Each person has a different Japan experience when living here. It really depends on you and your background. Each person has a different experience. It Doesn't mean one persons experience trumps all or vise versa. It could be awesome to live here or it could be miserable. It could be challenging. It all depends on you and your mindset. Japan IS worth living in. But true It's NOT for everyone. Thanks for sharing your story and enjoy Manilla.
@@bungalogic YES! Exactly! 🫶 I will ALWAYS love Japan especially the lessons it has taught me and the people I have come to love along the way. I share my experiences NOT to destroy the reputation of Japan, *but to further the conversation on nuances that are often overlooked with the country’s over romanticization.* All countries have its pros and cons. Japan may not be for me right now, but it doesn’t mean I never enjoyed it, that I’ll never enjoy it, and will never be able to live there once again. Maybe when I’m older with more life experience, I’ll move back for different reasons. I’m still SO young and was a fresh graduate when I moved there. Definitely, most life experiences in your 20s are volatile. Thanks so much for wording this so well, bungalogic !
Japan could be worth living, but not investing much of your life. Japan is good to visit or for a short term experience. After a few years in Tokyo or the South of Japan, it is clear that you will not get any genuine from Japanese people. You will never get really friends with them, they have many social problems that they brush off and put under the rug, and many times numbers are manipulated to keep them low. I wish this girl will be happy somewhere else. With international support is really difficult to find happiness, especially socially. It s safe, efficient, and we have lot of learn from Japanese people to make our societies better. But socially, emotionally, and long terms relationships? Not even in 100 years
@@saphyrionelendilion7166 hmm. I’ve lived here for almost 20 years I’m American and have invested my life here. The experience is different for each person. I don’t think it’s fair to say that all Japanese are closed to foreigners or are incapable of giving true meaningful friendships. My best mates are Japanese.
I agree with bungalogic. You can definitely forge good relationships with Japanese people. It may be difficult to find, but it’s not impossible. Let’s not generalize :) Maybe if I stayed a bit longer, looked somewhere else (diff city perhaps?), or pursued my masters there which allowed for forced proximity, then maybe my experience would be completely different _(I say this because I think the first year moving abroad is always difficult. And I sometimes think that if I stuck it through longer, then maybe ut got better? Not sure tho until I experience it for myself.)_ I just left early mostly because I felt so alone after a major heartbreak in Tokyo and it wasn’t healthy for me to be there without family and access to my meds and therapist as someone with ADHD and depression. (That’s a detail I left out in the video)
Thank you for wishing me happiness @saphyrionelendillon7166 🥹🫶. I wish you the same! Although, I do still crave to study abroad and move somewhere since I wasn’t able to due to the pandemic years. Still considering perhaps Germany, Madrid, LA, NYC, Canada, or Tokyo! Regarding bullying, I think it’s really bad in Asia in general (especially East Asia). If you think it’s bad in Japan (re bullying) it’s worse in Korea. Asian culture really cares about image and uses social pressure that way. Regardless, all countries have bullying that manifest in diff ways. The hiding of numbers and reality happens everywhere. I think it’s a bureaucratic thing.
For many years I romanticised Japan and consumed content written by those who did the same as me, but lately I'm coming across content like yours where those who've lived the experience are coming out and sharing the truth, the reality that we all never knew or choose to ignore. Thank you for showing a light to us all.
just sharing my experience, but take it with a grain of salt! Don’t let it stop you from visiting on your own! But thank you so much for this affirming comment it really made me happy and inspired me to do more content like this. 🥹 Working on another video this week!
I always find it impressive that people where they don't speak the language, or don't speak it well, and then ar shocked they feel lonely. What did you expect?
@ if you watched the whole video, I mention that the instances I shared were ones from my friends who are all N1 level fluent and higher. They all felt lonely too. Some are even born in Japan but have now moved to Europe the same time I left.
Well it’s from one person’s perspective. I’ve also heard the “truth” as you called it from many other foreigners who say they love living in Japan, they have good relationships, they will never leave etc. it’s not one universal truth that points only to the dark side, it depends on the person and people have different perspectives. It’s not as lonely as you think.
