Hey EVERYONE!! So I do have an ENTIRE Playlist full of Q&A Videos here: th-cam.com/play/PLtflILeTBlX9rix-uP8U4LDc4h5AiQhfy.html But do you have any I haven't answered yet? Or any that you think could bring some value? Leave them below!! Also... I talked about Pizza for 12 minutes straight last night and it was amazing.....
I realized after that not only were you soaked in the rain on the way back, but you must have set up the camera, and hone back out in the rain just to get that shot of you coming in dripping wet. Lol Props. Thats dedication.
Tokyo Lens I want to know where is to get some halal food in japan especially in Tokyo.because I am a Malaysian and a muslim.because japan is a food heaven if you go to a street food area
This channel is still criminally underrated. Norm consistently gifts us with such high quality content. His presentations are full of genuine excitement, childlike enjoyment, but they are never superficial and pretentious. Also he helps so many other j-tubers realising their ideas, making come reality. A lot more people should follow him and view his content.
Went to Tokyo by myself in May of 2016 as a 31st birthday present to myself. I was really nervous as I had never left the UK before, but I decided to go for it. I loved each and every day there. From walking down random back streets in Kyodo, to exploring Shinjuku and nerding it up in Akihabara. Every moment was amazing. I loved it so much that as soon as my two weeks were up and I landed back home in the UK, I immediately started saving up to go again the following year. I even managed to talk a friend in America to come. After trying to find each other for over an hour in Tokyo station, we eventually met up and had a great two weeks. Unfortunately I could not go this year due to financial constraints and poor money decisions, but for my 34th birthday? I'm headed back to Tokyo. I really want to explore the quieter temple of Jindaiji and the surrounding area (It's apparently like stepping in time back to the Edo area due to the older buildings)
Went to Tokyo and Kyoto three years ago with a friend. I loved every second of it and can't wait to get back. Next time I want to go to Osaka and Okinawa. The people were so lovely, helping, generous and kind everywhere we went.
You described why you moved to Japan so well that it reminded me of why I moved away from the US back in 1986. I moved to Germany for no reason other than that I loved the country. I lived there for 20 years and then I came back to the States in the same year that you moved to Japan, 2007. I had had the same issues as you with missing family moments and, although I came back to visit every two years, when I moved back to the US it felt like it was another foreign country I was moving to. I've been back 14 years now and yet I still have that feeling of being an expat. In many ways it opened my eyes to how people treat each other here, and in some ways I miss the unwritten rules for living in Germany. They lend stability, somehow. Thank you for answering that question so candidly. :)
The Norm origin story is such a good listen. Moving away from. family and friends is tough, moving so far away is an unimaginable challenge and it really shows how strong and determined you are with how you’ve done despite these challenges. Not that they’re insurmountable, but you’ve got so much resilience and inner strength that it’s honestly inspiring.
Welcome home! Looking forward to the upcoming videos. You never disappoint. Don't let your life get so frantic that you start to burn out, though. Take some time to sit in one of those lovely little parks in Tokyo and "let the rest of the world go by".
Spending a significant time away from family as a young adult is a serious independence and personality builder. The realization that you are a capable person who can take on challenges and come out alive (even if a little bruised) is amazing. Bravo, Norm for making that leap and for discovering what makes you happy. I wish that for everyone here. Even if it comes a little later in life, don't let fears hold you back.
Your description of visiting Japan for the first time as an appetizer is spot-on. So many things I wanted to do, but we just didn't get to. I'm counting the time until I can go back, and it seems like it keeps pushing itself out year after year. But I must go back again.
I don't watch a lot of male TH-camrs but your #1 on my list. Plus w a lot of the TH-camrs that I do watch I only watch them for specific videos, but I watch ALL of your videos. Thank you for that! One of my greatest inspirations to start my own channel!
Tokyo Lens No, thank you! I’ll let u know more about it when I know as well😂. Just kidding, it’ll definitely be about exploring my many different passions in life , from small to big ones & hopefully enjoying it!
I'm always excited to see your videos! Nice how you combined the vlog with answering some questions. I'd love to see some of your old footage and I'm wondering, how much has Japan and your views and experiences changed? And how has that changed you? Also I totally understand that you get distracted by the pretty light, the sun and the airplanes! When I drive somewhere at sunrise or sunset, it looks so so pretty and I always have to make sure I concentrate on the street and not get disctracted. Luckily there isn't much traffic, pretty much empty roads here, so sometimes I can drive slowly and enjoy the view a little. ☀
I love your insights. Just think-people leave their homes knowing they will probably never see their families or friends again. Your hard work and daring are making you a wonderful example of things going right. If you ever get to the states, try the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I live somewhat close to there. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Wow, have been going through all your video's, nice to see a fellow Canadian over here. I also love Matsuyama and the southern prefectures of Japan. The shopping center in Kokura is called River Walk my wife and I have been several times. Keep up the good work, your channel has become my new favorite channel to watch about Japanese life.
I just spent a week and only got a taste of Tokyo, it has set off a thirst for more, I checked out a lot of the bigger areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ginza, and some of the more off the grid places like Shimokitazawa and Hibiya. It was my first expedition outside of Europe and I don’t think it will be long until I’m back.
That pic you showed is something I love about Japan because of that juxtaposition you bring up . Also I didn’t realize that staying in Ueno I’d be within walking distance to Asakusa and Akihabara ! 😍 Happy to here the upcoming videos are pretty set in and can’t wait to see them ! Glad you made it back to Japan safe and hope you have a good day !
This is amazing, and also ... relatable. Personal development especially. The act of stepping so far away. Builds you up - even if it kind of bonks you on the head a bit too.
