A family standing in a field looking at the sunset. When I was still in primary school, one of my cousins came to live with us after losing her dad. I knew her dad had passed away, and even though I felt bad for her, I didn't fully understand what she was going through since my parents were both well and alive. She was just a few years older than me, and I don't think anyone understood her pain, not even when my younger told her to go back to her dad's house and cried for hou

A touching moment between two swans on a lake "I know you wanted your children to grow up with their dad as you did, but things didn't go as planned, and don't you think it's time for you to move on and find someone else?" I turned around to look at my mum and asked, "What are you talking about? Do you think I'm single because I'm unable to move on? My mum stayed with me for the first time since I moved to England last year. I love her dearly, but it was some of the most tryi

I baked my first banana bread, and there's still room for improvement Cafe hopping was one of my favourite hobbies before moving to London this summer. I loved going to different cafes at least twice a month to try new pastries and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. I don't remember exactly when it became a hobby, but it was fun, and I truly enjoyed it. A few weeks after settling into my new life in London, I tried cafe hopping again, as it was a hobby that allowed me to savour delic

Sho Kasamatsu as the leader of the hijackers in Good News (Netflix) When I opened YouTube one day, I was suggested the trailer of an upcoming Korean film called Good News. I started watching K-dramas/movies this year, and I'm enjoying their crime TV shows. So I clicked on the video and a few seconds in, my boy Sato from Tokyo Vice, aka Sho Kasamatsu, appeared on the screen. Isn’t this supposed to be a Korean film?! And who do I see next, the one and only Serizawa (Takayuki Ya

Ko Hyun-Jung as Jeong I-Shin My interest in Japanese media began when I discovered anime and manga in the late 90s; over the last years, my interest shifted from anime to Japanese movies and dramas. Honestly, it's mostly what I watch, and I reached a point where I've seen what is available on Netflix or Prime. So it was time to explore something new, and as someone who loves the crime/thriller genre, what better drama to start with than Mouse on Prime. Let me just say that I

Japanese folklore masks on display In late September on a Sunday, I closed the door behind me quietly as I was walking towards the bus stop. It was just after 5 am and all train stations were still closed, so I had no choice but to take the bus to Central London, even though it's quite a journey. I was heading to Trafalgar Square for London's biggest Japanese festival, but stopped by Waterloo first before making my way to the festival. I've been meaning to attend the festival

A couple looking at the sky under an umbrella "You look amazing, and I'm so proud of you for not giving up", said Sasha to her reflection in the mirror. A big smile brightened her face as she put her hands in her hair, trying to style it, then turned around, still looking at her reflection as if she couldn't believe she was the beautiful woman in the mirror. When she moved back to her hometown, Sasha was no longer the confident and ambitious woman who had decided to go live a

It's never too late to start over When I left my home country a few years ago to start over in England, I didn't know what I was getting myself into. It was my first time stepping out of my comfort zone by leaving my family and friends to move to a country where I didn't speak the language. I knew it wouldn't be easy for me to start over and build a life for myself in a country where I would never feel at home, but I was confident and ready to take a leap of faith. As dauntin