atchemey's recent activity
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Comment on Is 67 just brain rot? in ~humanities.languages
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Comment on California voters pass Prop 50 to redraw the state's congressional maps in ~society
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Comment on Is anyone here in or familiar with Tokyo? Going on a trip and have zero idea what to do as a non-tourist... in ~travel
atchemey (edited )LinkOkay, a little about me, and why you should take my advice seriously: I was wrapping up my PhD and was looking at jobs worldwide in early 2019. There were two jobs I was applying to in Japan,...- Exemplary
Okay, a little about me, and why you should take my advice seriously: I was wrapping up my PhD and was looking at jobs worldwide in early 2019. There were two jobs I was applying to in Japan, including one just outside of Tokyo. In preparation (and out of anxiety), I started studying Japanese on Duolingo and consuming vast amounts of Japan-based youtube content. I ended up not working there, but I've kept up my JP skills for ~5 of the 6.5 years since. I finally managed to go to Japan last year, spending 11 days in March traveling across southern/western Japan (Fukuoka and Saga Prefecture, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Wakayama, Nagoya), 19 days across the rest of Honshu (Tokyo, Otsu/Lake Biwa, Aomori because of a typhoon, Kanazawa, Fukui, Sendai, and Tokyo), and I will be returning in January for a week due to finding a crazy good flight deal, visiting Osaka and Kyoto.
You and I have a similar style. I do occasionally go to landmarks and tourist attractions, but they are not the main feature - the place is the thing. I don't usually make plans when I travel to Japan, I just wander around and book hotels a day in advance and then find a train to get there. That said, a week isn't long enough to scratch the surface of Tokyo. Don't try to. Find places that sound like they feel interesting and visit there. You'll find plenty of good things to do if you just go to a place and look around. It's the world's biggest metropolis (41 million metro), and it has many sub-regions that are themselves on the population scale of the cities of Chicago (2.7 million city) or Rome (2.7 million city). I did manage to successfully shepherd three 70-something friends-of-a-friend around Kanazawa and Tokyo this fall at their request despite having never been there before, and they expressed joy at the experience.
My favorite youtuber, bar none at this point, is Abroad in Japan. (Actually, his content was posted to ~tech last week criticizing the "Japan is a disaster" sub-specialty of youtube content.) He's a sarcastic Brit who's lived in Japan since 2012, but who truly loves and appreciates Japan, enough to criticize it. He has a humorously-frosty exterior but it's clear that it's in a British "taking the piss" sort of way, very tsundere. He's also almost an auteur filmmaker in his style - very polished, very smart, and he really enjoys the filmmaking process. He has lived in rural northeast Japan, Tohoku region, as well as Sendai (biggest city in Tohoku), and now in Tokyo. He's also a very different kind of travel youtuber, almost more like Rick Steves, whose page begins, "His travel philosophy encourages people to explore less-frequented areas of destinations and to become immersed in the local people's way of life." All that to say, I'm going to recommend a video, but you shouldn't miss it just because it's a "how to tourist Tokyo video" - it'll fit what you're looking for.
Ignore the clickbait title, 101 Things to Do in Japan is THE perfect video for you. Chris really emphasizes the importance of visiting out of the way places, including those that are just nearby to Tokyo, and doesn't just focus on tourist attractions. Perhaps a quarter of the video is about touristy things, the rest is just places that are interesting to go to. As the video says 30 seconds in, "It seems most people coming here seem to be doing the same six things, going home, having missed all the good stuff." I specifically identify Kawagoe and Enoshima (start watching here to begin with these regions) as places that match your goal. Other places include Shimokitazawa and Kamakura. Hell, he even recommends the Shinbashi business district, not quite a normal video. I'd strongly recommend the whole video, because there's a lot of asides and references to other places in the region that you'll hear him mention that may catch your eye. I'll also recommend searching "Abroad in Japan <region/city/ward/interest>" on youtube, and you'll probably find another video by him (or competitors who tag their videos with his name for SEO purposes) about it.
