'Wherever you go, there you are...' The last segment on mental health is the real deal and more people need to take a good hard look at themselves before thinking that Japan is some sort of panacea. But congratulations are in order! I'm sure this wonderful sponsor will be the first of many. Keep it up, dude!
Yeah. I moved to the UK thinking my life would be totally different and while it did improve my career and money prospects, it actually made the rest of my problems worse, because there was no family support and I was in a different culture.
1. Super happy you consider finding fulfilment in your personal life over career fulfillment a valid way to live. I feel seen. Thank you. 2. Even moving to different parts of the US takes well over a year to acclimate, I can only imagine a foreign country would require more time with its more imposing variables. 3. Regarding your mental health segment, one thing I have always said is that you can move away from everything but yourself. If you don't tackle your inner demons, they'll just move with you. That being said, having the right environment can greatly assist your ability to mend/grow. Thanks for your thoughts, and I'm looking forward to my Sakuraco box!
Thank you! I meant to say this in the video but I think I forgot - sometimes moving to somewhere else in Japan can solve things. It doesnt always have to be "well _______ (insert city name here) sucks. Gotta leave the country!"
It's refreshing to hear from someone who just tells it like it is, no sugarcoating, just an honest take from someone who has been on the ground a long time.
Very Very Happy for you!Because simply you are the Best! You are kind,generous with info and advises ,and even if you talk about Your self,it’s still kind of for the Community ❤I wish you Health and Luck 🍀
Hello Paul. Greetings from Southern Shikoku. Your analysis of everything to consider in making a decision whether to stay or leave is right on point. You really hit the nail on the head! Similar to you, after 13 years or so in Japan, I also have learned to like aspects of Japan I didn’t appreciate so much when I first arrived and vice versa. I’m in the category that I have stayed in Japan for the personal goals, rather than career goals, I have been able to accomplish that I never could have if I returned to Canada. I just so happened to have started a new job this year that I am enjoying much more than previous employment (although the salary is similar). So, I’ll be staying a bit longer, but I fully expect not forever.
@@Exjapter Hi Paul. To help you and your subscribers understand, I’ve written a short story... lol! My three basic, simple reasons are as follows: 1) I am approaching retirement age now and I was just reaching the required 10 consecutive years of employment, in order to qualify for permanent residence, just prior to the Covid pandemic. Then everything changed. The company I had earned permanent employment with decided to close the branch in the city where I owned a house and land. Without finding alternate employment after looking for 3 years, I believed I was no longer eligible for PR. I’m over 60 now and just started a new job this spring. It’s a 1-year contract with a chance of renewal, but unknown for now. Because of my age, I’m doubtful I would be granted PR now (I have yet to confirm this. Perhaps I could receive it? What are your thoughts?). 2) I am very independent and enjoy several hobbies, along with my home and food forest, etc., although have found it impossible to develop any relationships or friendships beyond only some very superficial relationships at work. All my time outside of work is spent on my own for 13 years. It’s not that I’m unhappy spending time on my own, it’s just that I feel having some close relationships, friendships and a social life would really add to my life. I just haven’t been able to achieve this at all where I live in Southern Shikoku. I never meet any people that have any interest or desire to become friends. I’ve even asked colleagues at work over the years if they would like to do activities or sports, etc. together for fun on the weekend, etc., and they would always decline. I don’t even bother making effort at all anymore. In 13 years, I’ve never been invited once to do any social activity with a Japanese here. Plus there’s no expat community in my city. I have become used to the social isolation and I can deal with it, but it’s not something I want for my remaining lifetime. 3). Women get married and have kids very young here. I only meet married women with husbands and children where I live. I never meet any single women at all, so never have any opportunities for dating. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but I don’t think I want to live my remaining lifetime where the opposite sex in Japan where I live avoid eye contact and never, ever flirt or show any interest whatsoever in me (and I happen to be not bad looking, dress well, am over 6’ tall, fit, athletic, in shape, and am positive, considerate, respectful, good at communicating, etc.). Again, not what I necessarily desire for my remaining lifetime. These are my top 3 reasons for planning on leaving Japan. Otherwise I live in a lovely, very private, quiet traditional Japanese-style home on a hillside, where I only hear birds singing and the wind blowing, with a south-facing mountain view property 4x the size of the average city lot in my area. So I like my home very much. Is it worth staying in your opinion based on my experience and situation? It’s a personal choice only I can decide.
That is really interesting, and I don't blame you for looking at the situation as you see it. I have one question -have you ever tried to connect with people through your hobbies? You mention being independent, but in Japan hobbies are very often a shared group thing (not all of course). I understand the issue with dating. Where I used to live in Yamanashi it was also the case that most women were already married and it was difficult to date in any normal sense, especially as you stand out in the community and would need to find a partner that doesn't mind the potential stares or judgement. Thank you for your response, it has gotten me thinking. And, I also envy you in a way - I sometimes wish I could wake up away from other foreigners and feel myself immersed in a full countryside experience in a traditional home.
