*Thanks for watching, if you are new to the channel, you might also like to know all about the purchase price and costs of my Akiya. You can watch this video here:* th-cam.com/video/-uRsPDjSOXI/w-d-xo.html
Yes I have watched all your videos and googled a lot and living and what entitlements you would receive in Japan. How do I send money for a coffee for you?
Most people don't know the difference between cheap & frugal - Cheap means you will avoid spending money at all costs even to your own detriment, frugal means you are happy to spend but want to get the most from your money. I would say from your videos (which I am enjoying) you are living a comfortable frugal life which is is far better than living beyond your means
I'm the opposite unfortunately and wish I was the way you are thinking. I am uncheap and have impulse buying disorder, I could care less if what I buy does or don't do I just have the urge to buy keep and once obtained play with it a few times and put it aside, after a few years (10) I find it more valuable then sell it.... I know its bad
I have been saving llike crazy for two years now for my life dream to be a home owner , lost many friends because of that , it's painful but I guess it will be worth it someday
You might even think they weren't as good of friends as you thought. When they don't support your dream and drop you so easily. Keep working towards your dream, good luck.@@fatisummer9106
Wow thank you for the break down!!! I’m 33 and my dream is to one day do this, whenever I see TH-camrs usually they moved there early on in life in their teens! Your perspective is a breath of fresh air and gives me hope that I don’t need to give up yet if I budget right!!! Also I love your DIY! That’s so cool❤ and it’s so sweet you went to your students concert.
I just found your TH-cam. You are brave & such an inspiring story! I’m 55 living US 39 years & I decided to move back to Japan this fall because of my divorce after 29 years of marriage & now my son is in college. Your video gave me encouragement & not too late to start my second life in Japan. I don’t understand who send you bad comments & judge you. They have nothing to do or unhappy people. Most of people are good people so just keep going & enjoy life in Japan!! I am joining there soon. Japan is great country.
When I moved here from Hawaii, the resident tax surprised me the most. I live In Yokohama and it’s pretty expensive. Still, after 30 years, I’m still here :) Really enjoying your content. Aloha from Yokohama🤙🏽
I was fascinated by your trip to the dump especially since I have never seen something so organised. And the way you put all your expenses down is so common sense!! I love your chit chatting in japanese and of course beautiful Millie ❤❤ . Love your channel, for a 55 year old, it is something I resonate with. Thank you…
Thank you for sharing, you run a tight ship! Great job! I'm moving from Australia to Kansai next month for the long term, and I'd thought i had everything budgeted, but i picked up a couple of things from your own 😊
Thank you so much. I am really glad this video has helped. There is one more thing which I didn't mention and its the residence tax. This comes out of my wage from this year. It was something that just came to me after I loaded the video. 😀
Frugality? No, wisdom, commonsense and life experience. Your channel is providing many good life lessons. It’s so fulfilling when you learn to appreciate the basic things in life. e.g. your coffee table solution, I’m thinking it makes you feel good every time you see it! So intriguing to the the living cost comparison to here in Australia. At the rate we’re going, things like take away are no longer good value, rather a luxury and Supermarket prices becoming so high they’re under the scrutiny of the ACCC! Millie of course was her usual charming self…
Millie is very charming when she chooses to be 🐱 When I left OZ, I was finding it really hard to even go out for breakfast. Hopefully wages will catch up soon.
Thank you, more informative than so many other vlogs. Clearly you watch what you spend but still manage to enjoy the fruits of living and working in Japan. Having a lovely cat as company is a bonus. Makes me jealous here in NSW.
I love this breakdown and how you’ve been financially responsible. Also, that is the cleanest dump I have ever seen! Thank you again for bringing us along!
Cheap is buying inferior products despite the fact that they'll degrade or break quickly. It's not spending money on things you *need* or want. You're not Cheap. You're frugal. You saw an opportunity with the table and it turned out beautiful! Fact is this, you're budgeting. That's what everyone should do. Through this and through "Can I make this better, for less than buying new?" You're also preventing another landfill item possibly in the long run. or something that can be broken down and reused. This was a wonderful, educational, and adorable at the end video. I pray nothing negative finds your way and you have a wonderful year!
I've been really enjoying watching your Akiya journey, it's great that you break down all the expenses and little quirks of life in Japan! I've wanted to live in Japan for some time now and the current housing and cost of living crisis in Australia has pushed me to seriously look into buying our own Akiya and moving my family over.
Great work with the table. Spray paint the legs black and it will look just like your reference pictures. Seeing the ratio between your costs and your earnings makes me cry in Californian.
so impressed at your clear, insightful take on daily life Chani. Added bonus of the Milly footage is always appreciated! So glad that your channel is growing. More power to you (and sweet Milly)!
I'm really loving all of your videos! It's such a breath of fresh air to get a glimpse of authentic life in Japan and its trials and tribulations! I love how the coffee table turned out, so resourceful!
Thank you for showing a more realistic viewpoint and not glamorizing your life. I really appreciate your honesty and feel good after watching your videos.
Greetings from South Australia 🇦🇺 the coffee table looks great ! I truly am in awe of your adaptability & courage that enables you to live in Japan, a culture so far removed from the Australia we know. Love watching your videos! You’re amazing Chani 🤩
I'm starting to save for my retirement. I have 9 years before retirement. Looking at your lifestyle. I learned so many important things. Thank you. Look forward to your next video.❤
I really love your videos, i also dream with living in japan some day but i'm getting closer to my 40's so i'm glad i found someone who show me it's possible to make your dreams true whatever your age is! Also, as a women, i think is harder for us to go to japan and work when we are "older" because japanese women use to work only until they are married. Thanks for your channel! Regards from Barcelona!
