Category: I Like It

Screen Time

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
 “Chihayafuru: Full Circle” Torrance, 2025

I’ve been getting some quality screen time in while staying at my folks’ house. I just finished Chihayafuru: Full Circle, and it was excellent. I really enjoyed the two live action movies, and this 10 episode Netflix series does a great job continuing the story. Almost all of the original cast makes appearances, which was such a fun surprise, but the main focus is on an entirely new team. I loved it!

I’m also making steady progress on Who Rules the World. I’m around episode 23 out of 40 now, so there is still plenty more to enjoy. Not a bad way to spend some downtime at all!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO200
 “Who Rules the World” Torrance, 2025

Trip to the Bookstore

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO200
 “YKK” Austin, 2025

I spent a luxurious hour wandering around Kinokuniya today, just happily browsing every corner. To my surprise, they had printed copies of two of my all-time favorite manga, Kino’s Journey and Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. I was very tempted to bring them home, but I decided to behave and stick with the Kindle versions for now. Still, just seeing them on the shelf made me smile. Those stories are so special.

I also stumbled across a vinyl of Ghibli Jazz. I have been listening to Ghibli Jazz on Spotify for years, and it never gets old. Smooth, cozy, and perfect for any mood. This album was such a satisfying little discovery, and it made the whole browsing trip even better.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400
 “YKK” Austin, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO200
 “Cat Noodles” Austin, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO125
 “Ghibli Jazz” Austin, 2025

New Ukulele – ‘Oli Cedar Top Acacia

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO800

I finally pulled the trigger on an ʻOli ukulele that I had been eyeing for a few months, and today it arrived. It is a beautiful cedar top acacia ukulele, and it is absolutely perfect. I bought it from The Ukulele Site in Hawaiʻi and asked them to do a full setup. I also asked if they could send a photo of my ukulele being worked on, and they said, “Can do.” A couple of days later, I received a really cool setup video instead. How awesome is that.

Fast forward to today and the ukulele showed up at my door. Just like I hoped, it is perfect. The action is nice and low, exactly as I requested, and the low G string sounds great. It came strung with Koʻolau Aho fluorocarbon strings. I usually prefer nylon, but these are highly regarded, so I decided to leave them on for now. They actually sound really good. I will probably swap them out eventually, but for the moment I am enjoying them.

This is my first ukulele with a gloss finish, although the neck is satin, and it is absolutely gorgeous. I love the wood grain of the cedar and the soft blonde color. I spent about $800 on this ukulele, which is the most I have ever spent on one, but it is completely worth it. My other ukuleles honestly pale in comparison when it comes to sound, comfort, and overall fit and finish. The ʻOli is definitely a keeper.

Bonus photo of Yuzu enjoying the shipping box:

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/20 sec, ISO640

Rental Family

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/90 sec, ISO100
 “Rental Family” Austin, 2025

We saw the movie Rental Family today and it was great! At first I was a little worried that the story might turn into a series of short episodes that followed Brendan Fraser’s character from job to job, kind of like an episodic J-Dorama. But it turned out to be a real surprise. The plot tied together beautifully and the ending was fantastic. The movie was funny, heartbreaking, and absolutely gorgeous to look at. There were even a couple of clever twists that I did not see coming. I highly recommend it!

Haken no Hinkaku

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/160 sec, ISO640
 “Haken no Hinkaku” Cedar Park, 2025

Mariko told me way back in 2007 that I would like Haken no Hinkaku, and here I am finally watching it eighteen years later. I am five episodes in and really enjoying it. The acting and plot are classic J-Dorama style, a little silly, a little unrealistic, and definitely over the top, but it all feels so familiar and cozy. And the best part is that there are two seasons waiting for me. I am excited to see the rest of the episodes!