Category: Brain
-
My Old Ass: A Reflection on Time, Gratitude, and Society
Read more: My Old Ass: A Reflection on Time, Gratitude, and SocietyWe recently watched the movie “My Old Ass”, as my wife wanted to see it after reading good reviews on X. Released in theaters in 2024, the story unfolds in the stunning setting of Muskoka Lakes, Ontario. It follows Elliott, an 18-year-old girl who encounters her 39-year-old self during a mushroom trip. I was pleasantly…
-
Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe – Exploring Themes of Society and Awareness
Read more: Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe – Exploring Themes of Society and AwarenessWe watched Birth of Kitarō: The Mystery of GeGeGe with my wife. Though I had heard of GeGeGe no Kitarō, the famous manga by Shigeru Mizuki, I had never read it. I knew the central theme revolved around yōkai, a fascinating class of Japanese folklore creatures—spirit-monsters with deep cultural roots. The movie serves as a…
-
Hotel California by The Eagles: A Masterpiece with Timeless Reflections
Read more: Hotel California by The Eagles: A Masterpiece with Timeless ReflectionsReleased in 1977, the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles remains one of the most famous and enigmatic songs ever written. It is a musical masterpiece, concluding with an iconic 2-minute-and-12-second electric guitar solo performed by Felder and Joe Walsh. The two guitarists take turns playing the lead before harmonizing in a series of arpeggios,…
-
Audition: Exploring Feminism, Misogyny, and Society’s Flaws
Read more: Audition: Exploring Feminism, Misogyny, and Society’s FlawsAudition is a Japanese horror movie directed by Takashi Miike, released in 1999. I first watched it while living in France on the television channel Arte. Miike, known for his unsettling films, adapts Ryū Murakami’s novel in this masterpiece. The story revolves around a middle-aged widower who orchestrates a fake audition with the help of…
-
Civil War (2024): A Thought-Provoking Reflection on Society
Read more: Civil War (2024): A Thought-Provoking Reflection on SocietyI watched the movie Civil War, released in 2024, during my flight back to Japan after a short visit with my father in Paris. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as Lee, a veteran war photographer. Set in a dystopian future, Lee embarks on a perilous journey across the United States during a nationwide conflict. Accompanied…
-
Case Closed: The Power of Stories in Shaping Mindsets
Read more: Case Closed: The Power of Stories in Shaping MindsetsWe recently attended an event organized by the local police department. The purpose was to showcase their activities, especially for children, with a school group seated in the front row. A police orchestra performed arrangements of well-known songs, including the iconic theme from Case Closed. This renowned manga, written by Gosho Aoyama, began in 1996…
-
Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry: A Nostalgic Reminder to Cherish the Present
Read more: Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry: A Nostalgic Reminder to Cherish the PresentA bit of nostalgia sets the tone for today’s reflection. “Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry, released in 1997, became a commercial success across Europe, especially in France. The song’s simple, catchy melody makes it a favorite among beginner guitar players. The lyrics focus on the desire to spend as much time with a loved one…
-
Alias: Unveiling Truths Through Fiction
Read more: Alias: Unveiling Truths Through FictionAlias, an American action thriller and science fiction television series, was created by J. J. Abrams and aired for five seasons from 2001 to 2006. Starring Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow, the show follows a double agent working for the Central Intelligence Agency while posing as an operative for SD-6, a global criminal and espionage…
-
Jin: A Journey Through Time, Medicine, and Society
Read more: Jin: A Journey Through Time, Medicine, and SocietyToday’s post delves into the acclaimed Japanese drama “Jin”, first broadcast in 2009 on TBS, with a second season following in 2011. My wife and I are currently engrossed in it, and the story so far has proven to be both captivating and thought-provoking. The drama is a compelling mix of time travel, history, and…
-
Puzzle and Dragons: Breaking Free from the Gacha Grip
Read more: Puzzle and Dragons: Breaking Free from the Gacha GripI started playing Puzzle and Dragons in 2014, during my first year in Japan on a working holiday visa. While I’ve genuinely enjoyed the game for years, I recently decided it was time to stop. After reflecting on my habits, I realized I could better use my time—even just a few minutes daily—for more meaningful…