@@Exjapter Hello. It’s interesting to hear your point of view. My hobbies are woodworking, designing and building many projects with wood, Japanese architecture, home renovation, gardening, growing fruit and vegetables, nature photography, cycling, working out and walking. I’m also starting running, yoga and perhaps swimming. When I first arrived over 10 years ago, I inquired around town about various clubs such as an outdoor/hiking club. But no such luck. No clubs. There is a cycling club that goes on Saturday-morning group rides, although I’ve always had to work on Saturdays, and still do, so I couldn’t join due to my work schedule. I am currently researching clubs again. I’m open-minded enough to consider different clubs - even a bird watching club or any club with a decent number of members. I haven’t decided which club would provide the best opportunity to meet like-minded people. Perhaps some kind of sports club. Having said all this, I have learned to appreciate my alone time and the freedom this provides. So perhaps I’m in a better situation than I often realize in some ways. I never have to compromise on anything. My free time is my own. Although having a food forest always requires a lot of work at the beginning to create, help get established and maintain. I grow about 8 different citrus, figs, Chinese dates, loquat, persimmon, pomegranate, grapes, watermelon and more. I am also Christian and attend English Catholic Mass 2x/month. The congregation is very small. Less than 10 people, mostly Filipino, attended today. This is one way I connect with the local community. I also have a good relationship with the new Pastor originally from Sri Lanka that recently joined our church. I have also gotten to know some elderly people in the community that are farmers/gardeners which I meet when out walking along the local river. This is the extent of my social interaction. Even though it’s limited, it’s positive.
@@ShikokuFoodForest Why not move to a different city with more foreigners and less traditional women? I don't live in Japan, but I believe that your problems could probably be resolved if you moved to Tokyo? You would have more work opportunities and it would probably be easier to find older single women.
Thank you! Was pretty surprised but happy. I had a couple of sketchy places offer a partnership before, but this company I have no qualms about working with.
Great video! Congratulations on the sponsor. I've bought snack boxes from Sakuraco before and it was delicious and lots of fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn't tried the service before.
I am glad you are sponsored, and the channel is growing. I will be retiring in Japan at some point, so any content related to that would be cool.. yea you have a few years for sure, but would love your take on that topic.
For essentially ALL long termers, financial planning is crucial. There are many, many long term foreign residents here in Japan (especially in the case of those from English speaking countries) who have simply been priced out of moving back to their home countries. This is true even amongst those who have advanced in their careers here or have kept pace with relevant skills that could be used back home.
@@ExjapterSo true. Us ‘long-termers’ have lost 30% as a result of the devalued yen just in the recent 2-3 years! Of course this includes any real estate assets, in addition to cash and investments.
Yen devaluation is a killer. Japanese gov doesn't seem to know what to do, which makes me believe situation will at best stay as it's long term, but may get even worse.
@@rafae5902 Hello. I am concerned you may be right. Financially, it couldn’t be much worse. My assets have dropped in value 30% over the least few years. I was making plans to return to Canada 2 years ago and had my house in the market to sell, then with everything considered, I discovered I couldn’t financially afford the move to Canada.
Thank you for another thoughtful vlog…it has made me think back to the reason we left Japan after living there for thirteen years. Having one of our kids with an intellectual disability growing up in Japan was challenging though the special school she attended was wonderful and we will be forever grateful for the care and support they gave. We came to realise though for their long term future that it would be better to return to Australia and the big extended family that love and care about them. Leaving though was very hard. We took a year to say goodbye to everyone and everything. We also return as often as we can as we feel Japan is still home to us. Also congrats on gaining a sponsor- it’s very well deserved!
Thank you for sharing. I think many underestimate how difficult the decision can be. Keeping a clear mind and taking stock of everything can be a troublesome thing and many would just prefer pushing it from their minds.
Very insightful. I'm retired, so professional issues don't apply. Long term visitation/residency is a definite possibility.So, one of these days, please discuss foreigners who might want to leave Trumpland or Trudeauville. Thanks!!
@@Exjapter Yes, but specifically for "retirees"/"pensioners". Perhaps you know someone older who has actually retired to Japan or spends a significant amount of time there? Congrats on the sponsorship. My cat, (who looks just like your cat) approves.
Congratulations on the sponser Paul, (but to be fair they need a japanese whiskey in the box....) thanks for this topic, it was really relevant to me ,and was great food for thought. 😁
Thank you for this. I have so much to say but I think you made many good points I will consider. I think for me as a person I crave new cultures and experiences its a part of me, I love learning languages and connecting to people. I would be doing the same thing in US but in Japan that yearning and passion is amplified. I really love what you said about things being for filling but theres also some parts of your life that may or not be filled depending where you live. For example in Japan the sense of adventure and immersion will be sufficed but In your home country your desire for deeper human connection would be better. This video helped me alot. Kinda rambling but thank you for providing this space. Id be curious to know how you met your wife? Also a video on how to be social in JApan in general, or what hobbies in japan you continued or picked up? Thank you
おめでとうございます！ on the sponsorship. The お菓子 look とても美味し！ A very entertaining and thought-provoking video! Yes, 'exacerbate' is the correct word in the context you were discussing. I'm curious whether you know any older westerners that have come to Japan, maybe to retire or start a new career after retiring from their old job. That would be my situation if (BIG IF) I were to come to Japan for other than a short visit.
