DEEP DOWN, WE'RE ALL THE SAME.

I think it's quite normal to believe that people who live in other parts of the world are different from you -- and in many ways, they probably are. But to focus on these aspects that divide us can be detrimental, because it exacerbates the differences that reside in us; because sometimes, we're all not that different at all.

man with hands up

woman with hands up

[click on the images for a closer look]

woman with hands up

These were taken at the famous glico man place in Osaka. I remember how it was drizzling that day, and many were carrying umbrellas. Yet, many tourists ditched their umbrellas when taking photos here, and some even copied the pose of the glico man! It made me realise how easily amused we could be sometimes, and that it is these little, perhaps even slightly absurd, moments that we witness authenticity that connect us.

man in red with hands up

couple with hands up