Artwork, Commemorations, Reflections

Here’s to a Hopeful 2019!

Akira Takahashi

Takahashi-sensei here! Omedeto!

Happy New Year one and all! 2018 has come and gone and now we enter 2019.

For me, personally, 2018 has been one of the best years of my life. The themes of which are opportunity and earning respect. Opportunity does not strike often at my home of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, especially with the job market in shambles. The biggest one of all was the 2026 Winter Olympics bid, which unfortunately more than 50 percent dissed. But it was a time for me to show everyone how talented I can be, even without a degree. (tuition prices ain’t going down anytime soon!) I had even begun this website, dedicated to my exploits in creating I.P.’s happiness into everyone’s lives. Though it’s only half a year old, I’ve already ammased just over 1 thousand hits from not just Canada or my neighbor to the south, but places I thought it’d never be big in; the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Finland, India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand! Unfortunately, none came from Japan, a country which I adore dearly, and where I wish to base my career path in.

My spirits are now at an all-time high. Let’s hope things stay that way from here on in!

New Year Mural 2019.png

News, Reflections

C for Yourself…but only in your Dreams

Akira Takahashi

Konbanwa. Takahashi-sensei reporting.

I have a heavy heart right now. And what causes this heavy heart to jolt my body with pain? Calgarians have decided not to C for themselves what the 2026 Winter Olympics could do for Calgary. Therefore, we will not be among the final cities in the bidding for the rights to host one of the most celebrated events in human history. It will be either Stockholm or Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Then again, I believe it is fair that Stockholm gets the right to host the games in over 100 years. The Swedes have never won any bid for past Olympiads; the most significant loss for Sweden was that Ostersund, which was bidding for the 1988 Winter Games was defeated by Calgary. We Canadians should learn to be more considerate of our rivals nowadays. The same country can’t hog the spotlight all the time. The United States, particularily, got a little greedy by hosting the Summer Games in Los Angie(1984) and Atlanta(1996), just 12 years apart(It should have been awarded to Athens or Toronto!). Meanwhile, Calgary(1988) and Vancouver’s Winter Games(2010) were held over 22 years apart.

The campaigning I did independently and with YesCalgary2026 beginning this July has only marked the beginning of my career. Though this chapter had a bittersweet ending, I still feel more than sweet enough. I made an impact.

I even went the extra mile; I actually violated the Olympic Charter’s rules regarding mascots. Even if Calgary won, Hick & Hia would be ultimately disqualified for being shown off far too early.

For any future sporting event to take place in Canada, I will be extra careful and keep anything relating to it a secret for the time being. Lesson learned there.

Calgary will still be a nice little city to live in for awhile. At least we’ve got 2030 to look forward to, right? Wait and C, everyone…wait and C.

-Akira Takahashi, November 13th, 2018

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Artwork, Commemorations, Reflections

Lest We Forget

Akira Takahashi

Hello, everyone. Takahashi-sensei reporting.

Today is the 100th anniversary of the end of the War that should have been the one to end all wars. Unfortunately, despite the Allied Forces’ best efforts to prevent another one through the Versailles Treaty of 1919, the world would not be at peace for long. Meanwhile, Hitler managed to overthrow the German government to form the Nazi Party, and Emperor Hirohito wanted to ensure that Japan and then-occupied Korea would be free of any western influence, thanks to their affinity for invasion of other neighbouring countries. Because of these, including other attrocities soon followed, the start of the Second World War became imminent by 1939.

If only we had known sooner.

I have created a piece dedicated to the soldiers who died in the battle of Vimy Ridge, France. It was a battle that was won by Canada, and has remained property of the Canadian government ever since.

Remebrance Day 2018

One day, this Earth will be rid of any meaningless conflict.

-Akira Takahashi, November 11th, 2018

Artwork

Halloween 2018 Art Piece #1 out of 4

Akira Takahashi

Hello, again, everyone! Takahashi-sensei here.

I appologize for not updating my blog at all last month. This is because I’ve been getting used to my first graphics tablet I bought from Wish.com in August. Previously I’ve been doing my work by pencil and paper and by mouse click. Now with the Ugee M708, I’m currently in the process of transitioning to digital entirely! Take this piece of art I’m doing for some Halloween bags this year for instance:

Halloween 2018 Mural 1
Witch house will she be flying to tonight?

No paper, no scanning, just do it all on GiMP! All thanks to the power of the best $50 I spent on Wish.com!

More to come throughout the month!