A Saunterer’s Lens

In this diary entry, our walking journey takes an unexpected turn under the sweltering Cebu sun. After setting out from Balamban for an 18-kilometer trek to the port of Toledo, a chance encounter with a kind-hearted local reminds us that the best travel experiences aren't about strictly following the rules we set for ourselves, but about embracing human connection. Join me as I explore the authentic streets of Toledo, discover the ultimate Filipino comfort food—a life-changing bowl of Lomi—and experience the bittersweet, melancholic beauty of watching an island fade away from a ferry deck. Now safely checked into a surprisingly clean and peaceful San Carlos City, it's time to reflect on a truly unforgettable day.

Welcome to Day 4 of the journey! Today begins with a heartfelt, albeit slightly regretful, goodbye to the wonderful local family who took me in. The road down from the mountains brings unexpected surprises, including a run-in with some dancing TikTokers, before finally leading to the peaceful coastal town of Balamban. Join me as I explore the ocean-side streets, enjoy a local lunch at a Sari-Sari store, and discover why a simple town market can feel completely magical with fresh eyes.

Welcome to Day 3 of the journey! After surviving a sleepless night serenaded by a hundred chickens, today pushed me to my absolute limits with brutal uphill climbs and a massive rainstorm that destroyed my electronics. But the storm also brought unexpected blessings, leading me to a beautiful chapel in Balamban District 3 and an incredibly warm local family who took me in. Tune in to hear why dealing with broken gear and language barriers is totally worth it when you experience the true magic of human connection!

Welcome to Day 2 of this grueling walking journey! If yesterday was a reality check, today was a profound wake-up call. In this episode, I dive into why traveling on foot is a thousand times harder than cycling, the sudden panic of finding shelter in a downpour, and the absolute agony of severe thigh chafing. Yet, amidst the endless uphill climbs and the immense challenge of finding a place to sleep, there is an incredible, fleeting bliss in taking that first sip of a cold drink after a long day. Join me as we push forward, one painful but rewarding step at a time, toward Balamban!

Welcome to Day 1 of a completely new kind of adventure!. I quickly discovered that traveling on foot is a totally different sport compared to cycling, draining my entire body's stamina. From forgetting sunscreen and dealing with brutal mountain trails to carrying way too much weight, today was a massive learning curve that even ended in heatstroke. But it wasn't all bad—tune in to hear how I survived the day, the importance of human connection on the road, and how I ended up camping on a beautiful former golf course!.

In this episode of gem's travel diary, we are soaking in the humid, vibrant atmosphere of Cebu City just one day before a big departure. Join gem as he shares the simple but profound moments of the day—from purposefully eating bitter melon to stay healthy on the road, to experiencing a deeply heartwarming encounter with a local family. We also take a sensory, rainy jeepney ride down to Carbon Market to celebrate a friend's marriage, proving that sometimes the absolute best experiences come from the plans we almost didn't make. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's wander through the rainy streets of Cebu together!

Join me on the morning of May 31st as I wake up deep in the jungle with a slight hangover, only to discover the beauty of a simple, disconnected life! In this episode, we take a quick hike up the mountain to find a sliver of Wi-Fi, taste a sour local coconut wine called "Tuba," and try to stomach some incredibly tart green mangoes. From a wild, speeding bus ride back to civilization to an inspiring evening meeting a traveling "Kimono Magician," it’s a day full of vibrant and unexpected encounters. Tune in to share the laughs, the culture shock, and the pure gratitude of life on the road.

Join me on a spontaneous journey about 40 kilometers south of Cebu City to the vibrant town of Carcar, and then deep into the untouched jungle! In this episode, we leave the Wi-Fi behind to visit a local family, share some incredible food, and watch a local casually climb a 10-meter coconut tree. It's a beautiful reminder of our fundamental human connection to nature, setting the perfect grounding tone before the real adventure begins.

Have you ever noticed how much time we spend staring down at our screens? In this episode, I take you with me to the vibrant, chaotic streets of Cebu City, specifically the historic Colon Street and the massive Carbon Market. Amidst the intense energy and local flavor, I realized something striking—nobody was looking at their phones. Join me as we explore the hidden richness of inconvenience, the beauty of being truly present, and why sometimes, the best way to experience life is to simply look up.

Dive into a chaotic day in Cebu, Philippines! From mouthwatering street food and finding flags on Colon Street to shocking coffee and heartwarming reunions.

In this episode, we dive into a raw, exhausting, yet deeply fulfilling 24-hour travel day from Japan to Cebu, Philippines. From an overwhelmingly sweet morning coffee to unexpected, profound conversations with a stranger on a plane, this journey was full of surprises. Join in as we navigate the struggles of oversized luggage, chaotic traffic, and the pure beauty of the Philippine islands. It’s a reminder that everyone has a complex story, and sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone brings the greatest rewards.

