My version? No likes, no algorithms. Just me.
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Japan’s mastery of small-space solutions shows in designs like a basket under a cafe chair and an umbrella holder. These simple ideas maximise convenience and keep spaces uncluttered.
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Dec 12
A team doesn’t always need a dedicated product manager.
In startups, founders often take on this role naturally, using their deep understanding of the market and their vision for the product.
In larger companies, if the team already has a strong handle on strategy, data and market needs, they can absolutely operate without a formal PM. However, someone still needs to take charge of the product function - making prioritisation decisions clear and aligning the team around common goals. -
I had a lovely 11km walk (included a nice hill climb) over two hours from the hotel to Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan's most iconic Shinto shrines in Kyoto.
The pathway up Mount Inari is lined with over 10,000 torii gates, each inscribed with the donor's name and the date of their donation.
The shrine itself extends across Mount Inari, with the summit standing at around 233 metres—a great workout!
Scattered throughout the grounds are stone fox statues, which are considered messengers of Inari. Many of these foxes are depicted holding keys in their mouths, symbolising the key to a rice granary.
The fox statues wear bright red scarves as a way to show respect and thanks to the spirit they represent. The red colour is also thought to keep away bad spirits and bring protection.
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Visited Kyoto Tower (131 metres tall, completed in 1964, inspired by a candle-like design). While it’s undeniably an iconic structure, the observation deck was surprisingly small, with a ceiling so low I could touch it with my hand.
Despite being built to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, the slight movement of the deck was noticeable—which definitely freaked out Em a bit!
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Dec 11
Feature prioritisation isn’t always about frameworks like ICE (Impact, Confidence, Effort).
Sometimes, it’s about building momentum - creating buzz, lifting morale or staying ahead of competitors.
The challenge is finding the balance between chasing these quick wins and staying true to your long-term vision. -
Nijō Castle, built in 1603 as a residence for Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, is a place best experienced in person. Its cypress-wood architecture and extensive gardens are amazing, far beyond what photos can convey.
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I've applied for the Sydney Marathon 2025.
Now that it's a major event, you have to apply and hope for the best to secure an entry. Fingers crossed!
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The first full day in Kyoto, a city home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.
Busy Nishiki Market on Monday morning.
There are many wires hanging from the poles. I’m not sure why they don’t bury them underground—perhaps it’s due to earthquakes.
The city has strict height restrictions, preserving its low-rise, picturesque views.
A road sign that looked like an alien holding a child.
And the streets here? They’re typically narrow and quiet.
Fushimi Inari Shrine at night
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Dec 9
Sharing your mistakes with your team can speed up everyone’s growth. Be honest about your errors, even when your boss is around.
Just don’t overdo it - finding the right balance helps maintain trust and confidence in your leadership. -
Japanese post boxes are delightfully short. Their tops barely reach belly-button height.
This compact design is no accident. It prioritizes accessibility, ensuring children and wheelchair users can easily reach them.
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Today, we took the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto.
The experience was smooth and hassle-free. The train covered an impressive 365 km in just 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Travelling with luggage wasn’t an issue at all. While there wasn’t enough space for my suitcase on the overhead shelf, it fit comfortably in the legroom area and between the seat in front of Em.
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Last night, I went for a "traditional" Japanese dinner for a change 🙈
One thing that’s been a bit tricky about food in Japan is finding accessible vegetables. Sure, you can track down tomatoes and lettuce but it’s not as simple or as common as in Australia.
Supermarkets aren’t as common in urban areas, with most shopping options centred around smaller convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart.
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Visited Odawara Castle this afternoon — a place steeped in history. Once the base of the Hojo Clan, it grew into one of the region’s most formidable fortresses. At its height, the castle town was protected by an incredible 9-kilometre moat and earthen walls. Sadly, much of it was destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.
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I can’t recall where I found this picture, but it’s such an interesting analogy. Leadership is like farming—nurture the right conditions and growth will follow.
That said, sometimes you end up with the wrong crops or weeds mistaken for crops and it’s just as important to weed those out.
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Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
The entrance of Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora - a traditional Japanese rickshaw with its vibrant red upholstery adds a touch of tradition.
A vintage-style wall phone with rotary dial.
Our room comes with a private Japanese onsen (hot spring).
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Today we visited Lake Ashi (Onshi-Hakone Park), a stunning crater lake in Hakone known for its natural beauty and breathtaking views.
Lake Ashi was formed around 3,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone. It’s also famous for its sightseeing cruises, where pirate-themed boats take visitors across the lake for a fun, scenic experience. We skipped the cruise this time—it was a bit chilly at 7°C and windy!
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Last night, we enjoyed a Japanese onsen (hot springs) at Hotel Indigo in Hakone. This area has been a popular onsen destination since the Nara Period (710–794), drawing travellers, monks, samurai - and now us 🙈 - for its therapeutic waters.
Fun fact: Japan has over 27,000 natural hot springs, making it one of the most geothermal-rich countries in the world!
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We found this tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant (Yokohama abura soba in Tokyo) —seats a max of 8 people—with authentic Japanese food. It was absolutely delicious.
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The magnificent Mount Fuji (3,776m) - Japan’s tallest mountain. Though it last erupted in 1708, it is still classified as an active volcano.
We were lucky to enjoy clear skies two days in a row!
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Dec 5
I launched the "Timeline" while on holiday in Japan.
Here's why: A Return to Old-School Blogging
