The exhibition promises a sensory voyage through the landscapes of Japan, from vibrant cityscapes and legendary racetracks to tranquil natural scenes. Visitors will be greeted by more than 55 vehicles, each embodying the rich heritage and technological prowess of the Japanese automobile and motorcycle industries.

Among the featured highlights are historic classics such as the Mazda Cosmo, Toyota 2000 GT and Spider, and the timeless Toyota Supra. Fans of high-performance engineering will be thrilled to see rare supercars like the Honda NSX and Toyota GT One, while motorsport enthusiasts can admire racing legends such as the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B and Carlos Sainz’s Toyota Corolla WRC.

Two-wheel aficionados are not forgotten. The exhibition also traces the evolution of the Japanese superbike—from the game-changing Honda CB750 to the modern Suzuki Hayabusa and Yamaha R1—marking half a century of engineering brilliance and speed.

The entire Autoworld space will be transformed for the occasion, infused with Japanese aesthetics inspired by everything from the neon lights of Tokyo to the serene landscapes surrounding Mount Fuji. The experience will include a special creative zone for children with manga drawing, origami workshops, and retro arcade games, as well as Japanese-themed dishes at the on-site Brasserie Bagnole.

As part of the celebration, a Cars & Coffee – Big in Japan event will take place on Saturday, July 12. Classic and custom Japanese vehicles will gather on the museum’s esplanade, offering fans a chance to mingle in a festive, JDM-rich atmosphere.

Don’t Miss the Exclusive Preview Night – July 2, 2025

Before the official opening, Autoworld will host an exclusive Preview Night on Wednesday, July 2nd, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. This special evening event offers an early look at the exhibition in an atmosphere steeped in Japanese flair. Attendees will be the first to walk through atmospheric reconstructions of Japanese scenes, admire the full vehicle lineup, and enjoy live animations and cultural décor.

Places for the Preview Night are limited — so be sure to reserve your tickets now and be among the first to experience Big in Japan at Autoworld Brussels.

For more information and ticketing, visit www.autoworld.be.

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Celebrating 110 Years of Maserati

Autoworld is proud to present a unique exhibition celebrating 110 years of Maserati. The exhibition features a stunning collection of 48 rare Maseratis, showcasing over a century of mechanical excellence.

The cars are organized by different periods in Maserati’s history, with a special focus on its illustrious racing heritage. Visitors can admire a dozen unique race cars, including models on loan from the prestigious Panini Museum, some of which are being displayed in Belgium for the first time. The exhibition traces Maserati’s racing legacy from the Tipo 26 and the 250F to the MC12.

In addition to its racing history, the exhibition highlights Maserati’s role in defining the ‘Gran Turismo’ lifestyle, characterized by speed, style, and craftsmanship. From the A6 1500 to iconic models like the 3500 GT, Mistral, Ghibli, and Bora, Maserati has consistently embodied elegance and performance. Today, the brand continues to represent a blend of class and sportiness, as seen in the MC20 and other current models.

This exceptional exhibition is made possible through collaborations with Maserati Classiche, Maserati ACG Gent, CadyCars, Mistral Classics, and the Umberto Panini Motor Museum.

Visit the Exhibition

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience 110 years of Maserati. The exhibition runs from December 20 to February 23 at Autoworld, offering a tribute to Italian passion, design, and speed.

For more information: visit Autoworld’s website.

Autoworld Museum Brussels, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels (Metro Merode)

The post Maserati 110 Years Exhibition Now Open at Autoworld appeared first on Brussels Express.

The current debate over whether traditional bankers or artificial intelligence (AI) will dominate investment management is heating up. Both sides present compelling arguments, with significant implications for the future of finance. This article explores the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, drawing on insights from financial experts and academic research.

The Case for Bankers

Pros:

1. Human Judgment and Experience: Bankers bring years of experience and intuition to the table, which can be crucial in navigating complex financial landscapes. Their ability to interpret qualitative data and make informed decisions based on a wide range of factors is a significant advantage.
2. Relationship Building: Personal relationships with clients allow bankers to understand their unique needs and tailor investment strategies accordingly. This personalized approach can lead to higher client satisfaction and trust.
3. Ethical Considerations: Human oversight can help mitigate ethical concerns and biases that might arise from purely algorithmic decision-making. Bankers can apply moral judgment and consider the broader impact of their investment choices.

