This week, I focused entirely on polishing up the website.
I used small details such as fonts and textures to create a 'bookshelf' feel.
I also wrote comments on each of the books and works I'd selected, which took surprisingly longer than I'd expected.
However, I really enjoyed selecting works based on the themes of 'immigration' and 'cross-cultural and multiculturalism'. I've always been interested in other cultures-ever since I was in Japan-and now I'm living in Germany as an immigrant myself.
I also find it beautiful when I discover common ground or moments of empathy across different cultures.
Rather than emphasising 'differences' and fuelling division, I have endeavoured to curate this bookshelf in such a way that 'empathy' can be found amidst those 'differences'.
Through this seminar, not only did I gain knowledge of coding, but I also found myself thinking more than ever before about the coercive and authoritarian nature of using technology-or rather, of the very act of creating something.
I'm also delighted that I'm now able to interpret coding and websites themselves in a much freer way than before.
I look forward to applying what I've learnt in this seminar to my future projects!
Week 9, 10
30.06.2026
Starting this week, we have begun work on our individual final projects.
As I still felt I hadn't quite managed to find a connection between 'the city of Karlsruhe' and 'myself', it wasn't easy to decide on a location for my project.
To begin with, the idea of a public bookshelf in my neighbourhood came to mind quite intuitively, so I decided to create a website about it, although my idea was still rather vague at that stage
During a discussion with Nina, she asked me some in-depth questions such as 'Why that particular place?', 'What do you expect from that place?', 'How does that place make you feel?', and 'What else would you like to see there?', and this helped me clarify exactly what I wanted to achieve with the website I was about to create.
I'm the type who values intuition, but I think there's often a reason behind that intuition. I've come to realise once again how important it is to explore that 'intuition' from various angles and put my own reasoning into words.
I was also happy to receive some positive feedback from Nina on my writing and curation. I've always enjoyed introducing films and music to people, and I love writing, but I wasn't very confident that I could do either of those things well in a language other than my mother tongue.
However, when it comes to the visual aspect, I haven't yet got a clear idea of what sort of website I want to create...
Week 8
18.06.2026
This week, we created a new website using microchips called ESP8266 Wi-Fi chips.
It seems you can host your own website by utilising the mechanism for setting up a Wi-Fi network (I don't fully understand how it all works, so I'm not entirely sure if this explanation is 100% accurate).
I also thought the prompt-'an ASCII art-based storytelling website'-was an interesting one. I came across some ASCII art depicting a cat falling from a tree and landing safely, so I used that as a basis
to weave together a story about moving forward from my own failures.
If you come across a network called '100% Safe Wi-Fi', that's my site.
Week 7
06.06.2026
This week, we began by reading this article as homework.
To be honest, the content was quite shocking, and it made me reconsider my own tendency to accept new technologies-including AI-without question.
We also learnt about image management with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. Regarding image compression, my understanding had been limited to the idea that 'reducing file sizes makes websites load faster', but
I realised the need to take into account the internet connection speeds of website visitors and the environmental impact.
Furthermore, regarding image processing, I had previously viewed pixel representation and colour restrictions simply as 'styles'; however, I learnt that applying these techniques can serve the 'purpose' of reducing file sizes.
This website provided a more technical yet easy-to-understand explanation of dithering.
Oh, speaking of which, we read that article too. The word 'floppy disk' really brought back memories; I think I used one just a few times in IT lessons when I was a child.
I didn't know they were designed to fit in a shirt pocket.
Week 6
02.06.2026
This week, we launched a new mobile-friendly webpage that is specialised for particularly spaces.
My page is for a workspace on 1st floor of the HfG, and the cuncept is "Mobile Window".
This page connects webcams installed near the university, allowing you to enjoy watching the changing weather on your smartphone screen. You can also receive messages saying,'You are doing great'.
If you tap on a message, you'll be connected to an internet radio station, and there's also a feature that lets you go on a virtual world tour via the radio.
This idea is based on this article.
This article reminded me of the film "The Outrun (2024)".
I feel there are similarities in the way a place can inspire creativity and the insights that come from immersing oneself in nature.
The activities organised by the group 'Robida', which are mentioned in the article, are also quite interesting. It seems they run a summer school, so I'd love to go there one summer holiday...
Lyon
24.05.2026
We went to Lyon on a school excursion this week. It was my first time there, so I had no idea what to expect.
I was kind of overwhelmed by the size of the city, but I suddenly loved it.
The most exciting part was visiting the school. I always want to sneak into other art schools.
We visited Ensba Lyon. It stands by the river, and it was lovely to be able to see the water from the classroom and library windows.
The building's structures were so intricate that it felt like a maze.I was impressed to hear the students say that, as there are both a canteen and a cafe on campus, they spend their break times on school grounds.
It was also interesting to hear from people who work as professional designers, and above all, it reminded me of the importance of stepping away from the daily life and immersing oneself in a new environment.
