Now that I am married and my circle of loved ones has grown, I find myself wishing not just for my own happiness, but for the happiness of my family, relatives, and friends.
How can we all find true happiness? That is what I think about every day.
When your heart has no room, it is impossible to cherish yourself or anyone else. That’s why I believe having a place for the heart to rest, a sanctuary, is so important.
Could that sanctuary be a partner?
I spent a long time searching for my partner. I experienced impatience, anxiety about the future, and even moments of giving up entirely.
But because I went through all those experiences, I believe I now have something valuable to share.
If each of us can find happiness, I know the world will become a gentler place. 😊✨
And in turn, I believe my loved ones will also be filled with joy 10 or 20 years from now. 😊
P.S. If you are looking for your next step toward happiness, you can find the link in my bio!
🌟 The Magic Power of the Phrase “Otsukaresama Desu”
The literal translation of “Otsukaresama Desu” is “You are tired,” but the way we actually use it carries a much deeper meaning.
1. The Power of Negirai (Appreciation and Care for Others)
This phrase is not just a simple greeting.
It is packed with feelings of “negirai” (appreciation/recognition of hard work) and “thanks.”
“Thank you so much for your hard work today; it must have been tough.”
“I see your efforts and how hard you are trying.”
This single phrase allows you to feel that your efforts are being acknowledged by someone else, bringing warmth to your heart. It is a vital cultural practice that maintains connections between people in a workplace that can otherwise feel impersonal.
2. The Power of Kyōkan (Empathy: “I am with you”)
The other power is “kyōkan” (empathy).
By exchanging this phrase, everyone is sharing a silent message: “You are not the only one who is tired; I (we) are also working hard.”
“Ah, this person is having a tough time too.”
“We are all getting through this busy period together.”
Feeling this way helps to ease the built-up tension and frees you from the sense of isolation, the feeling that “I am the only one carrying this burden.”
✨ How to Cast the “Magic Spell” on a Tired Heart
If you are feeling drained by workplace relationships, try conveying this phrase to someone with genuine sincerity.
Look Them in the Eye and Mean It
When you meet a colleague in the elevator or hallway, smile and say, “Otsukaresama Desu.” Your feeling of “negirai” will warm the recipient’s heart and, in turn, yours as well.
At the End of the Workday
As a colleague is leaving, adding one simple phrase, “Otsukaresama. Take a good rest,” can forge a bond of trust between you and them.
Every time you exchange this simple phrase, you will feel yourself immersed in a circle of “empathy” and “negirai” within your workplace.
🌈 Life Exists Beyond the “Otsukaresama”
You might be feeling exhausted from just getting through each day. However, your “fatigue” is proof of how hard you’ve worked.
Say “Otsukaresama Desu” to yourself and acknowledge your own efforts.
Have you ever seen a machine that turns a few coins into a small, plastic capsule of pure joy? That is the magic of Gacha (Gachapon) in Japan. It’s not just for kids—it’s a massive cultural phenomenon that captivates everyone from children to adults. I want to show you why this little plastic ball is so addictive!
Forget what you know about vending machine toys. Japan has taken Gacha to an entirely new level:
Specialty Stores Exist: It might surprise you, but there are dedicated Gacha specialty stores! You can find locations that feature around 30 different types of Gacha machines in one place.
Something for Everyone: Gacha is truly enjoyed by all ages, from children to adults. The themes are endless:
Iconic Characters: Beloved characters from Disney and popular Anime.
Everyday Items: Hilariously realistic miniature food items or even practical items like tiny folding fans.
The Quality is Key: Unlike cheap toys, Japanese Gacha often features incredibly detailed, high-quality figures that collectors proudly display.
For me, Gacha is not about the money. It’s all about the excitement of the hunt (the “Gacha! Gacha!” sound it makes) and the joy of hearing that click when the capsule finally drops. This momentary test of luck is what gets adults hooked too.
The true fun of Gacha is the element of chance. It perfectly taps into the Japanese love for “completing the set” and the “collection culture.” It’s an inexpensive, high-excitement way to get a tiny piece of Japanese culture.
If you’re in your twenties, the pressure to figure it all out—the career, the relationship, the future—can be paralyzing. Sometimes, you just need to stop thinking and start feeling. This is the ritual I turn to when the anxiety is too heavy: I take a seat by the train window and let the world blur past.
What the Scenery Teaches Us About Resetting
In Japan, the train window is more than just transportation; it’s a portal to a different kind of therapy.
• The Power of the Fleeting Moment: The scenes—the small, orderly rice fields, the sudden splash of cherry blossoms, the old woman waiting patiently at the crossing— last only a second. They force you to be truly present, without the pressure of having to capture, analyze, or plan.
• Embracing the Journey: The track only moves forward. The window view is a beautiful metaphor: you can’t go back, and the next scene is always coming, regardless of how you feel about the last one. It’s a gentle reminder to keep going, even when you feel worthless.
When You Need More Than a View to Escape
A relaxing scene is a good start, but it doesn’t solve the core anxiety: the fear of making the wrong commitment.
