{"id":10357,"date":"2025-03-28T15:50:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T19:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/craig-mod-returns-epic-walks-in-japan-the-art-of-slowness-digital-detox-publishing-impossible-books-and-choosing-beauty-over-scale-803\/"},"modified":"2025-03-28T15:50:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T19:50:20","slug":"craig-mod-returns-epic-walks-in-japan-the-art-of-slowness-digital-detox-publishing-impossible-books-and-choosing-beauty-over-scale-803","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/craig-mod-returns-epic-walks-in-japan-the-art-of-slowness-digital-detox-publishing-impossible-books-and-choosing-beauty-over-scale-803\/","title":{"rendered":"Craig Mod Returns \u2014 Epic Walks in Japan, The Art of Slowness, Digital Detox, Publishing \u201cImpossible\u201d Books, and Choosing Beauty Over Scale (#803)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Craig Mod Returns \u2014 Epic Walks, The Art of Slowness, and More\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/d3dPRkyNbj8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>\u201cI would finish every day on these walks, get in bed, and just feel that was the fullest possible way I could have experienced that day. Given the cards dealt to me of this day, there was no fuller version of this day.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\u2014\u00a0Craig Mod<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>As promised, welcome to round 2 with Craig Mod! <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/about\/\">Craig Mod<\/a><\/strong> is a writer, photographer, and walker living in Tokyo and Kamakura, Japan. He is the author of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Things-Become-Other-Walking-Memoir\/dp\/0593732545\/?tag=offsitoftimfe-20\"><strong><em>Things Become Other Things<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.specialprojects.jp\/products\/kissa-by-kissa-4th-ed\"><em>Kissa by Kissa<\/em><\/a>. He also writes the newsletters <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/\"><em>Roden<\/em><\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/\"><em>Ridgeline<\/em><\/a> and has contributed to <em>The New York Times<\/em>, <em>The Atlantic<\/em>, <em>Wired<\/em>, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s walked thousands of miles across Japan, and since 2016, he has been co-running \u201cWalk and Talks\u201d with <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2023\/04\/26\/kevin-kelly-excellent-advice-for-living\/#content\">Kevin Kelly<\/a> in various places around the world: the Cotswolds, Northern Thailand, walking across Bali, Southern China, Japan, Spain (Portuguese and French Caminos), and more. He\u2019s a MacDowell fellow, Virginia Center for Creative Arts fellow, and Ragdale fellow.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023 he wrote an impassioned recommendation of Morioka, Japan, to <em>The New York Times<\/em>, prompting the paper to rank the city number two (behind London) for \u201cPlaces to Visit in 2023,\u201d turning Mod into a minor celebrity. He sat for interviews with some forty or fifty newspapers and TV shows, trying to explain the goodness of a city like Morioka to people for whom the goodness is so self-evident that it has become invisible. This whole media dance culminated in his going on a two-\u00adday walk around Morioka with one of Japan\u2019s biggest TV stars: the seventy-\u00adnine-\u00adyear-old, sunglasses-\u00adwearing Tamori -\u00adsan, who was lovely (and very tiny!). The response\u2014a total heartfelt reverence for the avuncular Tamori\u2014from people on the street (\u201cGood morning, Tamori -\u00adsan!,\u201d yelled construction workers from atop their scaffolding) made Mod feel like he was walking with John Lennon. Mod\u2019s moment of celebrity was mercifully short-lived. Nobody recognizes him anymore when he walks around town.<\/p>\n<p>Please enjoy!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Listen to the episode on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/803-craig-mod-returns-epic-walks-in-japan-the-art\/id863897795?i=1000701137669\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple Podcasts<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/1txpnWKISzEehrPfvyLDBa?si=1HMFGCUgRh65kuvREE7g5Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spotify<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/overcast.fm\/+AAKebuhcD6Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Overcast<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcastaddict.com\/podcast\/2031148#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Podcast Addict<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pca.st\/timferriss\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pocket Casts<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/castbox.fm\/channel\/id1059468?country=us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Castbox<\/a>,\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/music.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLuu6fDad2eJyWPm9dQfuorm2uuYHBZDCB\">YouTube Music<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/music.amazon.com\/podcasts\/9814f3cc-1dc5-4003-b816-44a8eb6bf666\/the-tim-ferriss-show\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon Music<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.audible.com\/podcast\/The-Tim-Ferriss-Show\/B08K58QX5W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Audible<\/a>, or on your favorite podcast platform. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Shopify<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business;<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/livemomentous.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Momentous<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0high-quality supplements<\/strong>; <strong>and<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Helix Sleep<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0premium mattresses.