If you work a remote job and earn in USD or Euros then there seems to be no need to worry about such customs. You earn your money and that's that. You can do whatever you set your mind to.
Its really interesting to see your videos on living in Japan, expenses etc, so thank you for making the videos. I'm slowly learning the language - getting there day by day - and would love to work and live there as like you, I'm quite frugal and saved up a lot.
Thank you so much for sharing an honest calculation and explanation about all the services needed. I love the coffee table you DIY. It looks amazing and chic. You’re an inspiration!
So glad i came across your video! My daughter is starting university here in canada soon and she's planned on teaching in Japan since she was a little girl. She's slowly learning the language and watches youtube like crazy so I'll share your channel with her. As a mom this video made me see how this could work for her so thank you for that peace of mind as well. I will keep following your journey!
I like your “ironing board” table - great idea! Only thing I’d have done is paint the legs black to give it a bit more of a “furniture” look. It’s fascinating to learn of your expenses there. I’m not going to move to Japan, but it’s fun to project your expenses onto an imagined life in that country. I’m looking forward to continuing to follow your Japan journey.
It's really refreshing seeing someone so open with their financial situation on youtube! For some reason it's taboo, but it's so helpful for anyone having a dream of moving :)
It is very impressive to me that you are well under control of your financial circumstance and surroundings in a country other than your own, which makes me feel that this is not just about being frugal but about self-managing disciplines that you seem to have. As a foreign resident in Japan just like you, I have been also trying to live as frugaly as possible even since I came to Japan, later I realized that Japanese household in general also live decent by saving money and spending money only on necessary stuff. While this kind of strict approach to one's life can be considered to be normal in some Asian countries, I thought that western people might initially take this kind of life too stressful based on my prejudice somehow. 😊 Again really impressive to see a western who can actually live with Japanese mindset of living with thriftiness. Cheer you up~!
Don’t let anyone tell you you’re cheap! The coffee table is awesome. I actually just found a sit to stand desk out for collection and made that my coffee table 😎 Thanks for the video it does seem cheaper in Japan than I thought!
You are a brave woman! I wanted to move to Japan too, but found I would only be earning about 20-25% what I make in the US, while working twice as hard and twice as long.
Great to see the breakdown. It's definitely been eye opening for us also coming from Australia to find the savings and save for the future! Love following your progress. Keep the stories coming and hopefully the YT income will also over time assist and contribute to further wiggle room for you.
Your innovative Chani!!! You can accomplish all you desire. Very intersting break down of income & expenditure, thankyou for all the details. Ive heard health insurance is very $$$ , maybe at a later date you could explain about the health system compared to Australia, also curious about the pension, how does that work? Love your videos, big❤ for Millie
Thank you Chani for such detailed transparency regarding the realistic expenses for living in Japan. Wishing you all the best and peaceful living as you continue to thrive there with Millie!
I am in my late 50's and have been mulling over the idea of trying to make the move to Japan. You've been great inspiration and motivation. My goal is Fall of 2025. Fingers crossed.Thanks.
@kimt4187 I've been at a point in life where I settled on working and staying here in the US with family and friends. I'm 60 and been retired for a year...One morning I asked myself about the next chapter in life and future goals. 🤔 At that moment I decided that moving to Japan would be a good idea. Healthcare, finances, and education are good. 🤔 Who do I know in Japan? 🎉🎉 I found some old letters from the early 90's and decided to write to that address. The people at that address was so happy about the letters that they found my friend in Tokyo and gave him the letters. We have been communicating via WhatsApp for a year. This summer I will start my new chapter in Japan. 😊
Thank you for all your vlogs which I find extremely interesting. I have recently discovered your TH-cam. I iove all your vlogs and especially valued this financially focused one. I am in awe of your journey from your first homestay and your present comfort and fluency with the Jaoanese language. 😊
Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy your videos. I was researching eventual move to Japan, but taxes are too complex for US citizens. Like for example if I were to have a NISA account, I can only invest in Japan assets, but the US will consider those foreign investments and tax me through the roof...
Thank you so much for your support ♥️ I didn't know about the tax for US citizens on NISA accounts. That does put some barriers up. I hope you can still do what makes you happy. 😀
Yeah, unfortunately the US has a global tax on its citizens, meaning no matter where they live and work, they are taxed. Although many countries have treaties to prevent double taxation.
I am in my mid-40's and plan to retire early from the US education system, with a goal of also moving to Japan to start a career and possibly retire. Your videos are informative, honest and really helpful for someone who is planning to live in Japan later in life.
Hi Chani - another great video!! Thanks for the transparency regarding your monthly fees; not something that everyone would be willing to share! Love what you did with the coffee table, it looks great, almost exactly like the ones you were looking at in NITORI! I love the short Millie appearances in every video (even if it's not intentional)💕 Also a quick update - I managed to get the job in Japan so I will be joining you shortly! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to so many of us, it's going to be weird adjusting to the differences between Japanese and Australian salaries, but as I'm sure you understand, it'll be worth it as long as I'm in Japan. Looking forward to the next video!! xx
Amazing video :) you’re living my dream! so happy for you 😊 and it’s really awesome that you did a price break down to help us understand the true cost of living there! Cheers!
What you did with that coffee table was awesome! I also enjoyed seeing what it is like to go to the dump (sorry, tip - very ocka). Sharing your monthly wage was both transparent and realistic - sometimes there is the misguided thought that your salary in your home country is similar to Japan. But your frugality has paid off! As long as you are happy 🌸🌸💜💜
Yes the wages are very different here and so is the cost of living. I'm glad you liked the trip to the dump. I wasn't sure if I should add it in or leave it out 😀
@@ChaniJapan I’m glad to left it in - a part of Japan I’ve never seen before. Would love to hear more about how you became to learn Japanese especially in Australia. ✌️
Thank you. For a while it felt like this was a dream that I wasn't going to achieve, that I'd be too late to live my life to the fullest in the place I want to live, but that's just silly. Thanks for inspiring me to chase it again!
