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When I was 5 years old, back in 1981, I told my Mom that I wanted to live in Japan (lived in Manhattan then). I finally did it at 47. Best life decision ever.
Happy Birthday Diane. People, don’t have regrets. I had an epiphany relatively late, 30’s. Not to live in Japan, but to see the world. I acted on my realisation and did all I could to make it happen and within a year I had my savings, rented my house, quit my job and backpacked for a year. Changed my life……don’t have regrets. I am now 61 and only discovered Japan in 2019. Definitely a country that matches my spirit.
WOW, your first time experience in Japan and the way you fell in love with Japan (not just anime) is strikingly similar to my experience! I went at 15 with basically no Japanese skills for 2 months and stayed with an amazing host family. The way they made me feel cared for drastically changed me from an insecure teen to a confident person with a different more hopeful perspective on life. I never wanted to come home! And I went back 3 more times lol (short stays). And after 10 years, my dream of living in Japan is finally coming true through my global company, and I will be moving there this June!! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
The question “will you regret not moving?” is what made me move to Japan. I applied to the JET programme on a whim, I thought I wouldn’t get in but knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. I got in and have been in a rural placement for a year. I have loved living here and have had the best year! I made the decision to not re-contract as I have commitments back home so I’ll be leaving in a few days. Tbh I’m pretty sad about leaving but I’m so happy I’ve had the opportunity to live in this beautiful country! I’d like to thank you for talking about Japan and the JET programme as it was a big driver for me applying to JET and led me to have this amazing experience ❤ 本当にありがとうございました！ Happy birthday Diane! 🎉 🎂🎉
Happy birthday Diane!! I went last year and honestly, if I could, I’d move there. Aside from the language barrier, I didn’t have to deal with anything that would dissuade me from it. Glad you are feeling better ❤️
Happy Birthday, Diane. You have an awesome daughter. I lived in Japan twice. 1984-86 and 1992-95. Wonderful experience. I still have relatives in the Kyoto area.
Oh wow, you knew about Danny Choo's photoblog too?! I used to go to his website all the time for his weekly photowalks around Tokyo and I saved so many of those pictures of Tokyo and used them as wallpapers for years.
Happy Birthday Diane! I went to Japan for a month as soon as it opened from covid back in 2022, I decided that is where I wanted to be, and at 31 I am moving to Japan next month, can't wait!
Would you mind sharing how or through what path did you take to make the move possible? The visa process seems impossible if a company or school’s not sponsoring.
I love your channel because it seems like a genuine depiction of your life in Japan, rather than your content being a product you're selling us. I didn't grow up being obsessed with Japan, but this is something that has grown in me over the past few years. It's my dream to live in a quiet, clean, efficient place, where the general public keeps respectful distance with one another and everyone tends to mind their own business. That's the real appeal of Japan to me. Coming from the US it's hard to believe there's a place that offers any of those things. I appreciate that your videos never have that sticky influencer vibe. Thank you for not b/s-ing your subscribers and keeping it real in Tokyo ⛩️🫰🏼
My uncle has lived in Japan for over 40 years and I have always wanted to visit him, unfortunately it is just too expensive for me. Hopefully one day. I am glad you are living your dream!
Girl… literally everything you said from playing Sonic in 2nd grade to watching Naruto in 4th is LITERALLY ME OMFG. It was wild haha I loved hearing your story :3 Thank you for sharing!
Hello Allison, my name is Hans and I’m from England the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧 🏴 I have been a silent watcher for quite a while, I love watching your videos. I always look forward to your new uploads, I find your videos relaxing to watch
When you said how you didn’t fit in well in America, I think the way that Japan function reflects with how you function as a person. Thats why you feel comfortable there. Needless to say, I’m an upcoming JET participant and I’m excited for this new chapter of my life.
You are correct about wondering what would have been. When I was 18, I was asked to move to Japan and teach English. I did not go because I was to graduate in a month and passed it up. I am now in my 60s and do wish I would have gone. Guys, follow your dreams!
Happy Birthday Diane! I'm also 27 and have loved Japan since I was 13! I visited Japan for the first time when I was 22 (right before Covid) and LOVED IT! I went again this past April ALONE. I really enjoyed traveling there alone and even traveled to other cities on the train. Strangely, its not the Anime I like, but simply the culture, cuisine, cleanliness, and the very efficient train system! I also have a dream to move to Japan, but never pursued the JET route, because I'm seeking a career in Data Analytics. I'm hoping I can use that career to get a tech job in Japan! Thanks for sharing your story though!
HBD! I went to live alone in Japan (well, I decided to stay with a host family the first year but I didn't know a single person there) at 29 in 2011, stayed for 3 years and met my wife, and we are returning to Japan this autumn!
Thanks for sharing your story about why you moved to Japan Allison. I'm going to Japan this coming January, for my first overseas trip. While I'm excited about going, I don't expect that I will want to move there, because I'm 39, I'm from Canada, I have assets like a condo and I really like where I live. Also, I have to say that in terms of interests, I'm very North American. Like I love American Football. Like you I moved far away from where I'm originally from (From Quebec to Alberta, over 2600 miles). Watching your video give me a reminder as to why I moved to another part of my country.
Happy birthday Diane! I never had a chance to do anything as life changing and exciting as living in another country, so when my son showed interest in the JET program, I supported him all the way! He is now a JET, going on his second year, in the Inaka, a tiny seaside town in Hokkaido! Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your priceless advice!
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉 I moved to Japan a little over a year and a half ago and have been loving everyday of it! I came to my answer the same way you did, I knew that I'd regret it my entire life if I didn't at least try moving here! For me my draw to Japan was lot of the same reasons as you: originally anime but also feeling like you fit in better here. But also because it's so much easier for me to get around. I can't drive so living in the US had me stranded on my own or constantly asking people around me for rides everywhere. 😭 I had zero autonomy and felt really stangent and trapped. I feel so much more free here with the convenience of trains, busses and biking everywhere. It may seem like such a small thing but I get so much fulfillment in life from just being able to do things like hop over to the grocery store whenever I want! Congratulations on six years here! And thank you for making the kind of content that you do!
I’m leaving to go to a Japanese college in a few weeks (I’ve never been to Japan) and this and other of your videos are a great encouragement. Thank you!
Happy birthday Diane. My goal is to move for a year for language school in Japan but I have student and car loans. I’m already 24 and I probably won’t be ready to move until I’m 26 or so. I’m starting to study but I heard for language schools you have to have at least N5 proficiency. It’s very challenging and I’m trying my best.
