Daichi Kobayashi

Daichi Kobayashi, born in 1950 into a family of school teachers in Osaka, moved to Milan, Italy, at the tender age of 15. A Physics graduate of 1978, Daichi has seamlessly woven himself into the fabric of Italian society. Despite this, he has never forgotten his beloved Japan, which he visits often, bringing along his wife and two children.

What sets Daichi’s work apart is his unique bicultural perspective. Deeply rooted in both Japanese and Italian cultures, he has a particular flair for translating complex Japanese concepts into forms that are easily digestible by Western audiences. With his narrative style—understated yet tinged with humor—and the entertaining anecdotes that pepper his writing, Daichi escorts readers on a thousands-of-miles journey into the heart of Japan. He delves into the nation's enchanting traditions and philosophies as well as its rise to post-war economic prominence.

In his books, readers will discover why Bill Gates washes dishes at night, how one can partake in forest bathing without a lake, why a broken cup can become more valuable than a new one, and why ramen restaurant chefs never divulge their secrets to their children.

Daichi’s books are available in English, Italian, French, and German, captivating readers across the world with stories and teachings that reveal the magic of Japan.