Great video, gave me some things to think about. I will be visiting Japan for 10 days at the end of the month. I plan on moving to Japan in March of next year for an ALT position. I plan to settle in Japan permanently. As far as career I am a English professor, the university where I was working never really recovered in enrollment after the pandemic. I have always wanted to live in Japan so my plan is to be an ALT for about 2 years and go to a language school to assist in learning Japanese (I am currently studying right now and doing work books). Then after getting a better grasp on the language looking for teaching opportunities at a university. When you are teaching your literature classes is the class conducted in English or Japanese?
I conduct all my classes in English, and use Japanese only if students are totally lost over something. I am curious why you want to start as an ALT rather than try for a university job right away? Not all university jobs require Japanese ability.
After years of learning about Japan's culture and society, I came to the conclusion that it's not for me (to life there). I love to visit, and surely will, but I'll just be that tourist. And that's fine, keeping the dream alive 😊
@@Exjapter I'm too much of a loner, I prefer to work by myself and keep to myself. What I see of Japanese society is that there's a emphazis on the group and not the individual. And I respect that and even admire it, but knowing myself, I wouldn't fit in. Also being Dutch means that we wear our hearts on our sleeves, we are very direct in our communication with others. I can see that being a problem in Japanese society 😅That is also part of the attraction, the contrast between Dutch and Japanese culture.
How interesting hearing about your friend who said he was at a crossroads at 30 and decided to leave Japan. I just hit 30 this year and I am at a similar predicament ...but the only difference is I am deciding to move to Japan at 30, lol. After a 6 years long carrer in the animation/videogames industry in my home country, I am taking a year off as a break from this field and gonna teach English in Japan. The irony of working as an artist in the entertainment industry is that you get no time to do your own art, but become a faceless machine that constantly needs to spit out art at the demand of the studios. Overtime has become the norm and my mental health keeps deteroriating. Being a modestly earning English teacher in Japan and working on my art and starting my own art blog and youtube channel in my free time seems to be a great idea. What you mentioned in this video is exactly my thought process: to do a trial run for a year or so and check if this country really is for me and does my Japan life give me the peace to pursue my artistic goals on the side. Keep making these videos and sharing these amazing insights. You have been really helpful in giving me the confidence to make this move.
I may be going out on a limb here, but if you are indeed happy teaching English just to pay the bills, while using Japan as a creative outlet for your own art and creations, dare I say this sounds like it could work out very nicely?!
@@Exjapter That's what I am hoping for. Fingers crossed. I think it will depend on what you mentioned in the first sentence: "If I'm indeed happy teaching English". Only one way to find out now, I guess.
in most cases, people who feel comfortable, and are successful in their home countries would very unlikely think of settling in such a foreign and exotic place like japan for the rest of their lives: this equally applies to both affluent countries and not. if you know for sure that your life and career are going to be ensured where you are originally from, then why bother risking that position and status...
Thats a good point. I was going to be a teacher in the US, and traded that for being a teacher in Japan. It was basically trading nothing career-wise, but it made my life much more interesting. Thank you, I never thought of it that way.
Japan is not exotic...if you had written erotic, that would have tweeked my ears,so to speak...alas, Japan is super mundane . people really ought a know it, too
@@Shakyaman naturally, will depend on your definition of "exotic" but obviously, let's say, for an american japan would be much more exotic (in all respects) place than, for example, belgium or belarus
Very interesting video. I'm curious, what's your opinion about moving to Japan in your 40-ties, with established job experience? You seem to be talking mostly from the perspective of someone young, like your friend you mentioned, who decided to go back at 30. I get why - I'm sure most of your viewers are younger than that :D Just wonder what would your opinion be about that. Cheers!
Good question. It is certainly a different sort of adjustment, but I think you can ask yourself the same questions about career/life satisfaction, etc. There are certainly a lot of variables to consider when in your 40s, but one in particular could make the transition to Japan feel even more perfect, or make things completely terrible. That is, I think most people in their 40s have a much better idea about who they are, what they like/dislike and have more established interests and ideas about what they want their life to be like. (generalizing here of course). So depending on the person, that could mean Japan works out perfectly, or ends up a disaster. I am just thinking out loud here though, as I haven't really considered this exact scenario before.
