After as little as about three weeks at ELSI, maybe unexpected so, I am feeling very much at home already. Thanks to the staff in general, and Sayaka Price in particular, the transition has been as smooth as it could have been. Perhaps due to the time that I have already spent at ELSI before (3 days during the interview earlier this year, and another 2 days during a workshop in August), the environment has been pleasantly familiar from the start. Also, I think the way the building and common areas are designed, as well as the regular social gatherings and activities, create a welcoming atmosphere. For example, today we had a lot of fun as a group during a softball practice match on the beautiful Tokyo-Tech turf. Now, we are well prepared to secure our first win ever at Tokyo-Tech intramurals coming up.

But much more so it comes as a big positive surprise that life in the metropolis of Tokyo does not feel so very foreign. Of course, there are a lot of exciting discoveries to be made; small and big details that are different in Japan than anywhere else on this planet, which make Japan the special place that it is. Some of these details may occasionally drive you mad, such as the complex writing systems, some will leave you astonished, such as the Japanese commitment for diligence and accuracy, and others will just make you happy, such as the great food (even the pizza is delicious!) and limitless hospitability. For example the other day when my wife and I went hiking in Chichibu-Tama National Park, other hikers would repeatedly get out of their way (e.g. wait for us at intersections) to show us directions, or even give us useful little presents such as a hiking map or bus timetable.

However, arriving here from Hawaii, but being European, it feels rather like coming home than like entering another world. First, of course, the climate and vegetation are closer to Europe than Hawaii... the smell of the air, the weather and the seasons. I am counting the days to when the leaves will turn red! Also, streets are super-clean, there is a complex set of rules, and trains are always on time. Sounds pretty much like Germany or Switzerland (i.e. my home countries), doesn't it? I guess, from living in Honolulu for a couple of years, I'm also very much used to being part of a crowd with predominantly Asian faces. But most importantly, I appreciate the familiar feel of living in a city that is made for pedestrians and bicyclists, where you really don't have the hassle of driving a car, but instead are able to choose between multiple different routes when using public transport. Indeed, with its narrow alleys, Tokyo (at least in the suburbs) feels almost like a small European town. I am looking forward to enjoy the next couple of years here, working at an inspiring and welcoming place, as well as living a lifestyle that feels strangely and pleasantly familiar on the one hand - but mixed in with some exciting details to discover and new friends to be made on the other hand.