As the year fades into another memory, I find myself lingering on the experiences and stories that refused to drift away. It feels strange to measure a year by the things I’ve done. Though some days blurred into monotony, this year gave me plenty of time to explore. I’d like to share some experiences that have left an impression on me.

I always knew what manga were but I never liked the style. I always thought comic books were better cause they had color. Now that I look back it seems like such a childish view to mistaken brightness for depth. I would like to thank Aku no Hana for changing that. It was the first manga I ever read, and it opened the door for me. In my search for something similar I stumbled upon Goodnight Punpun. I am glad to have read in a time when life felt steady, for it offers a raw, unflinching gaze at existence. There are a lot of themes throughout the manga with a lot of character that each have their flaws and philosophies. I imagine many will see pieces of themselves reflected in its story. If your looking something that is darker, slower and humanistic then Goodnight Punpun is for you

I drifted away from reading after high school. I didnt read much even then but Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! was my favorite. This year I discovered The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect a book that asks you to imagine a world where machines decide the fate of humanity. It pulled me back into reading and made me realize how much I enjoy Sci-Fi horror. With the rise of AI, I found myself relating to it more than ever. It’s also a great introduction to the singularity genre.

I recently started listening to Hikaru Utada after finishing the TV show First Love. I don’t really have much to say other than that I have been enjoying her songs a lot. My favorite currently is Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence – FYI. If you haven’t heard her yet, start with First Love and see if it’s your taste.

All About Lily Chou-Chou is a coming-of-age story that delves into the struggles of teens during Japan’s Lost Decade. I think it tackles a lot of important themes such as bullying, violence and crime. This is one of those films that linger on your mind long after the screen goes dark. I won’t spoil anything, because it’s a story you truly have to watch to experience.

Monster is one of the most thought-provoking anime I’ve ever watched. It explores moral dilemmas and weaving in different philosophies from Nietzsche’s nihilism to Sartre and Kant’s existentialism. It may seem long with 74 episode but it does a good job of keeping you gripped. What I really love are the side characters in this show. They are so intriguing and enjoyable. If you are crime and mystery junkie. Consider Monster your next obsession.

To me, Pantheon is the epitome of adult animation and a true sci-fi masterpiece. At it's core it askes the question what does it mean to be human. Like the video game Soma, it challenges you to consider the moment when your no longer human. Another Gem of the singularity genre. I think the IMDB synosis is good enought to intrigue you to watch it.

At the start of this year, a friend convinced me to download Elden Ring. Using a third-party script, we managed to play co-op together. While I condemn Bandai Namco for not providing an official multiplayer co-op mode especially since the third-party launcher faced many crashes. Despite all this it was one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve shared with friends. Countless epic battles, moments of rage, and endless hours of aura farming. Every victory a story we carried with us beyond the screen.

Out of all the countries I’ve visited, New York has been the most fun I’ve had traveling abroad. Walking through the city, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, is a feeling unlike any other. There’s an indescribable charm to New York. From the lush greenery of Central park to to the hidden gems tucked under Brooklyn Bridge, New York surprises at every turn. The food alone is worth visiting for. If you ever visit do yourself a favor and try Tony Napoli, Spicy Moon near NYU, and the strawberry pudding at Magnolia.g at magnolia.

I’ve been following Valorant esports since the game’s inception. I don’t play much myself, but I love watching the best compete. PRX is a team that came out of nowhere, bringing a chaotic W gaming playstyle, that no one else dared. They were unpredictable, brilliant, and painfully human always crumbling under pressure. I’ve supported them through countless failures, so it was incredibly rewarding to see them finally win a Masters.

As I finish writing this, I realize just how influential Japanese media has been for me this year. Perhaps it’s because I’ve started learning Japanese, or perhaps it’s the creativity of their work. Either way, it has made this year memorable, and I hope to do a personal reflection again in December.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards"