From Rural Germany to Metropolis Japan: How Us American Expats Are Feeling
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 เม.ย. 2024
- File your US Taxes with Bright!Tax here: brighttax.com/ourstorytotell
Can you believe that it's already been four months since we moved to Japan?! Our day to day scenery and pace of life here is quite a change compared to our tiny village of less than 10 homes in Bavaria. Since we're slowly getting into more of a routine here, we felt the need to share some of our more recent thoughts and struggles with this big move across the world. As one might imagine, there have been many a time where we've questioned our decision to leave our spacious home, yard, and neighborhood in Germany, for our newfound city life in the suburbs of the Greater Tokyo area. Although those moments have come, we're reminded of so many things that are in store for us moving forward, and we're hopeful that once more of our routine is in place, that we can find a better life balance.
Overall, we want to say thank you! Many of you have been extremely encouraging and supportive with our move and it means a lot to our little family. So, thank you for being in our corner!
As always, thanks for watching! Please subscribe to keep following along :).
CONTACT US
Contact us: ourstorytotellcontact@gmail.com
SUPPORT US
Join our Patreon community: / ourstorytotell1
Looking to travel to Europe? Purchase our Germany travel maps: ourstorytotell.com/cart/
FOLLOW US
Instagram: / ourstory2tell
Website: ourstorytotell.com
Facebook: / ourstory2tell
Lots of love,
Tanner, Risa, Willa + Noa! :)
![THE TOYS x NONT TANONT - ดอกไม้ที่รอฝน (spring) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pPa1d5cC8M4/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for sharing such raw emotions. Moving with small children is difficult. Moving abroad with small children is even more difficult! Prayers for your family as you adjust to the new culture.
Thank you for the love and encouragement!! We think you nailed it on the head! Doing this with small kids has been a lot. We wouldn’t trade it for the world, but our move to Germany we just had Willa and she was barely one. So definitely a different stage now. 😊
Don't feel bad if Japan doesn't work for you, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with Japan. I was able to live in Spain in 2006 much to the envy of many friends! You know what? I actually hated it...just wasn't for me. but I felt so ashamed I never said a thing and just counted the days till I could go home. (Not saying that's the case for you). However, when I went to the UK, I ended up staying for 8 years cause I loved it! Sometimes things sound really good on paper but the actual experience doesn't add up. Just follow your heart
Following our heart is such a wonderful advice!! And your experience is such a good reminder to us that it’s okay either way!! We do see ourselves loving it here, but it already hasn’t came without a struggle. And, like you said- that’s okay!! 🫶🫶 thank you!!
Thank you for opening up about your feelings to us. I really appreciate this. I am sending much love from Hamburg! 🥰🌍🤗🤗
Thanks for the love!
Hey, first and foremost a big hug from Germany!
While I watched this video I realized why your followers love you so much! It is the high percentage of authenticity! It really let us take part and feeling us like friends, because though your videos are joyful most of the time, you are brave enough to also share the harder times!
When I heard your announcement of moving to Japan, my first thought was "OMG, this will be such a logistic nightmare and such a hard break of every-day-habits", it will be so exhausting in the beginning!"
And while watching your first videos from Japan I thought "How can they cope that? They are not only house hunting, which means not really settled, but also travelling so much and exploring so much! No routines to give you some feeling of security, mostly everything mixed up and nothing to hold on to!" I confess, even when I was younger, your age, I wouldn't have had the energy to handle it!
And now you are telling us how it feels and that the energy is getting to a low point. You are not trying to act like those always smiling influencers, no! You stay authentic and share the exhaustment you are feeling atm. And that is really really what I adore!
Maybe now that your furniture has arrived and you really get settled, it is the time to travel less, making a home and take a deep breath. I am sure your energy then will be back soon because you are such self reflected and optimistic persons.
I whish Willa the best of luck for her new school.
And concerning bread and rolls.... lol.... let me give you a little hint: German grocery stores have "baking mixtures" for it. Maybe there are some friends in Germany who would send you some "Brotmischungen" from time to time. For some you simply need some water and for some you need a few ingredients which will be available in Japan. All you need to do is "work the dough" and bake it. :)
And there are some German bakeries in Japan, just search "German bakery in Japan" on TH-cam! Maybe one of them is not too far away!
Great post and support! ❤
@@marymahar8446 thanks, Dear!
We agree, such a great post and support! Thanks for virtual hug :). We try our best to show all sides of our experiences, and we're glad we could share these harder times with you all.
Being able to live in different areas of the world is such a priceless gift you are giving to your children. My father was in the military and I spent much of my childhood in different countries. I have such a deep appreciation for cultural differences as a result. I even ended up working for an international company that I was able to continue working in Europe and Asia. Change is difficult but ultimately so rewarding. You guys are great parents and will get through this rough spot. 😊
THIS!! This is what we need to hear and absolutely appreciate! Thank you 💗💗 that’s the reason we are doing this and we truly hope our girls will always appreciate like you. So amazing you continue to work around the world!
We are an american family and lived in Nagoya for 6 years. Since 2015 we have been living in northern Germany near Hamburg. Japan is beautiful, the people are nice, but it was just too stressful for us here. We like it much better in Germany, and we will stay here as long as we can😉 We wish you all the best🍀 Greetings from Pinneberg near Hamburg🤗
Ahh so interesting to hear your perspective!! We are so happy you’ve found a place you really love now! 🤍 We love northern Germany so we can totally understand why 💗
You've probably heard this, but there are five stages of culture shock:
Stage 1: The Excitement Stage.
Stage 2: The Frustration Stage.
Stage 3: The Adjustment Stage.
Stage 4: The Acceptance Stage.
Stage 5: The Reverse Culture Shock Stage.
Seems like you are in stage two. Don't worry, you will get settled and everything will get better and normal. Best wishes from Germany!
Interesting to see the list of the stages! Thanks for sharing :). Stage two sounds about right for how we were feeling during that video. Thankfully we are past that stage now and settling into a better routine now. Thanks for the best wishes!
I lived in Japan for six and a half years. I found that about 6 months into the year I would start to really experience major culture shock. The low would last for about a week when I'd feel really irritable about little things that I couldn't change. But, finally, my mood would even out. The worst time was usually in January. Hang-in-there! What you are going through is normal.
That’s so cool you lived in Japan for so long!! Interesting to hear it was about the 6 month mark for you! It’s interesting how it was about the 2nd month in Germany and 4th for us here! Hopefully from
Here on out it’s even sailing 😊
Thank you for being honest. I am sure you will have a great time in Japan. And after the two or three years in Japan you can easily come back to Germany. You are always welcome here.
Aww thank you! 🫶🫶 we really think we are going to love it here too, it’s just been a different experience with two little girls in a totally different country. We would LOVE to come back to Germany after!! 🫶🫶
I can imagine the transition period is difficult but I am very confident you will be enjoying your time and Japan a lot once you are all settled in.
All my best wishes and good energy to you!!!
Thank you!
Big hugs from Germany! You are in the "What have we done???" stage. Be prepared that it might not comppletely dissipate until you have unpacked all the things you want to unpack (I had about five boxes in Scotland that stayed packed all of the six years.) and probably until Willa has really settled into her new school. I hope she is doing okay with her leg?
You will get there! Before you know it it will be time for your next move and you will not know where the time went and feel like you need/want more time in Japan!
Thank you for that insight!! We are already feeling so much better and settled now that she is still in her school. :) We agree, we think we will miss Japan once it’s time to go!
Thank you for this honnest update! Of course the mental and physical toll to such a change is going to be heavy you guys, you are humans, not robots! The different culture, rules, environment, language, the moving house and its associated clutter, all of that is of course going to make you go through those rough patches. But brighter days will be coming, when you will be setlled more and it will be an enriching experience for all of you. Stay strong and loving and positive as you seem to naturally be, you will get through this with flying colors, I am sure!
This is such a kind and loving comment! Thank you!! It has been a lot so the reminder to rest is nice! We are happy to say we are already doing better! :)
I totally understand your feelings. I felt the same way when I moved to Japan. I even hated everything in the first few month. But give it some more time and you will figure all good things that this country has to offer. For me being back in Germany after 7 yrs there I still cannot stop comparing it with the friendliness and politeness and respectfulness of the japanese people. Thank god I have a lovely japanese wife here. You are there with your whole family and this is the big advantage!!! Try learning the language a bit and you will feel more home!!
Aww thank you!! We definitely see ourselves loving it here, but it has taken time. We are already feeling more balanced now that Willa is in school. 😊
Thank you once again for your honesty - that's always a big and the most important step for things to get better. But don't stress yourselves!!
From an outside perspective, I don't think 4 months is too long of a break at all, it's absolutely understandable that it takes time to settle in. Maybe it would even help you to take more time for it and to spend more time in your new home instead of travelling. It will probably make a big difference when the house is furnished and comfy so that it becomes your "Wohlfühloase" (oasis of well-being? :D).
Wishing you the best!! It will get better soon!
It is so refreshing to hear your outside perspective!! You’re right, we need to give ourselves more grace! 🫶 Thank you for that support and encouragement!
Lots of hugs and words of encouragement across the miles. It will get better and you'll learn to love your new surroundings and culture. As far as missing the bread in Germany, I'm not surprised. It seems like almost everyone who has lived in Germany at some point, says this. You might have to source some German flour online and bake your own bread or broetchen, every now and then. I've learned how to bake my own German bread, and I'm loving it. There are plenty of youtube videos, on how to bake German bread. I saw online that somewhere in Tokyo, there is a German bakery. I know, it's probably pretty far from where you are, but it could be a special trip and treat, at least once in a great while. できるよ
Dekiru yo
We are feeling so much love and support! Thank you for being one of them!! 🫶 We bought a German bakery book before moving… that’s a great idea to find some German flour online!
Thinking positive thoughts and big hug to you guys. It is a big change to begin with but it also feels like the living conditions/culture/everything are the complete opposite of where you are coming from. Hang in there. Things will get better.
Thank you so much!! We feel the support and encouragement!! 🫶
Transitioning is always hard. You got this. Hope things are looking up soon.
So true!! It was when we moved to Germany too! Thanks for that reminder. We can say they already are looking up thankfully! 😊
あなた達のように日本文化を尊重し馴染む努力を惜しまない外国人移住者を日本国民は歓迎します。
娘さんの健やかなる成長を祈り見守るのがとても楽しみです。
It's wonderful seeing your authenticity
Thank you for showing your vulnerability. Changes are hard, especially with kids. Wish you the best.
Yes we think it was difficult on us because we were doing it with kids honestly. Wouldn’t change it for the world, but small kids in a new place is a lot. 🙃
Thank you for your honest story ❤
It’s hard to be so vulnerable sometimes but thank you for receiving it well! 🫶
Sehr guter Titel. Mir gefällt der Hinweis, dass nicht zwei Länder verglichen werden sondern dass sich auch die Bevölkerungsdichte drastisch unterscheidet.
