we take a closer look at Seoul, a city known for its modern skyline, well-maintained streets, and efficient public transit—yet also home to a curious practice in some older buildings where flushing toilet paper is discouraged. We discuss how this custom emerged from narrow pipe systems and less dissolvable paper in decades past, and how contemporary infrastructure upgrades are changing restroom habits. Along the way, we explore Seoul’s postwar rebuilding, the “Miracle on the Han River,” and why even the city’s most spotless areas can still reveal a few lingering quirks.

Join us on this exciting episode of "Eyewear Revelations" as we dive into the upcoming event, "Eyewear Personality – Discovering a New Me," on March 23, 2025, at Takino River Flames in Tokyo. Hosted by eyewear enthusiast T and gadget-loving Makoto from Makoto Eyewear, this podcast explores how classic and avant-garde glasses can unlock a new side of your personality. Discover T’s fiery passion for frames and Makoto’s love for cutting-edge designs like Ray-Ban Meta, set against a backdrop of timeless Classico and bold Kuboraum brands. We’ll share the event’s highlights—try-on sessions, a 14:00 talk, and a 17:30 roundtable—plus daily YouTube Shorts previews starting March 1. Tune in to get inspired and join us for a day where eyewear transforms your identity!

In this episode, we explore how AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality) can reshape daily life—from simpler eye checkups to smarter remote work—and even help us prepare for future missions to Mars. Our host, who has 15 years of experience running an eyewear shop, talks about blending that expertise with cutting-edge technology to create genuinely useful solutions. If you’re curious about combining big dreams and practical steps forward, tune in for a friendly, down-to-earth look at how AI and AR might just change our world.

This episode dives into the evolving nature of programming education and why it’s about so much more than memorizing code syntax or mastering specific tools. Drawing inspiration from Sam Altman’s assertion that true programming education focuses on creative problem-solving, we’ll explore how AI is shifting the way we learn and innovate. We discuss how the rapidly changing landscape—from the era of punch cards to today’s cutting-edge frameworks—makes it essential to develop clarity in what you want to achieve, rather than just keeping up with new technologies. Finally, we highlight why the most exciting future might lie in people and AI working together, with human intuition sparking inventive solutions and AI providing powerful support.

In an age where AI can handle much of the creative process—like selecting the perfect pair of glasses—the true differentiator remains our ability to connect personally. This episode explores how the “democratization of influence” has shifted the way we communicate, with more people than ever stepping onto the public stage to share their ideas. Yet, while technology drives efficiency, it risks diminishing human touch. By zeroing in on face-to-face interaction, empathy, and genuine concern for customers, businesses can set themselves apart. We discuss why physical stores and in-person experiences continue to be vital—now and in the decade to come—and how these elements create meaningful, memorable connections that AI alone can’t replicate.

This episode dives into the growing fascination with batteries, sparked by visions of Mars exploration and survival in extreme environments like Everest. We examine how these scenarios highlight the need for safe, long-lasting energy storage solutions. We also explore the rising trend of decentralized energy: imagine every household generating and storing its own power, turning neighborhoods into “mini power plants.” From Tesla’s Powerwall and large-scale systems by CATL, LG Energy Solution, and Panasonic to emerging technologies like redox flow, NAS, and solid-state batteries, we discuss how breakthroughs in battery tech could reshape our planet’s infrastructure—and eventually help us thrive on Mars. Join us to find out why the “democratization of energy” may be the next big leap forward.

Meta (formerly Facebook) and Spain’s BCBL (Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language) are collaborating on a research project called “Brain2Qwerty.” By using noninvasive devices like EEG and MEG, they collect brainwave data while volunteers type on a keyboard, training an AI to predict text based on these signals. Early tests show up to 80% accuracy—especially promising with MEG—though equipment size and error rates still pose challenges. If refined, this technology could assist individuals who struggle with speech, and it may have broader applications in future brain-computer interfaces.

I recently brought back Ray-Ban x Meta glasses from Italy—still unavailable in Japan—and discovered just how convenient voice-activated photo and video capture can be. In this episode, I also discuss my favorite camera, the Insta360 X4, and how even small features can dramatically change the way we capture experiences. While these new devices and AI tools come with their share of risks and quirks, I believe experimenting with them early can unlock huge advantages before they become everyday items.

In this episode, reflects on a recent trip to Italy—recalling the days of backpacking with a paper map and compass versus today’s smartphone convenience. This journey sparks a discussion about the accelerating pace of technology and the game-changing potential of quantum computing. Learn about PsiQuantum’s ambitious quest to build a billion-dollar optical quantum computer by 2027 and how their unwavering belief in success outshines major tech giants. also shares insights on stepping away from the passive scrolling of others’ lives and becoming an active “player” in your own story. Tune in for a mix of travel anecdotes, tech marvels, and a powerful reminder to take the first step toward your dreams.

In this episode, I share my experiences traveling through Italy and discovering luggage storage app called bounce, which made exploring Milan a breeze. I also talk about the highs and lows of using ChatGPT for trip planning—from helpful tips to a few off-base suggestions—and how local advice filled in the gaps. Tune in to hear how mixing new tech tools with real-world interactions can supercharge both your travel and your day-to-day life.