I have been following you for a few years ago and I can't believe you went to Saga! I am living there right now and working in a job involved with school exchanges between Saga City and our American sister city! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here
Hope you feel better soon! Honestly, a lot of my reasons for moving to Japan (in 11 days!!! AHHH) are similar to yours. I enjoy the experience of the culture, I feel like I can find a place for myself there in a way I can't really do here, and I want to live a more exciting life! Happy birthday, Allison's mom!
Happy birthday Diane!! My husband talks about moving to Japan for even just a year every single day since we visited in April 2023 for our honeymoon. I don't know if I could do it, especially during the summer months ): I love my current job and moving away from my family would be so hard. Maybe one day we will do it.. but what scares me is wondering if I would be happy, or wanting the year to end so we could move back to our home country where I actually feel more comfortable.. you know? Awesome video as always Allison, I'm so glad you're feeling better!
Happy Birthday to your Mom 🎉 USA person here and in the past I really wanted to move to Japan. I actually moved states and to the city I'm living in now as a test to see if I could do a big change like that. Turns out I found my community here, and after a long trip to Japan, I realized I really like it here. I'm actually going back to school in another really *rural* state, but I'm excited to try something new while I still have my base in this new City. Nothing could convince me to move back home and I very much don't regret challenging myself!
Me and my Daughter watch your videos all the time. We love them there so relaxing and interesting. I’m so fascinated with Japan. I would love to visit there
great video allison and thank you for sharing your experience (also happy birthday diane!!) that "will you regret not moving" question still plagues me to this day but the pathways to japan have been harder for me unfortunately... i wasnt able to study abroad in high school due to funds, college due to covid, and i didnt get into JET. i still haven't been to japan, but i'm still waiting for the day where the timing and opportunities align.
First: Happy Birthday Diane! The point you make about responsibilities is a big thing I feel like not a lot of people mention. I'm 33 and been considering moving to Japan, but I have pets, parents that grow older (and that I might not see a lot of if I move a long distance), a stable job. I have bills to pay. I cannot go and move on a whim like I did when I moved to England when I was 21 (I planned the whole thing and found a family to live with in 2-ish weeks and stayed with them for nearly two years). But the sole Idea and wish is enough reason, to set up a plan: how much can I save, are there jobs in my field I can apply to, can I learn enough Japanese in that time to help me get around, what about my pets etc. I feel like having a strong dream/wish opens up so many possibilities in the first place. And it's totally valid to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out? Totally fine! You still bring back a lot of new experiences :D
Happy birthday Diane! :) I'm happy to just be a tourist in Japan, but it seems like a safe, vibrant and exciting place to live. If I moved there it would extremely be for food and snacks though.
Happy Birthday Diane!! I lived near Osaka for seven years back in the early 2k's. Definitely no regrets. I might likely have stayed, but ended up returning to the US for personal reasons. Just this past summer I came back for a vacation and loved it! In some ways it was the same Japan I loved and remembered, and in some ways, as expected, Japan has continued to evolve without me. I still get very nostalgic about my life there, which brings me to channels like yours. Thanks so much for sharing!
i loved hearing your story, and it feels so similar to mine except that i never took the leap and made my way to japan. i feel like i missed my window because i got married too young, and even though i'm now divorced, i now have unforseen illness taking up most of my life. i'm working the stable but boring office career, and feel like i missed out on so much. my dream is to be able to do a workaway program at least if my health allows it some day! i know it's never too late, and plenty of people have done this while older (i'm in 30s now), but i just hope i can achieve those dreams some day one way or another! japan just seems like a beautiful experience and i love living vicariously through you and other youtubers there :) thank you always for sharing your experiences and stories!
I'm probably late but Happy Birthday Dianne!!!!! Back in when I was 10 we did a project on Japan and I've been thinking about it for the past 40 years, not sure if I should concentrate on just a vacation or maybe more. Part of me wants to see more than tourist spots, I want to know what actual life there is like! Which is why I love following you!!! My embarrassing reason is Vending Machine Culture and Pop/cute culture LOL. I'm not huge into anime or Pokémon but I do enjoy the visibility of it all.
Happy birthday Diane! I grew up watching Pokemon, and as I got older and we got Pokemon Go, I returned to that happy childhood again. Then I found manga as well. Ngl, I love the food, the culture (both the historical and the anime culture), and all the quirky and cute stuff they have. I can't wait to experience at least a tiny bit of everything when I go to Japan on a solo trip at the end of October, staying for two weeks, as Japan has been on my bucket list for at least 10 years🥳
Just found your videos earlier this week. I’ve started planning a trip to Japan with my GF for ~May 2026. We’re excited and your videos are super helpful! Keep them coming!!
im in japan right now attending a language school! i came here in April of this year and im really enjoyong it so far. im here for two years then hopefully i can find a job here. i watched your videos before moving here and i still do, now it's just more relatable. im in a similar boat because im 24 and was really early into my career and didnt have many responsibilities. but i wanted a change from my daily life in canada even though there was nothong wrong with it. also you didnt finish your story! you disnt elaborate after getting into the JET programme. what happened after that?? and happy birthday diane!
Happy birthday Diane!! Feel better soon Allison! I moved here for my husbands job in February and binged watched your content all of 2023. Girl you weren’t joking about this heat. I fully expected it to be like hot swampy Florida but it’s so much worse 😅.
Another great video, Allison. I would never have told anyone at your age that i was into geeky things. Nowadays, i have no problem. I regret many things now and wish i had been like you and did it. You are an inspirational person. Don't forget it. Your mum must be very proud of you. On that subject, Happy birthday, Diane 🎂
Honestly I’m still thinking about moving to Japan. I’m still thinking about the work life balance culture. I like to work with a community and have a sense that I’m contributing but I also want to put energy in dating as well. I guess teaching is a way in the door. The more I research the more inclined I am about the decision . Happy 🎉 birthday Diane 🥳.
I watched your videos for tips on my vacation but you’re such a lovely person, it sounds like going to Japan was a great and right choice for you. I’m glad you still enjoy it and hope that continues for you! 😊
As someone who has experienced many different flavors of the world - being raised right outside of Boston to joining the Army and being stationed in Texas later deploying - I've always come back to the dream of moving to Japan. That thought recently has continued to grow and that 'want' to experience that life will always remain. Recently, I have started my journey in learning Hiragana and Katakana [now kanji] to become more conversational for the inevitable trip. I've watched enough videos to where I almost feel antsy now and would love to just get my VISA and begin my new life. Although I'm in my mid-to-late 30's, I feel like I'm more poised now than ever to make that trip. The only things that make me feel a little uneasy is getting a job and a place to live. I know there are videos ad nauseum on these topics so I'm hoping I'm overanalyzing but when I finally make the trip out, I'll make sure to buy you a coffee because your videos definitely make me feel more comfortable and excited rather than nervous and anxious. Thank you for being so real and hope to meet you in the streets of Tokyo one day!
