I left family and moving to another City, and while driving there holding back tears, all I was thinking was, don't Piss yourself. Just close this damn chapter and let's start a new and exciting one. Peace!
I absolutely love your channel because I miss everything about Japan and I cannot wait to return. You are such an inspiration to anyone who needs to make a major change in their life. I have a Japanese husband and we normally visit Japan regularly. We cycle almost every day when we are there as the roads are so safe. His family home is in Yamaguchi ( sadly he is the only one in his family left now ) and I just love the area.The fruit and vegetables are so delicious, as is the food in general. As I look after my 93 year old mother here in the UK, I will not be returning for a while, as I have decided I need to be with her at least for now. So I'm not sure when I will be able to return. I look forward to seeing your channel continuing to grow. 😊
IMHO this was the best vlog yet, Chani! I loved how you and your friend built up the stamped picture through various stages on this lovely train journey. The story of the station cat was also wonderful. I love your choice of unusual places in Japan. Even on a rainy day, the video was so lovely. Your life advice appears well grounded in kindness and compassion. I really enjoy your channel Chani!
We just got back from Japan last week and loved it. The people are polite and respectful and the country is beautiful and clean. We could learn a lot from the Japanese. Good on you for doing what your heart wanted to do. Love the videos. 👍🏼
Years ago, when I left IBM after 15 years to backpack around the world, pretty much everyone thought it was great. One think that surprised me was how many people told me what their dreams were. They were really too scared to make it happened. I hope my example encouraged at least one of them to go for it. I really enjoy your channel. Enjoy your adventures.
Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations these days, but visiting as a tourist is one thing, and actually living there is another. Your videos are incredibly insightful!
A lovely video Chani. I've just come back to Melbourne after three weeks in Japan. My (Japanese) wife and I did a 12 day road trip through the Tohoku Region which was terrific. I've long been aware of the cat station/train and hope to see it one day. In November 2022 we did a tour of Kyushu caught a train from Aso to Beppu that has a small black puppy mascot with white socks called Kuro (not a really imaginative name to be honest). The interior and exterior of the train (which looks like a very old design) is decorated with various cute images of Kuro, and of course they sell Kuro merchandise as well. I look forward to your future camping journeys. I've been following a number of Japanese who indulge in 'car camping' which I'd love to do. Some of campsites around the Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures offer beautiful views of Fuji.
That cat train is soooo adorable and all stops absolutely cute. Loved that you also went strawberry picking with your friend. Must have been wonderful to make this together. Japan has so many cute things to offer. ❤️ And thanks for your honest words. I am sure it doesn't feel easy to tell us but your honesty makes you very loveable. And I understand your kids. If my parents ever decide to move abroad I would always support them. They should live their life as they wish. ❤ You raised your children well.
This was a very nice report of a little journey. It was very interesting to me as an American living in Japan in Tokyo. Thankyou. I hope you continue these episodes.
Hi Chani, just found your channel , you’re living my dream, understand the dream is occasionally a blooming nightmare but, In love with Japan. I have just come back from 5 weeks in Tokyo where I went to a language school, really hard, plus went to the school in the morning and spent the afternoon getting lost on the subway. I am a true follower now, and hang on each of your words. I am much older than you, and still have your dreams of living in Japan for a few months and studying Japanese. I have a volunteer position where I speak Japanese 3 days a week (very disjointed). I am truely envious and in total admiration of your life’s journey🤗🌸🤩🫶ブリスベンにすんでいます
You are blessed. You are young, fluent in Japanese, have years of teaching experience, a native English speaker. I used to dream of living in Japan but time has lapsed for me. I m now 64, with lots of aches and pains in my body. I don't speak Japanese and it would be tough for me to live in Japan at my age as 😢
I truly appreciate your channel because I traveled quite abit in my life but I never got to Japan. I'm 68 and my life long disability has started to curb my travels. So seeing channels pertaining to Japan has given me an insight of the country. Your channel im enjoying because it's at a pace that is relaxing, informative, and gives me the feeling of traveling with a friend. So thank you and I look forward to our journey. Oh and yes camping sounds great. Stay healthy, happy and safe always.
I am a 70-year-old retiree with very limited income so I have resigned myself to never being able to return to Japan for any more visits- so this channel is great for me to "thrill vicariously". I was last there in 1976. So much has changed, I can see from various videos. I'll always love the Showa Era Japan that I was first introduced to.
Great vlog, as always! My husband and I are facing similar circumstances as we tell our friends and family that our family of four (including two small kids) is moving to Japan. I figure the ones with a negative mindset will come around after the move, when they realize how happy we are there!
I remember watching a show about the cat train on NHK World Japan, in the docuseries called "Japan Railway Journal. I enjoyed seeing it again via your own experience! 😃
This is such a nice and wholesome video! It's important to understand peoples' reactions when being told such big news. It's often enough worry because they don't want anything to happe to the other person. It's so important that you mention boundaries, because many people do not understand they they are crossing some lines. Glad to hear that your children were super supportive and understanding!
