The KFC near our house has finally re-opened after months of refurbishment. I haven’t stepped inside yet, but peeking through the door I spotted the shiny new self-ordering machines, which are on the rise wherever you look. Because nothing says ‘holiday cheer’ quite like tapping a screen to beg for fried chicken while a robot silently judges your choices. But with staff shortages and rising cost, it’s the world we live in. You want chicken? You better learn to negotiate with

Every December, my inner Swiss wakes up and begins reminiscing about a very specific childhood ritual: the annual hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. We would head to the supermarket or the village square, where hundreds of trees were lined up like contestants in a beauty pageant. Tall, short, skinny, round, slightly wonky – all waiting to be chosen as someone's living-room centrepiece. And if you were feeling extra rustic, you would venture out to a proper Christmas tree fa

No matter how long we live abroad, how well we master the language, or how convincingly we nod at jokes we don’t quite understand, our stomachs eventually betray us. Assimilation may work on the outside, but deep inside, the gut is waving a little national flag and shouting, “Feed me what I grew up with!” Take my Japanese wife. Though our daily meals are mostly Western, she is occasionally seized by an undeniable, primal urge for pickled plums or hot miso soup. And of course,

It’s that magical time of year again – the air is crisp, the leaves are turning gold, and my inner Swiss is screaming for those Swiss delights that remind me of my childhood. Yes, winter is here, and with it comes the irresistible craving for raclette and fondue, those glorious dairy-based dishes that warm both the belly and the soul. So off I trotted to our favourite upscale supermarket, visions of bubbling cheese and crusty bread dancing in my head. This place had always be

There are moments in life when you realise just how differently countries operate. Take car licence plates, for instance. Here are some facts about Swiss number plates that may surprise you. 🏷️ 1. Licence Plates for Life – Like Marriage, But More Binding In most countries, plates belong to the car. Easy. Logical. Efficient. Predictable. Switzerland looked at that idea and said: “Nein. Too easy.” In Switzerland, your plates belong to you. Forever. You don't just register a ve

Halloween is firmly behind us, and the ghostly costumes and plastic pumpkins are packed away. And now – in countries like Switzerland and Japan, where Thanksgiving doesn't exist to provide a buffer – nothing stands between us and the overwhelming, glittery dominance of Christmas. Well, almost  nothing. First, we must navigate that seasonal no-man’s-land where society collectively debates: Is it socially acceptable to play Mariah Carey already? My answer: Yes. Japan's answer:

Last week, my wife and I went to see Back to the Future  in concert – 40 years after its premiere. Forty years! Sometimes I do feel old. As the orchestra launched into that epic opening theme and the DeLorean thundered to life, I felt chills – partly from nostalgia, partly from the dawning realisation that humanity has somehow managed to invent AI that writes poetry, but not a single functioning time machine. And frankly, some days, I'd love to travel back – ideally to an era

Let’s set the scene. It’s the third day of a long weekend – that blissful stage where you’ve lost all sense of time and start to believe you might never have to work again. My wife and I had just purchased a shiny new washing machine at our local tech wonderland, also known as the electronics store – where reason goes in with you, but somehow never makes it back out. All that was left was to pay. Simple, right? A quick beep of the credit card, and we’d be home to enjoy the t

One of the things I’ve always loved about Japan – apart from the polite people, super-efficient trains, and vending machines that sell everything short of life insurance – are the gigantic  electronics stores. These are not just shops. They are cathedrals of consumer technology, temples where you can lose yourself for hours among the latest gadgets, futuristic household appliances, and mysterious contraptions you didn’t even know existed but suddenly can’t live without. The u

Last month, I once again did my civic duty (or privilege, as I prefer to view it) as a Swiss citizen: I voted in a national referendum....

Living in Japan as a Western foreigner can be rather interesting. People spot you, freeze, and then quietly decide not to engage unless...

On 30 September, I will be celebrating my 29th Japaniversary – that's right, 29 years since I started a new life in the Land of the...

Last week I made the bold decision that our loyal, 8-year-old car had earned its pension. Time for a shiny new replacement, I thought. A...

