Click here partner.bokksu.com/gaijingoombah and use my code "GAIJIN15" to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR WATCHING! I have a LOT of different ideas for more videos that deal with Japan more directly INCLUDING a few videos on places in Japan I went to that I didn't mention here. So I hope you'll stick around and have a look!
Not sure if this is the right place to write this, but i can really understand how you felt remembering your experience with japan. I've lived in australia for 8 years, and it was only when i came back to newzealand after such a long time that i remembered why i loved my home country.
I can understand being afraid. Covid really rocked the world and after spending so much time researching and making content about Japan it would be awful to no longer have interest. One of these days I hope to visit myself and learn more about it
Me neither. The closest I get to his feeling is having been raised in Germany when it was still the worlds biggest producer of industrial products and now it's on frigging last place of the G7! Watching that much decline and fall and how language, laws, and culture change, makes me feel terribly old, like a relict from a long bygone era...
As a resident of the UK, I have to correct you on one thing... you are not the US's bridge to japan, you are the WEST's bridge to japan. Japan is on my bucket list of places I want to visit and every time you bring out a vid of a trip there I'm so torn on which part I would want to visit, as I don't think a fortnight would be enough to see everything I would like to see (possible for making a video on what best to see for a first time visitor at some point?). On the part of Warhammer... I feel like the feeling you got at Akihabara seems to be a trend these days.... the stores are getting smaller and more focused on selling than gaming for the most part, its been sad to see... glad your visit to Harajuku's one was better (loved the Votaan Sagitaur converted to be space Skaven!)
Thing changed alot is Akihabara.. if you lok op 2010 and 2023... its empty its not the electro town no more.. I go to japan for nature and food now, will vistid Akihabara but it isn't anymore what I saw when I was younger on the web. plus the big Sega store gone
I'm so happy that you were able to rediscover your love of Japanese culture like I did this past March. It's amazing to see the tourism miracle happening to Japan right now. There's definitely a high level of "tourism stress" on the Japanese local right now (there didn't seem like there's enough establishments like hotels, restaurants, and the like to satiate the tourism population, but that's everywhere), but I'm hopeful that the reinvigorated desire to visit this interesting bunch of hot rocks will help reinvigorate their local economies.
I think that a lot of that is going to reduce relatively quickly. It's more of a situation where all of the people who had been waiting to go back coming in, which then ends after it...unfortunately, it also creates a lot of disappointment at the same time for people who had planned a first trip and got a Covid delay now being pushed into the time period of a tourism hell period. But it'll thin out in a few months to a year, hopefully not doing permanent damage on the other end of things in the process...
When I was a kid, I grew up in Seoul, S. Korea. I spent 11 years of my life living in the same city right by Yongsan Garrison. I haven't seen Korea since I was 13. Hearing how you were dreading going back to Japan after so long despite loving this place, I think I would feel exactly the same if I ever tried to go back to Korea. Not even to live, just a visit. I would have the exact same feeling. I would be scared of everything I knew as my home, my nostalgia, my familiarity with this place that has a huge connection to my heart and soul suddenly being different, being nothing like what I grew up in. It's totally understandable. But yeah, you're right, you do gotta do it in the end to get over that feeling.
I'm really glad that you were able to rediscover your love of Japan Gaijin, I always enjoy your enthusiastic descriptions and sharing of Japanese culture. I actually lived in Japan during COVID (up until last summer), and it had been a bit hard experiencing some of the restrictions and culture that came with the virus, but I was still able to come out of it still loving Japan, so it really did make happy that this trip went so well for you! Also, holy crap, you hit my nostalgia hard with Nakano Broadway! I did of Uni in Tokyo, and remember going there and having a blast, it was like nothing I had ever been to growing up in small towns in Canada! XD
This sounds like you've gotten through a lot of psychological hardship, Gaijin. I think your heart and soul just needed this. This conformation, that everything can still work out. I am glad that you could finally put some of this stress behind yourself.
The 3 years made me almost forget my goal of moving to Japan, and 2021 was particularly hard since my grandfather passed and I couldn’t visit Toyama. But last year, I went back with my mom to visit family and friends, and it’s reignited that spark and discipline to get there in 5 years or less - great video!
I went to Japan for the first time in October 2019, I had just turned 21 and had a life long love of Japan from playing Nintendo games as a kid. It was a life changing experience and made me fall more in love than I ever had been with anything. I made sure to promise myself I would go back at least once every 2 years, but then covid happened. It's so good to see that this love will be rekindled again next time I am there, because I've been so upset that i couldn't go. That once every 2 years turned into 5 years for me, but hopefully that means it won't become 6 years. 2024 is the goal for next time I make it to Japan and I am so excited. Thank you for this video as it just showed me how my love for Japan won't truly ever go away. The country may have it's flaws, but loving something means that you love it despite those flaws. I can't wait, so thank you for this video, your videos were one of those things from my earlier years of loving Japan that solidified my love, and now they're still helping to show me that love still exists!
Hey Gaijin, I love this video and love your channel, but it would be amazing if you had a playlist of your videos of japan travel and your trips in japan to make it easier for people to watch? Just a thought, anyway please continuing making your amazing japanese cultural content and sharing all that you enjoy!
Glad to see love for Shonai. I absolutely fell in love with the place on a short visit a few years ago, went again with a friend, and am now planning a third trip to tackle the Dewa Sanzan. Gorgeous place, great people, a true hidden gem.
I recently went to Japan for thr first time at the end of march this year, and spent over two weeks in rural Iwaizumi in Iwate prefecture. I can never forget everything about that trip, and even how lucky/favored I was during the trip! I was invited in to share tea with craftspeople, and at the wnd of my trip the baker made something foe me as a gift. I know this is pretty darn rare, and now i am working hard to prepare for a longer term move to that area. There was something special about that place, and i miss it so much!
As someone who also lived in Japan for a few years an an ALT, I've found those feelings of returning relatable. I haven't been back since I left, but I've wanted to return someday, but also feel nervous about, like a feel of guilt or something. It feels hard to put into words, but something like if I was being respectful of the country while I lived there cuz when I lived there I loved it, like a 2nd home where I belonged. I definitely miss it. Heck, you went to where I was placed in Sendai. I absolutely looved living there.
Although I’m not a fan of shrines and heavy historic exhibits, I’m glad you had fun. I’m hoping to go to Disney sea , universal, and fujiQ next spring.
As one of the earlier waves of visitors in Japan spending my new years week in Tokyo was amazing. With only 1 day for each major hub of Tokyo, I was overwhelmed with the amount of love and work I had to put in to enjoy every moment of that time. To my credit, I believe I squeezed all I could out of my time and money out of Tokyo, sleeping only 5 hours each night and never standing still for too long. However, I brought a friend with me, and to be honest, he was painfully American in Japan. I had to correct him constantly for voice level, standing wide blocking escalators, and just being massive in tight positions, but I’m glad I could give him a slight taste of culture to a person born and raised in North American cultures. Sure it’s standard practices for many asians native and abroad, but I can’t help that the expectations from Japan and myself are completely foreign to an average American. Hopefully our visit didn’t bother too many locals as we touristed the hell out of those few days.
I went in March, and even though I only predominantly spent 5 days in 2 districts, I knew I could enjoy Japan without stressing on making the most out of it every time. honestly the plan is to visit as often as i can without neglecting the rest of the world
This was a very good and very informative video. I lived in Japan for about 3 years and this video reminded me of the good times I had. I had some reservations about going back to Japan too (Actually I had reservations about traveling as a whole). I do hope to go back one day, but when that time comes I want to be able to share the experience with certain people in my life.
It's actually nice to know that you started your vacation on my birthday. And I am soo happy for you and Aki that your trip back was a lovely one. It is always sad when that somethings will change and not always for the better, but change is inevitable. I am also happy that you are back, and looking forward to more of your wonderful cultural and fun videos.
It's thanks to your videos that my wish to go to Japan is increasing by the day, not just to explore its cultural side, but also an admiration of the country itself.
I miss Japan so much. But, I can also kind of understand your sentiment. I did not have the wavering and wondering about my love for Japan. But, after having dedicated so much of my life to studying it, if I had, I am sure it would have been devastating. Perhaps something akin to someone who had been religious all their life, and suddenly found themselves no longer having faith. That sense of lose and emptiness over something that used to be a part of you just gone. I am glad you found your answer, and especially glad that it reminded you of why you love Japan.
