Crossing the Bridge, I Arrived in Sweden

From Copenhagen, we crossed the Øresund Bridge to Malmö on the opposite shore, then took a train for less than an hour to reach Ystad, a small town on the Baltic Sea. It's a beautiful town known as the setting for the BBC TV drama "Wallander" (a mystery series by the internationally acclaimed Swedish author Henning Mankell). Ystad became famous overnight thanks to the exploits of Kurt Wallander, a melancholic, humanist detective of middle age. The "Wallander" series was apparently broadcast in Japan on WOWOW, but in the United States, when the character was first portrayed speaking English by the British actor Kenneth Branagh (who recently directed "Thor"), American tourists visiting Ystad surged by 2.5 times, dramatically changing the appearance of this small, quiet town.

This short trip, which led me to step into the world of Swedish mystery, became a very special one, thanks to the magical intertwining of two elements: the realistic, magnetic, and humanly flawed charm of Wallander as played by Branagh, and the landscapes of the southern Swedish region of Skåne, which served as a psychological backdrop for both Wallander and the criminals.

Ultimately, Sweden Taught Me More Than Wallander

Through experiencing the vibrant painted walls of every street corner in Ystad, the large windows and charming doors that beckon you down alleyways, the trees lining the streets swaying as if reluctant to let go of summer, the delicate flowers in gardens, the voluminous white clouds floating in the blue sky above, and the exciting coincidences woven by time and people—I felt I was able to touch, even if only slightly, the culture, style, and way of thinking of Sweden, and the warmth of the people who live there. Without a doubt, Sweden is a far more serene country than America or Japan.

It feels as though the meaning of "simplicity" is understood and has blossomed in this country on a level that can only be described as genetic. Rational and rich sensibilities, born from simplicity as a foundation, and the colorful playfulness and wit that arise from the "leeway" that progresses beyond that—as I walked through the streets, rode the subway and trains, and did small shopping, these sensibilities seeped into my body like water, without resistance. Sweden's style is comfortable, unwearying, un-boring, and unhurried, like the tranquil time spent with old friends.

One might ask, "What can you really understand in just a few days?" But perhaps, what can be understood in a few days can sometimes lead to an understanding of essence that lasts an eternity. Things that are not understood may remain so even after years.

A Land of Mature Sensibility

While I don't claim to know the Nordic countries well enough to call them "the Nordics" in one breath, Sweden, in particular, strikes me as a country with a deep, refined profile, adept at incorporating the brilliance of its short summer sun into daily life. Its towns are picturesque, its people stylish, looking effortlessly chic in white shirts and black jackets, pushing black strollers with a coolness that makes you want to look twice. And with taxes at 25%, they practice a mature, efficient, and wise consumer culture, continuously creating outstanding systems as environmental leaders. It is, I believe, a land of absolute adult sensibility.

Simple bicycles gliding through the air, barrier-free transportation, the ubiquitous use of galvanized metal for infrastructure exteriors—this indescribable cheap-chic aesthetic; the striking presence of clear patterns against light wood furniture and white ceramics; design that balances functionality with leisure (playfulness); a mature materialism that discards the unnecessary by not pursuing cheapness beyond what's needed; the unique visual typography of the alphabet; the smart accents of the national flag's blue and yellow; and the unpretentious, sincere reactions of people fluent in both English and Swedish... the elements that praise Sweden are endless.

In this installment, I introduce the town of Ystad as part of my "Enchanting Simplicity" intuitive journey through Sweden. If you have the chance, I highly recommend watching Kenneth Branagh's superb performance as Kurt Wallander. The profound, lyrical emotion emanating from Branagh's award-winning acting and the landscapes of southern Sweden's Skåne region quietly teach us about our environment, and the power of both social and natural surroundings on human life.