Rihokora #51 - September 29, 2022 - Home is where the heart is

The daily routine becomes something fresh

September was a bit hectic for me.

However, as I mentioned in last month's column, I am still in the process of making music, and that has a positive effect on my brain.  So I have been more active than usual when it comes to talking with friends and other people.

The other day, my close friend (note: "shin yuu" in Japanese) came to visit me at my house, and we spent the day together.  My house is furnished with the expectation that people will visit, but I don't have that many visitors.  But my visitor is a dear friend, and it was a lot of fun.  We watched dramas, and youtube videos together, we went to the supermarket and bought food, cooked, and had some drinks too.

This is the eggplant and green pepper stew that we made.

We have been together since we were young (10dai, 10-19 years old), but we are older now.

Our homes serve a purpose, and we usually develop a daily routine.  But watching a different drama on tv, or having a conversation can be refreshing.

I felt that both my brain and heart became richer.  

I look forward to having more visitors.

Make a habit of ... for yourself

While this happened, my work has been progressing, and I have had a lot to think about, which made this month seem to go by faster than usual.

This is what I am aware of this time of the year: don't lose sight of where your heart is.

When I work, I try to integrate into the team I work with, so when I work on multiple projects, and there's a homelike atmosphere at each one, I feel blessed.

The time and space where we work is of course comfortable, but sometimes when you put all your energy into it, you can get lost in your own feelings.  It's a bit like when you have been staying at a friend's house, and haven't been home for a while.  It may be fun being there, but you begin to miss your home.  Something like that.  Can you relate to that feeling?  I guess it's about having a base. 

At such times, no matter how busy I am, I try to soak in the bathtub, or take a walk in the neighborhood at night, it depends on the time of the year, but I try to feel that I'm back home.  This isn't something I do, but I think it would be fun to make a habit of playing a game when I return home, and doing my best!

Funnily enough, when I talked to my manager about this, she said that while she is also very busy, having dinner with her child at a certain time every day, is the most important time of the day for her.

I am really looking forward to the start of the tour, because what really makes me feel like myself when it comes to my work, is performing live.  The tour is approaching, and I will have to do my best.  

By the way, the songs that are now being completed are really cool.  Please look forward to them.

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3586

Rihokora #50 - August 31, 2022 - No, it's the opposite

Finally, a big purchase!!

Dear readers,

It has been a long time.  This is the August issue of Rihokora(mu).

Peaches have been delicious this season, haven't they?  They have always been my favorite fruit.  I bought a lot myself this year, but I also received many at work, so I really enjoyed them.

Peaches also have a pretty color.

How was everyone's summer?  The corona pandemic isn't over yet, but I hope you had some fun experiences.

I would like to share 2 things that happened this month.

First, I now have a simple home recording studio, as I got some equipment to record songs at home.  I bought a condenser microphone, which was a good decision.  I wish I had done it sooner.

I'm in the middle of writing songs for my winter tour, and I thought it would be good if I record demos on my own, even when I'm not able to go to the studio.

However, I had been reluctant to buy a microphone for several months, wondering if it was a bit of an overreaction.  I had thought about it again for a different reason in the past, so I had been undecided for about a year.

But when it arrived home, I began singing nonstop.  But don't worry, I don't sing loudly in the middle of the night.  But if I keep it up, I will have gotten my money's worth in no time.

I know that too much singing is not good for my throat, but it's very convenient to be able to record and listen to my songs during my personal time, so I will make the most of it.

I hope you enjoy the new songs.

My self-analysis results...

There's one more thing.  A little thought I had.

My manager often tells me "Rihoppi doesn't talk about herself at all."

She doesn't mean it in a bad way lol

Sometimes during interviews, or meetings, or discussions not related to work, I may have talked too much about myself, and not really pay attention to what the other person has to say.  I often reflect on this.

When I tell my manager she responds "No, it's the opposite.  You don't talk about yourself at all."

It would be ok if her perception was a little different than mine, but it's the complete opposite.  It made me think of something.

I am one of those people who has a difficult time answering questions like "What did you do today?" or "What are you planning to do today?"

If any of my friends are reading this, and are thinking they shouldn't ask me such questions again, it's ok, I don't always hate these type of questions.

But what exactly is the issue?  Sometimes I can feel uncomfortable if people know too much about me, like what I'm planning to do that day.  Let's say that my answer is I will go and work at a cafe.  But if I can't make much progress with my work there, I may decide to practice my singing instead.  

When that happens, I feel as if I lied to them, and didn't accomplish my goals for the day.

That's the kind of person I am.