Norm, we are such a mirror image of each other. You moved to Japan from Canada in 2007, and I moved to Toronto, ON, Canada from Japan that year. In many ways, you are more Japanese than I am, and I often discover things in Japan vicariously through your viewpoints. I really enjoyed this vlog. Thanks.
Your videos are so much fun to watch! You have a fantastic camera presence and very natural style. I’m finding myself getting wrapped up for hours watching different videos of yours. I’ve wanted to visit Japan since childhood. When I was in the third grade, I became best friends with a Japanese boy whose family had just moved to Texas from Tokyo. He would tell me about Japan and it sounded magical to me. I loved spending time with his family and learning about Japanese culture, manners, food. Unfortunately, some pretty serious health issues have probably brought my days of overseas travel to an end. I’m fortunate enough to have traveled fairly extensively throughout my life - multiple trips to many parts of Europe as well as a couple of trips to Australia - and I made it back to Paris a few years ago right as my health started to deteriorate. I’ve never made it to Japan, though. Watching your videos is the next best thing, since you’re showing me places I’d never get to see even if I could travel there. Our son keeps trying to get us to come with him to Japan; he works for Walt Disney World and can get us hotel rooms at Tokyo Disneyland for free, so we’d have a free place to stay there. Oh, well. I’ll keep watching your videos.
Man its a really generic thing to say and you must hear it all the time, but you really are an inspiration... The courage to take that leap into a completly different life and truly making it work, just really impressive stuff Norm
I enjoy your point of view about your life & adventures. Getting to know you & your life is fun. It makes my day better to see what you are doing. I can’t wait for the next one. ✅ love it.
Ah, your closing comment! I can totally relate. I've taken enough globe-trotting flights to know that feeling of just *needing* to get into that warm water and get clean. Anyway, it's good to be back watching your videos. I've had a really busy month and haven't been able to keep up, and I've missed your storytelling. 🤗
KOKURA !! I lived there over 10 yrs (Gr.6~early 20s) & was the most wonderful school years with friends still in touch even now I'm in over seas(Canada). People are warm & friendly, good food & old & new buildings & it's culture...
My absolute special place in Japan. Right behind the Izumo Taisha behind the grand shrine very early in the morning where the rabbits are looking at the shrine. Be there for a moment and enjoy the birds singing. It just feels like being inside a Japanese tale. ☺️☺️☺️🇯🇵
My personal tradition is a butaman from the convenience store at the airport. When I had a long layover in Haneda once (4 hours or so) I walked to a nearby onsen and took the bus back after.
I scrolled all the way down and found this video❤ I absolutely agree about the accessibility of the Ueno to Akihabara area, it’s a great spot to live! I used to live in Akihabara for a short while in between jobs, right hear Yodobashi, but it was awesome walking around the Electronic Street at 5 AM. As a Japanese it makes me so glad to hear that you found happiness here in Japan. Thank you for delivering happiness to all of us too❤
I hope you got the beef bowl that you wanted. Can't wait for your next visit on TH-cam!!! I absolutely love watching you and your many adventures. Thanks for taking us along on your trip home. Until your next visit!! 💖 💕
You've really hit me with this one. I moved back to the states a while ago and I love watching your videos and feeling homesick for Tokyo. You really nailed what I've been going through on this one.
Hi Norm. My normal TH-cam search is of MMA, Boxing, Street Fighting, Firearms & Football. TH-cam recommend your video, so I watched out of curiosity. Nice Vids man. My mom was a ryokyoku singer in the 50's and played the shamisen. I thought it was a dead art and that no one knew what a shamisen was. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive. Much Respect.
The Norm origin story, love the insights here. I regret that my overseas travel has not been expanded upon in the last few years though I was lucky that my first international trip was flying to China in 2014. That's probably when my interest in East Asian cultures started.
Great video as always. I agree with the Shamisen player who said returning to Japan is calming .... I know I always feel that outside arrivals at Haneda as I know the madness is over and it's time to relax. Then it's just what restaurants I like and shops I want to go to should I hit up first ...
Seeing you in Beijing airport has just got me extra pumped for my trip to Japan at the end of this month! I always go via beijing, their security is no joke, even if you dont have a ridiculous amount of tech, I've queued for 90+ mins! When they said it was calming returning to Japan, I can't wait for that feeling again... Having watched your videos for about a year now, its kept me going since my last trip but its also made me itching to explore places I wouldn't have considered going before, Shikoku isn't happening this trip but its for sure on my bucket list now!
@@TokyoLens I didn't think it had been that long, time really flys! I'm spending my birthday in Numazu, Shizuoka down by the sea, thats definitely what I'm most looking forward to!
MATSUYA!!! Yes, that is one of my must every time I get back from Japan. Usually it is like this, after the customs I get a bottle of green tea and a onigiri (umeboshi flavor). Then after leaving my bag that the hotel and taken a shower, I always go to a Matsuya to get a gyudon with kimchi ♥ ,,, then I go and get a cold beer or two at my friends tiny bar (in Nishiarai, adachi-ku). Hey Norm, if you are coming by South Sweden (city of Malmo) or Copenhagen in Denmark, give me a shout out and I will treat you to some cold brewski :)
Thank you for another great video. Being in Japan for the first time and experiencing the train network is challenging. But let me say, the station staff are amazing. Coming from Australia the quietness of the commuters is nice. I use zip lock bags when I travel. You can push the air out and they flat pack. Pop the seal when you arrive and everything is dry and ready to go.
Travelling somewhere for the first time has that appetizer effect on me almost every single time. I have fallen in love with Norway and I have been there for 5 times already (2 and 3 times in the same place, two different places) and I still want to return. And I still feel that I have so much to see and experience in Norway - and I'm sure the case is same if/when I manage to finally travel to Japan. I don't have any traditions per se when returning to my own country after travelling but there's one thing I always have to pack with me when travelling; salty liquorice. I can never find the right sort while abroad and it's definitely something I miss every time (rye bread is also something I miss and crave when I cannot have it).