I was also a bit worried about what Japan would be like during my trip earlier this year. However, I was happy to see that, at least from what I could tell, it was pretty much back to normal, if not just having masks being an easy to comply requirement. The people I interacted with were all just as friendly and welcoming as I always remembered, and everywhere was just as beautiful as it was so long ago when I last went. So glad to see that it is still the fantastic place to vacation to, and while I don't have the same aspirations to live there as you do, I wish you the best of luck in them and I will continue to try to go as often as I can and enjoy the country and all the great history it has.
I'm going in September, and you just gave me some very interesting places to add to the 'must see' list. Glad you could finally get back, there's nothing like that feeling of peace when a huge weight is taken off your shoulders. As someone who tends to think worst case scenario when there is even a little doubt in their mind, I completely understand where you were coming from. Stay positive Gaijin!
I'm so glad you were able to see The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Gaijin! When I went to go see it during its last week in theaters, I decided to dress for the occasion, purchasing some studded leather jewelry and a t-shirt to channel the spirit of Bowser ("Koopa" in Japanese). As I was leaving the theater, I spotted an older woman and a child that were just about to buy tickets for the same movie. When I was asked by the woman if I had enjoyed the movie, I told her that I loved it! Flashing the image of Bowser on my shirt, I gave my best Dragon Koopa (the term used by fans to describe Bowser's species) roar and delighted both of them.
As much as I love learning about Japan, the more personal experience videos, like this one, feel like a warm hug that always come along at just the right time :D
Rambling incoming. This video and the topic of it, comes in at a very interesting loment in my life. Your words of missing Japan and with everything happening making you fear if you had to move on from it, reminded me a lot of my own troubles. I love music. I love acting, and I want to do both. But the drive and love for both has slowly vanished over the years and....I'm afraid if I have lost my wanderlust for it. This video has given me idea of either I should try and find something else, or try and find my own "japan" to visit. To get that love back. To feel if I still have it in me.
I know you've been anxious about this trip, so I'm glad it worked out so well for you. It's great that you were able to reconnect with your friends there and enjoy the places you missed. You really do sound alot happier & replaced after all this.
I went back to Japan in April after a 3 year hiatus due to covid and I get where you're coming from in the mental aspect. I was worried that the Japan I remembered was gone but that all washed away when interacting with the locals. Talking with people that have common interests, creating new friendships, and exploring the beauty of Japan brought back why I fell in love with the country in the first place. I'm glad to have watched your thoughts returning to Japan and I look forward to seeing more content from you
I went back in April and it was great being in Japan again. I wasn't, and am still not, a big fan of big city life, so Tokyo wasn't really my scene. Sendai was the best. All the ease of access of the big city but the chill of the countryside not too far away. It may have to do with the fact that I did study abroad there but it has been my favorite spot in Japan since. It was great seeing more places for me to go next time. I did try my best to not be one of those gaijin, they even got on my nerves. People were friendly and I got to see a lot of change. I hope I get to go again in the near future. Glad you had a great time. I get that part of your brain trying to stop you from doing what will make you happy. Don't listen to it. Go and enjoy the trip. Just don't be "that gaijin".
I had a similar experience I stopped caring about life and gave up on it for these past few years, gave up job hunting or trying at all but my dad pushed me to go to japan with him and my sister since hes getting old I decided go despite not really wanting to go as i was sick of doing anything but I found a new lease on life, from having wonderful kind interaction with some japanese locals and other random tourists while hiking Inari shrine at night while traveling around japan and doing pilgrimage around anime locations and taking in the natures beauty of Kansai area. I fell in love with food and exploring again and japanese and coming back home it made me realize I want to live again and to be better so I started learning japanese seriously, and doing bucket list making sure I dont have regrets in life even though time is short you can still have some wonderful moments and that you tried your best in the end.
I'm glad you enjoyed your trip, I personally went a month ago for the first time (Kyoto and Tokyo) and having been to places all over the world. It's the best place to go. I could see the tiredness in them as well but I also noticed whenever my group of 8 would genuinely try to communicate and continuously thank/ forgive our inabilities and misunderstandings they generally were very kind(funny enough in Universal I was wearing a Matsuri Hatsune Miku shirt and over a dozen times the staff would light up and say Miku-chan) . I can't speak for anyone I ran into but you could see a lot of enjoyment in that they're seeing people actually trying to accommodate to the cultural norms. I also went to Meiji Jingu (right as it was preparing to close but we didn't linger too long) and it was a lot quieter with basically no one but those there were very respectful. There's definitely a dual aspect to the tourism happening but overall we encountered cheerful people (even had some dudes in a restaurant in Kyoto wave us in while we were looking at a menu while another turned away some of our group wanting to go to a restaurant while I was at the FF14 Eorzea Cafe) Oh and thank you for sending me to the Ninja Trick house in Shinjuku (I can't remember Which Ninja video it was but you mentioned that it was in Shinjuku) and it was one of the highlights of our trip, I may have shown them your Which Ninja series as we connected over One Piece of all things (They gave me the nickname Zoro XD) Everything you've been doing on UA-cam is amazing and it helped me so much in being a better tourist and respectful person as well as create a fondness for the Japanese and their culture. What I learned through osmosis in your videos helped us avoid a few situations that could've turned out much more awkward ありがとう ございます PS: in the future can we get a video on the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I don't think people really understand just how amazing that place is especially when its so busy. Honestly just Kyoto in general I'd love your cultural eye on stuff there (also found a knife shop there called 菊一文字 that has a generational line of swordsmiths back to 1000 ad might be a fun spot) Edit: Oh and something really fun that happened to us at Kiyomizu-dera, one of us is an architect who loves to draw the buildings he goes and sees so while getting a semi quick sketch a whole bunch of tourists were taking pictures of him as he drew, It was fun to see others enjoy his hobby.
Happy to see you back gaijin. After graduating college last march I took a month long backpacking trip through japan. Straring in Fukuoka I slowly made my way to Tokyo making stops at different cities to see the sights and try local delicacies(japanese food is amazing). It was a great time with amazing views and experiences. I could not do everything I wanted to do but so I'm definitly going back as soon as I'm able to.
I've been subscribed for YEARS but your videos haven't showed up in my feed again until today!!! Its great watching your content again and seeing how far you've come!!
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Japan June 2-11 and since I finally got to do a trip to make "Pilgrimages" to places in between doing touristy things with friends, like checking out Tokyo Disneysea and Gundam Factory. I got to visit the Kanda shrine for Steins;Gate and Love Live feels, I took a day trip to Kyoto to visit Omi Jingu for Chihayafeels, I checked out Toei Studio Park, I went up to see Saitama Super Arena as so much of it is used in Toku filming, I went to Tokyo Big Sight and imagined what it would be like if Comiket was in full swing, I then wandered Odaiba on foot, to see a couple more FIlming Locations from Toku, like the stone stage next to one end of Dream Bridge, Dream Bridge itself, seeing Diver City and its stairs because of Love Live Nijigasaki, then speedrunning buying stuff all over Tokyo. It was nice for me to take a small trip and it's something I hope to do again in the future with other sets of friends I wasn't able to go with so they could hopefully feel what I felt.
It's good to know that your love for the country was reignited. I would love to visit the country one day, but first, I have some things to iron out before I plan a trip...
The mention of Odaiba and the tv station building remind me of Digimon Adventure!!! Also COVID made scalping a problem for EVERYTHING. Like, I'm not surprised that there are gunpla scalpers now too. Admittedly it's depressing, but not surprising. Also I will absolutely support you making ALL the videos about your trip gaijin. I literally rush to youtube everytime you upload a new video. Your stuff is always a treat to watch!! and your twitch streams are as well
The detective agency your player character works for is on the first floor of Nakano Broadway in Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. I also recently learned that Japan’s having their own problems with Pokémon card thieves.
