11 Comments

I really enjoyed reading your post. As a Japanese, I've never even thought of an aspect of being isolated, but indeed, geography does play a big role in our culture. Thank you for your insight and beautiful photos. Best wishes for the new year from Kanazawa!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! I adore Kanazawa. Happy new year to you too ☺️

Expand full comment

Thank you for this! Through this essay I have gained conceptual inroads into Turkey, New Zealand, Laos, and, of course, Japan. This feeling of international consideration is what makes the web so amazing!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for making time to read this lengthy post, I really appreciate it.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for your enlightening analyses, your advice and the beautiful photos. Having just returned to Switzerland after a three-month stay in Japan with my Japanese wife, I found your last letter to be a remarkably accurate reflection of my own experiences. I eagerly look forward to your future posts. Wishing you joy throughout December!

Expand full comment
author

This means the world to me as I was a little scared that this last letter would come out as a little too critical/controversial. And I have to say that I adore Switzerland, one of the bad sides of living in Japan is no longer being able to go on yearly hiking trips to Switzerland.

Expand full comment

I am really enjoying your writing! Best wishes for the new year from Wales and I look forward to reading more about your insights into your life next year!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for making time to read my posts. It truly means a lot to me. I also wish you a very happy new year!

Expand full comment

My pleasure!

Expand full comment

A really insightful piece! Speaking to the New Zealand section, as a kiwi, I can say you’ve done a brilliant job at capturing the spirit of the place.

Expand full comment
author

So so happy to hear it. It is an exceptionally beautiful country but what makes it even more precious is the welcoming attitude and thank you for that.

Expand full comment