As I'm thinking of studying somewhere other than Germany in the future, this has been a good opportunity to start thinking about it in more concrete terms.
And my head is already full of thoughts about where to go on my summer holiday...
This week we created a new webpage that is made entirely of collage. We used only image tags and css.
I had never built a webpage using this aproach before, so it was a really fresh and enjoyable experience.
Also, we read this article:a view source web.
I hadn't really given much thought to the fact that you can view the source code in a browser, but this article is an interesting read because it discuses the impact this technology on people.
Why are you asking me that?
08.05.2026
On May 8th, it'll be exactly three years since I came to Germany.
Three years ago, I couldn't speak German, had no friends (except my cat I
brought from Japan), no job, and honestly no idea what my future would look
like.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about microaggressions. Especially in this town-compared to Berlin, there aren't many Asian people-so I get asked "Where are you from?" by random strangers all the time. On the street, on the train, at work, in clubs... it just happens out of nowhere. This week alone, it happened twice.
Of course, it's totally normal to ask about someone's background when you're getting to know classmates or new friends. And it's fun to mix languages and play around with words from different cultures.
But when someone goes like, "Nice weather today, by the way, where are you from?" or "I like your shoes-so where are you from?" without even asking my name first, it just doesn't feel right.
After three years in Germany, I don't automatically answer "Oh, I'm from Japan"
anymore. To be honest, I'm really fed up with strangers telling me about anime I've never seen of or treating me as a practice partner for their terrible Japanese.
Now, when someone suddenly asks me "Where are you from?" out of blue, I just go, "Why?"
And now, I've learned to say, 'You should ask my name first, rather than where I'm from.'
For now, asking 'Why?' in response is the best way to deal with microaggressions. And every time something like this happens, it makes me realise that I need to learn more and be more careful.
This got kind of serious, so I'll end by sharing one of my favorite videos lately :)
Filmclub: Geoschizoanalyse II
07.05.2026
I watched "The Act of Killing" in KUPHI's film club seminor.
The Act of Killing is a 2012 documentary film directed by Joshua Oppenheimer.
The film follows individuals who participated in the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66,
wherein alleged communists and people opposed to the New Order regime were tortured and killed,
with the killers, many becoming gangsters, still in power throughout the country.
I don't usually choose to watch films that deal with violence and justice so directly,
but I found it deeply compelling. It runs for nearly 3 hours, so I woudn't recommend it to everyone, but I'm glad I watched it.
The film portrays various forms of violence rooted in power, hollowed-out systems, misogyny, and far-right ideology.
At the same time, it also reveals the inherent violence embedded in the act of filming itself. It made me reflect not only on social issues, but also on what it means to create a work of art.
Around the world, there are all kinds of tea cultures.
You can enjoy tea made from a single type of leaf, or blends with herbs, spices, or even nuts.
What kind of tea people choose really depends on their needs and preferences.
You can go for something with or without caffeine, something spicy, or something calming. You can enjoy it alone, or share it as a way to connect with others.
Sometimes you drink it at home, sometimes you take it with you in a bottle and have it outside.
It doesn't have dramatic effects like alcohol or drugs, but tea still has its own subtle impact on people. That's probably why certain blends and recipes get passed down across places and generations.
In a way, website is kind of like tea-- both can be spaces for comfort and communication, where people pick and choose the information or benefits that suit them, and anyone around the world can access them.
Website as lighthouse
A website is like a lighthouse.
It's a tool that uses light to communicate with someone far away.
The light from a lighthouse is practical-- it keeps ships safe-- but the lighthouse itself is often valued as a cultural or architectural landmark.
In the same way, a website isn't just about the information it holds. Its design and how it's made can also have value.
When you look at historic lighthouses, they remind you that newer isn't always better.
Website as knitting
A website can also be like knitting.
Typing code and turning it into visuals is a lot like knitting yarn in a steady pattern to create shapes and textures.
The process itself can feel like meditation, and what you make can bring joy to someone or be useful to them.
Both take patience, but one nice thing is that if something doesn't feel right, you can always undo it and start over.
I went to the reading event "Political Girl", hosted by KUPHI at HfG. In this event, Maria Alyokhina, one of the original members of Pussy Riot, read from her book, while Eric J. Breitenbach created an improvised soundscape to accompany her reading.
I've always been impressed by Pussy Riot's activism, so I was very happy to have the opportunity to hear her speak in person.
One part of the reading that really stuck with me was her story about escaping from Russia by pretending to be a food delivery service.
I also found the interaction between the reading and the music very interesting. I especially enjoyed the moment when Maria jokingly asked Eric, "Isn't this piece a bit too dramatic?" and requested a change in the music, which was kinda funny. The way her narration and the music merged into one felt like a unique quality that can only be experienced in a live performance.
Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist protest and performance art group based in Moscow that became popular for its provocative punk rock music which later turned into a more accessible style. Founded in the fall of 2011 by the then 22-year-old Nadya Tolokonnikova, it has had a membership of approximately 11 women.
Week 11
