Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

Today is August 1st—Swiss National Day. Back home, this day is marked by the glow of bonfires on mountain peaks, the crackle of fireworks, and the comforting aroma of raclette and grilled sausages. Flags wave from balconies, and for a moment, the entire country feels united in celebration.

Here in Japan, it’s a quiet morning. No fireworks, no smell of melting cheese—just the soft hum of cicadas outside our traditional Japanese home. And yet, in my heart, I can feel Switzerland today.

Swiss National Day commemorates the Federal Charter of 1291, when the first three cantons—Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden—pledged to stand together. It’s the symbolic birth of the Switzerland I grew up in: a small country with a big sense of unity, resilience, and independence.

Living abroad makes these national days feel different. They’re no longer just about public celebrations—they become moments of personal reflection and gratitude. I think about the mountains I once called home, the calm lakes, and the quiet strength of a country that has managed to preserve peace for centuries.

Today, I’ll celebrate in my own way. Maybe I’ll raise a toast, scroll through memories of summers by Swiss lakes, and feel a spark of pride for the little red flag with the white cross. Switzerland might be far away, but it’s always with me.

Happy Swiss National Day to my fellow Swiss around the world! 🎆🇨🇭