Uff, Risa, I feel like I wish I could hug you, from the minute I heard your voice, actually. You have so many new impressions to process, and also being a mom at the same time. Be kind to yourself and try to give yourself what you need. Humans weren‘t meant to move as fast as we do, so we need to take a bit of time to catch up to ourselves, sometimes.
Greets from Bavaria 🤗
Hi!! 🫶🫶 Thank you! I would give you a hug back!! This is Risa responding back and I want you to know that it means so much. I was giving so much to my babies trying to make this process as smooth as possible, that it took away from my needs! I definitely needed some reprieve. Thankfully we’ve found a better routine for us & rest. 💗 The reminder you gave us so good. Thank you & hope you’re doing well.
Good morning. You guys, I would love to give you a hug. It must be difficult, because it's so different. But you're together and support each other. Give yourself a bit more time. It will be better I'm sure. Greetings to Willa.😍
Thanks for the love and support!
Thank you for sharing your emotions, even if you're not feeling so good. You're going through a tough phase right now. Give yourself time to adjust. It will get better in time. Much love from the Netherlands.
Aww we feel the love all the way from beautiful Netherlands! Thank you 🫶 We are happy you appreciated the honesty!
Aww sorry guys that its hard for you right now. I send you a big hug! 😊 it will get better! Take good care of each other. I am happy to follow you along.
Thank you so much!! That’s a great reminder for us 🤍
Been living all over the world , there's no other culture harder to adopt to than Japanese customs and way of life. Grertings from Germany.
That’s awesome you’ve experienced so many places around the world!! It’s an adjustment for sure. We really do see ourselves loving it, but it will be a different experience then Germany (obviously) but sometimes we compare the two and we shouldn’t!
Can totally imagine the stress you are (were) going through, but I am sure you'll overcome it and make the best out of your stay in Japan. Alles wird gut! 大丈夫だろう！
Yes it was a lot (as expected) but when you’re in the thick of it- it’s a lot!! Thank you for the encouragement! 🫶
Well to move from a rural area to such a big city is always an adjustment. You will make it. It just takes time.
Thank you!! We see ourselves really enjoying it, but you’re right the adjustment takes time!
Ahhhh you two/4 will be fine. Give yourself some more time. Having each other does help. Prayers for the adjustment time. 😲😲🙏🏻🙏🏻
🫶🫶 Thank you so much! We feel the love and support!
Thinking of you guys- I am glad the kids are having fun ( but Germany looked so much more your groove. But you have a wonderful family and love each other- it will all work out - be positive and be safe! Love Heather and Dan❤
Aww hi Heather and Dan!! Thank you for the love and thoughts! We felt so comfortable in Germany and absolutely loved it! Being out of comfort zone is good for us too though and we are trying to focus on the positives!
We hope to be back in Deutschland again sometime though!! 🫶
You guys are great! My family is about to move to Japan ( Navy Civilian) and your information has been very helpful. Stay strong you guys are awesome
Aww that is so exciting!! Congratulations!! Obviously it comes with a lot of new transitions and shocks, but it is worth it! Good luck with everything!
My partner and I moved back around the same time from Munich to Tokyo, so can definitely agree the first few months are an adjustment (good and bad) as there's so many things to setup and settle into to. That being said living around the world I've found so many unique and special things about Japan, so hoping the family is able to settle in and get some good routines while using this as a comfortable home base to keep finding great TH-cam video adventures 🙂
Thank you!! 😊 We love this comment and can agree that things just take time! When we moved to Germany we only had one child and she was barely over one. It makes sense this move is more difficult with two children. Plus, Japan is a bit different than Germany and the states (as you know) 😊 We definitely see ourselves loving it though! We already are talking about the things we have come to really like!
You guys are amazing.Im in Japan for 2 more days and though we love it here n not too far from our home land Australia,I don’t think I could live here.
I think it takes such bravery to move to a new country.Ya not wrong about next level recycling.
Once you have your home all set up and it starts feeling like your sanctuary,I find that always used to help mind ease a lot.Shut the busy outside world away and cozy down with your family at home.
Always appreciate your channel.Take care to you all ❤️
We love that!! Shut the outside out and focus on our family! 🫶 Enjoy Japan! There really is so much to love and experience here! And soo cool you’re from Australia! We went it the Gold Coast and loved it a couple years ago!
Y'all hang in there. Moving with 2 little girls instead 1 is harder also. There IS a lot of adjustment to make. It's good y'all are voicing some of your issues it will help clear your head. Deep breath. Y'all are just so brave and adventurous that I know you will come through this adjustment with flying colors! I feel like I have a TH-cam family through you and get to experience life vicariously in your videos. Life is not always easy, so hang on to your boots and keep plugging along through the rough patch. Sending hugs from Texas ❤
That is such a good point!! Moving with two is much much harder than with one! We are so proud of our girls but you nailed it on the head about difficulty! Thank you for the reminder to take a deep breath. 😊🫶 We feel the love and deeply appreciate it!
You guys are awesome. Love how you are experiencing life time experiences and with your beautiful girls. So many people are too afraid to do it. Love how honest you are with the good and not so good. But that's all part of it. Sending you good vibes. ❤
Aww thank you for this comment! So kind and supportive! 🫶🫶
So many comments from german followers! They don´t forget you 🙂
WE KNOW & WE FEEL SO LOVED! 🥹💗💗 Best followers!
