The Friends I’m Grateful For Katsura

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 can be truly amazing.

We met for tea, shared our stories, and soon began working together. I still clearly remember how happy I felt that day.

From then on, she taught me so much — about finance, about money, and about life itself — things I had never known before.

Then one day, I faced the greatest crisis of my life. It was something I had never once imagined could happen to me.

As I felt people quietly distancing themselves, Katsura remained by my side, unchanged.

There are too many things we have worked on together to count. From maintaining her website to introducing me to many people, every connection she shared opened the door to new people, new places, and entirely new worlds.

When I was deeply discouraged, she even took me to practice golf. My very first driving range experience in Switzerland was with her. And since I had left my golf set in Japan, she generously gifted me one.

I believe she was truly worried about me.

Without those moments, I might have remained at home, feeling defeated.

More recently, she took me to visit Oliver, the first sake brewer in Switzerland, where I was able to experience and receive the energy of his passion.

So who is Katsura?

Reading this, she may seem almost like a guardian angel. But above all, she is extraordinarily talented — truly unmatched among anyone I know.

She writes books and booklets, shares information about Swiss pensions, and is active in publishing. One of my favorites is her recent book, My Birdfish, a work that quietly touches the heart.

She also paints, creates stone accessories, and occasionally organizes seminars for Japanese residents in Switzerland on retirement planning and financial preparation.

Connections are mysterious — and truly beautiful.

With gratitude. 🙏