I am so impressed with your story. It reminds me of my first trip to Disney World - one of the songs I heard there contained the words "If you can dream it, you can do it, yes, you can ..." At that time in my life I had no dreams other than raising my children, but after retirement suddenly dreams became possible. Thank you for letting us tag along in your Japanese adventure. 🥰
This was so informative and interesting!! Also, THAT TABLE 🤩 you did an awesome job!! My only complaint is that there wasn’t a trigger warning for Americans before you said how much you pay for health insurance 😂 😭😭😭❤
wonderful video. Love the table you made! I find the information about the expenses and income very insightful, I really appreciate that you share all of this, even though it can be sensitive topic for many, but on the other hand very useful for people to have a better understanding of the details of living in Japan.
How great! Like you I also spent 2 years planning my move to Japan and watched so many YT videos to get an idea of all the things. Let me know if there is anything I can make a video about that would help. 😀
Hi, came across with your channel today. I left Japan about 30yrs ago to live in abroad. I haven't go back for many years, so I can appreciate your video diaries how the situations there it is now. Hope you enjoy your life there for a long time to introduce us your experiences (of good & bad ;) so we can learn from it. Thank you & happy new year 2025 !
Something you could consider is teaching group lessons for adults at your local community center. Groups of 10 are good. Charge them ¥1,000 per lesson or as you see fit. I know people who have don’t this and it can be quite lucrative. Simple / travel English usually works. Also, you could advertise in your local paper for private tuition for kids. Learn how to teach Eiken - it’s not difficult. You’ve got the space for it. Good luck!
I was thinking along similar lines. Adults in Japan like hobbies and conversational English might be a very good fit for a small group of say 5 people which could meet in your home. Or you could watch a movie or read a book in English and discuss it. Or discuss current events or anything else that's free to talk about. If you had 2 groups of 5 each meeting once a month at 1000 per hour, that would add 10,000 (or more) to your monthly income. For a private class with individuals you could charge more per session. My ikebana teacher, for example, charges 5,000 per hour. But I have her exclusive attention. A bit of research as to local practices would let you know how to base your fees. However, there might also be taxes on such income. You wouldn't want to commit infractions of law.
My husband and I are in our 40’s (he’s closer to 50 now) and we just took our first trip oversees to Austria and then to Armenia. We just got back home last week. It was truly life changing. Spending those 15 days traveling together was a literal dream come true for us. We got together when I was 16 and started our family right away. We were not rich and all of our resources went to raising our family. We always said that when our kids were grown and we hit our 25th wedding anniversary that we would take a big trip. Our 25th is this year and our kids are grown. It feels so good to have accomplished our dream. The funny thing is that now we really want to keep traveling and we even want to move out of the US someday. Our youngest still lives at home so it won’t be until he is established but the dream is there. We began coming up with our financial strategy to make these dreams our reality. I just came across your channel today and I feel so inspired through what you are sharing here about your journey. It truly is amazing what you have accomplished and it gives me excitement and hope for my future. Blessings to you from California ❤.
I am a 58 year old mom of a son, who is married to a Japanese and currently immigrating to Japan. My plan is to emigrate when I'm 60, which will be next summer - therefore I am studying japanese since 2016 (but with lousy success and I admire your language skills) and that makes me to a perfect follower of your channel :). Thank you for sharing informations und inspirations!
You are totally the person I made this channel for! How exciting that you will emigrate here and be near your son. My two sons are currently living in Australia (25 & 22) and I miss them everyday. The best thing has been talking to them on video chat. Keep up your study of Japanese, it will really help when you get here.
Found your channel through a news article I read. Thank you so much for taking the time to share and explain the real details. Living in Japan is my dream too, and it helps me plan to see what it's really like on the day to day. ❤
Coffee table is excellent! You could take a little sand paper to the legs to scratch em up a bit, and spray paint them a flat black. You could even paint the sides of the table top black and you'll make it clean and modern and better than the one you originally saw. Really enjoy your content so thanks for making it
I'm just dropping in to thank you for your videos. I have no expectation of doing anthing close to what you are doing :) However, your journey is really inspiring and I'm so glad you are documenting for internet strangers like me :)
I loved the ending when she was writing with the pen lol!! Also so crazy - I just found your channel and this other YTber named “Trent the Traveler,” both your pets have the same name but he has a black pittie. Love coincidences. Totally different channels but you both have great naming conventions when it comes to adorable pets 😊❤
Almost everything here was ->great: the total listing of expenses, the table conversion, the dump trip, the thoroughness; &, detail of your budgetary examination, your trip to the concert, the language ability you have, your teaching job you got, your ability to drive a nice vehicle, your ability to grocery shop; &, cook for yourself; your handywork resourcefulness; your monetary conversation to U.S. Dollar equivalencies; your sensitivity to costing out your pet cat; etc. I greatly admire your frugality; &, ability to survive on small amount of living funds. The one part of this whole video that I SO strongly objected to, was: the use of onions; &, peppers; and, broccoli; in your ramen dish; &, the application of mayonnaise upon the top of it, after you had cooked it. In my most passionate opinions, most folks in the world hugely ruin their ramen with these abhorrent practices. If they skipped those moves, not only would they make a finer ramen/noodle dish; but, they'd also save all the money wasted on buying those vile ingredients. In any case, I love all of 2 of your videos, which is, also; all of your content, that I've seen; so far.
