When…I fell in love with Asia.

MY LOVE FOR ASIA STARTED WITH AN ANIME

Tea Ceremony - Kanazawa

I couldn’t say exactly when my passion for Asia began, but I know I was very young. Maybe the first seed was planted when I watched Mulan for the first time. That Disney cartoon struck me deeply: the costumes, the temples, the mystical atmosphere… everything fascinated me. From that moment on, I had only one idea in mind: one day I would visit China.

I still remember when, as a child, I convinced my father to take me to the only Chinese restaurant in Trento. It was a challenge, because my family, with deep roots in Southern Italy, was very attached to their cuisine and very reluctant to try anything non-Italian. But that time I succeeded, and it was a memorable event for me: almond chicken, spring rolls, Cantonese rice, fried ice cream… and even chopsticks, which I clumsily tried to use for the first time. Maybe for me it was an incredible adventure, but for my father’s stomach, not so much.

JAPAN? AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS CHINA

Pokémon are everywhere in Japan

As I grew up, I realized how little, at the time at least, people in Italy really knew about Asia. In the ’90s, the word “Asia” almost exclusively evoked China. I myself thought Japan and China were the same country. It was only later, thanks to anime aired on national TV (Italia 1, MTV), that I discovered another face of the East.

That’s when a new spark was lit. From Pokémon to Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist and One Piece, the Japanese universe began to invade my imagination. A close Thai friend of mine was the first to truly introduce me to that world. And so, from manga to trading cards, Japan became an integral part of my teenage years - not just as entertainment, but as a culture to explore.

LONDON: THE GATEWAY TO THE EAST

Moving to London changed everything. For the first time, at 21 years old, I found myself in a city where Asia was literally at my fingertips. Working in retail, I started to interact with people from different cultures, to discover new flavors and, finally, to go to authentic restaurants. I remember one of my favorite spots was called Eat Tokyo - I used to go there on my lunch breaks.

But the real turning point came with traveling. Living in the UK means having access to flights and international connections that make the world feel much closer. In 2018, I made a decision I had dreamed of for years: I bought a ticket to Japan.

MY FIRST TRIP TO JAPAN: A DREAM CAME TRUE

Thirteen hours of flying. I remember the excitement of landing, of stepping out of the airport and feeling like I had been dropped onto another planet. Everything was different: the order, the cleanliness, the efficiency of public transport, the kindness of the people. In the first few days, I was in a constant state of wonder - and yes, also a bit jet-lagged.

In two weeks, I traveled through much of the country: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima. Every stop was a new experience, an encounter with a culture I had known from afar but could now finally touch. That trip profoundly changed the way I saw Asia, but also my life. So much so that, even before leaving, I already knew I’d come back. And I did: I’ve flown to Japan two more times since, each time with fresh eyes and the same excitement.

A PASSION THAT KEPT GROWING

Our breakfast at the Ryokan

Even now, as an adult, that passion for Japan is more alive than ever. I still play Pokémon on the Nintendo, I go to exhibitions and events dedicated to Japanese culture, I eagerly read authors like Haruki Murakami - one of my favourites - and Natsuo Kirino, and every year I discover new literary voices thanks to a book club. In the kitchen, I love experimenting with recipes inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun, trying to recreate those unique flavours I’ve come to adore. I even took a beginner Japanese course to learn key words for traveling, getting around easily, and also to connect with locals. But beyond the passion, today I feel an even deeper connection to Japan: its balance between tradition and innovation, its zen philosophy, minimalist architecture, and care for detail… all of this resonates with who I am.

Final note (which will make those who know me smile): my love for order and cleanliness finds its perfect home in Japan.

What once seemed like just a childhood interest has become part of my identity. My passion for Asia, and especially for Japan - has influenced the way I travel, teach, and live. And it’s a fundamental part of what I share with those who follow me, whether it’s on a yoga mat, through a YouTube video, or within the lines of this blog. Because behind every journey, there’s always a story. And I’m here to tell it.

And you? Do you remember the first time you fell in love with a different culture?

Kyoto

Edited by Silvia De Vecchi