Other advice from Tilderinos is good too, but some may not be the best for a single-week tour or in Tokyo specifically. Your trip can be VERY cheap or VERY expensive, but some advice, like staying in a true traditional full-service ryokan the entire time, will guarantee the latter in Tokyo. I have stayed at 3 ryokans, including a premium one and had a great experience, but I don't recommend for more than a couple days if you're interested in seeing the city itself...too much to do at the ryokan itself! That said, if you want the experience, spending a couple days at a ryokan at the start of your trip is a fantastic way to get over jet-lag, since the accommodations are a destination in and of itself...I'd just recommend a different city and future trip for that particular cultural touchstone.
I would echo the /u/chocobean comments about wandering around. There's a ridiculous abundance of things to see and people to meet, so wandering is a genuinely great idea for finding unexpected things. Different wards (kind of like buroughs in NYC) have really specialized in areas to differentiate from each other...and they kind of go all in with it. Each ward can be extremely different from immediate neighbors. Walk between them and see how different they can be!
Practically, you want to stay as close to a train station as possible. It is very easy to get across the city, but you want to be near the train to get around. The train network is very dense, so it won't be hard, but it should be a priority, even at a small premium. I would strongly recommend avoiding the "APA Hotel" brand, not for quality or price (both of which are excellent), but for reasons of politics - the country's xenophobic political wing owns the brand, and they even have English pamphlets in their rooms about how there were no Japanese war crimes in WWII and all allegations were a Chinese-American conspiracy. Fortunately, there are many affordable, clean, and convenient brands. Toyoko Inn, Tobu, Dormy Inn, Daiwa Roynet, and Route Inn are all large chains that have great consistency and modest prices. Weirdly, ultra-budget American brands such as Comfort Inn have a decent reputation - the floor for hotels is very very high, so even very budget accommodations are acceptable. Check reviews, but don't look at averages like an American, because they will have a ton of Japanese reviews (which are very very low by our standards) and a ton of upset foreign reviews complaining about the lack of English (which they speak very well in the hospitality industry). I'd suggest for a week you want a room with a built in shower, rather than a shared bath, and to spend $80-150/night for a single bed room (edit: in Tokyo about 50-70% of that in other cities). The rooms are not large, but they will do well and have clean and comfortable beds. Ultra-budget accommodations are available, but I wouldn't recommend them for more than a night unless you're in your 20s and don't care about quality of sleep.
I strongly encourage getting a wide variety of food, and you can find it all over the city. If you can't read Japanese on the menu, just remember the phrase "oh-sue-sue-may-wa?", lit. "your recommendation is?" The waiter will very gladly recommend you something you will find delicious.
Lunch/Dinner:
Yakiniku (lit. "grilled meats") restaurants are an interactive dining experience where you are provided raw meats (they also have veggies if vegetarian) and you grill them at the table. Sukiyaki ("what you like - grilled," though it's not really grilled) is a related meal, where you prepare your meat in a broth in front of your plate, a hot pot variation. Another version is “shabu-shabu,” which is an onomatopoeia for the sound meat makes cooking in liquid. Yakitori ("grilled bird/chicken" on a stick) is a street food that is so elegant and simple and ridiculously delicious for a dollar. Teppanyaki ("iron plate grill") is a broad description for what Americans tend to call "hibachi" preparation - less of a show, more of an artistic meal in Japan, but worth it, especially with proper A5 wagyu, which is worth it, once. Okonomiyaki ("as you like it - grilled") is a sit-down experience at a teppan (the aforementioned "iron plate") where the chef makes it in front of you, and it is fully customizable; most food in Japan is done "correctly," so you don't get to modify it. Udon, soba, and ramen soups are a way of life in Japan, and there are more versions than I can describe, so try them all, especially in winter. Takoyaki ("octopus grilled" but really doughy balls that have octopus in them) are a street food specialty that will burn your mouth but are a favorite. Tonkatsu (“pork fried”) will make you understand why pork is the favorite meat in Japan, and I particularly enjoyed the donburi style from Miyazaki. Karaage fried chicken will give any fried chicken you’ve ever had a run for its money. Lots of meals will have pickled vegetables or cabbage with them on the side – even if you don’t like them at home, eat them, they will surprise and delight you.