I think when you get really settled in at your new house and it becomes a place to rest and be comfortable, taking on everything else will become less overwhelming. You need that one place as an anchor in all the unfamiliarness (I don’t think thats a word, haha) of a new country. I also think the culture shock with a move from the US to Germany is probably smaller than with a move from the US to Japan, so it seems totally normal to me that you need more time to settle in. You’ll get there, and I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience for the four of you!
Just keep being patient with the process and yourselves. Keep working to make your new house a home. Rest, stay healthy and enjoy your beautiful daughters. ❤❤ New routines, adjustments and friendships will come in time. Bloom where you are planted. 🌻
This is such a loving and needed comment! Thank you 🫶🫶
@@OurStorytoTell
You're welcome. I know you'll feel different and more settled in time. Enjoy today! ❤️
I admire you guys for your courage to move abroad with 2 young children. This is something many people wouldn't dare to do. So give yourselves some grace and be patient. Things will fall into place for you soon. And as long as you hang on to each other, you can make any place in the world feel like home. ❤
This is such a needed comment!! Thank you for that important reminder for us! We are proud of ourselves for stepping out of our comfort zones and doing things to help us grow. 🫶 It’s not always easy, but growth doesn’t happen when someone is always comfortable. Again thank you!!
Hi beautiful family💗 It’s hard to be in a new country and experience a different culture🥺 I think once your family gets settled that you all will get to enjoy this adventure💗 It will get better just like your Germany journey😊 Hang in there💗
Aww thank you for that reminder!! It is hard!! Sometimes it’s hard for us to admit that, but why?? Like we are doing so many new things, yes it’s going to be hard huh? 🫶 Thanks for the support and love! WE FEEL IT!
I can totally understand you guys! I moved from Germany to Spain and to Canada. Canada was my childhood dream. For many years I would like to go back to Europe (missing the culture and food quality). But now I am too sick to move back.
If it doesn’t feel right for you then don’t force yourself. Your feelings tell you what to do! All the best ❤
Thanks for the support and sharing your story! 🫶 It’s true, our feelings tell us what to do! That’s such a beautiful reminder!!
Hey guys! I'm not saying you are there yet...but if you do get to the place where you realize this move ultimately isn't right for you. There is no shame in that. You dont know until you know. Although, not sure how that works with your work contract. Wishing you the best!
Hi!! Thank you for that reminder! It’s true! There’s no shame in it. We do really feel like we are going to love it here, and that this low moment was a very normal reaction to a huge move with small kids in a new environment. But, the reminder is always good 😊 We promise we will listen to our hearts and if in the end it’s not a good fit, we won’t be afraid to move!
Moving abroad is a lot of work for sure. After living in Ireland for the past 18 years I have just returned back home to Germany this week. Yesterday all my boxes, shelves, bike, Keyboard, Guitar etc arrived and we put them into my granny's old house I am intending to move into. There is still lots of renovations to be done, I need to order furniture (exciting, since in Ireland most apartments are furnished and you have to take what the landlord gives ya, so here I have a blank canvas I can renovate and do up/furnish the way I like with all my ideas and creativity.), friends will help me renovate and then I can move in soon I hope. I will start my new job next month too, so hopefully all will work out fine and I'll settle back ok with the German mentality. Hopefully yous will settle in ok too in Japan, that Willa (isn't she the cutest little thing?) gets on ok in her Japanese school. Looking forward following on on all your new adventures. All the best!
Oh wow that is so much work!! Good luck with your move! So cool you are a musician too. It’s interesting to hear that in Ireland most apartments are furnished. Wow!
Hugs from Germany! 🥰
Aww hugs back!! 🫶
Look for a german bakery in Japan. You will find one in every big city.🤓
I can imagine how difficult this transition can be, especially with small children! They usually like routine and it's pretty difficult to have that for a while when moving to such a different culture. Moving within the same country can be hard! I'm sure you'll eventually settle in and things will get easier. It's refreshing that you're keeping it real. Be patient with yourselves and grateful for your healthy and happy little girls. I grew up in Germany but have lived in Florida for 40 years. I still miss the baked goods to this day. My first stop is always a bakery when I travel to Germany, usually at the airport!!! All the best! 🥰👍🍀🌺🥨🎂
Awww thank you so much!! We have said so many times how grateful we are to have our babies, and also how much easier it would (likely) be to do it without kids! 🤣🤣 You can’t help but wonder sometimes as a parent!
That’s amazing to hear you grew up in Germany! And fun to hear you’ve been in Florida for so long. Right now my brother is in Fort Lauderdale! The humidity was crazy when we first felt it!!
@@OurStorytoTell Crazy is right! I don't like the humidity but I love the winters here. So much sunshine!
Sometimes it's hard to adjust to a new chapter in life. Everything is so different in Japan. The differences between the cultures, rules, languages, etc. are even bigger than the differences between the US and Germany, but the bigger these differences are, the more new experiences you can gain and grow with the situation. I am confident that you will find a way to make the most of the situation.
Best wishes from Witten (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Thank you for the encouragement!
I have total admiration for you and your gutsy approach to life. I think it woudl not be normal if you did not go through such phase. you live busy lives, have 2 young children and so the cummulative strain of all the adjustments you are all making woudl catch up with you. It will get easier and you will create such enrichment of your lives from this. Somuch to be proud of and your kids will forever thank you for these opportunities and memories from such diverse cultures and experiences. The way to go! Sending love and regards.
Thank you so so much! This message really resonates with us! We feel proud of the risks and hard work we have taken to live outside of our comfort zone! Like you said, it is normal to have these moments too! 😊 Such a healthy perspective and we appreciate that reminder! Sending love back! 💗
Having no childcare / kindergarten etc for months absolutely takes a toll. You have to experience it to acknowledge how important it is that ones kids are taken care of during the day for you as parents to function. I hope you can fix this ASAP, mabye with a au pair / nanny temporarily?
