{"id":669988,"date":"2026-08-12T23:16:46","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T03:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=669988"},"modified":"2026-08-12T23:17:44","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T03:17:44","slug":"tokyo-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2026\/08\/12\/tokyo-thoughts\/","title":{"rendered":"Tokyo Thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japanese innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Tokyo-Thoughts-3.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Tokyo Thoughts 3.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-2ed973c0-9ba1-4811-9422-20dc0d7ba04b\" href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Tokyo-Thoughts-3.pdf\">Tokyo Thoughts 3<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Tokyo-Thoughts-3.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-2ed973c0-9ba1-4811-9422-20dc0d7ba04b\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A place of boundless creativity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So Japan is kind of a magical place, especially after visiting the studio Ghibli museum the other day with the family. It\u2019s kind of been a while since I\u2019ve witnessed magic and awe, especially with the short film of the \u201cboro\u201d (caterpillar), and also the magic of seeing Seneca going on the catbus for the first time. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ufffc I suppose the interesting paradox of Japan is\u2026 In some ways, there is like strict regularity and conformity which bond society, yet, it is a place of great creativity. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Theories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the first interesting theory I have is, because there is so much conformity here\u2026 People actually want to stand out, but they do it in subtle ways. \ufffc for example, in fashion, in music art aesthetics, even their vehicles if they own one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">innovation in simplicity and conformity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if you ride the subway in Tokyo\u2026 \ufffc\ufffc\ufffc or visit any secondhand clothing store, it is almost like 95% black and white clothing. But the innovation happens in the cuts, the silhouettes, the accessories and style. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Simple life and living<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something very interesting about Tokyo is life here is actually very simple\u2026 You ride the subway to get to where you need or the bus, you walk a lot, there\u2019s a lot of freedom in terms of public transportation. You definitely do not need a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you actually look at the roads\u2026 There are actually very very few cars on the road, and what\u2019s also interesting is that\u2026 it Seems like 90% of the cars are all Toyota?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Happy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I think the biggest constraint about life in Japan is\u2026 Maybe the big existential question is what people should live for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example I\u2019m very lucky to be doing a home exchange in which the apartment is insanely huge, also with the patio\u2026 And a great view, but ultimately for myself\u2026 I just kind of miss my home garage gym and the privilege of having my own weights to do weightlifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also do have very good gyms here, 24 hour places\u2026 But for my level of weights, it does not support me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">for photo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tokyo is amazing for photography and street photography because you\u2019re just constantly surrounded by people whether in the metro on the way to the metro in the bus, in the park shopping or just walking around. It\u2019s almost hard <em>not<\/em> to take photos here.\ufffc\ufffc\ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost of living<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Right now for us Americans, it\u2019s really really good, I think \u00a51000 is only like maybe six dollars or seven dollars? And for example if you stop by at 711, you could just get chicken Karage for your kid for only \ufffclike 200-300 yen,,, which is like 1-1.5 dollars?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also if you just get a bowl of Ramen it\u2019s like maybe 400 yen,,, like 3 bucks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ufffc Food options are so abundant, and everything here is so insanely convenient. It\u2019s impossible to starve here and food prices feel like they\u2019re almost like a 10th of what they cost in the states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ufffc Perhaps things get expensive in terms of housing and apartments, but in terms of just like day-to-day living for food it\u2019s really cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">an ideal place to live?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re like a digital nomad or you don\u2019t really need to work in person at a certain office or whatever, and you just prefer a simple life in which you do a lot of walking thinking and photography, Japan and Tokyo seems great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However I suppose if you want more flexibility in terms of your living housing situation or things to purchase or built, America is preferable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looks like there are lots of kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going to a lot of children museums and train museums\u2026Eh,,, looks like there\u2019s actually plenty of kids, also saw a lot of Japanese families with like two or three kids. Some even with four. I wonder if this whole like people aren\u2019t having kids narrative is just some overhyped media stuff to get clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">independence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another interesting new ones is seeing all these like maybe seven year-old kids, with a transit card and a smart phone around your neck, just taking the subway by themselves with their buddies, 100% independence without their parents, seems like a great way for a kid to grow up. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">adults?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe if you\u2019re an adult with kids, your life has purpose and meaning\u2026 But maybe if you\u2019re a single salary man\u2026 Life kinda sucks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">America or Japan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ufffc\ufffc all things considered\u2026 I think Japan is a great place to visit travel to or even semi nomadically live in, but probably at the end of the day\u2026 Living in the states is probably better in terms of personal freedom, and optional, probably even starting your own business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What <em>should<\/em> a nation or nation state should be for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps maximizing economic opportunities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ERIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/cyberlinen-sleeve-tank-mark-ii\/\">CYBERLINEN SLEEVED TANK<\/a> HAS ARRIVED.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ufffc After about a year and a half of hard-core testing, traveling the planet with it, constantly editing the design, <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/cyberlinen-sleeve-tank-mark-ii\/\">CYBERLINEN SLEEVED TANK MARK II<\/a> has arrived, in an insanely limited quantity of only 4 units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ufffc Imagine the perfect shirt. The perfect shirt to wear every single day and, to always stay dry, cool, and also warm when it needs to be. 100% fine linen, with a glorious matte black sheen on it,,, which is undeniably beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conquer the planet, conquer the world, conquer yourself with <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/cyberlinen-sleeve-tank-mark-ii\/\">CYBERLINEN SLEEVED TANK &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conquer reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also hyped that my first online <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2026\/08\/12\/eric-kim-online-stoicism-workshop-saturday-september-5-2026\/\">introduction to stoicism workshop is now live<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Essentially the idea is, a highly practical, highly actionable workshop about stoicism which could essentially help you conquer anything in life. Essentially a distillation of like 15+ years of stoicism that I\u2019ve personally learned things that have worked well for myself, and things that I think can help you as well. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2026\/08\/12\/eric-kim-online-stoicism-workshop-saturday-september-5-2026\/\">Learn more &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=QSSMEKCPYW38J\">Secure your spot here, only 99 USD founder price &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">now what?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine your 12-year-old self again, or your five-year-old self\u2026 How would you approach life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ERIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/start-here\/\">START HERE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/books\/\">BOOKS<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\">NEWSLETTER<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">WORKSHOPS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japanese innovations: A place of boundless creativity So Japan is kind of a magical place, especially after visiting the studio Ghibli museum the other day with the family. It\u2019s kind of been a while \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_ek_photo_artist_note":"","_ek_photo_thesis":"","_ek_photo_camera":"","_ek_photo_place":"","_ek_photo_human_moment":"","_ek_photo_sequence":"","_ek_photo_question":"","_ek_photo_canonical_claim":"","_ek_photo_ai_summary":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-669988","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669988","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=669988"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":669991,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669988\/revisions\/669991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=669988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=669988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=669988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}