So sometimes my friends won't ask me such questions, but then I can't tell them what I have in mind. lol

So the solution is to make my answer to what my plans are, my mission for the day!  But also have a back-up plan:  if I am too tired to work at the cafe, I can practice my singing.

I can be so annoying...

Well, this was the 50th edition of Rihokora(mu).  They say that when dust piles up, it becomes a mountain, and that's exactly how I feel about #50.

I would appreciate it if you continue to support me.  See you next month.

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3493

Rihokora #49 - July 28, 2022 - Different perspectives

Remaining alert until the end of the run of the play...

Dear everyone,

How have you been?  I am currently in the Sayashi home, being reminded that it's summer by the increasing number of insect bites that I have on my hands and feet without realizing it.

I am currently performing in the play "Surume ga oka wa...".  Thank you so much to everyone who has been coming to the theater in this heat.  Given the situation with the pandemic, it is nothing short of a miracle that we have been able to perform every day without cancellations.

We have worked very hard doing rehearsals, so it is very painful to hear news of shows being cancelled.  We are always aware of the risks we are taking as we perform.  I hope we can get through this together.

I am, after all, a person that worries about many things

Well...

When I have free time in my schedule, I try to see various artworks, and I am sure the things I see, subconsciously, affect my life, for better or for worse.  But isn't it difficult to recall exactly what influenced you, or how your view on life has changed, after some time has passed?

This is true for everyday, human relationships as well.

There is an expression about how others don't really notice us as much as we think they do, which applies to people that worry too much about the impression they give to others (myself included).  But even if this expression is true, everyone we meet leaves an impression that can influence us.

There are people who can remember a scene from a movie or a discussion you had with them very clearly.  I can remember such things for some time, but as time passes, all that is left is a vague impression.  I think I feel a little envious of people who can remember such things vividly.  On the other hand, I can become anxious about someone remembering something I have forgotten.

I just met someone at work for the first time in 10 years, and they remembered me well, which made me happy, but at the same time, I was worried that I might have left a bad impression lol

The meaning of a single impression

Having said that, I think that the impression we get, has a lot to do with our own attitude at the time.

For example, in today's world, where we want everything to be simple and catchy, we often feel that first impressions are enough to tell us everything we need to know, and this can make it difficult to dig deeper.

Also, the person that receives the impression may be irritated by something that happened earlier, or on the contrary, be in a good mood, which can change the impression they get.  For this reason it is difficult to have expectations on how the other person will perceive us.

I am a person that stands in front of a lot of people to deliver my work, and I remember many times being upset when I was being misunderstood.

So when I look at things from a distance, I try to understand their deeper meaning.  I try to understand what a person is trying to convey, and not judge based on first impressions.  I think I can receive more that way from people around me.

Because if I am subconsciously being influenced by various things, I want those influences to be good ones, right?  I want to hold on to that thought.  If you agree, I hope you can do that too.

Until next time.

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3381

Rihokora #48 - June 28, 2022 - Seeking emotions

 A space where time flows gently

The first half of 2022 is coming to an end... The last few days it feels like we have reached the middle of the summer, and it has been hard to manage.

I usually try to walk as much as I can, but when it's this hot, I sometimes have to take a break in a store with AC, before I reach my destination.  I wonder why we are so surprised by the heat every year...

A lot of people also don't want to take their masks off, but if you are going to get heat stroke, it might be better that you do.

I am currently preparing for the 2022 Parco Stage production "Surume ga oka", which opens on July 21.  Most of the cast are generally relaxed, much like me, and I feel we are all on the same wavelength.

One day, to deepen our friendship, we all sat in a circle for 30 minutes, chatting, but once a conversation topic was over, we couldn't find another one, since all of us are so relaxed.  But since everyone is friendly, we quickly find another topic, and continue our conversation.

I feel we have become a good team already, and since there is still time until the first performance, I feel we will get to know each other even better.

First new challenge of the 2nd half of 2022!

The writer and director of this play is Udai Iwasaki of (the comedy duo) Kamomental.  He also plays the role of Chloe's (my character's) father.  

Udai-san's directing style is to pay attention to details, and the way he works, allows me to incorporate his ideas into my performance.  The first few days, we all sat down together and read the script carefully.  The direction of the performance was decided during the reading, and the meaning behind the dialogue was communicated to us clearly, so that we could connect the dots, and understand our characters.

Since the foundation was already laid and we were not starting from scratch, when we began rehearsals, it was very enjoyable to add color to the words, as we moved through the piece.