Wolud love to hear more about that bombastic samuria family!😆 Also would agree with you on the over tourist problem... made it to Kyoto for Setsuban this year, during the ceremony half the time all I could see was the sea of cameras. 🙄(despite being relatively close to the front) Plus I had heard about Geiko/Maiko having a rough time to say the least with 'tourism paparazzi' thanks to Shogo's videos but was still shocked at just *how* bad it is.😐 (I really must catch up with his vidios😅) On a lighter note: I'm more surprised that you're surprise with cars being blessed at shrines! 😂Had my very first trip to Japan around 2012 and witnessed a car blessing, in one of biggest shrines in Tokyo! (when you mentioned the laptops literally my brain was like - 'Yep that fits')🤣 All in all had a fantastic time this year, even despite the tourism paparazzi moments and my phone seemingly being possessed by a yokai within the first few hours. (OK, not literally but it's the only way I can explain/describe my phone's sudden software glitch)😶🌫👻 Thanks for all your videos!😄
I definitely hope I don't have to wait too long to see the videos going in dept I like the way you talk about the locations and I did learn about some new places I didn't know and I know a lot
I 1000% understand your initial apprehension on going to Japan considering your experiences of being there. I recently made my very first trip to Japan back in March for 2 weeks. Japan had been on my mind since the pandemic and during that time tragedy me and my family when my dad passed as well as a mentor of mine I knew growing up. During this time I came across UA-cam channels about Japan like yours. Abroad in Japan, Tokyo Lens, Sharlmelon, etc… I learned so more about Japan and had been obsessed with going. I was very nervous on the day of my trip because I was afraid of all of the excitement turning to disappointment upon arrival. I was glad that this feeling disappeared after getting on the train from Narita and heading to Tokyo. 2 weeks was not enough time and I plan to go back hopefully for more time. Prior to this trip I’ve been learning Japanese. There is a part of me that wants to live there as well. Such a beautiful place. Awesome video. ありがとうございました.😊
I am happy you’d rediscover Japan Gaijin it’s truly a special place. I also wouldn’t mind a video on Masamune Date the dude was just awesomesauce incarnate but only if you want to do it yourself.
I'd like to imagine that you are a very big reason as to why I love Japan as much as I do, and I know for certain that you alone have taught me so much about the place. So thank you, sincerely, for your dedication to the country, and for your passion that has rubbed off on hundreds of thousands of people, including myself.
Wow, looks like you were in Japan just before I got here! I'm currently staying in Niigata on a study abroad and its one of the coolest experiences i've ever had. We've had mingles with other colleges, gone to the aquarium, the Niigata History museum and Yahiko village (i took the cable car up to the mountain and it was GORGEOUS.) We've been to an onsen and took the wrong train but found a cool shrine about it and I even got to see the limited time Pokemon Fossil Exhibit in the Niigata Museum of science! In a couple days we'll be headed out to Tokyo! Honestly half my class is considering taking up residence here and teaching as English teachers. Yesterday we went to a theater in Furumachi and there was an old man there who was so honored and touched that a handful of Americans were interested in the show. It was like an over the top, modernized Kabuki show. It opened with an improv plot about samurai in ancient Japanese, to the point my teacher who was our translator was having trouble parsing what they were saying. Then act 2 was all dances, and you could purchase leis, plastic flowers, or memo cards and give them to the performers while they were performing. It's probably my favorite experience ive had here. The old man asked if we'd seen the statue of liberty and thought that every American had seen it, lol. Being here has been so awesome and I'm praying that someday I'll be affluent enough I can come visit more than once. For all its flaws, Japan is a wonderful place with a rich culture and I'm so glad that you've been able to revive that spark of love for the place once again. Your channel is one of my favorite stepping stones into cultural research and the passion you exude in your videos is wonderful.
I think it's completely understandable that you were nervous going back after all the uncertainties over the last few years, but it's nice that you were able to have a fun time back in Japan. I wish I could go and explore around, but I don't see me having the funds to do so any time soon
I managed to get back to Japan over the New Year and the nostalgia hit so hard, especially visiting my old residence and local shrine. I did the New Year prayer at the shrine and I can't deny it was very emotional.
what a fully packed trip Gaijin, the only person that I think you didnt see that I follow is Chris from Abroad in Japan unless im wrong on that regard, its really cool seeing you catch up with your friends that you havent seen in years and experience Japan again :) thank you for another great video :)
Bump In The Night , THAT'S THE NAME! I couldn't remember that name to save myself! I keep thinking about it because the green guy looks like Loudred and sounds like Zazz. Which fits being before Gen 3 , and being Ken Pontac's best work.
I got to be at the warhammer cafe the day it opened, AND that only happened because I went to harajuku and Yuki herself told me it was opening soon, she was just as friendly as your video makes her out to be. I had to wait in a 3 hour line to get in the cafe, ended up striking up a conversation with someone who barely spoke English (and I barely spoke Japanese) it wasn’t much but it was a great time, even happened to get in the checkout line next to the same guy so we could show off our purchases. This might seem minor to anyone who reads this but it was great at the time.
I hope to one day visit this beautiful land and experience it's varied culture. I've only visited a handful of other countries in my life and I hardly experienced them since I just didn't have the interest as a child, but as an adult I wish I could go back and experience them properly. Japan has been on my hitlist of places I want to start visiting and exploring for a long time, finding out that there was essentially a Sakoku 2.0 was hard to find out, but now that it's opening again and hopefully becomes far more opened in the future, I'm hoping to make a trip there someday soon. Whether that's years from now or less, I look forward to that day and hope I can experience the Japan you fell in love with.
I'm heading to Japan in March 2024 where I'll stay for about two weeks. As part of an organized tour, I'm starting in Osaka and head to Koyasan, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Matsumoto before ending the trip in Tokyo. I'm really looking forward to Osaka and Mr. Fuji among the other things I enjoyed in previous trips to Japan.
It's great to hear you're doing better! I've been watching your channel for about 7 ish years now and I could tell the pandemic really got you down with not being able to move to Japan. And gosh, I wish I could go! I don't have the money to go and I've never been out of the US. Hopefully one day I get to!
I'm actually going to Japan in a few weeks and I'm so excited. I've always wanted to go and I was supposed to go last year but the border was still closed so I'm going now. Your videos have always inspired me and drawn me to Japanese culture and I'm glad I got some good reccomendations on where to go during my trip.
Oh, man...I made a particularly childish shriek of delight on the sight of the retro arcade at Daiba Ichi-Cho-Mei. That one game there in the first pan, with the little chomping crocodiles (Wani-Wani), was a _staple_ of my childhood visits to Japan. I used to find it in so many places, particularly in the rooftop-level game center in the big shopping center we always visited near my great-uncle's home in Oizumi-Gakuen-Cho. I spent so much of my pocket change on that game, that and a game that played jan-ken-pon...I loved those. You've officially given me another thing to put on the ol' bucket list for when my fiance and I finally reach a point of financial security that we can actually take the trip to Japan that we'd been talking about since...welp, since just before Covid happened. It might not be quite as lofty as some of the things on that list (he wants to see if it's possible to get a look at what remains of the Takeda clan castle, I have plans to visit shrines and to take him to the zoo and art museum in Ueno), but there has to be some stuff on the agenda that's not quite as dramatic, right?
Just got back from my 11-day trip from Japan the other night - I went with a tour group so accommodations were taken care of already (places to sleep, JR Pass, etc.). Not only did I just barely complete half of my list, but there was so much to do around that unfortunately I could not have fit all of it into those eleven days if I tried. I went to Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima island, and Osaka...I only had so much time in some of those places since I was on a tour. I'll definitely be heading back on my own again when I can afford to in the near future...I was glad they lifted the mask mandate finally that had me considering going. Felt nice to walk around aimlessly even though my feet began to hurt after while. I don't know if I'd live there, but I can see the appeal for sure - once you get the hang of the way things are over there. Good video overall, Gaijin.
I spent Christmas and New year's in japan. Mainly in Kochi prefecture to visit my jet programme fiance. If you want to avoid tourists, Shikoku is absolutely spectacular and needs the tourism to bump its economy. My two days in Tokyo felt a lot more busy than pre-covid.
Nakano Broadway is an amazing place. When I visited in 2019 it was just jaw dropping on how many small stores were packed floor to ceiling with retro and new things. I was able to get a FFXIV Shiva statue for 60$ when at retail it is close to 250$. It didn't have the emote code to use ingame but it is a beautiful statue that is a centerpiece on my shelf. Seeing a store of old tin toys was beautiful to me, far out of my price range but the novelty of seeing the toys was amazing. There was a shop selling the old original movie posters of the Godzilla films and I wish I could have gotten some.
I'm glad you were able to go, face your fears, and find that you still have that love! I would like to visit one day, but I'm legally blind and have never been outside my state alone. It's a scary prospect to put myself so far from my support networks in a place I've never been. One day I also hope to face that fear.
this video was wonderful! i'm actually headed to Tokyo in September and staying about 3 weeks there into early October. i'm excited but really nervous about heading up there so videos like this really do lift my spirits! is there anything you would recomend as must do's for a first time visit to Tokyo? my primary interest there is probably puroresu (pro wrestling) but i would love to see anything worth seeing, i'd love to go to some historical/cultural sites too! thanks Gaijin! ♥
Oh man how I grew up. I was last in Japan in December 2022 for Christmas! I was so excited when I saw the borders being lifted in October that I immediately booked a ticket. It was my 4th time there. I had a good time, but o realized how much the novelty wore off and I was no longer in love. I'll always like it there, but I realized I outgrew it, and it was a little sad.
