Docs
Menial Data
The 2010 List.
It’s hard to believe it, but I’m already archiving things in my second annual list here. Music is doing well, and I assuredly plan to continue reading and watching movies at my usual rate.
The 2009 List.
My penchant for archiving things hits full unruly throttle, as I chronicle my annually consumed media. Movies, books, etc. I plan to expand its scope continuously.
Japan
Rivers in Japan. 「一級河川」の謎
In my travels I’ve seen a lot of rivers. Typically beside those rivers there are signs of some sort, and often on these signs you’ll see 「一級河川」 or 「二級河川」 written. The reasoning behind this certification has baffled me for such a long time that I finally decided to look it up. It seemed both beautiful, majestic rivers and trash-laden dried-up gullies could earn the 1級 title, so I really wasn’t sure what to make of it. This is a nice detailed look at rivers in Japan.
Daimonji-yama (大文字山).
Among the best locations I can recommend to anyone who enjoys a serene natural environment, hiking, and/or a breathtaking city view of Kyoto. It’s straightforward, but this light document clarifies exactly how to go about getting there.
Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) and Nachi no taki (那智の滝)
Less paperwork, now for some travel! People seem to love going to World Heritage Sites, so here is a guide to getting to the famous and beautiful mountain temple complex of Kumano Nachi Taisha, and the towering nearby Nachi no taki waterfall.
Change of address notification/mail forwarding (転居届／転送)
A simple, but very useful process to be aware of. Save yourself a lot of hassle when you’re moving, and have all mail originally intended for you at your old address pointed to the new one. Partners/family members who live together can all apply together with a single form.
Renting an apartment in Japan.
I recently went through the apartment moving process for the second time here, and I’ve tried my best to document my experience and note the major factors to consider for anyone else out there planning for or conducting a move.
Aokigahara (青木ヶ原), and Meaningful Suicide in Japan
Aokigahara is the most popular single location for suicide in Japan; I went there and felt the beautiful but uneasy atmosphere, and had to dig deeper into the matter. Here is an article I wrote with a bit of analysis on the specific causes and the context in which these suicides have been taking place.
Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine (北野天満宮神社)
A lovely shrine in north-central Kyoto, here is a page detailing how to go about enjoying an afternoon there.
Global Voices Articles
I also write articles over at Global Voices Japan. If you’re interested about any of the topics below or there’s something you’d like to ask about, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Japan: 1300 years in the making, celebration in Nara
While both culturally and physically a long ways from the modern capital of Tokyo, tracing back well over a thousand years into Japanese history one comes across Nara, a quiet, highly rural area which was established as the capital in 710. In doing so, a more centralized national administration was formed, stimulating Japan as a nation towards a significant amount of economic and cultural development. Doing a bit of calculation, this year is the 1300th anniversary of the original capital establishment in Nara, and festivities are aplenty!
Japan: Deer wrangling and antler-cutting in Nara.
Unmissable by any visitor, the deer in the park are beloved by many, considered a nuisance by some, but are assuredly among the most symbolic images of Nara and Nara Park. The deer can often be found walking (typically calmly) on the streets, sidewalks, and public parks, and are a visible part of the daily commute for the countless people living nearby. It is interesting then, to consider the practical side of dealing with a small army of animals congregating in a relatively small area. There are benefits, such as tourist adoration and the natural merchandising, but there are dangers and public concerns to be addressed – this is where the antler-cutting ceremony comes in.
Inheritance tax and children in limbo: adoption in Japan.
As motives for adoption ranging from purely financial to heartfelt desire clash with a social (and legal) system which values highly the uninterrupted family blood line, adoption in Japan provides an extremely dynamic, complex, and interesting topic.
The Sun went out over Japan recently.
The Sun grew dark and the morning skies dimmed down just before 11:00am on July 22, 2009 in Japan, where it has been more than four decades since a total solar eclipse has been visible.
IGN Guides
A number of years ago, I used to write guides fairly prolifically for IGN.com! They’re old and my youthful writing style is mildly embarrassing, but they are assuredly useful reference documents for anyone with related interests. As such, I have lovingly converted them into document formats you can view right here! I still receive a lot of mail regarding these guides, and I definitely do appreciate all the contributions and compliments people send, but I will apologize right here in advance for when I don’t respond to game help questions… it’s been more than five years since I’ve seen some of these titles!
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest – DK Coin Guide (SNES)
A classic title sporting some of the best music around, and a great amount of challenge (especially for completionists!), this guide can assuredly take some of the sting out of the search.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! – DK Coin Guide (SNES)
Many people don’t hold this stellar title in quite as high regard as DKC2, but personally it’s my favourite. Something about the game’s “vibe” that appeals to me. Not to mention the creative design of the game progression, and more things to do than you can shake a stick at.
Eternal Darkness – Guide (GCN)
A veritable pant-soiler, this is one of those critically-lauded commercial flops, which is simply awesome, but simultaneously wildly unpopular. The game I’m sure is extremely hard to get a hold of these days, but I guarantee satisfaction if you’re able! My most comprehensive guide to be sure.
Manhunt – Guide (PS2)
Countless shards of glass, plastic bags, crowbars, and a (literal) pigskin-wearing antagonist populate one of the coolest and most violent games around. Full walkthrough and comprehensive coverage of, well, everything.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes – Sky Temple Key Guide (GCN)
This game is a real mixed bag – it’s Metroid Prime, so it’s pretty darn great naturally, and it is beautiful and fun to play generally, but some of the dark/light mechanics really just… shouldn’t exist. It also features some of the most infuriatingly hard sequences found anywhere on any game on this system! Using this guide will hopefully save you some time in a very onerous process (or two).
Resident Evil 4 – Weapon Guide (GCN)
A wonderfully fun, creepy, and beautiful game. The story isn’t something that had me welling up in emotion, however the whole playthrough is so interesting and enjoyable that it makes this title a must-play for anyone with operating vital signs.