This vlog got me all teary eyed. That looked like a great trip and a nice reflection on life 😊 also didn’t know you had kids! I’m glad they were in full support of your endeavours.
I love how your tickets develop the story of your trip. You are so brave to start a new life in a different country. One day I hope to drum up the courage to do the same!
I’m so glad that everyone has been so supportive of your dreams, especially your children. You are so brave and seem so happy to have followed your dreams. Blessings for your future and everything you do. Camping sounds a wonderful experience. X
I totally agree with your comments about having the support and mentorship from others who encourage you to pursue your dreams. It makes all the difference when you weigh up the pros and cons of such a big change in your life. You are having an amazing experience that I am sure many women of our shared vintage wish we had taken when we were younger. I made quite a few big decisions that changed the trajectory of my career and my future when I was in my late 20s and every time my question was "how will I look back on this when I am an older/elderly person?" I never want to be reflecting on my life by wondering "what if ....?" for all the things I wanted to try but didn't. My life is so much richer from these experiences with mostly wonderful, happy memories.
Camping...omg...last time I camped in Japan was at the base of Mt. Fuji ,(1971 jamboree) and a typhoon hit us...I'm probably the wrong person to ask about camping 😂 Arigato for the video !
If your friends and family knew how well you speak the language, I doubt anybody would've tried to discourage you. You have grasped the nuances of the language so well, it sounds like you were born and raised there.
Really appreciate how realistic you are about Japan compared to a lot of other people's videos. I was nervous too before I started applying for jobs in Japan that my family would try to keep me from going but everyone was super supportive I don't think they even really considered telling me no. Unfortunately had to come back during training cause the pay and exchange rate would have been impossible to live off of with my student loans here in the states. But hopefully I'll be able to make it back within the next few years with a different job, until then watching videos like yours help fill that void lol.
I love your videos, this one hits really hard, I moved to Ireland and none of my friends in my home country has ever tried to visit me 😞, is good and refreshing to see for some people there’s a healthy balance with the friendship and not just one side.
Camping is a great idea. I’m sure it’ll be a very different experience to QLD camping 😂 look forward to the next vid really enjoying your videos and your perspective on things!
This is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing your story- past and ongoing! It's so good to see something inspirational for those of us who have felt stuck, or reached a crossroads with no clear path ahead. Your advice is steady, constructive and thoughtful. I've moved overseas, and lived alone in countries where I've had no friends or families, and it's been an incredible journey of learning and enrichment for which I'm grateful. I'll enjoy following your adventures, and wish you all the joy you so obviously deserve.
You are right about ignoring discourages and negative comments about your choice in living in Japan. You live your own life! You made it :) Your videos inspire me to work towards my dream to work and live in Japan with my family. Should I be looking for a job in Japan first before I start to plan for my kids and housing matters? Looking forward to many positive videos from you.
Just found your channel and enjoying it very much. Growing up I was always going back and forth between Japan and the US, but as an adult I’m now very much based in the US. I’ve dreamt of uprooting my life and going to Japan for good, but likely not an option for a very long time. So living vicariously through you for now! I look forward to many more videos from you!
Thank you for sharing this. My family will likely be making a similar move. I've been dreading some of the conversations we'll inevitably have with the broader family. Hearing your story calms my nerves somewhat.
What a lovely trip with your friend 😊The scenery was so pretty & I really enjoyed hearing more of your story. It was cool seeing you collect all of the train stamps too 😻
The cat train is wonderful! I would have had to buy one of everything in the shop. And I like that you continued to tell your story while showing us film from your travels. I'm not a fan of just staring at someone while they tell their story. Love this video.
As a fellow Aussie expat, thank you for your realness and openness in this video! One thing I'd recommend if you're negotiating a package before you move to a new city is to have a set period once per year when you can go back home, whether that's for 2 days or 2 weeks. I go back for Christmas and WFH as well, it makes the time living overseas so much more enjoyable. PS: where I live is my home, just as much as it's your home.
This looked like a wonderful trip. I also think he fruit in Japan is the best! I long for their fruit and when I go back, I'm going to eat as much fruit as possible. Especially the strawberries. I hope you had lots of fun with your friend. The cat train is cool! I also didn't know about the stamps. I'll look out for those the next time I go. I can't wait to come back :)
Thank you for taking me on your journey with you friend. I love 💕 listening to your storytelling. I always look forward to your videos. By the way cute purse 👛 😊. Until your next adventure!