The foreigners I know here in Japan who are happiest here and will never leave are mostly nerdy people. They are academics with graduate degrees and they're mostly married to Japanese academics, although not always. I know a German couple and an Indian couple who are all university professors and they moved here permanently. Japan seems to appeal to academics---I think it's the peaceful relatively stress-free lifestyle, with a simple house, no car needed, good food, rich interesting culture. The next category who stays here are foreign women married to Japanese men, or foreign men married to Japanese women.
Considering the couples you know where the woman is Japanese, how many of them chose to be child free? The impression I get is that Japanese women only take relationships with foreigners seriously if they are planning to have children soon.
@@rafae5902 I only know a few foreign man/J woman couples (since I'm in the foreign woman/J man community myself). But one foreign man/J woman couple I know is childfree because the wife had no desire for kids.
But seriously, Japan is a true free market, rule of law, private ownership place .. surpassing the US!!! (sorry to say/ burst yer friggin bubble) So, if ya got zero to say about that reality, stick to consumer food products... this is KING in Japan... don't ya know?! Ha ha
I think I oughta clarify Food products, for example snack foods, are approved... approved... therefore delicious snacks are abundant!!!! Ha .. ultimately, this is why any sane/normal person would ever venture here... I e. we do not vacation in order to make friends... give me a bloody break!!! And Japan is one of the most coldest places with respect to 'makin' friends ...(Don't wanna believe me, eh?)
Thanks, that was one of the more thoughtful explanations I've heard. My own situation is somewhat unique but I thought I'd describe it as the general implications may affect others' plans for living in Japan. It's a much longer story, but suffice it to say that I lived in Japan for 15 months and then moved back home last year. I maintain a relationship with a girlfriend in Tokyo who would like me to move back there and get married, but I'm over the retirement age of sixty. This and my not being fluent in Nihongo means that it's almost impossible for me to find a job there. While I would gain a visa by getting married, if we were to ever split up I'd have to leave the country, so even if I planned to live there forever I might find I have to leave at some point. My understanding is that gaining citizenship takes at least five years, you must be really fluent in Nihongo, and because Japan does not permit dual citizenship you must renounce your birth citizenship. That doesn't sound very palatable; my only option would be permanent residency. I'd be interested in your thoughts on working after sixty and retirement in Japan.
I think I have a list of about 15 people who have asked me about living in Japan after, or going into, retirement. As such, I will really brainstorm and look into this topic and will try to make a video about it soon. Thank you very much for sharing your experience.
I have to admit, I did not. I have had some low points here, but I have never had the culture shock crash that some have. That may have been a good first sign that Japan was going to be right for me. (NOT to suggest that anyone who experiences that culture shock should think twice.)
As you said, if you were 45, single and an English teacher, returning to the US would be a good option. I assume your insight and analysis of Japanese culture is a lever of expertise. Have you ever thought becoming a consultant in the US for people who plan to study or work abroad, in order to help them to adjust for new environments? I don't know if this kind of profession is viable for a living, though.
My wife would be fine about living in the US. Not sure about the kid. As for whether or not it would happen - I always say I am in Japan indefinitely, meaning no plans to leave, but I never rule it out.
I've had interactions with Japanese in Japan, Europe, and the US. Japanese in Europe treat White people with a high level of respect. It's almost surreal. In the US, most Japanese are standoffish as they honestly do not respect Americans but enjoy the benefits of living there. In Japan, Japanese really do not treat foreigners well at all. They think that the reason they are in Japan is because they were unable to set up a life in their home country. You have to admit that the stereotype often holds true.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
'Wherever you go, there you are...' The last segment on mental health is the real deal and more people need to take a good hard look at themselves before thinking that Japan is some sort of panacea.
But congratulations are in order! I'm sure this wonderful sponsor will be the first of many. Keep it up, dude!
Thank you. And yes, the mental health aspect bears repeating.
Yeah.
I moved to the UK thinking my life would be totally different and while it did improve my career and money prospects, it actually made the rest of my problems worse, because there was no family support and I was in a different culture.
@rafae5902 yes, I should have mentioned lack of family/friend support
1. Super happy you consider finding fulfilment in your personal life over career fulfillment a valid way to live. I feel seen. Thank you.
2. Even moving to different parts of the US takes well over a year to acclimate, I can only imagine a foreign country would require more time with its more imposing variables.
3. Regarding your mental health segment, one thing I have always said is that you can move away from everything but yourself. If you don't tackle your inner demons, they'll just move with you. That being said, having the right environment can greatly assist your ability to mend/grow.
Thanks for your thoughts, and I'm looking forward to my Sakuraco box!
Thank you! I meant to say this in the video but I think I forgot - sometimes moving to somewhere else in Japan can solve things. It doesnt always have to be "well _______ (insert city name here) sucks. Gotta leave the country!"
I found lots of weird nonJapanese who try to blend in with the subtle crazy Japanese people.
It's refreshing to hear from someone who just tells it like it is, no sugarcoating, just an honest take from someone who has been on the ground a long time.
Thank you for your comment. I have seen your email but just haven't had a chance to respond yet. Will do so soon!
