The author recounts a recent walk through Shibuya, Tokyo, reflecting on the drastic changes in the area due to redevelopment and the impact of mass tourism. They express a deep nostalgia for the past, highlighting the contrast bet...
About:
Craig Mod is a writer and photographer known for his books, long walks across Japan, and beautiful crafted narratives.
Website:
Specializations:
Interests:
Incoming Links:
Outgoing Links:
Subscribe to RSS:
Craig Mod shares insights from the seventh year of his SPECIAL PROJECTS membership program, highlighting the centrality of books and the importance of community support in his creative journey.
6.3Eras
2026-01-24 • reflection history japan cultural identity eras tour
The blog post examines Japan's historical eras and their cultural significance while reflecting on the author's personal experiences with time and life milestones.
Nagasaki, a 2026 New York Times travel pick, is a vibrant city rich in history and local culture, ideal for respectful exploration away from over-touristed areas.
The author reminisces about a tendon shop called Imoya in Tokyo, where strict rules enforced a focused dining experience. The shop, run by a cranky husband and wife, prohibited talking and phone use to ensure quick service and app...
The author reflects on their recent 220-kilometer walk through the Kiso Valley, emphasizing the importance of solitude for creativity and the detrimental effects of social media on artistic expression. They discuss the concept of ...
In the latest Roden issue, the author reflects on the joys of the changing seasons in Japan while promoting his own books and discussing W. David Marx's new book, 'Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century.' The ...
Craig Mod discusses the detrimental effects of overtourism on small businesses in cities like Kyoto, emphasizing that the character of great cities is often built on local shops and community hubs. He argues that overtourism disin...
Toyohashi's Daiho Shoten complex embodies a unique blend of history and modernity, showcasing a cultural revival despite its decline and the threat of redevelopment.
The post explores the unpredictability of creative success, the evolution of writing tools, and societal challenges in realizing potential, while highlighting a compelling YouTube channel on renewable energy.
A New Year's Day at Denny's in Tokyo becomes a lens for exploring family dynamics, cultural integration, and the bittersweet nature of modern life.
The author shares their excitement about an upcoming 200-kilometer walk along the Kiso-ji in Nagano, Japan, reflecting on the significance of the valley and its history. They discuss the mental relief they hope to achieve through ...
The author reflects on a recent visit to Toyama, Japan, a year after the city was featured in the New York Times' '52 Places to Visit' list for 2025. The visit included attending the Etchū Owara Kaze no Bon festival and checking i...
The author describes his journey of building custom software, including a unique accounting tool, highlighting the importance of ownership and personalized solutions in software development.
A week-long walking journey in Japan's Kiso Valley reveals the beauty of late autumn and fosters deep philosophical discussions among participants.
In this newsletter, Craig Mod shares his experiences of moving during the intense summer heat in Japan, reflecting on feelings of solitude and decision-making. He recounts the challenges of packing and moving alone, the absurdity ...
The author reflects on the end of summer and prepares for a 200-kilometer walk while sharing updates on various personal projects, including a pop-up newsletter, a podcast, and recent readings. They discuss their experiences with ...
The author reflects on a memorable teacher, Mr. Abelon, who humorously shared his experience of passing a kidney stone. The narrative transitions to the author's own recent experience with a kidney stone during a trip to Karuizawa...
The author reflects on their transformative experience living in a Kamakura studio for over six years, detailing how the space influenced their personal and professional life. They describe the emotional impact of moving into a la...
The author shares reflections on 2025, including book successes, upcoming events, and the importance of self-care while navigating the complexities of creative work.
The author shares their experience of being featured in both Papersky and UNIQLO's LifeWear Magazine, highlighting their collaboration with the LifeWear team to write about a classic café, Būgen, in Ōfuna. The article emphasizes t...
The author reflects on his six-week book tour, expressing gratitude to everyone who attended the events and bought his book. He shares anecdotes from different cities, including meeting his biological sister for the first time and...
The text is a summary of the author's experience of being interviewed by Rich Roll on his podcast. The author describes the experience of being on a fully produced podcast, the conversation with Rich, and the production process. H...