I really love the pacing of the videos, the nice visuals with comentary over. As an Aussie in my 40's contemplating a move to Japan, I love the topics you cover, including cost of living / housing, tranport (all forms from Kei cars, bike to shinkansen) and tourism. I also love the personal story and narrative. Keep up the good work, I feel like you have a growing content. Some ideas for future video's that i'd be interested to see: Process of getting trades people and costs. More Hardware stops :D Maybe a visit to Koya San (Near where you are) Language and learning while living in JP vs studying abroad.
You are so inspiring ❤ I have only just found your channel and I am so addicted. You have no idea how much listening to you is helping me through a tough time right now so I thank you. 💫🌍
Words of wisdom as always thanks Chani. I think how we define family these days is a consideration and might affect your determination to follow your dreams. I’ve found “blood is thicker than water” to be not necessarily true. The Cat train journey was a delight…I can see a station featuring the beautiful Millie? Could be her day job😉
As usual, your format today was exceptional, heart-warming, and honest. You gave me the added benefit of your visit to the strawberry farm. My Japanese mother-in-law raised strawberries in the Nara countryside, years ago, to support her children’s university expenses in Tokyo. I would visit and help when berry season was happening. I almost could reach through the video screen and taste those strawberries with you, walking down memory lane! Thank you!
@@ChaniJapan I belong to Rolling Solo (female only) camping group in Australia. It is a fantastic group of all ages (I’m sure I’m the eldest lol). This will be fantastic to see - thank you so much ♥️
Thank you for sharing your dream of living in Japan. I’ve watched all of your videos and look forward to following along. I didn’t think I had much interest in Japan but I just realized I’m working on a Sashiko sewing project while listening. I also drive a Mazda. 😂
It so wonderful Chani that your children are so supportive of your choices. The train and stops along the way are very sweet and I'm sure the communities appreciate the boost to the local economy from tourism.
I just wanted to comment again that I love your videos. I really look forward to them. I appreciate the natural, down to earth presentation, and you have such a great format overall. No background music or disingenuous promos as I've seen in some of my previous favorite channels. Thank you so much for bringing us along on your journeys.
Such a fun trip!! I love Traveler's Company notebooks and the stamping fun, so seeing this experience during your trip was a super special treat! 😍I plan to visit Japan one day and your journey is very meaningful. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences about your journey, Chani. Many blessings to you. 💞 Suzanne 😊
Thank you Chani for sharing your life experience with us. All of us share the same insecurities in life, ie how people will judge us, how our appearance look like to others, why people are ridiculing us etc. As long as you know your thoughts, intentions and actions are good and executed to the best of your abilities, and harmed no one, ignore all the negativities coming your way. Wishing you a very happy and rewarding life in Japan, really enjoyed your videos. Love the positivity and encouragement you give us. All the best! ⭐️
One thing i noticed in your narration is you use present tense - small detail but really adds to the watching experience like the adventure is happening in real time 😊
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I really like how you blend your thoughts with videos of trips and other activities. And I’d love a video about camping in Japan!
In my mind, my going outward should encourage people to visit and see more of the world. I know that some friendships grow because of proximity but, with effort, the best friendships endure over space and time. I know when I visit people in Sydney that it can feel like I never left.
Thank you! I love cats, and really want to travel to Japan next year. It is a huge step to move to a new country with another language and culture. My mother’s cousin did this in the 1960s for many years, so exciting for us as children, hearing about her life. Thank you for your wisdom❤
This was so interesting. I loved seeing the ticketing process, the stations and of course the station cat. The restaurant and food looked amazing. I always like the detail in your videos. ❤
Hey Chani, am comforted to hear your story, thank you for your honest sharing. In fact I am at this cross road too. I will be heading to Japan Kanto prefecture on a campervan. Am keen to hear more about your life in Japan how do you settle down
I'm glad I found your content. I'm contemplating whether or not I should really try and make the step to move to japan and your videos give me a boost to my confidence that it might work out. Since my language proficency isnt there at all (might be around N5 if not lower) I think the right step would be to enroll in a language school for 2 years. I'm kinda sad that I missed the opportunity to go for a work&travel visa, but tbh I hadn't any savings anyways so I was pretty hestiant for a while until I missed that timeframe :/ My plan is to enroll next spring if all works out. We will see I guess?
Absolutely would love to see you go camping, even if just once or twice. It's highly dependent on how "rugged" you want to go, and also shows how resourcefull you can be which I think you've been on your journey to/in Japan.
Lovely video, Chani! Would love to take the cat train. The stamp is amazing! Camping! I would loved to see more of the countryside as the weather warms up!
Thank you for posting such a lovely video and sharing your journey. My mother is Japanese but never visited Japan. I know I will someday. For now I enjoy Japan vicariously through your adventures! Looking forward to camping or anything else you post!