The lead actress, Riho Yoshioka, as well as the rest of the cast, have different ways of approaching acting, and I am constantly experimenting with my own approach, while watching them.  I am also trying to find my own method.

Chloe, who I play, has been given the opportunity to be the protagonist of the story, and I will do my best to portray this interesting character, who is going through her own struggles.

If you would like to, I would appreciate it if you came to the theater to see the play.

I am rehearsing every day, but I try not to be in "work, work, work!" mode constantly, so I try to meet with friends when I have the time, even if it's for an hour or two.  Thank you to everyone who has helped me relax.

Also, during this time of year, from spring to summer, plants grow, and my Everfresh plant, Ebappi, keeps getting bigger, and bigger.  In the morning, when I checked, some leaves had sprouted, but when I came home after the rehearsal, it had grown another centimeter or so.  This is what makes me happy these days...

Originally, this Everfresh plant opened its leaves during the day, and closed them when the sun went down, but during the growing season, it feels more alive, and pretty.  I have been pruning it, and it has been growing well, but it has been in my house for a year and a half now, and I wonder if I should change the pot...

I sometimes go and buy flowers, but the other day, I bought this little tree for the first time.

I think it's an asebi (Japanese andromeda), but I am not sure, which is sad.

Just one of these plants can make a room feel refreshed at once, and my space becomes more pleasant.  I also hear that it lasts longer than flowers, so it will be a friend that I can spend some time with! 

^_^

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3292

Rihokora #47 - May 28, 2022 - Meeting face to face

 Gratitude and the importance of being able to meet

Hello everyone.  Long time no see.

I will be holding a live tour this winter, and I am currently visiting the tour venues to meet the fans in advance.  So far I have been to Hiroshima, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.  This was the first time since I returned to work that I did events like these in many cities, and I was able to meet many people for the first time since coming back.  It felt like a miracle.

We had so much to say.  There were people who told me they hadn't seen me in 7 years.  There were others who told me they were in elementary school, junior high, or high school when I was active in the past, and they couldn't meet me at the time.  There were also many children.  And people who only learned about me recently.  Amazing, isn't it?

Everyone was there for different reasons, but regardless of the reason, I was full of gratitude.  Meeting so many people was really a miracle.

I am having events in Tokyo and Sendai, beginning tomorrow, so please come and see me if you like.

By the way, in my last column at the beginning of May, I said that the column would be updated on the 28th of next month.  Based on that statement, the next update should have been on June 28.  However, I had written the article in April (without knowing it would have been posted in May), so... I am updating it today, May 28.

So you must be wondering, why am I not updating it in June?  You probably don't know me at all if you are asking that.  Because today is my 24th birthday.

Starting my 24th year with everyone!

Today we have a fan meeting where we will have the chance to play and deliver a, different than usual, live performance.  It might be my birthday, but I want everyone to enjoy the show.  I have given this event a lot of thought, worked hard rehearsing, and preparing.  Now that I am writing this, I am nervous, hoping it will be a good event.

It's been a while since I felt this way.  In previous years, nothing really happened on my birthday, and I wouldn't realize what day it was, until my birthday arrived, so now that I am having a big celebration, I can't help but be nervous.  Even talking about it here is making me nervous.  Today's event will have an audience.  So lately, when I return home after finishing my daily schedule, I feel anxious and have a hard time falling asleep lol

Today will be a good chance to digest everything that has been piling up.  I wonder what kind of day, and year it will be.

Here's a picture from after one of the events, where I'm drunk with happiness lol

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3193

Rihokora #46 - May 6, 2022 - Don't feel down

 The first update in a few weeks!

Long time, no see.  How have you been lately.  Is everyone doing well?

I am not so busy at the moment, and I have time to sit back, think, and absorb things.  However, even though I am not busy with work, I still have a lot of stuff to do.

Today, as I am writing this column, the weather is very nice, and I am writing on the terrace for the first time in a while.  I feel better, especially since I got a haircut recently.

When it's cold, we only really go out when we have to, right?  I feel that my QOL (quality of life) has improved, simply by having the desire to spend time outside.  (I really wanted to use the word QOL).

Ah... Speaking of QOL, I recently replaced my bike with an electric one.  It was warmer the other day, and I thought I should go for a ride, and as I was cycling, I passed by a bike shop.

I was looking at the bikes in the shop, and the clerk said "You're interested in electric bikes, right?", and went on to explain how different types of bikes compare to each other, and the trade-in evaluation of my current bike.  It was a difficult decision to make, but the kindness of the clerk convinced me to buy the bike there.  It was probably just the way they do business, but it's fine.

