I grew up in a family that was extremely frugal, and my mother had a deep desire to travel. It's no surprise that I would carry on this disposition — seeking out new experiences and new ways of engaging with cultures alike.

My mother would tell me about what it was like being the only female engineer in her workplace at the time. Her work took her to Japan multiple times, grainy film photos depicting a dark haired petite woman on a mission to explore the world. I would study these images, envy her, wonder what it would be like to go there myself.

When I booked my trip to Japan and Korea in 2023, I was elated to walk in my mother's footsteps. I envisioned a young her, and a young me, connected by an invisible string decades later.

Many colors stuck out to me during this time.

Please join me as we explore the details of Japan and Korea through the color red.