Tokyo Photo Walk 2
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169)
Mon 2008/07/21 10:50
This time we go for walkies around the Musashikoyama area which is home to the longest indoor shopping mall in Japan.
But we are not going to walk around the mall today and instead go catch some of the cool breeze on this warm evening. While we take the walk, I thought we'd chat about life stuff.
I ended my salary man days when I left Microsoft and ever since then I've lost track of all the public holidays. As also I work most Saturdays/Sundays, I don't distinguish between Weekends and Weekdays. Its a public holiday today and I didn't even know about it ^^;
So I mentioned before that one should try to seek something that they enjoy doing and make it into a living.
I also mentioned that I'm having loads of fun making a living out of what I enjoy and know best. I've also managed to make my hobby part of my work too where my clients are in the figure/anime industry.
But having loads of fun doesn't mean that its never going to be tough.
While we do have loads of clients, being in startup mode with Hector, my wife, me and a team of developers overseas means that we put in long hours.
As we are building our products from scratch, we face many technical challenges. We have pressure from clients who want their products yesterday and have to even turn down potential clients due to lack of resources. The list of obstacles/challenges continues.
As we are building our products from scratch, we face many technical challenges. We have pressure from clients who want their products yesterday and have to even turn down potential clients due to lack of resources. The list of obstacles/challenges continues.
But I can tell you from experience that hard work certainly pays off.
I recall the time when I was still at university - used to work most nights at a Japanese restaurant after class. Sometimes we would finish at midnight.
My wife used to ride her bike while I held onto the back wearing those roller blades - was about a 20 min ride home. I could not ride a bike back then.
After reaching home it was time for a shower and then time for Kanji and Hangul homework and prepare for the next day of classes.
The hard work paid off, I graduated with first class honors and made enough money to afford trips to Japan which were important for absorbing the culture and learning the language.
Without my language skills I probably would not have got into Japan Airlines with my crummy PC configuration skills alone. Without Japan Airlines I would not have got the job at Nature which got me to Japan. Wihtout Nature I would not have made it to Amazon etc etc.
I recall the time when I was still at university - used to work most nights at a Japanese restaurant after class. Sometimes we would finish at midnight.
My wife used to ride her bike while I held onto the back wearing those roller blades - was about a 20 min ride home. I could not ride a bike back then.
After reaching home it was time for a shower and then time for Kanji and Hangul homework and prepare for the next day of classes.
The hard work paid off, I graduated with first class honors and made enough money to afford trips to Japan which were important for absorbing the culture and learning the language.
Without my language skills I probably would not have got into Japan Airlines with my crummy PC configuration skills alone. Without Japan Airlines I would not have got the job at Nature which got me to Japan. Wihtout Nature I would not have made it to Amazon etc etc.
If you feel that your schooling/work is tough but at the same time hate what you are studying or hate your current job then I advise to take time out to rethink your life plan as soon as you can. Life is too short to spend your life doing something that hurts you physically and mentally and its definitely too short to spend it doing something you dislike.
On the other hand, if you are going through tough times while doing something that you are passionate about and beleive in, then the rest just naturally follows and good things will happen to you. It sounds odd but I guess its the way the universe was put together.
Now for a message to those who are having a bumpy ride while doing something that they enjoy in life.
Obstacles will appear and "shit will hit the fan" but you should never get down or depressed about these events and instead look at them in a different way.
Obstacles will appear and "shit will hit the fan" but you should never get down or depressed about these events and instead look at them in a different way.
When shit hits the fan for me, I see it as a great opportunity to improve things - no matter how serious or somber the problem.
Can you imagine life if it was all plain sailing?
Can you imagine life if it was all plain sailing?
Seeing obstacles as a gift will help you stay focused on your goals and destinations. Think to yourself "Am I going to give up my dreams and get all depressed just because of this obstacle?"
Learn how to automatically answer "no" and immediately proceed to solving the problem.
Being depressed is by nature negative energy and does not solve anything - it will only bring you down more.
Learn how to automatically answer "no" and immediately proceed to solving the problem.
Being depressed is by nature negative energy and does not solve anything - it will only bring you down more.
So I'm nearing the end of this post and just want to summarize what we talked about.
Life is short. No matter how young you think you are, you will be 6 foot under ground before you know it.
Also, never be under the assumption that you will live until you are old n gray. Unless you are best buddies with god, you do not have any guarantees that you wont die tomorrow. Dying is a reality whether its from old age or from natural disasters or from some crazy guy running around Akihabara stabbing people at random.