Hey Norm. Looks like you had a great time in Tuscany. Tradition: We always arrive in Tokyo and take the shinkansen down to Kyoto. Our first meal is always gyudon at the corner Sukiya near our hostel (there is just something about thin sliced saucy meat over rice). I love that your excitement and enthusiasm are as strong as ever, and glad that work is keeping you busy. Been missing Tokyo Tuesday, keep those vids coming :)
I like the way that you shot this video and used different locations to answer the questions and when you asked the guys about how they feel about being home the answers they gave sums up what home should feel like. I hope next time you travel you get a extra day or two so you can see more of where you are :) Is there any plans to meet up/visit Sharla?
Loved this video. You’re so self aware and articulate. It was very interesting to hear your story. I’m looking forward to your next video! Thanks so much!
Nice video! I'm sure our two weeks in Tokyo will only be an introduction to the country as well. My husband and I also want to visit Kyoto or Osaka, perhaps on another trip. Glad you mentioned Asakusa as a good place to stay! We're staying in the area when we come next year! Thanks for the great content!
We spent over a month in Tokyo and that still only felt like an introduction lol. We're content creators too and there's so much to see in just Tokyo! You'll love Kyoto, it's just out of this world!
Hey Norm, I just want to start off by saying my wife and I love watching your channel, it's so insightful and beautiful seeing all the places you go. I wanted to ask you, in your experience what would you say was the best way for you to learn another language. I'm sure you living in a different country/culture probably really helped a lot. Thanks for the amazing content and I can't wait for more, Tommy.
I was really lucky to have my host family drive me out to shikoku from Kobe - was a really wonderful and breath-taking trip! - thanks for the content though! - learning a lot through diving through your videos and theyre really wholesome and inspiring :)
Smart watch alarms are for light sleepers.... that thing can give me a shock of electricity and won’t work for me. Great video ... next time show us your fishes 🍣🍤🍚🥟
Lol I’d say the Apple Watch is actually surprisingly strong My old smart watches couldn’t wake me up for a phone call lol. But this bad boy does the trick haha And I did show the fish! Didn’t watch the whole thing? Lol 😉
I miss Japan as soon as I board the airplane to leave. I hate that feeling! That's why I decided to move to Japan next year, as soon as I figure out how to make it work.
Must be a great feeling coming off that last plane ride. Good to see you're having fun as always! I've actually never tested my watch alarm... I just always wake up early enough since I usually work a later shift lol
I like the idea of challenging yourself. It's a great way to help you grow as a person. I've decided that I want to do the same. I hope it will bring new experiences and added joy to my life.
I've been to Japan twice (and want to go back again) and my wife's and my tradition is to begin and end the trip by going to that small but delicious ramen shop in Shibuya (next to McDonalds) 😉
Love your videos and pictures. Two years ago me and some friends rented an apartment in one of the highrises next to Ueno Zoo. We lived there for 2 weeks. I miss Japan and it's awesome people. Please make more vlogs about Ueno and areas around in the future.
Asakusa is really a nice area to stay for first time Tokyo travelers. We went to Japan this Sep/Oct for 16 days and Tokyo was the last stop. Yet husby wasn't feeling well on the second day after taking night pictures of Sensoji under the rain. So I did get a chance to get lost in the alleyways and walk along the riverside alone on a Saturday afternoon. The difference between tourist and local areas are really just a sidestep away. Would love to go back again but it will be at least after the Olympics. :(
Thank you so much for sharing with us your love for Japan and all the awesome local nooks and crannies. Because of your videos, my bf and I will be staying in Asakusa this coming May for a week and will definitely rent a bike to all the beautiful places you have suggested
Another Canadian heading back to Japan next month. Super exvcited. This time with my Japanese/Canadian girlfriend. I miss the Calbee Nori chips more than anything. Great video series by the way!
So agree with "first travel to Japan is like appetizer", I visited Japan firs time last year , I returned in May and I plan to return next year. If you made it to Belgium one day that would be great to show around (if you have time outside of work of cours haha)
Agreed. Spent holidays there last year, never wanted to go, but now trying to figure out when I can go back. Separate note, what was up with the guy dressing in the airport as you walked by?
I went in sept. '17 for the first time (our honeymoon) and returned this year in may/june 🤣 can totally relate 😉 And I still want to go back again 😅 P.s. Hello neighbour, I'm from Luxembourg 😉
Great video Norm! :) Glad you had a safe and uneventful trip back.....well, if you can call your hour visit with customs uneventful, maybe a little hiccup. :) I look forward to your next video! Have a great Friday, but sleep first. lol :)
Really enjoyed this video. You did give me some insight on how to actually survive in Tokyo which I really appreciate because I'm probably going on a trip with a friend to Tokyo for 5 days. And I'm doing all the research and learning new stuff about Tokyo and Japan in general. This Tokyo trip I will have is actually my first time going out of my country I've never been outside from my country but I know deep inside me that I really really want to travel and since I'm doing photography for some quite time now I realized that Tokyo could be place for me because the overall vibe and people and everything about it is so chill and moody, that's the stuff I'm looking for, I'm shooting those moody photos and since I'm learning about Japan and Tokyo online sometimes I get that feeling a little bit like, damn that's actually amazing but how does it feel to actually experience it. I'm still scared till this day of how the things will come out in the future because I'm kinda in a " bad " situation with finances and all that. I'm doing photography as a part-time job and I still don't have full-time job and I just finished technical college of something that I don't even want to be doing. I'm currently struggling on finding a job and actually start earning some money for this first-time trip to Tokyo. I'm constantly learning new stuff about Tokyo as I said earlier so I really thank you for this Q&A you did gave me some information about it and since you're doing these types of vlogs in Tokyo, Japan really gives me value and I appreciate that a ton. Thank you so much =)
Yes! A chatty Norm vlog!! 😊 You seem to be so busy lately, that's awesome!! How are you finding the "free from corporate shackles" life? Hope you're getting lots of great opportunities coming your way! ~ Also, so funny how easily distracted you get by the scenery around you lol ~
The Matsuya gyudon ritual, YES. On my first two stays in Japan I had kind of a katsudon ritual, first and last meal in Japan happend always to be katsudon. But on my third and last stay in Tokyo I developed a new one. Coming back from all my trips around Japan the first thing I needed was Matsuya gyudon. I don't know what kind of potion are they putting inside the food, but it's working.
