Once again, the year passed faster than I expected.

Every year feels shorter than the last, but when I stop and look back, I realize how much actually happened.
This article is a quiet log of 2025 — moments, movements, and things that stayed with me.

Part-time Oni at a shrine

In february, I worked as an oni (demon) at a Setsubun event at a shrine near my parents’ house.
I never imagined I’d be doing something like that as an adult, but being involved in a local tradition felt strangely grounding.

It was slightly embarrassing, slightly funny, and somehow comforting.

Work, Design, and Time Spent Building

I participated in the Studio Design Awards this year.
Several projects I was involved in were nominated, and more than the results, it made me reflect on the time and effort that had quietly accumulated.

It reminded me that progress doesn’t always feel dramatic while it’s happening — sometimes you only notice it when you pause.

Creative Inspiration

I visited BYOD2, where I saw a digital art exhibition that left a strong impression on me.
Instead of just admiring the work, I felt a clear urge to create something myself.

I also went to Comiket, where a friend of mine exhibited as an illustrator.
Since I had just started drawing casually myself, being surrounded by that creative energy and culture was genuinely exciting.

Later in the year, I went to a studio for the first time with an illustrator friend.
The space, the sound, the atmosphere — everything felt right.
It was one of those moments where you think, “I want to keep doing this.”

Family Time

I traveled to Hiroshima with my parents, where my sister currently lives.
Being able to spend time together and explore the city as a family felt quietly meaningful.

There was also a difficult moment this year.
My mother was hospitalized due to breast cancer.
Thankfully, it was detected early, and she recovered well, but it was a reminder of how fragile things can be.

Her safe return home was something I’m deeply grateful for.

Body, Sports, and Small Frustrations

I didn’t ride my 883 motorcycle as much as I wanted to this year.
That’s something I’d like to change.

I participated in a driving session at Autopolis with my father.
I thought my lap time had improved, but it turned out to be slightly worse — which was a bit frustrating, but also funny in hindsight.

My tennis elbow improved significantly thanks to shockwave therapy.
It was extremely painful during treatment, but absolutely worth it.
I can now play tennis lightly again, which feels like getting something important back.

In Tokyo, I still play tennis occasionally.
The CEO of my new company is the same age as me and also plays, so sometimes we play after work.
I hope to make more time for it next year.

A Year of Movement and Change

Since my wife was attending graduate school in Tokyo, I traveled back and forth frequently.
In April, we went to Inokashira Park together to see the cherry blossoms — nothing special on paper, but very memorable.

Later in the year, due to work and my wife’s future plans, we moved to Tokyo.
Between the move, work, personal projects, and visa-related matters, it was probably the busiest period of my life so far.

After settling in, we started a new chapter in Eifukucho.
It’s convenient, calm, and doesn’t feel overwhelming — a place that fits my current pace.

Travel and Photography

I traveled to Hiroshima and Saga to photograph live performances for a junior artist from my university days.
Photographing someone else’s expression and stage presence continues to be something I really enjoy.

I also went to Hakata with my mother to see Hakata Gion Yamakasa for the first time.
I was able to take some surprisingly good photos from our office, which reminded me how much timing and perspective matter.

Later in the year, my wife traveled to Pittsburgh for an academic conference.
I joined her a week later, finally meeting her aunt and brother in person.
(The details of that trip are written separately.)

Facing Photography More Seriously

I started exhibiting my photographs in a group exhibition at a gallery near my home.
The gallery owner is someone I deeply respect, and this experience made me feel closer to photography and art than ever before.

I also participated in a 12-week consecutive exhibition, which pushed me to take photos every single day.
Even after the exhibition ends, I want to keep this habit alive.

Looking Ahead

My goals for next year are simple:

• Move my body more
• Blur the boundary between design and development using AI
• Increase passive income steadily
• Spend less time on my smartphone
• Take more photographs

Nothing too grand.
Just staying honest, curious, and consistent.

That was my 2025.