This week was certainly an eventful one, though not always in the ways I would have preferred.

To start with, Japan kept me on my toes with several earthquakes. One day alone brought multiple tremors, and they certainly weren’t small. They’re one of those things I’ll have to learn to expect here, but experiencing several in quick succession was still more than a little unsettling.

I also had my first experience with artistic theft. An artist took a piece I had commissioned, copied it without permission, and began selling prints. When I politely explained that he didn’t have my permission to reproduce artwork I had commissioned, his response was simply, “It’s fan art. I can do what I want.”

Unfortunately (for him), that’s not how copyright works.

Do I own Rainbow Brite? Of course not. She’s the intellectual property of Hallmark. But I do own the commissioned artwork that I paid to have created, and that doesn’t give someone else the right to reproduce and sell it.

Rather than have a conversation, he blocked me and told his followers that I was just a “crazy fan.”

Sometimes it’s better to shrug, move on, and focus on the things that actually brought joy.

And there were multiple things that sparked joy this week.

First, and most exiting is that Jem and the Holograms released a fantastic reimagining of ｢Who Is He Kissing?｣. The new mix manages to feel nostalgic while giving the song fresh energy, and there have already been hints that more remixes are on the way.

Judging by the teasing from fans, the next release may even be a Misfits song. If that’s true, I’m absolutely here for it.

I also finally got to see Supergirl (full review coming soon), and I had a wonderful time with it. Afterwards, I tried MOS Burger for the first time, and I can absolutely see why it has such a loyal following. It was delicious.

And finally, I’ve fallen even deeper into BEASTARS. Every time I think I know where it’s going, it surprises me. It’s an exceptionally well-written series, and I’m enjoying it far more than I expected.

One difficult week doesn’t negate all of the wonderful things that have happened here.

I’m still incredibly happy. I love it here.

There will be more soon so…

Stay Tuned!