Thank you for sharing the income and expenses breakdown! It helps to put into perspective some of the realities to face if moving there. And the table turned out so nice! You did a great job!
I deeply appreciate this level of detail. I considered Japan when I was planning my retirement move but didn't think I'd be able to afford it. I will look at your numbers and mine side by side and see if I can maybe change my direction.
As I also live on my own in Japan (since my husband died, but my sons living at walking distance), and your short experience here has taught me lots of things I would have no chance to learn. Responding to friends as much as possible is also a good way to discover new things we would not have otherwise. Especially here if you don't accept twice or even three times an invitation, you will never been invited as they believe it is your way to say you don't like to share time with them. I have lost many occasion of befriending people in the first few years of my life here. My husband saying that "come have tea sometimes" is just a polite way to talk with no real meaning. So I complied with his thinking. But later, I realize that these people had made a great effort to include me as a foreigner, and not responding positively had not been a nice move. So my advice to foreigners here, when invited go ahead, you are not subjected to the same "giri"notion so strong here, when a new acquaintance weigh a lot with the giri obligations later on!
There is so much to learn here. I really never appreciated how much my homestay family looked after me until I became a parent myself many years later. In hindsight I would have done many things differently ❤️
I just learnt about these houses last year, and am super grateful for your detailed video with costs. The detail mattered, and was very helpful.... Wishing you well, and will watch some more of your videos. FYI the 1st one that popped up in my feed was your renovation total costs
Wow Chani, living on that budget is amazing! I discovered your channel today, and my wife and I have been binge watching for a few hours now. We used to live in Musota, so it's been fun to catch up on life in Wakayama. We love your POV as a resident, as opposed to someone just passing though, making a travel Vlog.
*Thanks for watching, if you are new to the channel, you might also like to know all about the purchase price and costs of my Akiya. You can watch this video here:* th-cam.com/video/-uRsPDjSOXI/w-d-xo.html
Yes I have watched all your videos and googled a lot and living and what entitlements you would receive in Japan. How do I send money for a coffee for you?
@@helenekrotz4692there is a link in the video description or on my about page. ko-fi.com/chanijapan❤️ Very kind of you
your table looks great!
if you are living in wakayama city , there is a supermarket called LaMu ラ・ムー.
everythings are supercheap and open 24 hour a day.
@@dwadd7528 I will check it out😃🙏
Wait. Someone who knows how to do carpentry, speaks japanese, owns a cat? You are living my dream life, ma'am!!
Thanks so much 🐱
You're not cheap, you're smart and resourceful.
Thanks so much 😀♥️
yep, being cheap is buying stuff that's low quality.
Not overpaying for stuff you can easily make yourself is called being smart.
Agreed, you don't don't like unecessary waste.
maybe more video like that too!
super agreed !!!
Most people don't know the difference between cheap & frugal - Cheap means you will avoid spending money at all costs even to your own detriment, frugal means you are happy to spend but want to get the most from your money. I would say from your videos (which I am enjoying) you are living a comfortable frugal life which is is far better than living beyond your means
Great point!
I'm the opposite unfortunately and wish I was the way you are thinking. I am uncheap and have impulse buying disorder, I could care less if what I buy does or don't do I just have the urge to buy keep and once obtained play with it a few times and put it aside, after a few years (10) I find it more valuable then sell it.... I know its bad
Well done on the coffee table. Your frugality has turned your dream into reality. You are an inspiration.
Very kind of you to say that 😀
@@ChaniJapannext time you have some spare change buy some black spray paint. I think the table would look better if you painted the legs black.
I have been saving llike crazy for two years now for my life dream to be a home owner , lost many friends because of that , it's painful but I guess it will be worth it someday
You might even think they weren't as good of friends as you thought. When they don't support your dream and drop you so easily. Keep working towards your dream, good luck.@@fatisummer9106
@lescobrandon9693 I was thinking the exact same thing! 😱😱😱
As a 42year old who is studying Japanese and would love to live there rather than just visiting twice a year, this is great content ❤️
Thank you 😀 I am really glad it helps 🇯🇵
Yo same here. I just wish I could take my ford mustang with me
How's your language learning journey going? I'm 38 and would love to learn Japanese.
@@KenyaGmz it's slow but fun!
Wow thank you for the break down!!! I’m 33 and my dream is to one day do this, whenever I see TH-camrs usually they moved there early on in life in their teens! Your perspective is a breath of fresh air and gives me hope that I don’t need to give up yet if I budget right!!! Also I love your DIY! That’s so cool❤ and it’s so sweet you went to your students concert.
Thanks for your lovely comment ♥️
I’m really enjoying your videos, they are very informative and inspiring to people seeking a change in their life.
Very kind of you ♥️ Thank you so much!
Thank god the cost of living is very cheap where you live. Do you mind if I ask you how many hours do you work per week? Thank you 😊
I just found your TH-cam. You are brave & such an inspiring story! I’m 55 living US 39 years & I decided to move back to Japan this fall because of my divorce after 29 years of marriage & now my son is in college. Your video gave me encouragement & not too late to start my second life in Japan. I don’t understand who send you bad comments & judge you. They have nothing to do or unhappy people. Most of people are good people so just keep going & enjoy life in Japan!! I am joining there soon. Japan is great country.
