*“Yesterday, I Went to Mars ♡”*

In this episode, we explore how breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies can begin with something as simple as choosing daring eyewear. Tired of constantly conforming to others' expectations? "Defiant glasses" might be your first step toward authentic self-expression. We examine how defiance isn't necessarily negative but rather a sign of strength and confidence. Like Elton...

Makoto Eyewear, with locations in Shinjuku and Ginza, explores the phenomenon of "family blocking" - where loved ones resist our style changes due to status quo bias. Family members often oppose new eyewear choices due to resistance to change, worry, jealousy, and conflict with their fixed image of us. This resistance extends beyond eyewear choices - even historical innovators faced simi...

In this episode, Makoto—owner of Makoto Optics with locations in Shinjuku and Ginza—challenges the conventional wisdom of eyewear selection. We explore how the seemingly helpful advice "this type of glasses suits this face shape" might actually be limiting your potential. Discover why choosing glasses that feel slightly uncomfortable or unfamiliar could be the key to unlocking new dimensions of yo...

In this episode, Makoto—owner of Makoto Optics and a 15-year veteran in the eyewear industry—explores how "good" glasses can become the enemy of finding truly "great" frames. We examine the psychology behind settling for merely adequate eyewear and how breaking this pattern can transform not just your appearance, but your entire self-perception. From identifying the warning sig...

In this episode, Makoto—owner of Makoto Optics and a 15-year veteran in the eyewear industry—explores the profound concept of glasses as masks. We challenge the common belief that "people judge 90% by appearance" and discover how a simple pair of frames can completely transform not just how others see us, but how we see ourselves. From Superman's iconic disguise to everyday transform...

In this thought-provoking episode, Makoto—owner of Makoto Optics—explores the fascinating paradox of self-expression when no one is watching. Drawing from personal insights and the remarkable story of Elton John, we examine why our most authentic and liberating forms of self-expression often happen in private spaces. Discover how these moments of "secret self-liberation" can enhance crea...

In this episode, we explore the transformative potential of embracing unfamiliar choices in our daily lives. That initial feeling of "this doesn't quite feel like me" isn't something to avoid—it might actually be the doorway to discovering new dimensions of yourself. We'll discuss practical ways to step outside your comfort zone, the surprising benefits of choosing the unfami...

In this episode, Makoto—owner of Makoto Optics in Shinjuku and Ginza and a self-proclaimed glasses enthusiast with a collection of thousands—explores the unique emotional journey of passionate eyewear collectors. From the exasperated sighs of family members to the secret thrill of acquiring "just one more pair," we dive into the psychology of pursuing a passion despite social disapproval. Makoto s...

The Playful Mind: How Exploration Shapes Our Aesthetic SensibilitiesEpisode Summary In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between playfulness and good taste. Have you ever noticed that people with exceptional aesthetic sensibilities tend to be more exploratory and open to new experiences? We dive into why "play" - in its broadest sense - is fundamental to developing refi...

Episode Summary In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between creative design and culinary skills through the lens of a recent trip to Taipei. We'll dive into why exceptional designers seem to excel at cooking, how our sensory experiences shape our creative expression, and preview an exciting eyewear event coming to Tokyo that celebrates personal transformation through the art...

Episode Summary In this episode, we explore a unique eyewear event coming to Tokyo that brings together the worlds of classic and avant-garde eyewear design. Japan's first-ever Taiwan Classico trunk show features 170 exclusive frames and celebrates how glasses can transform our personas and self-expression. Taiwan Classico Trunk Show : The first Japanese exhibition of this popular Taiwanese br...

In this episode, I share my fascinating first encounter with a speakeasy bar in Taipei. Learn about these secretive establishments that originated during America's Prohibition era and how they've evolved into today's craft cocktail hideaways. I'll take you through my experience ordering without a menu and watching a skilled bartender create a smoky, cinnamon-infused whiskey cocktai...

In this episode, we explore why meat products like ham and sausages are strictly banned from being brought into Japan. After a personal experience at the airport, I dug into the reasons—diseases like foot-and-mouth, bird flu, and African swine fever (ASF) that could harm livestock. We’ll look at why these rules have tightened over the years, the real risks behind them, and how they differ from com...

