Author Archives: Michael Gakuran

Pink Secrets of the Red Villa

By Michael Gakuran | Published May 16, 2013
I usually know a good location when I see one. The Red Villa, as the nickname goes, looked like a place with a story. Mentioned on very few websites, save for one or two about modern history and architecture, this western-style family home oozed exploration appeal. Surrounded by a thick, Japanese bamboo grove and well […]
Posted in Adventure, Haikyo / Ruins | 27 Comments

Dealing with Saudade

By Michael Gakuran | Published April 21, 2013
This time watching the recent novel-turned-film ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ brought it on. That same feeling of wistful longing for friends and places long since turned into memories. Mostly of schooldays and my university era. The things that could have been that weren’t, and the things that were but I long to experience […]
Posted in Journal | 9 Comments

Gakuranman Body Pillow – Available Now!

By Michael Gakuran | Published April 1, 2013
Between writing about haikyo, Japan and bioluminescence, I often just don’t have the time to really address my readers personally. I’m sorry for neglecting you all! Thankfully, your worries are now over. Enter the Gakuran-MANLY-man huggable, loveable body pillow! Perfect for lonely girls (and guys) alike!
Posted in Journal | 1 Comment

I Took the Road Less Traveled By

By Michael Gakuran | Published March 23, 2013
Since my earlier post, I’ve been sitting on a bundle of comments in a rather surprising response to my naked outpouring of worry and doubt. I keep meaning to get to them and reply, but I’ve been rather drained from work lately. It’s been rather hectic at the office as we gear up for some […]
Posted in Journal | 13 Comments

Oh Dear! I Shall Be Too Late!

By Michael Gakuran | Published March 16, 2013
Over the past few months (or perhaps years), I’ve increasingly become aware of my tendency to become fixated on people in other professions. Very often when watching videos (TED talks are great examples), reading books (lately entrepreneurial titles), meeting friends (recently the Tofugu team) and hanging out at networking events (Business in Japan, First Step […]
Posted in Journal | 27 Comments

The Honourable House of Mr. H

By Michael Gakuran | Published February 21, 2013
We arrived at the House of Mr. H early one bright, spectacular morning towards the end of winter. Our spirits cheery and fingers poised ready in our attempt to do the abode justice. It had been quite a different story a few hours earlier however. My cohort and I had set out under an inky […]
Posted in Haikyo / Ruins | 23 Comments

Carpe Diem

By Michael Gakuran | Published February 2, 2013
Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary. -John Keating, Dead Poet’s Society
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Horonai Coal Mine Substation

By Michael Gakuran | Published January 31, 2013
T’was the brink of winter in mainland Japan when haikyo buddy Florian and I decided to venture north. Our joint adventures in urban exploration had not taken us much above central Japan until now, but we both felt it was time to step foot in largely unexplored terrain. To go to that most sizeable island […]
Posted in Haikyo / Ruins | 3 Comments