I'm under no illusion that I'm going to live until old age which is why I always live as if it was my last day. That does not mean I ignore the responsibilities I have though ^^
Make a point of exploring what you want to do with the rest of your life.
You may not find the answer straight away, but as long as you continue to search, the answer will come to you.
And where do you start to look? Easy one - you know what you like and are passionate about - start there.
Explore communities where there is information or people who enjoy the same interests that you have. Dont wait for things to happen - make them happen.
Also, never be under the assumption that you will live until you are old n gray. Unless you are best buddies with god, you do not have any guarantees that you wont die tomorrow. Dying is a reality whether its from old age or from natural disasters or from some crazy guy running around Akihabara stabbing people at random.
I'm under no illusion that I'm going to live until old age which is why I always live as if it was my last day. That does not mean I ignore the responsibilities I have though ^^
Make a point of exploring what you want to do with the rest of your life.
You may not find the answer straight away, but as long as you continue to search, the answer will come to you.
And where do you start to look? Easy one - you know what you like and are passionate about - start there.
Explore communities where there is information or people who enjoy the same interests that you have. Dont wait for things to happen - make them happen.
Obstacles are gifts and we should be thankful each time that fate deals one to us - obstacles enable us to improve the way we are, improve our processes and improve our lives. We also feel good about dealing with obstacles too.
Never give up. We give up due to obstacles. Even worse, we give up due to unseen obstacles that we beleive to be there - otherwise known as "fear."
"I have no hope of living and working in Japan because of blah."
Figure out ways of overcoming that "blah" (obstacle) instead of letting it stop you.
If you have something you are passionate about, work out how to overcome any obstacles and remain focused - good things will happen through your efforts. Its the way the universe was built.
On the other hand if you are a "I want to learn Japanese but I don't have time" then maybe you are not passionate enough about learning Japanese (for example) because if you were passionate then you would simply make the time.
Look at what you feel is important to you in life and prioritize - make the time to do the stuff thats important before its too late.
"I have no hope of living and working in Japan because of blah."
Figure out ways of overcoming that "blah" (obstacle) instead of letting it stop you.
If you have something you are passionate about, work out how to overcome any obstacles and remain focused - good things will happen through your efforts. Its the way the universe was built.
On the other hand if you are a "I want to learn Japanese but I don't have time" then maybe you are not passionate enough about learning Japanese (for example) because if you were passionate then you would simply make the time.
Look at what you feel is important to you in life and prioritize - make the time to do the stuff thats important before its too late.
Would like to hear about whether you have given up on something due to an obstacle. Hopefully we can talk about it to help each other out.
The iPhone 3G went on sale today at the Softbank flagship store in Omotesando/Harajuku.
...(more)
Fri 07/11 15:32 comments (123)
Nice post. I was well keen on working in the 3d industry in Tokyo - even if its just for a year), but the shitty things that have happened at home over the last 7 months have put an end to that. I do hope to pursue it soon though. As you said - life is too short.
(ID #243400) Posted on 2008/07/21 10:56
Director/Technical Director, Cameraman
Heh, Danny its not that hard to ride a bike. Did you not know at all how to ride?
(ID #243402) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:02
Director/代表取締役
I can ride one now ^^; You must have missed pics of my new bike - check my "kamakura" article http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/1524/Kamakura.html
(ID #243405) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:05
Director/Technical Director, Cameraman
Heh, yea I've seen your new bike pics, but it was kinda surprising to see you didnt know how to ride a bike ;p
(ID #243914) Posted on 2008/07/22 01:42
.NET/Web Developer
Hey I still can't ride a bike up till now. I almost got the hang of it a few years ago but forgot how to after a long time of not using one. :(
(ID #244704) Posted on 2008/07/23 01:50
Gamer, the hardcore kind
Great article, Danny. You're an amazing inspirational/motivational article writer! While I might be a bit too young to have experienced anything major in terms of obstacles, I do find my time to be a bit scarce at times. I have so many plans learn Japanese and to go to Japan, but I can't seem to get myself there just yet. As an avid gamer, I mostly get caught in my PC's tractor beam and I stay there whenever not in school. While this is might be an obstacle in its own right, it's one that I should be able to overcome easily if I just put my mind to it. Getting a part-time job also seems like a mean feat to me, but it is necessary if I'm ever to get to Japan. Again, it's all about tearing myself away my PC. What's the best way to walk away from your beloved hobby (not entirely though) and get a job and practice Japanese?
