Japan

Japan has been a part of our lives for as long as either of us can remember. While my fascination began in childhood, it's become something that Jen and I have grown to share together over the years. Japan feels very different from everyday life in the UK, and we think that sense of difference is part of what has always drawn us towards it. Whatever the reason, it's a country and culture that continues to inspire us both.

My own interest started with my mum's pen pal, whom she'd been writing to since she was nine years old. Every Christmas, we'd receive parcels from Japan filled with gifts you simply couldn't find in local shops. When the original Pokémon craze arrived, I was lucky enough to have Japanese merchandise long before any of my classmates. Those early experiences sparked a curiosity that gradually grew into a lifelong appreciation of Japanese culture.

Anime became—and remains—a huge part of my life. I grew up watching Dragon Ball Z, Tenchi Muyo!, and Yu-Gi-Oh! on Cartoon Network's Toonami block, and today we both enjoy series such as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, The Apothecary Diaries, and Hunter × Hunter. It's been wonderful to see anime and manga become part of mainstream global culture, even though they've been telling incredible stories and inspiring artists in Japan for generations.

Our shared love of Japan eventually led us there together, and in 2016 we got engaged on a swan boat, of all places, just outside Ueno Zoo. It's one of our favourite memories, and one of the reasons Japan will always hold a special place in our hearts. We can't wait to take our son, Robin, when he's old enough so he can experience the country, its people, and its culture for himself—and hopefully create his own lifelong memories there too.

Gaming

Gaming has been a huge part of our lives for many years. My own journey began at a very young age when I was introduced to a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) at a friend's house. It didn't take long for me to become completely hooked. Since then, I've owned or played on just about every generation of console, from the Super Nintendo (SNES) and the original PlayStation through to today's systems. More recently, though, my focus has shifted towards PC gaming, and I've enjoyed building the occasional budget PC along the way.

While gaming started as my hobby, it's something that Jen has embraced too. Whether we're enjoying a story-driven adventure together, sharing recommendations, or talking about the latest releases, it's become another interest we have in common.

I've always been drawn to games with rich stories, memorable characters, and immersive worlds you can lose yourself in. I don't have as much time to play as I did growing up, but gaming remains a big part of who I am. I still love seeing how the industry evolves, discussing games with friends and family, and I'm looking forward to the day when Robin is old enough to pick up a controller and begin creating his own gaming memories with us.

Lord of the Rings

Another passion we share is The Lord of the Rings. Ever since I first discovered Tolkien's world, I've been captivated by its rich history, unforgettable characters, and incredible depth. I'm always happy to talk Tolkien with anyone who's willing to listen.

One tradition we've kept over the years is our annual marathon of the extended editions. It used to happen more often, but these days, once a year feels like an achievement! Thankfully, Jen is just as much of a fan, so it's something we genuinely look forward to doing together.

And yes... I do own a full-scale replica of Andúril, Flame of the West. Some might call it excessive—I prefer to think of it as essential.

Closing

At the end of the day, we're both people who love a good story, whether it's found in a film, a book, a game, or an anime series. Stories have a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and creating memories, and that's something we've always appreciated.

I also believe it's important for clients to know the person behind the adviser. Financial advice is built on trust and relationships, and while we don't need to share the same hobbies or interests, I want everyone to feel comfortable being themselves. Whether our conversations are about mortgages, pensions, Tolkien, Pokémon, or parenting, I hope you'll always feel welcome to be yourself—because that's exactly what you'll get from us.’