Befriending Death and Living An Authentic Existence — Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I found myself contemplating my own death. The pandemic took us all by surprise and wreaked havoc on our lives. In the past year, I wasn’t so afraid of it. Yes, infections rose day by day, but recovery rates are far higher than death tolls…

How Something Can Be More Beautiful For Being Broken — During my college days, I found Eastern Philosophy disorganized and hard to follow. I wasn’t fond of the subject because I found their ideas too simplistic. Unlike Western philosophy, where thinkers investigate the nature of truth, Eastern philosophy feels like a self-help section rather than actual philosophizing. My thoughts on…

An idea that can renew our life and perspective. — A common belief about human psychology is what happens in our early life determines the kind of person we will be as adults. When one has been given a nourishing environment, one will grow empathetic and level-headed. However, if one experienced abuse, one will become delinquent and depressive. While it’s…

On Moving Forward With Sorrow — INTRODUCTION & PLOT Drifting Home is a story about sixth graders Kousuke and Natsume. They have been long-time friends, but their relationship was strained because of a family incident. During their summer vacation, they visit a housing complex scheduled for demolition. …

Beauty in Japanese philosophy — The other day, I met with a friend whom I did not see for three years. He was one of my closest friends in college, and I felt joy when he asked to meet and catch up. When we met, he told me that 2022 wasn’t his favorite year. He…

On The Limits Of Scientific Inquiry — This article contains spoilers. Alchemists are scientists you see. We don’t believe in creators and God and such. We observe the physical laws that govern this world and pursue truth. — Edward Elric INTRODUCTION Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded as the greatest anime of all time. In fact, the series…

On Pushing Forward Amidst Absurdity — INTRODUCTION & PLOT Tomoya, Ryou, and Aoi meet to test a local legend. They light fireworks in an open field, hoping it will call the summer ghost — a spirit believed to answer one’s most pressing questions. When the ghost Ayane appears, she reveals that only those near death can see her. Tomoya…

On Love As What Gives Life Meaning — INTRODUCTION & PLOT The Fruits Basket franchise ended in Spring 2021, and ever since, I always wished to see it again because of its rawness and emotional impact. So when I heard Fruits Basket Prelude was animated, I felt happy because I’ll get to see the cast again. …

On Revisiting Our Values — INTRODUCTION & PLOT Tokyo Godfathers, unlike Satoshi Kon’s first two films — Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress, is straightforward. The film shows how we, as a society, find it so easy to discard people and things we consider irrelevant. The story invites us to rethink this kind of culture as it shows us…