Cons:

1. Limited Data Processing: Human analysts cannot match the speed and volume of data processing that AI systems can achieve. This limitation can result in slower decision-making and missed opportunities in fast-moving markets.
2. Bias and Subjectivity: Human decision-making is susceptible to biases and emotional influences, which can impact investment outcomes. Personal biases and subjective judgments can lead to inconsistent and suboptimal investment strategies.
3. Higher Costs: Traditional investment management often involves higher fees due to the need for human labor and expertise. These costs can be a barrier for smaller investors and reduce overall returns.

The Case for AI

Pros:

1. Data-Driven Decisions: AI can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying patterns and trends that humans might miss. This capability allows for more informed and objective investment decisions.
2. Efficiency and Speed: AI systems can execute trades and adjust portfolios in real-time, responding to market changes faster than human managers. This speed and efficiency can lead to better performance and reduced transaction costs.
3. Cost-Effective: Automated systems can reduce operational costs, making investment management more accessible to a broader audience. Lower fees and increased accessibility can democratize investment opportunities.

Cons:

1. Lack of Human Insight: AI lacks the nuanced understanding and empathy that human advisors provide, which can be crucial in certain investment scenarios. The absence of personal interaction can make it difficult to address specific client concerns and preferences.
2. Ethical and Bias Issues: AI systems can perpetuate existing biases in data and decision-making processes, leading to ethical concerns. Without proper oversight, these biases can result in unfair or discriminatory outcomes.
3. Dependence on Quality Data: The effectiveness of AI is heavily dependent on the quality and accuracy of the data it processes. Poor data quality can lead to incorrect predictions and suboptimal investment decisions.

The outcome of the debate at the end of 2024: a draw.

The future of investment management may not be a zero-sum game between bankers and AI. Instead, a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both could emerge as the most effective strategy. Human advisors can provide the personal touch and ethical oversight, while AI can enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

How do clients feel about AI versus human advisors?

Client opinions on AI versus human advisors are mixed. Many clients appreciate the efficiency and lower costs associated with AI-driven investment platforms, especially those who are tech-savvy and prefer managing their investments online. However, a significant number of clients still value the personalized advice and emotional support that human advisors offer, particularly during market volatility and major life events. Studies show that while AI can provide valuable insights, it often lacks the nuanced understanding of individual financial goals and risk tolerance that human advisors bring. Ultimately, the preference for AI or human advisors often depends on the client’s specific needs, financial knowledge, and comfort with technology.

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And this year’s Miss Belgium is… (drum roll, please)… Kedist Deltour, a 23-year-old hairdresser from Nazareth, East Flanders.

Ms. Deltour was crowned last night at the Proximus Theatre in Adinkerke. The ceremony was held without an audience due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Out of a total of 33 candidates, 15 were chosen for the finals. Thanaree Scheerlinck won first runner-up, followed by Louise-Marie Losfeld, Elodie Gualano, and Camilia Martinez. 

The new Miss Belgium was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When she was eight years old, she lost her mother to cancer. Her father left her in an orphanage the following year. Belgian couple Peter and Nadège Deltour adopted her when she was ten years old. 

Ms. Deltour succeeds Céline Van Ouytsel as Miss Belgium.

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Today gives us occasion to bring back some childhood memories and remember the puppets we used to watch on the telly. The 21st of March is World Puppetry Day, an annual celebration launched in 2003 by the International Puppetry Association (UNIMA).

Puppetry has been around for about four thousand years in almost every civilisation. It is believed that puppets and marionettes were the first theatre performers in history. Interestingly, the very first character to appear on TV was not a human being but a dummy known as Stooky Bill. 

In 1925, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird used Stooky Bill to transmit the first television image. It was impossible to conduct his experiments on humans because the lights on the imaging system were too hot. More puppets emerged on the small screen in the 1930s as TV technology became more sophisticated. 

