Some still have a suitcase in Berlin. We have lost our hearts in Japan. What fascinates GloriousMe about Japan? An attempt at a declaration of love:

1 Respect

The vast majority of Japanese people identify with the ideas of Shintoism, a polyethnic religion and ethic that is based on the pursuit of harmony, consideration and respect for nature and ancestors.

The seat of a deity can be the water, the wind or the sun as well as many other objects.

In everyday life, Shintoism means treating all other people, nature and every seat on the subway with respect. Carelessly discarded garbage on the roadside? Wrong.

Shintoism is considered the original religion in Japan and was even declared the state religion during the Meji period, which heralded the end of Japan’s isolation. Other religions are now gaining in importance – respect is welcome to remain.

2 Perfection

Dedication and perfection can be found everywhere in Japan: In the art of wrapping a gift as well as in every craft.

It is always the knowledge of processing and refinement, learned over many years and decades and constantly perfected, that distinguishes the sushi chef and the lacquer artist.

The high art is paired with modesty and the proud self-image of being part of a long tradition.

The majority of these extraordinary craftsmen and artists have great difficulty finding apprentices who are passionate about continuing their mastery.

Many of them already realize today that one day they will probably have to close their workshop forever without a successor.

3 The courtesy

Politeness in everyday life makes life so much easier and more pleasant.

The exchange of seemingly never-ending phrases of thanks, apologies and appreciation is like a warm rain, but it takes time.

We hope that no misconceived approach to efficiency ever ends this wonderful game.

4 Nature

A country that consists of over 6800 islands is not easy logistically, but offers an infinite number of charming sights for all those who love islands and coasts.

We have Japan and many botanists to thank for some of the most beautiful plants that we take for granted in Europe today.

For the Japanese, gardens look perfect when they look natural. This in no way means leaving nature to its own devices.

In contrast to the more formalist art of French gardens, for example, Japanese gardens prefer a balanced line that is adapted to nature, composing water, plants and stones into an idealistic picture.

We find a small shady moss garden in Japan more attractive than Versailles.

Japan is running out of workers. The ageing population and a very strict immigration law in the past are tearing gaps in every profession. Experienced gardeners are also becoming scarce.

5 Traveling by train

Anyone who, like GloriousMe, spends many months of their life on the ICE or involuntarily on platforms and in lounge areas (staring fixedly at the delay alarm) will be brought to tears of joy by the punctuality of Japanese trains.

Traveling by train in Japan is pure pleasure. It runs smoothly, the trains are spotlessly clean and have restroom areas that you don’t try to avoid at all costs.

Before the next appointment, there is a pleasant area on the train equipped with mirrors where you can check your own perfection again.

The extensive train system is perfectly coordinated. No one crowds onto the train and there are bento boxes at every station, the contents of which leave nothing to be desired for a high-quality culinary train journey.

6 The food

Whether it’s fast food or an eight-course kasekei meal, the food is always excellent and always so light that you can look back on the enjoyment without a care in the world.

A Japanese breakfast is a small work of art that takes time to prepare. It is no longer served in some trendy hotels and has had to make way for the global avocado toast and Egg Benedictine.

7 The fish

Japan’s island location and the fact that warm and cold ocean currents meet leads to a great abundance of fish with species that are hardly known in Europe.

The fish are killed in a special way that causes the animal less stress. The Ike Jime method requires precision. You can taste it in all raw fish preparations such as sushi and sashimi.

8 The mix of coolness and tradition

Looking effortlessly elegant doesn’t seem to be difficult for the Japanese. No matter whether they are seven or seventy years young. Traditional garments such as the kimono blend naturally into the cool street scene.

You can almost always see and feel the high fabric quality. You don’t have to search desperately for high-quality woolen fabrics, you can revel in them.

Economic crises have hit Japan hard for many decades. Quality has its price.

9 Metropolitan areas worth living in

Osaka takes 10th place in the Economist’s ranking of“The most liveable cities 2023“. Tokyo is also at the top of Monocle magazine’s ranking as one of the best cities to live in.

Absolutely understandable. Japanese cities also feel very safe for travelers.

If you stick to the rules, you feel welcome, whether in the public bathhouse or in the small private bar, where the owner only seems to interrupt his book reading for a moment to mix the perfect drink.

10 Laughter

Even if the hearty laughter is often shielded behind closed doors. Rarely have we encountered so many different people in one country whose carefree laughter makes us happy.

Other countries also have their charms. We are magically drawn back to this lovely, wonderful country.

Photographs © GloriousMe 2023