Japan
“In the clurb, we all fam”
’Twas my first night in Tokyo. I’d just flown in from Korea, and had only two things on my agenda: Eat delicious food (hard to get wrong), and Check out…
Voices from Tokyo: Palestine Solidarity in the World’s Biggest City
Japan’s history of struggling with its own dark past and crimes is well-documented. Here in Tokyo, the movement protesting the ongoing genocide in Gaza continues to grow stronger, with many…
One More Time
I had been waiting to see you for a long time. So long that I got as nervous as I was before my wedding. I could not think of anything…
A Survival Guide for “Hopeless Romantics”
Growing up in Mumbai, India, and travelling the world, the types of romantic pursuit I’ve seen modelled are centred on hyper-masculinity, egoism and casual rudeness. Men have this ideology that…
To Own is to Witness
There is always a part you cannot own, claim, make belong. That’s life. I do not know why others travel – be it tourism, escapism, or adventure. I never clarify…
Dancing Like a Fool
“I’m here to seduce you,” the dancing woman declares. I’m not sure how to respond, so I giggle nervously. My friends and I have been admiring her for several minutes.…
Why a Bear Meat Vending Machine Could Be a Good Thing
Veganism, a growing awareness of biodiversity loss and an increase in consciousness around animal cruelty has meant that our image of hunting these days tends to be negative. Considering the…
The Dazzling World of Vocaloid Concerts
“I don’t get it. You’re paying money just to stare at a screen?” “Why don’t you just watch a video at home!” “Their voices sound so weird.” These are usually…
Capital T(okyo)
One Month Before Departure I know I can’t be the first queer person in my family. But as far as I’m aware, I’m the first one who’s out and open. …
For my tuahine: a love letter to my sister, whānau and Tokyo
The word cancer is a frightening one, and you, my 12-year-old sister, had it. Your shitty vision was the result of a cancerous brain tumour forming on the pituitary gland,…
A Cat Lady in Tokyo
Traditionally, being a cat lady means living in a house that always smells of Fancy Feast tinned food and not owning a single piece of clothing devoid of faux fur.…
The One You Are Waiting For Will Not Come
“The one you are waiting for will not come.” I read the fortune over and over. I am not superstitious. I am not waiting for anyone. And still, I’m crying…