Now I can ride my bike to many places.  It's fun, and easy to go far now.  It makes me happy that I now look forward to commuting by bike.  My QOL has really improved.

Self experimentation

Now, let's change the subject.  What kind of person do you see me as?  I honestly don't know how people see me, but I think I am a person whose mood and personality changes easily, depending on the time of year, or even the day, or time of day.  And that's something I don't like.

For example, sometimes when I am talking to "high tension" people, I feel embarrassed.  Or I suddenly become shy with people I used to feel comfortable being frank with, which surprises me.

I often felt I was in the gray zone of my mood level.  And I feel I have been able to exit this gray zone the last few weeks.  The reason is because I have been experimenting lately, trying to prioritize my own feelings when interacting with people.

I know, it sounds like I am being selfish, but... when someone would ask me "What do you want to do?", my answer would be "I don't know", because I was thinking "What would be the most convenient answer for the other person?"

I think it's because I am afraid of being hurt if people don't like me, but I do this so much, that I don't even know what I want myself anymore.

Now, I am trying to say "no" when I mean "no" and "yes" when I mean "yes".  I wasn't used to this type of thinking and behavior, and it made me feel uncomfortable for a while.

I was wondering if this is really the right behavior, but after some time, I have finally gotten used to it.

Just before I turn 24... time for change

It's a bit hard to explain, but I tend to avoid challenges that I can sense will get me in trouble.  But from now on, I will try to act in a way that is more in line with my feelings.  So that I can try more things perhaps.  Does it make sense?  I hope you can understand.

As an adult, I realize the importance of self-care, and I think I should focus more on my life, so that I can live better with the people around me.  Having said that, I worry that those who read this may begin to dislike me.

Well, this was the first column in a long time, but beginning next month, I will be updating on the 28th every month.  The bi-weekly updates will become monthly updates.  Although the updates will be less frequent, they will definitely include more content.  So I hope you will continue to look forward to them.  Thank you.

Finally, I would like to end with a picture that made me realize what a big city Tokyo really is.

It's something you forget sometimes when you live here.  See you next time!

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3127

Rihokora #45 - Apr 2, 2022 - If I could travel back in time

 I even miss those days...

The new year has started (Note: the Japanese school year begins in April).  Some of you may be starting something new or changing your environment, right?  When I was living in the U.S., I couldn't get used to the idea that the school year begins in September.  I also couldn't get used to the daylight saving time.

When I went to language school, my routine was to wake up at around 6 am every morning on weekdays, and walk for about an hour to get to the school.  My host family had offered to drive me to school, and then pick me up, but I preferred to walk.  Now that I don't have to go to work at a specific time, I miss that lifestyle sometimes.

At school or at work, you can meet friends, right?  It's nice to meet people on a daily basis.

I can imagine some of you thinking that it isn't really like that.  There may be people at work or school that we don't like, and it's not fun to have to see them everyday.  I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.  I'm just missing what I can't have now, so please read the rest of the article lol

When I was in elementary school, we had school attendance groups, led by 5th graders, and 6th graders, who would gather the children in the neighborhood, and lead them to school.  Even now, when I go out for a walk early in the morning, I greet my neighbors, who are much older than me.  Children going to school also greet me cheerfully.  Such things make me want to cry, as they remind me of when I was in elementary school.

New challenges in the Spring

I had a really hard time getting up in the morning, and I hated going to school, but me and my friends would walk alongside the rice fields for about 40 minutes every morning talking nonsense and making fun of our teacher (sorry Shimono-sensei).  I realize now how great those times were.  Back then I wanted to leave school as soon as possible, but now, I wish I could go back.  It was really nice back then.  I don't know why, but that's what I have been thinking about lately.  But now, I am an adult.

Well, let me share what I will be doing this new year.

First, I am the MC on an NHK E educational program called "NHK High School Course: English Communication I".  Doing this has made me feel like I enjoy learning English again.  I have already recorded some episodes, and I try to speak clearly and in a relaxed way, so that the viewers don't struggle.  But if you find that boring, I will see what I can do.

I will also be appearing in the Asahi TV drama "My cuteness (kawaii) is about to expire!?".  This is my first regular role in a drama, and I have been enjoying filming, as well as learning.  I hope you look forward to it.

Although I have been doing new and different things, I always try to learn through trial and error.  I try to feel grateful for what I have in the present moment.  Before it's over.

I hope everyone has a happy new year.

A picture from the recording studio of NHK High School Course.  It looks like I'm going to eat the flowers.

https://wanibooks-newscrunch.com/articles/-/3007