I would imagine Chani it will take maybe a year or two before you will feel totally acquainted with Japan and your new surroundings. You have achieved so much in a short time and as your confidence gets stronger who knows you may move elsewhere but always remember Chani Australia is not going anywhere. Sending you best wishes for your future CARPE DIEM 🇬🇧
Wakayama is on our list of places to visit when we head off to Japan next year. It will be our 3rd time visiting Japan. I don’t know if I could live there but it is definitely my happy place
I'm saving this one to show my friends and family when I finally take the leap to move too...thank you so much for your thoughtful and relatable content :)
What a beautiful place you and your friend visited! I must visit there too on my next trip to Japan. Thanks for sharing this adventure with us. Enjoy spending time with your friend.
I’m so happy for you! You truely deserve to live your happiest life and this opportunity couldn’t have come for a better person! Thank you and I hope all your dreams continue to come true!
Would LOVE to see your camping adventure 😊 I’ve never been camping in Japan. But I’m always saving camping sights on my maps (so many good looking spots all over Japan 🏔️!), so hopefully one day when the kids get bigger.
Thank you for taking us on the adventure with you and your friend, it's very interesting to learn about your experiences and the love you have for such a nice country!
Another lovely one. I absolutely couldn't have made my move without three women who did it before me, in particular one Turkish woman who wrote a blog about her relocation to Montenegro. Her courage gave me courage, and that was really all it took. Well, lots of checklists and spreadsheets too. Leaving my son behind was the hardest thing I have ever done. No matter how many times I tell myself "Well he could have gone off to college and you wouldn't have seen him for months too", somehow when it's the Mum that does the leaving, it feels so bad. I'm glad I did it, but it wasn't without cost. This video was great - the way you tracked your progress with the stamps was charming.
Camping sounds like a great adventure for you. There's lots of advice on the subject online from other TH-cam content creators to give you an idea of what to expect--from full on cottages to rent and going off piste in a camper van. Looking forward to your adventure.
it's funny because when i first started watching your videos, i had soooo many questions. and as you make more, each of those questions gets an answer. i love how youre telling your story in parts. i particularly wondered about how your kids reacted to your move, and it makes me so happy for you that theyre supportive!!!
I like that more Japanese dialogue from your encounters is being included in your vlogs, loving your story!
Thanks for commenting on that. I was trying to include all the interactions I had that day ♥️
I agree, I really like hearing it! It helps on my Japanese language journey myself to see how much I can pick up.
She doesn’t Talk about how she learned Japanese and where the cat came from.
That left impression that she is not In Japan alone.
I left family and moving to another City, and while driving there holding back tears, all I was thinking was, don't Piss yourself. Just close this damn chapter and let's start a new and exciting one. Peace!
I appreciate your calmness, honesty and realness of your content, including unfiltered scenery. Your videos are pure joy.
Thank you so much 😊
@@ChaniJapan Thank you.😊
Oh that stamp ended up so cute!! 😺
I absolutely love your channel because I miss everything about Japan and I cannot wait to return. You are such an inspiration to anyone who needs to make a major change in their life. I have a Japanese husband and we normally visit Japan regularly. We cycle almost every day when we are there as the roads are so safe. His family home is in Yamaguchi ( sadly he is the only one in his family left now ) and I just love the area.The fruit and vegetables are so delicious, as is the food in general. As I look after my 93 year old mother here in the UK, I will not be returning for a while, as I have decided I need to be with her at least for now. So I'm not sure when I will be able to return. I look forward to seeing your channel continuing to grow. 😊
Your cycling in Japan sounds great 🚲
Love your format of telling your story while showing footage of the beautiful country side! Good on you for doing what you do!
I was born in Japan and have always felt a part of me belonged there. Even though I’m an American, I love all things Japanese. It’s part of my soul 😁
IMHO this was the best vlog yet, Chani! I loved how you and your friend built up the stamped picture through various stages on this lovely train journey. The story of the station cat was also wonderful. I love your choice of unusual places in Japan. Even on a rainy day, the video was so lovely. Your life advice appears well grounded in kindness and compassion. I really enjoy your channel Chani!
Thank you so much 😀
We just got back from Japan last week and loved it. The people are polite and respectful and the country is beautiful and clean. We could learn a lot from the Japanese. Good on you for doing what your heart wanted to do. Love the videos. 👍🏼
That's awesome! I am so glad you had such a great time in Japan 😀 Thanks for watching the videos too ♥️
Years ago, when I left IBM after 15 years to backpack around the world, pretty much everyone thought it was great. One think that surprised me was how many people told me what their dreams were. They were really too scared to make it happened. I hope my example encouraged at least one of them to go for it.
I really enjoy your channel. Enjoy your adventures.
Thank you 😀
Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations these days, but visiting as a tourist is one thing, and actually living there is another. Your videos are incredibly insightful!