I love traveling—the freedom, the food, the unexpected lessons. I want my middle school daughters to explore the world too. But on a flight from Taipei, news of human trafficking in Myanmar, China, and Europe made me pause. How do I share travel’s joys while warning them about real risks?

In this episode, I share my experience of exploring Taichung, Taiwan , a city that offers a calmer and more refined atmosphere compared to Taipei. From the spacious high-speed rail station to the laid-back city vibe , Taichung exudes a sense of relaxation and elegance . I visit the stunning Taichung National Theater , designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito , and explore my friend's eyewear bo...

In this episode, I’m sharing a day I spent exploring Taipei with my friend, a glasses designer. Taiwan’s awesome—great food, not too far from Japan, and way cheaper than Hong Kong these days. I’ll talk about the cool vibe at 7-Elevens with beer parties, how LINE Pay’s everywhere, and a nostalgic hot spring with old Japanese tunes. It’s close, comfy, and full of surprises—I’m already planning a lon...

Join us for a concise exploration of how some of China’s most priceless cultural artifacts ended up in Taipei’s National Palace Museum. We’ll delve into the museum’s roots in the Chinese Civil War, when Nationalist forces fled mainland China with treasures from the Forbidden City to protect them from the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. These artifacts—including the famous Jadeite Cabbage—now s...

In this episode, I’m reading my latest blog post straight through—about landing in Taipei today with no internet and ending up walking 7km to my hotel. I’ll share how my trusty ahamo didn’t work, how a last-minute eSIM didn’t save me, and how I barely made check-in in the heat. Plus, a funny moment asking a local for help—only to see them use Google Maps—and a realization about how much I lean on...

In this episode, I’m digging into "familiarity"—how it’s comfy but can hold us back from new challenges. I’ll share how escaping the familiar, like backpacking in India or climbing Everest, flipped my world and made life more fun. Familiarity’s great for smooth days, but stepping into the unknown opens new paths. Small moves—like a new route or dish—can spark something big. I’m still cha...

In this episode, I’m riffing off a blog I wrote yesterday about a talk I gave at my daughter’s middle school. I told the kids that "if you’re not failing, you might not be growing," and it reminded me of a Goethe quote: "He who moves not forward, goes backward." It’s a simple idea—if you’re not pushing ahead, you’re sliding back. For me, failure’s just the starting line. It mea...

I’m Makoto from "Makoto Glasses," and welcome to this episode. Today, I’m sharing a talk I gave at my daughter’s middle school about living life your way. The kids asked me some great questions, and I ended up talking for 45 minutes straight—maybe a bit much, but the discussion afterward saved me. I figured I’d sum it up here for you. It’s all about finding what excites you, whether you’ve got a d...

In this episode, I share stories from preparing to speak at my daughter’s middle school. I’ll answer kids’ questions about my biggest challenges—like climbing Everest, failing at a space venture, or running an eyewear shop—and my love for glasses, which can totally change how you see the world. I’ll also dish on my hilarious embarrassing moments, family tips, and lessons from traveling 50+ countri...

In this episode, I share stories from preparing to speak at my daughter’s middle school. I’ll chat about why I love eyewear—how glasses can shift your perspective and spark joy—and my big adventures, like climbing Everest or dreaming of Mars. I’ll also spill the beans on facing fears, training for strait crossings, and lessons from marathons. Inspired by Die Hard heroes and Think and Grow Rich , I...

In this episode, I share stories from my life as I prepare to talk at my daughter’s middle school. From climbing Everest to running eyewear shops, I’ll chat about why I love glasses—they can totally change how you see the world and yourself. I’ll also spill the beans on my daily workouts (like swimming 5 km or wearing weights at work), big challenges (marathons, Mars dreams), and what I’ve learned...

In this episode, we dive into why Google Maps doesn’t handle walking directions well in Seoul—and why I can’t stop using it anyway. I’ll share how Google Maps nails public transit and GPS in Korea, but stumbles on those twisty alleys and underground passages I love exploring. Turns out, Korean security rules, local apps like NAVER and KakaoMap, and Google’s priorities are behind the limits. But do...