Bodypaint

Today, I am a year older and there’s no stopping it. Most of you are aware of my yearly birthday tradition - photo shoot in birthday suit. I was running out of idea and then I met Ai-san, a body painter in Yokohama, in one of photography meet-ups.

Fit

DISCLAIMER : I am no health expert. I am sharing below experience because of the positive results. It may be effective to your body or may not. At least, it is worth a try. And don’t be surprised by the accompanying photos, it is my tradition to be in my birthday suit every year. 

I reached 91 kgs last June. I ignored the gain thinking that it was a part of getting older. However, that particular mindset changed after I completed one of my supervisory works. I was assigned in the field and it was getting difficult for me to climb and inspect the vessels. I got tired so easily. Back in Japan, my office mates would always say ohayo goizamasu to my belly instead of saying it to my face. Talk about adding insult to injury. Friendly banters.

curl like a fetus

in a cold-hearted city

thirty eighth birthday

Routine

37. Today. 

I just finished reading the book "25 Lessons I've Learned about photography life" by Lorenzo Dominguez. It was given by a friend in 2012. In one of the last chapters, the author talked about a realization while living alone -

While living alone, waking up alone, going out to take pictures alone, eating alone, being alone, I became much more aware that I was not alone, that apart from other people, the world was full and overflowing with, with beauty in motion.

And that brings me to reflect on my life here in Japan. Yes, I am living alone and felt that I have already made the necessary adjustments in order to survive in a foreign land. After all, my seven-year stay is more than enough.

 

Santa

When I was growing up, Santa was always the first one to greet me "Advanced Happy Birthday!" On his gifts, he always included Christmas and birthday wishes. I thought, aside from being generous, he seemed to be very thoughtful human being. But that was more than 30 years ago.

Onsen

Today, I turn a year older and it means totomai-in-his-birthday-suit tradition continues.  Will it ever end? Of course, don't worry, I am already half-way through it.

 

34

I just turn 34. Six more years and I will stop counting my age because as they say life begins at 40. That would mean that I'll spare everyone from my yearly birthday shots. Honestly, I don't think I can maintain it forever, so a decade of it is more than enough. What I am talking about? Here's the flashback of my 30th, 31st, 32nd, 33rd.