There is a large emphasis on family-style restaurants, and even brands like Denny’s will be abundantly available – expect the most premium Denny’s experience of your life. Complementary to these experiences are places that serve gyudon (“beef bowl”) with rice – AiJ has a great video on that too, since they can be VERY cheap and filling and frankly delicious. He recommends (and so do I) Yoshinoya. It’s very fast, you can typically order with a tablet in English, and the price is ~$7 for a full meal with sides and toppings and tea. Ippudo and Ichiran are two budget ramen joints that are worth a visit as well.Kaiseki is more an experience or level of service than a cuisine, but it is roughly traditional Japanese haute-cuisine; expect a 7-12 course meal with a curated menu that changes daily, and perfect dining experience.
Breakfast, convenience stores/konbini, and vending machines/jihanki:
Breakfasts can and should be cheap - go to any convenience store, get a tuna mayo onigiri (rice ball) and some canned coffee or tea and be done with it. They are low cost, tasty, and fast (and I don't even like mayo). Try different onigiri, including the tamago (egg omlette), but I'd recommend avoiding the trout for breakfast (salmon, great, trout...afternoon only), and only trying the umeboshi "plum" very very cautiously. That said, there are also a ton of cute cafes around...just try to avoid one that has smoking.
Convenience stores are also a great option on the go to grab hot or cold tea and snacks like ice creams in summer - they also often have very very clean microwaves to heat your food. It's crazy, but the FamilyMart (my favorite), 7/11, and Lawsons (my least favorite) brands are everywhere and they have consistently high quality fresh food, because it gets bought so often they can keep it fresh on the shelf. The fried chicken wars of a few years ago were won...by Japan. Honestly, all three main brands have good offerings, but the FamilyMart "famichiki" is the consensus best, and I agree. Get a lusciously-breaded chicken tender for a buck and walk out, fastest hot snack you can get in winter.
Vending machines are everywhere. They have hot and cold offerings, and the coffee is sneaky caffeinated. Enjoy them, they are a resource. While drinking beverages (including alcohol) as you walk and on the street is just fine, there is a large cultural taboo about eating while walking, so please find a place to park while you scarf down your onigiri and famichicki.Other food experiences:
Kakigori ("shaved ice") has an international version but also a local variant that is far superior - get it with condensed milk on the top, and it's sublime. Tea ceremonies are worth doing, very much an experience that is worth the effort.To avoid:
Natto. Don’t.Anyways, lots of advice. Feel free to message me if you want to chat more off-line, I’ve got a lot of experience and am happy to help however.
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Comment on What is happening to Japan? in ~tech
atchemey Link ParentHe's pretty open about this stuff. It's not a one-off comment, it's just "the price of doing business" with the algorithm. Honestly, his videos are refreshing, I say as a 6-year viewer of his content.He's pretty open about this stuff. It's not a one-off comment, it's just "the price of doing business" with the algorithm. Honestly, his videos are refreshing, I say as a 6-year viewer of his content.
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Comment on What code editor / IDE do you use (2025)? in ~comp
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Comment on Forgot Chrome's unusable, any recommendations? in ~tech
atchemey Link ParentVivaldi has been my browser since 2016, and it's so good. It looks like Chrome to any website you're on, and you can use any Chrome plugin...but it just works. Major customizability, better...Vivaldi has been my browser since 2016, and it's so good. It looks like Chrome to any website you're on, and you can use any Chrome plugin...but it just works. Major customizability, better back-end memory management, and excellent privacy reputation. Oh and I just found out it's owned by the employees in Norway.
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Comment on The liquid air alternative to fossil fuels in ~enviro
atchemey Link ParentI will additionally note that liquefaction technology is quite efficient since it is well established, and that it is not difficult to do. Any excess nitrogen liquefied beyond capacity can also be...I will additionally note that liquefaction technology is quite efficient since it is well established, and that it is not difficult to do. Any excess nitrogen liquefied beyond capacity can also be sold for scientific instrumentation cooling, freeze drying, or similar benefit, which would lower the cost as well.
