Media Blog
Picture by hbieser
The 7 Shapes — Reflected in the Stories We Love
Not only in the magical world of Esperia, but right here on our beautiful planet Earth, we can also find echoes of the 7 Shapes—hidden in plain sight.
While we may not possess the magical powers of the Espers, we carry within us a human equivalent of their StarDust:
our incredible brain.
What if we looked at the world around us with greater awareness?
What if the stories we read, the movies we watch, the anime, manga, and books we cherish…
were more than just entertainment?
Each post below explores the presence of wisdom, balance, willpower, empathy, and more—through the lens of popular culture.
Let’s rediscover what inspires us, one tale at a time.
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Spirited Away: A Timeless Reflection on Consumerism, Environmental Impact, and Japanese Culture
I’m anticipating a short trip with my wife, where we will stay at a traditional Japanese hostel in a hot springs region of Japan. This inspired me to write about Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released by Studio Ghibli in 2001, as the main story takes place in a bathhouse. The Dōgo Onsen
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Stairway to Heaven: A Timeless Anthem with a Message for Humanity
I wanted to talk about Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin today. Released in 1971, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever. Period. My relationship with this track has evolved over time, and I believe this signifies a personal growth in maturity. When I was younger, my focus was often on
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Civil War (2024): A Thought-Provoking Reflection on Society
I 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
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Case Closed: The Power of Stories in Shaping Mindsets
We 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
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Save Tonight by Eagle-Eye Cherry: A Nostalgic Reminder to Cherish the Present
A 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
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Alias: Unveiling Truths Through Fiction
Alias, 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
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Jin: A Journey Through Time, Medicine, and Society
Today’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
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Puzzle and Dragons: Breaking Free from the Gacha Grip
I 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