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉 I would LOVE to at least visit or live in Japan for some amount of time. I hope I can someday soon. I'm in my 30s so living there might be harder than visiting. Long visits would be nice too 😊
Im definitely not as young as when you first moved, but i do still want to pursue living in Japan as a life goal, been striving for it for the past year and a half, next year i'll do the diligences for potentially getting a scholarship or worst case go to a language school as a way to kickstart the entire project of living there, it will be a hell of a change in my life but i wan't to try it, as you said, i'd regret if i didn't and happy birthday Diane!
@@Nervous101 I meant it as if i will use that option if i do not manage to get the scholarship. Unfortunately my country doesn't have the really cool options like JET program or working holiday or anything like that, they do offer scholarships yearly so I will aim for that as a first attempt. Honestly I didn't entirely want to do a post graduate degree but it is a safer option, language school does linger on finding the right stuff while in there, but I've heard many cases of people finding jobs while doing doing a degree abroad, so im willing to try it.
This video resonates deeply with me. I've been trying to move to Japan for over a year now, but I haven't had any luck yet. At 32, I need to secure a job before moving, as gaps in my resume are never ideal. Unfortunately, it seems no one wants to hire me. I understand why-why bother with an overseas foreigner when you can easily hire a local or someone already living in Japan? It makes sense, but it hurts, and it makes me feel worthless. I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't move there, but I just haven't gotten the chance yet. I'll keep working hard and hope someone notices me ❤ Please keep sharing your experiences, you are an inspiration to many of us! Thank you 🎀 And Happy Birthday Diane!
It's very difficult to get a job in Japan without actually going there. Do everything you can to save money, such as moving back to your parents place or other family. Get enough money to take a trip to Japan and talk with potential employers in person. It improves your chances dramatically.
@@noseboop4354 Yeah that might be a solution. The fact is that I already have enough money to move there by myself. If only they can give me the chance to speak, I'd let them know that I wouldn't need the relocation package, as I can buy tickets by myself. They just don't even get back to me, which is frustrating. Because you don't know if you were just ignored or rejected. I work my ass off for CVs, cover letters, additional stuff to impress, but nothing :')
Hi Allison, I hope you are feeling better now. Thought you were very honest in your thoughts about moving. I've been watching now for over 3 years and still really enjoy your vlogs. Happy birthday to your mum, Diane 🎉❤
Happy birthday, Diane! I've wanted to visit Japan for as long as I can remember, and I finally got the chance this spring. It was even better than I was expecting, and I fell in love with the people and the culture. Off to google the JET program...
I needed this. I've been saving up for the last 5 years to go back to school abroad. My first choice was Germany, because I already know some German and I wouldn't have to go heavily into debt like I did at my US school. But what was I going to study in Germany: Japanese. I only just started to think about going to Japan instead, even though it will be much more expensive because of the tuition. I've studied for a semester in Japan before (Kagawa Daigaku represent!) and it broke my heart to come back to the US. Japan just feels right to me. I imagine it's what you feel too. I've been waffling lately on the decision, asking myself if my reasons are ridiculous and if I'm making a huge mistake. I think I will 100% regret not doing this though. Even if I end up not staying in Japan, I will regret not taking this opportunity while I can. I was never hugely into anime (I did watch it back in the day though, and still watch some occasionally) so my main motivator is wanting to learn the language so I can read untranslated and unlocalized manga, light novels, and video games and otome games. I also love Japanese history quite a bit. Shinsengumi nerd here. I've fallen even more in love with Japan over the years since I was there and I think I'm ready to go back. Here's going I get accepted to the school I applied for... Happy birthday, Diane!
Happy birthday Diane :) I'm not planning to move to Japan, I just hearing about people's experience living there. But if I did, the first reason would be "Pokemon" ^^;
Happy birthday diane. And my reason for wanting to live there is because I actually live there as a child and I felt like II was home. It felt right, so I want to go back now.
Happy Birthday Diane 🥳 Happy 6 year anniversary Allison 🎉 this was a very interesting video, you’re completely right in what you’re saying, life isn’t about ‘what if’s’, if you have the means, done your research, take that opportunity to live your life the way you wish to and don’t regret doing so. I’ve missed the last few of your videos due to (mostly) positive changes in life and I look forward to catching up on those in the coming days. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts, insights and experiences into living in Japan. Best wishes to you, your family and friends from England 🏴🇺🇸🇯🇵😊
I lived in Japan for a few years but left just before 2020. I knew almost instantly that I made the wrong decision but couldn't come back because of you know what. It's hard to come back because the job market sucks and I also don't want to settle for just any job. If you want to live in Japan and you have the means to. Go. What are you waiting for. You might not like it but at least you did.
Happy Birthday, Diane!! 🎉 😊 My husband and I would LOVE to move to Japan one day, but our kids have no such desire right now even though they love visiting Japan too 😅 I think ideally though, if you could work remotely for a North American company and be a digital nomad in Japan that would be best because the differences in salary of what would make for the same role in Japan is HUGE. Of course the cost of living in Japan in much cheaper but if you had a decent/high paying job in North America, I don’t think you would be ok with being paid much, much less for doing the same work in Japan.
I did the opposite I was born in Japan wanted to move to the states and I did and am still here glad I did it nothing is perfect everything had pros and cons but you know once you find what you like to do you gotta go at it (:
Happy Birthday! lol I also feel like an outsider when I am in the US because I see how we do so many things so wrong 😂, and zero plans to change. Drives me nuts.
I really want to move to Japan but i know I won't be able to. I never finished highschool, never went to uni. Where I am, this doesn't matter, I have always had stable employment but through my research I've learnt that without this background I won't find employment. This has been heartbreaking for me because the Japanese way of life appeals to me so much and I think I'd be happier living there than where I do now. BTW happy birthday Diane! 🎉
Isn't it annoying we have to fib about this?😅 I'm so happy for you. I did JET but I'm the kind of person who needs hugs all the time so rural Japan wasn't a good fit for me. I moved home (US) and found a spouse, had kids, etc. People who don't need loads of hugs can probably make it long term❤ I still think 1 year is worth doing and have no regrets for trying!
