Japan

I have time to experience bliss in my quiet space, where even the air feels fresh and clean; time to sit and sip herbal tea while I reflect on my day. As I look around, my glance falls on a painting that I particularly love, purchased overseas, and a vase of fresh flowers in one corner. Although not large, the space I live in is graced only with

When the editors of Animage encouraged me to create a manga, I got all excited and, as fate would have it, decided to create my own version of Nausicaä. I am now forced to reflect yet again on why, years ago, I once gave up drawing manga because I felt I lacked talent. At this point, I hope that I can somehow bring this young heroine into a world

a sense of belonging is something that one can attain only by making an active commitment to the community of one’s own accord, and not simply by being here.

I looked around and saw a man approaching with lots of discounted rice balls in his basket. “Irasshaimasé!” I called in exactly the same tone as before and bowed, then took the basket from him.

At that moment, for the first time ever, I felt I’d become a part in the machine of society. I’ve been reborn, I thought. That day, I actually became a

believe in all honesty that something will appear to guide me through the darkest and narrowest tunnel, or across the most desolate plain. That’s

Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.

Haruki Murakami

SORT BY CATEGORY, in the correct order, and keep only those things that inspire joy. Do this thoroughly and quickly, all in one go.