I couldn’t tell you the exact moment Japan became home.

Maybe it was when I upgraded my living quarters and moved into a high-rise condominium in Ikebukuro. Perhaps it was when Ayako and I got married… Whenever it happened, there was no ceremony, no milestone, no neat line between the life I thought was temporary and the one that had so very quietly become permanent.

For many couples, coming to Japan isn’t just about the sights — it’s about connecting with culture. From kimono to tea ceremonies, shrine rituals to calligraphy, these traditions offer a glimpse into the heart of the country.