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This week I’m continuing to reflect on visiting Tokyo after six years away. It felt like stepping into a version of my life that had been paused and then quietly resumed. The city welcomed me with that familiar mix of energy, gentleness and small details that make you slow down whether you plan to or not. This week’s posts all came out of that feeling of returning, looking closely and noticing what had shifted in me as much as what had shifted in Japan. The first reflection is a personal one. I lost a dear friend while I happened to be in Japan, and the news brought a clarity that only grief can. A quiet moment at Engakuji became my way of saying goodbye, surrounded by moss, incense and the kind of stillness that Japan holds so naturally. It was a reminder of how short life is and how lucky we are to have met the people who shape us. The second post came from being back onsite in Tokyo again, listening to HR leaders talk about hybrid work, talent shortages and the delicate balance between global expectations and Japan’s rhythms. It was grounding to be in the room, watching cross‑cultural patterns play out in real time and seeing how much has changed and how much still depends on relationships. The final story is lighter, because Japan always gives you those moments too. In my case, it was the Ebi FiletO at Narita completely derailing my perfectly planned omiyage sprint. Only in Japan does fast food packaging turn into a tiny sakura‑themed celebration and make you laugh at yourself. I also shared a resource that has genuinely helped me feel more steady with Japanese study. The 12 Week Learning Plan from the Japanese Active Learning Circle is thoughtful, doable and such a gift for anyone who struggles with consistency. Looking back, the week held a little of everything. Grief, work, joy and the kind of perspective that only comes from being back in Japan. Even with the jetlag, I would not trade a moment of it. Warmly,
Saskia
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