Tag: Willpower
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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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The Inspirational World of Yowamushi Pedal by Wataru Watanabe
Read more: The Inspirational World of Yowamushi Pedal by Wataru WatanabeI first encountered the manga Yowamushi Pedal when I joined Cannondale, an American bicycle company known for its high-performance bikes used in events like the UCI Road World Championships. Famous cyclists such as Peter Sagan have ridden these bikes. At the time, I didn’t even know how to ride a standard bicycle—I simply hadn’t had…
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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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Awakening Through Music: Lessons from One Ok Rock’s “Delusion: All”
Read more: Awakening Through Music: Lessons from One Ok Rock’s “Delusion: All”The song Delusion: All by One Ok Rock serves as the theme song for KINGDOM: Return of the Great General, the fourth film in the live-action adaptation of Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom manga. Known for their high-energy performances and Taka’s unique vocal presence, One Ok Rock often incorporates English lyrics, an unusual trait in Japan’s rock…
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Finding Enlightenment Through the Journey of Growth in Vagabond
Read more: Finding Enlightenment Through the Journey of Growth in VagabondVagabond, a masterpiece by Takehiko Inoue, offers a fictionalized portrayal of the life of Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, based on Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel Musashi. The story begins with two 17-year-old warriors, Takezō Shinmen and Matahachi Hon’iden, wounded on the battlefield after the Battle of Sekigahara. Determined to achieve greatness, they pledge to become “Invincible Under…
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Embracing Passion and Authenticity in a Conformist Society
Read more: Embracing Passion and Authenticity in a Conformist SocietyIn Beck, a manga by Harold Sakuishi, we follow the journey of Yukio Tanaka, a 14-year-old whose ordinary life is upended when he meets Ryusuke Minami, a charismatic rock musician. A chance encounter with Ryusuke and his dog sets Yukio, or “Koyuki,” on a transformative path, drawing him into the world of rock music. Through…
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Finding Passion Through Captain Tsubasa: The Power of Manga
Read more: Finding Passion Through Captain Tsubasa: The Power of Manga“Captain Tsubasa,” a manga series by Yōichi Takahashi, tells the story of Tsubasa Oozora, a boy whose deep bond with soccer begins when he’s saved by a soccer ball at just a year old. Nearly hit by a bus, the ball absorbs most of the impact, sparking Tsubasa’s lifelong love for the game. His natural…
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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 Brutal Truth Behind General Kanki’s Hatred for the Middle Class
Read more: The Brutal Truth Behind General Kanki’s Hatred for the Middle ClassIn the world of Kingdom, a manga set in ancient China during the Warring States period, we follow the journey of Shin, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a “Great General of the Heavens.” Alongside Shin’s story, Kingdom presents a fascinating array of characters, each with their own ambitions, flaws, and philosophies. Among them,…
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Unleash Your Greatness: Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality
Read more: Unleash Your Greatness: Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Mamba MentalityThe most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do—Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant was undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Not only was his game on a different level than most on the court, but he also championed excellence…