Gaijin! I was just thinking about you the other day. I wanted you to know that you have nothing to be ashamed of. You not only confronted your own fears but you confirmed what many of us already know: it's ok to get help when you need it. Bravo, my dude. I look forward to many more videos with your infectious love for Japan. Thank you for coming back and welcome! We missed you! ❤
Welcome back to UA-cam, mr. Goombah. I am very happy and glad to learn that you really came home to Japan, even after all those years. Thank you for this Perspective-ish video :)
As someone who struggles to make ends meet, this idea of making another country your home is among one of the loftiest I know. But one day I hope to visit Japan, maybe as a foreign student (I mentioned some time ago in the past about the desire to study at the Genki Japanese & Culture School) or something.
It's always been a dream of mine to go to Japan, but after a spine injury left me in a wheel chair unable to walk, I'm terrified to go there, after hearing how inaccessible it'll be
I'll say it: I look forward to all these "real talk" vids. It means train shots of some of my favourite architecture in the world. From Edo on to mostly modern times (11:19, 12:40 and 18:43 are perfect examples), the only other architecture I nerd out about in my extremely limited form is Plattenbau/Soviet. Welcome home, Gaijin. One day, I hope to visit Japan. I need to go back to Berlin or Hamburg first.
one Date Masamune video please! Also, I'm really glad you still love Japan and were able to get rid of those worries you had about returning! I'm planning on going there myself in March 2024 and I'm holding similar feelings to what you described in this video, so this definitely helps a lot! Hope you had fun in Japan! :)
Just finished the video (parent comment was made at 9:51), and you'll be glad to know yes I AM going to Japan! :> It's actually been a dream of mine for over a decade, since I was 13 years old, to go. Now, it seems like it may finally happen. Wishing you good luck for reaching your goal of making Japan your home! You got this!!
Yeah, I went to Japan last April and I had a pretty fun time! All the people were pretty nice and though I had trouble with navigation due to it being my first time on the Japanese train systems, I gotten used to it over time! Granted, I only went through the urban areas and only went to the country side for like 2 days to try their Onsen, but it was pretty worth it! It was also thankful that my limited Japanese was enough as well, which I am very thankful for.
Gaijin, great video! You have restored my confidence in traveling to Japan post covid! It was really fun seeing your trip unfold as you'd post to instagram. Thank you for covering Sendai, such an interesting and wonderful city I hope to visit sometime soon (any tips for a first-timer would help) haha~
So I planned going to Japan in 2018 as a graduate present after my experience of the culture of Japan through a Japanese class. This was going to happen in 2020. I was devastated for 3 years. It wouldn't be until last month that I was able to come. And man I loved the trip. I got to see Tokyo, Kyoto (drove past a nintendo building with the sign up top!), Akihabara, ikebukoro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, himeji, some of the Port towns (one of them being themed with pokemon go), Naga, and Hiroshima before G7. I loved seeing the amounts of architecture displayed from the himeji castle, to the Buddhist and Shinto, the tori gates including the one that the notable floating on water one on the island but didn't see the effect due to low tide) and the once previous imperial castle in Kyoto. There was some beautiful parks too! I loved going to the arcades and experiencing playing the new Taiko (and overwhelmed by the experienced players). I loved seeing the pesky and aggressive deer at Naga. I loved going to see the kirbo Cafe. And most importantly I loved experiencing the night life which was surprisingly fun and safe. I loved seeing the tea ceremony and seeing this performance arts show that included its own ceremony, dancing of a beautiful warrior who had to wear a terrifying mask to empower his companions, and a comedy sketch of two guys drinking their lord's beer/sake while being tied up. I loved visiting Japan.
Hey Gaijin. Great to see that you've enjoyed the experience in this segment of the video. Looks like what you need is a company that's gonna sponsor you to stay in Japan making content.
I've had the privilege of taking a trip this march-april, for the first time in my life. It was a great experience that I would love to repeat, especially as thete were locations I couldn't get to and we stuck to bigger cities (Tokyo Kyoto Osaka... Kamakura and the Fushimi Inari shrine being the smallest I've been to). I can attest to having felt calm and at ease even on my first trip!
me my girlfriend and my best friend went to japan in May of this year and we had amazing time in toyko and osaka, I was sad to see alot of the stuff I like last time I was there gone but we found so much cool stuff to do and we didnt waste a single day of are 14 days there, cant wait to god again next year. also great video it give us some more ideas of places to visit.
Been years since I saw your channel, you were my childhood lmao. As for Japan, I went there with my parents back in 2019 and I LOVED it. As a huge Pokémon fan though, looking back I was kinda disappointed we didn't go to any of the Pokémon Centers or other Pokémon related places. I definitely wanna visit it one day. If I could I'd buy tickets and plan a trip right now but don't got the money, the needs or the life conditions at this moment so it'll be for the future, hopefully a very near future.
We must have passed each other at LEAST twice. I was in Japan from the 13th to the 30th. Went to Osaka and Yamagata (which is just a bus ride from Sendai). I also went to Nagano Broadway twice to that same wrestling mask store.
I'm looking forward for all the culural analysis man! Hey You have never touched on one of the most popular and prolific series of media ever. you should totally do an episode on Scooby Doo and the Samurai Sword. i dont expect it to be culturally accurate at all but i think it would be a fun goof to get back into the swing of things!
With the way the internet is, fear is natural anymore. Especially with how the last few years have been. But glad you found that connection again. Still waiting for a time where going to Japan would be practical for me. But I've never been, so I got a different kinda fear. I don't want to end up being some American stereotype. And I'm not exactly soft spoken, so I already know I'm going to stand out abroad, even if unintentionally.
Literally just got back from Japan and currently recovering from the jet lag. If the Japanese hate foreign tourists, they hid it extremely well. At least, they hid it around me while I tried to be as respectful as possible. I do have a story as well. I did a few days where it was just me wandering around away from the group I was traveling with and I didn't really have anyone talk to me. (My understanding is that this is how the Japanese are normally save one area.) The only real exception was when I was in Universal Studio in Osaka where I got in the Monster Hunter VR experience. I went in by myself so they put me with two other people: a mother and daughter. And then they introduced themselves, asked where I was from, how long I've been staying, and the daughter was even spot translating things for me. They didn't have to do that, we weren't asked to introduce ourselves to each other, I was even assuming we wouldn't based off my experienced with similar stuff in the US. But they seemed so excited (and bonus points was that it was their first time doing anything VR, which the experience was pretty good at showing some things off.) Something else I realized from the trip: you really have to go to Japan to get the true experience. I cannot think of any video, documentary, essay, or even media that captured what the experience was like though I think part of that is how you personally experience a different culture.
At the start of the video i was a little bit scared, but I’m glad you came to a similar conclusion to mine, thou my last, and first trip was in 2018. I met you at dagashiya at Odaiba, and as i was incredibly nervous when meeting someone i watched for long years and all 3 of my languages were mixing in my head, i will just say thank you again for spreading Japanese and any other culture through your videos, and kinda sorry for being a little awkward :D
@6:13, I first tried black thunder as part of Japan Crate. Therefore, when I lived in Japan I used to by these at the truck load from 100 yen stores! I even bought back a supply with me when I returned to the UK. Those prices are really good too. I’m also visiting Japan again after 5 years this month! I need to fit Odaiba into my next visit (after the one coming up 😅) to Japan for sure! I hope to have a similar experience upon my return too. I’m a bit anxious but in a good way ha!
Click here partner.bokksu.com/gaijingoombah and use my code "GAIJIN15" to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR WATCHING! I have a LOT of different ideas for more videos that deal with Japan more directly INCLUDING a few videos on places in Japan I went to that I didn't mention here. So I hope you'll stick around and have a look!
Have you heard that ESG is starting to influence Japanese entertainment (starting with Capcom)?
Not sure if this is the right place to write this, but i can really understand how you felt remembering your experience with japan. I've lived in australia for 8 years, and it was only when i came back to newzealand after such a long time that i remembered why i loved my home country.
Clever way to integrate the Bokksu boxes!
Was awesome meeting you both!!!! 😄 Hope to see you back in Japan very soon🎉🎉
We both miss you TONS!!!
I can understand being afraid. Covid really rocked the world and after spending so much time researching and making content about Japan it would be awful to no longer have interest. One of these days I hope to visit myself and learn more about it
Me neither. The closest I get to his feeling is having been raised in Germany when it was still the worlds biggest producer of industrial products and now it's on frigging last place of the G7!
Watching that much decline and fall and how language, laws, and culture change, makes me feel terribly old, like a relict from a long bygone era...
SolidSkullz Indeed!