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Comment on Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 for the development of a new type of molecular architecture – metal–organic frameworks in ~science
atchemey LinkAt least it is done on chemistry this year, not bioscience or medicine or computer science. And it even has METALS in it! Sincerely, a long-grumbling chemist.At least it is done on chemistry this year, not bioscience or medicine or computer science. And it even has METALS in it!
Sincerely, a long-grumbling chemist.
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Comment on The neo-Victorian neo-nazi lesbian BDSM cult that made video games in ~humanities.history
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Comment on The neo-Victorian neo-nazi lesbian BDSM cult that made video games in ~humanities.history
atchemey Link ParentThanks for sharing your thoughts! I totally agree, the amateurish production is deliberate, though to what extent I think we can only speculate. What I learned through this video is that I have...Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I totally agree, the amateurish production is deliberate, though to what extent I think we can only speculate. What I learned through this video is that I have far greater tolerance/welcome/enjoyment with amateurish video than with amateurish audio, which is a bit of a surprise for me.
I will also note that I'm far from classically trained, I just grew up with one of my fixations being theater. (I did get moderately panned for "braces-flavored singing" in a show I was the youth lead for once lol)
He definitely fits in Oregon, your description is right on, though I think he'd also go for a NA cider this time of year.
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Comment on The neo-Victorian neo-nazi lesbian BDSM cult that made video games in ~humanities.history
atchemey Link ParentI was less specific, I was just "Willamette Valley other than Salem/Keizer," everything from Eugene up to PDX/Vancouver. Dude fits his upbringing well!I was less specific, I was just "Willamette Valley other than Salem/Keizer," everything from Eugene up to PDX/Vancouver. Dude fits his upbringing well!
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Comment on The neo-Victorian neo-nazi lesbian BDSM cult that made video games in ~humanities.history
atchemey Link ParentI don't disagree, I just think it's a scoche harder to watch because of the comments I made. Which is okay, I am not the arbiter of good taste or good art, they were just observations I made. I...I don't disagree, I just think it's a scoche harder to watch because of the comments I made. Which is okay, I am not the arbiter of good taste or good art, they were just observations I made.
I haven't seen the other video you refer to, but your comment makes it sound like it's not a stylistic choice by him to have the technical audio like that.
The audio performance in the other hand - I dunno, maybe it's because I grew up in community theater and performing, but I read the telephone book with a lot more emotion than some folks read novels. Now, if that flat delivery was deliberate, I can recognize that as an artistic choice that I just wouldn't have made. If it wasn't deliberate, though, my grumbles above persist.
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Comment on The neo-Victorian neo-nazi lesbian BDSM cult that made video games in ~humanities.history
atchemey LinkThat was quite a topic. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. I agree with the other comment that it feels older than it is - the production hearkens back to late 2000s YouTube, which is a bit...That was quite a topic. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
I agree with the other comment that it feels older than it is - the production hearkens back to late 2000s YouTube, which is a bit of a vibe. It feels very analog, appropriate for the subject covered. I wish the audio was better, both technically and the host's performance, but I still watched the whole thing.
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Comment on The neo-Victorian neo-nazi lesbian BDSM cult that made video games in ~humanities.history
atchemey Link ParentI could have guessed he was from Oregon. The hair, the aesthetic, the topic, the mascot...just screams Oregonian. Source: Oregon.I could have guessed he was from Oregon. The hair, the aesthetic, the topic, the mascot...just screams Oregonian. Source: Oregon.
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Comment on What's a question you could ask to determine if someone is an expert in your line of work? in ~talk
atchemey Link ParentMeta-$, type what to replace, type new words, hit enter a billion times.Meta-$, type what to replace, type new words, hit enter a billion times.
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Comment on What is your silly or (kinda) useless talent? in ~talk
atchemey Link ParentOh it's just "normal" for me. It was surprising when I found out that wasn't so for others!Oh it's just "normal" for me. It was surprising when I found out that wasn't so for others!
