Kuo’s Astral Bookshop

 

Although many people say that books are dying out, I am keenly aware that it is in times like these that we must firmly against the stream of the current trend. The Strand Bookstore, which I always visit when I stay in New York, has a mix of old and new books. And when I visit Taipei, I always stop by the Kuo’s Astral Bookshop on Dihua Street, which offers tranquility and peace in a corner of the retro street-lined market.

Today is my last night in Taipei. This year, I am relieved to confirm that these two bookstores are still firmly supported by book lovers. Thinking in analog means being able to see things three-dimensionally, sometimes from the other side. When this ability degenerates, people lose a great deal.

Now, it is better to just enjoy the atmosphere created by a handmade bookshelf, which stimulate your mind and makes you want to contemplate. Bookstores with this kind of individuality, which have largely disappeared in Japan, are now a world heritage.

the small town in Latvia

 

I found this little church in the bush near the old castle. The memory of the small town in Latvia is still vivid. 

the silhouette of Monument Valley

I drove hundreds miles on the country road to find the silhouette of Monument Valley. It was my last trip abroad before pandemic. 

Jecheon Korea

 Bell of old buddhism temple in the deep valley in Jecheon Korea. Jecheon is also known as the center of traditional herb medicine. 

the Strait of Bosporus

 The airplane from Vienna is making the final approach toward Istanbul. We are above the Strait of Bosporus that connect Europe with Asia.

found our books

 

We found our books made in my publisher at a international hotel lounge in Hiroshima. It was the moment when I got the motivation to produce and create products. 

Introduce my hometown to the people of Taiwan

 

It was a pleasure to introduce my hometown to the people of Taiwan. For the past few months, I have been working hard to bring the delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Taoyuan City, just south of Taipei and home to the international airport, to my hometown of Hiji Town in Oita Prefecture to promote business opportunities. 

On Monday, they came to the town hall. We were delighted to be able to introduce them to this small castle town of flounder and distilled liquor called “shochu”, overlooking the scenic Beppu Bay. 

Taoyuan, with a population of 2 million, is a significant metropolis in Taiwan, next to Hsinchu City, where semiconductor giant TSMC and others are located. I am just grateful they took the time to visit this small town in Oita. When we saw them off at Fukuoka Airport the next day on their way back to Taiwan, we shook hands firmly with each other. We promised both of them would work hard to find what we could do together in the future. It was a two-day event in which I enjoyed the real thrill of international exchange.