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-tim-podcast-link-main podcast-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"podcast-block__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/803-craig-mod-returns-epic-walks-in-japan-the-art\/id863897795?i=1000701137669\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/apple-podcast.png?w=600&amp;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/apple-podcast.png?w=600&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\"\/><\/noscript><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text-top\">Listen on<\/span><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text\">Apple Podcasts<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-tim-podcast-link-main podcast-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"podcast-block__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/1txpnWKISzEehrPfvyLDBa?si=1HMFGCUgRh65kuvREE7g5Q\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"167\" height=\"167\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/spotify.svg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"167\" height=\"167\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/spotify.svg\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\"\/><\/noscript><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text-top\">Listen on<\/span><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text\">Spotify<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-tim-podcast-link-main podcast-block wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><a class=\"podcast-block__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/overcast.fm\/+AAKebuhcD6Q\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/overcast.svg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/wp-content\/themes\/timferriss\/inc\/blocks\/podcast-link\/images\/overcast.svg\" class=\"podcast-block__link-icon\"\/><\/noscript><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text-top\">Listen on<\/span><span class=\"podcast-block__link-text\">Overcast<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"podcast-player\">\n<div class=\"podcast-player-inner-wrap\">\n<p>Craig Mod Returns \u2014 Epic Walks in Japan, The Art of Slowness, Digital Detox, Publishing \u201cImpossible\u201d Books, and Choosing Beauty Over Scale<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.art19.com\/shows\/58dacbdc-646e-4585-9914-19c3de11d1ba\/episodes\/d4192037-471f-45c7-94f3-8076b47c63f2\/embed?type=micro\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 30px; border: 0 none;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Helix Sleep<\/strong><\/a>!\u00a0<\/strong>Helix was selected as the best overall mattress of 2024 by\u00a0<em>Forbes,<\/em> <em>Fortune<\/em>, and <em>Wired<\/em> magazines and many others. With\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Helix<\/a>, there\u2019s a specific mattress to meet each and every body\u2019s unique comfort needs. Just take their quiz\u2014<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">only two minutes to complete<\/a>\u2014that matches your body type and sleep preferences to the perfect mattress for you. They have a 10-year warranty, and you get to try it out for a hundred nights, risk-free. They\u2019ll even pick it up from you if you don\u2019t love it.\u00a0<strong>And now, Helix is offering between 20% and 27% off all mattress orders at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/helixsleep.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HelixSleep.com\/Tim<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/livemomentous.com\/Tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Momentous<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0high-quality supplements!\u00a0<\/strong>Momentous offers high-quality supplements and products across a broad spectrum of categories, and I\u2019ve been testing their products for months now. I\u2019ve been using their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemomentous.com\/pages\/tim-ferriss#section-tims-favorite-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">magnesium threonate<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemomentous.com\/pages\/tim-ferriss#section-tims-favorite-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">apigenin<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemomentous.com\/pages\/tim-ferriss#section-tims-favorite-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">L-theanine<\/a>\u00a0daily, all of which have helped me improve the onset, quality, and duration of my sleep. I\u2019ve also been using\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.livemomentous.com\/pages\/tim-ferriss#section-tims-favorite-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Momentous creatine<\/a>, and while it certainly helps physical performance, including poundage or wattage in sports, I use it primarily for mental performance (short-term memory, etc.).<\/p>\n<p>Their products are third-party tested (Informed-Sport and\/or NSF certified), so you can trust that what is on the label is in the bottle and nothing else.\u00a0<strong>If you want to try Momentous for yourself, you can use code Tim for 20% off your one-time purchase at\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/livemomentous.com\/Tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>LiveMomentous.com\/Tim<\/strong><\/a><strong>.\u00a0<\/strong>And not to worry, my non-US friends, Momentous ships internationally and has you covered.\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>This episode is brought to you by\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Shopify<\/strong><\/a><strong>!\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shopify<\/a>\u00a0is one of my favorite platforms and one of my favorite companies.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shopify<\/a>\u00a0is<strong> designed for anyone to sell anywhere<\/strong>, giving entrepreneurs the resources once reserved for big business. In no time flat, you can have a great-looking online store that brings your ideas to life, and you can have the tools to manage your day-to-day and drive sales. No coding or design experience required.