Stephen Lyman
@stephenlyman.bsky.social
📍Fukuoka 🇯🇵 “polymath” - author, editor, educator, scientist, podcaster, filmmaker, shochu maker, public speaker, ambassador, home chef, tennis player, cyclist, baseball fan, traveler, foodie.
Excellent turnout for my talk last night. Over 30 guests enjoyed my origin story, a primer on why they should treasure their local indigenous spirit, and some excellent Honkaku Shochu.
Sold all of the books I brought and the special bottles I brought did not come home with me.
Sold all of the books I brought and the special bottles I brought did not come home with me.
August 29, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Excellent turnout for my talk last night. Over 30 guests enjoyed my origin story, a primer on why they should treasure their local indigenous spirit, and some excellent Honkaku Shochu.
Sold all of the books I brought and the special bottles I brought did not come home with me.
Sold all of the books I brought and the special bottles I brought did not come home with me.
For anyone in Fukuoka tomorrow, I’ll be giving an English language talk about Japan’s indigenous spirit, honkaku shochu.
Guests are primarily from the city government, tourism, and hospitality sectors, but anyone is welcome.
Guests are primarily from the city government, tourism, and hospitality sectors, but anyone is welcome.
August 26, 2025 at 11:08 PM
For anyone in Fukuoka tomorrow, I’ll be giving an English language talk about Japan’s indigenous spirit, honkaku shochu.
Guests are primarily from the city government, tourism, and hospitality sectors, but anyone is welcome.
Guests are primarily from the city government, tourism, and hospitality sectors, but anyone is welcome.
Saw him hit 3 HR in a game his rookie year in old Tiger Stadium on July 24, 1999. Did it out of the 9 hole.
A week later he homered off Roger Clemens.
I thought either of these games might have been his last batting 9th, but he wasn’t moved up until August 4th.
A week later he homered off Roger Clemens.
I thought either of these games might have been his last batting 9th, but he wasn’t moved up until August 4th.
August 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Saw him hit 3 HR in a game his rookie year in old Tiger Stadium on July 24, 1999. Did it out of the 9 hole.
A week later he homered off Roger Clemens.
I thought either of these games might have been his last batting 9th, but he wasn’t moved up until August 4th.
A week later he homered off Roger Clemens.
I thought either of these games might have been his last batting 9th, but he wasn’t moved up until August 4th.
Long overdue read: The Alchemy of Air.
I didn’t study chemistry so I’d never learned about synthetic fertilizers. Multiple Nobel Prizes were earned for the innovation of capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere. This, unfortunately, also provided an ample supply of weapons grade explosive material.
I didn’t study chemistry so I’d never learned about synthetic fertilizers. Multiple Nobel Prizes were earned for the innovation of capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere. This, unfortunately, also provided an ample supply of weapons grade explosive material.
August 24, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Long overdue read: The Alchemy of Air.
I didn’t study chemistry so I’d never learned about synthetic fertilizers. Multiple Nobel Prizes were earned for the innovation of capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere. This, unfortunately, also provided an ample supply of weapons grade explosive material.
I didn’t study chemistry so I’d never learned about synthetic fertilizers. Multiple Nobel Prizes were earned for the innovation of capturing nitrogen from the atmosphere. This, unfortunately, also provided an ample supply of weapons grade explosive material.
NY Times top tier trolling of the kakistocracy.
June 30, 2025 at 3:00 AM
NY Times top tier trolling of the kakistocracy.
Such a low key troll by NYT to use a photo of a grocery store with plentiful eggs for this story about China’s economy and tariffs.
April 16, 2025 at 4:47 AM
Such a low key troll by NYT to use a photo of a grocery store with plentiful eggs for this story about China’s economy and tariffs.
The cherry blossoms in Fukuoka are in full bloom and reminding me once again how at peace I am living here rather than in my home country.
This is the view from the steps of the shrine at the top of Nishi Park looking south toward the mountains.
This is the view from the steps of the shrine at the top of Nishi Park looking south toward the mountains.
April 6, 2025 at 1:41 AM
The cherry blossoms in Fukuoka are in full bloom and reminding me once again how at peace I am living here rather than in my home country.
This is the view from the steps of the shrine at the top of Nishi Park looking south toward the mountains.
This is the view from the steps of the shrine at the top of Nishi Park looking south toward the mountains.
I ready this as Sean “Puffy” Combs, because here we are. Nothing is unbelievable any longer.
April 5, 2025 at 1:33 AM
I ready this as Sean “Puffy” Combs, because here we are. Nothing is unbelievable any longer.
(3/20): ran >5km during 2.5 hours of tennis so no “official” run today. Did cycle tho. 5-2 in tiebreakers, but my finesse shots were a disaster.
