This week, I had the chance to watch a thought-provoking event hosted by the Japan Society of Northern California, featuring the documentary The Making of a Japanese by filmmaker Ema Yamazaki. The film offered a deeply personal and nuanced look into the Japanese elementary school system, one that is often admired globally for its emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and community spirit.

But admiration alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

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Last Friday, I had the chance to attend the Japan Society Gala, held at the Grand Hyatt at SFO Airport, a fitting location for an evening celebrating international connection. Just outside the windows, a Pokémon-themed ANA jet was parked on the tarmac, having brought the CEO of ANA all the way from Japan especially for this event. That detail alone speaks volumes about the significance of the evening.

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There’s a kind of warmth that goes beyond temperature, a warmth that invites you to slow down, sip tea, and be present. That’s the magic of the kotatsu, a beloved piece of Japanese winter furniture that I’ve long admired and finally brought into my own home… with a little DIY twist.

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During a recent visit to Nashville, Tennessee, I was reminded of how deeply interconnected our world can be, and how mindfulness often lives in the quiet spaces between cultures.

What many don’t realize is that Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and Southern hospitality, shares a special bond with Kamakura, Japan, as official sister cities since 2014. Kamakura, a coastal town just south of Tokyo, is steeped in Zen Buddhist history, home to ancient temples, the iconic Great Buddha and a serene atmosphere that invites reflection.

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A few weeks ago, I wrote about my Amtrak train ride through the Rockies: a slow, scenic journey that invited me to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the rhythm of nature. In that piece, I briefly mentioned another train ride that’s stayed with me for years: a quiet autumn escape to Nikkō, Japan.

I boarded the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa early one morning, opting for a touch of luxury in the Green Car, Japan’s version of first class. Plush seats, quiet ambiance, and impeccable service made the ride feel more like a retreat than a commute. It was a stark contrast to my recent Amtrak journey through the Rockies, which, while scenic and soulful, had a more rugged charm. Both experiences offered space to reflect, but in very different ways. One polished and serene, the other raw and expansive.

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When you move somewhere new, whether across the country or across the world, it’s easy to feel untethered. You’re navigating unfamiliar streets, customs, and rhythms. And while it’s tempting to stay in your comfort zone, I’ve learned that the real magic happens when you step out and connect locally.

This weekend, I was invited to join the JCCNC gold sponsor table at Tabemasho, a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture held in San Francisco.

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A few weeks ago, I became a U.S. citizen.

It was a moment I had prepared for practically through forms, interviews, waiting; but not emotionally. Standing in a room with others from all over the world, raising our hands to take the oath, I felt something shift. A quiet wave of emotion rose up, catching me off guard. I thought of Flanders, where I was born. I thought of Japan, where I lived for many years. And I thought of the long, winding path that led me to this moment in California.

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Growing up in Belgium, I’ve always considered myself reasonably eco-conscious. We separate our recyclables, compost when we can, and try to avoid single-use plastics. But nothing prepared me for the level of recycling discipline I encountered in Kamakura.

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