GHANAIAN LIVING IN JAPAN | Marrying a Japanese Woman, high & lows in Japan, Moving back to Ghana
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
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Stephan was born and raised in Ghana and decided to move to Japan to pursue a career in business. We discuss the ups and downs of living in Japan, marrying his Japanese wife and the rejection he faced from the family. Stephen moved back to Ghana and through his successes now owns one of the biggest hotels in East Legon along with other businesses.
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Hey Vanessa I just signed up for the Lifetime access. Great interview by the way, I was working in Tokyo around that time (1990s) building data centers. I wish I knew Japanese back then. Our team stayed at the the Okura Hotel, a very traditional hotel where dignitaries are known to stay, Kimonos and all. Japan is an amazing country, unlike any other .... so peaceful and clean. So futuristic and ahead of its time when it comes to computers and electronics. Get there if you can, you'll be amazed.
Hey Vanessa, you failed to ask the name of his tribe. A typical Ghanaian like me will guess rightly that he is a Kwahu man. Let me hear from you on this.
@@frankbekoe3109 could he be Ga?
@@Oldman1912 Noooo Stephen is a typical Kwawu man. He did say the expectation is after High School you joined one of the existing family businesses !
I hate when half black only consider themselves only black .they should consider themselves black and white or whatever other race one of their parents are .i dont care about the stupid one drop rule .it all has to with slavery racism .the black person did not give birth to the kid only it takes two two make a baby
So nervous and excited to watch this🎉🎉😍
I have a feeling my Dad knows your dad. My dad has been in Japan since 1991 and I remember him talking about his friends owning hotels in East Legon (Mensvic and Erata). I'm based in Australia but hope to meet you in Japan someday. Let's link up
Thanks for introducing me to your dad really appreciate it. His story is truly fascinating x
You look SO MUCH like your dad! Such and inspiring story. Great vid Vanessa 💗
God bless your family
Your dad is very handsome!
I love your history very much. It's like a white and a black pigeons living together yet they do not see the difference. My father is chinese and come to the island of Mauritius in year 1956, marries my mum who is black. My father's relatives asked him to leave my mum and his children and go to marry a chinese woman of his colour. My father has not appreciated their comment and never went back to his relatives because this hurt him to the bottom of his heart. They were mistaken because my mum and my dad worked very hard for us and sent us to school for better education. Today we have accomplished our dream and those things that they did for us we will never able to pay back to them.
He literally went from selling in mokola market to I own a mansion. Incredible story
Meeting his Japanese mother in law was like attending a job interview.
🤣🤣🤣🙆♂️
Serious oo😂😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Steve is such a kind and generous man. Stayed at his hotel for a couple of weeks and he was such a good guy. Nice to hear his backstory!
A 2 years child saw me in the train and started crying so embarrassed I have to leave that coach it was in South Korea in 2004, that experience has helped me to know how to live in the US.
This man’s story is just like my Dad’s. I know I’m late, but I’m loving it
Omg I never knew Marintia’s Dad owns Mensvic Hotel in East Legon it’s been there for years it’s a famous and popular hotel! That’s so nice!
He's a very good man.i have known him and his family a long time ago.
Same lol
Most of the Apartments around Lagos avenue (East Legon) belong to the Japanese borgas
Yes and Tomreik Hotel is her ucle’s too! In addition to artens drug,we are from kwahu and very good in business
Such an inspirational story. So glad that you are sharing this story Vanessa. Unfortunately, those that marry outside the culture or have children from a different ethnic background can go through many obstacles as when the unknown is done it’s learning to cope with ones reactions. This story reminds me of the memories of having a Ghanaian daughter coming from a Somali background. It took years for people in my community to accept my daughter and face their prejudice. Allah created us from different tribes and different nations to know each other and to respect each other. Not one race is better than another. We are all created by Allah and we treat each other with respect and humanity. May Allah protect us and guide us.
Somalis are racists then Japanese even though Japanese accept same times another people like white people but somali people not accept another people white or black or Asian
True love conquers all. I'm happy it all worked out well in end.
Amen!!
You choose who you love.
What nonsense. Love conquers all...schmmhhh
@@LavishCoco I believe so. He chose to stay with her through the hardships.
Amen
I’m a Gambian living in Japan. To me, the language is one of the most difficult to understand on earth on that note, I can say this Ghanaian brother is very intelligent. I studied in a Japanese school but still struggle to speak sometimes
Is it? Japanese is very easy to speak and listen to. Now writing and reading is where the challenge comes.
