Category: Balance
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Lessons from The Last Samurai: Addiction, Redemption, and Cultural Unity
Read more: Lessons from The Last Samurai: Addiction, Redemption, and Cultural UnityThe Last Samurai by Edward Zwick stars Tom Cruise alongside renowned Japanese actors such as Ken Watanabe and Hiroyuki Sanada. The movie brings together American and Japanese cultures, and while it includes some inevitable clichés, it does so thoughtfully, adding authenticity by casting Japanese actors. (Unlike many productions that cast non-Japanese Asian actors for Japanese…
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Building Empathy: Lessons from “Another Day in Paradise”
Read more: Building Empathy: Lessons from “Another Day in Paradise”A French friend I met in Japan once sang Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins during a karaoke session. While I knew Phil Collins as the drummer of Genesis (yes, I’m not that young, though it’s still not my generation), I hadn’t heard this particular song before. The beauty of karaoke, especially when you…
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The Power of Neuroplasticity: A Path to Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
Read more: The Power of Neuroplasticity: A Path to Lifelong Learning and Personal GrowthI don’t really remember how I started watching his podcasts on YouTube, but Andrew Huberman’s podcasts are always a pleasure to watch or listen to. For those who are not familiar with him, he is a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University. He begins his podcasts by telling his mission is to provide at no…
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Final Fantasy VII: Reflections on Environmentalism, Corporate Power, and Collective Change
Read more: Final Fantasy VII: Reflections on Environmentalism, Corporate Power, and Collective ChangeThe seventh installment of Final Fantasy, developed by Square Enix, is perhaps the most globally recognized entry in the series, having been widely released on the original PlayStation. Recently remade (Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth), the game has been acclaimed by both the gaming community and fans worldwide. One of the…
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Namie Amuro: The Heisei Diva and Role Model
Read more: Namie Amuro: The Heisei Diva and Role ModelNamie Amuro is one of Japan’s most renowned artists, earning the title “Heisei Diva” upon her retirement at the close of the Heisei era. Often referred to as the Queen of Japanese pop, she is celebrated for continuously reinventing herself and her style throughout her career. Despite experiencing ups and downs, she consistently bounced back,…
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The Struggles of Modern Life: Reflections on No Surprises by Radiohead
Read more: The Struggles of Modern Life: Reflections on No Surprises by RadioheadRadiohead, an iconic English band, is renowned for its hauntingly emotional lyrics, brought to life by lead singer Thom Yorke. His voice and the band’s unique sound create an experience that resonates deeply with listeners, particularly when addressing the darker aspects of modern life. One such song, No Surprises, from the album OK Computer (1997),…
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Lessons from “The Seven Deadly Sins”: A Reflection on Global Unity and Understanding
Read more: Lessons from “The Seven Deadly Sins”: A Reflection on Global Unity and UnderstandingThe Seven Deadly Sins, a popular manga by Nakaba Suzuki, masterfully blends traditional shonen elements with a medieval story rooted in the legend of King Arthur. It also draws inspiration from religious themes, particularly the concept of the seven deadly sins. In this fantastical world, humans coexist with other races, including giants, fairies, demons, and…
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Kefka and the Question of Meaning in Final Fantasy VI
Read more: Kefka and the Question of Meaning in Final Fantasy VIKefka, the main antagonist of Final Fantasy VI by Square Enix, stands out as one of the most memorable and chilling villains in gaming. His journey from being the first human experiment infused with magic to becoming a nihilistic psychopath is central to the story’s depth. He nearly succeeds in his vision of destruction, reshaping…
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Mastering Life: Lessons from Final Fantasy V’s Job System
Read more: Mastering Life: Lessons from Final Fantasy V’s Job SystemIn Final Fantasy V by Square Enix, players experience an RPG (Role Playing Game) built around a unique “job system.” This system lets you unlock various jobs by progressing through the story or completing side quests. Each job comes with its own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, offering a fresh gameplay dynamic. The first jobs are…
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The Power Beyond the Suit: Spider-Man’s Lesson
Read more: The Power Beyond the Suit: Spider-Man’s LessonIn Spider-Man: Homecoming directed by Jon Watts, the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues its tradition of intertwining characters and storylines, leading to unforgettable moments. Following nearly twenty years of Marvel films, culminating in Avengers: Endgame, this first Spider-Man reboot features Tom Holland as a youthful Peter Parker, with Tony Stark (Iron Man) stepping in as his…