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Go to\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>shopify.com\/Tim<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0to sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. It\u2019s a great deal for a great service, so I encourage you to check it out. Take your business to the next level today by visiting\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/shopify.com\/tim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>shopify.com\/Tim<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>Want to hear round one of this conversation with <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2025\/03\/27\/craig-mod\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Craig Mod<\/a>?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2025\/03\/27\/craig-mod\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Listen here<\/a> as we discuss Craig\u2019s journey from a post-industrial Connecticut town to Japan, advice for adults who want to pick up the Japanese language, bizarre homestay stories, struggles with spirits of sauce and the supernatural, <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2025\/03\/27\/craig-mod\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">and much more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<p>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Real Japan, Creative Retreats, and Being Possessed by Spirits \u2014 Craig Mod\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B87ATe3Bxh8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p><strong>What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know <a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2025\/03\/28\/craig-mod-returns\/#respond\">in the comments<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"more-109021\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE<\/h3>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Website<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/craigmod.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bluesky<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/craigmod\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CraigMod\/videos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roden<\/a> (Monthly Newsletter) | <a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ridgeline<\/a> (Weekly Newsletter)<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Books and Written Works<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Movies and TV Shows<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">People<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wim-wenders.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wim Wenders<\/a>: German filmmaker (Perfect Days, Tokyo-Ga).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yasujir%C5%8D_Ozu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yasujir\u014d Ozu<\/a>: Influential Japanese filmmaker known for quiet family dramas, contemporary of Kurosawa.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Akira_Kurosawa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Akira Kurosawa<\/a>: Famous Japanese filmmaker (Seven Samurai).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matsuo_Bash%C5%8D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matsuo Bash\u014d<\/a>: Most famous poet of the Edo period in Japan, known for haiku and his travelogue Oku no Hosomichi.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/JohnBronte\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John McBride<\/a>: Craig Mod\u2019s older mentor, former Monbukagakusho scholar, CEO of Sky TV, tea ceremony expert, accomplished walker, fluent in high-level Japanese. Huge influence on Craig\u2019s walking and interaction style.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americantrails.org\/presenters-and-authors\/brad-towle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brad Towle<\/a>: Canadian man on the JET program in Tanabe City, key figure in promoting the Nakahechi trail in English.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Rupert_Murdoch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rupert Murdoch<\/a>: Mentioned as founder connected to Sky TV.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Masayoshi_Son\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Masayoshi Son<\/a>: CEO of SoftBank, mentioned as an acquaintance of John McBride.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dave_Spector\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Spector<\/a>: Mentioned as an example of a gaijin tarento (foreign celebrity) in Japan during the \u201990s.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2023\/04\/26\/kevin-kelly-excellent-advice-for-living\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kevin Kelly<\/a>: Writer, co-founder of Wired, friend and walking partner of Craig Mod (Walk &amp; Talks). Encouraged Craig in various ventures.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/danrubin.is\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dan Rubin<\/a>: Photographer friend who walked Kumano Kodo with Craig and co-created a photo book.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2024\/03\/13\/hugh-howey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hugh Howey<\/a>: Author (Silo series\/Wool), walked Kumano Kodo with Craig and Kevin Kelly.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2021\/07\/09\/anne-lamott\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anne Lamott<\/a>: Author of Bird by Bird.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2024\/01\/23\/noah-kagan-million-dollar-weekend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Noah Kagan<\/a>: Friend of Tim Ferriss, mentioned regarding skepticism about chasing scale.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gray318.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gray318<\/a> (Jon Gray): Designer (known for Zadie Smith covers) who provided feedback to Craig.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zadie_Smith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zadie Smith<\/a>: Author whose book covers Jon Gray designed.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/001\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bryan<\/a>: Craig Mod\u2019s childhood best friend who was murdered; a central figure in the book Things Become Other Things.