Soyoka

I usually meet people who live in Japan or come here for work. Each time, I quietly hope to offer something small—light enough to carry, warm enough to return to when the day slows down or the room feels a little too still. Whether it's once or something that repeats over time, I try to meet each moment with attention. These moments are small, but sometimes I think of them as tiny rehearsals for the quietness that may come later in life—especially for those who have lived busy, structured lives. Just a pause, shared without hurry. With a side of tea, ideally.

It’s because some people returned not just once, but again and again.

I collected a few words from people I've met.

slow life, sweet, rascal, omotenashi, resilient, bubbly, rude, caring, 珍宝,Japanese Soul, Моя японская дама, Ton sourire lumineux, affectionate, 黒猫.

...Feel free to piece together an image from those fragments. I tend to be quiet—not by intent, just not trained in small talk.

I usually keep those to myself. But sometimes I hear that time spent together brought something into focus, or softened a part of the day that felt a bit rigid. If so, I’m glad. And now—cat pictures, if you have them.

I care for two small creatures and spend time building their home. I go on long walks, observe nearby plants, the sky above, and the shifting weather as if it were a job in itself. I love morning tea. Making something for myself feels like a private kind of wealth. Since I’m often alone, when someone invites me out, I sometimes think—ah, a conversation. I just hope I still remember how to do it.

Through this work, I’ve been learning how to speak with people. Time alone has always been the default for me, so I still get nervous, especially around new people. But it may not be a bad thing to be unsure now and then. I don’t know what comes next. When I do, I’d like to tell someone. I've spent a lot of my time alone. I might be prepared.

To each of you—thank you. You made this experience special.

(Your support goes toward daily life, and the secret preparations for a secret project in the secret future.)