In Belgium, TV programs starring puppets and marionettes began airing in the early 1960s. Let’s get to know some of the darling TV dollies that brought joy to many generations of Belgians.

Bla-Bla

Bla-Bla is a childlike character who lives inside a computer called Blamatic. His virtual home is located in a public street where he regularly encounters other characters on the show. People come to him whenever they need help or information on matters ranging from silly to serious.

The alien-looking puppet was created by Belgian screenwriter Bernard Halut. He was the star of Ici Bla-Bla, which aired on RTBF from 1994 to 2010. But seven years after Bla-Bla’s retirement, something strange happened. 

In November 2017, news spread about the mysterious disappearance of Bla-Bla and two other puppets. The property custodian at RTBF reported that the three had suddenly vanished from the storage area.

One month later, Bla-Bla was found lying in a baby stroller inside a storeroom for accessories. He was apparently relocated by mistake while the RTBF building was undergoing some renovation. 

Samson

Samson is an Old English Sheepdog who can talk but often mispronounces words and forgets names. He lives with his master and best friend, Gert. They live in a big house on 101 Main Street, where life is rarely uneventful.

The canine puppet was designed by Gert Verhulst, who also plays Gert on the show. Samson en Gert premiered in 1990 and still airs on Ketnet, a Dutch-language children’s TV channel owned by VRT. 

Malvira

Beware. She’s ill-tempered, she’s insufferable, and she spits when she’s furious. But her feisty character is exactly what makes Malvira unforgettable.

Malvira started out as a stage puppet at the Magic Land Theatre in the 1970s. She made her TV debut as one of the co-hosts of comedian and cartoonist Philippe Geluck on Lollipop. The show ran from 1980 until 1985 on RTBF. The grumpy old puppet continued her career as a talkshow host on Les allumés.be and Ma télé bien aimée. 

The idea for Malvira came from Franco-Belgian director and comedian Patrick Chaboud. In October 2003, Chaboud’s car was stolen along with the puppet, which was stored in the trunk. 

The incident became a major headline in Belgium. Several public figures appealed to the car thieves to surrender Malvira. Nobody seemed to care about Chaboud’s car. They only wanted Malvira back. A few weeks later, the puppet was returned intact in a suitcase.

Bébé Antoine

Back in the days when TV shows were still in black and white and RTBF was still called RTB, Bébé Antoine became an evening favorite in many Belgian households. This baby is actually one of the oldest television puppets in Belgium. He was on TV from 1965 to 1971. 

In each episode, the characters told bedtime stories and sang lullabies. The show ended with Bébé Antoine wishing the viewers a good night. Actors André Lange, Ralph Darbo, and Georgette Mariot developed and operated the puppet.

Bonhommet et Tilapin

Bonhommet was a wise boy with a mischievous rabbit named Tilapin. Just like Bébé Antoine, Bonhommet et Tilapin was a bedtime program. Every episode ended with the two friends getting ready for bed and inviting children to do the same. 

The late screenwriter Renée Fuks and puppeteer José Géal were the makers of Bonhommet et Tilapin. The children’s show was an evening regular on RTB from 1966 to 1971. 

Bumba

He’s not exactly a puppet but close enough. Bumba is a mascot who moves and behaves like a toddler. He loves to skip and jump and dance together with his co-stars.

Created by TV producer Jan Maillard, Bumba has been performing since 2004 on VRT’s Ketnet channel.

Tatayet

He may seem like a snob, but Tatayet is just bashful and reserved. A cross between a dog and a bear, Tatayet was designed and operated by ventriloquist Michel Dejeneffe.

The duo starred on Le Tatayet Show, which was broadcast on RTBF from 1986 to 1992. In 2017, Dejeneffe and Tatayet retired from show business.

The post World Puppetry Day: 8 celebrity puppets that made many Belgians happy appeared first on Brussels Express.

How do we define you? Let us count the ways. 

In celebration of the International Day of Happiness and French Language Day, we decided to consult some of history’s most unforgettable French-speaking authors on what happiness is all about. And they were more than happy to share their thoughts.

Get your dose of inspiration.

