In Between Dreams

So, I guess we actually did it.

2025 ended with me stumbling upon Shoe Dog and getting inspired by Phil Knight’s story about Nike. How he started by just exploring the world with a friend of his, how he went to the Onitsuka Tigers asking for a franchise, and how he eventually ended up at Fuji, making a promise to come back and climb the mountain when he became successful in life.

I loved that idea. And mentally made a note that, “You know what? I’m gonna go to Japan, say hi to Fuji, come up with some stupid promise, and then go back and climb it someday haha.”

And I actually did that. *shoulder tap*

Here’s a hi from Fuji!

I’ve traveled to a lot of different countries, but for some reason, Japan is and will always be one of the special ones. It’s just very different from the rest of the world.

It was a big solo trip for me – 18 days?? And I did learn a lot about who I am, what I want to do, and what I really enjoy in life. It gave me time to think about different perspectives and views on life.

Traveling is fun. It never stops amazing me!

Anyway, here are some of the things that hit me hard while I was in Japan.

Everyone is so busy thinking about the future or the past that we’ve stopped living in the present!

I take 100% of the blame for this and am guilty for sure.

But even after acknowledging that, it’s crazy how sad but true this is.

As a solo traveler, one of my favorite ways to pass time was people-watching. And Tokyo had enough people for that haha.

It’s true that we’re all so focused on figuring out “what’s next” that we sometimes forget to enjoy what’s happening right now.

We take pictures, we call people to show them stuff, we buy things to use in the “future.” It’s all for the future. And somehow, somewhere along the way, we end up forgetting that we live in the present. We stop appreciating it and start taking it for granted.

We do things for the future – nothing wrong with that. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Take bold steps, do things right, and work towards whatever you want in life.

But don’t step on the present just for that.

Live a little. Give your mind that empty space sometimes, or just roam around without a plan. You’ll be surprised how good it can feel.

There were days when I had stuff planned for my trip and days when I had absolutely nothing planned.

Literally nothing.

I’d wake up, see how my body was feeling, and decide my next move. Or just go walking down whichever street looked interesting haha.

Good stories? Definitely 🙂

I think people in Japan are really warm and friendly if you’re the same with them

Everywhere you go, people greet you. “Arigatou gozaimasu” when you leave, little smiles, small gestures, and just a general sense of warmth.

A lot of people I met there seemed genuinely happy.

I guess that’s what happens when you end up doing something you really like? When your work and passion are the same?

Like, I met this ramen chef at an amazing vegan ramen place in Kyoto, and we had a really nice chat.

Turns out he had lived just two hours away from me in Oregon. Small world indeed.

He had moved to Japan for family, but oh my god – I don’t think I’d ever seen someone who seemed so satisfied with his life. He was just so happy with everything!

Did he have it all figured out?

Bruh – no one has!!

Everyone in life has their own struggles, which brings me to my next point.

Stop complaining. Seriously, stop.

Everyone has their own set of problems, and it’s not fair to compare them.

Doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, everyone has their own struggles to deal with and is trying their best to get past them and live a happy life.

I’m doing it, you’re doing it, and probably your best friend is doing it too.

The least we can do is give ourselves some grace.

Cut ourselves some slack. Acknowledge that everyone is going through something, and just be there for people whenever we can.

Don’t make things harder than they already are.

If you can help make things better, do it. I don’t think anyone would really say no to a little kindness. The world need more nice people in it!

The concept of SPACE

Another very interesting thing I noticed was the concept of space in Japan.

Space in both lifestyle and interiors.

People really seem to care about personal space and being aware of their surroundings. Whether it’s on public transport, walking down the streets, or just being around other people.

I think if you can act according to the surroundings you’re in, you’re already doing pretty well.

Respect your space and the space of people around you.

And if you don’t have space? Make it.

You’ll be surprised how much that matters.

And I don’t think this is just about physical space. Sometimes you need that space in your head too. To think, to do nothing, or just to exist without constantly having something to do.

Why is everyone rushing?

One thing I realized later on was – why are people rushing?

Are we really that busy or important?

Why do people break rules, like crossing a signal when it’s red? Or leave late for things and then rush everywhere?

And yes, I’m guilty of this too haha.

I guess before doing anything, we just need to take a deep breath and ask ourselves:

“Is this really needed? What would happen if I don’t do it?”

And then decide.

I’m not saying be super lazy or stop getting things done. But this small effort can definitely help save some energy and avoid that unnecessary burnout lol.

Sometimes I think we create our own urgency for things that aren’t really urgent.

Anyway.

Now, while that’s a lot of philosophy, important things first.

I did visit Fuji. And we had a chat.

A good, honest chat.

I was trying to come up with a milestone for myself. Something that would make me want to come back and climb Fuji one day.

And I think I’ve figured it out.

Whenever I feel ready to announce to the world that I’m an artist, I’ll go back and climb Fuji. Its not like I am not today, but deep down, Im not fully convinced just yet sooooo…

I think there’s a long way to get there. But I like the long way, and I want to be one of the best.

Maybe I’ll have a proper art gallery someday, with my paintings hanging on the walls. And maybe I’ll get a picture clicked there, look at it, and think – okay, I guess we’re ready for Fuji now haha.

We can call it a day.

I don’t know when that will happen, or what the journey will look like. But I guess that’s the fun part, isn’t it?

For now, Fuji knows the promise.

And I have some painting to do.

Top 3 things about Japan?

Culture. Food. Gods. (And anime, of course.)

I will probably write a bit more about Kami, shrines, and Buddhist temples later on. There was so much about that side of Japan that I found fascinating and can speak for hours.

But this itself got pretty big, so oops.

Until next time!

And Fuji, I’ll see you again.