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Terry_Gross\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Terry Gross<\/a>: Host of NPR\u2019s \u201cFresh Air,\u201d mentioned as a platform often requiring traditional publisher backing.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.randomhousebooks.com\/editors\/andy-ward\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andy Ward<\/a>: Publisher\/President of Random House, editor of George Saunders, involved in acquiring Craig\u2019s book.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/George_Saunders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">George Saunders<\/a>: Author admired by Craig Mod, edited by Andy Ward.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.randomhousebooks.com\/editors\/molly-turpin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Molly Turpin<\/a>: Craig Mod\u2019s editor at Random House for Things Become Other Things.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2025\/02\/05\/brandon-sanderson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brandon Sanderson<\/a>: Author mentioned regarding securing specific book rights (leather-bound editions).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gideonlk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gideon Lewis-Kraus<\/a>: Writer mentioned for an article on Korea\u2019s declining birthrate.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-zone.com\/modern\/tamori.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tamori<\/a> (Tamori-san): Extremely famous, long-running Japanese TV celebrity who did a walking special in Morioka with Craig Mod.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2014\/06\/24\/neil-strauss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Neil Strauss<\/a>: Writer, mentioned as a user of the Freedom software.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/2022\/06\/22\/jack-kornfield-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jack Kornfield<\/a>: Meditation teacher and author who knows a thing or two about self-compassion.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/David_Mitchell_(author)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Mitchell<\/a>: Author (Cloud Atlas, etc.), admired Craig\u2019s book Things Become Other Things and provided a blurb\/email.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Places<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gotokyo.org\/en\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tokyo<\/a>: Capital city. Mentioned contexts: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gotokyo.org\/en\/story\/walks-and-tours\/shinjuku\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shinjuku<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/spot\/1668\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kabukich\u014d<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/digjapan.travel\/en\/blog\/id=11162\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Golden Gai<\/a>, starting point for walks, setting for films.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-experience.com\/all-about-japan\/kumano\/attractions-excursions\/kii-peninsula\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kii Peninsula<\/a>: Location of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/e\/e4900.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Koyasan<\/a>: Shingon Buddhist center on Kii Peninsula, location of significant graveyard (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/e\/e4901.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Okunoin<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/list\/e1228.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nara Prefecture<\/a>: The cradle of Japanese civilization.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/visitwakayama.jp\/en\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wakayama Prefecture<\/a>: Prefecture that invested heavily in promoting the Nakahechi trail.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/spot\/2183\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tanabe City<\/a>: City in Wakayama Prefecture involved in Nakahechi promotion.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/destinations\/tohoku\/yamagata\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamagata<\/a>: Prefecture containing Dewa Sanzan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dewasanzan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dewa Sanzan<\/a>: Three sacred mountains in Yamagata, known for syncretism.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Edo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edo<\/a>: Former name for Tokyo.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofpaloalto.org\/Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Palo Alto<\/a>: Where Craig lived briefly.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofpacifica.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pacifica<\/a>: A place where Craig walked with Kevin Kelly.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kyoto.travel\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kyoto<\/a>: Historic city, destination of Nakasendo\/T\u014dkaid\u014d, location of Vipassana retreat Craig attended.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/list\/e1213.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saitama<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/list\/e1216.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nagano<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/list\/e1220.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gifu<\/a>: Prefectures along the Nakasendo route.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/South_Korea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Korea<\/a>: Mentioned for its extremely low birthrate.