Books and Cosplay 2025

 In a few hours the Book Fair Leipzig (Leipziger Buchmesse) is about to start. As usual the Manga-Comic-Con (MCC) is part of it as well. 

After doing a poll about the reason of visiting the event the majority voted for meeting friends/community ativities (52%), photo shootings and location (39%) and a few to meet me ;), but nobody choose shopping or program. Therefore the question might be, do we need so many shopping booths for merchandise?

Yes, but No, simple and precise, I know.

The people in my "bubble" are primarily Cosplayers, so their focus are costumes, crafting and sewing tools or materials, their needs / main interest is costume-based. On the other hand you have those fair goers who simply want to get to know the latest merchandise, manga or anime and are willing to spend their saved cash on plush dolls, figures or just enjoy. We may not forget the fact that's it's a trade fair, too, mostly for books - who wpuld have guessed that - but also for video game publishers. I am looking forward to see and visit the booth of NINTENDO, should be a guaranteed hit, although I think I already know all the presented games or own them.

I am also happy to meet my friend from Games Room SVVAMP, it's been too long since I met him. Talking to him will create a few Monster Hunter flashbacks, because they are having a Monster Hunter community meetup and some sort of challenge aside the many offered tournaments with amazing prizes.

But every trade fair, especially otaku conventions, have a huge program and many shows, there are show groups and other acts, but the highlight of that is always the cosplay contest. Some cons call their contests championships, but there is only real championship, the DCM (Deutsche Cosplay Meisterschaft), all the others are copycats that try to blow up their relevance by using such a name making it sound bigger, more important and better, but when there are 5 championships, there is no championship, so it's just a regular contest.

Beside the MCC hall my main interest is the central glass hall, because I will pack a punch of taking thousands of pictures and normally the available light there is just perfect, so you don't need any flash and the ISO can stay low.

I will take a break of those shootings by visiting WirMachenDruck, they are some sort of business partner, because they print my books. I will also have a look for the travel section hoping to maybe find a publisher for one of four books or any of the 3 that are "work in progress".

I am quite excited and will have some difficulties to get a rest. I am ready and all my gear is packed, my batteries are charged and my SD cards are not completely empty, but I have ~400GB of available space, this should work.

ENJOY LBM 2025!

The GIFT - Suzuki Suzumi

In her debut novel Die Gabe, sociologist Suzuki Suzumi tells the story of a mother and daughter whose relationship is marked by distance, misunderstanding, and emotional detachment. Set in Tokyo’s red-light district, the novel follows the daughter’s daily life in the weeks leading up to her mother’s death. Rather than depicting a deep emotional reconciliation, the story instead presents a fragmented narrative of two women forced into close proximity without ever truly bridging the emotional gap between them.

The mother, a poet battling terminal cancer, has spent much of her life writing and publishing poetry. As she nears the end of her life, she wishes to write one last poem but finds it impossible to do so in the sterile environment of the hospital. Seeking inspiration, she moves in with her daughter, who works as a hostess in a nightclub. However, this move is not a sign of emotional closeness, nor is it driven by a desire to reconnect—it is purely a practical decision. While it is common in Japan for aging parents to move in with their children, in this case, the mother’s decision is motivated only by her desire to complete her final work.

The daughter’s job as a hostess involves entertaining male customers, encouraging them to drink, and occasionally having sex with them—though the novel makes it clear that this is not part of her official job description. The mother disapproves of her daughter’s profession, but rather than expressing her disappointment directly or seeking to understand her daughter’s life, she simply maintains a cold distance. This reinforces the emotional divide between them, making their shared living situation feel more like an obligation than an opportunity for connection.

Although one might expect the mother’s illness and their forced cohabitation to serve as a catalyst for emotional growth or reconciliation, no such development occurs. The novel does not depict heartfelt conversations, reconciliations, or a growing understanding between mother and daughter. Instead, their relationship remains one of silent coexistence, where their only real connection is the mother’s illness itself. The narrative even creates the impression of a three-way relationship: mother, daughter, and disease. However, even as the mother’s condition worsens, their interactions remain distant and lack warmth or genuine affection.

Eventually, the mother becomes too weak to stay in her daughter’s apartment and returns to the hospital. This marks yet another missed opportunity for emotional resolution. There is no grand moment of realization, no shift in their dynamic—only the continuation of their mutual detachment.

