Established in 2012 (formerly as the Japanese Ladies’ Association), the initially started with just three women--Makiko Gräfin von Oberndorff one of them.
Originally from Nagoya--the fourth biggest city in Japan in terms of population--Makiko has spent much of her career as an expatriate, having lived in Hong Kong and Germany before moving to Luxembourg in 2011. By founding the association, “We wanted to give the space where Japanese people were free to join and enjoy together, but at the same time we wanted to introduce our Japanese culture, customs and share the spirit of Japan to the people who live in Luxembourg,” she explains.
Back then, she says, some were interested in Japanese food, even though “there were not so many restaurants even offering sushi, for example,” although that has since changed. As Makiko explains, the association’s activities are 50% catered to Japanese expats (French courses, cooking courses, to name a couple), while the other 50% involves exposing the international community in the grand duchy to Japanese culture and traditions. That can involve sushi courses, tea ceremonies, dance events. A particularly special event involved inviting geishas from Japan, who danced at the Cercle Münster during a dinner where French cuisine was paired with sake.
Although activities slowed somewhat during covid, the association today counts around 130 members. There’s still a Japanese language course offered through the association. “Also once a month we do a Japanese free talk meeting. Many people are joining--last time we had about 30 people--many of them speak Japanese, some of them come just to exchange information about Japan.”
New perspectives as an expat
Because she has lived outside Japan for over 20 years, Makiko says it has made her more interested in her home country due to the change in perspective from living outside it for so long, something which she appreciates. She’s also the managing director of (with fellow director and ), which imports Japanese sake and has partnered on , further exposing those in Luxembourg to Japanese tastes.
When asked what she most misses about her homeland, it’s not just the culture. “The kindness and politeness,” she answers. “Of course, if you go to the countryside more, you feel the warmth and generosity. It’s people treating each other very politely.”
In addition, she misses the food, as well as the “proper four seasons,” each of which provides a completely different atmosphere within the country--from the peak cherry blossom flowering in the spring to the colour intensity of the autumn foliage--but also causes a shift in the cuisine from region to region. Makiko has a variety of kimonos (one of which she wore in the photo above), and even the traditional dress changes from one season to another.
Kamakura restaurant in the Grund (also pictured above) is one of the places she likes to take Japanese guests visiting Luxembourg. Hakime Miyamae and chef Akira Yasuoka opened the restaurant together in 1988 and have received a number of honours since, and the establishment following the severe July 2021 flooding. “It’s proper Japanese,” Makiko explains. “Really you can see that this is Japan.”