It’s official: The Japan Meteorological Agency has confirmed that Japan just survived (barely) its hottest summer on record. The national...

🗻 Mountains: A Matter of Ownership and Space Sure, the Swiss Alps are world-famous, but here's a surprising fact: Switzerland only owns...

So, here's a fun fact: around 11% of Swiss citizens live abroad. That's right – roughly one in ten people born in the land of cheese,...

Last week, I talked about the British "apology reflex" – th at charming Olympic sport where two strangers bump into each other and then...

Last week, I reflected on how different cultures handle small talk. Just a day later, I was reminded of this in the most unexpectedly...

I’ve just returned from a two-week holiday trip to Switzerland and the UK, and once again, I'm left marvelling at the wildly different...

Summer has kicked off in earnest, temperatures are soaring, and hydration has become a competitive sport. Health experts are telling us...

🌿 Obsession with Botanical Beauty Swiss and Japanese homeowners treat gardens like tiny works of art, but the expectations come with...

The other day, I made what I believed to be a casual, innocent comment to my wife. You know, one of those soft suggestions disguised as...

Earlier this week, the Japanese Meteorological Agency cautiously announced that the Tokyo region had "likely entered the rainy season." "Likely?" I thought. Looking at the monsoon-level deluge outside, I was pretty certain that we had DEFINITELY entered the rainy season. But I suppose meteorologists aren't in the business of guarantees. They wouldn’t want to be flooded (pun intended) with complaints like, "Excuse me, where are the promised torrential downpours? All I got was

Last week, my wife and I went to the opera – expecting culture, drama, and, inevitably, an overpriced glass of champagne (but that's part of the experience). What we didn't expect was a full-scale disaster preparedness briefing before the curtain even rose. The announcement, delivered in both Japanese and English, wasn’t just about turning off your phone or refraining from illegal filming. No, this was a detailed monologue on earthquake resistance, fireproof architecture, and

At first glance, Switzerland and Japan seem like long-lost cousins –  both obsessively clean, absurdly punctual, and so devoted to their train schedules that make the rest of the world feel a twinge of envy. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that beneath their polished efficiency lies a delightful clash of logic, tradition, and quirks that make their differences as entertaining as their similarities. 🏳️ Flags: Minimalist and Bold Let’s start with the flags, the visual

Switzerland’s flag is basically the peak of minimalist design - sleek, square, and effortlessly stylish. While other countries went wild with complicated patterns that could win an embroidery contest, Switzerland kept it simple: red background, white cross, no unnecessary fluff. It’s the flag equivalent of an espresso - unapologetically strong, practical, and secretly judging anyone who adds cream. But the Swiss flag nearly took a tragic fashion turn in 1798 when Napoleon dec

Japanese sports fans have earned global admiration for their magical ability to clean up after themselves before leaving stadiums. They don’t just toss their trash - they meticulously gather it, sort it, and leave the place better than when they arrived. It’s basically a post-game cleaning ritual, like a victory dance, but with garbage bags. This comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with Japan’s school system, where children are taught that cleaning their own classrooms an

Japan is shrinking. Well, not geographically, but demographically. It turns out, people just aren't making enough more people. Over the past thirty years, Japan's birthrate has dropped from 1.50 to 1.26. In the same time period, the percentage of over 65s has risen from 12% to 29%, now making up almost one third of the entire population. Japan may have one of the longest life expectancies, but the nation's population has been in decline for 15 years straight. Last year, for e

The contrast couldn't be more dramatic. In the world's richest and most powerful country, a president has taken office who is determined to use every inch of executive power to push through his agenda, with the world watching on in bemusement. Meanwhile, in the rich - but somewhat less powerful - Switzerland (more"chocolate and watches" than "global dominance"), it's not always clear what the president and her government colleagues personally want. Take the new Defense Minist

Being in an international marriage comes with its fair share of complications, and no, I’m not talking about clashing cultures or language barriers - after all, plenty of couples share a nationality and still can’t agree on the correct way to load a dishwasher.   No, I’m talking about the practical implications of navigating two different passports.   On paper, both my wife and I are the proud holders of travel documents that regularly appear near the top of global passport p