HB Diane! Thanks for this video Allison. I first considered the JET program sometime around 2017 but I wasn't ready then and hadn't even finished university. Then last year, I met my first Japanese friend and it reignited my desire to go. I don't think I'm financially ready to apply this year but I'm hoping to apply in 2025. At this point waiting for that time to come is so unimaginably, painfully slow. I'm ready to go now.
Happy Birthday, Diane! Also, I would love to move to Japan for similar reasons you listed, I want new experiences, in a new place, with different people, different culture, a different normal! I have savings, an MBA, and a US based remote job (it pays pretty well). I would love to get a US based global remote position that will then sponsor my visa but …so far that plan has proven to be basically impossible! Allison, I need more ideas of how to find an employer that will sponsor my visa while paying in USD! 😅😊
I read Danny Choo blogs back in the day. Those were different times. This week I asked my employer to send me to the Tokyo office. Not sure if it will work out but I gave it a shot. I have other options if it doesn’t pan out.
Happy Birthday to your mom🎂 and glad you are feeling better, I totally feel ya, I got sick a couple weeks ago and finally feel back to normal. Haha 😆 we are about the same age, so hearing you talk 2010s, mannn I remember those days and it makes me feel old 😅 I had a similar experience of getting into Naruto in middle school and actually before that in elementary school Sailor Moon (since it was on TV at 7am pre-cable on weekdays). I also had checked out some Studio Ghibli movies (Totoro/Kiki) from the library as a kid and made the connection that it was all the same studio when I checked out Howl's moving castle and saw the Totoro logo. So same, I didn't make the connection until 9th that all the stuff I loved was in Japan 😂
Mini novella part 3 - Anyway I basically could have probably gone in the small window when I didn't have responsibilities but I feel I wouldn't have appreciated it as fully as I would now. At the same time I've now kinda missed the window in my life where I'm able to take a couple months off and I'm paranoid/cautious that if I do go, that will be when there's an earthquake/tsunami because just my luck 😂 Anyway, I feel like I made my peace with it, for a couple reasons (no need to make this a novel lol) but I wanted to tell you since funny enough I reconnected with my group of friends from HS this past year and so like I can see how everyone is doing and also I can see how my friend group that used to go to Japan a lot is doing.
Final mini novella (guess I woke up really chatty today huh LMAO) - I'm glad you moved to Japan to have no regrets and cultivated the life you wanted to live (I did a no regrets thing with my career and found it wasn't for me and completely changed career paths, but it was totally worth it) and I wanted to say you aren't behind your peers relationship-wise just because you moved to Japan, almost all my friends are still single and honestly in suburban Florida, that's not that shocking 😂 I found someone recently and got married 💖 but it was after going on bunchhhh of dates (had to get on the dating apps since again in suburban Florida how else will you meet people) and let's say after ~100 first dates I found one guy that was the right fit for me (who guess what, apparently lived down the street for decade and our paths didn't collide until said getting on a freaken app lol), so it's a numbers game for sure! My single friends have gone on maybe 3 dates in the course of the year sooo 😅 it really decreases their chances and I also tell them to get out there and they will meet someone (one did that and yayyyy 🙌 just got a BF that might be the one too). So yeah, all I'm saying is even in Japan since you mentioned FB groups and stuff, I'm sure you will find your perfect someone like minded values 💖 (just yeah, don't give uppppp and yeah no matter where you live, you have to go through the dating ringer haha 😅) Sending you all the best 🎉🎉🎉 and to close it out on a classic Naruto line: "Believe it!" ✨
I feel very happy for you and yet I feel very sad. I'm 35 now. Japan has always been my dream ever since I was 6. However I didn't go to university because of an unsupportive and abusive parent. Making money was the most important thing for him. So I had no way to go to Japan. When I got my first real paycheck I did go on vacation to Tokyo in 2010 for the first time. I remember the moment we landed in Narita and I cried. Now I'm married with two cats and I'm very comfortable here. But still I wish I've had the opportunity to do it even for one year. I probably wouldn't have stayed because the work life over there for me as a German feels just insane. Still, I wish I've had the opportunity. But life isn't over yet so who knows
you had no business making me cry when you asked if I'd regret it if I never moved to Japan in my life 😭😭😭 I've loved Japan since I was a kid just like you. And only recently at 28 I started to take private lessons for Japanese, started saving money and also studying to become better at my job to get a well paid job in Japan. if I'm lucky I'll probably be in my early to mid 30s when I actually manage to go there, but I'm staying hopeful and working hard ❤ P.S. Happy birthday, Diane!! ❤
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When I was 5 years old, back in 1981, I told my Mom that I wanted to live in Japan (lived in Manhattan then).
I finally did it at 47.
Best life decision ever.
Hope you have a good life there mate!
Happy Birthday Diane. People, don’t have regrets. I had an epiphany relatively late, 30’s. Not to live in Japan, but to see the world. I acted on my realisation and did all I could to make it happen and within a year I had my savings, rented my house, quit my job and backpacked for a year. Changed my life……don’t have regrets. I am now 61 and only discovered Japan in 2019. Definitely a country that matches my spirit.
WOW, your first time experience in Japan and the way you fell in love with Japan (not just anime) is strikingly similar to my experience! I went at 15 with basically no Japanese skills for 2 months and stayed with an amazing host family. The way they made me feel cared for drastically changed me from an insecure teen to a confident person with a different more hopeful perspective on life. I never wanted to come home! And I went back 3 more times lol (short stays).
And after 10 years, my dream of living in Japan is finally coming true through my global company, and I will be moving there this June!!
Thank you for sharing your story ❤️
The question “will you regret not moving?” is what made me move to Japan. I applied to the JET programme on a whim, I thought I wouldn’t get in but knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. I got in and have been in a rural placement for a year. I have loved living here and have had the best year! I made the decision to not re-contract as I have commitments back home so I’ll be leaving in a few days. Tbh I’m pretty sad about leaving but I’m so happy I’ve had the opportunity to live in this beautiful country! I’d like to thank you for talking about Japan and the JET programme as it was a big driver for me applying to JET and led me to have this amazing experience ❤ 本当にありがとうございました！
Happy birthday Diane! 🎉 🎂🎉
Allison, I will visit Tokyo in a few months and I am inspired by your honesty and your charisma! I wish you health an happyness!
First video I filmed in almost 2 months because I kept getting sick wahhhh so surprise Wednesday video 🤗
Happy birthday Diane!!
