Stories can be a great source of inspiration, encouragement and learning. They help you become aware of things you may never have heard of or seen, if you hadn’t seen/read it in a story. They can also encourage you to try something new or old.
For me, a lot of the stories I watch (or, occasionally, read) do this for me with hobbies, activities, sports and even subjects of study (which, technically, can become a hobby in and of itself, right? Studying can be a hobby right?). I’d never really considered some of the things I did as ‘hobbies’, but I can see now (with the aid of my favourite stories) that they could be if I get more involved with them.
One such ‘old’ hobby for me is playing the piano. I didn’t do a lot of music study back when I originally learnt to play, but now that I’m older, I feel I can improve my level of skill in this area a fair bit as I can understand the merit of learning music theory and the like (so long as I apply myself and practice…).
Some series which help encourage and inspire me to play are: Starmyu and La Corda D’Oro. In Starmyu, we’ve seen Kuga, Hiragi-senpai and Futaba-san play the piano and I’ve read that Kaito also plays the piano. I’d love to be able to play like Kuga does; teaching myself new songs by ear. Being able to play the complicated pieces that Tsuchiura plays in La Corda D’Oro would be great too.
Other old hobbies or ‘pre-existing interests’ that have been encouraged/reignited by stories for me
include:
• Akagami no Shirayukihime/Snow White with the Red Hair - Study of plants for medicinal and other
uses.
• Bonjour Koiaji Patisserie – Cooking/Baking.
• Cells at Work – Health/Medical studies.
• Free ~ Iwatobi Swim Club – Swimming. (This is a very old one for me; I used to be quite the fish when I was younger and could get to a pool.)
• Kuroko no Basuke – Basketball. (Had a slight interest in it when I was younger; my parents got me a
basketball and my dad made me a hoop to throw it through in the backyard. Funny enough, something
that spurred on this interest may have been another story – anyone remember the original Looney Tunes’ Space Jam? I can’t remember which came first here, the ball and hoop or the movie. It was that long ago now. XD)
• La Corda D’Oro – Playing musical instruments. (I’d actually like to learn more than just the piano, but that’s all I have access to right now.)
• Skate-Leading Stars – Ice skating. (This one I haven’t had a really good opportunity to try, but I’ve been interested in it before.)
• Starmyu – Dancing (I did ballet briefly when I was younger), singing (I have a fair amount of experience here; I was in my school’s choir for 5yrs), and acting (I’m nervous of this one; despite having had an interest in it for a while, but, I’d like to try it out someday… both voice and stage acting).
• Royal Tutor Heine – Fencing (always been interested in it, but never had a chance to get involved).
• Yowamushi Pedal – Cycling. (I used to cycle a little when I was younger.)
In regards to a ‘new’ hobby, there’s been a couple of stories that have inspired me to consider trying some things, but… I’ve yet to get to them. For me, there always seems to be something in the way; be it lack of time and/or lack of funds… I need to work on fixing both of these… or a lack of space/place to do whatever the hobby is ~ can’t fix this one as easily most of the time. (These ‘limitations’ effect the previous ‘old hobbies/interests’ list as well.)
One new hobby I’d like to try is learning to ride a skateboard; inspired by SK8 The Infinity. Part of me would love to try it out and see if I’m any good and see if it’s something I can enjoy.
Other new options that stories introduced me to are:
• Rugby – All Out, Try Knights and Number 24. (While I may not want to get involved in this one, I’m glad I got to understand how the game works a little better. I live in a rugby mad country, so it’s some ‘general knowledge’ that may be helpful in the future.)
• Volleyball – Haikyuu. (Another I’m uncertain I’d want to get involved with, but it’s been interesting
learning about the game and I’d like to try some solo drills at some point.)
• Running – Prince of Stride Alternative.
• Kabaddi – Shakunetsu Kabaddi. (Again, uncertain I’d want to get involved, but it’s been interesting
learning about the game. Fun fact: I only actually looked at this series because I’d heard mention of the sport in Prince of Stride Alternative and was curious about what it was!)
• Kyudo – Tsurune. (Not 100% sure if I’d be able to get into this one; it has appeal, but… I’m on the fence here.)
Another set of hobbies stories can inspire, which may or may not be a part of their story line, is writing (fan fiction), drawing (fan art), crafting (technically also fan art), costume making (cosplay) and language learning! The only one of these I haven’t done is cosplay, as it’s a little out of my reach right now, but if I have an opportunity to do one someday, I think I’d like to try it. ^-^
Fan fiction helped me learn of my love for writing. Prior to that, I really didn’t like writing (let’s face it, school ruins most things for most people).
Fan art helped me improve my drawing as well as encouraged me to try making things as décor for my room.
Finally, having been introduced to the Japanese language, I took an interest in learning it so that I could better understand the anime I was watching. (I’m not great and am far from fluent, but I can put a couple of simple sentences together. ^-^ As funds allow, I hope to invest in some books to teach myself more Japanese as, right now, I’m working with what I can that’s free online.)
I’m sure there’s some things I’ve missed, both of my own hobbies and of potential hobbies that can be
inspired/encouraged/discovered via stories, but you get the gist, right?
So, what about you? Have you ever been inspired/encouraged to take up a new or old hobby because of a story? Let me know by Contacting me.
Until next time, keep enjoying your fan side of life!
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