Hi, I'm Koji ,a university student in Japan. I'm in a gap year now, and traveling in Europe. I'm an absolute beginner of Couchsurfing.

The theme of my journy is "memento mori," (which means 'don't forget your mortality' in Latin) and I'd like to understand deeply death and mortality as much as possible. In Europe, I will visit some cathedrals or churches to see its crypt, catacomb, ossuary, charnel house, coffin, or things lie that, although I have hardly any knowledge in detail about them. Currently I'm studying these subjets from some books.

It is often said that, in modern lives, there is a huge disconnection between the dead and the living. All the living things, such as animals, plant, human beings, are going to die someday. In every day life in modernized country, however, we rarely sense, feel or realize the fact, which I think is a pity. I'm sure there used to be the bond between the dead adn the living in many cultures, (actually some of them are still existing.) and one of them is "memento mori" culture in Europe.

Also, I'd like to improve my English during my journey. It was not until I came to Europe that I realized English was a really important tool to communicate with people who have different background, not just a subject which test I needed to do well in at school.

The biggest reason I'm traveling is, however, that I want to learn about foreign culture and people. I'd like to know the difference between my country's culture and that of others, and enjoy it. Knowing differences enables me to realize assumptions. I was born and raised only in Japanese culture, so I want to learn about foreign culture beyond the stereotypes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'd like to communicate with people living in the place I visit, and see their lifestyles. I've stayed in a hostel many times, but I found it comparatively difficult to communicate with local people, which was somewhat unsatisfactory.

Interests

Japanese or Chinese calligraphy, Zen meditation, science, religions, thanatology (a subject on death and life), sleeping, laughing (I tend to laugh at different things from others, which somtimes can be perceived rude but I never mean),

Music, Movies, and Books

[Music] Maybe, I'm not interested in music itself. However, I sometimes listen to some music (soundtracks of animations,pop songs, classic, choir's songs etc.....) That is because, listening to music, I subconsciously enjoy the past memories or experience connected with music, not songs themselves.

[Books] Recently I've finished reading "memento mori" written by Paul Koudounaris, which was awesome. That book convinced me that how people perceive their mortality vary from culture to culture. Even modern perception of death is one of them.

I've read some books,but almost all of them are written in Japanese. These days I try to read English books. It's really difficult, though!

[Movies] These are movies I watched recently in English, or with English subtitels.
・The man who knew infinity
・Titanic
・Rogue one
・Your name
・The imitaion game
・Fantastic beasts and where to find them
Watching a movie can refresh my body, and also help me improve my English, as well.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have stayed in a Buddhism temple for 50 days in Kyoto, which is one of the most historical city in Japan. For me, this is an invaluable experience. (Actually, this is not an exclusive experience at all. Everybody can do that if they try.)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm an intermediate Japanese (or Chinese) calligrapher. I have a brush and ink for that with me, so I can show it to you if you like.

And, if I can get some materials and use a kitchen, I can try to cook you some Japanese food, if you like. (I hope it will taste good.)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Poland, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan