In the Pursuit of Hobbiness, currently piano and drawing. Insights on Japan and life in general. Sometimes comical observations.
Sendai, Japan
Joined December 2021
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I look for hobbies that do more than kill time.
Challenge you. Stretch the creative muscles. Connect you to people. Contribute to a community.
For me right now that means piano, teaching myself to draw, and making videos about other people’s hobbies — often from life in Japan.
Follow for finds, attempts, and the occasional flop.
The Pursuit of Hobbiness.
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New episode of "The Pursuit of Hobbiness" is now up on YouTube!
A university professor has taught himself the art of ventriloquism and developed a surprisingly impressive skill.
Today, he uses that hobby to entertain children, bring smiles to their faces, and make a positive contribution to his community.
See how a personal interest can grow into something that brings happiness to others.
English version: youtu.be/bfFtqHM3qjs
日本語 : youtu.be/C1JhgWdDB6A
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In the next episode of "The Pursuit of Hobbiness"...
A university professor took up ventriloquism as part of his research in early child education. He gave me a demonstration, let me take a crack at it, and then I watched him perform in front of kids.
The YouTube video will be released tomorrow morning (Friday evening in the US).
I'll post the link at that time, but for now here's a sneak peek!
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Need to find a way to have AI make a filter for me to block any video/image that's AI trying to be passed off as real.
And yes, I do recognize the bit of irony in that.
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She's done it again today. Twice.
WHY are they wired this way!?
Whenever my teenage kid finishes using a room--bedroom, bathroom, whatever--she leaves the light on.
But in the past 2 hours that I've been on the computer in my room, she's come in 3 times to get something, and turns off the light as she leaves.
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Day 40 - Feet
Drew from block shapes to more details in different positions, then Drew my own feet while sitting.
Could be better, but I can still see improvement from when I started.
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Day 39 - Fine lines
Shadow and light reflected from a spoon, and the grain in the wood from a part of the table.
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Kudos to a company for actually standing by their employee in the face of delinquents that are a drain on society.
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Day 38 - Still life
Missed a couple days. Decided to draw something more tangible.
Whiskey bottle, box of tissues, and a persimmon.
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I seriously hope he has more information.
Guy's grandfather left Japan in 1908, passed away in 2009 (made it to 100 like a true Japanese), and now the grandson is trying to get in touch with relatives.
The problem is, it's the #1 common surname in Japan.
That's like going to a small city in the UK and looking for anyone related to Mr. Smith.
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Day 37 - Anime eyes
I get how to draw them now!
Still need to work on different expressions and angles.
Tried 3 different sets, each with small differences between L & R.
Then did each set again with a different expression.
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Day 36 - Hair (Anime)
Still difficult. Having to really observe others' examples, but kind of getting a feel for it.
The two on the bottom or of the guy I drew yesterday, but tried more of a "full" head of hair rather than spiky lines.
Think I need to try to do one each day.
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Day 35 - Expressions
Not too bad, I think. Had fun trying to think about subtle changes between some emotions.
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Japan seems to be slowly adjusting their school lifestyle.
The city of Sendai is proposing to end regular weekend activities for junior high school clubs from fall 2029, giving teachers and students more time off.
The changes are part of a national policy called 部活動の地域展開 (bukatsudo no chiiki tenkai), often translated as the regional transition or community-based development of school club activities.
It's part of a nationwide trend called 部活動の地域展開 (bukatsudo no chiiki tenkai), shifting toward community-run clubs, with cities like Nagoya and Kobe already making changes. Having the clubs be community-based will allow enrollment/supervision to be optional rather than expected of students/teachers.
I think such a change is long overdue, as I have seen numerous students and teachers over the years stressed out from their workload 6 or 7 days a week.
I do fear, however, that some teachers will be expected to keep working in some manner, and a number of parents will undoubtedly use this extra time to tack on more cram school sessions for their kids.
city.sendai.jp.id200928.cas.…
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