« The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves—say rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”

Les Misérables: Vol. 1 (Hugo, 1862)

“There is no happiness without courage, nor virtue without struggle.”

Émile ou De l'éducation (Rousseau, 1762)

“Happiness is often the only thing one can give without having it and it is by giving it that one acquires it.”

Lettres choisies (Gallimard, 1872)

« Unbroken happiness is a bore: Life should have its ups and downs. »

Les Fourberies de Scapin, Act 3 (Molière, 1671) 

« The secret of happiness is to live like everybody else, while being unlike anyone. »

Mémoires d’une jeune fille rangée (de Beauvoir, 1958)

« The greatest adventures take place inside of us. »

Hergé correspondance (Allaert et Bertin, 1989)

“Always keep a patch of sky above you.”

À la recherche du temps perdu, Vol. 1 (Proust, 1913)

“But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?”

Noces (Camus, 1938)

« If you want to understand the word happiness, you have to understand it as a reward and not as an end. »

 Carnets (Gallimard, 1953)

« One is happy once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness: simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self denial to a point, love of work, and above all, a clear conscience.”

Correspondance, 1812-1876, Vol. 5 (Calmann-Lévy, 1883)

How about you? How would you define happiness?

The post Happiness in French: 10 happy thoughts from French-speaking literary masters appeared first on Brussels Express.

“Scratch a Belgian and you will find a Surrealist,” wrote British travel writer Antony Mason in his book, Xenophobe’s guide to the Belgians.

There’s no way to prove that scientifically. But if you use your powers of observation, you will no doubt gather enough visual data to corroborate the theory.

Surrealism is so much a part of Belgium’s character that when Belgians are doing something surrealistic, they probably aren’t even aware of it. They’re just being, well, Belgian.

What other country has the spunk to tell the world, “Behold one of our national icons: a tiny, naked boy who does nothing but urinate all day in public,” and not give a hoot how the world will take it.

This is, after all, the nation that gave birth to surrealism masters like René Magritte and Paul Delvaux or avant-garde painters like James Ensor who specialized in bizarre themes like fighting skeletons and grotesque masks.

But Belgian surrealism does not only show itself in bold and garish ways. More often than not, it hides within the subtleties of everyday life.

If you don’t look hard enough, you may easily overlook those quiet expressions of delightful absurdity that could add a ton of humor and spice to your day.

Here are some tips on how and where to go hunting for signs of Belgian surrealism the next time you take a walk around Brussels or any part of Belgium.

1.    Watch the sidewalks closely

Something’s bound to jump out at some point, whether it’s a plant padlocked to the front wall of a house, a sidewalk garden, or a faucet jutting out of a sidewall.

Belgians are quite deft at improvising, and how they address some of life’s most mundane problems can be downright surreal.

In 2006, Brussels-based artist David Helbich began taking pictures of insanely devised makeshift solutions to everyday situations in Belgium.

The project went viral in 2009 and eventually led to the publication of Belgian Solutions, a collection of more than 300 images proving how crafty Belgians can be at problem-solving.

Who says you can’t hold an art exhibit on a lamppost?

2.    Keep an eye out for lampposts

In Belgium, lampposts and basically any kind of street pole can perform a number of roles.

You would be wrong to think the only purpose of their existence is to shine a light on the street.

Nope. They can also masquerade as sign hangers, bulletin boards, bike stands, and venues for art exhibits.

In a country where surrealism is a way of life, any object can serve more than just a single function. Count on the Belgians to make something interesting out of anything ordinary.

3.    Check out the windows

Windows are another ripe stage for Belgian surrealism. What kind of trinkets are people placing on their window sill for the world to see?

Take a peek at the glass screens you pass by along the street and see what peeks right back at you.

Plants and flower pots are the most common choices. But every once in a while, something unexpected just might peep out from behind those panes.

French photographer Jean-Luc Feixa made it a personal mission to capture queer and quirky window displays in Belgium.

After hunting for months, Feixa came up with a collection of 160 wonder-inducing photographs now featured in his book, Strange Things Behind Belgian Windows.