Japan has been surfing a tidal wave of popularity lately - both as a holiday hotspot and a full-time home. As a result, my neighbourhood has turned into a veritable United Nations parade every time I step out for a jog or walk. Given that by the end of 2024, a record-breaking 3.8 million foreigners called this home, it's hardly surprising that running into fellow members of the "foreign species" has become quite routine. That said, spotting them isn't always as straightforwar

Most Swiss families have a coat of arms. If you’re from a country where heraldry is reserved for castles, crowns, and the nobility, this might raise an eyebrow (or two). But in Switzerland, heraldry isn’t just about ancient battles it’s about tradition… and, let’s be honest, a healthy dose of fashion.   The whole coat of arms business began in the Middle Ages, when knights figured out that being fully armoured had an annoying downside: nobody could tell who was who under the

Switzerland doesn't just march to the beat of its own drum - it toots its own alphorn when it comes to passports. While most nations are content to ask for your place of birth, the Swiss couldn't care less about that. Instead, they demand your 'place of origin' - a quaint, mythical Swiss hamlet your ancestors might have called home centuries ago. Every Swiss citizen proudly carries their 'place of origin', known as Heimatort in German, lieu d’origine in French, or luogo di

Last month, I found myself jetting back to Switzerland to take care of family matters. In just six brief days, I had the chance to reacquaint myself with Switzerland's approach to customer service, a world apart from what I've grown used to in Japan.   While Japan spoils you with customer service akin to royal treatment, Switzerland prefers more of a ‘meh’ approach. Here’s a few examples:     Fondue Night and the Battle of the Bread   On one of the evenings, my brother decide

Only days after a surprise snowfall in Tokyo, spring has suddenly sprung, with temperatures in the mid 20s (Celsius, not Fahrenheit!).   One moment you’re dusting off your snow boots, and the next, it feels like British midsummer in March. Naturally, this means it’s time for me to shed the layers and don T-shirt and shorts for my daytime outings (though obviously not for work - that would be pushing it too far).   But the best part of spring’s sudden entrance? People-watching

In the grandiose age of a cashless world, where debit cards, electronic payment Apps and QR codes reign supreme, you’d think that paying a bill would be as smooth as a freshly minted coin gliding over silk.   There are so many options out there to part with your hard-earned money electronically: Some are universal, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. Others are localised solutions, such as the hugely popular Twint in Switzerland, or the widely used PayPay, LINE Pay or Ra

My bank has been on a crusade, encouraging everyone to upgrade to their new bank card with the latest security features. Apparently, even in a country as safe as Japan, there are always crafty fraudsters lurking in the shadows. The new card is a marvel of modern technology, combining the functions of a cash card, credit card, and debit card all in one. The catch? Switching to this new super-card is more of a quest than a quick swap. Sure, you can do it all on the smartphone a

Every weekend, I stroll along the Tamagawa River separating Tokyo from Kanagawa, where locals are passionately engaged in baseball. As a European, I watch in bewilderment, pondering why anyone thought a round bat would be a good idea — it seems designed to make hitting the ball as challenging as possible. To be honest, the charm of the sport is a bit lost on me. But in my defence, European countries simply don't have a history of playing baseball. Growing up, I was reluctantl

I've had to pay a few visits to my Mazda dealer lately (the latest one to get my Sat Nav updated, so as not to get lost on Tokyo's streets). Every visit reminds me of the high-quality customer service we enjoy here in Japan, although it can come with its quirks! From the moment I pull up, the adventure begins. As I back into a parking space (because nobody parks forward in Japan), a representative comes sprinting out like an Olympic athlete to guide me. Now, I appreciate the

Japan never ceases to amaze... The other day, it was time for the periodic vehicle inspection (called ' shaken ') of our car, which is mandatory every two years. Once done, they slap a sticker on the windscreen to certify the car has passed the inspection and is roadworthy. So far, so good. A few days later, the dealership rang to say the certificate was ready, and I should drop by to get the sticker affixed. So, I went there. But when the employee proceeded to attach the sti