Very Very Happy for you!Because simply you are the Best! You are kind,generous with info and advises ,and even if you talk about Your self,it’s still kind of for the Community ❤I wish you Health and Luck 🍀
Thank you so very much for your kind comment!
This guy is badass. Listened to this while working out today. Good stuff.
Great video. Its so difficult to make these decisions. I appreciate your wisdom
Hello Paul. Greetings from Southern Shikoku. Your analysis of everything to consider in making a decision whether to stay or leave is right on point. You really hit the nail on the head! Similar to you, after 13 years or so in Japan, I also have learned to like aspects of Japan I didn’t appreciate so much when I first arrived and vice versa. I’m in the category that I have stayed in Japan for the personal goals, rather than career goals, I have been able to accomplish that I never could have if I returned to Canada. I just so happened to have started a new job this year that I am enjoying much more than previous employment (although the salary is similar). So, I’ll be staying a bit longer, but I fully expect not forever.
So I am curious, after your explanation can you describe why you still plan to leave Japan?
@@Exjapter Hi Paul. To help you and your subscribers understand, I’ve written a short story... lol! My three basic, simple reasons are as follows: 1) I am approaching retirement age now and I was just reaching the required 10 consecutive years of employment, in order to qualify for permanent residence, just prior to the Covid pandemic. Then everything changed. The company I had earned permanent employment with decided to close the branch in the city where I owned a house and land. Without finding alternate employment after looking for 3 years, I believed I was no longer eligible for PR. I’m over 60 now and just started a new job this spring. It’s a 1-year contract with a chance of renewal, but unknown for now. Because of my age, I’m doubtful I would be granted PR now (I have yet to confirm this. Perhaps I could receive it? What are your thoughts?).
2) I am very independent and enjoy several hobbies, along with my home and food forest, etc., although have found it impossible to develop any relationships or friendships beyond only some very superficial relationships at work. All my time outside of work is spent on my own for 13 years. It’s not that I’m unhappy spending time on my own, it’s just that I feel having some close relationships, friendships and a social life would really add to my life. I just haven’t been able to achieve this at all where I live in Southern Shikoku. I never meet any people that have any interest or desire to become friends. I’ve even asked colleagues at work over the years if they would like to do activities or sports, etc. together for fun on the weekend, etc., and they would always decline. I don’t even bother making effort at all anymore. In 13 years, I’ve never been invited once to do any social activity with a Japanese here. Plus there’s no expat community in my city. I have become used to the social isolation and I can deal with it, but it’s not something I want for my remaining lifetime.
3). Women get married and have kids very young here. I only meet married women with husbands and children where I live. I never meet any single women at all, so never have any opportunities for dating. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but I don’t think I want to live my remaining lifetime where the opposite sex in Japan where I live avoid eye contact and never, ever flirt or show any interest whatsoever in me (and I happen to be not bad looking, dress well, am over 6’ tall, fit, athletic, in shape, and am positive, considerate, respectful, good at communicating, etc.). Again, not what I necessarily desire for my remaining lifetime.
These are my top 3 reasons for planning on leaving Japan. Otherwise I live in a lovely, very private, quiet traditional Japanese-style home on a hillside, where I only hear birds singing and the wind blowing, with a south-facing mountain view property 4x the size of the average city lot in my area. So I like my home very much. Is it worth staying in your opinion based on my experience and situation? It’s a personal choice only I can decide.
That is really interesting, and I don't blame you for looking at the situation as you see it. I have one question -have you ever tried to connect with people through your hobbies? You mention being independent, but in Japan hobbies are very often a shared group thing (not all of course).
I understand the issue with dating. Where I used to live in Yamanashi it was also the case that most women were already married and it was difficult to date in any normal sense, especially as you stand out in the community and would need to find a partner that doesn't mind the potential stares or judgement.
Thank you for your response, it has gotten me thinking. And, I also envy you in a way - I sometimes wish I could wake up away from other foreigners and feel myself immersed in a full countryside experience in a traditional home.
@@Exjapter Hello. It’s interesting to hear your point of view. My hobbies are woodworking, designing and building many projects with wood, Japanese architecture, home renovation, gardening, growing fruit and vegetables, nature photography, cycling, working out and walking. I’m also starting running, yoga and perhaps swimming. When I first arrived over 10 years ago, I inquired around town about various clubs such as an outdoor/hiking club. But no such luck. No clubs. There is a cycling club that goes on Saturday-morning group rides, although I’ve always had to work on Saturdays, and still do, so I couldn’t join due to my work schedule. I am currently researching clubs again. I’m open-minded enough to consider different clubs - even a bird watching club or any club with a decent number of members. I haven’t decided which club would provide the best opportunity to meet like-minded people. Perhaps some kind of sports club.