I lived in Japan and learnt the language. I’m Nigerian in origin born and raised in the UK, so I don’t know if ones origin makes a difference.
I’m looking forward to visiting Japan again.
Have you learned German ? Probably the most complex language maybe with Chinese, to learn
@@emanuelboateng4585 It all depends on what your base language is. Like how certain Nordic-Germanic languages are the easiest to learn for English speakers. German is hard for lots, but for for English speakers the hard part is adjusting the way you use your mouth.
@@emanuelboateng4585 Guess learning languages depends on the individual, I don't find German language that difficult
Such a good and humble man , God bless him and his family
Thomas is my Uncle,this is the most beautiful moment ever! I’m glad you posted this on here,keep the fire burning!
Wow! What a story? Japanese have been visiting us in Jamaica for a few years and, we get along with them but, we had no idea some of our relatives from Ghana had such experience in Japan. Thanks Vanessa for sharing this video.
Now u know ahahah
What a captivating story! He really went through a lot but here he is now, thriving.
Yes life is full of ups and downs perseverance pays
From a young boy he wanted a white person, so you understand the way he felt about his black people. He never wanted his race, so that's the way I see the story? So I understand the Japanese mother. He did not want his race, so why should the Japanese lady want him for her daughter. I can see his daughter wanting to know why would my mother marry this black man, because many mix race children have this on their minds whether we like it or not
I came here after randomly watching his daughter's videos. I really enjoy his life stories. So many lessons to learn from this
Me too.
It must be interesting to listen to diversity stories, what's her name?
Nice to see Marinthia father. He has a very smart daughter. I know your dad too Vanessa.
these are the Human real-life stories we as people of African descent have had to deal with.... not complaining but is a reason why we, must be, more understanding and not so dismissive of our suffering at the hands of others. It's a beautiful testimony, and real...Vanessa was holding the tears back...lol. bless her..she is a heart melt for love...
Good old story, such an ambitious man, hard work pays as they say ! his daughter looks so much like him💯.🥰♥️❤️♥️
Yes they look so alike! & he has achieved so much 🙌🏽
What a story. My late uncle married a Japanese too the kids are in Japan he told me similar story. What a story I love it . I like this man.
Very hardworking and enterprising guy. I love his tenacity, something the youths of today should learn from.
What people do to be accepted is amazing. I'm happy to hear he had drive to start his own business.
Still black and proud 🥲 🇬🇭 x 🇯🇵
Thanks Vanessa for this most intriguing upload with Stephen. His story with his wife was a rather sad one but his modesty and humility kept him on to persevere with his loved one and in the end the WON. Most other people without the genuine love would have moved on to other women. What a wonderful love story. It deserves to be made into a movie????
Point of correction not only in Japan Europe Australia America China everywhere till this day bro
Can you please do an interview with his wife and how they start hotel business nice interview Vanessa keep them coming take care and God Bless
Greetings Vanessa Kanbi, I love this interview as this Ghanaian man is an amazing business man and his daughter is also amazing with her business sense as well her UA-cam channel. Thanks for sharing.
My missus is on a work call for another 1hr. I could have watched a longer episode without being bothered. This was inspiring and gripping. He's a go-getter. I RESPECT this man. He'll make an incredible mentor. Great job Vanessa!
Thanks! There’s a part two including the tour of his hotel :) difficult to know if to split videos into 2 or put them up as one.
Nice to see a diaspora experience in Asia. More of this V. Thanks for this new perspective.
🙌🏽🙌🏽 thank you. Will do x
What a humble man the story has really touched me
I had also experienced to be discriminated here in Tokyo especially when I was looking for a house to rent.It’s difficult to fine the house to live when they’ve learn that your a foreigner I’m working here in Tokyo since 20 years ago until present.But by the grace and the glory of the Lord Japanese people changing rapidly towards foreigners in every colour by welcoming them with their hearts specially the new millennial those who study abroad.And I’m planning also to visit Ghana when the ongoing construction of Kumasi international airport will done.To visit my fiancé there.
Yes, only by the grace of Lord Jesus Christ.
I thought as much. There had to be a part 2. Quite fascinating and educating life story.
Thanks Venessa, can't wait for part2
Will be out on Sunday :)
Great interview with Marintia's Dad .. Wow... I was very intrigued...
More power to him, but I would NEVER put myself through that sort of humiliation, dehumanisation and discrimination for anyone. If anything, they are the ones who are lucky to have us. Know your worth!!!
thank you.