As a resident of the UK, I have to correct you on one thing... you are not the US's bridge to japan, you are the WEST's bridge to japan. Japan is on my bucket list of places I want to visit and every time you bring out a vid of a trip there I'm so torn on which part I would want to visit, as I don't think a fortnight would be enough to see everything I would like to see (possible for making a video on what best to see for a first time visitor at some point?). On the part of Warhammer... I feel like the feeling you got at Akihabara seems to be a trend these days.... the stores are getting smaller and more focused on selling than gaming for the most part, its been sad to see... glad your visit to Harajuku's one was better (loved the Votaan Sagitaur converted to be space Skaven!)
Thing changed alot is Akihabara.. if you lok op 2010 and 2023... its empty its not the electro town no more.. I go to japan for nature and food now, will vistid Akihabara but it isn't anymore what I saw when I was younger on the web. plus the big Sega store gone
You don't watch Abroad in Japan?😮
I'm so happy that you were able to rediscover your love of Japanese culture like I did this past March. It's amazing to see the tourism miracle happening to Japan right now. There's definitely a high level of "tourism stress" on the Japanese local right now (there didn't seem like there's enough establishments like hotels, restaurants, and the like to satiate the tourism population, but that's everywhere), but I'm hopeful that the reinvigorated desire to visit this interesting bunch of hot rocks will help reinvigorate their local economies.
I think that a lot of that is going to reduce relatively quickly.
It's more of a situation where all of the people who had been waiting to go back coming in, which then ends after it...unfortunately, it also creates a lot of disappointment at the same time for people who had planned a first trip and got a Covid delay now being pushed into the time period of a tourism hell period.
But it'll thin out in a few months to a year, hopefully not doing permanent damage on the other end of things in the process...
@@AzraelThanatos That's also very possible. Either ways, I am happy people are able to go back, and people are returning.
When I was a kid, I grew up in Seoul, S. Korea. I spent 11 years of my life living in the same city right by Yongsan Garrison. I haven't seen Korea since I was 13. Hearing how you were dreading going back to Japan after so long despite loving this place, I think I would feel exactly the same if I ever tried to go back to Korea. Not even to live, just a visit. I would have the exact same feeling. I would be scared of everything I knew as my home, my nostalgia, my familiarity with this place that has a huge connection to my heart and soul suddenly being different, being nothing like what I grew up in. It's totally understandable. But yeah, you're right, you do gotta do it in the end to get over that feeling.
I'm really glad that you were able to rediscover your love of Japan Gaijin, I always enjoy your enthusiastic descriptions and sharing of Japanese culture. I actually lived in Japan during COVID (up until last summer), and it had been a bit hard experiencing some of the restrictions and culture that came with the virus, but I was still able to come out of it still loving Japan, so it really did make happy that this trip went so well for you!
Also, holy crap, you hit my nostalgia hard with Nakano Broadway! I did of Uni in Tokyo, and remember going there and having a blast, it was like nothing I had ever been to growing up in small towns in Canada! XD
This sounds like you've gotten through a lot of psychological hardship, Gaijin. I think your heart and soul just needed this. This conformation, that everything can still work out. I am glad that you could finally put some of this stress behind yourself.
The 3 years made me almost forget my goal of moving to Japan, and 2021 was particularly hard since my grandfather passed and I couldn’t visit Toyama. But last year, I went back with my mom to visit family and friends, and it’s reignited that spark and discipline to get there in 5 years or less - great video!
I went to Japan for the first time in October 2019, I had just turned 21 and had a life long love of Japan from playing Nintendo games as a kid. It was a life changing experience and made me fall more in love than I ever had been with anything. I made sure to promise myself I would go back at least once every 2 years, but then covid happened. It's so good to see that this love will be rekindled again next time I am there, because I've been so upset that i couldn't go. That once every 2 years turned into 5 years for me, but hopefully that means it won't become 6 years. 2024 is the goal for next time I make it to Japan and I am so excited. Thank you for this video as it just showed me how my love for Japan won't truly ever go away. The country may have it's flaws, but loving something means that you love it despite those flaws. I can't wait, so thank you for this video, your videos were one of those things from my earlier years of loving Japan that solidified my love, and now they're still helping to show me that love still exists!
Hey Gaijin, I love this video and love your channel, but it would be amazing if you had a playlist of your videos of japan travel and your trips in japan to make it easier for people to watch? Just a thought, anyway please continuing making your amazing japanese cultural content and sharing all that you enjoy!
Good idea
Glad to see love for Shonai. I absolutely fell in love with the place on a short visit a few years ago, went again with a friend, and am now planning a third trip to tackle the Dewa Sanzan. Gorgeous place, great people, a true hidden gem.
I recently went to Japan for thr first time at the end of march this year, and spent over two weeks in rural Iwaizumi in Iwate prefecture. I can never forget everything about that trip, and even how lucky/favored I was during the trip! I was invited in to share tea with craftspeople, and at the wnd of my trip the baker made something foe me as a gift. I know this is pretty darn rare, and now i am working hard to prepare for a longer term move to that area. There was something special about that place, and i miss it so much!
As someone who also lived in Japan for a few years an an ALT, I've found those feelings of returning relatable. I haven't been back since I left, but I've wanted to return someday, but also feel nervous about, like a feel of guilt or something. It feels hard to put into words, but something like if I was being respectful of the country while I lived there cuz when I lived there I loved it, like a 2nd home where I belonged. I definitely miss it. Heck, you went to where I was placed in Sendai. I absolutely looved living there.
Although I’m not a fan of shrines and heavy historic exhibits, I’m glad you had fun. I’m hoping to go to Disney sea , universal, and fujiQ next spring.
As one of the earlier waves of visitors in Japan spending my new years week in Tokyo was amazing. With only 1 day for each major hub of Tokyo, I was overwhelmed with the amount of love and work I had to put in to enjoy every moment of that time. To my credit, I believe I squeezed all I could out of my time and money out of Tokyo, sleeping only 5 hours each night and never standing still for too long.
However, I brought a friend with me, and to be honest, he was painfully American in Japan. I had to correct him constantly for voice level, standing wide blocking escalators, and just being massive in tight positions, but I’m glad I could give him a slight taste of culture to a person born and raised in North American cultures.
Sure it’s standard practices for many asians native and abroad, but I can’t help that the expectations from Japan and myself are completely foreign to an average American. Hopefully our visit didn’t bother too many locals as we touristed the hell out of those few days.
I went in March, and even though I only predominantly spent 5 days in 2 districts, I knew I could enjoy Japan without stressing on making the most out of it every time. honestly the plan is to visit as often as i can without neglecting the rest of the world
This was a very good and very informative video. I lived in Japan for about 3 years and this video reminded me of the good times I had. I had some reservations about going back to Japan too (Actually I had reservations about traveling as a whole). I do hope to go back one day, but when that time comes I want to be able to share the experience with certain people in my life.
It's actually nice to know that you started your vacation on my birthday. And I am soo happy for you and Aki that your trip back was a lovely one. It is always sad when that somethings will change and not always for the better, but change is inevitable. I am also happy that you are back, and looking forward to more of your wonderful cultural and fun videos.
It's thanks to your videos that my wish to go to Japan is increasing by the day, not just to explore its cultural side, but also an admiration of the country itself.
I miss Japan so much. But, I can also kind of understand your sentiment. I did not have the wavering and wondering about my love for Japan. But, after having dedicated so much of my life to studying it, if I had, I am sure it would have been devastating. Perhaps something akin to someone who had been religious all their life, and suddenly found themselves no longer having faith. That sense of lose and emptiness over something that used to be a part of you just gone. I am glad you found your answer, and especially glad that it reminded you of why you love Japan.
I was also a bit worried about what Japan would be like during my trip earlier this year. However, I was happy to see that, at least from what I could tell, it was pretty much back to normal, if not just having masks being an easy to comply requirement. The people I interacted with were all just as friendly and welcoming as I always remembered, and everywhere was just as beautiful as it was so long ago when I last went. So glad to see that it is still the fantastic place to vacation to, and while I don't have the same aspirations to live there as you do, I wish you the best of luck in them and I will continue to try to go as often as I can and enjoy the country and all the great history it has.
I still want to go. Enjoying Japan never left me.
I'm going in September, and you just gave me some very interesting places to add to the 'must see' list. Glad you could finally get back, there's nothing like that feeling of peace when a huge weight is taken off your shoulders. As someone who tends to think worst case scenario when there is even a little doubt in their mind, I completely understand where you were coming from. Stay positive Gaijin!