Having said all this, I have learned to appreciate my alone time and the freedom this provides. So perhaps I’m in a better situation than I often realize in some ways. I never have to compromise on anything. My free time is my own. Although having a food forest always requires a lot of work at the beginning to create, help get established and maintain. I grow about 8 different citrus, figs, Chinese dates, loquat, persimmon, pomegranate, grapes, watermelon and more. I am also Christian and attend English Catholic Mass 2x/month. The congregation is very small. Less than 10 people, mostly Filipino, attended today. This is one way I connect with the local community. I also have a good relationship with the new Pastor originally from Sri Lanka that recently joined our church. I have also gotten to know some elderly people in the community that are farmers/gardeners which I meet when out walking along the local river. This is the extent of my social interaction. Even though it’s limited, it’s positive.
@@ShikokuFoodForest
Why not move to a different city with more foreigners and less traditional women?
I don't live in Japan, but I believe that your problems could probably be resolved if you moved to Tokyo?
You would have more work opportunities and it would probably be easier to find older single women.
Congrats on the sponsor!! Well deserved!!
Thank you!
Congrats on the sponsor dude!! That's awesome.
Thank you! Was pretty surprised but happy. I had a couple of sketchy places offer a partnership before, but this company I have no qualms about working with.
Congratulations on the sponsorship, Paul!
Thank you! First time in years I felt nervous about putting together a video, lol.
Great video! Congratulations on the sponsor. I've bought snack boxes from Sakuraco before and it was delicious and lots of fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn't tried the service before.
Thank you!
I am glad you are sponsored, and the channel is growing. I will be retiring in Japan at some point, so any content related to that would be cool.. yea you have a few years for sure, but would love your take on that topic.
I can give it some thought. And I NEED to give it thought, since its more than likely I will retire here.
For essentially ALL long termers, financial planning is crucial. There are many, many long term foreign residents here in Japan (especially in the case of those from English speaking countries) who have simply been priced out of moving back to their home countries. This is true even amongst those who have advanced in their careers here or have kept pace with relevant skills that could be used back home.
Great point, wish I had thought to mention it. The yen is killing us further.
@@ExjapterSo true. Us ‘long-termers’ have lost 30% as a result of the devalued yen just in the recent 2-3 years! Of course this includes any real estate assets, in addition to cash and investments.
Yen devaluation is a killer.
Japanese gov doesn't seem to know what to do, which makes me believe situation will at best stay as it's long term, but may get even worse.
@@rafae5902 Hello. I am concerned you may be right. Financially, it couldn’t be much worse. My assets have dropped in value 30% over the least few years. I was making plans to return to Canada 2 years ago and had my house in the market to sell, then with everything considered, I discovered I couldn’t financially afford the move to Canada.
Essentially, yer advice is nonsensical...we live on one dollar a day in Japan... didn't ya know?
Thank you for another thoughtful vlog…it has made me think back to the reason we left Japan after living there for thirteen years. Having one of our kids with an intellectual disability growing up in Japan was challenging though the special school she attended was wonderful and we will be forever grateful for the care and support they gave. We came to realise though for their long term future that it would be better to return to Australia and the big extended family that love and care about them. Leaving though was very hard. We took a year to say goodbye to everyone and everything. We also return as often as we can as we feel Japan is still home to us.
Also congrats on gaining a sponsor- it’s very well deserved!
Thank you for sharing. I think many underestimate how difficult the decision can be. Keeping a clear mind and taking stock of everything can be a troublesome thing and many would just prefer pushing it from their minds.
Another excellent video with a thought-provoking topic that is already in my daily consciousness as I prepare my JET application (四十九歳).
Good luck!!!
Very insightful. I'm retired, so professional issues don't apply. Long term visitation/residency is a definite possibility.So, one of these days, please discuss foreigners who might want to leave Trumpland or Trudeauville. Thanks!!
Good idea - what the pros and cons are of moving to Japan will be an excellent topic.
@@Exjapter Yes, but specifically for "retirees"/"pensioners". Perhaps you know someone older who has actually retired to Japan or spends a significant amount of time there? Congrats on the sponsorship. My cat, (who looks just like your cat) approves.
The cat yawn in the sponsor ad was so perfectly timed hahah congratulations!!
Yeah, I owe him some treats for that.
Congratulations on the sponser Paul, (but to be fair they need a japanese whiskey in the box....) thanks for this topic, it was really relevant to me ,and was great food for thought. 😁
Maybe I should start a mystery whiskey box company....
Thank you for this. I have so much to say but I think you made many good points I will consider. I think for me as a person I crave new cultures and experiences its a part of me, I love learning languages and connecting to people. I would be doing the same thing in US but in Japan that yearning and passion is amplified. I really love what you said about things being for filling but theres also some parts of your life that may or not be filled depending where you live. For example in Japan the sense of adventure and immersion will be sufficed but In your home country your desire for deeper human connection would be better. This video helped me alot. Kinda rambling but thank you for providing this space. Id be curious to know how you met your wife? Also a video on how to be social in JApan in general, or what hobbies in japan you continued or picked up? Thank you
Good ideas, and thanks for the comment. (Its not rambling at all).
