Want to Learn to Nap on a Train? Here’s how

Sometimes you need to sleep. I’m talking about amongst the people, on a train or bus, or even in the park. Life can be exhausting. Why can’t we do some of our recharging in public? 

Well, now you can, with this simple three-step method inspired by my years living in Japan. The word “inemuri” means being present while you sleep. It’s synonymous with sleeping on the job or in public places. The Japanese are so overworked that it’s become commonplace to see a large number of people sleeping just about anywhere.

Taking naps is said to be a good thing. Even though accepted in Japan, it’s not allowed at work—even though that rule is mostly ignored all the time. If you’re in a location where you can set an alarm to wake you, it’s relatively easy, but what if you’re on a train or the subway? Not waking up in time for your stop can be frightening. 

Listen in as our Japanese raccoon, Tanuki, from Fried Chicken and Sushi comics explores how to nap on the subway in three steps. 

1. Decide to give it a try with the intent to master inemuri with help from others.

2. Pick a friend or family member who you know would never let their guard down.

3. Ride on a train with a loudspeaker that penetrates your soul.

Great job! If you follow these Tanuki steps, you too will be sleeping on the train in no time. Just imagine the freedom you’ll have to get the rest you need anywhere you have to wait. 

Take these tips to the cafe, while waiting for your coffee, or to the DMV, waiting for your number to be called. There are so many uses, and you’ll feel well-rested and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you daily.

Now, get out there and nap.

Why I'm Drawing on Paper Again

Drawing Little Fried Chicken and Sushi comics on paper, during these crazy times, has been good for my soul. There’s so much magic in feeling the paper’s pull and having to be fully present with every line drawn in ink. Not to mention, I can take cool photos of my originals and share them with you.

Don’t worry. I’ll still make strips digitally as well. From here on out, I think the story will dictate whether or not I use Clip Studio Paint software or bristol board and Pigma Micron pens.

Check Out my Podcast Interviews

Listen to my BLOCKHEAD interviews on Apple podcasts HERE.

I’m honored to be back on the BLOCKHEAD podcast hosted by cartoonist Geoff Grogan! In fact, he split the interview into two—episodes 53 and 54. You can listen to them on Apple podcasts.

Part 1 is here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/khalid-birdsong-part-1/id1440223132?i=1000495947058

Part 2 is here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/khalid-birdsong-part-2/id1440223132?i=1000496965099

We talk about moving to Osaka, Japan, and falling in love. Also, how that experience inspired the original Fried Chicken and Sushi comic strips. In part 2, we talk more about starting Little Fried Chicken and Sushi and the controversy over ending the original FC&S strip to move to GoComics syndication. Should I have done it? You decide, and let me know what you think.

You can also listen to episodes 53 and 54 on Geoff’s website here:

https://geoffgrogan.com/blockhead/

Thanks for all of your support and I hope you enjoy discovering more about this FC&S comics journey.

Many thanks,

Khalid

When You're Tired and Hopeless

Here’s what you can do

I’m overwhelmed with emotions. In the middle of this pandemic, dealing with the killing of African-Americans like George Floyd and the protests surrounding it have me feeling exhausted. Hopeless.

Will the killing of my people ever end? It’s hard to admit that I don’t think so. Every year around this time, summer, we have black people getting killed and it’s gone on for years. Far before social media or even the local news covered any of this. I feel like the killing of black people is just a part of American life and always will be. I have to find ways to handle my anger.

Tanuki may be a raccoon but I think he’s onto something. Keeping your anger and frustration locked up inside could damage you more in the long run than letting it out now. Of course, I can’t endorse breaking plates — or breaking anything for that matter — but talking with friends and family about how you’re feeling right now is an excellent start.

Exercise is a beautiful way to lift the world off your shoulders. I highly recommend running or walking. If you can join protests and feel safe to do so, go out and walk with others to support your cause.

If protesting is not for you, donate to organizations online, make signs for friends who are going out to march, or even call and check up on your loved ones. They might need to vent or benefit from someone showing care for their situation.

It’s okay to be angry, afraid, and frustrated at this time. Find positive ways to release your stress and help others deal with theirs.

We’re all in this together

Baby Yoda? I want the toy!

The Star Wars fandom running through my veins could not resist the force, calling me to make this comic about The Mandalorian show and everyone's favorite child.

It looks like Disney missed the boat on this merchandising opportunity. I couldn't find any baby Yoda toys for sale for this holiday season! You can pre-order one from the Disney store online that will be released in February—the toy design I saw was not all that cute—but I bet billions of people are throwing their money down anyway. Not me. I'll wait for the updated, more adorable version. 

Would you buy a baby Yoda toy?

Have an out of this world week. And may the force be with you!

Read every comic here on www.friedchickenandsushi.com 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 206 The E.L.F. Meeting is underway!

If any of you out there are teaching in Japan or have in the past, there should be at least one thing in this comic strip that you can relate to!  I was always surprised at all of the colorful characters that end up teaching there.  It can be a wild experience or even a negative one like Nelly's. ;)

Follow on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for more goodness!  Talk about this and more in the FORUMS.  Arigato!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 195 The Otaku girls get closer...