I'm so glad you were able to see The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Gaijin! When I went to go see it during its last week in theaters, I decided to dress for the occasion, purchasing some studded leather jewelry and a t-shirt to channel the spirit of Bowser ("Koopa" in Japanese). As I was leaving the theater, I spotted an older woman and a child that were just about to buy tickets for the same movie. When I was asked by the woman if I had enjoyed the movie, I told her that I loved it! Flashing the image of Bowser on my shirt, I gave my best Dragon Koopa (the term used by fans to describe Bowser's species) roar and delighted both of them.
As much as I love learning about Japan, the more personal experience videos, like this one, feel like a warm hug that always come along at just the right time :D
Rambling incoming.
This video and the topic of it, comes in at a very interesting loment in my life. Your words of missing Japan and with everything happening making you fear if you had to move on from it, reminded me a lot of my own troubles. I love music. I love acting, and I want to do both. But the drive and love for both has slowly vanished over the years and....I'm afraid if I have lost my wanderlust for it. This video has given me idea of either I should try and find something else, or try and find my own "japan" to visit. To get that love back. To feel if I still have it in me.
I know you've been anxious about this trip, so I'm glad it worked out so well for you.
It's great that you were able to reconnect with your friends there and enjoy the places you missed.
You really do sound alot happier & replaced after all this.
I went back to Japan in April after a 3 year hiatus due to covid and I get where you're coming from in the mental aspect.
I was worried that the Japan I remembered was gone but that all washed away when interacting with the locals. Talking with people that have common interests, creating new friendships, and exploring the beauty of Japan brought back why I fell in love with the country in the first place.
I'm glad to have watched your thoughts returning to Japan and I look forward to seeing more content from you
I went back in April and it was great being in Japan again. I wasn't, and am still not, a big fan of big city life, so Tokyo wasn't really my scene. Sendai was the best. All the ease of access of the big city but the chill of the countryside not too far away. It may have to do with the fact that I did study abroad there but it has been my favorite spot in Japan since. It was great seeing more places for me to go next time. I did try my best to not be one of those gaijin, they even got on my nerves. People were friendly and I got to see a lot of change. I hope I get to go again in the near future. Glad you had a great time. I get that part of your brain trying to stop you from doing what will make you happy. Don't listen to it. Go and enjoy the trip. Just don't be "that gaijin".
I had a similar experience I stopped caring about life and gave up on it for these past few years, gave up job hunting or trying at all but my dad pushed me to go to japan with him and my sister since hes getting old I decided go despite not really wanting to go as i was sick of doing anything but I found a new lease on life, from having wonderful kind interaction with some japanese locals and other random tourists while hiking Inari shrine at night while traveling around japan and doing pilgrimage around anime locations and taking in the natures beauty of Kansai area. I fell in love with food and exploring again and japanese and coming back home it made me realize I want to live again and to be better so I started learning japanese seriously, and doing bucket list making sure I dont have regrets in life even though time is short you can still have some wonderful moments and that you tried your best in the end.
I was so happy I was finally able to go for the first time in April, I can’t wait to go again next year
I'm glad you enjoyed your trip, I personally went a month ago for the first time (Kyoto and Tokyo) and having been to places all over the world. It's the best place to go. I could see the tiredness in them as well but I also noticed whenever my group of 8 would genuinely try to communicate and continuously thank/ forgive our inabilities and misunderstandings they generally were very kind(funny enough in Universal I was wearing a Matsuri Hatsune Miku shirt and over a dozen times the staff would light up and say Miku-chan) . I can't speak for anyone I ran into but you could see a lot of enjoyment in that they're seeing people actually trying to accommodate to the cultural norms. I also went to Meiji Jingu (right as it was preparing to close but we didn't linger too long) and it was a lot quieter with basically no one but those there were very respectful. There's definitely a dual aspect to the tourism happening but overall we encountered cheerful people (even had some dudes in a restaurant in Kyoto wave us in while we were looking at a menu while another turned away some of our group wanting to go to a restaurant while I was at the FF14 Eorzea Cafe)
Oh and thank you for sending me to the Ninja Trick house in Shinjuku (I can't remember Which Ninja video it was but you mentioned that it was in Shinjuku) and it was one of the highlights of our trip, I may have shown them your Which Ninja series as we connected over One Piece of all things (They gave me the nickname Zoro XD) Everything you've been doing on UA-cam is amazing and it helped me so much in being a better tourist and respectful person as well as create a fondness for the Japanese and their culture. What I learned through osmosis in your videos helped us avoid a few situations that could've turned out much more awkward ありがとう ございます
PS: in the future can we get a video on the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I don't think people really understand just how amazing that place is especially when its so busy. Honestly just Kyoto in general I'd love your cultural eye on stuff there (also found a knife shop there called 菊一文字 that has a generational line of swordsmiths back to 1000 ad might be a fun spot)
Edit: Oh and something really fun that happened to us at Kiyomizu-dera, one of us is an architect who loves to draw the buildings he goes and sees so while getting a semi quick sketch a whole bunch of tourists were taking pictures of him as he drew, It was fun to see others enjoy his hobby.
Happy to see you back gaijin. After graduating college last march I took a month long backpacking trip through japan. Straring in Fukuoka I slowly made my way to Tokyo making stops at different cities to see the sights and try local delicacies(japanese food is amazing). It was a great time with amazing views and experiences. I could not do everything I wanted to do but so I'm definitly going back as soon as I'm able to.
I've been subscribed for YEARS but your videos haven't showed up in my feed again until today!!! Its great watching your content again and seeing how far you've come!!
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Japan June 2-11 and since I finally got to do a trip to make "Pilgrimages" to places in between doing touristy things with friends, like checking out Tokyo Disneysea and Gundam Factory.
I got to visit the Kanda shrine for Steins;Gate and Love Live feels, I took a day trip to Kyoto to visit Omi Jingu for Chihayafeels, I checked out Toei Studio Park, I went up to see Saitama Super Arena as so much of it is used in Toku filming, I went to Tokyo Big Sight and imagined what it would be like if Comiket was in full swing, I then wandered Odaiba on foot, to see a couple more FIlming Locations from Toku, like the stone stage next to one end of Dream Bridge, Dream Bridge itself, seeing Diver City and its stairs because of Love Live Nijigasaki, then speedrunning buying stuff all over Tokyo. It was nice for me to take a small trip and it's something I hope to do again in the future with other sets of friends I wasn't able to go with so they could hopefully feel what I felt.
It's good to know that your love for the country was reignited. I would love to visit the country one day, but first, I have some things to iron out before I plan a trip...
The mention of Odaiba and the tv station building remind me of Digimon Adventure!!!
Also COVID made scalping a problem for EVERYTHING. Like, I'm not surprised that there are gunpla scalpers now too. Admittedly it's depressing, but not surprising.
Also I will absolutely support you making ALL the videos about your trip gaijin.
I literally rush to youtube everytime you upload a new video. Your stuff is always a treat to watch!! and your twitch streams are as well
The detective agency your player character works for is on the first floor of Nakano Broadway in Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. I also recently learned that Japan’s having their own problems with Pokémon card thieves.
Nice to hear that after being away for so long, Japan still feels like home to you dude.
Wolud love to hear more about that bombastic samuria family!😆
Also would agree with you on the over tourist problem... made it to Kyoto for Setsuban this year, during the ceremony half the time all I could see was the sea of cameras. 🙄(despite being relatively close to the front)
Plus I had heard about Geiko/Maiko having a rough time to say the least with 'tourism paparazzi' thanks to Shogo's videos but was still shocked at just *how* bad it is.😐 (I really must catch up with his vidios😅)
On a lighter note: I'm more surprised that you're surprise with cars being blessed at shrines! 😂Had my very first trip to Japan around 2012 and witnessed a car blessing, in one of biggest shrines in Tokyo! (when you mentioned the laptops literally my brain was like - 'Yep that fits')🤣
All in all had a fantastic time this year, even despite the tourism paparazzi moments and my phone seemingly being possessed by a yokai within the first few hours. (OK, not literally but it's the only way I can explain/describe my phone's sudden software glitch)😶🌫👻
Thanks for all your videos!😄
I definitely hope I don't have to wait too long to see the videos going in dept I like the way you talk about the locations and I did learn about some new places I didn't know and I know a lot
I 1000% understand your initial apprehension on going to Japan considering your experiences of being there. I recently made my very first trip to Japan back in March for 2 weeks. Japan had been on my mind since the pandemic and during that time tragedy me and my family when my dad passed as well as a mentor of mine I knew growing up. During this time I came across UA-cam channels about Japan like yours. Abroad in Japan, Tokyo Lens, Sharlmelon, etc… I learned so more about Japan and had been obsessed with going. I was very nervous on the day of my trip because I was afraid of all of the excitement turning to disappointment upon arrival. I was glad that this feeling disappeared after getting on the train from Narita and heading to Tokyo. 2 weeks was not enough time and I plan to go back hopefully for more time. Prior to this trip I’ve been learning Japanese. There is a part of me that wants to live there as well. Such a beautiful place. Awesome video. ありがとうございました.😊
I am happy you’d rediscover Japan Gaijin it’s truly a special place. I also wouldn’t mind a video on Masamune Date the dude was just awesomesauce incarnate but only if you want to do it yourself.