@@itskenlang of course, as I said in the pinned comment, it varies person to person. Just wanted to point out that my loneliness was not solely because of my lack of skill in the language. I wanted to highlight that I have friends who are fluent in N1 level or higher (which is native level) but still experience the same things as me.
That’s a beautifully true. It’s a nice reminder when I consider that I mourn because Japan was my dream country, had my dream school, and was home to a boy I really loved. Leaving after all three fell apart seemed like a way to self-preserve.
I'm in rural japan right now making kitchen knives and every day is a struggle... Trying to hold onto a challenge but the only people i can really connect with are other foreginers... sometims within a few hours of meeting, we're relating to how difficult it is to be here
Your experiences in Japan are similar to experiences of foreigners living in Scandinavian countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Northern Europeans in general, where people are traditionally and culturally very reserved and are introverts. Countries like the Philippines where the people are super friendly, makes you wonder if they are super friendly with good or bad intentions that makes you uncomfortable. At least the people from those reserved countries are more straight forward, genuine, trustworthy, and you feel safe. I just got back from a trip to Japan and felt 100% safe and if I were to travel to countries like the Philippines, I would always be on guard. Same when traveling in Europe where I don't have to feel as guarded when I was in Austria and Germany, and have to be guarded in Italy, France, and etc. where the people are more friendly.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! I totally understand how cultural differences in friendliness and openness can influence one’s sense of safety and trust, especially when traveling. My video, though, was more focused on the internal struggles I experienced in Japan around finding a sense of belonging and connection within a culture that places a strong emphasis on tatemae-the social harmony that can sometimes feel like a barrier to genuine connection. For me, it wasn’t about safety or trust so much as navigating a system where self-expression can be limited in favor of outward harmony, which made it challenging to feel fully seen and connected. But I can see how some people may connect reserved cultural norms with a sense of security. Interesting how you bring up Germans in the Philippines. It made me genuinely curious so maybe I’ll ask the Germans in my office who recently moved to the Philippines a year ago what it was like for them. Any questions you wanna ask so i can film and can draw parallels with them to my experience in Japan ?
@@dalandanie_ Our friend's son in the US who is of German heritage went toschool in Germany and now lives in Germany. He said making friends with Germans was difficult because the German's friends are those they gre up with or people from the same town. A common story is expat in Europe usually ends up with another expat. In my friend's case, he ended up marrying a Russian who was going to the same school. Another thing is that people don't want to get to know you because you are foreigner, here today and gone tomorrow. In the end the most people are more comfortable with their own kind, sharing a common culture and ways of doing things. I am Asian who grew up and live in a white community. My wife is white and shared a common way of life. If I were to find an Asian partner, that would be culturally challenging for me.
Filipinos are def "friendly" but from what I've noticed they're really fake. They stick to their own kind a lot or to other East Asians (talking about the foreigners, the ones that are americanized are fine). Japanese are culturally reserved, but they judge a lot too. Went to Switzerland before and I never had an issue tbh, everyone was respectful and seemed genuine.
I lived and worked in the Japanese countryside for 2 years. A city with a population of 7,000 people. I took many opportunities to simply patronize local businesses. It all comes down to what compels you to act and behave and react to the world around you. I loved sitting at counters in izakayas or capsule hotels, butchering the Japanese language, yet connecting with people if only for a moment. I didn't build it up in my head and metered my expectations. I miss Japan so much. No place on the planet owes us our expectations. Every place on the planet offers opportunities for growth based on our willingness to invest in them. But eventually, you need to decide for yourself if all the parameters and variables for living in a place successfully warrant continued effort. Sucks that Japan didn't work out for you. Hopefully your next adventure is more fruitful Cheers
LOL, as someone who has been living here for 2 years, I find it annoying how overly romanticized it is. People travel here for 2 weeks and think it's the second coming of the lord.
that’s soooo true. I also think it’s overly romanticized because of the overconsumption Japan has to offer. It’s also the materialism that makes it look “exciting”. So many toys, products, beauty trends, etc. it’s all exciting-but purely temporary.
@@Hanamixto interesting! What’s your experience in Osaka like? I heard people are supposedly more friendly and honest there? Are you a grad student or working?
