Trying something new. I’ve heard it’s a really greasy ramen that’s particular to Chiba.

This is from a shop called Naritake.

Anime has a habit of reminding me that it’s a serious literary business in #Japan and #frieren is no different. The great (and fake) Hero Himmel and Frieren had a discussion about why a hero saves others, and it went really deep really fast.

We see the world after the hero’s quest has ended, as Frieren remembers what she learned from the Hero Himmel, as she goes through it all again, 80 years hence. Her reminiscing on those past events as they relate to her new journey is an intriguing and heartwarming tale on things.

I think the most striking thing in #kotarolivesalone at least from a foreign perspective, is when this very astute 4 year old sees adults lying to him, understands they’re lying, and chooses to believe the lie anyway. In one case, going so far as to explain that he knew from the beginning that it was a lie, and decided what he wanted to believe because he had faith in that person.

Maybe we do this in western societies too, but this feels very uniquely Japanese to me. Not doublethink, though westerners definitely do that, but intentional, practiced shaping of one’s own reality, without remorse or conflict.

This series is super deep and has many tragic themes and borderline unhealthy behaviors in it, but it’s also extremely well done with a lot of attention to detail.

“But why are you still working so hard collecting cans?”
“It’s because I’ve seen a dream where I can live together with all of you, of course including my mother and father as well!”

Half the people he listed, he will never see again, one of them is deceased, one took advantage of him and he knew, but kept giving him money anyway. Every episode of #kotarolivesalone is either heartbreakingly wholesome, or just heartbreaking.

#Ishikawa was hit by a powerful earthquake and several meter high #tsunami as the sun was setting on #newyearsday .

According to #NHK Many places are without water, and the #selfdefenceforces are starting to coordinate relief, especially water.

Many residents in #nanao city have evacuated to city hall due to a lack of water service in other parts of the city, and conference rooms and even hallways are housing displaced residents.

A 7 story building has toppled completely over, and several homes were partially or completely destroyed by the quake. Rescue operations near the fallen structures are continuing.

#Fires in #wajima city, near the epicenter have burned overnight and its estimated more than 50 structures have burned.

Thankfully, the damage due to #tsunami seems largely restricted to port properties, boats and vehicles.

At this time, the damage seems moderate, but experts are warning the worst affected areas are the hardest to get information from in a major disaster.

@godpod What do you have against #Japan ?

It’s new years! Can’t we agree everyone deserves a break on #NewYear ?

First #earthquake and now #fire