(ID #243412) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:11
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Make learning Japanese and finding a job your priority. Yes, I know, no kidding. Mentally you need to decide that is what you want and take steps to do it. For example... On paper, write down your goals for the long term and the short term. Then take steps to make the short term goals come true. Make time right now to study Japanese for at least one hour a day. Study have shown that if you study at least one hour a day, everyday, you will study more than students at the college level. Set time limits for when you can spend time gaming and on the Internet. Now is the best time to start. Just like Danny, I regret not having started earlier and the time I have lost.
(ID #243422) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:33
Gamer, the hardcore kind
Thanks. I'll try out some of those points and see if I can shift my weight a bit in the direction of what I really need to do. I guess it's just a matter of willpower.
(ID #244016) Posted on 2008/07/22 05:54
More inspiration once again. Thanks Danny. Still in school but I'm still aiming to get somewhere in Japan. Just not sure what to combine Japan with. I still have 1year and a bit before I leave school/enter university. Still not sure what to do but it'll come to me. Funny that you didn't know how to ride a bike at such an age!
(ID #243416) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:15
Otaku/Computer tech/Student
Quite a nice post, Danny. Nice pics too. :p I myself have many plans and ambitions for the future, basically I want to earn at least my masters degree and hopefully higher (doctoral or prof.) in computer science or engineering and I'm planning on minoring in Japanese language studies. Once I get my education I'm planning on moving to Japan, as a matter of fact I'm still trying to look for a way that would allow me to move to Japan while still getting my education. I currently have a couple of obstacles and I'm sure more will crop up along the way, but I'm definitely not going to let them stop me, I know there is going to be a lot of hard work along the way and I'm still trying to accept the fact that I simply won't have the kind of time that I want to have to do the extra things, the fun things while getting my education. But at the same time I'm going to be studying something I enjoy, so I'm thinking things will work out just fine for me. I'm going to have to get the studying in and once it's done then I will work toward putting myself in a situation like yours, one where I can enjoy work and have fun at the same time. One of my main obstacles is going to be money, getting the kind of education I want is going to take many years in a university and that's going to cost quite a lot, which means I'm going to have to work even harder so that I can get scholarships to pay for it all, but it will all be worth it in the end.
(ID #243418) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:22
Interactive Media Producer
Always looking for these extra pick-me-up articles to keep me motivated. I'm honestly getting sick of my full-time job, even if I am being groomed to be a project manager at a digital media firm. I did manage to make my dream come true to go to Japan for a time while in college, but now I just want to make my own stuff happen. What would you recommend for someone who has business ideas, but doesn't have enough devoted support (or time because their full-time work takes up their energy) to make it happen? Thanks again for the article, and hoping for a response if you have the time. ^^
(ID #243419) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:23
Director/代表取締役
Hey, Will be covering that in a different post - too much to reply here. Hope thats OK with you ^^;
(ID #246256) Posted on 2008/07/24 18:01
Loved the talk on obstacles, and you have the right attitude towards them. A lot of military leadership likes to call obstacles, "opportunities to excel." While it's somewhat cliched, it is true. Only through adversity do you get a chance to truly shine. And remember, whether you face an obstacle and succeed or fail, always take away something. As long as you learn from your experiences, you're ahead of the game.
(ID #243420) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:25
Ha ha, I guess I'm not going through my midlife crisis yet at age 19 so I'll just keep plugging along, looking up. This made me feel pretty warm inside and what started off at just looking at nice pictures, I was more absorbed in your words than the pictures in the end.
(ID #243421) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:29
Software Engineer
Great post Danny, was once again captivated by the words and missed the pictures. I can point to a few "defining moments" that have shaped the last 10+ years of my life so I especially related to the "Without my language skills I probably ....." paragraph. Without the on the spot decision to move to Queensland i would not have learnt the Software i use which opened a door in Melbourne which in turn saw me working for the Software company as a teacher / consultant which has now allowed me to live in Japan for the last few years and many more i hope. People have told me i am "lucky" ... B.S i am lucky, i have made my own luck and made decisions that others would have thought too hard. Loved the post man, great motivational stuff!
(ID #243423) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:37
Extremely Poor College Student
based on what you said about your wife picking you up,i'm assuming you got married while in college?that must have been hard having to pay for college and support the family
(ID #243426) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:39
Director/代表取締役
I was at Uni at the time but schooling fees were free back then.
