skyrocketed.
Instead of watching another game, scrolling through videos/photos or drinking bubble tea..
Do go out for a safe walk
Do make that dish
Do call a friend or family and if there’s time..
Do watch some Super Bowl Ads
Allow yourself to be okay with moderating consumption, just be aware of the roots of your actions.
the way of ma
When less is more - The Japanese concept of Ma (間) describes a pause in time, interval or empty void in space.
saturday morning
radiant light enraptures
bird of paradise
…
When less is more - The Japanese concept of Ma (間) describes a pause in time, interval or empty void in space.
This negative space aesthetic is seen across cultural arts:
In ikebana (flower arrangements)
In sumi-e (woodblock painting)
In haiku (short poems)
The list goes on..
Take a moment and look around. Where do you notice moments of space and time? And in these moments, are you growing?
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go for broke
Does history repeat itself? Or is the onus on you for ensuring each day is new?
This thought came to mind as we approach the first weekend of February. Not too long ago, most young adults of Japanese Ancestry were faced with a gut-wrenching choice..
early february
a battalion marches on
baring purple hearts
…
Does history repeat itself? Or is the onus on you for ensuring each day is new?
This thought came to mind as we approach the first weekend of February. Not too long ago, most young adults of Japanese Ancestry were faced with a gut-wrenching choice..
To serve their country for the United States army or live in internment camps seen as the enemy.
Activated February 1st, 1943 - the 442nd Regimental Combat Team majority comprising of over three thousand volunteer Nisei (second-generation Americans of Japanese ancestry), became the most decorated unit of it's size in U.S. military history.
Sadly, their legacy often goes unspoken outside of the Japanese American community.
I'm a firm believer for documenting and passing down history and lessons learned.
Only then, can we truly appreciate the actions of our ancestors while making our own future with a "Go for Broke" spirit.
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bare your sole
What common customs do you follow? Is one of them taking off your shoes upon entering your home?
The question isn't to look down upon those who don't follow certain traditions but to bring awareness to how people live and view why they do the things they do..
passage of winter
entering the household
a row of slippers
…
What common customs do you follow? Is one of them taking off your shoes upon entering your home?
The question isn't to look down upon those who don't follow certain traditions but to bring awareness to how people live and view why they do the things they do..
Growing up, it was always a house rule to remove your shoes in our mud/coat room before entering as an act of cleanliness - as the outside is messy, don't want to bring dirt in.
Nonetheless, this simple practice has carried over to being more understanding and receptive of other's customs.
Until we're able to safely visit other's, keep this practice among your other actions in mind when you enter your home or interact with others.
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every single day
Everyday trails are paved and made of intangible objects that we unintentionally leave behind in the form of..
Posts, likes, follows, shares are a small sample size of our growing digital footprint.
a mundane evening
notification alarm
delights your inbox
…
Everyday trails are paved and made of intangible objects that we unintentionally leave behind in the form of..
Posts, likes, follows, shares are a small sample size of our growing digital footprint.
Personally, I've reduced the non-essential notifications I receive on my phone as one less distraction when going through my day. However, before changing anything, ask yourself - What is my digital footprint and how is this impacting my daily life?
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simplify by decluttering
Simplifying by decluttering began in 2011 after the passing of my father and my mom bringing Mari Kondo's #1 NY Times best-selling book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" into our home.
apartment closet
nostalgia encompasses
father's vintage fleece
…
Simplifying by decluttering began in 2011 after the passing of my father and my mom bringing Mari Kondo's #1 NY Times best-selling book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing" into our home.
10 years later - what started as our family's path towards cleaning and reorganizing, has not only transformed our outlook on our wardrobes but our lives as well.
Anyone can throw away things. Appreciating and thanking the things we let go of are the memories worth cherishing.
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the cost of convenience
Fast, ready-to-go, on-demand products and services have ultimately created a creature that's impatient, craves instant-gratification and consumes mostly heavily processed/pre-made food from plastic packages..
mid-afternoon
delivery trucks stop
at the traffic light
…
Fast, ready-to-go, on-demand products and services have ultimately created a creature that's impatient, craves instant-gratification and consumes mostly heavily processed/pre-made food from plastic packages..
You may love it, you may hate it, but one thing holds true. We are living in the 21st Century where convenience culture is king.
Although at times it feels like an impossible habit to shake, the old line of "everything in moderation" speaks to a don't binge or abstain 100% of the time mentality.
Nonetheless, do try and take it easy on how much of one thing you consume whether it be takeout, tv or temptation to buy the newest thing.
Today and beyond, consider focusing on finding your balance. Doing so may cause you to regain some patience and an appreciation to savor your journey.
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a slow morning tradition
Ever have a dream so immersive, vivid, and seductive that it felt real?
Well that is before being woken up by your alarm for the third time..
endless inception
vanishing altogether
from a single sound
…
Ever have a dream so immersive, vivid, and seductive that it felt real? Well that is before being woken up by your alarm for the third time..
We may not realize it, but dreaming can be a form of escapism - people's subconscious taking shape and yearning to experience or relieve pressure from the outside world.
Exploring Satoshi Kon's 2006 dream world anime "Paprika" and Christopher Nolan's 2010 blockbuster "Inception" are prime examples of this notion.
Whether or not you've experienced a lucid dream state, it's important to know the power of your subconscious but valuing your sleep as well.
As a lack of or imbalance of this natural recurring state of mind and body may trick our minds into an endless limbo.
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