Anyone who watches the livestreams knows how distracted you get. All beautiful and interesting stuff everywhere :D I'm the same though. It's the biggest reason I can't focus on talking to anyone just on phone. I need to see the person I talk to, or I get distracted by everything else and can't listen.
I didn‘t know you had fish at home! Would love to see them (if you haven’t shown them already) :) The Beijin airport looked so nice, other airports are always extremely interesting and it’s nice if you get to see such an amazing sunset. I think your reason for coming to japan is really nice, it’s a new way of thinking for me and an interesting philosophy. Would love to see 12 year old footage, I think you even mentioned it before in a livestream ^~^ And i hope you don‘t catch a cold after being caught in the rain!
Oooo answered so much in this! Thank you~ Also The fish ARE in this episode lol I just left them in a spot that only ppl who watched the whoooole thing would see lol And yea! I have that footage now! So I might be doing something with it!
Ooh after watching the whole video you had mentioned asking more questions, so I had always wondered how you come up with such great shot ideas and layouts of your videos. Example; when you walk into a place you already have the camera set up, or when you are talking in one place and then go back to the beginning of the day to finish what you were
hmmm Kinda hard to answer but Ill try to do it here its really all about what tells the story the most in that moment also.. confession: 9 times out of 10 I cant hold the camera steady to save my life lol, so I try to set it up whenever I can as for the rest, It just comes from me wanting to make the story as appealing, unique, or surprising as possible basically, you share your time... I want to make it worth it! hope that helps!
Hey EVERYONE!!
So I do have an ENTIRE Playlist full of Q&A Videos here: th-cam.com/play/PLtflILeTBlX9rix-uP8U4LDc4h5AiQhfy.html
But do you have any I haven't answered yet? Or any that you think could bring some value? Leave them below!!
Also... I talked about Pizza for 12 minutes straight last night and it was amazing.....
Do you have a new job since you quit your old one?
here: th-cam.com/video/5lsZo6MzEAk/w-d-xo.html
Cheers!
I realized after that not only were you soaked in the rain on the way back, but you must have set up the camera, and hone back out in the rain just to get that shot of you coming in dripping wet. Lol Props. Thats dedication.
Tokyo Lens I want to know where is to get some halal food in japan especially in Tokyo.because I am a Malaysian and a muslim.because japan is a food heaven if you go to a street food area
Where is the cheapest hotel to stay near Disney sea and Disney world?
If you come to London I'd love to meet you, I can show you round.
😀👍👍
This channel is still criminally underrated.
Norm consistently gifts us with such high quality content. His presentations are full of genuine excitement, childlike enjoyment, but they are never superficial and pretentious.
Also he helps so many other j-tubers realising their ideas, making come reality.
A lot more people should follow him and view his content.
I’ve used exactly the same phrase. It baffles me still.
I agree
Went to Tokyo by myself in May of 2016 as a 31st birthday present to myself. I was really nervous as I had never left the UK before, but I decided to go for it.
I loved each and every day there. From walking down random back streets in Kyodo, to exploring Shinjuku and nerding it up in Akihabara. Every moment was amazing.
I loved it so much that as soon as my two weeks were up and I landed back home in the UK, I immediately started saving up to go again the following year. I even managed to talk a friend in America to come. After trying to find each other for over an hour in Tokyo station, we eventually met up and had a great two weeks.
Unfortunately I could not go this year due to financial constraints and poor money decisions, but for my 34th birthday? I'm headed back to Tokyo. I really want to explore the quieter temple of Jindaiji and the surrounding area (It's apparently like stepping in time back to the Edo area due to the older buildings)
Sorry you missed out this year. The tourism is almost non-existent due to COVID. I live near Kamakura and it is dead when comparing to pre-COVID.
This is so inspiring to read to me, as it’s somewhere I wanted to go by myself. Makes it seem doable!
@@AzzaYCF It is 100% doable. If a social introvert like me can fly halfway round the world by himself then so can you. Go for it!
Went to Tokyo and Kyoto three years ago with a friend. I loved every second of it and can't wait to get back. Next time I want to go to Osaka and Okinawa. The people were so lovely, helping, generous and kind everywhere we went.
You described why you moved to Japan so well that it reminded me of why I moved away from the US back in 1986. I moved to Germany for no reason other than that I loved the country. I lived there for 20 years and then I came back to the States in the same year that you moved to Japan, 2007. I had had the same issues as you with missing family moments and, although I came back to visit every two years, when I moved back to the US it felt like it was another foreign country I was moving to. I've been back 14 years now and yet I still have that feeling of being an expat. In many ways it opened my eyes to how people treat each other here, and in some ways I miss the unwritten rules for living in Germany. They lend stability, somehow.
Thank you for answering that question so candidly. :)
日本を好きでいてくれてありがとうこざいます💫💫
もちろんです！
Thank you for watching! (^-^)
Literally packing for Tokyo as I watch this. Always enjoy your videos, and really appreciate the time you put into your videography.
John, that is insanely exciting!!
I hope your trip is magnificent!