My character, Olivia, who is the protagonist of the drama I created, knows this feeling. She fled her home hoping for a “reset button,” but soon found she couldn’t outrun the big questions: Is this LDR worth leaving my family behind? Am I truly ready to adjust to a new culture?
She realized she needed to move beyond feeling and into decisive action.
Stop Escaping. Start Deciding. (Video Series)
If you are using the quiet moments to escape your uncertainty, it’s time to use them to decide. Olivia’s journey is your blueprint for taking action. This series is not just drama; it’s a self help guide to answering the toughest life questions at 24.
Episode 3 is available now. See how Olivia faces her biggest fears about family and commitment.３話
The AI drama “The Way of Olivia – Episode 3: Thread of Fate” is OUT NOW.
Will she tie the thread of fate, or cut it? Please enjoy Olivia’s bittersweet love story.
【Support the Series!】
The full series is planned for 20 episodes, but we need your support to produce the remaining episodes beyond Episode 8. Your purchase contributes directly to the production costs of the next emotional moments. We sincerely ask you to continue this journey with us!
Today, I want to share a little piece of my daily happiness: Japanese convenience stores, especially LAWSON!
These aren’t just places to grab a quick drink; they are truly a “Convenience Heaven” where you can do almost anything!
My Current Favorite “God Snack”: LAWSON’s Edamame Chips!
First, let me introduce the star of the show today!
If you visit LAWSON (ローソン), you MUST try the Edamame Chips (枝豆チップス).
As you might know, Edamame (green soybeans) are a super popular Japanese appetizer. These chips perfectly capture the savory, slightly sweet flavor of edamame in a thin, crispy chip form. They are light, addictive, and the perfect salty snack for any time of the day.
Look for them in the snack aisle—they usually come in a distinctive package!
Beyond Snacks: What Can You Actually Do at a Japanese Convenience Store? (The “Konbini” Experience)
This is the real magic of Japan’s “Konbini” (コンビニ). They are like mini-banks, restaurants, post offices, and coffee shops all in one!
Service
What You Can Do
Gourmet Food (グルメ)
Get high-quality desserts (“God Sweets”), fresh sandwiches, hot fried chicken (like LAWSON’s $\text{Kara-age Kun}$), and delicious $\text{Onigiri}$ (rice balls). Most stores have seating areas!
Pay Bills (支払い)
You can pay almost any bill here: electricity, water, internet, and even some online shopping payments (Amazon, etc.). Just bring the payment slip to the register!
ATM Access (ATM)
Need to withdraw cash? Most convenience stores have international ATMs available 24/7.
Printing/Copying (印刷)
Many stores have multi-functional copiers where you can print documents, photos, or even tickets from a USB or your smartphone.
Post/Delivery (荷物の発送)
You can send and receive parcels. It’s incredibly convenient for travel!
Toilet (トイレ)
Yes, many stores allow customers to use their restrooms, which is a lifesaver when traveling.
LAWSON, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven all offer these incredible services, making them essential for tourists and residents alike.
🎥 Just a Quick Announcement… (My New Video!)
Speaking of convenience and new releases…
I’m thrilled to announce that the 3rd episode of my new video series is launching soon! 🎉
It’s a project I’ve poured a lot of passion into, just like the love I have for those crispy edamame chips!
Keep an eye on my social media for the exact release date. I truly hope you’ll check it out when it drops!
Conclusion
So, next time you are in Japan, step into a Lawson! Grab those, pick up a dessert, pay a bill, or just enjoy the clean, bright atmosphere. It’s a mini-adventure waiting for you!
See you in the next post, and thank you for reading!
Happy Thursday, everyone. It’s the end of the week, and today, as promised, I want to share a piece of my personal life with you.
When you’re running full speed on the path you believe in—especially as a creator—do you ever just want to stop and ask yourself: “Am I really going the right way?” That sense of anxiety can be overwhelming when you feel burnt out.
During those times, there is one Japanese song I always turn to. It’s “Shelly” by Yutaka Ozaki.
It’s the lyrics that hit me every time: “Ore wa machigatte inai ka, ore wa shinjitsu e to aruite iru kai” (Am I wrong? Am I walking toward the truth?).
This question forces me to pause my busy life and check in with my deepest self. Am I truly walking the path of my own truth, or am I just rushing along?
Yesterday, I had one of those reflective moments, but it was wrapped in a very warm gift. My neighbor from Sri Lanka gifted me some lovely strawberry tea. The high fragrance was instantly relaxing.
Surrounded by my favorite music, the warmth of a kind gesture from a person overseas, and the aroma of that tea, a profound realization hit me: My work, my dream, and my journey are all possible because of the kindness of the people around me.
It was a happy time, filled with gratitude for the people who support me and for the simple fact that I am able to pursue this project. It reminded me that the path I’m on, supported by this warmth, can’t be all wrong.
What is your “Shelly”—the song that gives you the courage to pause when you feel exhausted? Let me know in the comments!
“I don’t want to leave things vague, but I don’t want to fight, either!”
“I don’t want to get hurt, but I can’t stand still!”
