I'm Kasumi, a long-term resident of Japan born and raised in the US. In 2010, I acquired Japanese citizenship and changed my name. I’m a proud resident of Okinawa, Japan. I'm passionate about reading, translating, and running, so I created this website to share those interests with you.
That's my name, Kasumi, or 霞 written in kanji. My name means “Mist,” so I suppose you could call me “Misty.”
I have many passions in addition to Okinawa literature, translation, and running, so let me talk about some of those here:
1. Music
Everybody loves music, of course, and I do, too!
I grew up listening to progressive rock, especially Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Led Zeppelin, and others. I also enjoyed classical music, especially Aaron Copland, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart. I listened to a lot of jazz, too, especially Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, John Coltrane, and others.
Living in Japan, I have come to love enka, J-pop, and world music, too. Some of my favorite enka singers are Toshimi Tagawa, Shinichi Mori, Ikuzo Yoshi, Misora Hibari, and Fuyumi Sakamoto.
However, I like to imagine I’m rather eclectic in my tastes. I listen to almost all genres and love to learn about new groups, even in other languages. Here is a random list of some songs I love but that most of you probably don’t know:
Moxizishi — Moonlight is very white
A Chinese ethnic Yi minority singer based in Beijing. Beautiful music.
Samingad — Eighteen
An aboriginal Taiwanese pop singer. I could listen this song on a loop for hours!
Toshimi Tagawa — Ringo Oiwake
My favorite Enka song sung by my favorite Enka singer.
Yemen Blues — Satisfaction
Yemenite music combined with funk, blues, and jazz.
Sophie — It’s Okay to Cry
Scottish transgender woman and pioneer of hyperpop. R.I.P.
Bollywood Movie — Chaiya Chaiya
Video from the Bollywood movie of the same name. The entire dance sequence takes place on top of a moving train. Incredible.
Arooj Aftab: Tiny Desk Concert
Pakistani singer who blends various styles of music in beautiful ways.
Queen Bee — First (The First Take)
Japanese transgender singer, who utilizes her voice in incredible ways.
Buffy Sainte-Marie — The War Racket
Indigenous Canadian-American singer. This is a great protest song!
Deva Pemal & Mites with Manose — Gayatri Matra
German singer known for introducing Sanskrit mantras into the mainstream. Perfect for meditation!
Chuck Brown — Wind Me Up!
The grandfather of DC Go-go music. Experiencing Go-go live in a DC club was one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks to my friend Eric for introducing me to this music.
2. Fashion
I’m still learning about fashion and makeup, but these are things I think about and practice nearly every day. Please feel free to share your hints and suggestions with me!
3. Go (the Japanese board game)
One of my online games. Kasumi is playing black.
I’ve been playing go (the board game played with black and white stones) for over thirty years.
I love that even though the rules are extremely simple, the game leads to extremely complicated combinations. The game is very easy to handicap, so you can have enjoyable games with stronger players, too.
Here are a couple of good explanation of the rules:
Go - Basic Rules
How to Play Go — Beginner Tutorial
I’m not very strong but I play regularly. If you want to online for free, check out this site:
KGS Home Page
Here is where I play online:
KGS Go Server
If you want to get better, you can check out these sites.
Sensei’s Library Joseki
Sensei’s Library Fuseki
Even if you’re not a go player, you might enjoy this documentary about AlphaGo, who beat one of the top professional players:
AlphaGo - The Movie | Full Award-Winning Documentary
4. LGBT Issues
Since coming out as a transgender woman, I have become more involved in the LGBT community and have made some great friends.
I’m actively involved in these two online communities:
Transgender Pulse
LGBTQ Okinawa