Your friend is so lucky that she can visit you in Japan
Thank you ♥️ I am so lucky to have such a good friend that will come and visit 😀
A lovely video Chani. I've just come back to Melbourne after three weeks in Japan. My (Japanese) wife and I did a 12 day road trip through the Tohoku Region which was terrific. I've long been aware of the cat station/train and hope to see it one day. In November 2022 we did a tour of Kyushu caught a train from Aso to Beppu that has a small black puppy mascot with white socks called Kuro (not a really imaginative name to be honest). The interior and exterior of the train (which looks like a very old design) is decorated with various cute images of Kuro, and of course they sell Kuro merchandise as well. I look forward to your future camping journeys. I've been following a number of Japanese who indulge in 'car camping' which I'd love to do. Some of campsites around the Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures offer beautiful views of Fuji.
Views of Fuji would be nice. I didn't know about the Kuro train 😀
There is something always to see & do in Japan.
Yes so many things 😀
That cat train is soooo adorable and all stops absolutely cute. Loved that you also went strawberry picking with your friend. Must have been wonderful to make this together. Japan has so many cute things to offer. ❤️ And thanks for your honest words. I am sure it doesn't feel easy to tell us but your honesty makes you very loveable. And I understand your kids. If my parents ever decide to move abroad I would always support them. They should live their life as they wish. ❤ You raised your children well.
This was a very nice report of a little journey. It was very interesting to me as an American living in Japan in Tokyo. Thankyou. I hope you continue these episodes.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Chani, just found your channel , you’re living my dream, understand the dream is occasionally a blooming nightmare but, In love with Japan. I have just come back from 5 weeks in Tokyo where I went to a language school, really hard, plus went to the school in the morning and spent the afternoon getting lost on the subway. I am a true follower now, and hang on each of your words. I am much older than you, and still have your dreams of living in Japan for a few months and studying Japanese. I have a volunteer position where I speak Japanese 3 days a week (very disjointed). I am truely envious and in total admiration of your life’s journey🤗🌸🤩🫶ブリスベンにすんでいます
How excellent that you get to speak Japanese in that role❤️🌸 I hope you get back here to live and study.
You are blessed. You are young, fluent in Japanese, have years of teaching experience, a native English speaker. I used to dream of living in Japan but time has lapsed for me. I m now 64, with lots of aches and pains in my body. I don't speak Japanese and it would be tough for me to live in Japan at my age as 😢
Same here😢
I truly appreciate your channel because I traveled quite abit in my life but I never got to Japan. I'm 68 and my life long disability has started to curb my travels. So seeing channels pertaining to Japan has given me an insight of the country. Your channel im enjoying because it's at a pace that is relaxing, informative, and gives me the feeling of traveling with a friend. So thank you and I look forward to our journey. Oh and yes camping sounds great. Stay healthy, happy and safe always.
Thanks so much 😀
I am a 70-year-old retiree with very limited income so I have resigned myself to never being able to return to Japan for any more visits- so this channel is great for me to "thrill vicariously". I was last there in 1976. So much has changed, I can see from various videos. I'll always love the Showa Era Japan that I was first introduced to.
Loved, loved this video!
🩷👋 Hi Karen🩷🩷 Miss you
Consistently heartwarming content and I appreciate hearing about the support you received from family.
Great vlog, as always! My husband and I are facing similar circumstances as we tell our friends and family that our family of four (including two small kids) is moving to Japan. I figure the ones with a negative mindset will come around after the move, when they realize how happy we are there!
I love the cat train Chani 😻🚅 and I'm so glad that you made a few stops 👏 Thank you so much for sharing your journey and another beautiful video 🫶♥️
Thanks so much ♥️🐱
I remember watching a show about the cat train on NHK World Japan, in the docuseries called "Japan Railway Journal. I enjoyed seeing it again via your own experience! 😃
This is such a nice and wholesome video! It's important to understand peoples' reactions when being told such big news. It's often enough worry because they don't want anything to happe to the other person. It's so important that you mention boundaries, because many people do not understand they they are crossing some lines.
Glad to hear that your children were super supportive and understanding!
Thank you so much!!
This vlog got me all teary eyed. That looked like a great trip and a nice reflection on life 😊 also didn’t know you had kids! I’m glad they were in full support of your endeavours.
Thank you so much!!
I love how your tickets develop the story of your trip. You are so brave to start a new life in a different country. One day I hope to drum up the courage to do the same!
I’m so glad that everyone has been so supportive of your dreams, especially your children. You are so brave and seem so happy to have followed your dreams. Blessings for your future and everything you do. Camping sounds a wonderful experience. X
Thank you so much!!
I totally agree with your comments about having the support and mentorship from others who encourage you to pursue your dreams. It makes all the difference when you weigh up the pros and cons of such a big change in your life. You are having an amazing experience that I am sure many women of our shared vintage wish we had taken when we were younger. I made quite a few big decisions that changed the trajectory of my career and my future when I was in my late 20s and every time my question was "how will I look back on this when I am an older/elderly person?" I never want to be reflecting on my life by wondering "what if ....?" for all the things I wanted to try but didn't. My life is so much richer from these experiences with mostly wonderful, happy memories.