<\/li>\n<li>Midsize Japanese Cities (from \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/132\/#:~:text=Ridgeline%20Transmission%20132&amp;text=The%20next%20walk%20is%20mapped,the%20heck%20out%20of%20things\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tiny Barber Post Office<\/a>\u201d Tour): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=h0gvOuk70sc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hakodate<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/077\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Morioka<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XlDNEko6iCY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sakata<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rG7MY2ffZxU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matsumoto<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=D2NNpB6tPQM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tsuruga<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=f7NGUXCBBzo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Onomichi<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-WiFUVhbC3M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamaguchi<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oCUku5EmlHY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Karatsu<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=l9CjSUnu6Ko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kagoshima<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cKKrw8Vz9Zg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matsuyama<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/077\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Morioka<\/a>: City in Iwate Prefecture (Tohoku region), recommended by Craig, ranked #2 on NYT 52 Places list (2023), leading to media attention and walk with Tamori.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/list\/e1204.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iwate Prefecture<\/a>: Location of Morioka.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/destinations\/tohoku\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tohoku<\/a>: Northern region of Japan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/e\/e5150.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sendai<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/destinations\/tohoku\/fukushima\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fukushima<\/a>: Other cities on the Tohoku Shinkansen line.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exploreasheville.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Asheville<\/a>: US city used as a comparison point for Morioka.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/177\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamaguchi City<\/a>: Recommended by Craig, ranked #3 on NYT list (2024). Contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-jy.com\/en\/spots\/12262\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yuda Onsen<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sansuien.co.jp\/english\/facility\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sansuien Inn<\/a>). Starting point for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-jy.com\/en\/spots\/14462\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hagi \u014ckan<\/a> walk.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/e\/e6150.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hagi City<\/a>: Destination of Hagi \u014ckan walk.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-jy.com\/en\/spots\/12262\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yuda Onsen<\/a>: Onsen town within Yamaguchi City.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sansuien.co.jp\/english\/facility\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sansuien Inn<\/a>: Specific recommended inn in Yuda Onsen.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-experience.com\/all-about-japan\/kyoto\/outdoor-activities\/mount-hiei-kyoto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mount Hiei<\/a>: Location associated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trailrunnermag.com\/people\/culture-people\/the-marathon-monks-of-mount-hiei\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marathon Monks<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/200\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Toyama City<\/a>: Recommended by Craig for NYT list (2025).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/destinations\/kansai\/osaka\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Osaka<\/a>: Mentioned relative to Toyama\u2019s ranking, hosting Expo.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/042\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Southern China<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/175\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thailand<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/188\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bali<\/a>, England (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrail.co.uk\/en_GB\/trails\/cotswold-way\/trail-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cotswold Way<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/167\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lake District<\/a>), Spain (<a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Camino de Santiago<\/a>): Locations of Craig\u2019s walks outside Japan, often with Kevin Kelly.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/destinations\/kyushu\/nagasaki\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nagasaki<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/nagasakidejima.jp\/english\/history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dejima<\/a>): Historical trading post, setting for David Mitchell\u2019s book.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/destinations\/chugoku\/hiroshima\/hiroshima-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hiroshima<\/a>: City where David Mitchell lived.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walks, Routes, and Trails<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Oku_no_Hosomichi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oku no Hosomichi<\/a>: Famous trail\/journey undertaken by Bash\u014d, later walked by John McBride.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nippon.com\/en\/japan-topics\/g02415\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">T\u014dkaid\u014d<\/a>: Major historical road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto along the coast. Also the name of a Shinkansen line. Walked by John McBride, Craig Mod.