The Norm origin story is such a good listen. Moving away from. family and friends is tough, moving so far away is an unimaginable challenge and it really shows how strong and determined you are with how you’ve done despite these challenges. Not that they’re insurmountable, but you’ve got so much resilience and inner strength that it’s honestly inspiring.
Welcome home! Looking forward to the upcoming videos. You never disappoint.
Don't let your life get so frantic that you start to burn out, though.
Take some time to sit in one of those lovely little parks in Tokyo and "let the rest of the world go by".
Love that~ thanks!
Would love to see the old footage! Also, I'm moving to Tokyo in a few weeks!! Maybe see you around, eh? :D
fingers crossed!!
And? How did it go? Are you in Tokyo right now?
So hows Tokyo?
Lol this was 2 years ago but it’s been great. I love living in Tokyo!
@@ZacharyCarthair Can i ask how were you able to move permanently?
This channel always takes me to such a happy place mentally, watching these older videos feel so nostalgic!
Spending a significant time away from family as a young adult is a serious independence and personality builder. The realization that you are a capable person who can take on challenges and come out alive (even if a little bruised) is amazing. Bravo, Norm for making that leap and for discovering what makes you happy. I wish that for everyone here. Even if it comes a little later in life, don't let fears hold you back.
Thank you so much and I really agree with that!
I dont think I would be who I am today without that experience
This comment, though old - has just filled me with renewed vigor. thank you
Your description of visiting Japan for the first time as an appetizer is spot-on. So many things I wanted to do, but we just didn't get to. I'm counting the time until I can go back, and it seems like it keeps pushing itself out year after year. But I must go back again.
I don't watch a lot of male TH-camrs but your #1 on my list. Plus w a lot of the TH-camrs that I do watch I only watch them for specific videos, but I watch ALL of your videos. Thank you for that! One of my greatest inspirations to start my own channel!
This is so kind~ and I can’t accurately express how much that means to me~
Thank you so much!!
Also
Very interested to know more about your channel!
Tokyo Lens No, thank you! I’ll let u know more about it when I know as well😂. Just kidding, it’ll definitely be about exploring my many different passions in life , from small to big ones & hopefully enjoying it!
I'm always excited to see your videos! Nice how you combined the vlog with answering some questions. I'd love to see some of your old footage and I'm wondering, how much has Japan and your views and experiences changed? And how has that changed you?
Also I totally understand that you get distracted by the pretty light, the sun and the airplanes! When I drive somewhere at sunrise or sunset, it looks so so pretty and I always have to make sure I concentrate on the street and not get disctracted. Luckily there isn't much traffic, pretty much empty roads here, so sometimes I can drive slowly and enjoy the view a little. ☀
Sooo true... I’ve been to Japan twice and I’m already planning my next trip! If I could move there I would!! 🙏🏻
Awesome work as always Norm 🤘🏻
Cant wait for your next trip! You know I will be there! lol
I love your insights. Just think-people leave their homes knowing they will probably never see their families or friends again. Your hard work and daring are making you a wonderful example of things going right. If you ever get to the states, try the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I live somewhat close to there. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Airports during sunrise are sooo beautiful! cozy video :)
Right?! Love that light and color
Thanks Tori!
Wow, have been going through all your video's, nice to see a fellow Canadian over here. I also love Matsuyama and the southern prefectures of Japan. The shopping center in Kokura is called River Walk my wife and I have been several times. Keep up the good work, your channel has become my new favorite channel to watch about Japanese life.
I just spent a week and only got a taste of Tokyo, it has set off a thirst for more, I checked out a lot of the bigger areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ginza, and some of the more off the grid places like Shimokitazawa and Hibiya. It was my first expedition outside of Europe and I don’t think it will be long until I’m back.
That pic you showed is something I love about Japan because of that juxtaposition you bring up . Also I didn’t realize that staying in Ueno I’d be within walking distance to Asakusa and Akihabara ! 😍
Happy to here the upcoming videos are pretty set in and can’t wait to see them ! Glad you made it back to Japan safe and hope you have a good day !
YES!! to all of that
and yea
Ueno/Asakusa is the perfect place to stay!
This is amazing, and also ... relatable. Personal development especially. The act of stepping so far away. Builds you up - even if it kind of bonks you on the head a bit too.
Norm, we are such a mirror image of each other. You moved to Japan from Canada in 2007, and I moved to Toronto, ON, Canada from Japan that year. In many ways, you are more Japanese than I am, and I often discover things in Japan vicariously through your viewpoints. I really enjoyed this vlog. Thanks.
A pleasant surprise to receive a "like" on this comment after 10 months! Hope that it is getting cooler in Tokyo and that things are in good order.
I try to catch up on my backlog of comments whenever I can lol
Sorry it took a while! Haha
Packing cubes are a life saver! Even though you are travelling for work, I hope that you are still enjoying getting to see new places!
Thank you Cassandra~
Hi Norm , I love watching your, your enthusiasm for life and excitement for what’s coming up next is so great to see it makes me smile 😀
Thank you so much!
Your videos are so much fun to watch! You have a fantastic camera presence and very natural style. I’m finding myself getting wrapped up for hours watching different videos of yours.
I’ve wanted to visit Japan since childhood. When I was in the third grade, I became best friends with a Japanese boy whose family had just moved to Texas from Tokyo. He would tell me about Japan and it sounded magical to me. I loved spending time with his family and learning about Japanese culture, manners, food.
Unfortunately, some pretty serious health issues have probably brought my days of overseas travel to an end. I’m fortunate enough to have traveled fairly extensively throughout my life - multiple trips to many parts of Europe as well as a couple of trips to Australia - and I made it back to Paris a few years ago right as my health started to deteriorate. I’ve never made it to Japan, though. Watching your videos is the next best thing, since you’re showing me places I’d never get to see even if I could travel there.