Even without moving and a different and arraving in a (from a german perspective) more strict society - when our kindergarten is closed for two weeks we can barley handle it (while we work our 1 + 0,3 jobs).
Hope you can put all energy that is left into fixing this ASAP. It will get better from there...
Willa has now started her Japanese school and things are much more balanced! You are right that it can take a major toll on someone. Especially where I work-it was quite difficult to manage.
Thanks for the honesty and encouragement for us! We appreciate the concern!
They say moving house is one of the big stressors in life and you have moved house, job and country. Also the rural to urban setting with the associated extra noise levels is a big adjustment. As others have said it seems like you need to give yourselves some quiet nesting time. You love to pack in those experiences, but there will be time for that when maybe you have had time to draw some breaths. I'm sure you will be able to make many positive experiences for your family in your new country, Willa and Noa look as full of beans and happy as ever thanks to the stability you give them. Sending love to your family
Thank you so much!! Yes we’ve been doing so much that it definitely caught up to us. Plus, all the other changes you noticed! It’s a good reminder to take a break and rest more. I’m applying the reminder too!! Literally today, I got a massage and am feeling soo relaxed! 💗 Mmm need more of those haha 😂 Our girls really are thriving so we are very proud and happy about that!
We moved to Okinawa in November from Stuttgart and the recycling is on another level. We were not prepared, lol.
Hahaha yes someone who understands! 😂😂 Love that! Hope you are doing well!
I think we are talking on Instagram!! 🫶🫶
Thank you for giving us as your followers such an incredible and mostly honest insight about your thoughts and feelings. I appreciate your openness. To be honest: watching especially Rissa made me become a little bit concerned when it comes to my (very subjective!) impression of her mental health. Take care, okay? Yes, you are an optimistic, loving family and it will take some more time to fully adjust. Take your time. I am sure, you will get there. Don't pressure yourselves. Japan is another level to get adjusted than Germany. I can understand you missing a lot if things (especially the bakeries...).
Thinking of you and wishing you all the best - as always. Love from Germany. ❤
Thank you for your honesty and concern!! This is Risa here and I can say that day I filmed was definitely one of the hardest! 🥺 I have had to learn how to set aside more time for rest and my personal time! It was a major adjustment having two kids at home all the time in such new environments! Soo happy to say that we are finding a much better balance. In fact, I just for home from a massage an hour ago! 😊
Thank you truly, for your love and concern! You’re amazing!!
@@OurStorytoTell Thanks, Risa, for answering my comment. I am happy to learn, you guys are adjusting better and better. ❤️ I can imagine, how much challenges you and Tanner are facing... You both are strong and your optimizm (even if it sometimes seems, it is not there, or less than "normally") will help you through also tough times. You are a great, loving, supportive couple. And so wonderful to read, you have had some "me-time" with a relaxing massage! Take care. Love to the four of you. ❤️
Hang in there guys. Your kids are going to be ok and you're teaching them things that can't be taught. Adaptability, curiosity, open mindedness and viewing life in a way that most will never be able understand because they've never left their tiny corner of world. Your kids will thank you later, it just might be in ドイツ語 or Japanisch
Hahah yes definitely in Japanisch! 😂 LOVE THAT! Willa sometimes speaks in her own language because she is mixing English, Japanese, German & a little Spanish in her sentences! WILD.
But really, thank you for the reminder that what we are doing has merit. We are proud of ourselves for putting ourselves into uncomfortable situations. It’s nice to be reminded our kids are learning so much too!
I wish you would have moved to Okinawa, Japan! It's a wonderful place and much smaller town feel with beach beauty.
Maybe we will sometime?? 🤣🫶 You never know with us! Haha we are so happy you guys loved it so much!!
Maybe you should watch My Neighbor Totoro and take trips to rural Japan.
We are on that so fast!! Truly we can’t wait to explore rural Japan! 🫶
Hello, my dears. When I first heard that I was moving away it was a shock for me because I knew it would be a traumatic time. That's what it always is when you lose someone or something, no matter how. in this case, the place you felt connected to. (luckily you were in Germany when the weather was so bad :D). But now you are in Japan and Japan is one of the best and most beautiful countries there is. Because of the big differences, it takes time to get used to it. that can be scary. and all of these other differences that came into play, such as country region and largest city in the world. As a North German, I thought conservative Bavaria was shocking for Americans back then, but Japan is a completely different story. Then you approached everything very nicely and slowly and had a lot of fun. There were videos of you eating bread rolls or cake or just going on a little trip. I think you had more time for yourself back then. My father also watches your videos and every time he says "that's really an impressive family". What I want to say is that there's no need for these big stories at the beginning like "we're going to Taiwan" or "we're visiting the King of China" or "Godzilla trampled on our garden" hahaha. No really, get your thing ready first, get there, that takes time in Japan. and then you will have an absolutely great time there. You are young, you can still live wherever you want. Basically you all just need each other and everything will be fine.
We resonate a lot with what you say here. We didn't feel rushed to go out and travel at the beginning, but we did have a few weeks of parental leave that we had available, but only for a few weeks. So, we took those weeks to see some parts of Japan and to Tawain that we wanted to see. But, we agree that we have each other and we don't need to much more!