I went last year and honestly, if I could, I’d move there. Aside from the language barrier, I didn’t have to deal with anything that would dissuade me from it.
Glad you are feeling better ❤️
Happy Birthday, Diane. You have an awesome daughter. I lived in Japan twice. 1984-86 and 1992-95. Wonderful experience. I still have relatives in the Kyoto area.
Oh wow, you knew about Danny Choo's photoblog too?! I used to go to his website all the time for his weekly photowalks around Tokyo and I saved so many of those pictures of Tokyo and used them as wallpapers for years.
Happy Birthday Diane!
I went to Japan for a month as soon as it opened from covid back in 2022, I decided that is where I wanted to be, and at 31 I am moving to Japan next month, can't wait!
Would you mind sharing how or through what path did you take to make the move possible? The visa process seems impossible if a company or school’s not sponsoring.
@@Auroramuffintops Go as a tourist and legalise after you arrive. This is what I did some 50 years ago.
I love your channel because it seems like a genuine depiction of your life in Japan, rather than your content being a product you're selling us. I didn't grow up being obsessed with Japan, but this is something that has grown in me over the past few years. It's my dream to live in a quiet, clean, efficient place, where the general public keeps respectful distance with one another and everyone tends to mind their own business. That's the real appeal of Japan to me. Coming from the US it's hard to believe there's a place that offers any of those things. I appreciate that your videos never have that sticky influencer vibe. Thank you for not b/s-ing your subscribers and keeping it real in Tokyo ⛩️🫰🏼
Thankyou for saving me a lot of typing! My thoughts exactly.
My uncle has lived in Japan for over 40 years and I have always wanted to visit him, unfortunately it is just too expensive for me. Hopefully one day. I am glad you are living your dream!
Girl… literally everything you said from playing Sonic in 2nd grade to watching Naruto in 4th is LITERALLY ME OMFG. It was wild haha I loved hearing your story :3 Thank you for sharing!
🦔🦔🦔
Hello Allison, my name is Hans and I’m from England the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧 🏴 I have been a silent watcher for quite a while, I love watching your videos. I always look forward to your new uploads, I find your videos relaxing to watch
When you said how you didn’t fit in well in America, I think the way that Japan function reflects with how you function as a person. Thats why you feel comfortable there. Needless to say, I’m an upcoming JET participant and I’m excited for this new chapter of my life.
You are correct about wondering what would have been. When I was 18, I was asked to move to Japan and teach English. I did not go because I was to graduate in a month and passed it up. I am now in my 60s and do wish I would have gone. Guys, follow your dreams!
Happy Birthday Diane!
I'm also 27 and have loved Japan since I was 13!
I visited Japan for the first time when I was 22 (right before Covid) and LOVED IT! I went again this past April ALONE. I really enjoyed traveling there alone and even traveled to other cities on the train.
Strangely, its not the Anime I like, but simply the culture, cuisine, cleanliness, and the very efficient train system!
I also have a dream to move to Japan, but never pursued the JET route, because I'm seeking a career in Data Analytics. I'm hoping I can use that career to get a tech job in Japan!
Thanks for sharing your story though!
I was obsessed with Danny Choo Japan photos too !!!
HBD! I went to live alone in Japan (well, I decided to stay with a host family the first year but I didn't know a single person there) at 29 in 2011, stayed for 3 years and met my wife, and we are returning to Japan this autumn!
Thanks for sharing your story about why you moved to Japan Allison. I'm going to Japan this coming January, for my first overseas trip. While I'm excited about going, I don't expect that I will want to move there, because I'm 39, I'm from Canada, I have assets like a condo and I really like where I live. Also, I have to say that in terms of interests, I'm very North American. Like I love American Football. Like you I moved far away from where I'm originally from (From Quebec to Alberta, over 2600 miles). Watching your video give me a reminder as to why I moved to another part of my country.
Happy birthday Diane! I never had a chance to do anything as life changing and exciting as living in another country, so when my son showed interest in the JET program, I supported him all the way! He is now a JET, going on his second year, in the Inaka, a tiny seaside town in Hokkaido! Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your priceless advice!
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉
I moved to Japan a little over a year and a half ago and have been loving everyday of it! I came to my answer the same way you did, I knew that I'd regret it my entire life if I didn't at least try moving here! For me my draw to Japan was lot of the same reasons as you: originally anime but also feeling like you fit in better here. But also because it's so much easier for me to get around. I can't drive so living in the US had me stranded on my own or constantly asking people around me for rides everywhere. 😭 I had zero autonomy and felt really stangent and trapped. I feel so much more free here with the convenience of trains, busses and biking everywhere. It may seem like such a small thing but I get so much fulfillment in life from just being able to do things like hop over to the grocery store whenever I want! Congratulations on six years here! And thank you for making the kind of content that you do!
I’m leaving to go to a Japanese college in a few weeks (I’ve never been to Japan) and this and other of your videos are a great encouragement. Thank you!
Happy birthday Diane. My goal is to move for a year for language school in Japan but I have student and car loans. I’m already 24 and I probably won’t be ready to move until I’m 26 or so. I’m starting to study but I heard for language schools you have to have at least N5 proficiency. It’s very challenging and I’m trying my best.
I have been following you for a few years ago and I can't believe you went to Saga! I am living there right now and working in a job involved with school exchanges between Saga City and our American sister city! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here
Hope you feel better soon!
Honestly, a lot of my reasons for moving to Japan (in 11 days!!! AHHH) are similar to yours. I enjoy the experience of the culture, I feel like I can find a place for myself there in a way I can't really do here, and I want to live a more exciting life!
Happy birthday, Allison's mom!
Happy birthday Diane!!
My husband talks about moving to Japan for even just a year every single day since we visited in April 2023 for our honeymoon. I don't know if I could do it, especially during the summer months ): I love my current job and moving away from my family would be so hard.
Maybe one day we will do it.. but what scares me is wondering if I would be happy, or wanting the year to end so we could move back to our home country where I actually feel more comfortable.. you know?
Awesome video as always Allison, I'm so glad you're feeling better!
Happy Birthday to your Mom 🎉
USA person here and in the past I really wanted to move to Japan. I actually moved states and to the city I'm living in now as a test to see if I could do a big change like that. Turns out I found my community here, and after a long trip to Japan, I realized I really like it here. I'm actually going back to school in another really *rural* state, but I'm excited to try something new while I still have my base in this new City. Nothing could convince me to move back home and I very much don't regret challenging myself!
