"There is so much writing in English on Japanese cinema that can't be accepted at face value — not because the writers are careless, but because the differences in culture and language are just too intricate. When I see August Ragone's name on a piece of writing, it gives me permission to place my faith in it completely. Among Japanese fantasy film historians, he's the best working in English." —Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

I'VE GONE FISHING TO PONDER MY NEXT MOVE Now is the Time to Embrace the Winds...

未来を楽しみにしています!

Over the last year, 2018-2020, I decided to take a break on this blog, as it was coming to a crossroads of sorts. Between commissioned projects, work, and social life, there just didn't seem to really be enough time to devote to this blog. Perhaps, this is an opportunity for a change - a metamorphosis.

Increasingly, news from Japan started dominating all the content - which had to be verified, translated, cross-referenced, edited, and further expanded with detail and context for the benefit of the non-Japanese, English reader. Doing so would consume hours, giving me time for little else, especially pursuing what I wanted.

All of which was generally exhausting, as the exacting, nit-picking perfectionist, I am. The alternative, merely translating and posting press releases, as is, is not only the laziest form of online journalism, it's also a disservice to your readers. Why bother doing what every other access media monkey with a Wordpress page is doing?

There's more that could be digressed, but that would only amount to winds much better aimed at newly-hoisted sails of possibilities. So, here I am in 2020 - pandemic be damned - with innumerable choices in which to express my passions near and dear to my heart. A higher-profile, online presence is certainly key in this on-going voyage.

Another route along this expedition will most certainly berth physical publishing, including more books. Three have been sketched out for years - it's a matter of time and the very delicate management of those precious granules of sand. Most days, I receive compliments on my writing and/or my work, in general. It's gratifying and warm.

Nevertheless, I shouldn't rest on any laurels - despite the fact that I have been at this for the better part of four decades, an unbroken chain being peddled forward since I was a kid - not that there would be anything wrong with that. However, there are volumes more to be done - lots of ideas and projects to be realized.

This means moving forward, no matter the direction, but onward must I go. This doesn't mean the end of this blog. If anything, it will lead to a metamorphosis - whether that leads to a transformation or a rebirth, will all depend on where this voyage takes me on this journey across the present and into the future.

For that is where we will all spend the rest of our lives!

(In the meantime, you can find me active on Facebook and Twitter, which is enough to keep me busy, under my real name. Go figure.)