sapere aude
Lee M
Anjin (按針)
Hello! My name is Lee Melamed, I'm a psychology major, actor, and traditional artist from Montauk, New York. I enjoy drawing, reading, filmmaking, the performing arts, and other creative activities relating to the humanities. I've worked with people with autism and other disabilities for most of my life. I'm also fascinated with unique cultural beliefs and ideologies.
about the author
Pilot Major John Blackthorne from James Clavell's novel Shōgun is the subject of this piece. In the year 1600, the English ship pilot finds himself stranded on the islands of Japan where he must adapt to his harsh, new surroundings. Blackthorne's journey is one of self-actualization; as he comes to learn more about Japanese language and culture, he also learns more about himself in the process. He eventually becomes hatamoto, a high-ranking samurai in service of the soon-to-be Emperor Toranaga. The large creature next to him is a Pokémon named Basculegion. The two complement one another — they represent the historical interrelationship between the cultures of the East and West. The destinations they reach contribute to their growth as characters and redefine what we would otherwise perceive as "the other.” Seeking new destinations, the two now travel the far seas in search of adventure and discovery!