Days exercised 80/80
Exercise sessions 100
Days run 79
Days cycled 12
Tennis sessions 10
105.1km run
46.7km cycled
844 minutes of tennis (38-9 record)
Days exercised 80/80
Exercise sessions 100
Days run 79
Days cycled 12
Tennis sessions 10
105.1km run
46.7km cycled
844 minutes of tennis (38-9 record)
March 20, 2025 at 7:32 AM
(3/20): ran >5km during 2.5 hours of tennis so no “official” run today. Did cycle tho. 5-2 in tiebreakers, but my finesse shots were a disaster.
Days exercised 80/80
Exercise sessions 100
Days run 79
Days cycled 12
Tennis sessions 10
105.1km run
46.7km cycled
844 minutes of tennis (38-9 record)
Days exercised 80/80
Exercise sessions 100
Days run 79
Days cycled 12
Tennis sessions 10
105.1km run
46.7km cycled
844 minutes of tennis (38-9 record)
People around the globe seeking alternatives to American tech solutions and durable goods and I’ll tell you what: I’m here for it.
We have entered the find out phase.
We have entered the find out phase.
March 14, 2025 at 11:43 PM
People around the globe seeking alternatives to American tech solutions and durable goods and I’ll tell you what: I’m here for it.
We have entered the find out phase.
We have entered the find out phase.
12 days in the US and drank exclusively Mexican beer since it’s about to get more expensive.
March 13, 2025 at 12:49 AM
12 days in the US and drank exclusively Mexican beer since it’s about to get more expensive.
When am I?
Business class charging station on a flight between two modern capital cities.
Business class charging station on a flight between two modern capital cities.
March 1, 2025 at 1:44 AM
When am I?
Business class charging station on a flight between two modern capital cities.
Business class charging station on a flight between two modern capital cities.
Show me you in a hat.
It’s nearly baseball season.
For the next 4 years I will only be wearing the MLB caps of teams from states that voted for decency, civility, and competence.
It’s nearly baseball season.
For the next 4 years I will only be wearing the MLB caps of teams from states that voted for decency, civility, and competence.
February 27, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Show me you in a hat.
It’s nearly baseball season.
For the next 4 years I will only be wearing the MLB caps of teams from states that voted for decency, civility, and competence.
It’s nearly baseball season.
For the next 4 years I will only be wearing the MLB caps of teams from states that voted for decency, civility, and competence.
12 of the top 15 Nobel Prize winning institutions are elite private universities. Their contributions to knowledge and culture in human civilization is beyond question.
Without endowments how would they survive upheavals such as WWII, the Great Depression, Trump’s 2nd Reign of Imbecility?
Without endowments how would they survive upheavals such as WWII, the Great Depression, Trump’s 2nd Reign of Imbecility?
February 27, 2025 at 1:12 AM
12 of the top 15 Nobel Prize winning institutions are elite private universities. Their contributions to knowledge and culture in human civilization is beyond question.
Without endowments how would they survive upheavals such as WWII, the Great Depression, Trump’s 2nd Reign of Imbecility?
Without endowments how would they survive upheavals such as WWII, the Great Depression, Trump’s 2nd Reign of Imbecility?
Fukuoka’s local udon is gobo niku udon. Burdock root tempura & shaved simmered beef. This shop dresses up theirs with scallions, seaweed, & a raw egg for ¥980 ($6.30 USD). The complimentary kimchi is spicier & more acidic than expected from a Japanese restaurant & cuts through the umami of the soup.
February 1, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Fukuoka’s local udon is gobo niku udon. Burdock root tempura & shaved simmered beef. This shop dresses up theirs with scallions, seaweed, & a raw egg for ¥980 ($6.30 USD). The complimentary kimchi is spicier & more acidic than expected from a Japanese restaurant & cuts through the umami of the soup.
It’s been <1 week & we can already see how the collapse of the federal regulatory apparatus will lead to a collapse in confidence in financial markets, trade relations, anti-corruption efforts, workplace safety, environmental protections, foreign intelligence cooperation, & consumer spending.
January 26, 2025 at 12:41 AM
It’s been <1 week & we can already see how the collapse of the federal regulatory apparatus will lead to a collapse in confidence in financial markets, trade relations, anti-corruption efforts, workplace safety, environmental protections, foreign intelligence cooperation, & consumer spending.
Obviously I am very happy for Ichiro being a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. Very well deserved.
But who is the absolute chud who didn’t vote for him and Derek Jeter as 1st ballot HOF players?
I’m a Red Sox fan and even I would have voted for Jeter in year one. Absolute legend.
But who is the absolute chud who didn’t vote for him and Derek Jeter as 1st ballot HOF players?
I’m a Red Sox fan and even I would have voted for Jeter in year one. Absolute legend.
January 23, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Obviously I am very happy for Ichiro being a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. Very well deserved.
But who is the absolute chud who didn’t vote for him and Derek Jeter as 1st ballot HOF players?
I’m a Red Sox fan and even I would have voted for Jeter in year one. Absolute legend.