Thats real frienship. Your friend made a effort to go & visit you. Thankyou for sharing it with us
Camping...omg...last time I camped in Japan was at the base of Mt. Fuji ,(1971 jamboree) and a typhoon hit us...I'm probably the wrong person to ask about camping 😂 Arigato for the video !
Oh Channi...I hang out so much for your videos now days. So simple and yet beautiful. I love your adventures. I totally live vicareously through you!!
Thank you so much! 😀♥️
What a lovely way to see Japan with your friend. So jealous, those strawberries looked amazing.
🍓 so sweet
Nice uplifting video, thank you!
The cat train and the gradual sticker was cute.
I would appreciate a camping video, sounds like a fun experience.
Thanks so much 😀
Chani I like your videos so much, they are very relaxing and interesting. Thanks for sharing Japan with us ❤
If your friends and family knew how well you speak the language, I doubt anybody would've tried to discourage you. You have grasped the nuances of the language so well, it sounds like you were born and raised there.
A lovely story here. Camping sounds good and interesting 🎉 Do it and bring us all along 🙏🏼
OK will do 😀
Really appreciate how realistic you are about Japan compared to a lot of other people's videos. I was nervous too before I started applying for jobs in Japan that my family would try to keep me from going but everyone was super supportive I don't think they even really considered telling me no. Unfortunately had to come back during training cause the pay and exchange rate would have been impossible to live off of with my student loans here in the states. But hopefully I'll be able to make it back within the next few years with a different job, until then watching videos like yours help fill that void lol.
I love your videos, this one hits really hard, I moved to Ireland and none of my friends in my home country has ever tried to visit me 😞, is good and refreshing to see for some people there’s a healthy balance with the friendship and not just one side.
Camping is a great idea. I’m sure it’ll be a very different experience to QLD camping 😂 look forward to the next vid really enjoying your videos and your perspective on things!
Thanks so much 😀
I'm saving up to be able to visit Japan when I turn 50 in 3 years time. I have this dream of living some time with my husband later on.
This is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing your story- past and ongoing! It's so good to see something inspirational for those of us who have felt stuck, or reached a crossroads with no clear path ahead. Your advice is steady, constructive and thoughtful.
I've moved overseas, and lived alone in countries where I've had no friends or families, and it's been an incredible journey of learning and enrichment for which I'm grateful.
I'll enjoy following your adventures, and wish you all the joy you so obviously deserve.
お二人で楽しそうですね😊
Not much of a camper, BUT staying at historic ryokans (Japanese inns) is what I would pick. Glad your friend could visit you! Great video. 👍👏❤😍
I am thinking of camp car with a bed and take Millie along for the ride 🐱
@@ChaniJapan Look forward to your car camping video(s). 👍🥰
You are right about ignoring discourages and negative comments about your choice in living in Japan. You live your own life! You made it :) Your videos inspire me to work towards my dream to work and live in Japan with my family. Should I be looking for a job in Japan first before I start to plan for my kids and housing matters? Looking forward to many positive videos from you.
Yes I think a job and visa is the starting place 😀
Great video as always! Going camping in Japan surely sounds interesting!
It does! I will be looking forward to any videos from that new adventure!
Just found your channel and enjoying it very much. Growing up I was always going back and forth between Japan and the US, but as an adult I’m now very much based in the US. I’ve dreamt of uprooting my life and going to Japan for good, but likely not an option for a very long time. So living vicariously through you for now! I look forward to many more videos from you!
Thank you for sharing this. My family will likely be making a similar move. I've been dreading some of the conversations we'll inevitably have with the broader family. Hearing your story calms my nerves somewhat.
You got this!
What a lovely trip with your friend 😊The scenery was so pretty & I really enjoyed hearing more of your story. It was cool seeing you collect all of the train stamps too 😻
It is a great spot
The cat train is wonderful! I would have had to buy one of everything in the shop. And I like that you continued to tell your story while showing us film from your travels. I'm not a fan of just staring at someone while they tell their story. Love this video.
Thank you so much!
Kishi station looks adorable! Thanks for another great video :)
As a fellow Aussie expat, thank you for your realness and openness in this video!
One thing I'd recommend if you're negotiating a package before you move to a new city is to have a set period once per year when you can go back home, whether that's for 2 days or 2 weeks. I go back for Christmas and WFH as well, it makes the time living overseas so much more enjoyable.
PS: where I live is my home, just as much as it's your home.
Well said!
As a former expat I agree: Having that planned period for visiting home helps one through the more difficult times when living abroad.
