The Dark Side

Is there a book you find yourself revisiting many times?
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki. While this book is a paean of Japanese aesthetics, it also reminded me to appreciate the darkness as much as the light and to be content with things as they are.

If light is scarce then light is scarce; we will immerse ourselves in the darkness and there discover its own particular beauty. — Tanizaki

If you could master one talent immediately, what would it be and why?
To master all languages. Language plays an important role to culture and identity so I don’t want to lose them.

You get to live in a set of a movie or a show for the rest of your life. Tell us more about the set you choose.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories. It is an understated and heartwarming show about a master who opens his diner from midnight to 7am. I would love to be a regular at his diner: I can just sit in comfortably every night, have my favourite meal that might not be on the menu and then listen to everyone’s ups and downs. Though, I do recommend not to watch on an empty stomach!

What would you do more often if you knew you could not fail?
Perform in front of a crowd. I have been learning to play the violin for a while now and as an adult, it has been challenging yet fascinating. It often pushes me in ways I can never expect.

What’s one guilty pleasure you have that you can’t live without?
It’s not very interesting, but whenever I’m near Golden Mile Complex, I’ll always buy myself a bag of sweet potato balls that’s just outside the Thai supermarket.  Though they don’t taste exactly the same, but they always remind me of the ones I enjoyed in Taiwan. Such potato balls are not commonly sold here, so I will try to get my hands on them whenever I can.

Share with us a fond childhood memory.
My father occasionally brought me out for rides on his motorbike. He still does, though not as often now. Since then, I always enjoy the exhilarating and breezy rides on the motorbike.