Have you ever felt like you had all the time in the world, only for it to vanish at the speed of light? In this episode, we explore the bittersweet feeling of leaving home and the realization that while time moves incredibly fast, we can still control how deeply we experience it. From an unexpected dentist visit that kept me in Japan for an extra month and a half, to preparing for my next big leap to Indonesia and Australia, join me as I reflect on living intentionally. Tune in for a gentle reminder to cherish every single day, no matter how fast the clock is ticking.

What drives someone to commit to walking 5,000 kilometers? In this episode, I share the three massive goals for my upcoming journey across six beautiful countries, stretching from the Philippines all the way to New Zealand. We dive into the sheer physical challenge of walking for 250 days, the art of capturing raw, fleeting moments in travel essays, and my ultimate dream of creating a magazine that celebrates diverse local cultures. Join me as I unpack the 'why' behind this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and what I hope to discover along the way!

In this episode, I share the real reason behind my walking adventure—and it's not just about testing human limits or physical endurance. We dive into how traveling at a walking pace naturally increases our daily communication with locals and completely removes the psychological resistance of stopping to chat. Tune in to discover why slowing down is the ultimate way to experience new cultures!

Have you ever realized a major chapter of your life is closing before it even finishes? In this episode, I share a sudden, late-night epiphany about my upcoming walking journey starting on May 27th. I realized that this will likely be my final solo adventure in this specific format. But this isn't a sad goodbye—it's an exciting evolution into new challenges, whether that means traveling by bicycle, diving deeper into cultures, or finally writing that book. Tune in to explore how we let go of old paths to make room for our next great adventure!

Have you ever realized that relying on shortcuts is slowly erasing your basic abilities? In this episode, I share a terrifying "aha!" moment I had while studying Spanish: by constantly using copy-paste, I had almost completely lost the ability to write simple sentences from scratch! We dive into the hidden dangers of living life on autopilot, the fear of losing our mental "muscles," and the surprisingly exciting feeling of finally noticing and reclaiming those forgotten skills.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "Eh, this is good enough"? In this episode, I share a personal realization I had while building an English learning program for a friend. I dive into why giving 100% isn't just about helping others—it's actually a crucial way to train your own mind. Tune in to discover why keeping promises to yourself is the ultimate motivation hack, and how you can start flexing your "all-in" muscle today.

Do you ever feel completely exhausted by the endless stream of videos and visual information on your feeds? In this episode, we dive into why our brains are desperately craving a break from screens, and why audio-only mediums like podcasts feel like such a breath of fresh air. I share my personal realization about how removing the camera actually strips away the fake personas and allows for deeply authentic, unfiltered conversations. Tune in to find out why sometimes, turning off the video is the absolute best way to truly connect!

Do you ever feel completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices we have to make every single day? In this episode, I share my recent experiment of intentionally eliminating one thing from my life daily—like giving up cola or ditching suits for good. We'll explore how strategically narrowing down your options can actually give you more freedom, clarity, and energy, while still leaving room for life's unexpected moments of human connection. Tune in to find out how subtracting a little can add a whole lot of peace to your routine!

Have you ever received advice that sounded harsh but was exactly what you needed to hear? In this episode, I share a surprising and deeply moving interaction I had right before leaving on my latest journey. Someone simply told me, "You don't have to come back"—and instead of feeling hurt, it gave me the ultimate push to keep moving forward into the unknown. Tune in as we explore the incredible, lasting impact our words can have on others, and why we should always choose them carefully when connecting with people around the world.

Have you ever realized that speaking the same language doesn't guarantee true communication? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of language learning. We explore how knowing English, Chinese, and Japanese can theoretically connect you with half the globe. However, a recent incident at a local convenience store revealed a surprising truth: words are just tools, and real connection requires so much more. Tune in to uncover what it really takes to communicate!

In this episode, I reflect on a rainy morning run that made me question if I can realistically call myself a "traveler" anymore. After months of building a comfortable, predictable routine in Japan, a simple, caring comment from my family sparked a deep realization about how my lifestyle and mindset have changed. Tune in as we explore the transition from the unpredictable life on the road to finding peace in everyday comfort.

In this episode, we explore the raw, unfiltered beauty of the "real" world—from physical exhaustion to the incredible tactile sensations you just can't get online. I share my thoughts on pushing personal boundaries, like walking and cycling across Japan, and how the massive gap between "Can I do this?" and "I'm doing this!" makes every struggle worth it. Tune in to discover why stepping into the unknown might just be the greatest adventure of all!

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit by promising yourself a huge reward, only to fall right back into it once you get the prize? In this episode, I share how I finally stopped a nearly 30-year nail-biting habit by completely changing how I view rewards. Instead of enduring the process for a physical prize, I learned how to treat my willpower like an RPG character leveling up. Tune in to find out why upgrading your internal stats is the ultimate secret to breaking bad habits for good!

