TOKYO 2020
The Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo from 23 July to 8 August 2021.
With great interest, I have been following the changes in the city that guaranteed everything runs smoothly.
I am personally very pleased that karate has been included as one of the five new sports. Thanks to the Olympic Games, interest in Japan is growing again. Many people are considering travelling to this diverse country. Through my broad interest in design, culture and sport, I was able to discover Japan a few years ago, and since then I have always been fascinated by how this country skilfully combines and lives modernity and tradition.
I am often asked:
Is a trip to Japan worthwhile?
Initially, I did not understand this question. I then realised that many people know very little about Japan and reduce the third largest economy to sushi and samurai movies.
How do you get around in the crowded city of Tokyo?
I always have to smile when I hear this question, as there is nothing more pleasant and relaxing than cycling across Tokyo and exploring the area. There are wide bicycle lanes on large streets and the city districts themselves consist of countless narrow side streets. The extremely considerate way in which people treat each other guarantees safe and pleasant passage by bike and on foot in the largest megacity. Even crossing the world-famous Shibuya Crossing is as easy as anything. Everyone treats their fellow human beings with respect. No one would touch you in the slightest when crossing or even cut you off. People always swerve to the left, so everyone knows in advance how to behave.
Oh, you were in Japan, then you ate sushi every day!
Sushi in Japan cannot be compared to the sushi available here in quality, freshness and taste. Without exaggeration, sushi in Japan tastes a thousand times better. Since Japan is extremely diverse and fascinating in terms of cuisine, I only get to enjoy sushi a few times during my stays in Japan.
Is this country as innovative as you sometimes read?
Oh yes. I am originally a trained graphic designer and I am always on the lookout for “beautiful” things. I am fascinated every time by how the simplest everyday objects are designed to be even better, more functional, more aesthetic and with a certain mischievousness. This different way of thinking, this cleverness and perfection can be seen in everything, be it in traditional crafts, martial arts, the modern car industry or architecture. This perseverance and precision to get something to the point fascinates me every time.
Why do you keep going back to Kyoto?
On the one hand, I like Kyoto very much because, within a short walking distance, you can see in everyday life a variety of traditional crafts such as ceramics, screen printing, weaving, sewing tatami, zabuton and kimonos, building lanterns, bending wire for soup strainers or making tofu. This amidst a great variety of temples, shrines, places to stay and restaurants.
On the other hand, I became aware of authentic Reiki thanks to Tadao Yamaguchi Sensei's book “Light an the Origins of Reiki”. It is Reiki in its original and purest form. Here gain, the precision and simplicity is evident. My interest was so great that I decided to take the training with him in Kyoto at the Jikiden Reiki Institute. Jikiden Reiki convinced me immediately by its simplicity and effectiveness. The fact that, compared to other Reiki courses, a minimum number of clients and practice hours is required during the training shows this institute’s professionalism. I am now a certified Shihan (teacher) and give Jikiden Reiki courses in Switzerland which are recognised by the Jikiden Reiki Institute in Japan.
Every year I travel to Japan with great pleasure to learn even more from this country. The next trip is already booked. The anticipation makes my eyes sparkle and puts a smile on my face.
A trip to Japan? Oh yes, I can highly recommend it.