This looked like a wonderful trip. I also think he fruit in Japan is the best! I long for their fruit and when I go back, I'm going to eat as much fruit as possible. Especially the strawberries. I hope you had lots of fun with your friend. The cat train is cool! I also didn't know about the stamps. I'll look out for those the next time I go. I can't wait to come back :)
Thank you for taking me on your journey with you friend. I love 💕 listening to your storytelling. I always look forward to your videos. By the way cute purse 👛 😊. Until your next adventure!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing this happy time with your friend. Love the Cat Train! 🤗
Thanks for watching!
I really love the pacing of the videos, the nice visuals with comentary over. As an Aussie in my 40's contemplating a move to Japan, I love the topics you cover, including cost of living / housing, tranport (all forms from Kei cars, bike to shinkansen) and tourism. I also love the personal story and narrative. Keep up the good work, I feel like you have a growing content.
Some ideas for future video's that i'd be interested to see:
Process of getting trades people and costs.
More Hardware stops :D
Maybe a visit to Koya San (Near where you are)
Language and learning while living in JP vs studying abroad.
Thanks Paul. Some great ideas. I will try and incorporate these. Just had tradies here yesterday so I’ll make a vid on that.
You are so inspiring ❤ I have only just found your channel and I am so addicted. You have no idea how much listening to you is helping me through a tough time right now so I thank you. 💫🌍
I'm so glad!🩷🩷😽
Words of wisdom as always thanks Chani. I think how we define family these days is a consideration and might affect your determination to follow your dreams. I’ve found “blood is thicker than water” to be not necessarily true.
The Cat train journey was a delight…I can see a station featuring the beautiful Millie? Could be her day job😉
I agree with you about "family", James.
As usual, your format today was exceptional, heart-warming, and honest. You gave me the added benefit of your visit to the strawberry farm. My Japanese mother-in-law raised strawberries in the Nara countryside, years ago, to support her children’s university expenses in Tokyo. I would visit and help when berry season was happening. I almost could reach through the video screen and taste those strawberries with you, walking down memory lane! Thank you!
So sweet 🍓
Fabulous video. Can’t wait to see your camping trip ❤
OMG me too! All I can think about is what it would be like camping here in Japan. I think the long winter has made me want to get outdoors more 😆
@@ChaniJapan I belong to Rolling Solo (female only) camping group in Australia. It is a fantastic group of all ages (I’m sure I’m the eldest lol). This will be fantastic to see - thank you so much ♥️
What a lovely day out with your friend. ❤
Thank you for sharing your dream of living in Japan. I’ve watched all of your videos and look forward to following along. I didn’t think I had much interest in Japan but I just realized I’m working on a Sashiko sewing project while listening. I also drive a Mazda. 😂
It so wonderful Chani that your children are so supportive of your choices.
The train and stops along the way are very sweet and I'm sure the communities appreciate the boost to the local economy from tourism.
I agree that the local economy does need support not just the big cities!
I just finished binge-watching your wonderful channel and have run out of videos. I look forward to your next one! 😃
Welcome aboard!
I just wanted to comment again that I love your videos. I really look forward to them. I appreciate the natural, down to earth presentation, and you have such a great format overall. No background music or disingenuous promos as I've seen in some of my previous favorite channels. Thank you so much for bringing us along on your journeys.
Thank you so much!
I agree! It's all very authentic.
Such a fun trip!! I love Traveler's Company notebooks and the stamping fun, so seeing this experience during your trip was a super special treat! 😍I plan to visit Japan one day and your journey is very meaningful. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences about your journey, Chani. Many blessings to you. 💞 Suzanne 😊
Thank you Chani for sharing your life experience with us. All of us share the same insecurities in life, ie how people will judge us, how our appearance look like to others, why people are ridiculing us etc. As long as you know your thoughts, intentions and actions are good and executed to the best of your abilities, and harmed no one, ignore all the negativities coming your way.
Wishing you a very happy and rewarding life in Japan, really enjoyed your videos. Love the positivity and encouragement you give us. All the best! ⭐️
Thanks for your kind words ❤️
I’ve heard from several Japanese you tubers that the strawberries are amazing!! Glad you had fun with your friend.
One thing i noticed in your narration is you use present tense - small detail but really adds to the watching experience like the adventure is happening in real time 😊
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I really like how you blend your thoughts with videos of trips and other activities. And I’d love a video about camping in Japan!
Thank you so much!
Loved this little excursion. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I had been introduced to the stamps at train stations through @sharlainjapan videos. I didn't know you could paint with them! So cool! 😁🥰
In my mind, my going outward should encourage people to visit and see more of the world. I know that some friendships grow because of proximity but, with effort, the best friendships endure over space and time. I know when I visit people in Sydney that it can feel like I never left.