Me and my Daughter watch your videos all the time. We love them there so relaxing and interesting. I’m so fascinated with Japan. I would love to visit there
great video allison and thank you for sharing your experience (also happy birthday diane!!) that "will you regret not moving" question still plagues me to this day but the pathways to japan have been harder for me unfortunately... i wasnt able to study abroad in high school due to funds, college due to covid, and i didnt get into JET. i still haven't been to japan, but i'm still waiting for the day where the timing and opportunities align.
Hey bro thank you for moving to Japan we need more people just like you in Japan to help country thrive !❤
First: Happy Birthday Diane!
The point you make about responsibilities is a big thing I feel like not a lot of people mention. I'm 33 and been considering moving to Japan, but I have pets, parents that grow older (and that I might not see a lot of if I move a long distance), a stable job. I have bills to pay. I cannot go and move on a whim like I did when I moved to England when I was 21 (I planned the whole thing and found a family to live with in 2-ish weeks and stayed with them for nearly two years). But the sole Idea and wish is enough reason, to set up a plan: how much can I save, are there jobs in my field I can apply to, can I learn enough Japanese in that time to help me get around, what about my pets etc. I feel like having a strong dream/wish opens up so many possibilities in the first place. And it's totally valid to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out? Totally fine! You still bring back a lot of new experiences :D
Happy birthday Diane! :)
I'm happy to just be a tourist in Japan, but it seems like a safe, vibrant and exciting place to live. If I moved there it would extremely be for food and snacks though.
Happy Birthday Diane!!
I lived near Osaka for seven years back in the early 2k's. Definitely no regrets. I might likely have stayed, but ended up returning to the US for personal reasons. Just this past summer I came back for a vacation and loved it! In some ways it was the same Japan I loved and remembered, and in some ways, as expected, Japan has continued to evolve without me. I still get very nostalgic about my life there, which brings me to channels like yours. Thanks so much for sharing!
i loved hearing your story, and it feels so similar to mine except that i never took the leap and made my way to japan. i feel like i missed my window because i got married too young, and even though i'm now divorced, i now have unforseen illness taking up most of my life. i'm working the stable but boring office career, and feel like i missed out on so much. my dream is to be able to do a workaway program at least if my health allows it some day! i know it's never too late, and plenty of people have done this while older (i'm in 30s now), but i just hope i can achieve those dreams some day one way or another! japan just seems like a beautiful experience and i love living vicariously through you and other youtubers there :) thank you always for sharing your experiences and stories!
Happy birthday Diane! I think CCS is a good gateway drug. Danny Choo was the bomb back then. I actually met him in 2010 at a itasha festival.
I'm probably late but Happy Birthday Dianne!!!!! Back in when I was 10 we did a project on Japan and I've been thinking about it for the past 40 years, not sure if I should concentrate on just a vacation or maybe more. Part of me wants to see more than tourist spots, I want to know what actual life there is like! Which is why I love following you!!! My embarrassing reason is Vending Machine Culture and Pop/cute culture LOL. I'm not huge into anime or Pokémon but I do enjoy the visibility of it all.
Happy Birthday Diane!
Happy Birthday Diane! You raised an awesome daughter.
Happy birthday Diane!
I grew up watching Pokemon, and as I got older and we got Pokemon Go, I returned to that happy childhood again. Then I found manga as well. Ngl, I love the food, the culture (both the historical and the anime culture), and all the quirky and cute stuff they have. I can't wait to experience at least a tiny bit of everything when I go to Japan on a solo trip at the end of October, staying for two weeks, as Japan has been on my bucket list for at least 10 years🥳
Happy Birthday to your Mom Diane! Thanks for your great videos Allison!
Happy Birthday to your mom Diane, she is very proud of you I’m sure 🌷🌹
Happy Birthday Dianne. Hope you feel better soon
Happy birthday Diane. My youngest daughter always wanted to move to Japan. Thanks for sharing your view point.
Just found your videos earlier this week. I’ve started planning a trip to Japan with my GF for ~May 2026. We’re excited and your videos are super helpful! Keep them coming!!
Happy Birthday Dianne! Visited in 2000 through the Fulbright Memorial Scholarship Program for educators. and loved Japan. Hope to return one day! :)
im in japan right now attending a language school! i came here in April of this year and im really enjoyong it so far. im here for two years then hopefully i can find a job here. i watched your videos before moving here and i still do, now it's just more relatable. im in a similar boat because im 24 and was really early into my career and didnt have many responsibilities. but i wanted a change from my daily life in canada even though there was nothong wrong with it.
also you didnt finish your story! you disnt elaborate after getting into the JET programme. what happened after that??
and happy birthday diane!
Happy birthday Diane!!
Feel better soon Allison!
I moved here for my husbands job in February and binged watched your content all of 2023. Girl you weren’t joking about this heat. I fully expected it to be like hot swampy Florida but it’s so much worse 😅.
Allison, thank you so much for making this episode on moving to Japan! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANN 🍪🍪🍪✨🎈🎈🎈🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🎁🎉🎉🎊
Happy Birthday Diane 🎉🎉 I love anime and the Japanese culture I have grown to enjoy as well as jrpgs
If I had the means I would definitely move to Japan right now. ❤ Happy Birthday Dianne
Haha, the Neopets reference was a real blast from the past 😁 I enjoyed hearing your rationale for starting a new life in Japan!
Happy birthday, Diane!
Another great video, Allison. I would never have told anyone at your age that i was into geeky things. Nowadays, i have no problem. I regret many things now and wish i had been like you and did it. You are an inspirational person. Don't forget it. Your mum must be very proud of you. On that subject, Happy birthday, Diane 🎂
Honestly I’m still thinking about moving to Japan. I’m still thinking about the work life balance culture. I like to work with a community and have a sense that I’m contributing but I also want to put energy in dating as well. I guess teaching is a way in the door. The more I research the more inclined I am about the decision . Happy 🎉 birthday Diane 🥳.
Happy bday Diane! I’m traveling to Japan for the first time in May🤩 I can’t wait! Hope you feel better ASAP!
