The humidity is starting to settle into the Kyoto basin, forcing a slower, more intentional pace. It’s that specific time of year where the air feels heavy with anticipation before the rainy season hits.
Ten editions in, and this journal is finding its own rhythm. I hope you still enjoy reading this journal as much as ever.
01 / THE PULSE - Stolen Stillness
A shot from the archives, taken about three years ago during a trip to Kanazawa. We had spent the day in Yamanaka Onsen, walking the Kakusenkei Gorge and crossing the iconic bridge, before ending up at a local footbath to kill time.
This is exactly why I carry a camera: to capture total strangers in their own quiet world. This couple was simply waiting for the bus back with us, but the composition of the blue linen against the weathered wood felt timeless. It’s a reminder that "everyday life" is often the most interesting subject we have.
02 / THE BREW - Hoo, Kyoto
Located just east of Nijo Castle, Hoo is the second venture from the former Walden Woods roaster, who now oversees four distinct spots across the city.
While it keeps the core concept of high-end coffee and signature donuts, it’s a far more grounded experience than the crowded Kiyomizu-dera location. The space itself is a beautifully renovated traditional house with a sharp, intentional design. There is a tiered, stadium-style bench out front for people-watching, and a massive counter that dominates the ground floor.
Upstairs, a mezzanine overlooks the workspace below, offering a perfect vantage point of the operation. They don’t compromise on the craft. The espresso is dialed in with the same precision as the donuts, a clear marriage of authentic flavor and smart marketing that explains the owner's rapid success.
03 / THE SPIN -Anri, Timely!!
City pop has had its global moment, and most of the usual names have been thoroughly discovered. But Anri still feels like a personal find every time.
Timely!! is her 1983 masterpiece, a record so precisely engineered for a certain kind of late-night urban feeling that it almost seems unfair. The production is immaculate: warm synths, bass that sits just right, and a voice that sits somewhere between effortless and deeply precise. A classic, yes, but one that genuinely earns its place in the collection rather than just occupying shelf space.
I put this on during a Friday night and didn't stop until I had to flip the record. There's something about city pop in japanese city specifically, the neon, the alleys, the after-hours stillness, that makes the music feel like it was written for exactly this geography.
"Last Summer Whisper" remains the entry point if you're new to her. After that, you don't need guidance.
04 / THE SIGNAL - BattleStar Galactica
The Pitch: Forget the capes and the laser beams. This is a gritty, political survival thriller that just happens to take place on a spaceship.
If you haven't watched this, forget everything you think you know about "space operas". This is a masterclass in long-form storytelling. It’s rare to find a series where the writers clearly knew the endgame from the very first episode. That intentionality reflects in the pacing; nothing is filler, and every plot point carries weight.
Whether you like sci-fi or not, this is top-tier television. It forces you into conflicting emotions, making you despise characters you once loved and humanizing races you were taught to hate. Each mid-season and finale delivers absolute cliffhangers that actually pay off. If I had to recommend just one series to someone, this sits firmly in my top three of all time.
05 / THE THOUGHT - The Third Space
Working from home has its advantages, but my personal projects always find their legs in the city’s coffee shops. It’s a necessary break from the home office to seek out a different kind of friction.
The atmosphere, the curated playlists, the ambient noise of a steam wand, creates a sensory layer that silence lacks.
But more importantly, it’s about observation. I find myself watching the way people interact, the subtle details of Japanese daily life, and the way light moves across a counter. It’s where I’ve sharpened my eye for photography more than any tutorial.
Tackling complex design work while accompanied by a high-quality pastry and a dialed-in espresso isn't just about comfort; it's about turning the work into a ritual.
This journal is meant to be a conversation. If you have a thought on today’s topics or a question about what I’ve shared, jump into the comments on the web version of this post. Let’s keep the dialogue going.
Stay grounded, and see you next week.
-Nicolas