Sorry to hear you are struggling. I think adjusting to living abroad is always difficult- I also struggled when I moved from Germany to England, and that’s only a minor cultural shift. Coming from the US to Germany had its difficulties for you, and I think all you can do is be very gentle with yourselves and not compare the move to Germany to the move to Japan too much. Japan is SO different I was exhausted after three weeks of traveling there because every interaction with others you have to be mindful of social norms that are different from your own. Adjusting to a western culture is much easier because its mostly your own, just with a slightly different flavor- but especially in Japan you need to be much more mindful, that can be exhausting at first! And everything looks and smells different, it truly can feel like a different world, which is so exciting but also makes adjusting harder.
I know you’re already feeling a little better and I know you know it takes time ;) but ultimately you have the advantage of having the base and contacts from „home“ there. It’s okay to take solace in that if you need it. You’re all together, try to enjoy the travel and taking everything in, and if the journey takes you elsewhere, we‘ll come along 😊
We really resonate with this! Thanks for the comment & reminder to not compare each experience with one another. They are different in their own way and that is special! We have already had quite a different experience as we have been involved more with the US base here, but that has been helpful for us.
well, to be honest, i believe you both feel from time to time homesick. but as statet, you will adjust.
greetings
We can agree that we have felt a bit homesick for Germany!
Hugs from germany 🐄
Hugs back!!
I think you have to be a special kind of person to constantly expose yourself and your children to such hardships. Wouldn't you like to relax and let your children grow up in a country that is outside of enormous stress? Or does your own sense of adventure play the biggest role?
I think as long as the kids dont go to school, the kids are fine.
Don't those hardships create the strongest people? Wish I'd had some hardship as a kid.
@@LythaWausW Not always, some hardships beat people down and they retreat into themselves and never come back out or they start lashing out.
it's so sweet that you are missing the german bread, maybe i can help you. I found this youtuber Mr Nippon and he made Videos about two German who have a bakery over there. Maybe you can sometimes get to one and fight your little "homesickness" . greetings from Germany 🤗
Mmmm you are the best!! 😋
Sending love back to Germany!!
There is one question that I have about this relocation that didn't get covered: if your immediate family believes in finding a congregation to have fellowship with your faith, how have you adjusted to seeking if not finding a good place of worship in Metropolitan Japan? I know that a person's faith is their own call and own business and I'm making no judgements but if you all are Christians are seeking /have found a nearby place of worship, you all might consider sharing that quest with the viewers for others who might be having trouble adjusting in a lands where their particular faith is shared by a minority rather than the majority of citizens in their new community.
Regardless of the above: I have faith that your family WILL adjust to living in Japan and making it as positive an experience for all four as possible because home isn't a location but being where one is welcomed, loved and liked by those within and I believe your family does have THAT advantage over so many other families- and it's nothing to sneeze at AND one should take comfort in. Thanks and take good care!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us! We have felt the prayers and love! 🫶💗 There are churches around that we could worship at. We are still figuring out how, when, and where we want to worship and fill our spiritual cups.
Oh dear, you just haven't found the right bakery yet. In Kagoshima there are 2 fantastic German bakeries.
We go at least 3 times weekly. Never disappointed. I believe the name is
Backerei dank. no sure if spelling is correct. Surely the city of Tokyo has a German bakery.
Give yourself a break, things will all adjust out.
Mmmm the bakeries sound amazing!! We will keep looking for one! 😋 and thank you!! Everything will be okay! 🤍
Hey guys, sorry to hear you haven't really settled in yet, but I'm sure you'll feel more at home soon :) Btw. if you're missing German bakeries: Heard there are a few in Tokyo, but also in Fukuoka? Maybe worth a try if you're missing "real German" bread and Brötchen ;)
Thank you for the love and suggestions!! We are definitely going to look into that mmm 😋😋
Please come back to germany. I think your family is going better feeling in germany ?? 🙂
Aww we miss Germany so much!! Maybe one day we will because we do love it so much!! 🫶
@@OurStorytoTell Yes, that makes it easy. Because you are always welcome in Germany and at least in the videos you felt very comfortable. Germany also has problems, but they can be overcome somehow. We like the USA and you too. So let's hope you come back. Best regards
There is an Austrian bakery in Tokyo that is owned and operated by a real Bäckermeister. He should have the bread you want. Alternatively, try baking your own. I have a public Bread and Things playlist that should help you find the perfect recipes and techniques. Check online sources for bread flour.
Mmm such a good idea! We have a German bread recipe book we bought before we moved! Having a friend send us flour is genius!!
11:00 Your tax situation is way more complicated than mine when I worked in Germany. Back then I always used a Steuerberater (tax accountant) to prepare my tax return. Since retirement in England it has become a lot easier and I now complete a Short Tax Return myself, as my financial situation is much simpler. The one item that complicates things is the German state pension I receive every month, in addition to the British state pension. One thing not many recipients of a German state pension abroad realise is that Germany has the sole right to tax the pension, even if you're living in Britain. This is laid down in the Double Taxation Agreement between Germany and Britain. So I have to pay tax every quarter to the Finanzamt in Germany, as well as complete a British tax return. It's a right palaver every year, but it's worth the hassle, because I receive almost as much pension from Germany for just over 13 years of work as I receive from Britain after 40 years of work! That's how generous the German state pension is compared to Britain, which has the lowest state pension payment in Europe.
If your time in Germany will eventually entitle you to receiving a German state pension, my advice is to start preparing early for the paperwork with the authorities in Berlin, because it's a veritable nightmare. I started my preparation 9 months before the pension start date. If however you receive a private pension at retirement, that's a wholly different ballgame!