Welcome back. I hope the reverse culture shock is not too hard. 😅
Me too! I plan on moving to Japan when my youngest goes to college in 3 years! I love her channel! So inspirational!❤
When I moved here from Hawaii, the resident tax surprised me the most. I live In Yokohama and it’s pretty expensive. Still, after 30 years, I’m still here :) Really enjoying your content. Aloha from Yokohama🤙🏽
My company is taking a portion out of my salary for this. I hope its enough and I don't get a big bill 😅
That's great! I wasn't told about resident tax, until I got here😅@@ChaniJapan
Aloha from Chigasaki!!
@@AndyLifeInVideo great place to live! I was just there earlier this month☀️
I was fascinated by your trip to the dump especially since I have never seen something so organised.
And the way you put all your expenses down is so common sense!!
I love your chit chatting in japanese and of course beautiful Millie ❤❤ .
Love your channel, for a 55 year old, it is something I resonate with. Thank you…
Thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed it 😀
It’s so helpful to see someone‘s actual income and expenses, not just averages. Thank you for sharing! And I really like your coffee table!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing, you run a tight ship! Great job!
I'm moving from Australia to Kansai next month for the long term, and I'd thought i had everything budgeted, but i picked up a couple of things from your own 😊
Thank you so much. I am really glad this video has helped. There is one more thing which I didn't mention and its the residence tax. This comes out of my wage from this year. It was something that just came to me after I loaded the video. 😀
The table turned out great.
Excellent breakdown of living expenses too.
Glad you liked it!😀
Watching the supermarket and seeing your daily life brings tears to my eyes. I adore Japan.
Frugality? No, wisdom, commonsense and life experience. Your channel is providing many good life lessons. It’s so fulfilling when you learn to appreciate the basic things in life. e.g. your coffee table solution, I’m thinking it makes you feel good every time you see it!
So intriguing to the the living cost comparison to here in Australia. At the rate we’re going, things like take away are no longer good value, rather a luxury and Supermarket prices becoming so high they’re under the scrutiny of the ACCC!
Millie of course was her usual charming self…
Millie is very charming when she chooses to be 🐱 When I left OZ, I was finding it really hard to even go out for breakfast. Hopefully wages will catch up soon.
I agree it's really satisfying watching someone mastering the basics and it's a good encouragement for us too to be handy
@@jackg5321 Thanks, it’s nice to see there are like minded people out there.
Thank you, more informative than so many other vlogs. Clearly you watch what you spend but still manage to enjoy the fruits of living and working in Japan. Having a lovely cat as company is a bonus. Makes me jealous here in NSW.
So nice of you
I love this breakdown and how you’ve been financially responsible. Also, that is the cleanest dump I have ever seen! Thank you again for bringing us along!
I appreciate that!
Yes, I thought the very same thing about the dump. The Japanese are models of precision and order.
Cheap is buying inferior products despite the fact that they'll degrade or break quickly. It's not spending money on things you *need* or want. You're not Cheap. You're frugal. You saw an opportunity with the table and it turned out beautiful! Fact is this, you're budgeting. That's what everyone should do. Through this and through "Can I make this better, for less than buying new?" You're also preventing another landfill item possibly in the long run. or something that can be broken down and reused. This was a wonderful, educational, and adorable at the end video. I pray nothing negative finds your way and you have a wonderful year!
This is a super useful video Chani! Thank you for thoroughly breaking it down.
Glad it was helpful!
I've been really enjoying watching your Akiya journey, it's great that you break down all the expenses and little quirks of life in Japan!
I've wanted to live in Japan for some time now and the current housing and cost of living crisis in Australia has pushed me to seriously look into buying our own Akiya and moving my family over.
Living costs have really gotten so high
Great work with the table. Spray paint the legs black and it will look just like your reference pictures.
Seeing the ratio between your costs and your earnings makes me cry in Californian.
Thanks - we’re really enjoying the videos you are posting.
Glad you like them! Thank you so much for your support ♥️
your frugality and transparency are admirable, you’re doing awesome!
Oh Wow 🫣Thank you so much! What a shock. Very generous of you. I truely appreciate your support. Thank you ♥️
Thanks!
So kind of you ♥️ Thank you so much 🐱
so impressed at your clear, insightful take on daily life Chani. Added bonus of the Milly footage is always appreciated! So glad that your channel is growing. More power to you (and sweet Milly)!
Thanks so much 🐱
I'm really loving all of your videos! It's such a breath of fresh air to get a glimpse of authentic life in Japan and its trials and tribulations! I love how the coffee table turned out, so resourceful!
Thank you so much!!
This was great and really informative! I’ll be checking out your previous videos about you and moving into your akiya.
Thank you for showing a more realistic viewpoint and not glamorizing your life. I really appreciate your honesty and feel good after watching your videos.
An awesome lady who has actually done what I have only ever dreamt about. Plus the table you made was incredible 👍🏼
Thank you so much. Very kind 😀
Greetings from South Australia 🇦🇺 the coffee table looks great ! I truly am in awe of your adaptability & courage that enables you to live in Japan, a culture so far removed from the Australia we know. Love watching your videos! You’re amazing Chani 🤩
Thanks so much 😀
I'm starting to save for my retirement. I have 9 years before retirement.
Looking at your lifestyle. I learned so many important things. Thank you. Look forward to your next video.❤
Thanks 😀
For kitty!
Thank you 😽 Millie appreciates it so much! 🩷👋
Really loving your videos! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. 😊
I'm so glad! I appreciate your support ♥️
I really love your videos, i also dream with living in japan some day but i'm getting closer to my 40's so i'm glad i found someone who show me it's possible to make your dreams true whatever your age is! Also, as a women, i think is harder for us to go to japan and work when we are "older" because japanese women use to work only until they are married. Thanks for your channel! Regards from Barcelona!
Hi there in Barcelona! Thanks so much for your comment and support 😀
If you work a remote job and earn in USD or Euros then there seems to be no need to worry about such customs. You earn your money and that's that. You can do whatever you set your mind to.
