It’s been incredibly quiet around here lately without my little Kaito. While the silence has certainly allowed me to dive deep into my personal projects—especially my websites and blogs—it's also brought a poignant realization. This particular personal project, a website I've poured my heart and countless hours into, means the world to me. Every spare moment has gone into building it, nurturing it from an idea into something tangible. Yet, between the demands of work, my hobbies, and this passion project, I've come to a difficult truth: I've been unintentionally neglecting precious time with my children. The realization hit me hard, leaving me questioning what kind of dad I've become. I've always prided myself on being a good father, so this has been a heavy weight on my shoulders, prompting a period of deep introspection. That's why I'm so incredibly eager to see Kai again soon; I miss him more than words can say. The timing of everything feels a bi...

My (Slightly Embarrassing) Moments on Japanese TV A while back, I had the incredible, albeit nerve-wracking, experience of appearing on a Japanese TV show. It was a whirlwind of bright lights, fast-paced Japanese, and the kind of polite, yet intense, energy that only Japanese television can deliver. The segment focused on [mention the topic of the segment, e.g., cultural exchange, foreign perspectives on Japanese culture, etc.]. One particularly funny moment stands out. The host, with a booming voice and an incredibly friendly demeanor, complimented my [mention something specific, e.g., Japanese speaking skills, outfit, etc.]. I, completely unprepared, blushed as red as my (luckily) red shirt! It's those kinds of unexpected, slightly embarrassing moments that really cement themselves in your memory. Recently, I received a lovely surprise – an invitation to appear on the show again! I was thrilled and honored. However, life has been excep...

  Japan is a fascinating island nation located along the Pacific coast of Asia. It comprises four main islands— Honshu (the largest), Hokkaido (to the north), Kyushu , and Shikoku (to the south)—as well as over 4,000 smaller surrounding islands. Modern infrastructure connects these islands efficiently. The Seikan Tunnel , stretching 54 kilometers (33 miles), links Honshu to Hokkaido and is the world’s longest railway tunnel. Japan's iconic shinkansen (bullet trains) connect major urban hubs at remarkable speed and efficiency. 🌄 Geography & Urban Life Approximately 73% of Japan is mountainous , leaving just about 18% of land suitable for settlement . As a result, most of Japan's population is concentrated in coastal cities. Despite these geographical constraints, Japan’s cities are bustling and densely populated. Tokyo , the capital, is the world’s largest urban area, home to over 36 million people . However, Japan’s location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire"...

  Kai's First Steps: A Journey of Patience, Progress, and Unconditional Love I wanted to share something deeply personal and incredibly meaningful today, a moment that encapsulates the power of patience, the beauty of individual timelines, and the profound joy of seeing your child reach a significant milestone on their own terms. My son, Kai, has finally started walking. And not just a tentative step or two—but real, joyful, determined walking, full of purpose and a newfound sense of independence. This happened today, in the beautiful city of Yokohama, Japan, and it's a moment that will forever be etched in our hearts. Understanding Our Unique Journey: Autism and Developmental Milestones Kai began his walking journey much later than what is typically expected for most children. While standard developmental milestones for walking often fall between 9 and 18 months, we knew early on that Kai's learning path might be different. He is on the autism spectrum, and for man...