Have you ever felt like you need a sixth sense just to figure out what someone actually wants? After spending the last three months back in Japan, I've realized that navigating the culture is all about "reading the air"—guessing what people mean without them saying a word. In this episode, I share why I've started treating this unspoken communication like a puzzle, and how developing a "human Jacobson's organ" helps me win the quiet quizzes of everyday life. Tune in to explore the fascinating, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately fun game of Japanese social cues.

Do you prefer to start a big journey alone or with a friend? In this episode, I share why kicking off my travels with a buddy has become a recurring theme for my adventures. From past bicycle trips starting in Vietnam to prepping for my very first walking trip on April 27th, we explore how shared beginnings invite the best kind of unpredictability. Tune in to hear why having someone at the starting line gives you the perfect boost to keep moving forward.

Have you ever received a message out of the blue that completely shifted your perspective? In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about reconnecting with an ex-partner in South Korea after almost eight years of silence. We explore why it is so crucial to live in the present, and why sometimes you just have to trust your gut and book the flight. Tune in to hear why taking a sudden leap of faith might be exactly the push you need in life.

The $1 Zine: Why I Refuse to Charge More for My Art

Have you ever noticed how people treat you differently when you’re on a journey? In this episode, I share a heartwarming encounter I had on a simple walk home, involving a traditional Japanese sweet called Obanyaki. We dive into the unexpected serendipity of being a traveler and why taking on a new challenge naturally invites strangers to cheer you on. Tune in for a gentle reminder about the beauty of human connection and the subtle responsibilities we carry when exploring the world.

Most of us wake up to a heavy downpour, look out the window, and immediately groan. But what if the things we universally dislike actually hold a hidden charm? In this episode, I share a quick thought from my morning run in the pouring rain, where I discovered unexpected beauty in the wet leaves, the quiet sounds, and the fresh perspective of looking at something from the opposite angle. Tune in to find out why flipping your mindset on "bad" weather might just open up a completely new, fascinating world for you.

Have you ever visited a famous landmark, taken a quick picture, and immediately walked away without actually looking at it? In this episode, I share a realization about how looking at the world through a camera lens completely changes our experience. We discuss the hidden cost of constantly filming and why I'm implementing a "10-Second Rule" to prioritize true connection over getting the perfect shot. Tune in to find out how to balance taking photos with actually being present in the moment!

How many days do you have left? It might sound like a morbid question, but in today's episode, I talk about why I started using a "Life Countdown" app and facing the concrete numbers of my remaining time. Far from being depressing, acknowledging the end and confronting the reality of how much time we spend sleeping or working can be the greatest motivator. Tune in to find out why keeping death in plain sight might be the best way to run towards the rest of your life with a smile!

Have you ever wanted something so badly but forced yourself to wait? In today's episode, I talk about my current struggle with intentionally resisting a glass of wine with my grandpa. With a big trip coming up in just a month, I realized that I need to mentally and physically prepare myself for the unpredictable nature of travel by setting strict daily rules. Tune in to hear how delaying our rewards—like forcing myself to finish every task before taking a sip—can actually train us to handle massive life changes step-by-step!

Ever wonder why the friends you made in high school still hold such a special place in your heart — even years (or decades) later?**There's something truly unique about the friendships forged during those formative teenage years. You were figuring out who you were, navigating awkward phases, surviving exams, and dreaming about the future — all alongside the same group of people. Those bonds? They hit different.In this episode, we dive deep into why high school friendships matter so much and how they continue to shape who we are long after graduation day.

Have you ever caught yourself treating travel or learning like a checklist? In this episode, I share a personal realization about my long-held goal to visit 100 countries. I explain why I'm abandoning the race for numbers and choosing to revisit the same countries to truly immerse myself instead. Tune in to hear why slowing down and going deep—whether in travel or language learning—might just be the secret to a more fulfilling life!

Have you ever tried to learn a new language or start a big habit, only to quickly hit a wall? In this episode, I share a massive realization I had while reading James Clear's "Atomic Habits." We dive into why we fail when we try to make huge, sudden changes, and why true transformation actually starts with a simple question: "Who do I want to be?" Tune in to learn how shifting your core identity and making ridiculously small changes can completely reshape your daily life!

Have you ever stepped on the scale and been completely shocked by the number staring back at you? In this episode, I share my recent realization of hitting 85 kilograms—a massive jump from the 69 kilos I weighed before my trip to Vietnam! We'll talk about how this unexpected weight gain brought some hidden physical aches and pains to light, and why experiencing setbacks early on is actually a hidden blessing. Tune in to hear how I'm shifting my mindset and turning this 85-kilo surprise into an exciting, positive new challenge!