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.henro.org\/shikoku-pilgrimage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shikoku Pilgrimage<\/a>: Route around Shikoku island, walked by John McBride.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tb-kumano.jp\/en\/kumano-kodo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kumano Kodo<\/a>: Network of pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula, UNESCO World Heritage site. Includes specific trails: Kohechi, Nakahechi, Ohechi, Iseji, Omine Okugake Michi.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Camino de Santiago<\/a>: Famous pilgrimage trail in Spain, sister trail to Kumano Kodo, UNESCO site. Walked by Craig.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dewasanzan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dewa Sanzan<\/a>: Pilgrimage route involving three mountains in Yamagata.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/ad\/nakasendo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nakasendo<\/a>: Major historical inland road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto through the mountains. Walked extensively by Craig.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/db.go-nagano.net\/en\/hime-kaido\/landing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hime Kaid\u014d<\/a>: \u201cPrincess Route,\u201d a detour on the T\u014dkaid\u014d.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/061\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hagi \u014ckan<\/a>: Two-day walk connecting Yamaguchi City and Hagi City.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/167\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wainwright Coast to Coast<\/a>: Walk across Northern England from the Lake District.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrail.co.uk\/en_GB\/trails\/cotswold-way\/trail-information\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cotswold Way<\/a>: Walk in England, done twice by Craig with Kevin Kelly\u2019s groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Institutions, Organizations, Companies, Software, and Platforms<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/02\/04\/movies\/perfect-days-tokyo-toilets.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tokyo Toilet<\/a>: Public art\/infrastructure project in Tokyo, possible inspiration for Perfect Days.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.studyinjapan.go.jp\/en\/planning\/scholarships\/mext-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Monbukagakusho<\/a> (MEXT): Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; offered scholarships (John McBride was a recipient).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UNESCO<\/a>: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Designated Kumano Kodo and Camino de Santiago as World Heritage Pilgrimage trails.<\/li>\n<li>(<a href=\"https:\/\/jetprogramusa.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan Exchange and Teaching Program<\/a> (JET): Program placing foreign nationals (often as English teachers) in Japan, usually outside major cities. Brad participated.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sky TV<\/a>: Satellite television network; John McBride was CEO in Japan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/group.softbank\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SoftBank<\/a>: Japanese multinational conglomerate; John McBride knew CEO Son-san.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kickstarter<\/a>: Crowdfunding platform used for Art Space Tokyo reprint.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tv.apple.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apple TV<\/a>: Streaming platform airing the Silo adaptation.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/membership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Craig Mod Membership Program<\/a>: Craig\u2019s community funding his work, discussed extensively regarding its rules and philosophy.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wired<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Magazine<\/a>: Publication that published Craig\u2019s essay.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/freedom.to\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freedom (.to)<\/a>: Website blocking software used by Craig and Neil Strauss.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Penguin Random House<\/a>: Major publishing house that published Things Become Other Things.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mackbooks.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mack Press<\/a>: UK-based photo book publisher mentioned for context on typical art book print runs.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/ancestry.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ancestry.com<\/a>: DNA testing and genealogy company where Craig matched with his birth mother.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.23andme.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">23andMe<\/a>: DNA testing company Craig initially used.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>: Social media platform mentioned re: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/teemusphoto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teemus Photo<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/teemusphoto.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teemusphoto.com<\/a>: Website recommended for nighttime Japan photography.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/craigmod\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a>: Video platform.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Substack<\/a>: Newsletter\/publishing platform.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/memberful.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Memberful<\/a>: Membership software platform.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Patreon<\/a>: Membership\/creator funding platform.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/essays\/sms_publishing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SMS Experiment Tool<\/a>: Custom one-to-many SMS tool Craig built for his walk.