When I was living in Japan, the dish I missed the most was fish and chips. I couldn’t fathom why something so ubiquitous in Singapore was impossible to find in Nippon. I missed it so much that the first meal I devoured when I visited Busan, South Korea was - you guessed it! - fish and chips.

The Culture Code is a book primarily about American culture, which is fascinating because America has immense soft power. However, because of my proximity to Japanese culture, the most memorable insights I took away are in relation to the comparisons between American and Japanese culture.

Clotaire Rapaille has a brilliant way of encapsulating a complex culture within 1-2 words. So, the Code for America is IT WORKS, whereas the Code for Japan is PERFECTION. This may explain why Americans seem to be great shoppers; they never expect their products to last long in the first place.

Back to the fish and chips example, sushi is the way in which Japanese sushi chefs pursue perfection in their wielding of exquisitely-made knives. To expect raw fish to be fried - what a travesty!

Another prominent idea was regarding his observation about America having an adolescent culture. I resonated quite strongly with the following words and sentences found throughout the book: health equates movement, Americans are always on the go, We all want to ‘go out and play’”. It seems to be that I will make a very good American, given my affinity for action! I feel like an adolescent, despite being in my 40s. This is also why I kinda downloaded a meditation app “Headspace” during this holidays. I love my frenetic energy and all, but hey, time to cultivate a more rooted side of me.

Other cultures are explored in this book, notably French, Canadian and Italian. A must-read for all world culture passionates.