Charl is currently visiting colleagues and potential collaborators in Japan. His short visit started with a wonderful visit at the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba in Japan. He was hosted by Dr Takashi Nakanishi (Group Leader, Frontier Molecules Group), and had the pleasure of having three generations of Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces together: Ken Sakaushi (2013–2015), Charl (2001–2004) and Takashi (2007–2010).