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/craigmod\/status\/1404083121763405829\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">iOS Shortcuts \/ Siri<\/a>: Apple features used by Craig for voice dictation while walking.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=DXPA9iKARaYY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shopify<\/a>: E-commerce platform used by Craig for Craigstarter.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/cmod\/craigstarter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Craigstarter<\/a>: Craig\u2019s self-built Kickstarter clone.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/translate.google.com\/?sl=en&amp;tl=it&amp;op=translate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Translate<\/a>: Mentioned by Tim Ferriss as helpful for non-Japanese speakers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Concepts<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.realestate.co.jp\/living\/jyou-%E7%95%B3-real-estate-japans-word-of-the-day\/#:~:text=One%20tatami%20mat%20is%20equal,)%2C%20rather%20than%20square%20meters.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Six-Tatami-Mat Room<\/a>: A small traditional Japanese room size, Craig lived in one for years. Used as a visual reference via Perfect Days.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tatami\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tatami Mat<\/a>: Traditional Japanese flooring mat, used historically as a unit for room size.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Syncretism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Syncretism<\/a>: The blending or coexistence of different religions\/beliefs, specifically Shinto and Buddhism in Japan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Meiji_Restoration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meiji Restoration<\/a>: Historical period (~1868 onward) marking the end of the Shogunate, restoration of imperial rule, modernization, and forced separation of Shinto and Buddhism.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/guide\/temple-stays\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shukubo<\/a>: The practice of staying overnight at a Buddhist temple.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/shogunate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shogunate<\/a> \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thoughtco.com\/a-brief-history-japans-daimyo-lords-195308\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daimyo<\/a>: Feudal military government \/ feudal lords in Japan.<\/li>\n<li>Tea Ceremony (<a href=\"https:\/\/education.asianart.org\/resources\/chanoyu-the-japanese-art-of-tea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chanoyu<\/a>): Traditional Japanese cultural activity involving the preparation and presentation of matcha; practiced extensively by John McBride.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tofugu.com\/japanese\/keigo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keigo<\/a>: Japanese polite language, involving different levels of respect and humility.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tokyoesque.com\/celebrities-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gaijin Tarento<\/a>: Foreign celebrities or personalities featured in Japanese media.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/ridgeline\/134\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Craig\u2019s Walking Rules<\/a>: Craig\u2019s personal rules for his long walks (no news\/social media, cultivate boredom, don\u2019t teleport\/distract, say hello, arbitrary photo goals, pre-book logistics).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/015\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vipassana Retreat<\/a>: Silent meditation retreat focused on observing reality as it is; Craig attended a 10-day retreat.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=37XxD0sWF04\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shugyo<\/a>: Ascetic spiritual training, often involving physical hardship.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thehiddenjapan.com\/yamabushimountainmonks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamabushi<\/a>: Japanese mountain ascetics.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/craigmod.com\/roden\/049\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bobbing Consciousness<\/a>: Craig\u2019s term for the feeling achieved after many days of walking long distances.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sankin-k%C5%8Dtai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sankin-k\u014dtai<\/a>: Edo-period policy requiring daimyo to spend alternate years in Edo, necessitating road infrastructure like the Nakasendo and T\u014dkaid\u014d.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/muse.jhu.edu\/pub\/44\/article\/55125\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sh\u014dshika Mondai<\/a>: Societal issue of declining birthrates in Japan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nippon.com\/en\/in-depth\/a09901\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">K\u014dreika Shakai<\/a>: Societal issue of an aging population in Japan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tokyoweekender.com\/food-and-drink\/how-to-find-the-perfect-kissaten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kissaten<\/a>: Traditional, often Showa-era, Japanese coffee shops\/cafes.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sh%C5%8Dwa_era\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sh\u014dwa Era<\/a>: Period of Japanese history from 1926-1989.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sandwichtribunal.com\/2022\/02\/kissaten-and-tell-japans-pizza-toast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pizza Toast<\/a>: Simple dish often served in kissaten (toast with tomato sauce, cheese, etc.).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/food52.com\/blog\/24098-japanese-ketchup-spaghetti-napolitan-table-for-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Napolitan Spaghetti<\/a>: Simple pasta dish often served in kissaten (spaghetti with ketchup-based sauce).