I first moved to Japan 6 years ago & theres A LOT that I’ve learned along the way 😳 While some things can be perceived as “good” or “bad,” today I’m choosing to share with you the things I love about living in Japan and whats it’s REALLY been like for me.
When I first moved, I walked in pretty blind, so I hope this video gives you some insight as to what there is to look forward to when moving to Japan as a foreigner/American.
📍 Locations in the video:
🏨 Park Hotel Tokyo
🌸 Hanegi Park
🐱 Gotokuji Temple
0:00-1:16 Are Japanese people nice to foreigners?
1:16-3:19 Nature in Japan
3:19-5:43 How respectful are the Japanese?
5:43-7:02 How safe is Japan?
7:02-9:12 What is it like being a minority in Japan?
9:12-11:14 Japanese culture from an American
11:14-12:32 Innovation
12:32-13:14 Is Japanese food good?
13:14-15:30 How do the Japanese live so long?
15:30 hot take on living abroad🔥
Thanks for watching my Japan Travel Vlog!
☀️ Instagram & Tiktok:
@wanderlustalley
☀️ All filming gear is listed in my kit:
https://kit.co/wanderlustalley
What it’s REALLY Like Living in Japan
12 Comments
Enjoy your teaching style, all things to the point. Great content.
This was an inspirational and insightful vlog. Grateful for you and your channel.
What’d I miss? ☺️
Disclaimer: these are my thoughts based on my personal experiences ☺️
Great video❤ One day you'll become a great vlogger! I believe that day is not far. Keep going💪
I love everything about Japan, except the work culture. But it has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Since the UN pointed this out, the number of female executives has increased and companies will be punished by the government if empoyees work too much. Now I'm forced to take paid holidays. good trend
Hi 👋
I always love watching your japanese experiences!
I use YouTube to catch up on news back home, and your site came up. My grandfather first introduced me to Japan when I was a young child on one of his annual trips abroad. I was so fascinated by the country, that it easily became my most visited destination over the years. This early infatuation even resulted in taking Japanese for my foreign language requirement in secondary school and university.
But visiting a country for up to a 90 day tourist visa is not the same as living there on a "long-term" basis. So on my bucket list of items that I wanted to accomplish, was the privilege of living in Japan for at least a year. After retiring early, and then completing the somewhat complicated steps (Japanese Immigration, finding a place to liv, etc.) to move to Japan on April 3rd, 2020, Japan closed her borders 3 days before my outbound flight from the states due to Covid-19. The disappointment was quite crushing. But after several months, I headed off to South Africa, which was the other remaining bucket list location that I had planned to visit long-term (after Japan). Because Japan required a lot more planning, I wasn't sure whether I would try a second time to move there. But my innate stubbornness, coincided with the reopening of the country. And in early February, I finally moved over, albeit 3 years later.
I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts, with few very minor differences (such as for me, because I have some background in the language, that advantage makes life here a little easier). I have always deeply appreciated the immense respect, cleanliness, and honesty of the culture. And although most of my life was spent in South Orange County (which the FBI recognizes as one of the safest areas in the US), I have never felt as safe as when I am in Japan.
Although, I have only been here for 2 and 1/2 months, I have enjoyed picking up on the little things that I have missed on my relatively brief "tourist" visits. One of the best aspects thus far, has been the opportunity to become acquainted with many of my neighbors. I enjoy the heartful salutations (like good morning, good day, etc.) and polite bows that reaffirm the social bonds that are integral to Japanese society (I do think my being able to speak enough Japanese probably plays a small part). And the food has been wonderful. Though I am allergic to fish (which can be an occasional issue in Japan), I am in "mochi heaven" with my favorite dessert, as I try out the different varieties and shops nearly every day. Suffice it to say, I am happy. So much so, that I will probably reapply to stay in Japan 2 more years before heading back to California to "settle down".
So thank you for your video. I definitely appreciate what you have so eloquently expressed, and will refer it to my friends and acquaintances, rather than having to explain why I will likely be spending more time in Japan.
Nice to meet you! I am a Japanese living in Tokyo. Subscribed to your channel. Thank you in advance 😊
Good luck with your work as a performer🩰✨👍🏻
Eureka! I was so annoyed when I lost your channel but happily found it again today. I just wanted to say your attitude looks etc. etc. are remarkable. Most Americans are extremely proud of their country and there is simply no "other". You on the other hand with your explorations and curiosity debunked that theory to the extent of claiming Japan as your 2nd domicile. BTW: Befuddled by your low subscription rate. Could it be your grasp of the Japanese language?
Hi I just discovered your channel and I wanted to say you have great vibes! I’m in overseas now but originally from Japan ! Happy you’re enjoying Japan!