I’m no longer working as a librarian. I resigned from my position because my moral and ethical qualms. I’m not entirely innocent; my mistakes were adding up in my boss’s view. In the end, I couldn’t enforce the policies as strict as he wanted because doing so violated my Christian convictions. After about 26 years of working with the public, I’ve decided to look for remote, perhaps writing-focused, work. So what does that mean for JP, if anything?
When I’m not applying for work, I’ve been working on the Tales from Old Japan YouTube channel. As I stated in a previous update, I had considered starting one for a long time, so I had a lot of dominoes already set up. I have video-readings scheduled out into March 2025 with one releasing every Wednesday. Video-essays, such as one discussing why folklore matters, and one discussing the Final Letters of Kamikaze Pilots (with some new additions) sit in the queue too. I have plans to discuss Bushido, Kitanomandokoro, and other ideas. Although not a popular format, I aim for simplicity in the videos, including a lack of background music. Most will think these are boring, but this design choice reflects my own Zen-influenced aesthetic. As I stated in my first announcement, I’m uncertain if I can keep the weekly schedule for videos and JP articles and my book writing once I’m working full-time again. Videos are secondary to writing articles and books. The channel supports what I do here; you will see articles converted into videos because, well, people don’t read anymore.
Speaking of writing, the “Revisiting” anime series nears its end (which some of you may be saying “finally!”). Many of these articles have waited for 4 years to be published. I have three more left:
- Revisiting Shuffle!
- Revisiting Horimiya
- Anime I Keep Revisiting (a roundup of my perennial favorites)
After this, I have book reviews waiting, essays about modern anime like Frieren (which has quickly become a new favorite), theme essays, and some history sprinkled in. I have 69 articles waiting in the queue. Yep, 69 weeks ahead. That’s the only way I keep on schedule; believe it or not, I’m pretty lazy at times, especially when a new Nintendo Switch game or a thick history book grabs my attention.
Finally, I’ve added the ability to take donations. JP’s hosting bill has been creeping upward (as with everything) over the years. I debated about adding this for several years, but with my loss of income, I decided now would be a good time to help defray the costs of hosting. I plan to keep JP free of advertising and what I write here free as well, but, just like the Public Broadcasting System, your support would help me “keep the lights on”. I had considered a Patreon, but I’m already at the limits of what content I can produce without the quality, such as it is, degrading. So I opted for the PBS model: your contributions support great re-occurring articles like “Let’s Bash Fan Service” and “Secrets of the Japanese Dead”–Thank you! Jokes aside, JP isn’t going anywhere, but you are welcome to financially support what I do here if you can. The best support is to keep reading and sharing articles with others. I rely on you to share what I do here: I’m not on social media other than a few automated connections.
So the tl;dr: expect more of the same with a few videos thrown in.
Leaving a job can be very difficult, I wanted to quit for 5 years before finally mustering courage (and funds to get me through unemployment). Hope you find a job you like (or at least something you won’t hate), perhaps some sort of research work?
Sorry, can’t really use Paypal so don’t know how to support your blog.
I hope to get into online librarianship or content writing. I surmised Paypal would limit some support. The best way you can support is to keep reading and share articles you find helpful with others. Thanks for the encouragement!