@@Hanamixtothanks for sharing your story and I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you 😔 are u planning to move back in a decade or so or is Japan a completely closed book for you? I’m still contemplating trying again
@@dalandanie_ First time I came to Japan was 2016 and I was student, went back home after couple of years. In my home country I worked 3 years and decided to give one more try as a working class person in Japan. That was my second time as a full time office employee in Kansai area Japan. But it did not work well. Same people, same culture. You will be foreigner forever. This is what I learnt my dear. I suggest you to think again 🫶🏻
@ I saw your channel and correct me if I’m wrong but you’re still living in Japan? 🤍 Are u planning to leave soon given what you’ve shared? I think I’m okay being a foreigner forever but I’m wondering if the amount of effort to assimilate was worth it for you 🥹
As others have said...including you 😊 every experience is dofferent. Of course it is...for each of us are different. I think a lot of people approach Japan with their own expectations and want to be met on their own terms rather than accepting...and appreciating differences. I lived in Japan 6 months and loved every minute. Relationships grow...very few in any country are instant noodles
@@jeanettehasley7054 I think people can appreciate differences yet still be able to say that it isn’t their cup of tea 😊 Not saying Japan isn’t my cup of tea, but it was just a difficult context for me at that time. Things might change for me later on but for now, this is what I went through! I’m definitely glad that you’re loving every minute so far! I hope it stays that way! Cheers 🫶✨
@dalandanie_ I understand. You were (and are) very articulate. I wasn't countering or even disagreeing with your experience...only adding my own. I have seen others experience what you have. There are definitely layers. Some Japanese people have spoken of not being able to navigate the layers themselves.
@@jeanettehasley7054 thank you for sharing your experience and for going the extra step to comment, btw! I value healthy discourse. 🤍 I just thought from your initial comment that you implied that I struggled because of my inability to value and accept differences and that I was let down because certain expectations of mine weren’t met. I actually came in with not that much expectations, I just moved to try something new. I just wanted to make it clear that I very much value cultural diversity as someone who grew up in a city that is a melting pot of various races and cultures (Manila has Spanish, American, Japanese, Chinese influences due to colonialism and now even a lot of Korean and European influences)
Yeah idk, I’m an introvert so the thought of people not fully accepting me is kind of comforting. Just gives me more time to focus on myself and what I’m trying to do
They value preserving one’s language and culture, which isn’t bad. Japan actually colonized the Philippines for a few years with the intention of making us “more Asian” There was a lot of death and torture excused with the goal of undoing the westernization of Spain and America in my home country.
I lived in Japan and I always go there each year due to having a Japanese husband (but now lives in my home country) and his family. I tell you honestly, despite a lot of Filipinas living in Japan, I got severe depression (for not really fitting in and having to juggle a lot of things there) there and had to be under therapy . I didn't see doing my career path in IT as sustainable in the long run there due to not liking their work culture plus it is quite expensive to live there. I went home to Cebu because I live way comfortably here, which I acknowledge it as a huge privilege to a Filipino. A lot of my things here are handed down to me from my parents, from the property and vehicles I drive and the ease of connections if things go awry. I also brought my husband to live here and he has found a healthier work-life balance in Cebu (so do I, if you're an IT- senior level, earning in the Philippines can really be comfortable) and he ended up loving living here. It's been 4 yrs since we left Japan for the Philippines. Visiting Japan 1month max is way enough for us to reconnect with family and some friends there. I lived in Osaka btw. Lastly, I hate Tokyo so much as being there made me have a heightened sense of claustrophobia and dread. But that's just me and my experience.
@@theboredprogrammer1114 reading your comment just felt like being warmly hugged from one Filipina to another 🥹 a lot of these comments felt invalidating but I’m glad that another Filipina like you can share experiences with us Filipino culture is just so wildly different-and I’m glad that you and your husband found comfort back in Cebu 🤍 I’m not a big fan of Filipino culture since I’m not so chummy with people and I’m an introvert but the lack of belonging was the toughest for me. I’m wishing you all the best for you and your family!