4.   Pay attention to the architectural mishmash

Various styles of architecture from different time periods have no problem existing side by side in many parts of Belgium.

Classical, Gothic, Baroque, Art Deco, Art Nouveau can all live harmoniously in one place. Sometimes, two divergent styles can even exist in one building.

Take the Grand Place, for example. How we gush over and gawk at this magnificent structure, which actually combines two disparate architectural styles.

In Brussels, there are several spots in the city center that will expose you to buildings both old and new, ancient and modern all in one sitting. It’s like traveling through time without actually traveling through time.

On one of your strolls, take notice of architectural styles that don’t seem to belong or as if they just popped out of nowhere.

Such sightings are so common in Belgium that if you stay in the country long enough, you may eventually cease to notice them.

But take another look around you. Doesn’t the architectural mishmash make you feel like you’re in a weird wonderland or some scene from a Michel Gondry film?

5.    Don’t ignore the mailboxes

Now, this is where some real surrealistic action could be taking place, and you don’t want to miss any of them.

Where people are habitually surrealistic, you can expect to see something unfamiliar in anything as familiar as a  mailbox.

In his book, You’ve Got Mail, Dutch photographer Peter Schouten compiled more than a hundred snapshots of the zaniest and most bewildering letterboxes ever seen in Belgium.

Just steal a glance at what type of receptacle your neighbors are using for their post. You could be in for a real treat.

So what’s the best way to make sure those Belgian moments of amusing incongruity won’t escape you?

Let’s hear it straight from Maestro Magritte: Be on the “lookout for what has never been.”

The post How to spot Belgian surrealism when it’s hiding in plain sight appeared first on Brussels Express.

2020 changed our way of life in so many unexpected ways. For one, it forced us to wear a face mask every day.

It didn’t matter where we lived or who we were. We all had to cover our faces to protect ourselves and others from an indiscriminate virus.

Putting on a face mask may be inconvenient at times. But it also brings a host of other facial conveniences.

1.   You can now move your lips while talking to yourself

If you’re someone who has a habit of talking to yourself in public, you will be pleased to know that you are now free to mouth your words without freaking people out.

You can even make a sound while debating with yourself so long as you keep it low. With social distancing, the sound waves you produce won’t get that far.

Gesticulating is still not advisable, but at least you don’t have to mute the animated discussions you have with yourself or selves.

2.   No need to cover your mouth when you yawn, sneeze, or cough

How many times have we been told to cover our mouth while yawning, sneezing, or coughing?

Well now that’s no longer an issue. Our faces are already covered so the etiquette police can give it a rest.

3.   For the ladies, no need to wear makeup

Let’s face it. Your whole face is practically concealed, so what’s the point?

Besides, who needs cosmetics when you’re working from home?

For video conferences, you can always use some of those funky makeup filters and lighting effects.

4.   Nobody has to know about those acne issues

With a mask on your face, nobody has to see those unsightly pimples, zits, or blackheads that frequently appear on the nose.

If they show up on the forehead, no problem. It’s winter, you can wear a bonnet.

5.  Shield against bad breath

You don’t have to suffer through a conversation with anyone who just ate an onion-rich sandwich for lunch. Thank God!

And anyone doesn’t have to suffer through a conversation with you after you eat an onion-rich sandwich for lunch. Praise the Lord!

Thanks to the face mask, only we will know what our own breath is like.

6.   Your nose and teeth are safe

You can talk to people without worrying if you have something stuck in your teeth or in your nose. Your only concern now is the state of your eyes.

Wearing a mask doesn’t only keep us safe from any virus. It also saves us the trouble of being self-conscious about our face, which is something quite human.

How about you? What other surprising benefits have you experienced from wearing a face mask?

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Statbel also indicates that people usually marry in their thirties and that the age difference within the couple is of 2.4 years on average.

If the number of marriages has increased, the number of divorce stays fairly stable with 23,135 registered in 2018 (+ 0.3%). On the other hand, legal cohabitation decreases by 4.4%. However, marriage remains the primary cause of legal cohabitation, says Statbel.

Finally, the duration of the marriage before divorce does not fluctuate and is still about 15 years of life together.

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