Structurally, the novel is fragmented and often feels disjointed. It jumps between different aspects of the daughter’s life, including her work at the club, her occasional visits to the hospital, and mundane daily activities. The protagonist’s thoughts are scattered, making it feel as if the reader is wandering through Tokyo’s Kabukichō district, observing fleeting moments without a clear narrative thread. The book reads more like the diary of a young woman struggling with depression and low self-worth than a carefully structured novel with a clear emotional arc.

Despite its setting in Tokyo’s red-light district, Die Gabe does not offer deep social commentary. While it briefly touches on topics such as hostess culture, social stigmas, and the association of tattoos with the Yakuza, it does so in a superficial way. The protagonist has accepted her life in the “water trade” (the Japanese term for jobs in bars and entertainment establishments), showing no motivation to leave it or critically reflect on her situation. The novel does not explore the challenges of women in the industry or the societal prejudices they face. Instead, it merely references these elements without providing meaningful insights, making it feel as if the author has observed the world of hostesses from a distance rather than truly immersing herself in it.

In fact, the story could take place almost anywhere. If one were to remove the Japanese cultural references, the plot would be just as believable in another city—perhaps Hamburg’s Reeperbahn or another red-light district. The location, the profession, and even the country itself feel largely irrelevant to the central narrative.

Even the title, Die Gabe (translated as The Gift), remains ambiguous. The book never clarifies what the “gift” refers to—whether it is the final poem the mother wishes to write, the unspoken bond between mother and daughter, or something else entirely. Readers searching for a clear thematic throughline may be left unsatisfied.

Ultimately, Die Gabe is a novel that lacks a strong emotional core. It presents a mother and daughter who remain distant until the very end, offering no real development in their relationship. Without a compelling dramatic arc or deep character growth, the novel feels more like a collection of loosely connected diary entries than a cohesive, impactful story.

Triumph of Stupidity

Oliver Kalkofe’s “Triumph of Stupidity” – A Scathing Critique of Modern Media

In his latest book, Sieg der Blödigkeit – Ist die Vernunft noch zu retten? (Triumph of Stupidity – Can Reason Still Be Saved?), German satirist Oliver Kalkofe delivers a merciless takedown of the ever-growing culture of idiocy in modern media and society. Known for his razor-sharp wit and brutal honesty in Kalkofes Mattscheibe, Kalkofe dissects the absurdities of television, social media, and public discourse with humor that is both entertaining and deeply unsettling.

His book is a passionate, biting critique of the way media have adjusted their content to cater to the lowest common denominator. Kalkofe observes that broadcasters and content creators prefer to dumb things down rather than risk provoking or challenging their audiences. The result? A media landscape dominated by shallow, mindless entertainment that values loud personalities over actual talent or intelligence.

The Decline of Intelligence in Entertainment

Kalkofe does not mince words when it comes to the downfall of intellectual programming. According to him, TV producers have long since realized that intelligence and nuance don’t sell as well as easily digestible, brainless content. Rather than aiming for depth or complexity, modern television and social media platforms cater to what he calls “mentally overwhelmed amoeba brains.” The goal is to keep audiences entertained without making them think too hard – or at all.

He takes particular aim at scripted reality shows, trashy celebrity formats, and the influencer culture that thrives on superficiality and self-obsession. Kalkofe mocks the way social media personalities with little to no real skill are celebrated as icons, praising themselves for essentially doing nothing. He argues that platforms like TikTok and Instagram reward vanity and mediocrity, pushing young audiences into a world where attention-seeking and exaggerated self-promotion are more valuable than education or personal growth.

Blunt Humor with a Serious Message

At the heart of Sieg der Blödigkeit is Kalkofe’s signature humor—bold, exaggerated, and unforgiving. His writing style thrives on sharp observations, playful sarcasm, and a sense of frustration with the state of modern media. He describes stupidity as more accessible and comfortable than education, which requires effort and critical thinking. Sentences like “Bräsige Blödigkeit ist nun mal wesentlich bequemer und leichter zugänglich als spröde Bildung oder das mühsame Erfassen von komplizierten Sinnzusammenhängen” (roughly translated: “Lazy stupidity is simply much more comfortable and accessible than dry education or the tedious grasp of complex contexts”) highlight his frustration with a society that increasingly embraces ignorance over intelligence.