Our son keeps trying to get us to come with him to Japan; he works for Walt Disney World and can get us hotel rooms at Tokyo Disneyland for free, so we’d have a free place to stay there. Oh, well. I’ll keep watching your videos.
Man its a really generic thing to say and you must hear it all the time, but you really are an inspiration... The courage to take that leap into a completly different life and truly making it work, just really impressive stuff Norm
I agree about how accessible Tokyo is by train , i thought it would be a bit difficult but actually really easy to get around everywhere
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Norm! :) that Beijing Sunrise looked absolutely gorgeous.
really was!
I enjoy your point of view about your life & adventures. Getting to know you & your life is fun. It makes my day better to see what you are doing. I can’t wait for the next one. ✅ love it.
My day is now complete with a Tokyo Lens video
Ah, your closing comment! I can totally relate. I've taken enough globe-trotting flights to know that feeling of just *needing* to get into that warm water and get clean.
Anyway, it's good to be back watching your videos. I've had a really busy month and haven't been able to keep up, and I've missed your storytelling. 🤗
Glad to have you back~
I love that you had a little cameo by your fish! (I love seeing people's pets.)
KOKURA !! I lived there over 10 yrs (Gr.6~early 20s) & was the most wonderful school years with friends still in touch even now I'm in over seas(Canada). People are warm & friendly, good food & old & new buildings & it's culture...
I love the style of old east-asian buildings. I really would love to see these oneday.
My absolute special place in Japan.
Right behind the Izumo Taisha behind the grand shrine very early in the morning where the rabbits are looking at the shrine.
Be there for a moment and enjoy the birds singing.
It just feels like being inside a Japanese tale. ☺️☺️☺️🇯🇵
My personal tradition is a butaman from the convenience store at the airport. When I had a long layover in Haneda once (4 hours or so) I walked to a nearby onsen and took the bus back after.
You did a very wise decision to move there in Japan. Japan is a screaming adventure, great food ann awesome Tech community.
I scrolled all the way down and found this video❤ I absolutely agree about the accessibility of the Ueno to Akihabara area, it’s a great spot to live! I used to live in Akihabara for a short while in between jobs, right hear Yodobashi, but it was awesome walking around the Electronic Street at 5 AM. As a Japanese it makes me so glad to hear that you found happiness here in Japan. Thank you for delivering happiness to all of us too❤
I hope you got the beef bowl that you wanted. Can't wait for your next visit on TH-cam!!! I absolutely love watching you and your many adventures. Thanks for taking us along on your trip home. Until your next visit!! 💖 💕
Looks like you had a good trip. It is always nice to come home from a trip. I just got back from Japan with my family and we had a wonderful time.
You've really hit me with this one. I moved back to the states a while ago and I love watching your videos and feeling homesick for Tokyo. You really nailed what I've been going through on this one.
Hi Norm. My normal TH-cam search is of MMA, Boxing, Street Fighting, Firearms & Football. TH-cam recommend your video, so I watched out of curiosity. Nice Vids man. My mom was a ryokyoku singer in the 50's and played the shamisen. I thought it was a dead art and that no one knew what a shamisen was. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive. Much Respect.
This was really inspirational when I think about moving to Japan one day. Thank you
Looking forward to the yet to come exciting stuff!
The Norm origin story, love the insights here. I regret that my overseas travel has not been expanded upon in the last few years though I was lucky that my first international trip was flying to China in 2014. That's probably when my interest in East Asian cultures started.
new travel hack that i did not know about...to ask about the un-used 1st class travel pouches!
Great video as always. I agree with the Shamisen player who said returning to Japan is calming .... I know I always feel that outside arrivals at Haneda as I know the madness is over and it's time to relax.
Then it's just what restaurants I like and shops I want to go to should I hit up first ...
TIM!
Completely agreed~
Something very calming about that arrival in Japan~
Seeing you in Beijing airport has just got me extra pumped for my trip to Japan at the end of this month! I always go via beijing, their security is no joke, even if you dont have a ridiculous amount of tech, I've queued for 90+ mins!
When they said it was calming returning to Japan, I can't wait for that feeling again...
Having watched your videos for about a year now, its kept me going since my last trip but its also made me itching to explore places I wouldn't have considered going before, Shikoku isn't happening this trip but its for sure on my bucket list now!
Michaela~ Wow!! Has it already been a year! Thank you so much
what are you looking forward to the most on this trip?
@@TokyoLens I didn't think it had been that long, time really flys! I'm spending my birthday in Numazu, Shizuoka down by the sea, thats definitely what I'm most looking forward to!
So exciting!!
Happy early birthday and I hope it’s the best yet!! I’m genuinely excited!
@@TokyoLens Thank you so much!
MATSUYA!!! Yes, that is one of my must every time I get back from Japan. Usually it is like this, after the customs I get a bottle of green tea and a onigiri (umeboshi flavor). Then after leaving my bag that the hotel and taken a shower, I always go to a Matsuya to get a gyudon with kimchi ♥ ,,, then I go and get a cold beer or two at my friends tiny bar (in Nishiarai, adachi-ku).
Hey Norm, if you are coming by South Sweden (city of Malmo) or Copenhagen in Denmark, give me a shout out and I will treat you to some cold brewski :)
Been waiting a bit for this one, great video
Thanks for this. Really like the little insights and moments you share!
Thank you!!
Usually I might have a question. But here goes. Just saying Congrats on the tour Norm. And I am glad you came home to Japan safely.
Thank you for another great video. Being in Japan for the first time and experiencing the train network is challenging. But let me say, the station staff are amazing.
Coming from Australia the quietness of the commuters is nice.
I use zip lock bags when I travel. You can push the air out and they flat pack. Pop the seal when you arrive and everything is dry and ready to go.