I watched your videos for tips on my vacation but you’re such a lovely person, it sounds like going to Japan was a great and right choice for you. I’m glad you still enjoy it and hope that continues for you! 😊
As someone who has experienced many different flavors of the world - being raised right outside of Boston to joining the Army and being stationed in Texas later deploying - I've always come back to the dream of moving to Japan. That thought recently has continued to grow and that 'want' to experience that life will always remain. Recently, I have started my journey in learning Hiragana and Katakana [now kanji] to become more conversational for the inevitable trip. I've watched enough videos to where I almost feel antsy now and would love to just get my VISA and begin my new life. Although I'm in my mid-to-late 30's, I feel like I'm more poised now than ever to make that trip. The only things that make me feel a little uneasy is getting a job and a place to live. I know there are videos ad nauseum on these topics so I'm hoping I'm overanalyzing but when I finally make the trip out, I'll make sure to buy you a coffee because your videos definitely make me feel more comfortable and excited rather than nervous and anxious. Thank you for being so real and hope to meet you in the streets of Tokyo one day!
Happy Birthday, Diane! Thanks Allison.
I am a huge alli fan.I've watched you since the beginning. I love all your contents.I think you do a fabulous job.Happy birthday diane
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉
I would LOVE to at least visit or live in Japan for some amount of time. I hope I can someday soon. I'm in my 30s so living there might be harder than visiting. Long visits would be nice too 😊
Im definitely not as young as when you first moved, but i do still want to pursue living in Japan as a life goal, been striving for it for the past year and a half, next year i'll do the diligences for potentially getting a scholarship or worst case go to a language school as a way to kickstart the entire project of living there, it will be a hell of a change in my life but i wan't to try it, as you said, i'd regret if i didn't
and happy birthday Diane!
how is language school worst case? Learning the language opens many doors compared to just being a teacher.
@@Nervous101 I meant it as if i will use that option if i do not manage to get the scholarship. Unfortunately my country doesn't have the really cool options like JET program or working holiday or anything like that, they do offer scholarships yearly so I will aim for that as a first attempt.
Honestly I didn't entirely want to do a post graduate degree but it is a safer option, language school does linger on finding the right stuff while in there, but I've heard many cases of people finding jobs while doing doing a degree abroad, so im willing to try it.
happy birthday Diane ! thanks for making me smile
This video resonates deeply with me. I've been trying to move to Japan for over a year now, but I haven't had any luck yet. At 32, I need to secure a job before moving, as gaps in my resume are never ideal. Unfortunately, it seems no one wants to hire me. I understand why-why bother with an overseas foreigner when you can easily hire a local or someone already living in Japan? It makes sense, but it hurts, and it makes me feel worthless. I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't move there, but I just haven't gotten the chance yet. I'll keep working hard and hope someone notices me ❤
Please keep sharing your experiences, you are an inspiration to many of us! Thank you 🎀
And Happy Birthday Diane!
It's very difficult to get a job in Japan without actually going there. Do everything you can to save money, such as moving back to your parents place or other family. Get enough money to take a trip to Japan and talk with potential employers in person. It improves your chances dramatically.
@@noseboop4354 Yeah that might be a solution. The fact is that I already have enough money to move there by myself. If only they can give me the chance to speak, I'd let them know that I wouldn't need the relocation package, as I can buy tickets by myself. They just don't even get back to me, which is frustrating. Because you don't know if you were just ignored or rejected. I work my ass off for CVs, cover letters, additional stuff to impress, but nothing :')
Hi Allison, I hope you are feeling better now. Thought you were very honest in your thoughts about moving. I've been watching now for over 3 years and still really enjoy your vlogs. Happy birthday to your mum, Diane 🎉❤
Happy birthday, Diane!
I've wanted to visit Japan for as long as I can remember, and I finally got the chance this spring. It was even better than I was expecting, and I fell in love with the people and the culture.
Off to google the JET program...
Happy Birthday, Diane.
Michaela and Danny, wow they're throwbacks!
I needed this. I've been saving up for the last 5 years to go back to school abroad. My first choice was Germany, because I already know some German and I wouldn't have to go heavily into debt like I did at my US school. But what was I going to study in Germany: Japanese.
I only just started to think about going to Japan instead, even though it will be much more expensive because of the tuition. I've studied for a semester in Japan before (Kagawa Daigaku represent!) and it broke my heart to come back to the US. Japan just feels right to me. I imagine it's what you feel too.
I've been waffling lately on the decision, asking myself if my reasons are ridiculous and if I'm making a huge mistake. I think I will 100% regret not doing this though. Even if I end up not staying in Japan, I will regret not taking this opportunity while I can.
I was never hugely into anime (I did watch it back in the day though, and still watch some occasionally) so my main motivator is wanting to learn the language so I can read untranslated and unlocalized manga, light novels, and video games and otome games. I also love Japanese history quite a bit. Shinsengumi nerd here.
I've fallen even more in love with Japan over the years since I was there and I think I'm ready to go back. Here's going I get accepted to the school I applied for...
Happy birthday, Diane!
Happy birthday Diane :)
I'm not planning to move to Japan, I just hearing about people's experience living there. But if I did, the first reason would be "Pokemon" ^^;
Happy birthday diane. And my reason for wanting to live there is because I actually live there as a child and I felt like II was home. It felt right, so I want to go back now.
Happy Birthday Diane 🥳
Happy 6 year anniversary Allison 🎉 this was a very interesting video, you’re completely right in what you’re saying, life isn’t about ‘what if’s’, if you have the means, done your research, take that opportunity to live your life the way you wish to and don’t regret doing so.
I’ve missed the last few of your videos due to (mostly) positive changes in life and I look forward to catching up on those in the coming days.
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts, insights and experiences into living in Japan.
Best wishes to you, your family and friends from England 🏴🇺🇸🇯🇵😊
Thanks!! Congrats for the positive life changes ❣️
@@AllisoninTokyo thank you Allison 😊 have a great weekend
I lived in Japan for a few years but left just before 2020. I knew almost instantly that I made the wrong decision but couldn't come back because of you know what. It's hard to come back because the job market sucks and I also don't want to settle for just any job.
If you want to live in Japan and you have the means to. Go. What are you waiting for. You might not like it but at least you did.
Happy Birthday, Diane!! 🎉 😊 My husband and I would LOVE to move to Japan one day, but our kids have no such desire right now even though they love visiting Japan too 😅 I think ideally though, if you could work remotely for a North American company and be a digital nomad in Japan that would be best because the differences in salary of what would make for the same role in Japan is HUGE. Of course the cost of living in Japan in much cheaper but if you had a decent/high paying job in North America, I don’t think you would be ok with being paid much, much less for doing the same work in Japan.
I did the opposite I was born in Japan wanted to move to the states and I did and am still here glad I did it nothing is perfect everything had pros and cons but you know once you find what you like to do you gotta go at it (:
Happy Birthday!
lol
I also feel like an outsider when I am in the US because I see how we do so many things so wrong 😂, and zero plans to change.
