Tag: Empathy
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“Departures” and Life’s Hidden Lessons: Reflections on Work, Death, and Family
Read more: “Departures” and Life’s Hidden Lessons: Reflections on Work, Death, and FamilyDepartures by Yōjirō Takita, originally titled Okuribito (“one who sends off”), follows a cellist who loses his job and returns to his hometown with his wife. He unexpectedly finds work “assisting departures,” which he assumes is in travel. Instead, he prepares bodies for cremation ceremonies. This thought-provoking film examines themes of prejudice, our relationship with…
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Exploring Romance and Self-Growth Through City Hunter
Read more: Exploring Romance and Self-Growth Through City HunterCity Hunter, a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tsukasa Hojo, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1985 to 1991. The story follows Ryo Saeba, a “sweeper” and flirtatious gunman, who runs the “City Hunter” business in Shinjuku, Tokyo. At first accompanied by his partner, Hideyuki Makimura, Ryo’s world changes dramatically when Hideyuki…
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Rediscovering Life’s Purpose: Reflections on Living by Oliver Hermanus
Read more: Rediscovering Life’s Purpose: Reflections on Living by Oliver HermanusIn Living, directed by Oliver Hermanus and adapted from Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru, Bill Nighy portrays a bureaucrat in a public works office who, upon learning of his terminal illness, confronts the monotony that has defined his life. Once called a “Zombie” by a former colleague—a woman he admires for her lively spirit—he realizes he’s lost…
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Haikyu!!: Lessons in Teamwork, Self-Improvement, and Resilience
Read more: Haikyu!!: Lessons in Teamwork, Self-Improvement, and ResilienceHaikyu!!, a manga by Haruichi Furudate, has made a remarkable impact on the popularity of volleyball, both in Japan and internationally. Much like Slam Dunk for basketball or Captain Tsubasa for soccer, Haikyu!! brings excitement to the sport it showcases, blending drama, humor, and a touch of reality. Through dynamic storytelling and character growth, 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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Awakenings: A Reflection on Consciousness and Society
Read more: Awakenings: A Reflection on Consciousness and SocietyAwakenings, directed by Penny Marshall and based on a true story, centers around a doctor who, as one of many researchers, struggles with social interactions and prefers the solitude of his laboratory. He takes a position at a psychiatric hospital where he encounters catatonic patients—individuals who have been unresponsive for years. The doctor begins experimenting…
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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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The Hidden Scars in Ai Yazawa’s Nana: A Story of Growth, Empathy, and Influence
Read more: The Hidden Scars in Ai Yazawa’s Nana: A Story of Growth, Empathy, and InfluenceNana by Ai Yazawa is one of the few shoujo manga that I’ve read, and it stands out to me for its depth. The story revolves around two women, both named Nana, who meet by chance on a train journey to Tokyo. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, their lives become intertwined, leading them to…
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Gunnm: A Reflection on Humanity in a Cyborg World
Read more: Gunnm: A Reflection on Humanity in a Cyborg WorldIn Gunnm (Battle Angel Alita) by Yukito Kishiro, we are thrust into a dystopian future where Gally, a cyborg girl, is rescued by Doctor Daisuke Ido. Ido, a doctor who also leads a secret life as a bounty hunter, hides his darker side from Gally. Their lives unfold in the Scrapyard, a place where scraps…
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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…