If you were living in those times, you probably would’ve. If it weren’t for people like him travelling to other countries and exposing these countries to foreigners, it wouldn’t be easy for black people to travel the world and settle. Just because you have the opportunity to be comfortable where you are doesn’t mean you can preach about knowing one’s worth.
@@seomii3178 "If you were living in those times, you probably would’ve" and how do you know I wasn't 'living in those times'. Nothing in this world will make me steep so low as to be disrespected and treated like an animal just for being black. and for what? To prove my worth to someone who probably isn't even my level. Just to say yes I got me a Japanese wife because that was my dream as a child.. YUK!! hell to the focking no!! I'm from the school of Yaa Asantewaa, and modern day folklore Killmonger.. give me liberty or death.. I love me my blackness,, NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!
@@seomii3178 "people like him travelling to other countries and exposing these countries to foreigners" As if its a badge of honour to be treated as a human being by some 'foreigners' who people like you have put on a pedestal.. We don't need any sacrificial lambs to go ahead of us (LOL) for some so called 'promise land' which will eventually destroy you if not physically then mentally.. Don't stay anywhere you are not wanted, simple!.. Got no business in breaking down some illogical/inhumane/evil stereotypes created by these foreigners themselves.. if they are evil/illogical/inhumane enough to believe in them, it rather shows me who they are.. nonsense!!!
@@seomii3178 exactly and he did it without losing himself and his culture, so he didn't do anything to be accepted. He literally did the respectable thing for his wife and her family. He did it for his wife and for the future of all these black Africans living in Japan. A few men like him little by little made that difference. Now we can all sit back and have the strength to say I won't put up with this because someone did it for us. This might be slightly exaggerated, but he did what MLK did for blacks in the US... unfortunately now the US lacks stronger minds 😪 but hopefully not for too long.
I love the simple ideas on how you started making money. Japan is a must visit
My brother, I went through the same situation. I'm from Nigeria. I was in Japan at almost the same time as you.
I'm here from watching you on Maya's channel
Hey Fam I'm new here and I just subscribed...Wode Maya brought me here and I'm happy to be part of the family here Much love 🥰♥️
Hey! Thanks for coming over via Wode! Appreciate you being here 🥰
Touching and inspiring! A go-getter. Very polished and impressive. A wonderful interview. Thank you.
😍😍👍🏾🔥🔥 my favourite girl is back!!✌🏽😍🇬🇭
Sad story, but what an interesting man. 👍
Hope everything is going right for them now 🙏🦋🦋🦋
Vanessa I can see you are emotional about his story but that is our reality and that is what made us strong with a strong foundation to achieve and made success of anything we put our hands on. The spirit to make it is alway there. His story is just like mine. Nothing can stop a determined, focused African man. I am happy that you back in Ghana knowing about your ancestors.
Vanessa herself is viewed as black in d western world
I really like this interview.. Waiting for part two❤❤
Mr Williams is an astute businessman. He did well for himself. Vanessa, i hope you are making the same effort (if not more), in learning your father's language as you're doing with Japanese.
I'm here because wode Maya recommended your channel when he hosted you guys.... Bless up
Fantastic interview. I love visting Japan, from Akita to Fukuoka, just a beautiful place. You'll still get some stares if you're a foreigner in certain places, but nothing overtly racist, more of a curiosity thing. The numances of communication/interaction in Japan is mindboggling, even the language.
WaaaO! It's good to see you Stephen.
Well done. You are a good man. The good Lord will continue to bless and protect you.
W O A W, bro u been 2ru a lot but love paid off finally, sad ur inlaws passed, wish they'd live to attest to ur success 🤔🙄👀👍
Would love to interact with this honorable man. I enjoyed the interview and it's been my favourite so far, I must say, getting to know he's into Japan. Thanks Van.
Delighted that it’s been your fav. I was fascinated by all of his life experiences
This is Beautiful story, REALLY enjoyed this.
Rising above his circumstances, thinking out the box, hustle the African way! 💯🎯⏰ Africa must unite🎶🎶😷
My father moved to Japan in the late 80s, I'm very sure that they would know each other, especially if he resided in Tokyo.
The relationship between Japanese women and foreign (particularly black men) from what I observed and what my father told me, was quite contentious. While the women were excited about their difference i.e. their race, culture, energy and overall vibe, their families, however, were not so pleased.
