Konnichiwa from Japan!
Welcome, welcome, one and all. Read on to learn how I journal while travelling, our biggest problem in Japan, and my thoughts on a book about all the cats in the world disappearing.
Yes, we are in Japan. Avvai made it back from Canada and we were reunited in Tokyo. After a few days in the biggest city in the world, we arrived at our apartment here in Kyoto where we are going to spend a little time. It’s a beautiful place, but we discovered one problem:
The tables are too close to the ground.
It’s not that I can’t sit cross-legged. No, being so close to the ground while trying to work has been putting us both to sleep.
Yesterday, I tried to write this newsletter and ended up waking from hundreds micro naps. I haven’t had this much trouble staying awake since 8am organic chemistry class. At various points I woke up sprawled on the tatami mats like I’d been drugged. Eventually, I managed to crawl over and slide the door open to Avvai’s room, only to find her sprawled out, her computer on her chest like a metal blanket, sleeping soundly.
So we’re going to get some real chairs. Maybe a make-shift standing desk. The further from the floor, the better.
WHAT HAVE YOU TWO BEEN UP TO?
Exploring Tokyo was a blast. We have some pictures below; my highlight is how much they like Pokemon here. The rest of our time has been spent working. I’m doing a lot of script coverage these days as Japan is quite expensive! There has been some cool comic updates, but I’ll save that for next week.
New Animation: The Big Bang Theory Multiverse Movie!
The goal of these animations is to learn the software and improve my editing and improv skills. One day I plan on making an entire animated series. However for now, we’re having fun and making each other laugh.
In this episode we imagine the Big Bang Theory Movie, despite knowing very little about the show. Apparently we did a pretty good job!
Now for a short look into how I try to make each day meaningful and memorable while moving around so much, with a little article I like to call…
HOW TO JOURNAL WHILE TRAVELLING (AND AT HOME)
I hate journalling while travelling, but I always feel like I should be doing it. You want to remember all the little things, while also processing the newness and excitement. However, it often feels like a chore, especially when there is exploring to do!
I’m going to share the method I discovered that solves this problem. It only takes a few minutes, prioritizes memories, and is fun to do. When I’m in vacation mode, it’s the perfect way to be present while still recording the big moments.
When I first started travelling I journaled a ton… the first few days. Then it drops off and I discover my journal all bunched up at the bottom of my bag when I get home. Worse, I don’t even read it.
Then I read Lynda Barry’s book about cartooning. She is a famous cartoonist who draws and writes about life in a fantastical way. She posted this blog to explain her process, and I’ve been doing it on and off ever since.
The method is simple and looks like this:
You list seven things you did and saw. One thing you overheard. And then you try to draw something from the day. That’s it!
I do this every day (usually in the morning). The bullet points are short and usually the first thing I think of. The stakes are low because nobody is going to read it, and I trust that if the moment is worth remembering, then a short bullet point is all I need.
Here is one from yesterday. I didn’t anticipate sharing it, so it’s a little messy, but you get the point. Also “Brautigans” are my own invention; they are little moments that could become stories.
The best part about this kind of journaling is that you soon train your brain to look for these moments and it becomes easier and easier. You’re subconsciously looking for stories, or strange conversations overheard, or distinct sights. It enhances your experience of the world.
This is also fun to do while at home. It may seem like your life isn’t that exciting, but once you start searching, little moments begin to surface. Whenever I’m feeling stagnant or ready to travel, I do this exercise.
If you decide to do this, let me know! I’d love to hear how it goes.
NOW FOR FUN RECOMMENDATIONS
If Cats Disappeared From The World by Genki Kawamura
I found this book at our hostel and had to read it. It’s got a great cover and an even better title. It turned out to be a delightful, life-affirming book about a young man who discovers he has brain cancer and one day to live (Japanese have a different idea on “life affirming”). The devil appears and offers another day of life if he’ll eliminate one category of thing from the world (for example, cats). The man figures that if he wants to live to 70, he simply needs to eliminate 14,610 things… and decides to start the process. After all, we have too much stuff, right? This book isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
The Drawing Advice That Changed My Life
This video is NOT about drawing. Well, it’s not just about drawing. It is for people with creative ambition, those who feel directionless, people who feel like they have too much stuff they want to do, and anyone interested in self improvement.
It’s not only for artists.
I loved it. This has inspired me hugely. I don’t want to give away the lesson, because I think the pleasure is in the delivery, but I highly recommend spending a few minutes and giving this a watch.
Tim Ferriss and Kelly Starrett: The Magic of Movement and Mobility
It is sometimes a challenge to exercise while travelling (and, let’s be honest, at home). This conversation started out simple – why should we move? And then built up to why exercise, stretch, and sit up straight. I loved it. I’ve never been more encouraged to go for daily walks or touch my toes. Highly recommend.
Look forward to more Japanese books in the future. There is a rich history of literature here and I can’t wait to delve deeply into it.
PICS FOR PEOPLE WHO MADE IT THIS FAR!
For those who want to see nice tourist photos, check out Avvai’s instagram. She posts the nice ones there. I try to keep things fresh and lively for you!
That’s it. See you in two weeks. Thank you for being here. Feel free to send this to anyone who may enjoy it – and if you have any recommendations for Japan send them over! We love to get out of the house and experience the world 🙂
Love,
Kyle