This is one of those questions someone has to have asked when seeing me online – just who in the hell actually is this person with the strange Japanese username? It’s a natural question to have, and I figured with us starting off the year why not provide a bit of an explanation as to who the guy writing these posts is?
Well, if you can’t tell from how the posts are tagged author wise (or the first part of the username) my first name is Chris. Yes, that’s where the Kurisu part of the username comes from, and yes, it’s actually pretty much pronounced like Chris yet I know most no one will say it correctly. Whatever.
I’m a guy born in the mid 80’s who happens to have a fondness for computer technology, video games, space and rocketry, machines and mechanical tech, and a lot of other weird junk that may or may not be of interest to you. I tend to have peculiar interests that are quite focused; some examples include Kowloon Walled City, Typewriters, Chernobyl, 80’s computers and Harp Seals.
So, what’s with the username? I’ve got another article planned around that story but it suffices to say it’s a result of my interests but contrary to what it would make one think doesn’t mean I’m “obsessed with Japan and anime” or anything of the sort. Variants of it have worked as an online alias for the past 15 years and when you’ve gone online by something that long you just kind of roll with it. It works as an alias, is unique enough, and avoids the common tropes of “leet speak,” numbers, or brand infringing names that plague most online handles. Still a little generic in and of itself, sure, but it works, and I’ve built up a reputation with it, good or bad.
That leads to how I actually present myself online. One should understand that many people online in a sense play a “character” while on the web. Certainly that character is in most cases based on who they really are, but it’s sometimes a more exaggerated version of themselves. This holds true for “Kurisu Yamato” as much as it does anyone – it’s a character I play online, but is an extension of myself in a way.
I’m aware I’m a somewhat “abrasive” person — opinionated, outspoken and honest about what I think. Passionate to a fault about things which even I’ll admit are insignificant. Pedantic, to be sure, but only in the interest of promoting thought among those who would actually consider the opinions expressed which is actually more people than you would think on some topics. I’ll certainly share what I honestly think. I don’t necessarily mean to “start trouble” or offend people but I do want to get thoughts out there. Of course, online I may make a bit more of a fuss about whatever I may want to share, but that’s the nature of it – I’m just “playing the game” so to speak with regards to social media.
That being said, I’d actually consider myself a positive person, and I do prefer to write about things I like rather than things that may annoy me in some way. The latter, however, are pretty fun to rip into so I’ll have some fun and vent where I see fit. It’s just what I do. Otherwise, sharing what I enjoy is the name of the game, much like anyone online would. I like to create — to sketch, to write, to make videos, all kinds of stuff. More than I’m willing to share, at least. For now, anyway.
Right, what was the point of this again? Oh yes, to answer the question “Who is Kurisu Yamato?” This post may not have been the answer you were expecting, but it is the answer I gave. I’ll go into more as time passes, like the origin of the Kurisu Yamato nickname, later, but for now, eh, this is more than enough for now.
