Spring has arrived in Switzerland. Many people think of Switzerland as a very cold country, but unless you head into the mountains, walking through snow isn’t something we experience in everyday life. Why does the arrival of spring make me so happy? This is the season when Bärlauch (wild garlic), a herb similar to what is known in Japan as gyōja-ninniku , begins to appear everywhere. Of course, you can also find it in supermarkets, but this is the time of year when you can s

Katsura is someone who truly embodies the word “multitalented.” To me, she is like a big sister here in Switzerland. We first met at a gathering organized by Micchi , but I had actually seen her before in a Japanese newspaper. When I met her for the first time, I honestly felt she was far too well-known and accomplished for me to approach. Then one day, I unexpectedly received a message from her. “I’m looking for someone to help organize my website,” she said. Connections ca

When I found out that I would be moving to Switzerland, I searched on Google for “Japanese in Zug.” Her name immediately caught my eye, and while I was still in Japan, I reached out and asked if she would be willing to be friends. “Of course. When you arrive in Switzerland, please contact me at this number.” That simple message was the beginning of our friendship. At the time, I had absolutely no connection to the German language. She took me to many different places and int