@@vanhalen45But then you need some way to have a visa to live in Japan.
Its really interesting to see your videos on living in Japan, expenses etc, so thank you for making the videos.
I'm slowly learning the language - getting there day by day - and would love to work and live there as like you, I'm quite frugal and saved up a lot.
You can do it! I thought that nobody really shares this info and its so useful for others making a move.
Your breakdown on costs per month is super helpful! Thank you for sharing!
Glad it helped
You’re so resourceful and I admire how you budget and so creative. I can’t wait til the next video😊
Thanks so much ♥️
Thank you so much for sharing an honest calculation and explanation about all the services needed. I love the coffee table you DIY. It looks amazing and chic. You’re an inspiration!
Thank you so much!
So glad i came across your video! My daughter is starting university here in canada soon and she's planned on teaching in Japan since she was a little girl. She's slowly learning the language and watches youtube like crazy so I'll share your channel with her. As a mom this video made me see how this could work for her so thank you for that peace of mind as well. I will keep following your journey!
Great! I hope it can help her in some way 😀
You are my hero, and I'm so glad I found this channel! I, too, am 50 and I needed to be reminded I'm a bit older, not dead!
I like your “ironing board” table - great idea! Only thing I’d have done is paint the legs black to give it a bit more of a “furniture” look. It’s fascinating to learn of your expenses there. I’m not going to move to Japan, but it’s fun to project your expenses onto an imagined life in that country. I’m looking forward to continuing to follow your Japan journey.
It's really refreshing seeing someone so open with their financial situation on youtube! For some reason it's taboo, but it's so helpful for anyone having a dream of moving :)
It is very impressive to me that you are well under control of your financial circumstance and surroundings in a country other than your own, which makes me feel that this is not just about being frugal but about self-managing disciplines that you seem to have. As a foreign resident in Japan just like you, I have been also trying to live as frugaly as possible even since I came to Japan, later I realized that Japanese household in general also live decent by saving money and spending money only on necessary stuff. While this kind of strict approach to one's life can be considered to be normal in some Asian countries, I thought that western people might initially take this kind of life too stressful based on my prejudice somehow. 😊
Again really impressive to see a western who can actually live with Japanese mindset of living with thriftiness. Cheer you up~!
Thanks so much for your comment! 😀
Don’t let anyone tell you you’re cheap!
The coffee table is awesome. I actually just found a sit to stand desk out for collection and made that my coffee table 😎
Thanks for the video it does seem cheaper in Japan than I thought!
That’s a great idea with the desk! 😸
Great work with the coffee table! I'm not a DIY and I genuinely admire people who are this skillful.
Thanks so much! I am very happy with how it turned out 😀
You are not cheap, you are awesome, hard working, honest and transparent ❤️
Thanks for the kind words. 🥰
Thanks for your videos - they are very informative ! Your kitty is the best!!
She is 🐱
You are a brave woman! I wanted to move to Japan too, but found I would only be earning about 20-25% what I make in the US, while working twice as hard and twice as long.
CHani, when things get tough, try to remember that you are living the dream I wish I did 10 years ago
I will remember this! 🐱
Great to see the breakdown. It's definitely been eye opening for us also coming from Australia to find the savings and save for the future! Love following your progress. Keep the stories coming and hopefully the YT income will also over time assist and contribute to further wiggle room for you.
Thanks I hope so too! 😀
Thank you for being so transparent about the costs! ❤
You are so welcome!
Your innovative Chani!!! You can accomplish all you desire. Very intersting break down of income & expenditure, thankyou for all the details. Ive heard health insurance is very $$$ , maybe at a later date you could explain about the health system compared to Australia, also curious about the pension, how does that work? Love your videos, big❤ for Millie
Thats a great video idea. I will keep it in mind! 😀
One of the most transparent and resourceful videos! Keep posting!
I appreciate that! thank you😀
Thank you Chani for such detailed transparency regarding the realistic expenses for living in Japan. Wishing you all the best and peaceful living as you continue to thrive there with Millie!
I am in my late 50's and have been mulling over the idea of trying to make the move to Japan. You've been great inspiration and motivation. My goal is Fall of 2025. Fingers crossed.Thanks.
You can do it! 🇯🇵
@kimt4187 I've been at a point in life where I settled on working and staying here in the US with family and friends. I'm 60 and been retired for a year...One morning I asked myself about the next chapter in life and future goals. 🤔 At that moment I decided that moving to Japan would be a good idea. Healthcare, finances, and education are good. 🤔 Who do I know in Japan? 🎉🎉 I found some old letters from the early 90's and decided to write to that address. The people at that address was so happy about the letters that they found my friend in Tokyo and gave him the letters. We have been communicating via WhatsApp for a year. This summer I will start my new chapter in Japan. 😊
@@TenYen4796 wow! Even more inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for all your vlogs which I find extremely interesting. I have recently discovered your TH-cam. I iove all your vlogs and especially valued this financially focused one. I am in awe of your journey from your first homestay and your present comfort and fluency with the Jaoanese language. 😊
Thanks for the video, it was really good to get a perspective with so much detail!
Thanks for sharing! Really enjoy your videos.
I was researching eventual move to Japan, but taxes are too complex for US citizens. Like for example if I were to have a NISA account, I can only invest in Japan assets, but the US will consider those foreign investments and tax me through the roof...
Thank you so much for your support ♥️ I didn't know about the tax for US citizens on NISA accounts. That does put some barriers up. I hope you can still do what makes you happy. 😀
Yeah, unfortunately the US has a global tax on its citizens, meaning no matter where they live and work, they are taxed. Although many countries have treaties to prevent double taxation.