Great video, thansk for sharing some personal things as well as really cool tips and tricks in traveling!
Travelling somewhere for the first time has that appetizer effect on me almost every single time. I have fallen in love with Norway and I have been there for 5 times already (2 and 3 times in the same place, two different places) and I still want to return. And I still feel that I have so much to see and experience in Norway - and I'm sure the case is same if/when I manage to finally travel to Japan. I don't have any traditions per se when returning to my own country after travelling but there's one thing I always have to pack with me when travelling; salty liquorice. I can never find the right sort while abroad and it's definitely something I miss every time (rye bread is also something I miss and crave when I cannot have it).
Hey Norm. Looks like you had a great time in Tuscany. Tradition: We always arrive in Tokyo and take the shinkansen down to Kyoto. Our first meal is always gyudon at the corner Sukiya near our hostel (there is just something about thin sliced saucy meat over rice). I love that your excitement and enthusiasm are as strong as ever, and glad that work is keeping you busy. Been missing Tokyo Tuesday, keep those vids coming :)
Guess what....
Recording Tokyo Tuesday TODAY!!!!
thats right.... its coming back!
Another awesome vlog Norm. I loved all of the answers you gave.
I like the way that you shot this video and used different locations to answer the questions and when you asked the guys about how they feel about being home the answers they gave sums up what home should feel like. I hope next time you travel you get a extra day or two so you can see more of where you are :) Is there any plans to meet up/visit Sharla?
Yea~ Getting an extra day or two would be like a dream!!
First night discovering your vlog, looking forward to more informative tidbits about Japan.
Loved this video. You’re so self aware and articulate. It was very interesting to hear your story. I’m looking forward to your next video! Thanks so much!
lol thank you Colleen~
The articulation really comes in the edit lol
if you have ever listened to the Tokyo Lens Podcast, you will know! haha
いや〜、東京の事を語るにつけ、動画を見るにつけ、心が痛むほど恋しくて懐かしくなる。でも、正直でいつもありがとう！
Nice video! I'm sure our two weeks in Tokyo will only be an introduction to the country as well. My husband and I also want to visit Kyoto or Osaka, perhaps on another trip. Glad you mentioned Asakusa as a good place to stay! We're staying in the area when we come next year! Thanks for the great content!
We spent over a month in Tokyo and that still only felt like an introduction lol. We're content creators too and there's so much to see in just Tokyo! You'll love Kyoto, it's just out of this world!
Woke up to see such a good video! Thanks norm.
Thank YOU!
Hey Norm, I just want to start off by saying my wife and I love watching your channel, it's so insightful and beautiful seeing all the places you go. I wanted to ask you, in your experience what would you say was the best way for you to learn another language. I'm sure you living in a different country/culture probably really helped a lot. Thanks for the amazing content and I can't wait for more, Tommy.
I was really lucky to have my host family drive me out to shikoku from Kobe - was a really wonderful and breath-taking trip! - thanks for the content though! - learning a lot through diving through your videos and theyre really wholesome and inspiring :)
if your excited ,it will be great!
Smart watch alarms are for light sleepers.... that thing can give me a shock of electricity and won’t work for me.
Great video ... next time show us your fishes 🍣🍤🍚🥟
Lol I’d say the Apple Watch is actually surprisingly strong
My old smart watches couldn’t wake me up for a phone call lol. But this bad boy does the trick haha
And I did show the fish!
Didn’t watch the whole thing? Lol 😉
I put my phone on my face while I sleep 😴
I miss Japan as soon as I board the airplane to leave. I hate that feeling! That's why I decided to move to Japan next year, as soon as I figure out how to make it work.
Thank you for this video
I really love your positive attitude. Great video BTW
I've been binging your videos and I'm so envious of 2018 you. I can't wait to travel and see the world. Especially Japan :>
Must be a great feeling coming off that last plane ride. Good to see you're having fun as always! I've actually never tested my watch alarm... I just always wake up early enough since I usually work a later shift lol
27 hours straight of travel hahaha
felt GREAT to get home lol
Love the old intro. My watching adventure seems to have deviated from the food content I'd queued up to a Q&A. *shrug* this is good too.
That packing strategy is clever, especially when you said you got searched at customs...dang that had to be a relief!
hahaha yea
they literally emptied out all of my bags
which was fine because I just had to put pouches back in haha
I like the idea of challenging yourself. It's a great way to help you grow as a person. I've decided that I want to do the same. I hope it will bring new experiences and added joy to my life.
I've been to Japan twice (and want to go back again) and my wife's and my tradition is to begin and end the trip by going to that small but delicious ramen shop in Shibuya (next to McDonalds) 😉
Love your videos and pictures. Two years ago me and some friends rented an apartment in one of the highrises next to Ueno Zoo. We lived there for 2 weeks. I miss Japan and it's awesome people. Please make more vlogs about Ueno and areas around in the future.
You asked what is our fav thing quirky little thing... mine is 7-11 tuna mayo onigiri!
love it!
Glad to know you made it safely home!:) And yes, I'd be interested to see 12-years-old footage!😁 lots of love from Luxembourg 😊❤
Asakusa is really a nice area to stay for first time Tokyo travelers. We went to Japan this Sep/Oct for 16 days and Tokyo was the last stop. Yet husby wasn't feeling well on the second day after taking night pictures of Sensoji under the rain. So I did get a chance to get lost in the alleyways and walk along the riverside alone on a Saturday afternoon. The difference between tourist and local areas are really just a sidestep away. Would love to go back again but it will be at least after the Olympics. :(
Loved this video; good editing. Good story telling and continuity while traveling.
Thank you so much for sharing with us your love for Japan and all the awesome local nooks and crannies. Because of your videos, my bf and I will be staying in Asakusa this coming May for a week and will definitely rent a bike to all the beautiful places you have suggested
Another Canadian heading back to Japan next month. Super exvcited. This time with my Japanese/Canadian girlfriend. I miss the Calbee Nori chips more than anything. Great video series by the way!
