The Footer’s Secret
In the footer of this blog, I have inscribed a small note: “Proudly Powered by WordPress since 2006.” I recently updated that year to reflect the true timeline of my relationship with this platform. But my journey into the digital world actually begins even earlier—in the spring of 2001.
2001: The Tripod Era and Manual Craftsmanship
My first home on the web was a personal site hosted on Tripod. As a university student, I edited HTML files manually and uploaded them via FTP. Every entry was a slow, meditative process.
Back then, the “social” side of the web meant BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) and curated link collections. I even used CGI scripts to display interactive Go (囲碁) game records. It was my first attempt at bridging traditional strategy with modern technology.
2002–2005: Crossing Borders via Xanga and ICQ
By 2002, I moved to Blogger and discovered the “Blogosphere.” But more importantly, I discovered the world.
Through platforms like Xanga, I met people from different countries who became real friends. We communicated across borders through the iconic “Uh-oh!” of ICQ. Some of those digital acquaintances eventually became real-life friends whom I met in person. I still remember the thrill of those late-night chat sessions on Yahoo! Messenger, connecting me to a global community that felt both vast and intimate.
2006: Finding a Home in WordPress
I eventually moved to MovableType on my own domain in 2003, before finally settling into WordPress in 2006.
Since then, WordPress has been a silent partner in my life. It has followed me from my medical studies in Gifu to my current role as a Physician-scientist in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The tools have evolved from the iconic “Kubrick” theme to today’s versatile blocks, but the core remains the same: to observe, to reflect, and to share.
2026: Why Start Again in English?
After 25 years of writing in Japanese (mostly at tamai.net), starting tamai.blog in English is my latest act of “Learning in Public.” Just as I once struggled with HTML tags in 2001, I am now navigating the nuances of English to share my reflections on Science & Aesthetics. Writing in a second language forces a unique clarity. It bridges my scientific background with my aesthetic pursuits, like the tea ceremony and Go, in a way that feels fresh and vital.
The Constant Thread
The web of 2001 felt smaller and more personal. Today’s web is vast and often noisy. Yet, by maintaining this small corner of the internet, I find that the underlying motive is unchanged. Whether you remember the “Uh-oh!” of ICQ or are discovering my notes for the first time, thank you for being part of this long, winding road.
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