I'd like to imagine that you are a very big reason as to why I love Japan as much as I do, and I know for certain that you alone have taught me so much about the place. So thank you, sincerely, for your dedication to the country, and for your passion that has rubbed off on hundreds of thousands of people, including myself.
Wow, looks like you were in Japan just before I got here! I'm currently staying in Niigata on a study abroad and its one of the coolest experiences i've ever had. We've had mingles with other colleges, gone to the aquarium, the Niigata History museum and Yahiko village (i took the cable car up to the mountain and it was GORGEOUS.) We've been to an onsen and took the wrong train but found a cool shrine about it and I even got to see the limited time Pokemon Fossil Exhibit in the Niigata Museum of science! In a couple days we'll be headed out to Tokyo! Honestly half my class is considering taking up residence here and teaching as English teachers. Yesterday we went to a theater in Furumachi and there was an old man there who was so honored and touched that a handful of Americans were interested in the show. It was like an over the top, modernized Kabuki show. It opened with an improv plot about samurai in ancient Japanese, to the point my teacher who was our translator was having trouble parsing what they were saying. Then act 2 was all dances, and you could purchase leis, plastic flowers, or memo cards and give them to the performers while they were performing. It's probably my favorite experience ive had here. The old man asked if we'd seen the statue of liberty and thought that every American had seen it, lol. Being here has been so awesome and I'm praying that someday I'll be affluent enough I can come visit more than once. For all its flaws, Japan is a wonderful place with a rich culture and I'm so glad that you've been able to revive that spark of love for the place once again. Your channel is one of my favorite stepping stones into cultural research and the passion you exude in your videos is wonderful.
I think it's completely understandable that you were nervous going back after all the uncertainties over the last few years, but it's nice that you were able to have a fun time back in Japan. I wish I could go and explore around, but I don't see me having the funds to do so any time soon
It's nice to see your favorite guy on the internet being happy
I managed to get back to Japan over the New Year and the nostalgia hit so hard, especially visiting my old residence and local shrine. I did the New Year prayer at the shrine and I can't deny it was very emotional.
what a fully packed trip Gaijin, the only person that I think you didnt see that I follow is Chris from Abroad in Japan unless im wrong on that regard, its really cool seeing you catch up with your friends that you havent seen in years and experience Japan again :) thank you for another great video :)
Glad to see you back, and congrats on reaching 600K subscribers!
Man as soon as this came into my infeed I rushed to my computer to watch this. I had the biggest smile the whole time, I'm so happy for you Gaijin!❤
I'm just glad you are doing better mentally. I want to be happy and doing what you love.
Bump In The Night , THAT'S THE NAME!
I couldn't remember that name to save myself!
I keep thinking about it because the green guy looks like Loudred and sounds like Zazz.
Which fits being before Gen 3 , and being Ken Pontac's best work.
I got to be at the warhammer cafe the day it opened, AND that only happened because I went to harajuku and Yuki herself told me it was opening soon, she was just as friendly as your video makes her out to be. I had to wait in a 3 hour line to get in the cafe, ended up striking up a conversation with someone who barely spoke English (and I barely spoke Japanese) it wasn’t much but it was a great time, even happened to get in the checkout line next to the same guy so we could show off our purchases.
This might seem minor to anyone who reads this but it was great at the time.
I hope to one day visit this beautiful land and experience it's varied culture. I've only visited a handful of other countries in my life and I hardly experienced them since I just didn't have the interest as a child, but as an adult I wish I could go back and experience them properly. Japan has been on my hitlist of places I want to start visiting and exploring for a long time, finding out that there was essentially a Sakoku 2.0 was hard to find out, but now that it's opening again and hopefully becomes far more opened in the future, I'm hoping to make a trip there someday soon. Whether that's years from now or less, I look forward to that day and hope I can experience the Japan you fell in love with.
I'm always looking forward to the next time I go back. I miss it dearly, and there's still plenty of the country I've yet to see.
I'm heading to Japan in March 2024 where I'll stay for about two weeks.
As part of an organized tour, I'm starting in Osaka and head to Koyasan, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Matsumoto
before ending the trip in Tokyo.
I'm really looking forward to Osaka and Mr. Fuji among the other things I enjoyed in previous
trips to Japan.
It's great to hear you're doing better! I've been watching your channel for about 7 ish years now and I could tell the pandemic really got you down with not being able to move to Japan.
And gosh, I wish I could go! I don't have the money to go and I've never been out of the US. Hopefully one day I get to!
I'm actually going to Japan in a few weeks and I'm so excited. I've always wanted to go and I was supposed to go last year but the border was still closed so I'm going now. Your videos have always inspired me and drawn me to Japanese culture and I'm glad I got some good reccomendations on where to go during my trip.
Oh, man...I made a particularly childish shriek of delight on the sight of the retro arcade at Daiba Ichi-Cho-Mei. That one game there in the first pan, with the little chomping crocodiles (Wani-Wani), was a _staple_ of my childhood visits to Japan. I used to find it in so many places, particularly in the rooftop-level game center in the big shopping center we always visited near my great-uncle's home in Oizumi-Gakuen-Cho. I spent so much of my pocket change on that game, that and a game that played jan-ken-pon...I loved those.
You've officially given me another thing to put on the ol' bucket list for when my fiance and I finally reach a point of financial security that we can actually take the trip to Japan that we'd been talking about since...welp, since just before Covid happened. It might not be quite as lofty as some of the things on that list (he wants to see if it's possible to get a look at what remains of the Takeda clan castle, I have plans to visit shrines and to take him to the zoo and art museum in Ueno), but there has to be some stuff on the agenda that's not quite as dramatic, right?
im so glad you managed to reconnect with your love of Japan
also why are those even questions, of course we want all these future videos
Sounds like an awesome trip!
A Date Masamune vid would be pretty cool too.
Just got back from my 11-day trip from Japan the other night - I went with a tour group so accommodations were taken care of already (places to sleep, JR Pass, etc.). Not only did I just barely complete half of my list, but there was so much to do around that unfortunately I could not have fit all of it into those eleven days if I tried.
I went to Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima island, and Osaka...I only had so much time in some of those places since I was on a tour. I'll definitely be heading back on my own again when I can afford to in the near future...I was glad they lifted the mask mandate finally that had me considering going. Felt nice to walk around aimlessly even though my feet began to hurt after while. I don't know if I'd live there, but I can see the appeal for sure - once you get the hang of the way things are over there.
Good video overall, Gaijin.
Meiji Jingu also has a car blessing lot, if you go out the right exit from facing the main shrine, and walk through the omamori and stamps area.😉
I spent Christmas and New year's in japan. Mainly in Kochi prefecture to visit my jet programme fiance. If you want to avoid tourists, Shikoku is absolutely spectacular and needs the tourism to bump its economy. My two days in Tokyo felt a lot more busy than pre-covid.
Nakano Broadway is an amazing place. When I visited in 2019 it was just jaw dropping on how many small stores were packed floor to ceiling with retro and new things. I was able to get a FFXIV Shiva statue for 60$ when at retail it is close to 250$. It didn't have the emote code to use ingame but it is a beautiful statue that is a centerpiece on my shelf.
Seeing a store of old tin toys was beautiful to me, far out of my price range but the novelty of seeing the toys was amazing. There was a shop selling the old original movie posters of the Godzilla films and I wish I could have gotten some.
I'm glad you were able to go, face your fears, and find that you still have that love! I would like to visit one day, but I'm legally blind and have never been outside my state alone. It's a scary prospect to put myself so far from my support networks in a place I've never been. One day I also hope to face that fear.
I'd LOVE to hear more on Masemune, I'll take any excuse to learn more about him!!
this video was wonderful! i'm actually headed to Tokyo in September and staying about 3 weeks there into early October. i'm excited but really nervous about heading up there so videos like this really do lift my spirits!
is there anything you would recomend as must do's for a first time visit to Tokyo? my primary interest there is probably puroresu (pro wrestling) but i would love to see anything worth seeing, i'd love to go to some historical/cultural sites too!
thanks Gaijin! ♥
Oh man how I grew up. I was last in Japan in December 2022 for Christmas! I was so excited when I saw the borders being lifted in October that I immediately booked a ticket. It was my 4th time there. I had a good time, but o realized how much the novelty wore off and I was no longer in love. I'll always like it there, but I realized I outgrew it, and it was a little sad.