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.productmarketingalliance.com\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-product-market-fit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Product-Market Fit (PMF)<\/a>: Business concept regarding a product satisfying market demand.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.monticello.org\/research-education\/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia\/jeffersonian-dinners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jeffersonian Dinner<\/a>: Dinner format with a single group conversation, used on the Walk &amp; Talks.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/e\/e2056.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shinto<\/a>: Indigenous Japanese religion\/spirituality.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan-guide.com\/e\/e2055.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buddhism<\/a>: Religion practiced widely in Japan.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.byfood.com\/blog\/culture\/guide-to-konbini-japanese-convenience-stores\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Konbini<\/a>: Japanese convenience store.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.poetryfoundation.org\/education\/glossary\/haiku-or-hokku\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Haiku<\/a>: Japanese poetic form associated with Bash\u014d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SHOW NOTES<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>[00:00:00] Start.<\/li>\n<li>[00:07:25] More than a decade of <em>Perfect Days<\/em> in a six-tatami mat room.<\/li>\n<li>[00:10:44] The first steps of Craig\u2019s huge walks: exploring Tokyo\u2019s nightlife.<\/li>\n<li>[00:17:33] Discovering pilgrimage trails with John McBride.<\/li>\n<li>[00:22:49] What\u2019s so appealing about pilgrimage trails?<\/li>\n<li>[00:31:25] Learning politeness and language in Japan.<\/li>\n<li>[00:40:09] An invitation from Kevin Kelly.<\/li>\n<li>[00:41:23] The birth of a photo book.<\/li>\n<li>[00:42:50] The big solo walks begin.<\/li>\n<li>[00:43:53] Launching a membership program.<\/li>\n<li>[00:44:58] The Nakasend\u014d experience.<\/li>\n<li>[00:50:01] Craig\u2019s rules for walking.<\/li>\n<li>[00:51:04] The Vipassana influence.<\/li>\n<li>[01:00:43] Logistics of walking in Japan.<\/li>\n<li>[01:09:03] Depopulation and pizza toast.<\/li>\n<li>[01:13:42] How <em>Kissa by Kissa<\/em> came to be (and its unexpected success).<\/li>\n<li>[01:16:34] Kicking off Craigstarter.<\/li>\n<li>[01:17:47] The pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance membership strategy.<\/li>\n<li>[01:18:41] Finding product-market fit.<\/li>\n<li>[01:19:12] The importance of sustainable scale.<\/li>\n<li>[01:19:50] Membership community rules.<\/li>\n<li>[01:27:15] Navigating the publishing world.<\/li>\n<li>[01:38:37] Promoting midsize cities in Japan as a wild and strange celebrity.<\/li>\n<li>[01:52:50] The economic and cultural effects of this promotion.<\/li>\n<li>[01:54:46] Hidden gems and walks in Japan.<\/li>\n<li>[01:56:56] Walking beyond Japan.<\/li>\n<li>[01:59:47] Craig was a Mod before you was a mod.<\/li>\n<li>[02:00:47] How Craig reconnected with his birth family.<\/li>\n<li>[02:19:32] Reflections and future plans.<\/li>\n<li>[02:23:00] Parting thoughts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MORE CRAIG MOD QUOTES FROM THE INTERVIEW<\/h3>\n<p><strong>\u201cI would finish every day on these walks, get in bed, and just feel that was the fullest possible way I could have experienced that day. Given the cards dealt to me of this day, there was no fuller version of this day.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\u2014\u00a0Craig Mod<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cI love my scale because it\u2019s sustainable. It gives me total creative freedom.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\u2014\u00a0Craig Mod<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cIf you spend 30 days doing that physical activity every day to that degree, your body changes. You become what I call a bobbing consciousness. By day 20, 25 on the road where you\u2019re walking 20, 30, 40k, your legs are just so powerful.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\u2014\u00a0Craig Mod<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cOne of the weirdest things about being a contemporary human is, first of all, we\u2019re never bored because we always have this stupid <em>Black Mirror<\/em> slab in our pocket that\u2019s always distracting us with some other dopamine hit.\u201d<\/strong><br \/>\u2014\u00a0Craig Mod<\/p>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>Related<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/podcast\"><strong>The Tim Ferriss Show<\/strong><\/a> <\/em><span>is one <\/span>of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for &#8220;Best of Apple Podcasts&#8221; three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it&#8217;s been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/tim.blog\/podcast\">this page<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/hop.clickbank.net\/?affiliate=infohatch&amp;vendor=J1R2C\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10614 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png\" alt=\"Profit Gen\" width=\"400\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px.png 400w, https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/profit-gen400px-300x163.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cI would finish every day on these walks, get in bed, and just feel that was the fullest possible way I could have experienced that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10347,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10357","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10357","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10357"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10357\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10357"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10357"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}