Dear Reader,

I know, I know! It’s been a while since I sent out a newsletter - I have no excuses, except that I felt like I didn’t have any interesting thoughts so I logged off the Internet for a while.

But I hope you've been well.

Which may seem counterintuitive, because the Internet is full of interesting thoughts, so it makes sense to spend time there if you want to inspire yourself. But I’ve been finding that with the way discourse is set up online, I often read and judge other people’s opinions before I get the chance to form my own.

But I still like learning from other people, one of the best ways to have more interesting thoughts, so I’ve been doing a lot of reading.

Things I’ve been reading:

​Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

• I picked it up because I’ve been pondering my own career. I don’t hate what I do for work, but I feel like there’s more to life.
• Who should read it? If you’re stuck on the big questions (“What do I want to do with my life?”), it’s a good way to get out of the rut inside your mind and get inspired to take action. I like their experimental, non-linear, and playful approach to what is traditionally believed to be a funnel-like process.

​Butter by Asako Yuzuki

• I picked it up because it’s by a Japanese female author, and it explored themes of relationships, gender politics, and food in Japan. It’s also inspired by a real-life murder case and one of my favorite tennis players, Iga Świątek’s, favorite books. All of which I’m intrigued by.
• Would I recommend it? If you’re interested in gender politics in Japan (or Asian cultures in general) I think it’s pretty accurate. I found it thoughtful and relatable, but would be curious to know what a man or someone who grew up outside of Asia thinks of it. You may also find yourself hungry after reading it.

​The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

• I picked it up because a good friend recommended it to me. I liked his other non-fiction book Everything Is Tuberculosis, so it seemed worthwhile.
• Would I recommend it? If you’ve been feeling a bit cynical about humanity lately, it might change your mind. In a world where AI-generated communication is increasingly popular, his prose is refreshing. He made me feel more optimistic about being a human, and also inspires me to become a better writer.

​28 Things Japan Does Differently by Nik Goeke

• I picked it up because it is a short piece written by my friend. This isn’t a book, but he recently went on a trip to Japan so of course I had to read his review of things he learned in Japan! Some things I’ve noticed myself, but others I realized I’ve been taking for granted. #28 on empathetic signs is my favorite.
• Would I recommend it? If you have a trip to Japan planned, are curious about how things in Japan are done differently, or recently went to Japan and want to know if somebody else also picked up on what you did, have a read!

Anyways, it’s World Cup season and where I’m at the community is in full swing! I love seeing all the Japanese fans interact with American and Mexican culture, and all the Americans and fans from other countries interact with Japanese fans.

There are so many wholesome, funny, and humane moments that even if you’re not into soccer/football, it’s hard not to love it.

Support your own country or support whoever is playing that day - I’ll be rooting for Japan and any underdogs 🇯🇵

Warmly,

Kaki

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