Ryu's Blog

Learn and Create

Recent Posts

  • Quotes: Skip and Loafer

    “I think the memories of a place are memories of the people there. That’s why…I’m sure I’m going to love this place.” – Mitsumi Iwakura

    “But you can put your goals into words. People can have expectations and support you. I couldn’t handle all that. Pathetic, isn’t it?” – Shima Sosuke

    “You never know what time will lead to the best things until long after it’s passed. So I think the most important thing is that you choose how to spend that time.” – Tokiko Takamine

    “Effort leads to confidence, but believing that effort will always be rewarded is a very, very scary idea.” – Mitsumi Iwakura

    “You know, Shima. I might trip and fall in really stunning ways sometimes, but because I do, I’m really good at getting up too!” – Mitsumi Iwakura

    “I want to aim higher, but that’s just a side-effect, or a secondary reason…I can’t really imagine myself not thinking about writing a script. So if I can make it my livelihood, that’d be best. Is there a destination for a daily routine like eating and going to work? I still can’t imagine one.” Narumi Kanechika

  • Movies I watched on recent flights

    Worlds Apart: It’s better than I anticipated, focusing on the intricacies of human relationships, especially for those who have a hard time fitting into society. There are good dialogues, and the film shows how proper conversation plays a crucial role in relationships. Makio’s difficulty in giving feedback on Asa’s first attempt at writing lyrics reminds me to be more delicate in my communication. Here’s a review.

    Our Little Sister. I rewatched this on Netflix recently and still like it a lot. Director Kore-eda often focuses on the complexity of family relationships, but this one feels warmer. The movie portrays the kind of relationships I admire, while the small-town setting reminds me of my time living in Beppu, Oita. It’s a nice movie to enjoy with a glass of Umeshu. Here’s a review.

    Cottontail is a movie about loss, family, and living in one’s own world. Here’s a review, calling it the sad version of Perfect Days. Perfect Days resonates more with me.

    Blue Period live-action movie: it condensed a lot of material into a single film. I think the manga and anime did a better job of portraying Yatora’s struggles and weaknesses, not to mention the other characters’ stories.

    Wild Robot is nicely done and entertaining to watch from beginning to end. Here’s a review.

  • Sketches: Kimi Ni Todoke III

    “Are those questions needed to be answered logically? When I became aware of it, I realized she’d always been special to me. I can’t even compare her to anyone else.” – Sanada Ryu

    “If you’re at a loss for words, you don’t have to force yourself. That in itself is a form of comfort.” – Shota Kazehaya

  • Piano: Serena’s Harp from Dragon Quest XI

    “…I hope you’ll take take me along with you all over again!” Serena

  • Sketches: Kimi Ni Todoke II

    “There’s no knowing how others are feeling unless you ask them. And your feelings can’t get through to others unless you tell them directly.” – Sawako Kuronuma

    “When you talk properly, you get your feelings across properly, right?” – Shota Kazehaya

  • Sketches: Kimi Ni Todoke

    Sawako: You’re right. You’re the only one who can hurt me. You touch my heart when no one else can. It doesn’t matter if things get awkward or if we fight. I want the person I’m awkward around, the one I’m fighting with…to be you, Kazehaya-kun. I don’t care if it’s not right.

    Sawako: When your love is unrequited, all you ever see is a retreating back. But we’re different. We should be able to face each other and look each other in the eye. If we solve our problems together, love will grow.

  • Movie: CODA

    The themes are simple and well portrayed: passion versus obligation, and family relationships amid hardships and disadvantages. The soundtrack stands out, especially the beautiful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now.

    Here’s a review.

    Lyrics:

    Rows and floes of angel hair
    And ice cream castles in the air
    And feather canyons everywhere
    Looked at clouds that way

    But now they only block the sun
    They rain and they snow on everyone
    So many things I would have done
    But clouds got in my way

    I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
    From up and down and still somehow
    It’s cloud illusions I recall
    I really don’t know clouds at all

    Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
    The dizzy dancing way that you feel
    As every fairy tale comes real
    I’ve looked at love that way

    But now it’s just another show
    And you leave ’em laughing when you go
    And if you care, don’t let them know
    Don’t give yourself away

    I’ve looked at love from both sides now
    From give and take and still somehow
    It’s love’s illusions that I recall
    I really don’t know love 
    I really don’t know love at all

    Tears and fears and feeling proud
    To say, “I love you, ” right out loud
    Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
    I’ve looked at life that way

    Oh, but now old friends, they’re acting strange
    And they shake their heads and they tell me that I’ve changed
    Well, something’s lost, but something’s gained
    In living every day

    I’ve looked at life from both sides now
    From win and lose and still somehow
    It’s life’s illusions I recall
    I really don’t know life at all

    It’s life’s illusions that I recall
    I really don’t know life
    I really don’t know life at all

  • Link: 33 Ways To Improve Your Life, Japanese Style

    Silence, introversion, otaku-like obsession, nature, mindfulness, discipline, flowing with the seasons, balance, minimalism, quality, and politeness–all of these align with my personality and preferences. No wonder Japan is my favourite country.

    Link to the article.

  • Sketches: Final Fantasy IX

    “To hell with looks. It’s what’s inside that counts.” – Zidane

    “You taught me that life doesn’t last forever. That’s why we have to help each other and live life to the fullest.” – Vivi

  • Sketches: Hunter X Hunter

    “You should enjoy the little detours to the fullest.” – Ging

    “If you want to get to know someone, find out what makes them angry.” – Gon