Category: Awareness
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Dream Theater’s “Take the Time”: Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World
Read more: Dream Theater’s “Take the Time”: Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World“Find all you need in your mind if you take the time.” These lyrics from Dream Theater’s song Take the Time resonate deeply in today’s ever-accelerating world. Known for their extraordinary musical virtuosity, the progressive rock band released their iconic album Images and Words in 1992. This was my first real exposure to their music,…
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Hokuto no Ken: Lessons in Resilience and Cultural Impact
Read more: Hokuto no Ken: Lessons in Resilience and Cultural ImpactHokuto no Ken, created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson, is one of the most iconic and influential manga of all time. Set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Mad Max, the story follows Kenshiro, the successor of a deadly martial art, as he navigates a lawless society devastated by nuclear war. With resources like water…
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GTO: A Wake-Up Call for Change in Education and Society
Read more: GTO: A Wake-Up Call for Change in Education and SocietyGreat Teacher Onizuka (GTO) is a manga that follows Eikichi Onizuka, an ex-gang member who becomes a teacher in a prestigious school, only to find himself in charge of a notoriously difficult class. His unorthodox personality and teaching methods challenge the conventional approach, gradually winning over the students who initially resist him. Onizuka’s mission is…
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Battle Royale: A Deep Critique of Society and the Future of Generations
Read more: Battle Royale: A Deep Critique of Society and the Future of GenerationsI watched Battle Royale on the recommendation of friends during my university years when I was studying Japanese. The movie sparked controversy but was also widely praised, notably by Quentin Tarantino, who listed it as one of his favorite films of the past two decades. Set in a dystopian future after a recession, a totalitarian…
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Space Brothers: A Journey Beyond Rivalry
Read more: Space Brothers: A Journey Beyond RivalryI was recommended the manga Space Brothers by Chūya Koyama, and its premise intrigued me enough to give it a try. As the title implies, the story revolves around two brothers who dreamt of going to space as children. The younger brother, Hibito, successfully becomes an astronaut for JAXA, while the older brother, Mutta, faces…
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Letting Go: Reflections on Lithium by Evanescence
Read more: Letting Go: Reflections on Lithium by EvanescenceLithium, the fourth track of Evanescence’s second album, released in 2006, is a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases the band’s signature style. I first heard it thanks to a friend while studying Japanese at university in Paris, France. By then, I was already familiar with their debut album Fallen, particularly the evocative My Immortal. Evanescence…
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Cool Runnings: A Tale of Culture, Dreams, and Unity
Read more: Cool Runnings: A Tale of Culture, Dreams, and UnityWhile browsing Disney Plus, I stumbled upon Cool Runnings by Jon Turteltaub—a movie that brought a smile to my face before I even hit play. Watching it again (this time not dubbed in French) reminded me of the unique charm that 90s movies had. It’s short, uplifting, and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.…
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L’Enfer by Stromae: A Reflection on Depression
Read more: L’Enfer by Stromae: A Reflection on DepressionI was living in Japan when Stromae’s song L’Enfer was released, creating a buzz as it debuted in a unique way—during a live interview on French national news. Stromae, whose name is the reverse of “maestro” in French slang (verlan), is a Belgian artist with roots in Rwanda and Flanders. Drawing inspiration from Jacques Brel…
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Brothers: Reflections on Family, Trauma, and Redemption
Read more: Brothers: Reflections on Family, Trauma, and RedemptionToday marks my brother’s birthday—a day that reminds me of the unique bond we share, shaped by family complexities and moments of love, resilience, and reconciliation. Five years my senior, my brother was not only a guide but a model I often followed in childhood. Our family faced its share of challenges, particularly due to…
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Detroit Metal City and the Masks We Wear
Read more: Detroit Metal City and the Masks We WearWatching Detroit Metal City by Kiminori Wakasugi was a surprising and hilarious experience. Though I had no idea how I came across it initially, the anime and movie adaptations were enjoyable, and even my wife, unfamiliar with the world of death metal, found them funny. Through its characters and absurdities, Detroit Metal City gives a…