Steffen Eckart

Been away for awhile and thought I would check in. I have been having some fun with ChatGPT. It generated this image of what it thinks my personal heaven looks like. What do you think? #japan

As the plumb blossoms in Tokyo give way to the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, I am immersed in thoughts about the more profound significance of the Spring season in Japan. It symbolizes a time of awakening—of renewal, growth, and profound change. It is a season I always look forward to.

Close up of a club moss plant, surrounded by small color flowers

Kicking off a three-night adventure in Kagoshima and Yakushima. Loving the vibe of the town and the surrounding natural environment here. The season is still winter but with a tropical flavor. As an example, here is a Club Moss plant happily growing outside of the local airport.

In recent years, there has been a surge in social media posts, on LinkedIn in particular, that center around an infographic. Some are quite useful, while others are not. This article is the result of my investigation on this topic. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
substack.com/home/post/p-...

The annual awakening of the plumb blossoms in Tokyo is always a welcome sign that the dreary post holiday period is nearly over, and Spring is around the corner. #plumbblossoms #flower

That’s a great picture. The air is so clear.

Close up of a snow capped Mt. Fuji.

I snapped this photo of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture on a cloudless day exactly six years ago. So much has changed in my life since then but this magnificent mountain has never wavered. #photography #japan

For my fellow Gen X peeps: I recently realized I can count the number of years I have until I reach the "mandatory retirement age" in Japan on my two hands. In my latest substack piece, I explore the life implications of this. #retirement

steffeneckart.substack.com/p/life-lesso...

Japanese Support for Educational Reform in Egypt Japan’s postwar economic rise prompted broad global attention on its educational methods. Today a program bringing Egyptian educators to Fukui Prefecture is returning them to their country with innova...

Not to be a naysayer, but I have no idea why bringing Japanese educational approaches such as tokkatsu to Egyptian schools is a strategic priority for Japan. It seems like a solution looking for a problem.

AI Chips May Outpace Moore's Law Advancements in AI chip technology, led by innovations like NVIDIA's Blackwell platform and Huang's Law, are poised to surpass the limits of Moore's Law,...

This is three parts horrifying and one part fascinating. #ai

No love lost, I am sure.

This looks like fun. I’ll have to brew up some coffee and give it a read.

Japan's industry minister: Biden's block of Nippon Steel deal incomprehensible | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News Government officials in Japan are reacting after US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's bid to buy US Steel. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Muto Yoji described the decision as

I honestly have no idea why this decision by the Biden administration is good for anyone. 🤷‍♂️ #japan

‘Home Alone’ director Chris Columbus explains how the McCallisters were able to afford that house | CNN Audiences have wondered for years how the family in “Home Alone” was able to afford their beautiful Chicago-area home and now we know.

Spoiler alert: the McCallisters were actors and the whole story was made up.

Fun fact: products to help you clean your window screens literally don’t exist anymore. I guess window screen cleaning isn’t a regular thing.

Ventured out to the drug store to pick up some cleaning supplies. Of course everyone in Tokyo was in the local Fit Care Depot with me. People seemed stressed, and in a hurry. Ugh. 😑

Close up of a Candelabra flower

Candelabra in Shimoda, Shizuoka Pref. #photography #japan

Already into year-end deep cleaning mode with the Christmas decorations still up. Does that make me multi-cultural?

Close up of red leaves

Red leaves in Ota Ward, Tokyo. 🍁 #photography #japan

Out with the family In Jiyugaoka on Christmas Eve at an Italian restaurant. The food is decidedly not Christmasy and they are playing rap music on the overhead speakers. Merry Christmas to all anyway! 🎄#becausejapan

Rainbow over the bay in Manazuru Japan.

Today on a pre-Christmas day trip to Manazuru in Kanagawa Pref., I witnessed the largest and most vibrant rainbow that I have seen in my life. I will take it as a good omen for the year to come. #japan #photography

I bet the Tokyo American Club is in a panic.

Yes, true. 💯

I wonder if a decade is enough time for JR East to accomplish these three things. Surely it would take them longer.

That's hilarious. I think she is a keeper.

Hontaku-ji temple in Ontakezan

Hontaku-ji temple in Ontakezan

Good morning Bluesky friends. Heading out for the day and I took a long route to visit Honkaku-ji temple on the way to Ontakezan Station. I thought the manicured pine tree has an interesting shape. #photography #temple #japan

I used to pass through JFK airport from time to time on the way to Manhattan for business meetings. It was awful then, and seems to have not changed.

I fully agree and already follow you. Thank you for the work that you do!

Wow, sorta my neighborhood. I am on the other side of the Tama River, not far from Tamagawa Station.

Top Secret is still a banger.