It's great to see that their relationship lasted because a lot of the relationships I witnessed between Africans and Japanese was transactional, usually based ones desire to obtain a residence permit and the others to have biracial children.
As a Ghanaian woman, having travelled to Japan throughout my life (because of my father), I can attest that things have changed a lot, thank God! But there still a culture of black people being fetishised, and a desire by a lot of Japanese women to have biracial children without considering what it means to raise a child of mixed heritage (some of my friends included). It's beautiful to see that things worked out for this family.💗
That's so identical to my story. My father moved to Japan in 1991. He knows this man and the owner of Erata hotel too. Having been to Japan on multiple occasions, I fully agree with how Japan has changed for the better now. I love Japan so much because it's played a role i the man I've become now. Let's link up, my father may know your father.
Oh wow! This wonderful!🤗 I'm sure they all know each other, the African community in the late 80's early 90's was pretty small. Like you, I love Japan and although my father now lives in the States, I make it a point to visit my friends and family out there every other year. I live in London, if you're in the UK we could definitely meet up! If not, you can find me by my name on insta or FB and we can connect. X
I will add you on insta :-)
@Tina Abena Oforiwa: Brilliant perspective on the intercultural relationship between Japanese women (desire to have pretty biracial children) and Black Men (marriage for immigration convenience). Glad to know you also have a UA-cam channel. Keep up the good work.
@@worldtraveler2417 Thank you so much!💗
Love the video vanessss the story the courage, the brightness of this man was very interesting 👍🏾👍🏾
So glad you enjoyed :) x
Imagine a Christian being prejudiced against a black person! We Christians will have a lot to answer to God for if we don't repent and become Christlike.
Foolishness. So Christians aren't racist? What about trump or Marconi or Boris Johnson or the church being largest slave owners. All Western countries are racist. All Western countries are Christian
@@colossuses they’re literally saying that there are racist Christians and that they’re bad/fake Christians. That’s why she said they’d have a lot to answer for
Racism is a product of white Christianity!
Because mostly our culture before Christianity
@@colossuses please, try and work on your reading comprehension. It will help you a whole lot in life and avoid you unnecesarry embarrassement
Very handsome man 👨🏽 love 💕 to meet his brother, cousin and family 🙌🏽🙏🏾
One of the places I studied Japanes used Rosetta stone for language lab. It helped a lot.
I lived in Taiwan from 1992 to 2000 and in 1997 wrote Black in Taiwan. A very interesting book.
Hi Vanessa,
You had a really interesting interviewee, but I wish you had asked him deeper questions about his life growing up in Ghana before moving to Japan.
Also, if the opportunity presents itself it would be nice if you could have a second part interview and present him some questions from your audience.
I would love to know what motivated him to pursue the relationship despite the manner he was received by his wife’s parents and the way he was treated in general with landlord, and etc...
What attracted him to his (ie/character wise) wife ?
How did his Ghanaian family view his marriage given she isn’t Ghanaian and how it contrast with his Japanese in-laws? Was there pushback?
Looking back if he has any regrets about his life in Japan? If so what are they?
What does he admire about the Japanese and how did that influence him and if there is anything he wants Ghana to learn from Japan to make it better?
What does he envision the future of Ghana to be going forward?
What are his views on people who idealize interracial relationships and mixed race kids in Ghana and how has he handled it?
How has his perspective on Japan changed between then (late 80s) to now?
@VanessaKanbi
Great questions
I downloaded Babble, it's pretty good. I live in South Florida so I am trying to learn Spanish and Creole.
Good video, lovely story...those days are NOT GONE! It depent on the family...in order to accept you...it's a pitty the world is still like that! God loves every body and so do we🙏🏾
Wow, top man! Never give up, is this guys moto. He never gave up on his dreams.
Vanessa will never disappoint you with her high quality videos, however, can u post much often than u do now?
3 videos a week till 2021 🥳 heard it here first lol x
@@VanessaKanbi 👍yeah, that's awesome!
ua-cam.com/video/htENd095y2w/v-deo.html
Interesting how he learned Japanese
yea really incredible!
There is a large Ghanaian community in Japan, including my Dad. Majority of them speaking fluent Japanese.
You should write a book sir, your story is quit invigorating and I can’t seems to get enough lol
This what happens when a woman loves a man and she’s loved in return, you’re a proof love wins love conquers and loves always overcome all sought of hate and demise
Stay blessed and keep loving your beautiful japaness wife 🌹👍🏾
Thanks for sharing Vanessa, great interview and looking forward to seeing part two
Cheers
when are you coming home?
