Keyboards
I like unique keyboards such as HHKB and retro keyboards. I use HHKB for my research work, and sometimes I use a PC-98 keyboard when I'm in the mood.
Electronics
I built a device using Arduino that converts signals from a PC-98 keyboard into a format that modern PCs can understand.
Meditation
I became interested in meditation from a neuroscience perspective and participated in a week-long retreat at a temple, where I was prohibited from using my smartphone, reading books, and even talking. Meditation continues to help improve my quality of life.
Crossdressing
I put on makeup, wear a wig, and go out. It's fascinating to experience the gap between how I see myself and how others see me. I've been sometimes mistaken for a woman because my Twitter icons (@towbish and @NobashiSaki) are photos of me crossdressed.
Philosophy
I'm especially interested in the philosophy of science and philosophy of mind. I believe that "doing philosophy" doesn't necessarily involve "reading philosophy books." I see reading such books as a shortcut to doing philosophy.
Anime (JP/EN)
I enjoy watching anime in both Japanese and English.
I started watching dubbed versions as part of my English studies, but I got hooked by how beautiful the voices and pronunciation are.
Just to clarify—I'm often misunderstood on this—I legally watch anime by paying for international streaming services.
There was a time when I listened to the English dub of the infamous
Endless Eight on loop during experiments.
As I got to the point where I could tell which episode it was by sound alone, my listening and speaking improved dramatically.
I now recommend the "Endless Endless Eight" method to my Japanese friends struggling with learning English.
My favorite series include *Puella Magi Madoka Magica*, *STEINS;GATE* (including SG0), *Attack on Titan*, and *PSYCHO-PASS*.
I haven't kept up with most series released after 2020, so if you know of any dark and compelling shows, I'd love to hear your recommendations.
Painfully Tough Games
I enjoy tough games that drain your body, mind, and time—or playing with severe self-imposed restrictions.
I've completed all titles and collected every medal in *MHP2G*, and also collected every item and recruited every monster in *Dragon Quest V*.
Lately, I've been diving into an ancient MMORPG. It's a never-ending nightmare...awesome!
Pachinko & Pachislot
Pachinko and Pachislot (Wikipedia in Japanese) are forms of gambling unique to Japan. Statisticians often like gambling.