yes you get it!! i share the same thoughts, i think he still feels a very close connection to nature, and maybe a part of him still hopes he will catch a glimpse of a youkai or hear the faint voice of a god while sitting in the solitude of the mountains...

and yes that's what i believe about his feelings for abel too! i think their relationship might have been a bit rocky at some points of their early interactions (or right before the seclusion period which must have been very stressful for kiku), but once he noticed his artistic sensibilities he definitely started to see abel in a different light, i can imagine that was one of the things that made kiku fall in love with him. (the artistic bond between the netherlands and japan is another great topic tbh 🙏)

i like to think he tries to follow a more traditional lifestyle outside of work, engaging in activities that allow him to live in the moment (something perhaps related to the "ichi-go ichi-e" concept?), but yes, that sort of things are a bit incompatible with what his work life demands from him and what it means to be such a big nation in these times.

(as a side note, there are some very interesting articles about how climate change has disrupted the study and practice of haiku and is also threatening other traditions related to the change of the seasons, definitely the sort of stuff that can make kiku feel an existential dread)

aside from that, maybe spending a night drinking also counts as a tradition for him (?), tries to takes part in every festival he has the chance to (big or small), and in his home his bath time is sacred and cooking is something that helps him relax ✨

thank you again anon 💗 and no worries! i really like to read what others think so if you want to keep sharing with me i'll be more than happy!