Thank you for sharing more of Japan's life with us. I'm always looking forward to seeing your next video ❤
Thanks so much 😀
I am in my mid-40's and plan to retire early from the US education system, with a goal of also moving to Japan to start a career and possibly retire. Your videos are informative, honest and really helpful for someone who is planning to live in Japan later in life.
Hi Chani - another great video!! Thanks for the transparency regarding your monthly fees; not something that everyone would be willing to share! Love what you did with the coffee table, it looks great, almost exactly like the ones you were looking at in NITORI! I love the short Millie appearances in every video (even if it's not intentional)💕
Also a quick update - I managed to get the job in Japan so I will be joining you shortly! Thank you so much for being such an inspiration to so many of us, it's going to be weird adjusting to the differences between Japanese and Australian salaries, but as I'm sure you understand, it'll be worth it as long as I'm in Japan. Looking forward to the next video!! xx
How fantastic! Congratulations I am so very excited for you 🎉
Amazing video :) you’re living my dream! so happy for you 😊 and it’s really awesome that you did a price break down to help us understand the true cost of living there! Cheers!
Love this video Chani, you’re doing amazingly!! 🎉
Thank you so much!!
☕️興味深く見ています。これからもvlogを続けてください。
ありがとうございました。これからもVlogを作り続けます☕️
What you did with that coffee table was awesome! I also enjoyed seeing what it is like to go to the dump (sorry, tip - very ocka). Sharing your monthly wage was both transparent and realistic - sometimes there is the misguided thought that your salary in your home country is similar to Japan. But your frugality has paid off! As long as you are happy 🌸🌸💜💜
Yes the wages are very different here and so is the cost of living. I'm glad you liked the trip to the dump. I wasn't sure if I should add it in or leave it out 😀
@@ChaniJapan I’m glad to left it in - a part of Japan I’ve never seen before. Would love to hear more about how you became to learn Japanese especially in Australia. ✌️
Thank you. For a while it felt like this was a dream that I wasn't going to achieve, that I'd be too late to live my life to the fullest in the place I want to live, but that's just silly. Thanks for inspiring me to chase it again!
Thank you! Your videos are much appreciated. More than you can imagine!
Glad you like them! 😀
First time watcher. You're instantly my hero for that coffee table. Looks so good.
That makes me so happy to hear! It was a fun project. 😊
Hi from France. Enjoying your content, keep it up :)
Wow 😀 Hi there in France - amazing. Thank you 🐱
I am so impressed with your story. It reminds me of my first trip to Disney World - one of the songs I heard there contained the words "If you can dream it, you can do it, yes, you can ..." At that time in my life I had no dreams other than raising my children, but after retirement suddenly dreams became possible. Thank you for letting us tag along in your Japanese adventure. 🥰
This was so informative and interesting!! Also, THAT TABLE 🤩 you did an awesome job!! My only complaint is that there wasn’t a trigger warning for Americans before you said how much you pay for health insurance 😂 😭😭😭❤
ahhh. I'm guessing it is a really high cost there?
@@ChaniJapan VERY. I’d love to see the breakdown of how the health insurance works in Japan.
Japanese health payments are based on income. Make more pay more.
Love the coffee table. Was really impressed with how affordable the wood is
Very affordable 😃
Thanks for sharing your experience, very insightful 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
wonderful video. Love the table you made! I find the information about the expenses and income very insightful, I really appreciate that you share all of this, even though it can be sensitive topic for many, but on the other hand very useful for people to have a better understanding of the details of living in Japan.
Great content! Thanks heaps. My girlfriend and I plan on moving from Melbourne in 3 years time! Looking forward to watching your journey
How great! Like you I also spent 2 years planning my move to Japan and watched so many YT videos to get an idea of all the things. Let me know if there is anything I can make a video about that would help. 😀
I adore your videos. Its my first time seeing something so honest and with someone doing it entirely independently.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing! Love your table.
Thanks so much! 😊
Hi, came across with your channel today. I left Japan about 30yrs ago to live in abroad. I haven't go back for many years, so I can appreciate your video diaries how the situations there it is now. Hope you enjoy your life there for a long time to introduce us your experiences (of good & bad ;) so we can learn from it. Thank you & happy new year 2025 !
Something you could consider is teaching group lessons for adults at your local community center. Groups of 10 are good. Charge them ¥1,000 per lesson or as you see fit.
I know people who have don’t this and it can be quite lucrative. Simple / travel English usually works.
Also, you could advertise in your local paper for private tuition for kids. Learn how to teach Eiken - it’s not difficult. You’ve got the space for it.
Good luck!
Thanks for the tips!
Was thinking the same thing. Plus, soon (if not already) Chani will be making more money from TH-cam than from teaching.
I was thinking along similar lines. Adults in Japan like hobbies and conversational English might be a very good fit for a small group of say 5 people which could meet in your home. Or you could watch a movie or read a book in English and discuss it. Or discuss current events or anything else that's free to talk about. If you had 2 groups of 5 each meeting once a month at 1000 per hour, that would add 10,000 (or more) to your monthly income. For a private class with individuals you could charge more per session. My ikebana teacher, for example, charges 5,000 per hour. But I have her exclusive attention.
A bit of research as to local practices would let you know how to base your fees. However, there might also be taxes on such income. You wouldn't want to commit infractions of law.
Thanks for sharing. I was told that the salary of an English teacher in Japan was not much but you manage to live there happily. Congratulations.