The situation for them is a bit different. As US government employees they are not in the German pension system. Even if they were in the system, the minimum you have to pay contributions to the pension fund to later receive a pension is 60 months. But they were not long enough in Germany, at least not as of now. Maybe they return one day, we will see.
The tax situation is a whole different story. The US and Eritrea are the only two countries in the world that tie income tax to citizenship. So no matter where a citizen lives, who the citizen works for and what other income a citizen has, it is always subject to income tax in the US. There are some international agreements in place to avoid dubble taxation, but all citizens living abroad have to declare their worldwide income to the US government.
As stated, it is quite a bit different for us as we worked for the US government. The agreement is between the two governments and we don't pay into the Germany pension system.
@@OurStorytoTell You're so lucky not having to deal with the German pension system. But I know you are very keen to return to Germany in the future, though if you cut ties with the US Government, don't let the pension system be a hindrance if you decided to move back there. It's frustrating and complex, like all German bureaucracy, but with plenty of time it would all get sorted out. And in any case, you have many years before retirement is due, and many things can happen in the next 30 - 40 years. I believe that one day all the EU countries will establish _one_ pension system common to all, whether one works in Germany, France or Italy.
Greetings from Germany! 🇩🇪 It’s interesting (but not surprising) to hear that bureaucracy in Japan might exceed its German role model.
How long is the drive to German School and Kindergarten at Yokohama?
11:58 Have you tried Konditorei Bergfeld at Kamakura? It is a pretty decent German bakery and café, about halfway between Kamakura station and the bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple.
How is “Brot Baum” at 6 Shinkocho, Yokosuka? I have just found it at Google Maps, but have never been to Yokosuka. On its website, the bread doesn’t look very authentic, though.
My favorite German bakery over there is Bäckerei Linde at Kichijōji, Tōkyō.
Aww you are such a Saint for looking into these!! The one in yokosuka is not the authentic in our opinions! Which is a bummer, but it’s something! We need to try the other ones!! Mmmm 😋😋
I haven't got the faintest clue about what it must be to move from one foreign country to another which I think is a huge step.
To state the obvious, life has it's up and downs. It just can be great every single day and be getting better day by day.
So feeling a little bit down, starting to question your decisions is just a very normal thing. Don't feel bad about it, don't feel bad about yourselves.
It wouldn't be a challenge if it was all shiny, bright and sweet all the time. Your brains, your souls will need a bit of time too to adapt and process all the new impressions pouring down on you.
Germany was Germany. Japan is Japan. You're having the wildest opportunity possible of comparing your experiences with three so different countries, languages and cultures.
I'm wishing you the best of luck, success and experience.
All of this is such great advice!! Gosh we need to print out the comment and out it on our wall on a hard day 😂🤍 It can be hard, but that is normal! Especially for what we’ve been doing! Sometimes it’s hard for us to admit that, but why? Thank you for reminding us it’s normal!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🇩🇪
We feel the love!! Thank you!! 🤍
I would follow your general rules around what environment appeals to you the same as if you were choosing a neighborhood or state to live in within the USA. There is a huge contrast between life in Germany and life in Japan, and if you're partial to the German lifestyle, I don't see the appeal of Japan, because thee is a huge contrast! But what do I know!! I would say: Give yourself a cutoff date for acclimation, and then give yourself permission to leave if it still doesn't feel right. Kids are young only once.
That’s such a good idea! We are kind of given that already because we can only stay here in Japan for less than two years from now. Soo, we do already have a timeline.
Although it’s been a difficult transition, there is a lot of we are loving here too so that’s great! 😊
Why didn't you get base housing?
Because tanner is civilian, we cannot stay on base. It definitely would have had perks of proximity, but otherwise we are very happy we live off base. :)
With you, I never know whether you really liked Germany so much or whether you are more considerate of your German followers. 😅 It's a bit easier to build a community in youtube Germany than in the USA. I'm afraid one of the hardest chapters is still ahead of you. The Japanese school system is more like a boot camp in comparison, where discipline comes first and second, no one has fun. The pressure to perform is enormous, just like everywhere else in Asia. It will be anything but easy for Wlla
And she will stand out as a foreigner.
We really did love Germany! Of course it has its faults or things we don’t love, but same with every country. We’re pretty optimistic people so we would honestly probably come to love almost any place! 🤣
Willa is loving her Japanese school actually, but it’s not really a school. More like the German kindergarten with w focus on playing and doing Activites. :)
@@OurStorytoTell A positive attitude is really worth a lot. Maybe one day you'll make videos of you traveling around your home country, the USA, I'm sure many people would want to see that too
Well you haven’t really been there that long, I expect it will take you at least the better part of a year to settle in somewhat.
So, give yourself some time !!!
The biggest challenge will be the language barrier, I think.
Willa will have a good chance to adapt to that, starting school and then being submerged in the language for a good part of her day, I think, at least the spoken part. (And Noa too if you stay there long enough.)
I imagine especially learning to read and write will be difficult, Japanese (and of course Chinese, Korean, Thai, and other such completely different “alphabets”) is so far removed from Latin alphabet, Russian (Cyrillic) and Greek would be so much easier to learn.
And making Japanese friends might also be rather difficult, I heard that Japanese don’t really “take” to foreigners … so keep close ties with the English speaking expat community there.
Avoid becoming lonely !!!
(Tanner has his work and coworkers with whom to chat, so it might be a bit easier for him.)
Do yourself a favor and don’t compare the Japanese way of life with what you’ve experienced in Germany, USA or other “western” countries too much. It won’t help you adjust.
Good luck to you.