Very humble man thank u for sharing your marriage journey
I should be able to speak Japanese by now with the amount of Samurai movies I've seen 😂
Can't wait for Part 2.
Wow something we the next generational Ghanaian can learn from.I can relate to some stuff and very soon we will also come to help mother Ghana.🙏🏽💪🏿❤️
ME: I was in Japan back in 1989, stayed a year.
Guess i was lucky I dated Japanese, never had a problem except for one I met on a train from Osaka. Never met her parents, but next date we had, she cried real tears all the time about her mom forbidding the friendship. I kinda understood so we parted. Hope she is doing fine.
Just say, in general, never had a racial problem anytime.
Hi Vanessa. You speak english very well. I love that so much. You know, english IS not the official language of my country. WE speak french. But i love english. Today january 2, 2023, i become one of your subcribers. You are a wonderful inglish teacher for me. God bless you !
How wonderful. I lived in Japan in 1972 to 75. Being black was quite an experienc that I enjoyed.
My uncles name is Thomas he lived in Japan . He is married to Japanese and now I wonder if he is related. He now has a hotel in Accra called Tomreik
Yes oo he is talking about Thomas, we all lived in Okaishie . Thomas is my cousin. I'm yaw Omari Amoako
Vanessa always delivering, well done video. Editing is on point. Can you reach out to BBC red nose day to tell the story of Africa as they looking for people like yourself.
Very inspirational. I love the gentleman's business acumen.
Very interesting. Will surely meet you on my next visit to Accra. Vanessa! I've been watching your channel from the very beginning you started. Well done. Mohan from India/Lagos, Nigeria.
He needs to make a movie about his life. It would be a good movie to watch, it would be a box office hit.
Hey Vanessa I've been watching your videos and sometime with my kids. I'm Tema, Ghana and married to a white South Africa and we have two boys and a girl. We've been married for almost 12 years now and i'd like to chat with you about my experiences. Keep up the good videos interviews.
Really enjoyed this conversation ❤️ thanks V ❤️
Wow can’t wait for part 2
this interview is by far my fav... i can relate to his story in so many ways
🙌🏽🙌🏽
Beautiful outfit Vanessa, and a very interesting interview. Kudos
This guy's a certified pioneer...
Very interesting interview. I live in Japan too. All the black ppl I meet are fluent Japanese speakers. Marriage with a foreigner often works very well.
Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories
Yoo finally! The long awaited interview/vlog
3.58 into the video...... that was a smooth transition 👌
Hello Marintia Goto-Williams,We are cousins and my uncle is the owner of Tomreik Hotel and your Dad is my uncle too,I’m in China so we never had the chance to meet,I’m Benjamin! By the way
Kudos to you. Enjoy watching your interviews. Great job.
You've already prompted 618 comments, as I write this, Vanessa and that suggests we most of us are intrigued by the human stories we encounter in your vlogs. Do keep them coming, including stories from the life experiences of developers of the properties you present. Stephen's story suggests that he's of Kwehu descent; a people renowned for their business acumen. If I'm right, then that gives context to the rise of Mensvic Hotel.
Thanks for sharing, Stephen.
Yes he is from Kwahu
@Vanessa Kanbi
Far East classic . Thanks for another great video. Japan is a civilised and orderly country, l think some Blacks will feel more secure and respected there than in their countries of birth , not discounting the prejudices that some Blacks may have endured there in the past. 🙏
Wow! This is inspiring. Thank you Vanessa and Mr Williams
Great interview and great life story!
Kokompe❤️❤️❤️❤️😊
I don't think you have been there before Vanessa.
Man, love is an amazing thing and really after all, love always wins ❤️
This unusual diverse cultural union was so interesting I had subscribe because I plan to travel outside the U.S.A to a different country for a long period of time. These types of videoes should be immensely useful. God Bless you in the coming New Year.
I love the way you pronounce Japanese. Actually, very good!
Out of all the Asian countries we plan to do business with internationally. It’s going to be Japan.
The people value your work ethic and that’s why you have African Americans as successful lawyers, teachers, scientist and CEO’s living their for more then 20-30 yrs. my uncle Fred has Japanese/Black twin daughters living out there from last I heard 30 yrs ago- who I’m trying to reconnect with. Talking about, “a needle in the haystack :-)
And be prepared to stand in line at Disney world for 3 hours plus per ride lol.
Japan has good energy and the beauty you must see for yourselves.