My husband and I are in our 40’s (he’s closer to 50 now) and we just took our first trip oversees to Austria and then to Armenia. We just got back home last week. It was truly life changing. Spending those 15 days traveling together was a literal dream come true for us. We got together when I was 16 and started our family right away. We were not rich and all of our resources went to raising our family. We always said that when our kids were grown and we hit our 25th wedding anniversary that we would take a big trip. Our 25th is this year and our kids are grown. It feels so good to have accomplished our dream. The funny thing is that now we really want to keep traveling and we even want to move out of the US someday. Our youngest still lives at home so it won’t be until he is established but the dream is there. We began coming up with our financial strategy to make these dreams our reality. I just came across your channel today and I feel so inspired through what you are sharing here about your journey. It truly is amazing what you have accomplished and it gives me excitement and hope for my future. Blessings to you from California ❤.
I think I need to binge this channel 😅 hopefully there’s a TH-cam commission coffee in there somewhere!
Very calming and informative. Thanks for sharing.
So nice of you ♥️Thank you for your support ♥️
I am a 58 year old mom of a son, who is married to a Japanese and currently immigrating to Japan. My plan is to emigrate when I'm 60, which will be next summer - therefore I am studying japanese since 2016 (but with lousy success and I admire your language skills) and that makes me to a perfect follower of your channel :). Thank you for sharing informations und inspirations!
You are totally the person I made this channel for! How exciting that you will emigrate here and be near your son. My two sons are currently living in Australia (25 & 22) and I miss them everyday. The best thing has been talking to them on video chat. Keep up your study of Japanese, it will really help when you get here.
I love the detail you give us and I think it's really important to be frugal to get the things that are important. Love the coffee table.
Thank you! 😊
Found your channel through a news article I read. Thank you so much for taking the time to share and explain the real details. Living in Japan is my dream too, and it helps me plan to see what it's really like on the day to day. ❤
Coffee table is excellent! You could take a little sand paper to the legs to scratch em up a bit, and spray paint them a flat black. You could even paint the sides of the table top black and you'll make it clean and modern and better than the one you originally saw. Really enjoy your content so thanks for making it
Thanks so much 😃
I'm just dropping in to thank you for your videos. I have no expectation of doing anthing close to what you are doing :) However, your journey is really inspiring and I'm so glad you are documenting for internet strangers like me :)
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. It encourages me to keep going!
I loved the ending when she was writing with the pen lol!! Also so crazy - I just found your channel and this other YTber named “Trent the Traveler,” both your pets have the same name but he has a black pittie. Love coincidences. Totally different channels but you both have great naming conventions when it comes to adorable pets 😊❤
Almost everything here was ->great: the total listing of expenses, the table conversion, the dump trip, the thoroughness; &, detail of your budgetary examination, your trip to the concert, the language ability you have, your teaching job you got, your ability to drive a nice vehicle, your ability to grocery shop; &, cook for yourself; your handywork resourcefulness; your monetary conversation to U.S. Dollar equivalencies; your sensitivity to costing out your pet cat; etc.
I greatly admire your frugality; &, ability to survive on small amount of living funds.
The one part of this whole video that I SO strongly objected to, was: the use of onions; &, peppers; and, broccoli; in your ramen dish; &, the application of mayonnaise upon the top of it, after you had cooked it.
In my most passionate opinions, most folks in the world hugely ruin their ramen with these abhorrent practices. If they skipped those moves, not only would they make a finer ramen/noodle dish; but, they'd also save all the money wasted on buying those vile ingredients.
In any case, I love all of 2 of your videos, which is, also; all of your content, that I've seen; so far.
Thank you for sharing the income and expenses breakdown! It helps to put into perspective some of the realities to face if moving there. And the table turned out so nice! You did a great job!
I deeply appreciate this level of detail. I considered Japan when I was planning my retirement move but didn't think I'd be able to afford it. I will look at your numbers and mine side by side and see if I can maybe change my direction.
I hope it helps in some way 😀
I just found your channel and I am enjoying watching your vidoes. Very inspiring! Good luck with your new life in Japan with your lovely cat! 😊
I’m so glad you found my channel! Thanks for watching! 😃 Thank you for your support 🩷
As I also live on my own in Japan (since my husband died, but my sons living at walking distance), and your short experience here has taught me lots of things I would have no chance to learn. Responding to friends as much as possible is also a good way to discover new things we would not have otherwise. Especially here if you don't accept twice or even three times an invitation, you will never been invited as they believe it is your way to say you don't like to share time with them. I have lost many occasion of befriending people in the first few years of my life here. My husband saying that "come have tea sometimes" is just a polite way to talk with no real meaning. So I complied with his thinking. But later, I realize that these people had made a great effort to include me as a foreigner, and not responding positively had not been a nice move. So my advice to foreigners here, when invited go ahead, you are not subjected to the same "giri"notion so strong here, when a new acquaintance weigh a lot with the giri obligations later on!
There is so much to learn here. I really never appreciated how much my homestay family looked after me until I became a parent myself many years later. In hindsight I would have done many things differently ❤️
The table came out amazing.
This was really helpful, Thankyou and Love-Support from INDIA
Glad it helped 👋
New sub I’m so addicted to your videos! So informative but also wildly inspiring! ❤
I just learnt about these houses last year, and am super grateful for your detailed video with costs. The detail mattered, and was very helpful.... Wishing you well, and will watch some more of your videos. FYI the 1st one that popped up in my feed was your renovation total costs
Wow Chani, living on that budget is amazing! I discovered your channel today, and my wife and I have been binge watching for a few hours now. We used to live in Musota, so it's been fun to catch up on life in Wakayama. We love your POV as a resident, as opposed to someone just passing though, making a travel Vlog.
Thank you for watching! It’s nice to hear from people who have also lived in Musota!