Happy Valentines Day!  Looks like J is getting a little love today.  I don't think it's true love though...  The Otaku girls really need a reality check.  I'm pretty sure J will be vanishing any second now.  If he were in Japan, the girls would be giving him valentines gifts and candy.  It still amazes me that women in Japan are the ones that give men gifts on Valentine's Day.  I hope you all are enjoying this day even if you don't have a valentine!  Don't forget to sign in and join the conversations in the FORUMS.  I want to hear from you guys!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 177 J and Colds

This is my lame attempt at a Chuck Norris style joke.  "J is so tough that colds are afraid of him.  Just like white people!"  I think it came out better in the comic strip.  Sorry white folks, we love you but you can get intimidated by tall black men.  Especially, when they're bald or wearing dredlocks!  Me and J don't get sick that much so this comic might actually be true! 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 176 How to Speak your Language

The way things are going in the publishing world nowadays, if this "How to Talk Ghetto" book was real, it probably would be a bestseller!  I just wish I could animate this comic so that you could hear how Sato sensei sounds speaking "ghetto style."  That would be priceless!  Peace out.

Fried Chicken and Sushi 175 Missing the Music of Home

After living in Japan for several months I forgot about all other types of music and mainly listened to R&B and Hip-Hop!  It's amazing how a lack of "black soul" in a society can mess up a black man.  No wonder there aren't a ton of black folks living in Japan!  I did bring quite a bit of music with me when I moved but getting new music wasn't easy.  When I was living there, iTunes was pretty new and I mainly had to go to the music stores (remember those?) in the city to buy my music.  They had a limited selection and the American music was pretty expensive.  I would buy something that I really wanted though if my soul meter dropped way too low. ;)

Fried Chicken and Sushi 174 Zero Tolerance for Suihan-ki

You just never know what Karl's gonna get from the Japanese language!  Honestly, when I first heard the word suihan-ki I thought it was some kind of power tool.  It just doesn't sound like something that makes delicious rice!  These "English Lessons" between Karl and Miki really do pull out some interesting topics. 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 173 The Potty Mouth of Stankbuns

Judging by the comments, a lot of you out there know the truth of this comic strip!  Glad I'm not the only one that notices the hardcore music some restaurants and stores play in Japan.  It makes sense that they wouldn't notice if it's in a foreign language but it still catches me off guard.  If you've been in this same situation, I'd love to hear your stories!  Oh, and please continue to spread the word about this comic to your friends!  Especially, if they are living in Japan!  Thank you.

Fried Chicken and Sushi 171 Manga Mascots on Medicine

It is crazy how many manga styled mascots are on everything in Japan.  Medi-Kun looks like he needs to keep his hands to himself!  I do believe that every town has a mascot.  They're always super cute, young and fun!  It would be fun to see them battle.  Hmmmm...another comic strip idea perhaps?  I'd like to see a grumpy old cursing mascot.  Wait, don't tell me there's already one.  If you know of a crazy mascot, let me know!  They do crack me up! 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 170 Tamagozake for his cold

To me, hot sake and a raw egg does not sound appatizing!  However, people have told me that Tamagozake is actually pretty tasty and helps warm your body when you have a cold.  Tanuki may have done something nice for Karl for a change! ;)

Fried Chicken and Sushi 169

I hope this strip shows how Tanuki, when given a chance to be bad, cannot help himself.  He's almost compelled by some evil force to scream at Karl and wake him up!  

Fried Chicken and Sushi 167 and 168

Ryan learned not to mess with J and cheat codes.  I wonder if J would be ok with using them after beating a game?  You know, just for the fun of it!  I thought of creating the strip with Ryan showing J cheat codes on the internet.  Then, J would hit delete and walk away.  Even though people aren't writing many cheat codes down on paper these days, I felt like this version had more of an impact.  Nothing like crumpling and burning to make a point!

The Emailin' Home strip is my attempt to show you what it was like for me to email my family and friends while in Japan.  I would send these long emails telling stories of things I experienced and learned about.  Everyone seemed to enjoy them (I hope) and it planted the seeds for this Fried Chicken and Sushi webcomic.  To add a little extra interest, I drew the characters in a Chibi style with a huge head and small body.  Did you spot Tanuki and Miki in that last panel? 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 165 and 166

Ok.  So, I dropped the ball this week with the comic strip commentaries.  Sorry about that!  Karl was feeling guilty about staring down the ladies in the Women Only car but I think Miki understands.  Thanks for all of your comments on that one.  They made me feel less like a fool for jumping on one of those train cars without noticing. 

J and Ryan seem to be enjoying their common bond of video game obsession.  Of course, you know that they say once your addictions start interfering with your day to day work, it's a real problem!  Let's hope they get it together!  Oh, and thanks to all of you who read the interview I did here with examiner.com.  Hope I get more of those! 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 162 So Sick of Staring pt. 2: The Challenge!

Well, it had to happen some day!  Karl vs. the Staring lady!  Doesn't look like Karl did very well.  Maybe he can practice and get his strength up for a re-match in the future. 

Fried Chicken and Sushi 161 So Sick of Staring!

I remember really getting sick of people staring at me in Japan!  Yes, I actually would stare back at people, especially children, that would stare at me.  One time I gave a little boy on the train a pretty evil look (I wasn't having the best day) and he moved away from me and hid behind his mom.  Didn't cry though.  I remember thinking, "Well, that's what you get for staring at me!"  It's hard to be sympathetic when you're treated like a freak in a side show.  Anywho, more "staring back" adventures are yet to come!

Fried Chicken and Sushi 160 A Friendly Annoyance

No matter how friendly Ryan can be, he's still annoying!  At least J is getting to know him better.  Plus, plenty of video game time for Metal Solid Army Gears 3 is something they both can agree on.