Johnny Jam

Learning piano as an adult has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my life. In this post, I document my progress as I practice Ryuichi Sakamoto’s "energy flow." Starting from scratch, I’m tackling this beautiful piece step by step, proving that it’s never too late to begin a musical journey. What You’ll Find in This Post: My step-by-step approach to learning "energy flow." Challenges I face as an adult beginner pianist. Encouragement and tips for others who want to start learning piano. If you’ve ever wanted to learn piano but hesitated, let this post inspire you to start. Together, we can make progress—little by little! 🎹

The journey to mastering the guitar fretboard is often painted as quick and easy, but the truth is far more rewarding (and challenging). In this post, I share my experience as an adult beginner working to memorize the guitar fretboard notes. Contrary to popular claims, this process requires years of boring yet essential practice. But it’s not all bad—I’m here to practice with you and share tips for making progress step by step. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why Fretboard Mastery Takes Time: Debunking the “3-minute” myth. The Importance of Consistent Practice: How to stay motivated. Progress Updates: Documenting my journey to inspire yours. Learning the fretboard is tough but achievable with patience and dedication. Let’s embrace the challenge together and keep practicing! 🎸

Restoring and maintaining your guitar doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this post, I share my experience of learning DIY guitar restoration by watching tutorials on YouTube. The focus? Adjusting the truss rod and leveling the frets—essential skills for improving the playability of your guitar. Here’s what I’ve learned: Truss rod adjustments: How to check the neck curvature and carefully make adjustments for optimal string action. Fret leveling: Techniques to ensure a smooth, buzz-free playing surface. I’ll also share tips and ideas for beginners venturing into guitar restoration. If you’ve been thinking about fixing up your guitar yourself, this is a great place to start. Let’s learn together! 🎸

Cooking with unique ingredients can be a fascinating journey, and in this post, I dive into the world of Japanese cuisine by preparing a traditional hot pot with fish sperm sacks. While it may sound unusual to some, this delicacy is cherished in Japan for its rich, creamy flavor and cultural significance. I take you step-by-step through the cooking process, share my thoughts on its taste, and provide tips for trying this dish at home. Highlights of this post: The process of making Japanese hot pot with fish sperm sacks Exploring the history and cultural context of this delicacy Tips for preparing and enjoying this unique dish Would you be adventurous enough to try this iconic part of Japanese cuisine? 🍲

Learning piano as an adult can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. In this post, I document my journey of practicing Energy Flow by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Starting with the basics, I am progressing step by step, focusing on improving my skills little by little. This post highlights: My practice routine as a beginner Challenges of learning piano as an adult Progress updates with Energy Flow If you’ve ever thought about learning piano but hesitated, let this be an encouragement to start your own journey. It’s never too late to begin! 🎹

As a proud owner of a 1992 Fernandes/Burny LS-80 Ver.2, I’m excited to share my repair and restoration plans for this Japanese vintage guitar. This post dives into the details of my DIY journey, including: Fret leveling, rounding, and polishing for smoother playability Straightening the guitar neck to improve performance Adjusting the octave tuning for accurate sound Future upgrades: replacing the jack, volume and tone pots, and the pickup switch This project is a labor of love and a chance to bring this classic guitar back to life. Stay tuned as I document the process and share updates along the way!

Join me for a night walk through Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s bustling Asian food district that comes alive after dark. Known for its mix of Korean, Thai, Chinese, and other Asian eateries, Shin-Okubo is a true melting pot of flavors in the heart of Tokyo. In this tour, we’ll explore the popular spots, hidden gems, and the lively streets that make this neighborhood so unique. Perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts, this walk captures the exciting atmosphere and diversity that define Shin-Okubo at night. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about Tokyo’s food scene, this tour offers a glimpse into the rich flavors of Shin-Okubo.