The daughter will probably be bullied for being a foreigner.
So many good pieces of advice in here! THANK YOU! It’s a good reminder not to compare the two experiences because they are so different.
Thankfully we are not feeling lonely out here and we’ve done a good job of finding adult friends (& Willa already has made a lot of friends too)! 🤍
We are giving ourselves some grace and rest and thankfully family time too! You’ll see in the next few videos 😊
Most Westerners can only tolerate about 2 years in Japan. Most Westerners that stay are usually married to a Japanese and that's why they stay because having a Japanese national as a spouse makes life so easy. Your life might be a bit easier since you have ties to the American military complex and can use the facilities like the commissary and base exchange and the support as mediators for Japanese services. Most Westerners have to navigate everything themselves. TBH I don't think you will like staying in Japan.
We only have a 2.25 year contract here so I guess it will be hard to see if we would want to stay longer than that. So far, although it’s been hard & have questioned our decision, we are overall happy with our decision!
@@OurStorytoTell Have you already thought about your next move in 2.25 years' time? Be honest now! How does the thought of returning to the US permanently grab you?
Im honest, I knew u wouldnt be able to settle in Japan. Germany might be tough, but nothing compared to Tokyo.
It hasn’t been a breeze, but we really find ourselves loving it and making the most our of our time here! 😊
I must admit that I thought turning down the chance to stay in Germany a few more years was a mistake. You seemed so happy there and Willa was settled into Kindergarten and had made good friends. I understand your desire to travel and experience new things but you are now a family of 4 and children need stability and a structure to their lives that extends beyond the immediate family. Japan is so different to what we know in Europe and the USA so it's bound to be a culture shock. Added to that you haven't stopped to take a breath since you arrived so no wonder that you've hit a low point. But you are there now and I'm sure things will get better. Just do yourselves a favour and slow down the pace, don't try to experience everything so quickly, take time to set up your home, settle Willa into school and spend quiet time together as a family at home. I wish you only the best and hope it works out. I must add though, and I've said this before, stop featuring the girls so much in the videos. They are adorable but there are some dangerous people looking out for children like yours.
Love and peace to you.
Thanks for the honesty in this comment! We appreciate it although sometimes we have a difference of opinion! In this case, we do think we made the right decision for our family to move. We also know it might appear that we haven’t taken time to rest and relax, but we really did at the beginning. Unfortunately though there are so many logistics of an international move like this, we had to keep housing hunting and buying a vehicle and stuff like that. Anyway, thankfully we have gotten into a rhythm now that Willa is in school and we are fully moved in. 😊
But I’m very curious that your children don’t have to go to school and have been traveling abroad with you.
Yeah our oldest is only four so she went to German Kindergarten before but we don’t have any problem pulling her out. Now she is starting Japanese yochien but we still don’t mind taking her out occasionally.
I also wish you would've been more honest about the difficulties of living in Germany. I feel like you only ever said positives there and now mostly negatives in Japan. We have had a harder time in Germany and love Japan more!
Hi!! First off we are sorry you’re having a harder time in Germany!! We wish that wasn’t the case for you! Secondly, we wish we would have shared more of the downs about Germany too in the beginning. It would have felt nice to feel the support from individuals when we felt isolated and alone.
Both countries have their downfalls and positives! No country has it all! I honestly think we are going to love Japan so much. For us we just need to stop comparing the two with each other and accept each as what they are. Germany was rural and quiet and picturesque, but it was also more isolating & required a lot more energy to go places. Japan is so safe, exciting and the food is amazing, but it is a sensory overload for us at times + more culture shocks to learn.
Sorry it's hard right now. Personally, I think these feelings at these stage are normal. Could just be the adjustment, or could be that you really don't enjoy the country (as much) which is also fine. There are lots of countries I wouldn't want to live in. Japan is not as cool as its reputation imo. First of all, most parts are not that pretty... on Insta you only ever see cherry blossoms or whatever. Food can't trump everything. And the people... well, they keep a lot bottled up, don't they. They make nice and polite so it's not as obvious.
Japan also has a complicated history which I hope you'll touch on eventually, as you did with Germany. Germany is not the only country with a dark past after all, and it seems really biased to me how people are always like "here's how Germany is dealing with its WW2 past" and "we've been to a concentration camp" and Japan is just "everything is so cute uwu and amazing food !11" That's just not the reality.
You sighted the difference of visiting and living in Japan,
Very interesting comment and one I hadn’t thought about! We do know that this stage is normal to feel considering everything we’ve done!
You guys caved in to the self-imposed millennial idea of being always on the move. You preferred to ignore you had found your place and started giving 2 children a home to root in together with you. Jumping onto another civilization exactly when you started adapting to life in your 30s was imho unnessary. Reality always kills the instagram star. Hold it together a bit longer and remain flexible to back off if needed (I think you will, eventually). No loss in that. Big hugs.
Thanks for the honesty! We understand where you’re coming from, and have felt that at times too! However, we do still feel like we made the best decision for our family. So much growth happening for our family & we are proud of that!
Was sind das nur immer für Bots hier in der section ?
Ach, die Po-bot-er.. Die Nehm ich gar nicht mehr wahr...🤣🤣
Gosh we can’t get rid of them! They pop up every single time we post a video 😅 We block them from our channel every time! Sneaky sneaky
@@OurStorytoTell The bots love your content. 'Your videos are so inspiring', even for bots. 🤣
Quit your Contract,Go Back to Germany.
Tokyo is so expensive.
Tell me what one Orange cost in Tokyo and that you dont regnet that.
Do less, but better?