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’s kind of been a while since I’ve witnessed magic and awe, especially with the short film of the “boro” (caterpillar), and also the magic of seeing Seneca going on the catbus for the first time. 
 I suppose the interesting paradox of Japan is… In some ways, there is like strict regularity and conformity which bond society, yet, it is a place of great creativity. 
Theories
So the first interesting theory I have is, because there is so much conformity here… People actually want to stand out, but they do it in subtle ways.  for example, in fashion, in music art aesthetics, even their vehicles if they own one.
innovation in simplicity and conformity
For example, if you ride the subway in Tokyo…  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. 
Simple life and living
Something very interesting about Tokyo is life here is actually very simple… You ride the subway to get to where you need or the bus, you walk a lot, there’s a lot of freedom in terms of public transportation. You definitely do not need a car.
And if you actually look at the roads… There are actually very very few cars on the road, and what’s also interesting is that… it Seems like 90% of the cars are all Toyota?
Happy?
So I think the biggest constraint about life in Japan is… Maybe the big existential question is what people should live for.
For example I’m very lucky to be doing a home exchange in which the apartment is insanely huge, also with the patio… And a great view, but ultimately for myself… I just kind of miss my home garage gym and the privilege of having my own weights to do weightlifting.
They also do have very good gyms here, 24 hour places… But for my level of weights, it does not support me.
for photo
Tokyo is amazing for photography and street photography because you’re 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’s almost hard not to take photos here.
Cost of living
Right now for us Americans, it’s really really good, I think ¥1000 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 like 200-300 yen,,, which is like 1-1.5 dollars?
Also if you just get a bowl of Ramen it’s like maybe 400 yen,,, like 3 bucks?
 Food options are so abundant, and everything here is so insanely convenient. It’s impossible to starve here and food prices feel like they’re almost like a 10th of what they cost in the states.
 Perhaps things get expensive in terms of housing and apartments, but in terms of just like day-to-day living for food it’s really cheap.
an ideal place to live?
If you’re like a digital nomad or you don’t 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.
However I suppose if you want more flexibility in terms of your living housing situation or things to purchase or built, America is preferable.
Looks like there are lots of kids
Going to a lot of children museums and train museums…Eh,,, looks like there’s 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’t having kids narrative is just some overhyped media stuff to get clicks.
independence
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. 
adults?
Maybe if you’re an adult with kids, your life has purpose and meaning… But maybe if you’re a single salary man… Life kinda sucks?
America or Japan?
 all things considered… 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… Living in the states is probably better in terms of personal freedom, and optional, probably even starting your own business.
What should a nation or nation state should be for?
Perhaps maximizing economic opportunities?
ERIC
CYBERLINEN SLEEVED TANK HAS ARRIVED.
 After about a year and a half of hard-core testing, traveling the planet with it, constantly editing the design, CYBERLINEN SLEEVED TANK MARK II has arrived, in an insanely limited quantity of only 4 units.
 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.
Conquer the planet, conquer the world, conquer yourself with CYBERLINEN SLEEVED TANK >
Conquer reality
Also hyped that my first online introduction to stoicism workshop is now live!
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’ve personally learned things that have worked well for myself, and things that I think can help you as well. 
Secure your spot here, only 99 USD founder price >
now what?
Imagine your 12-year-old self again, or your five-year-old self… How would you approach life?
ERIC
START HERE, BOOKS, NEWSLETTER, WORKSHOPS