おめでとうございます！ on the sponsorship. The お菓子 look とても美味し！ A very entertaining and thought-provoking video! Yes, 'exacerbate' is the correct word in the context you were discussing. I'm curious whether you know any older westerners that have come to Japan, maybe to retire or start a new career after retiring from their old job. That would be my situation if (BIG IF) I were to come to Japan for other than a short visit.
You are probably about the 10th person to ask this very same question, so I think I need to brainstorm up a video about this. Thanks!
Great video, gave me some things to think about. I will be visiting Japan for 10 days at the end of the month. I plan on moving to Japan in March of next year for an ALT position. I plan to settle in Japan permanently. As far as career I am a English professor, the university where I was working never really recovered in enrollment after the pandemic. I have always wanted to live in Japan so my plan is to be an ALT for about 2 years and go to a language school to assist in learning Japanese (I am currently studying right now and doing work books). Then after getting a better grasp on the language looking for teaching opportunities at a university. When you are teaching your literature classes is the class conducted in English or Japanese?
Honestly, you have no idea what you are getting into.
I conduct all my classes in English, and use Japanese only if students are totally lost over something.
I am curious why you want to start as an ALT rather than try for a university job right away? Not all university jobs require Japanese ability.
After years of learning about Japan's culture and society, I came to the conclusion that it's not for me (to life there). I love to visit, and surely will, but I'll just be that tourist. And that's fine, keeping the dream alive 😊
No not for everyone. Lots of loosers back home who go to Japan.
Very level headed. What were the factors that decided it for you?
@@Exjapter I'm too much of a loner, I prefer to work by myself and keep to myself. What I see of Japanese society is that there's a emphazis on the group and not the individual. And I respect that and even admire it, but knowing myself, I wouldn't fit in. Also being Dutch means that we wear our hearts on our sleeves, we are very direct in our communication with others. I can see that being a problem in Japanese society 😅That is also part of the attraction, the contrast between Dutch and Japanese culture.
Lots of degenerates in Japan. Don’t believe all the hype too.
How interesting hearing about your friend who said he was at a crossroads at 30 and decided to leave Japan. I just hit 30 this year and I am at a similar predicament ...but the only difference is I am deciding to move to Japan at 30, lol.
After a 6 years long carrer in the animation/videogames industry in my home country, I am taking a year off as a break from this field and gonna teach English in Japan. The irony of working as an artist in the entertainment industry is that you get no time to do your own art, but become a faceless machine that constantly needs to spit out art at the demand of the studios. Overtime has become the norm and my mental health keeps deteroriating.
Being a modestly earning English teacher in Japan and working on my art and starting my own art blog and youtube channel in my free time seems to be a great
idea. What you mentioned in this video is exactly my thought process: to do a trial run for a year or so and check if this country really is for me and does my Japan life give me the peace to pursue my artistic goals on the side. Keep making these videos and sharing these amazing insights. You have been really helpful in giving me the confidence to make this move.
I may be going out on a limb here, but if you are indeed happy teaching English just to pay the bills, while using Japan as a creative outlet for your own art and creations, dare I say this sounds like it could work out very nicely?!
@@Exjapter That's what I am hoping for. Fingers crossed. I think it will depend on what you mentioned in the first sentence: "If I'm indeed happy teaching English". Only one way to find out now, I guess.
in most cases, people who feel comfortable, and are successful in their home countries would very unlikely think of settling in such a foreign and exotic place like japan for the rest of their lives: this equally applies to both affluent countries and not. if you know for sure that your life and career are going to be ensured where you are originally from, then why bother risking that position and status...
Thats a good point. I was going to be a teacher in the US, and traded that for being a teacher in Japan. It was basically trading nothing career-wise, but it made my life much more interesting. Thank you, I never thought of it that way.
Japan is not exotic...if you had written erotic, that would have tweeked my ears,so to speak...alas, Japan is super mundane . people really ought a know it, too
@@Shakyaman naturally, will depend on your definition of "exotic" but obviously, let's say, for an american japan would be much more exotic (in all respects) place than, for example, belgium or belarus
わたくしの目標は深い心から自由に現したいんです。そのことについて英語を喋るより日本語の方がもっとああ楽しいと思う
We are really happy that you got a sponsor! Please keep making great content Paul! We need it!
Thank you! Sponsor or not, I dont plan to change the videos I make.
Very interesting video. I'm curious, what's your opinion about moving to Japan in your 40-ties, with established job experience? You seem to be talking mostly from the perspective of someone young, like your friend you mentioned, who decided to go back at 30. I get why - I'm sure most of your viewers are younger than that :D Just wonder what would your opinion be about that. Cheers!
Good question. It is certainly a different sort of adjustment, but I think you can ask yourself the same questions about career/life satisfaction, etc. There are certainly a lot of variables to consider when in your 40s, but one in particular could make the transition to Japan feel even more perfect, or make things completely terrible. That is, I think most people in their 40s have a much better idea about who they are, what they like/dislike and have more established interests and ideas about what they want their life to be like. (generalizing here of course). So depending on the person, that could mean Japan works out perfectly, or ends up a disaster.
