The Chronicle

Jay has spent a significant amount of his life here in Japan. In doing so he has climbed the IT ladder and finds himself now married and doing well. Through his experiences we come to understand better what that life's evolution looks like. He is a man. He is not a cat.

Josh is one of those heroes of the interwebs, holding all us would be creators up with his incredible tutorials. If you've ever tried to learn anything on the adobe creative suite it's likely that you've come across Josh. His kind and straightforward demeanor sets the stage for a presence which treats others well while never hesitating to get down to business. Carving out a creative career with integrity is no small task and that is what Josh has achieved. Creators who do make it, owe a debt to Josh, for it's likely they've stood on his shoulders to get there.

You get a person like Andrew when positivity collides with work ethic. Of the many things you could call this man: engineer, videographer, skateboarder, woodworker—lazy does not rank among them. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new skill, interest or craft. It is something wholly different to continue applying yourself past the initial spark which catches your interest. It takes real effort and commitment. Andrew has it, and he's got enough to share around. I could tell from our very first correspondence that Andrew was a man of vision, and getting a chance to glimpse in greater detail what that vision entails is totally engrossing. You may not personally pursue exactly what Andrew does, but his enthusiasm and clarity for the causes he champions, refreshingly reminds us that diligent execution, although the road less travelled, will always lead us home.

Robin answers questions with the careful confidence of someone who considers well what's in their head before speaking. When you ask her about what led her to Japan, you notice something curious: while she describes her series of choices plainly, and as though any other might have made them, they are exceptional. Not many have travelled in her family. Where others might then see that as evidence as to why they should stay home, Robin saw it as her reason to go abroad. While not at all a Japanophile, Robin cares deeply for the country that she now inhabits. She's genuine, earnest and intelligent, embodying the kind of unassuming grace that has the habit of confounding people. Robin is a striking character, reminding us that strength's ability to overcome obstacles does not originate solely from force, but also calm, composure, and an appreciation for a good vegan dessert.

Kyoto Eco Map https://www.kyotoecomap.org/ @kyoto_ecomap

Pelgag https://pelgag.com/ @pelgag.cafe Taiwan Vegetarian Food

Muku https://taiwansosyoku.wixsite.com/muku877 Shojin Café

Waka http://www.oterahouse.com/cafe/index.htm

Viktor and I have collaborated over the years on various projects. Although he is taking a break from it now, he is an excellent photographer and his travels around Japan have taken him to many beautiful places. Viktor prefers to emphasize the art in his work, and is incredibly weary of becoming overly concerned with reach. A noble consideration given the mental disorders arising these days which could easily be described as creatoritis. The conversation ranges far and we cover from what he feels his individual style is to questions of gear and technical aspects of the craft as well.

Oh to speak Japanese at an N1 level, something Tina has been doing for years. She's attended some of the most famous universities in Japan and found herself a quite fascinating job to do while she pursues her creative passions.

Tyler has a herculean work-ethic. That has led him to become one of the fastest evolving and in-demand film makers now working in Japan. He runs a studio out of Tokyo with an impressive range of international talent that are pushing the limits of what is possible in Indy Film production. We get into it all: influences, work flow, what keeps creating fresh. Don't miss this one.

As an event producer, in these difficult times, Matt has had to adapt. Obviously live events are something we look back on fondly for the time being and if we do gather it is constrained to an online experience. Few would handle that pivot so well. Matt is an example of perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances. We did both agree though, there will be much room for celebration when the world can move past its current state and at that time I anticipate he will be touring and putting on amazing shows, as he not only plans the events but is a musician as well. One that enjoys a sweaty party like the rest of us. And what better time to have one of those than moving past a historically negative and traumatic experience like the one we are in now. Matt will rock us back to the light when the clouds pass and the sun comes out to shine.

Originally from New-York, Alessandro is an Italian film-maker who has made his home in Kyoto for the last decade. Where his roots may lie in the classic cinematography style, in more recent years, he has left his mark in the burgeoning field of VR 360 film-making. Alessandro describes his work as a double act of translation: that of the medium in which he creates and connectively the Japanese content that comprises the majority of his work. He creates bridges to the past with a genuinely modern approach.

Can you imagine long-boarding across a Japanese prefecture? Nicolas doesn't need to because he has done that kind of craziness. From near Olympic level swimming to travelling all over Japan, Nicolas' life may be one thing, but boring is certainly not it.