The transition from the coastal quiet of Onomichi to the refined hum of Kyoto always brings a shift in perspective. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what we keep and what we leave behind. Between the shift from a nomadic life to a more grounded existence here in Kyoto, my relationship with "things" has evolved.
Welcome to the Journal.
01 / THE PULSE - Reclaimed Steam
Onomichi is a photographer’s labyrinth. Last winter, I found myself standing in front of Yamato-yu, a former bathhouse turned Chinese restaurant.
It’s a masterclass in architectural reincarnation, preserving the soul of a community hub while shifting its purpose. The teal frames and weathered stone are reminders that "modern" doesn't have to mean "new."
There is an effortless cool in sitting where generations once bathed, now replaced by the aroma of hot noodles and the hum of quiet conversation. It’s more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s about the grit and texture of a town that refuses to be forgotten.
02 / THE BREW - Common Kyoto
Finding a quiet corner is becoming a rare craft in Kyoto. Common remains one of my top recommendations in the city, even if the secret is well and truly out.
It’s a space where the air smells of both high-grade roast and premium coffee. The layout is a perfect study in shared spaces: a world-class espresso bar in the front, and a sharp hair salon tucked in the back, run by the owner’s wife. It’s an organic blend of lifestyle and utility.
While the influx of travelers makes finding a stool a challenge lately, the owner’s genuine hospitality and the precision of their cakes make the wait intentional. It’s a reminder that a great coffee shop isn't just about the beans; it's about the community it anchors.
03 / THE SPIN - Analog Rituals
Record Store Day recently passed, leaving a trail of limited pressings and "sold out" signs in its wake. Even if some of the most coveted titles, like the Jeff Buckley Live à L’Olympia or the Blur Live at the Budokan anniversary edition, remained just out of reach this time, the spirit of the day remains.
There’s something about the hunt in Japan’s record shops that feels different. It’s not just about the purchase; it’s about the curation of a physical library in an increasingly digital world.
Whether these specific gems made it onto my shelf or stayed on the "want list," they represent that bridge between archival history and the tactile ritual of the turntable.
04 / THE SIGNAL - BrickLink Designer Program
If you’ve ever felt that modern LEGO sets have lost a bit of that "Golden Era" soul, you need to look at the BrickLink Designer Program.
It’s essentially a crowdfunding platform where fan-designed models, often too complex or niche for mass retail, get a limited production run if they hit their pre-order goals. For those of us with a soft spot for the classic Pirates, Castle, or Western themes, this is where the real treasures are hidden.
We're seeing extraordinary sets like the Ominous Isle or the Transylvanian Castle, it’s a way to grow a collection with very original designs and extraordinary builds that you won't find on regular shelves.
05 / THE THOUGHT - The Weight of Things
During my years as a nomad, minimalism wasn't just an aesthetic, it was a survival tactic. Digital tools stripped away the clutter, replacing shelves of records and games with invisible files.
It was efficient, but it was also sterile. There is a profound, grounding pleasure in the physical object that the digital world has failed to replicate. Even when it’s less practical, even when it’s technically "useless" in a cloud-based life, the weight of a vinyl or the texture of a building block provides an anchor.
In a world of fleeting data, choosing to own something physical is an act of reclaiming our presence in the material world.
Before I let you go, I wanted to share something a bit more fluid. We’ve talked a lot about things that last, stone walls in Onomichi, vinyl records, and Lego bricks. But Kyoto’s most iconic season is built on exactly the opposite: the fleeting, delicate beauty of the Sakura.
I spent some time capturing the cherry blossoms across the city this year, trying to bottle a bit of that transient magic. You can watch the full edit below.
Stay grounded, and see you next week.
-Nicolas