(ID #243431) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:43
Mobile Market Consultant - Designer
Just wanted to say Thanks. I read this in the exact moment of my life I needed it. Say hi to Hector on my behalf.
(ID #243429) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:41
resident caffeine junkie
Thank you, Danny. That's just the kind of inspirational talk I needed. I now have a new creedo to live by: "Dont wait for things to happen - make them happen." Ever since my girlfriend and I broke up a few months back, I have been down in the dumps. I kept asking myself where I went wrong and where I lacked. As a few friends pointed out, it wasn't that I lacked in things, it was more of I gave too much. Every time I get idle, thoughts bother my mind. Then I just thought to myself, rather than think of how things could have been, I should think of ways to make it right and how to prove to her that she was wrong to just give up on us. I'm currently working a menial job as web support for a BPO Firm. I'm also taking culinary arts classes after work hours. Pretty much, my plan is to setup my own restaurant once I have my certificate in culinary arts in a year or so. And from then on, hopefully when things work out, maybe ask her.
(ID #243430) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:42
Thanks Danny :)
(ID #243434) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:45
Online Shop
Thank you for another inspirational post Danny. In fact, I'm facing some difficulties right now and instead feeling depressed by it, I should see them differently and will try to overcome them. I'm still young and I should not give up yet when there's hope. Thanks again~
(ID #243437) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:46
THANK YOU Danny! You're a great motivator, really, I don't know how you do it but in fact I feel much better after reading this post. My dream is living and working in Japan, just like you're doing, and there's some times when I feel the world's against me or just feel that I never going to make my dream come true but when I feel a little down, I come to your blog and all the photos and posts makes me stand up again and work hard to get my goals done. I think you're a nice person who help others and that's why good things happen to you, it must be a kind of universal law or something but I'm glad you're having a good time. Hope someday I can meet you personally, I'm going to work to make that happen ^_^ Cheers!
(ID #243439) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:49
Very inspirational article, Danny. Thanks!
(ID #243443) Posted on 2008/07/21 11:54
Although, I don't think I've totally given up. I've been mixing chemicals for the past 5 years. Not what I thought I would be doing after all that graphic design training... E^d
(ID #243448) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:01
Internet contents, music, webdev
So you could skate but couldn't ride a bike? Maybe skating isn't that scary after all. Still don't have the interest to learn, though ^^
(ID #243450) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:03
Director/代表取締役
yep ^^;
(ID #244160) Posted on 2008/07/22 09:32
I'm a professional eggroll charmer
Aw that almost made me cry. I'm going through a teenage crisis right now; this has been the worst month of my life and you've given me and everyone else hope. My dream is to become someone like you, living your life to the fullest and fulfilling your dreams and passions. I wish to one day see the world as stunning as Japan looks through your lens.
(ID #243462) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:16
Director/代表取締役
Remain focused on your dreams and they will come true.
(ID #244158) Posted on 2008/07/22 09:32
Yup keep focus, this is a core of mind power
(ID #245008) Posted on 2008/07/23 11:37
Secretary
I quit community college about a year ago, I was getting really burnt out and was just wasting money. I've been a secretary(/slave) for about a year...I like the work, but not the job if that makes any sense. Soon (I am waiting for my PC to arrive) I will start learning to be a Medical Transcriptionist, which means I can work from home and hopefully we can start a family soon...which is more important to me than my career (but of course we need money, so I have to do something). Hopefully I really like Medical Transcription...it seems promising! :) I still wish I could work for you though, Danny ;)
(ID #243464) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:17
Walking at night... It seems that it's safe in some way. Well here in Canada, you'll get jumped... It's getting dangerous here sometimes at night... Well, still, it seems that Japan is safer then here at night!!! Love the pics!!! Danny, how you get you pics so clear!!!?
