Happy 35th birthday, Sean!

(It's the 20th in Japan already, but I'll change the entry date tomorrow.)

In 2010, when the Shoon LiveJournal community I managed reached 1400 members, to celebrate, I made the banner on the left, with the text "The world is your stage. Shine on".

Even though he's no longer in the entertainment business, Shoon is so versatile that, with his energy and drive, I'm convinced he will be able to demonstrate his many talents in any field.

Also, just like he brightened the lives of so many people as a talent and actor, I'm sure he will continue to brighten the lives of those around him.

The image below is part of a header I made for my own blog some years ago, after Ya-Ya-yah disbanded, Taiyo quit and Shoon was forced to keep going on his own.

Surely it was a tough time for him, but he braved the odds, giving his all and he shone brighter than ever. That's why I used that quotation by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within".

Many old churches have stained-glass windows. During the day, sunshine lights up the windows. It’s pretty to see! But at night, the windows are dark... unless there are candles inside the church. The candles create a magical glow. The windows seem to come alive. The colors are richer and brighter. The stained-glass windows are even more beautiful at night than they are during the day.

This quote reminds us that true beauty is like a stained-glass window. In other words, true beauty is only revealed when darkness falls, when we face sadness or trouble. That is when your spirit must shine like a candle from inside. Your inner light reveals your true beauty.

Dear Shoon, please don't lose sight of the light in your heart and keep shining forever.