Gaijin! I was just thinking about you the other day. I wanted you to know that you have nothing to be ashamed of. You not only confronted your own fears but you confirmed what many of us already know: it's ok to get help when you need it. Bravo, my dude. I look forward to many more videos with your infectious love for Japan. Thank you for coming back and welcome! We missed you! ❤
Welcome back to UA-cam, mr. Goombah. I am very happy and glad to learn that you really came home to Japan, even after all those years. Thank you for this Perspective-ish video :)
As someone who struggles to make ends meet, this idea of making another country your home is among one of the loftiest I know. But one day I hope to visit Japan, maybe as a foreign student (I mentioned some time ago in the past about the desire to study at the Genki Japanese & Culture School) or something.
It's always been a dream of mine to go to Japan, but after a spine injury left me in a wheel chair unable to walk, I'm terrified to go there, after hearing how inaccessible it'll be
I'll say it: I look forward to all these "real talk" vids. It means train shots of some of my favourite architecture in the world. From Edo on to mostly modern times (11:19, 12:40 and 18:43 are perfect examples), the only other architecture I nerd out about in my extremely limited form is Plattenbau/Soviet.
Welcome home, Gaijin. One day, I hope to visit Japan. I need to go back to Berlin or Hamburg first.
one Date Masamune video please! Also, I'm really glad you still love Japan and were able to get rid of those worries you had about returning! I'm planning on going there myself in March 2024 and I'm holding similar feelings to what you described in this video, so this definitely helps a lot! Hope you had fun in Japan! :)
Just finished the video (parent comment was made at 9:51), and you'll be glad to know yes I AM going to Japan! :> It's actually been a dream of mine for over a decade, since I was 13 years old, to go. Now, it seems like it may finally happen. Wishing you good luck for reaching your goal of making Japan your home! You got this!!
Yeah, I went to Japan last April and I had a pretty fun time! All the people were pretty nice and though I had trouble with navigation due to it being my first time on the Japanese train systems, I gotten used to it over time! Granted, I only went through the urban areas and only went to the country side for like 2 days to try their Onsen, but it was pretty worth it! It was also thankful that my limited Japanese was enough as well, which I am very thankful for.
Gaijin, great video! You have restored my confidence in traveling to Japan post covid! It was really fun seeing your trip unfold as you'd post to instagram. Thank you for covering Sendai, such an interesting and wonderful city I hope to visit sometime soon (any tips for a first-timer would help) haha~
So I planned going to Japan in 2018 as a graduate present after my experience of the culture of Japan through a Japanese class. This was going to happen in 2020.
I was devastated for 3 years. It wouldn't be until last month that I was able to come. And man I loved the trip. I got to see Tokyo, Kyoto (drove past a nintendo building with the sign up top!), Akihabara, ikebukoro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, himeji, some of the Port towns (one of them being themed with pokemon go), Naga, and Hiroshima before G7. I loved seeing the amounts of architecture displayed from the himeji castle, to the Buddhist and Shinto, the tori gates including the one that the notable floating on water one on the island but didn't see the effect due to low tide) and the once previous imperial castle in Kyoto. There was some beautiful parks too!
I loved going to the arcades and experiencing playing the new Taiko (and overwhelmed by the experienced players). I loved seeing the pesky and aggressive deer at Naga. I loved going to see the kirbo Cafe. And most importantly I loved experiencing the night life which was surprisingly fun and safe. I loved seeing the tea ceremony and seeing this performance arts show that included its own ceremony, dancing of a beautiful warrior who had to wear a terrifying mask to empower his companions, and a comedy sketch of two guys drinking their lord's beer/sake while being tied up. I loved visiting Japan.
Sorry for the rambling, your video reminded me of some of the great memories I experienced my first time in Japan
Hey Gaijin. Great to see that you've enjoyed the experience in this segment of the video. Looks like what you need is a company that's gonna sponsor you to stay in Japan making content.
I am glad your passion is reignited. We all need a reminder on why we do what we do.
I've had the privilege of taking a trip this march-april, for the first time in my life. It was a great experience that I would love to repeat, especially as thete were locations I couldn't get to and we stuck to bigger cities (Tokyo Kyoto Osaka... Kamakura and the Fushimi Inari shrine being the smallest I've been to). I can attest to having felt calm and at ease even on my first trip!
me my girlfriend and my best friend went to japan in May of this year and we had amazing time in toyko and osaka, I was sad to see alot of the stuff I like last time I was there gone but we found so much cool stuff to do and we didnt waste a single day of are 14 days there, cant wait to god again next year. also great video it give us some more ideas of places to visit.
8:16 thats so cool! i read his book pure invention a couple years ago and it remains on of my favourite non fiction books to this day
This was amazing video 👏
Already booked my flights for this fall in October-November. I'm so hyped to finally visit Japan for the first time
Been years since I saw your channel, you were my childhood lmao. As for Japan, I went there with my parents back in 2019 and I LOVED it. As a huge Pokémon fan though, looking back I was kinda disappointed we didn't go to any of the Pokémon Centers or other Pokémon related places. I definitely wanna visit it one day. If I could I'd buy tickets and plan a trip right now but don't got the money, the needs or the life conditions at this moment so it'll be for the future, hopefully a very near future.
We must have passed each other at LEAST twice. I was in Japan from the 13th to the 30th. Went to Osaka and Yamagata (which is just a bus ride from Sendai). I also went to Nagano Broadway twice to that same wrestling mask store.
I really like these Gaijin Perspective-like videos you do.
I'm looking forward for all the culural analysis man! Hey You have never touched on one of the most popular and prolific series of media ever. you should totally do an episode on Scooby Doo and the Samurai Sword. i dont expect it to be culturally accurate at all but i think it would be a fun goof to get back into the swing of things!
With the way the internet is, fear is natural anymore. Especially with how the last few years have been. But glad you found that connection again. Still waiting for a time where going to Japan would be practical for me. But I've never been, so I got a different kinda fear. I don't want to end up being some American stereotype. And I'm not exactly soft spoken, so I already know I'm going to stand out abroad, even if unintentionally.
Literally just got back from Japan and currently recovering from the jet lag. If the Japanese hate foreign tourists, they hid it extremely well. At least, they hid it around me while I tried to be as respectful as possible.
I do have a story as well. I did a few days where it was just me wandering around away from the group I was traveling with and I didn't really have anyone talk to me. (My understanding is that this is how the Japanese are normally save one area.) The only real exception was when I was in Universal Studio in Osaka where I got in the Monster Hunter VR experience. I went in by myself so they put me with two other people: a mother and daughter. And then they introduced themselves, asked where I was from, how long I've been staying, and the daughter was even spot translating things for me. They didn't have to do that, we weren't asked to introduce ourselves to each other, I was even assuming we wouldn't based off my experienced with similar stuff in the US. But they seemed so excited (and bonus points was that it was their first time doing anything VR, which the experience was pretty good at showing some things off.)
Something else I realized from the trip: you really have to go to Japan to get the true experience. I cannot think of any video, documentary, essay, or even media that captured what the experience was like though I think part of that is how you personally experience a different culture.
Thank you for this! I was wondering what to do with my last few days around Tokyo and Daiba 1-chome is fantastic :)
At the start of the video i was a little bit scared, but I’m glad you came to a similar conclusion to mine, thou my last, and first trip was in 2018. I met you at dagashiya at Odaiba, and as i was incredibly nervous when meeting someone i watched for long years and all 3 of my languages were mixing in my head, i will just say thank you again for spreading Japanese and any other culture through your videos, and kinda sorry for being a little awkward :D
We need to see more of this samurai’s grave tbh I love it
I love your videos showing Japan’s history. I would love to see more of them!
This made me homesick! One day I will get back to Japan.
I went to Japan this April after being a viewer of your content for year
It was amazing, thank you for sharing your experiences with us
@6:13, I first tried black thunder as part of Japan Crate. Therefore, when I lived in Japan I used to by these at the truck load from 100 yen stores!
I even bought back a supply with me when I returned to the UK. Those prices are really good too. I’m also visiting Japan again after 5 years this month! I need to fit Odaiba into my next visit (after the one coming up 😅) to Japan for sure!
I hope to have a similar experience upon my return too. I’m a bit anxious but in a good way ha!
So many places I need to write as things to see if and when I ever find myself going to Japan.