I am just thinking out loud here though, as I haven't really considered this exact scenario before.
The foreigners I know here in Japan who are happiest here and will never leave are mostly nerdy people. They are academics with graduate degrees and they're mostly married to Japanese academics, although not always. I know a German couple and an Indian couple who are all university professors and they moved here permanently. Japan seems to appeal to academics---I think it's the peaceful relatively stress-free lifestyle, with a simple house, no car needed, good food, rich interesting culture. The next category who stays here are foreign women married to Japanese men, or foreign men married to Japanese women.
Considering the couples you know where the woman is Japanese, how many of them chose to be child free?
The impression I get is that Japanese women only take relationships with foreigners seriously if they are planning to have children soon.
@@rafae5902 I only know a few foreign man/J woman couples (since I'm in the foreign woman/J man community myself). But one foreign man/J woman couple I know is childfree because the wife had no desire for kids.
@@mayviolets please, what's "FM"?
@@rafae5902 "foreign man"
That's an interesting observation, but I know quite a number of people who love it here and are not academics. Japan nerds, maybe.
I really and truly feel that any talk of 'Japayn' should be based in an honest perspective
Can you say that? Japayn.... A lot of folks say that, didn't cha know?
More like: Ja-pie-ya-en..hahahahahaahahahahaahahauau
But seriously, Japan is a true free market, rule of law, private ownership place .. surpassing the US!!! (sorry to say/ burst yer friggin bubble) So, if ya got zero to say about that reality, stick to consumer food products... this is KING in Japan... don't ya know?! Ha ha
I think I oughta clarify
Food products, for example snack foods, are approved... approved... therefore delicious snacks are abundant!!!! Ha .. ultimately, this is why any sane/normal person would ever venture here... I e. we do not vacation in order to make friends... give me a bloody break!!! And Japan is one of the most coldest places with respect to 'makin' friends ...(Don't wanna believe me, eh?)
Thanks, that was one of the more thoughtful explanations I've heard. My own situation is somewhat unique but I thought I'd describe it as the general implications may affect others' plans for living in Japan.
It's a much longer story, but suffice it to say that I lived in Japan for 15 months and then moved back home last year. I maintain a relationship with a girlfriend in Tokyo who would like me to move back there and get married, but I'm over the retirement age of sixty. This and my not being fluent in Nihongo means that it's almost impossible for me to find a job there. While I would gain a visa by getting married, if we were to ever split up I'd have to leave the country, so even if I planned to live there forever I might find I have to leave at some point.
My understanding is that gaining citizenship takes at least five years, you must be really fluent in Nihongo, and because Japan does not permit dual citizenship you must renounce your birth citizenship. That doesn't sound very palatable; my only option would be permanent residency. I'd be interested in your thoughts on working after sixty and retirement in Japan.
I think I have a list of about 15 people who have asked me about living in Japan after, or going into, retirement. As such, I will really brainstorm and look into this topic and will try to make a video about it soon. Thank you very much for sharing your experience.
Did you have struggles after the honey moon period? If so, how did you get through it?
I have to admit, I did not. I have had some low points here, but I have never had the culture shock crash that some have. That may have been a good first sign that Japan was going to be right for me. (NOT to suggest that anyone who experiences that culture shock should think twice.)
As you said, if you were 45, single and an English teacher, returning to the US
would be a good option. I assume your insight and analysis of Japanese culture
is a lever of expertise. Have you ever thought becoming a consultant in the US for
people who plan to study or work abroad, in order to help them to adjust for new
environments? I don't know if this kind of profession is viable for a living, though.
I dont know either, but it's an interesting idea, and could maybe be a sort of side-business.
First!!!!!
Yuh feel like you could live there forever or a week if you've never been there. lol
Do you foresee yourself ever moving back to America, or would your wife and kids have no interest? Reckon it would be related to a job it you were
My wife would be fine about living in the US. Not sure about the kid. As for whether or not it would happen - I always say I am in Japan indefinitely, meaning no plans to leave, but I never rule it out.
hmmm,... Donald Keene could stay and become a Japanese Citizen ... can you? ... hmmm, I'm not sure ...
Not at the moment, no.
I've had interactions with Japanese in Japan, Europe, and the US. Japanese in Europe treat White people with a high level of respect. It's almost surreal. In the US, most Japanese are standoffish as they honestly do not respect Americans but enjoy the benefits of living there. In Japan, Japanese really do not treat foreigners well at all. They think that the reason they are in Japan is because they were unable to set up a life in their home country. You have to admit that the stereotype often holds true.
I am certainly familiar with that stereotype, but I wouldn't say that its a majority by any means.
@@Exjapter Well have to spent long amounts of time in all those regions around Japanese?