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what it truly means to be a traveler? In this episode, we dive deep into the philosophy of travel, moving beyond the everyday transactional "tourist" mindset. We explore why the greatest compliment a traveler can ever receive is a heartfelt "please come back," and why we owe an immense debt of gratitude to the locals who built the very roads we wander. Tune in to discover how we can shift from just consuming a destination to actually leaving a positive mark on the places we visit!

Ever wonder how you can leave a positive mark on the world, both in your daily life and while traveling? In this episode, we dive into the "Plus One" philosophy—a powerful nightly routine of asking how you can add value to someone else's life tomorrow. From picking up on the hidden worries of your family to helping out disaster victims abroad, discover how training your "empathy antenna" can transform you into a truly welcomed guest wherever you go. Tune in to learn how solving just one small problem can make a massive difference!

In this episode, I'm sharing an unexpected update on my travels — my departure has been pushed back by two weeks. But instead of feeling frustrated, I'm finding real meaning in the pause. I'll talk about why staying home to support family feels like a gift rather than a setback, and how rethinking "perfect timing" can change the way you handle life's little detours. If you've ever had your plans interrupted and come out the other side grateful — this one's for you.

Have you ever been asked, "What's the point of your hobby if it doesn't make money?" After spending a full day at a live music club with my parent, I realized the profound impact of having a space where you can purely shine. In this episode, we explore why pursuing your true passions—whether it's music, travel, or anything else—is the ultimate fertilizer for the tree of life. Tune in to discover why your supposedly "useless" hobbies might actually be the most important part of who you are!

Have you ever felt like you're moving too fast on your travels to truly experience a place? In this episode, we talk about the "walking on water" trap that so many of us fall into—skipping from spot to spot while missing the hidden treasures right beneath the surface. Join me as I announce a major turning point in my journey, trading speed for depth as I prepare for a month-long deep dive in the Philippines. Tune in to find out why slowing down and sinking in might just change the way you see the world!

Have you ever walked past a mess and thought, "Someone else will handle it," only to regret not stepping up later? In today’s episode, I share a raw, spontaneous moment from a morning jog that challenged that exact mindset. Listen in as we explore the profound, invisible satisfaction of taking immediate action and how adopting a true "traveler's mindset" can help you leave every place a little bit better than you found it. If you want to stop collecting regrets and start adding points to your life score, this episode is for you!

Have you ever met someone who truly embodies the spirit of travel and life? In this episode, we talk about a very special traveler named "Sen-chan" who completely shifted my perspective. He isn't out to break world records or gain social media fame; instead, he travels simply to connect with nature and spread love. Tune in to hear why his unshakable positivity—even when his bags get stolen or his hitchhiking attempts fail—makes him the one traveler I deeply and genuinely respect.

In this episode, we dive deep into the delicate and often frustrating world of human communication. From a heated family argument over a dentist appointment to the broader complexities of global migration, we explore why even our best intentions can sometimes lead to conflict. Join us as we discuss the "emotional disconnect" that happens when we skip steps in a conversation, and discover why the simplest tool—a question—is often the most powerful way to bridge the gap between us. Tune in to learn how to communicate better, one small step at a time!

Have you ever been so obsessed with a goal that you forgot why you started in the first place? In this episode, I open up about my former obsession with visiting 100 countries and the sudden realization that checking a box wasn't enough. Join me as I discuss the shift from "counting nations" to "uncovering cultures," and why understanding the hidden history of a place like Sydney is worth more than any passport stamp. It’s a conversation about slowing down, diving deep, and finding meaning beyond the numbers.

I am Japanese, so why do I speak English on my podcast? In this episode, I share the real reason. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about challenging myself, making mistakes, and growing. Tune in to hear my story!

Join me as I announce my next massive adventure—a walking journey starting from Japan all the way down to New Zealand! I will be covering between 8,000 and 10,000 kilometers over the next year and a half to two years. Instead of riding a bicycle, I am taking on a brand new challenge: walking the entire way while pulling a trailer attached to my waist. In this episode, we dive into my fascinating new route through the Philippines, Brunei, Borneo, Sulawesi, Australia, and New Zealand, and why I am so eager to explore these unknown worlds!

The world feels more than a little chaotic right now, doesn't it? With global tensions running high, you might be wondering why anyone would choose to pack their bags and travel into the unknown. In this episode, we dive into the deeper reasons behind exploring the world today—from breaking down unfair stereotypes about foreigners to living life completely without regrets. Tune in to find out why right now might actually be the most important time to step outside your comfort zone!

It’s been a while! After a two-month journey across Japan meeting incredible people and reflecting on the road ahead, I’m gearing up for my next big global adventure. But this time, things are changing. I’m trading my trusty bicycle for a walking trailer to travel the world on foot! Tune in to find out why slowing down might be the ultimate key to deeper connections, and what to expect as I embark on this massive, unprecedented challenge in just three days.