(ID #243466) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:18
Director/代表取締役
Tripod helps a lot ^^;
(ID #244155) Posted on 2008/07/22 09:31
Programmer, Web Developer / Web Designer
Very well written post Danny! Thanks! I couldn't agree with you more on the "unseen obstacles", if I have now made that decision about a single working opportunity in Japan I wouldn't be even here. I have always dream of coming to Japan but yet afraid about those "unseen obstacles", somehow I managed to get over it :D and I'm glad I did it back then. Thanks again ^^ (P.S Danny, the "Post Comment" link seems to erase the textbox comments when you accidentally clicked on them)
(ID #243471) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:24
Director/代表取締役
Cant do anything about that bug right now ^^;
(ID #244154) Posted on 2008/07/22 09:30
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. when things are sour, turn it sweet. make the best of a bad situation. no one can help u if u don't help yourself. cheers. ^^;
(ID #243473) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:26
Stigmata Martyr
i prefer "when God gives you lemons, you find a new god"
(ID #243478) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:29
WebDesign, Coding, Administration
I have given up on lots of things in the past, but usualy when i wanted something i would get it. My actual -want- besides loads of figmas (lol couldn't resist) is going to life and work in Japan (oh the news) and i change my job specialization just for it, as long as it's still IT i don't mind what branch it is. :) So yea, maybe in 3-4 years i can invite you and Haruhi for a figma tea party, if your schedule allows it lol. ;) Of course i will need a load of luck to manage anyhow, but guess thats my little obstacle. ^^ Other then that, nice pictures there, i love night pictures - seems you make a lot of those.
(ID #243491) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:54
Student Engineer
"Brick walls are there for a reason- they keep those who don't belong out". I am a hard worker. I am a student engineer at Penn State that spends 20+ hours a week in the library (not counting additional work) and maybe 40+ hours or so a week in classrooms. On weekends, to support myself I will have to be working at another "job" to make ends meet. I would like to live independently on my own this summer and I will save money over the fall semester to pay for it. Now I said
(ID #243492) Posted on 2008/07/21 12:54
Student Engineer
- that I was a hard worker, and I won't deny that fact, I think I work hard and I think there is no other way to go about the process to get what I want. At times I feel like blah, or discouraged that I will be unable to do something. I failed Calculus this summer. I need to take it again in the spring. If I fail it again, I will be set back $20,000 USD because I will have to take another semesters worth. A lack off friends, family troubles and financual troubles, I am more pressured then ever to give in and just break down. And I have- but I havn't stopped moving forward. I realize that these are those crummy times of mine and everyone else will go through them too until the goal at the end- doing what we love to do. It's only a couple more years of all this hard work pays off with a Bachelors in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. I want to build aircraft carriers Danny- they are the ultimate projection of naval supremecy, air superiority, and a country's influence. More importantly, I wish to do it for two reasons- 1) I want to give back to the men and women in uniform 2) Carriers are friggin' awesome I build models in my spare time and I also surf the internet a lot. Being a Myers Briggs INTJ, I love to learn information that interests me, so it is not difficult to learn the latest in the defense industry. It seems like everyone is trying to screw me over these days- family, bank, job to an extent, etc. It is very discouraging, but I have been notorious for pulling myself out of muck before. You could also say this is a point in my life where barrels of elephant poo are being slung into an industrial fan. My life, as I see it is changing. I am going to college, but I am also moving on to become independent even earlier than I expected. In a way, my life is just beginning. That was a great post- I enjoyed reading it. There are many "truths" in this world, but I have found two statements that are indeed true. "Life can suck". "Life definitely moves on". "Life is ironic". Life is also what you make of it.
(ID #243493) Posted on 2008/07/21 13:05
Student Engineer
Oh- what I have given up. I have given up the chance to finish at Tae-Kwan-Do and baseball because we had to move. I like both, but find I don't have enough time to enjoy both- and I feel that I have moved on. I may take up kendo in the near future.
(ID #243494) Posted on 2008/07/21 13:09
おたくと大学生。
wow great article it is very inspirational. I like the pix too
(ID #243497) Posted on 2008/07/21 13:12
Good stuff. The only thing I can say really is there have been times in the past where I've either given up on stuff, or it just wasn't that huge of a priority it just sorta slipped my mind. Because of those times, I have had points in the future where I thought to myself, "If I had just kept to it, by now I'd probably be able to do it". Whenever I think of that, I get a deep sense of guilt and regret for not trying harder. I can happily say that I've been studying japanese for a long time now, longer than I have of anything else in the past. I think a huge motivational factor for me is when I find myself watching anime/dorama, and notice that sometimes my eyes drift away from the subtitles, and I just listen and actually UNDERSTAND what's being said. Whenever I have moments like this, I just get this humongous sense of accomplishment that motivates me to push on. The day I can watch anime/dorama and play japanese only games, and understand it without the need of subtitles is one I'm looking forward to greatly, and when I make it. I can only imagine a huge sense of accomplishment knowing I've started this and saw it through to the end, and not only that did something (learn another language) that most never do in their lifetime.
(ID #243502) Posted on 2008/07/21 13:18