No matter the task, I always start with pen and paper.
While I acknowledge the convenience of digital tools, my first step is always to hold a pen.
Whether preparing a presentation or drafting a proposal, it begins with a notebook.


Watching lines and letters take shape on the page sparks a cascade of ideas.
Even if the notes are messy and disorganized, there’s something about starting with paper that feels more natural and liberating.
Perhaps it’s my contrarian nature, resisting constraints and structure.
Or maybe it’s simpler: I love stationery.
Holding a new pen or notebook fills me with excitement, as if the act of gathering tools itself fuels my creative energy.


Recent studies have supported this affinity for handwriting.
Research by Dr. Pam Mueller of Princeton University and Dr. Daniel Oppenheimer of UCLA found that students who took notes by hand understood and remembered information more deeply than those who typed.


Handwriting is not just a way to record—it places demands on the brain, promoting deeper understanding and creative thought.



One of handwriting’s greatest appeals is its freedom. On a computer, you’re bound by fonts and formats.
On paper, anything goes.
Lines can stray, letters can wobble—it doesn’t matter.
Paper is a space where thoughts flow unimpeded, and the imperfections themselves spark creativity.
Even the blank spaces speak, carrying a richness that no digital screen could replicate.



A recent National Geographic article from October 2024, The Science of Handwriting, delves into how handwriting activates the brain and enhances memory.
If you’re curious, it’s worth reading.


The emotional power of handwriting is another fascinating aspect. According to research by NTT Data Institute, handwritten communication conveys a sense of “time and care” to the recipient.
This effort leaves a positive impression, allowing the reader to connect deeply with the writer.
Every stroke of the pen, every subtle imperfection, carries the writer’s emotion.
In an increasingly digital world, handwriting’s warmth shines even brighter.


This is why we incorporate handwriting into our seminars.
Writing on traditional washi paper goes beyond learning—it’s an experience.


The theme of a seminar I recently attended was “Sossen Suihan（率先垂範）”


Grinding ink, feeling the brush glide across the washi, and watching the ink seep into the paper—each step invites a deeper connection with the words.
The process transforms the act of writing into an exploration of the spirit behind the text.
Handwriting is more than just a tool for recording.
It’s a way to rediscover our minds, emotions, and connections with others.
The next time you open a notebook, consider the warmth and potential of handwriting.


It might just be the beginning of a quiet revolution at the tip of your pen.


So, let’s take the first step.
On your way home, stop by a stationery store and pick out a pen and notebook.


From that moment, your revolution begins.

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“Redefining Travel in Japan”

Rather than offering conventional sightseeing trips, we propose a new concept of travel enriched with values that weave together the cultural threads of Japan from a liberal arts perspective. This redefinition centers on “Takuryo” and “Keiryo,” concepts that transcend traditional notions of travel and tourism.

What is “Takuryo（拓旅）”?

A journey to “open up places.”
Unlike conventional travel that treats famous landmarks as isolated “points” to visit, “Takuryo” delves into the layers of background, history, spirituality, and cultural essence that define a place. For instance, when exploring Mount Fuji, a “Takuryo” journey does not begin by heading directly to a location with a clear view of the mountain.

Instead, it starts at the base of Mount Kinpu, a sacred peak to the north, offering a distant view of Mount Fuji. This approach is rooted in ancient traditions—over 1,200 years ago, when Mount Fuji was an active volcano, people worshiped it from afar at sites like Mount Kinpu.

By gradually connecting the historical, spiritual, and cultural threads of Mount Fuji, the journey culminates in an intimate experience within the mountain’s embrace. This approach transforms a visit to Mount Fuji into a profound encounter, offering depth far beyond the superficiality of conventional sightseeing.

What is “Keiryo（啓旅）”?

A journey to “seek out people” and “enlighten oneself.”
While “Takuryo” focuses on the concept of “places,” “Keiryo” centers on the narratives of individuals, such as historical figures, and the connections they forged throughout their lives.

Tourist destinations are often centered on either “places” or “people.” “Keiryo” reimagines journeys by focusing on the latter, creating a richer narrative around the lives and legacies of historical figures.

For example, if the Sengoku-period leader Takeda Shingen is the focus, conventional sightseeing might include visits to Takeda Shrine, his grave at Erin-ji Temple, or even the five Zen temples of Kofu for those more deeply interested.

A “Keiryo” journey, however, goes deeper, respecting Takeda Shingen’s spiritual foundations and connections. His reverence for Yasutaka Yasuda of the Kai Genji clan, his ties to Onjoji Temple in Shiga Prefecture, and his devotions to Suwa in Nagano Prefecture are threads that must not be overlooked. To truly honor Takeda Shingen’s legacy, the journey must organically connect various locations beyond Yamanashi Prefecture.

The Interplay of “Takuryo” and “Keiryo”

“Takuryo” and “Keiryo” are not distinctly separate concepts but intricately intertwined, enhancing the overall quality of the journey. Together, they represent a groundbreaking approach to travel—a deeply interconnected exploration of Japan’s essence that transcends the conventional boundaries of tourism.

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