As we get closer to midnight, I’ve realized something: I’m a bit annoyed with myself for ending the year with this:

So much happened in 2025! And yet, somehow, I spent an indecent amount of time redesigning my site—even creating my own Unkai theme—instead of doing the most important part: actually blogging.

The irony is that life was full.

We spent a full week in the Azores, hiking every single day. I travelled to Singapore with the design team, where I finally got to photograph the mythical people’s park complex. And there was also an impromptu getaway to Munich to celebrate the Christkindlmarkt with friends.

And that’s only a small slice of it.

There’s so much I still want to share: my growing collection of goshuins, a new obsession I recently fell into (boxing), and some photo snaps I took in Ginza during golden hour.

But while I sort my drafts, here’s one moment I wish to share.

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Walking through the streets of Singapore with my camera, a group of kiddos stopped me to do a survey.

Or… well. They went on to sing “All I want for Christmas is… you do a survey!!!” 🎶

So, obviously, I had to say yes.

It turned out to be a school project about how tourists find their way around the city. I ended up spending half hour just chatting with them about what they wanted to study, who they wanted to be when they grew up, the countries they dreamed of visiting, and the places they hoped to see.

They were full of excitement and curiosity, and I loved it. It was contagious. I left feeling ridiculously happy and, somehow, nostalgic—like a quiet reminder of what it felt like to be a kid with a million dreams.

It’s one of those unexpected little moments that keeps you smiling for the rest of the day.

So here’s my treasure.

Here’s to an exciting 2026! 🥂