Kalkofe also touches on the dangers of digital outrage culture. He points out how easily people today are offended and how quickly they resort to social media attacks and “cancel culture” instead of engaging in meaningful discussions. In his view, the internet has turned into a breeding ground for knee-jerk outrage, where thoughtful debate is replaced by aggressive online mobs.

A Call to Action: Think Before You Watch

Despite its humor, the book carries a serious message: Kalkofe wants to wake people up. He urges his readers to take a step back, examine their media consumption habits, and start thinking critically about the content they engage with. He argues that having a brain and using it should not be a rare phenomenon, writing: “Denn ein Hirn zu haben und dies auch zu benutzen, ist keine Schande und schadet nicht einmal dem Klima. Also nicht schüchtern sein und ruhig mal ausprobieren! Es freut sich!” (Translation: “Having a brain and using it is not a disgrace and doesn’t even harm the climate. So don’t be shy—give it a try! Your brain will thank you!”).

This statement encapsulates Kalkofe’s approach: he doesn’t just complain about the state of the media—he encourages people to do better. Instead of blindly consuming whatever is thrown at them, audiences should start questioning the content they watch and demand higher-quality programming.

A Book That Entertains and Provokes Thought

Sieg der Blödigkeit is more than just a collection of sarcastic observations—it’s a reflection of the absurdity of modern media culture. Kalkofe masterfully blends humor with harsh truths, making readers laugh while forcing them to confront uncomfortable realities. His descriptions of talentless reality TV stars and social media influencers may seem exaggerated, but upon closer examination, they are painfully accurate.

The book leaves readers questioning their own viewing habits: “Why did I waste my time watching that nonsense?” It highlights how easily people fall into the trap of consuming brainless content simply because it’s there, readily available, and marketed as entertainment.

For Fans of Sharp Satire

For anyone who enjoys biting social criticism, Sieg der Blödigkeit is a must-read. Kalkofe’s humor is sharp, his analysis brutally honest, and his frustration with modern media palpable. It is a book that will make you laugh out loud, shake your head in disbelief, and perhaps even reconsider your own media consumption.

Released on November 4th, Sieg der Blödigkeit invites readers to both chuckle at and critically reflect on the state of today’s entertainment industry.

New Year - new projects

The new year has just started and it's time to get creative again.

Once again I am working on a book, this time it's about places in Japan that are somewhat connected to a story and not just being nice or sightseeing spots.

The book is called "Japan in Black and White" and is live on Kickstarter like the last one already.

I decided to select monochrome pictures, because they deliver a stronger feeling, which is some times quite melancholic depending on the memory, e.g. 

• sleeping in a tree house in Winter with -20°C
• getting a heatstroke and collapsing in front of a temple during my pilgrimage and ending up in hospital with a small kidney damage resulting in being "homeless" and sleeping in an internet café for 3 days
• almost breaking my leg while snowboarding
• being "arrested" for flying a drone in Tokyo
• being "stranded" at night in Okayama - walking and dancing in the streets for 8+ hours
• sleeping in an office

 

The book will contain at least 200 pages and will feature 100+ photos of 100 spots and stories.

Because of Japan's borders still being closed this project is also a way to fight my wanderlust making it some sort of art therapy as well as the book from last year. Being unable to make new memories, discover new places and gather new materials I am forced to stick with my current stock and getting creative with it.

Beside the book project there are 2 more campaigns that I support as project manager:

• Make 100 - Origami Earrings - Make a Wish
• the inspiration was taken from the myth of being granted a wish when folding 1000 origami cranes - 200 of those cranes, using 3,75x3,75cm sheets, will be used to create earrings - in addition there's an addons to buy a set of origami figures on top making it possible coming closer to 1000

• MAKE 100 - Handdrawn Portrait Prints
• after editing photos in too many different ways I reached a "limit" until I rediscovered drip painting - I always liked that abstract painting technique but was never able to paint it digitally until I bought a graphic tablet and Clip Studio Paint and found a way to combine that technique with editing my portraits
• 100 different portraits are offered as 15x15cm high quality prints on cardboard

Maybe you like these projects and consider supporting them, I would be happy.

Thank you in advance - Enjoy!