When you hear "Fondue", you probably think of the Swiss classic: cheese fondue – dipping bread into a pot of melted Gruyere and Emmenthal, with a splash (or two) of white wine and Kirsch liquor, all bubbling away at your table. But come Christmas and New Year’s, the Swiss swap their cheese for meat, diving into the world of meat fondue, a tradition now as Swiss as yodeling. But while cheese fondue’s history is well-documented, dating back to the 17th century, the origin of me

It's winter, and the question I hear more than anything else is: "Aren't you cold?" You see, Tokyo winters are like a lukewarm cup of tea compared to Switzerland's icy blast. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and snow is a rare guest. Though when it does snow, Tokyo turns into a scene from a disaster movie. Road traffic grinds to a halt, and pedestrians shuffle along the pavement as if they’re auditioning for a role in a slapstick comedy on ice. I vividly recall a bliz

How Japan has changed! Back when I first landed in Japan 28 years ago, I felt like a rare Pokémon in a sea of Pikachus — an oddity, a curiosity! People would look at me with a mix of fascination and fear, like I was about to unleash a fire-breathing dragon. They hesitated to speak Japanese, probably thinking, “This poor soul wouldn’t understand a word!” And at least in my first couple of years here, they would have been right. Whenever I did spot another one of the rare speci

Japanese efficiency is practically an art form! Imagine a world where everything runs like clockwork, with the precision of a synchronised swimming team. From the seamless precision of trains to the meticulous attention to detail in production lines, it's all about minimising waste and maximising productivity. After all, this is the birthplace of " kaizen ". Sushi chefs turn fish into masterpieces in no time, and even the simple act of pouring tea becomes a masterclass in pre

Living in or near Tokyo for over 20 years, you tend to get used to the neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and the breakneck speed of urban life. It's all too easy to assume this is the norm and that Tokyo is just another big city like any other. But every now and then, something happens that seemingly catapults you back in time, reminding you of the unique traditions that make Japan special. Take last week, for instance. Less than 100 meters from our house, there’s a Shinto s

As a long and hot summer has finally come to an end and the air is - slowly - getting cooler, our air conditioners finally get to chill (pun absolutely intended).   And although it's still much warmer here than in my home country at this time of year, the dreaded heating season is almost upon us.   As a Swiss expat, your instincts kick in: Time to fire up the central heating! Simple, right? Just ensure your gigantic oil tank in the cellar is full, your gas connection is alive

Ah, the delight of retail therapy, enjoyed by many the world over! So, let’s explore the contrasting shopping aisles of Japan and Switzerland, shall we?   I have always found the shopping experience in Japan a very special one, and very different from what you get in Switzerland, where it tends to be a no-frills experience, whereas in Japan it’s taken to an entirely different level.   One reason is the incredible attention to detail here. The Japanese take precision to a leve

This month marks 28 years since I crash-landed in Japan with my shiny new Japanese wife, ready to start a new life. I had no clue what to expect from a country on the opposite side of the globe, where my only experience was a few weeks of holidaying. All I really knew was that it was a powerhouse in the manufacture of cars and electronic gadgets, and the origin of my favourite childhood cartoon, “Heidi, Girl of the Alps”.   Was it a risk? Absolutely. An adventure? You bet! Bu

The first time I came across a sign indicating that a shop was open until 25:00 or 25:30, I thought, “Wait, did Japan invent its own time system? Last I checked, an earthly day had only 24 hours. But they, maybe Japan is just that special!”   At first, the idea of an extra hour didn’t seem so bad. More time to hang out with friends or catch up on sleep, right? It’s like the day of turning back the clock one hour in Europe or America at the end of Daylight Savings - but 365 da

People from abroad, well aware of Japan’s reputation for being a seismic hotspot, often ask me if I’m not afraid of earthquakes.   The reality? If you choose to live here, it just comes with the territory (pun absolutely intended).   Honestly, we don’t think about it much. Only when the earth decides to do a little dance - which, let’s be real, happens quite frequently. So if you put it that way, we probably do think about it quite often…   Case in point: Just the other day,