But who is the absolute chud who didn’t vote for him and Derek Jeter as 1st ballot HOF players?
I’m a Red Sox fan and even I would have voted for Jeter in year one. Absolute legend.
2025 Run/Cycle Daily Resolution Update (1/9): 74 minutes of tennis. Won 3/4 tiebreakers. May take a light jog later, but it’s snowing currently.
Days exercised 9/9
Exercise sessions 13
Days run 8
Days cycled 3
Tennis sessions 2
6.6km run
13km cycled
139 minutes of tennis (7-1 record)
Days exercised 9/9
Exercise sessions 13
Days run 8
Days cycled 3
Tennis sessions 2
6.6km run
13km cycled
139 minutes of tennis (7-1 record)
January 9, 2025 at 5:26 AM
2025 Run/Cycle Daily Resolution Update (1/9): 74 minutes of tennis. Won 3/4 tiebreakers. May take a light jog later, but it’s snowing currently.
Days exercised 9/9
Exercise sessions 13
Days run 8
Days cycled 3
Tennis sessions 2
6.6km run
13km cycled
139 minutes of tennis (7-1 record)
Days exercised 9/9
Exercise sessions 13
Days run 8
Days cycled 3
Tennis sessions 2
6.6km run
13km cycled
139 minutes of tennis (7-1 record)
Hear me out. Coffee and oranges go great together. For a little afternoon pick me up, pour some Wilkinson Valencia Orange sparkling water into your canned black coffee of choice. Refreshing. Zero calories.
January 8, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Hear me out. Coffee and oranges go great together. For a little afternoon pick me up, pour some Wilkinson Valencia Orange sparkling water into your canned black coffee of choice. Refreshing. Zero calories.
2025 Run/Cycle Daily Resolution Update (1/7):
Days exercised 7/7
Exercise sessions 10
Days run 7
Days cycled 2
Tennis sessions 1
6.6km run
9.5km cycled
65 minutes of tennis
Days exercised 7/7
Exercise sessions 10
Days run 7
Days cycled 2
Tennis sessions 1
6.6km run
9.5km cycled
65 minutes of tennis
January 7, 2025 at 11:32 AM
2025 Run/Cycle Daily Resolution Update (1/7):
Days exercised 7/7
Exercise sessions 10
Days run 7
Days cycled 2
Tennis sessions 1
6.6km run
9.5km cycled
65 minutes of tennis
Days exercised 7/7
Exercise sessions 10
Days run 7
Days cycled 2
Tennis sessions 1
6.6km run
9.5km cycled
65 minutes of tennis
Lightest and most expensive Brompton I’ve ever seen. $5,400. Titanium and carbon. <8kg. Think my current daily rider (right) clocks in at 11kg or so and cost me just over $2,014 pre-tax in 2018. I bought it 8 days before I moved to Japan and have ridden it about 8,300km in that time.
January 5, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Lightest and most expensive Brompton I’ve ever seen. $5,400. Titanium and carbon. <8kg. Think my current daily rider (right) clocks in at 11kg or so and cost me just over $2,014 pre-tax in 2018. I bought it 8 days before I moved to Japan and have ridden it about 8,300km in that time.
2024
My worst cycling year since moving to Japan.
But I did average 8,450 steps/day, played tennis 50+ times at 80 minutes/session, and ran an additional 15km during the year.
2025 will be better.
My worst cycling year since moving to Japan.
But I did average 8,450 steps/day, played tennis 50+ times at 80 minutes/session, and ran an additional 15km during the year.
2025 will be better.
January 5, 2025 at 6:31 AM
2024
My worst cycling year since moving to Japan.
But I did average 8,450 steps/day, played tennis 50+ times at 80 minutes/session, and ran an additional 15km during the year.
2025 will be better.
My worst cycling year since moving to Japan.
But I did average 8,450 steps/day, played tennis 50+ times at 80 minutes/session, and ran an additional 15km during the year.
2025 will be better.
Still rather green here in Fukuoka.
December 30, 2024 at 6:33 AM
Still rather green here in Fukuoka.
The best Tokyo burger shop moved to Fukuoka post 3/11. True story. Charcoal grilled as god intended.
These photos are from 2018. The owner has gotten older & sadly is much less hospitable than he was before COVID. Now he seems to be coasting until he decides to close up for good.
These photos are from 2018. The owner has gotten older & sadly is much less hospitable than he was before COVID. Now he seems to be coasting until he decides to close up for good.
December 28, 2024 at 1:36 AM
The best Tokyo burger shop moved to Fukuoka post 3/11. True story. Charcoal grilled as god intended.
These photos are from 2018. The owner has gotten older & sadly is much less hospitable than he was before COVID. Now he seems to be coasting until he decides to close up for good.
These photos are from 2018. The owner has gotten older & sadly is much less hospitable than he was before COVID. Now he seems to be coasting until he decides to close up for good.