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Comment on What is your silly or (kinda) useless talent? in ~talk
atchemey Link ParentCurious. I've meditated before, but never had time loss...which is what it would feel like to me (I think). I had an appendectomy, and knew it went too long when waking up from anesthesia because...Curious. I've meditated before, but never had time loss...which is what it would feel like to me (I think). I had an appendectomy, and knew it went too long when waking up from anesthesia because I felt the time while I was out.
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Comment on What is your silly or (kinda) useless talent? in ~talk
atchemey Link ParentI didn't for a long time, because I just thought it was normal. Then I heard someone describe normal sleep like "power off, pause, power on" and I was so confused. Then it turns out others were...I didn't for a long time, because I just thought it was normal. Then I heard someone describe normal sleep like "power off, pause, power on" and I was so confused. Then it turns out others were confused by my experience when I started sharing it. All the memes about, "sleep is like a free trial of death," really freaked me out when younger. I still can't imagine non-existence in a real way, because I'm never really "off," you know?
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Comment on Did anyone play Chex Quest? in ~games
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Comment on The future is NOT self-hosted in ~tech
atchemey LinkI'm building my own self-hosting capabilities because it is worthwhile to me. I am also considering offering hosting to family and friends in exchange for helping to defray additional costs. I...I'm building my own self-hosting capabilities because it is worthwhile to me. I am also considering offering hosting to family and friends in exchange for helping to defray additional costs. I think such an approach could help broaden access to those who don't want to build/maintain their own, reduce the costs for them, and also improve privacy/security/independence. I'm not sure how to do this, and I'm not even certain if it could be done easily, but I want to try.
The answer to me isn't federation, though it kind of does look like it, but instead immediate environment community building. A community-hosted alternative could enable filesharing rather than defaulting to Google Photos or Docs - think of it as an app-based pseudo-SSH.
The risk of this is that small organizations are only as good as their executives. The unscrupulous "roleplayed sys admin" could leverage substantial power over their friends and family, potentially denying them access to their files (or accessing it themselves). While is fundamentally the situation we currently have with big corporations, it would be made a more immediate risk in this format. A trusted third party may be needed to ensure safety, an honest broker, to break out of the walled gardens. We have become bad at trusting, this is a low-trust society, making broader cooperation a challenge...so we really need to address that too.
Sorry, it's late, I'm rambling, just some thoughts.
I think we're all wringing our hands over nothing. The comparison I actually came up with is "23 skiddoo," which dates back to the 20s. If you squint, you can see "67 skibidi" hidden in there.
I suspect the "post-(post...)-post irony" discussion is the best one on this post, because it fits with the evolution my generation (millennials) saw. Of course generations take it beyond its genesis, there is more irony in life today as the contradictions of our world becomes more transparent.
Our response as a society to 9/11 now feels to me like the death of sincerity and the rise of self-aware irony in the anglosphere. The 2003-2007 "good times" (America flexing muscles again as democracy police, wealth growing, home ownership burgeoning) that felt like they would never end were an ironic contrast against the realities behind it (cruelties exacted abroad for economic power, debt exploding, sub-prime mortgages turning into a bomb). 2008 was the death of many illusions for then-under-30s about prosperity being shared, yet we still all parroted. Of course in 2009, we had HOPE, and it turned out the policies were gradualist in a time when the appetite was different. The continued recession-like malaise into 2015, the lack of economic progress, the disconnect between Wall Street numbers pumping the economy up and underemployment...no wonder 2016 folks elected a jackass who insisted he'd bring radical change, "because it's someone else's fault." The shattering of political norms as we still pledge allegiance to a flag whose ideals were long behind us is irony manifest. The pandemic resembled nationwide schizophrenia, with two radically different beliefs about the origin and how we respond, so who can trust anything? Ironies abound under what some other commenters here called "late-stage capitalism." Those who are children now are no less acute observers than we were.
Of course, that post ironic memory also arose during the twenties, embracing The roaring times after horrible war and guilted celebrations, but with an awareness that it could not last forever. Even if only subliminal, it may have been there. So I guess the 2020s are the 1920s again.