8:15 You're more virtuous than I. Long distance is the most convenient excuse to pass on weddings, funerals, and "important family events."
So agree with "first travel to Japan is like appetizer", I visited Japan firs time last year , I returned in May and I plan to return next year. If you made it to Belgium one day that would be great to show around (if you have time outside of work of cours haha)
It's so hard to only go once... lol
And if I ever make it to Belgium, you will know!!
Agreed. Spent holidays there last year, never wanted to go, but now trying to figure out when I can go back. Separate note, what was up with the guy dressing in the airport as you walked by?
Beth Rozinek lol give me the time stamp!!
Beth Rozinek LMFAO I JUST FOUND IT hahaha pure gold
I went in sept. '17 for the first time (our honeymoon) and returned this year in may/june 🤣 can totally relate 😉
And I still want to go back again 😅
P.s. Hello neighbour, I'm from Luxembourg 😉
Great video Norm! :) Glad you had a safe and uneventful trip back.....well, if you can call your hour visit with customs uneventful, maybe a little hiccup. :) I look forward to your next video! Have a great Friday, but sleep first. lol :)
Thanks for sharing about why you moved to Japan!
Really enjoyed this video. You did give me some insight on how to actually survive in Tokyo which I really appreciate because I'm probably going on a trip with a friend to Tokyo for 5 days. And I'm doing all the research and learning new stuff about Tokyo and Japan in general. This Tokyo trip I will have is actually my first time going out of my country I've never been outside from my country but I know deep inside me that I really really want to travel and since I'm doing photography for some quite time now I realized that Tokyo could be place for me because the overall vibe and people and everything about it is so chill and moody, that's the stuff I'm looking for, I'm shooting those moody photos and since I'm learning about Japan and Tokyo online sometimes I get that feeling a little bit like, damn that's actually amazing but how does it feel to actually experience it. I'm still scared till this day of how the things will come out in the future because I'm kinda in a " bad " situation with finances and all that. I'm doing photography as a part-time job and I still don't have full-time job and I just finished technical college of something that I don't even want to be doing. I'm currently struggling on finding a job and actually start earning some money for this first-time trip to Tokyo. I'm constantly learning new stuff about Tokyo as I said earlier so I really thank you for this Q&A you did gave me some information about it and since you're doing these types of vlogs in Tokyo, Japan really gives me value and I appreciate that a ton. Thank you so much =)
Yes! A chatty Norm vlog!! 😊 You seem to be so busy lately, that's awesome!! How are you finding the "free from corporate shackles" life? Hope you're getting lots of great opportunities coming your way! ~ Also, so funny how easily distracted you get by the scenery around you lol ~
honestly its been about 35x busier than I expected (and I was expecting busy!)
but its been so much better~
@@TokyoLens Good to hear that it's much better 😊 And that you're busy! Keep building the Tokyo Lens empire!!!
The Matsuya gyudon ritual, YES.
On my first two stays in Japan I had kind of a katsudon ritual, first and last meal in Japan happend always to be katsudon. But on my third and last stay in Tokyo I developed a new one. Coming back from all my trips around Japan the first thing I needed was Matsuya gyudon.
I don't know what kind of potion are they putting inside the food, but it's working.
Welcome back to Japan :) Your top 3 things in Italy even when you didn't saw that much.
Definitely relish the travel challenge. Great tip about the Apple Watch I don’t think I could survive without mine
Yeah! Shikoku represent! 🙌
Anyone who watches the livestreams knows how distracted you get. All beautiful and interesting stuff everywhere :D
I'm the same though. It's the biggest reason I can't focus on talking to anyone just on phone. I need to see the person I talk to, or I get distracted by everything else and can't listen.
Lol glad it’s not just me 😅
I didn‘t know you had fish at home! Would love to see them (if you haven’t shown them already) :) The Beijin airport looked so nice, other airports are always extremely interesting and it’s nice if you get to see such an amazing sunset. I think your reason for coming to japan is really nice, it’s a new way of thinking for me and an interesting philosophy. Would love to see 12 year old footage, I think you even mentioned it before in a livestream ^~^
And i hope you don‘t catch a cold after being caught in the rain!
Oooo answered so much in this! Thank you~
Also
The fish ARE in this episode lol
I just left them in a spot that only ppl who watched the whoooole thing would see lol
And yea! I have that footage now!
So I might be doing something with it!
Tokyo Lens oh my god, how did i not notice, i only saw the green stuff but noz the fish..lol ^^‘ And yaay, really hope we get to see some of it :D
Thanks for the suggestion for a place to stay the next time I go to Japan. Last time I stayed near Shibuya. That station is crazy.
Lol it REALLLY IS lol
Oh, I love the idea with the pouches, :) thanks for that norm :)
Ooh after watching the whole video you had mentioned asking more questions, so I had always wondered how you come up with such great shot ideas and layouts of your videos. Example; when you walk into a place you already have the camera set up, or when you are talking in one place and then go back to the beginning of the day to finish what you were
hmmm
Kinda hard to answer but Ill try to do it here
its really all about what tells the story the most in that moment
also.. confession: 9 times out of 10 I cant hold the camera steady to save my life lol, so I try to set it up whenever I can
as for the rest, It just comes from me wanting to make the story as appealing, unique, or surprising as possible
basically, you share your time... I want to make it worth it!
hope that helps!
@@TokyoLens Your videos really do convey the story brilliantly, thank you for all your hard work!
I love it ❤ found You in 2022. Awesomeness❤ Happy New Year Dear Norm🌟
I absolutely love your videos and your personality it's great makes my day
Thank you so much!!