Drives me nuts.
I really want to move to Japan but i know I won't be able to. I never finished highschool, never went to uni. Where I am, this doesn't matter, I have always had stable employment but through my research I've learnt that without this background I won't find employment. This has been heartbreaking for me because the Japanese way of life appeals to me so much and I think I'd be happier living there than where I do now.
BTW happy birthday Diane! 🎉
Thank you for this interesting video! ❤
I am planning to settle down in Japan within the next years
Isn't it annoying we have to fib about this?😅 I'm so happy for you. I did JET but I'm the kind of person who needs hugs all the time so rural Japan wasn't a good fit for me. I moved home (US) and found a spouse, had kids, etc. People who don't need loads of hugs can probably make it long term❤ I still think 1 year is worth doing and have no regrets for trying!
HB Diane! Thanks for this video Allison. I first considered the JET program sometime around 2017 but I wasn't ready then and hadn't even finished university. Then last year, I met my first Japanese friend and it reignited my desire to go. I don't think I'm financially ready to apply this year but I'm hoping to apply in 2025. At this point waiting for that time to come is so unimaginably, painfully slow. I'm ready to go now.
Happy birthday to your Mum, Diane
Happy Birthday, Diane! Also, I would love to move to Japan for similar reasons you listed, I want new experiences, in a new place, with different people, different culture, a different normal! I have savings, an MBA, and a US based remote job (it pays pretty well). I would love to get a US based global remote position that will then sponsor my visa but …so far that plan has proven to be basically impossible! Allison, I need more ideas of how to find an employer that will sponsor my visa while paying in USD! 😅😊
thank you for this video!
i only wish i saw it 10 years ago...
and happy birthday to Diane
omg sonic adventure dx and 2 are my comfort games when i was in kid 😭 i felt so emotional when u mentioned that
I read Danny Choo blogs back in the day. Those were different times. This week I asked my employer to send me to the Tokyo office. Not sure if it will work out but I gave it a shot. I have other options if it doesn’t pan out.
Belated Happy Birthday Diane
happy birthday diane!
Watched to the end! Happy birthday, Diane! It has to be hard to have your Mom so far away. Stay healthy!
Happy birthday Diane ❤
Happy Birthday to your mom🎂 and glad you are feeling better, I totally feel ya, I got sick a couple weeks ago and finally feel back to normal. Haha 😆 we are about the same age, so hearing you talk 2010s, mannn I remember those days and it makes me feel old 😅 I had a similar experience of getting into Naruto in middle school and actually before that in elementary school Sailor Moon (since it was on TV at 7am pre-cable on weekdays). I also had checked out some Studio Ghibli movies (Totoro/Kiki) from the library as a kid and made the connection that it was all the same studio when I checked out Howl's moving castle and saw the Totoro logo. So same, I didn't make the connection until 9th that all the stuff I loved was in Japan 😂
Mini novella part 3 - Anyway I basically could have probably gone in the small window when I didn't have responsibilities but I feel I wouldn't have appreciated it as fully as I would now. At the same time I've now kinda missed the window in my life where I'm able to take a couple months off and I'm paranoid/cautious that if I do go, that will be when there's an earthquake/tsunami because just my luck 😂 Anyway, I feel like I made my peace with it, for a couple reasons (no need to make this a novel lol) but I wanted to tell you since funny enough I reconnected with my group of friends from HS this past year and so like I can see how everyone is doing and also I can see how my friend group that used to go to Japan a lot is doing.
Final mini novella (guess I woke up really chatty today huh LMAO) - I'm glad you moved to Japan to have no regrets and cultivated the life you wanted to live (I did a no regrets thing with my career and found it wasn't for me and completely changed career paths, but it was totally worth it) and I wanted to say you aren't behind your peers relationship-wise just because you moved to Japan, almost all my friends are still single and honestly in suburban Florida, that's not that shocking 😂 I found someone recently and got married 💖 but it was after going on bunchhhh of dates (had to get on the dating apps since again in suburban Florida how else will you meet people) and let's say after ~100 first dates I found one guy that was the right fit for me (who guess what, apparently lived down the street for decade and our paths didn't collide until said getting on a freaken app lol), so it's a numbers game for sure! My single friends have gone on maybe 3 dates in the course of the year sooo 😅 it really decreases their chances and I also tell them to get out there and they will meet someone (one did that and yayyyy 🙌 just got a BF that might be the one too). So yeah, all I'm saying is even in Japan since you mentioned FB groups and stuff, I'm sure you will find your perfect someone like minded values 💖 (just yeah, don't give uppppp and yeah no matter where you live, you have to go through the dating ringer haha 😅) Sending you all the best 🎉🎉🎉 and to close it out on a classic Naruto line: "Believe it!" ✨
Happy Birthday Diane!
Happy birthday Dianne. Feel better gorgeous!
I feel very happy for you and yet I feel very sad. I'm 35 now. Japan has always been my dream ever since I was 6. However I didn't go to university because of an unsupportive and abusive parent. Making money was the most important thing for him. So I had no way to go to Japan. When I got my first real paycheck I did go on vacation to Tokyo in 2010 for the first time. I remember the moment we landed in Narita and I cried. Now I'm married with two cats and I'm very comfortable here. But still I wish I've had the opportunity to do it even for one year. I probably wouldn't have stayed because the work life over there for me as a German feels just insane. Still, I wish I've had the opportunity. But life isn't over yet so who knows
Happy Birthday Diane💝🎂🎂
you had no business making me cry when you asked if I'd regret it if I never moved to Japan in my life 😭😭😭
I've loved Japan since I was a kid just like you. And only recently at 28 I started to take private lessons for Japanese, started saving money and also studying to become better at my job to get a well paid job in Japan. if I'm lucky I'll probably be in my early to mid 30s when I actually manage to go there, but I'm staying hopeful and working hard ❤
P.S. Happy birthday, Diane!! ❤
Aww🥺 yess you can do it! I know plenty of people who move here in their 30s 😊
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉 thanks for the videos, I visited years ago and want to come back. It is an amazing country!
Happy Birthday Diane! Enjoy your videos so much, hope you are well soon.
Happy Birthday Diane! 🥳
Thank you for the in depth video. And happy birthday Allison's mom!
Happy birthday Diane! 🥳🎂🥂
Thank you Allison for this video, it really gave me reassurance in my future plan to try language school in Japan.
Happy birthday Diane! 🎉