Discover Japan through the eyes of its ambassador to Luxembourg

I have now been an ambassador to Luxembourg for over two years, and the thing that most impresses me about this country is its capacity to surprise me every day with something new. It can be a cultural aspect I didn’t know about yet, a fun tradition to participate in – I still remember my first “hopping” participation in the Echternach Sprangpressessioun – or an interesting fact about the city I always see on my way to work.

Luxembourg is a country full of surprises, a small and beautiful treasure box in the heart of Europe. It has changed me over the last few years.

This offer from the Luxembourg Times was a pleasant surprise as well for me, and I am glad to provide some of my Japanese cultural recommendations for everyone to enjoy.

I am a huge fan of Haruki Murakami and have considered myself a “Harukist” since I was a teen. His works demonstrate that we, Japanese people, have established a strong sense of individuality.

Generally, we are often perceived as being less assertive and hard to read on what we are thinking about. However, Murakami’s works actually show that we are aware of who we are, what we want to do, what we fear, and what brings us joy – both as a mirror of identity and as an external presentation of the self.

We have a clear understanding of our own selves, which we cherish deep inside. I think this is what makes Japanese people resonate with Murakami’s works and find comfort in them, and for international readers to have an insight into another form of culture and identity.

As for a movie, I would pick Departures. Released in 2008, it won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The story revolves around a “Nōkan-shi”, a person who prepares the deceased for their funeral by dressing and grooming them. The movie delicately portrays the emotions of those facing death, Japanese reverence for the deceased and their view of “departing to the afterlife.”

The film score, composed by Joe Hisaishi known for the collaboration with many Ghibli anime films, makes this movie more impressive, adding solemnity to the story of confronting death and grief through music.

The “NHK World English News” podcast, which is run by NHK, Japan’s public broadcasting service allows listeners to stay up-to-date with the latest news from Japan.

Beyond the podcast, the NHK World website features news in 21 languages, including English, French, other European languages, and Asian languages like Indonesian. There are also numerous documentary videos that introduce Japanese culture and people, as well as Japanese language lessons. You can also watch current Sumo tournaments for free with an English commentator who gives you information and context.

This year, Japan is hosting the World Expo in Osaka, making Japan a popular destination for tourism. As a Japanese citizen, I’m delighted to see many people are enjoying their stay.  

It is my honor to have accompanied H.R.H the Grand-Duke and Prime Minister Luc Frieden to Japan. The Luxembourg pavilion was the first to receive its license, earning them the serial number “1”. I think this is such a significant and inspiring achievement, which set the tone for the entire Expo.

For those visiting Japan or considering a trip, I highly recommend checking out the Japanese National Tourism Organisation. This site offers comprehensive information about tourism in Japan, including local areas.

Timeout Tokyo is a great resource on the latest trends. Personally, I think “Team Labo” is now the hottest spot to be in Tokyo. You can immerse yourself in their mysterious spaces for a truly wonderful meditative experience. Their world is a perfect blend of art and advanced technology with a Japanese traditional touch.

The Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg has a public Culture Space where you can find various brochures about tourism in Japan. We also have books on Japanese culture, manga, and movies (like Studio Ghibli films) on Blu-ray or DVD, which you can borrow. Please visit!

Ambassador culture picks

This article is a contribution by Ambassador Matsubara Tadahiro to a series of pieces in which resident ambassadors in Luxembourg give tips on the books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, music and more that they think offer a window into their home country.

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