Thank you! I love cats, and really want to travel to Japan next year. It is a huge step to move to a new country with another language and culture. My mother’s cousin did this in the 1960s for many years, so exciting for us as children, hearing about her life. Thank you for your wisdom❤
This was so interesting. I loved seeing the ticketing process, the stations and of course the station cat. The restaurant and food looked amazing. I always like the detail in your videos. ❤
What a lovely trip. Thank you for taking us with you....
Hey Chani, am comforted to hear your story, thank you for your honest sharing. In fact I am at this cross road too. I will be heading to Japan Kanto prefecture on a campervan. Am keen to hear more about your life in Japan how do you settle down
Thanks!
Thanks so much for your support ❤️
I'd love to see you go camping and show us where you go, how you plan and what you do during the trip. Please make a video on camping. Thank you!
Will do!
I'm glad I found your content. I'm contemplating whether or not I should really try and make the step to move to japan and your videos give me a boost to my confidence that it might work out. Since my language proficency isnt there at all (might be around N5 if not lower) I think the right step would be to enroll in a language school for 2 years.
I'm kinda sad that I missed the opportunity to go for a work&travel visa, but tbh I hadn't any savings anyways so I was pretty hestiant for a while until I missed that timeframe :/
My plan is to enroll next spring if all works out. We will see I guess?
Absolutely would love to see you go camping, even if just once or twice. It's highly dependent on how "rugged" you want to go, and also shows how resourcefull you can be which I think you've been on your journey to/in Japan.
Thank you for sharing your daily life and so happy that a good friend of yours came to visit, great blog of your trip very inspiring 🙌🙌🙌👌👌👌
Lovely video, Chani! Would love to take the cat train. The stamp is amazing!
Camping! I would loved to see more of the countryside as the weather warms up!
Thank you for posting such a lovely video and sharing your journey. My mother is Japanese but never visited Japan. I know I will someday. For now I enjoy Japan vicariously through your adventures! Looking forward to camping or anything else you post!
It was lovely to see something of the Tree god Shinto shrine - please include more of this whenever you get the chance 🙏
I would imagine Chani it will take maybe a year or two before you will feel totally acquainted with Japan and your new surroundings. You have achieved so much in a short time and as your confidence gets stronger who knows you may move elsewhere but always remember Chani Australia is not going anywhere. Sending you best wishes for your future CARPE DIEM 🇬🇧
Wakayama is on our list of places to visit when we head off to Japan next year. It will be our 3rd time visiting Japan. I don’t know if I could live there but it is definitely my happy place
Please do come to Wakayama. It is a great spot 😃
When I have a chance to go back, I will seek out this train! How charming, thank you for taking us along for the ride!
I'm saving this one to show my friends and family when I finally take the leap to move too...thank you so much for your thoughtful and relatable content :)
That pizza looked delicious! The postcard stamping was interesting-I like that it is practically no fail. Neat idea!
I would love to see more of the cat train. Was that a library?
Thank you for sharing your journey ❤
Yes it was!
What a beautiful place you and your friend visited! I must visit there too on my next trip to Japan. Thanks for sharing this adventure with us. Enjoy spending time with your friend.
Thanks so much 😀
I’m so happy for you! You truely deserve to live your happiest life and this opportunity couldn’t have come for a better person! Thank you and I hope all your dreams continue to come true!
Thanks Charlotte ❤️
Thanks
Thank you so much for your support ❤️👋
We've been to Cat station couple times however we haven't done the whole train trip yet. Awww, stamp card is soooo cute
Would LOVE to see your camping adventure 😊
I’ve never been camping in Japan. But I’m always saving camping sights on my maps (so many good looking spots all over Japan 🏔️!), so hopefully one day when the kids get bigger.
Best video of my week. Thank you Chani ❤
Wow, thank you!
Thank you for taking us on the adventure with you and your friend, it's very interesting to learn about your experiences and the love you have for such a nice country!
Another lovely one. I absolutely couldn't have made my move without three women who did it before me, in particular one Turkish woman who wrote a blog about her relocation to Montenegro. Her courage gave me courage, and that was really all it took. Well, lots of checklists and spreadsheets too. Leaving my son behind was the hardest thing I have ever done. No matter how many times I tell myself "Well he could have gone off to college and you wouldn't have seen him for months too", somehow when it's the Mum that does the leaving, it feels so bad. I'm glad I did it, but it wasn't without cost. This video was great - the way you tracked your progress with the stamps was charming.
Thanks ♥️
Camping sounds like a great adventure for you. There's lots of advice on the subject online from other TH-cam content creators to give you an idea of what to expect--from full on cottages to rent and going off piste in a camper van. Looking forward to your adventure.
it's funny because when i first started watching your videos, i had soooo many questions. and as you make more, each of those questions gets an answer. i love how youre telling your story in parts. i particularly wondered about how your kids reacted to your move, and it makes me so happy for you that theyre supportive!!!