@@dalandanie_ I even feel invalidated by a lot of Filipinos about not liking my experiences living in Japan and being true to my opinion that it is only nice for short vacations there. I'm also far from the stereotypical extroverted Filipino but I do have a close knit family and social circle here. I don't care about being in this bubble of mine as I already had my share of stepping out of my comfort zone years ago (I'm in my mid-30s btw).
@@theboredprogrammer1114I’m so sorry you had to experience that invalidation. I’m so glad you’re here and sharing your experience-your validation and story means so much to me. I am an introvert too and it definitely doesn’t equate to being able to survive in Japan (so many haters down here who missed the point of the video haha.) I guess Philippine culture is a lot more caring and intentional talaga than in Japan. I’m not saying I didn’t experience that care and love in Japan, but it’s really so hard to come across. I felt like it was once in a blue moon to find someone who genuinely cared and shared a deep connection and understanding with. I’m glad you’re back in the Philippines with your family 🫶 I might try out Tokyo again in a few years or so (not sure. The world is big) or another country since I’m still in that experimental phase pa din 😅
On the contrary from watching Takashii from Japan interviews, I’ve heard many Americans and other foreigners say the opposite. They love living in Japan and will live there for the rest of their lives because it’s better in many ways than other countries, pros and cons considered. I wouldn’t put a blanket statement like “vacationing Japan is great but reconsider if you want to live there” because it just depends on the person. Even many foreigners have stated that because they are introverted, enjoy single life, want to be left alone, they are completely happy living in Japan. Then there are others who are happily married, with healthy social relationships with locals to an extent and also love living there all the same. Just depends on the person.
@@itskenlang I say the need to rethink not because life in Japan is terrible, but because the life people usually imagine when they go as a tourist is quite different from actually living there. Living in Japan can definitely be amazing. I had those moments where I enjoyed (as I mentioned in the video). But the overall experience for my context and life stage just wasn’t right for me. It’s difficult (but not impossible). I challenge you to find a Filipina who’s my age and has successfully moved to Japan alone (without friends and family or a partner). I’ve noticed that people who say that they enjoy Japan usually come from a place of racial and gender privilege. If you’re interested, I hope you can check out the concept of Intersectionality. It’s an idea that discusses how social and political identities result in unique combinations of discrimination and privilege. The way I experience the world is through the lense of a young Filipina. I’d like to note that Filipinos are actually historically looked down upon in Japan as well (check out Japayuki to start). I’m not saying I’m always perceived as one, but that I’m also fighting stigmas as I live there-stigmas other races and genders usually don’t experience. Im not saying all Filipinas there are treated this way, but I have gone on dates where men offered me cash in exchange for something I don’t want or even offer. There are amazing people in Japan, it was just unfortunate that I met some that made it difficult for me to “make it” in a new country. Cheers! I hope this helps!
I love visiting Japan but I have no romanticized notion about ever living there. Firstly, the work culture is toxic. Secondly, as you said, the Japanese as a whole are hard to penetrate. It's the tatemae, it's their busy lives, but also I think there's collectiveness where if you're not Japanese, you'll never be 'in" the group.
i wouldn’t visit japan if they mistreat westerners horribly & they don’t socialize or acknowledge westerners i heard and their culture is kinda toxic i know there are homeless/slums there.
out of all the countries I've been to, I think the Japanese are the most polite. they have their apprehensions but they don't act on it. they don't blatantly mistreat you unlike in the West where a lot of white people used to pick on Asians (especially during the pandemic) i think they (Japanese) just don't match the level of openness and hospitality I as a Filipino am used to from back home (but that might be a terrible standard because Filipinos are amongst the most friendly and hospitable according to foreigners)
i live in japan rn, and i used to live in the uk, and I've got to say japan is super miserable. everyone is either overworked, creeps, or just ignorant. im half, but im used to british customs, and for me its super miserable, and im getting tf out of japan as soon as i can
do you work in Japanese companies too? That’s true on the being miserable and overworked-so many of my friends don’t see themselves living there for good because of it. Living in that place is fun while you’re young but only for a short while.
@dalandanie_ I go to school (I'm only 16) but it's my first time living in a city, and seeing how miserable people are really does affect how i feel, as o believe that people shouldn't be this overworked
Go to Fukuoka. The people are much more warm than in Tokyo. I only visited, but I feel as though Fukuoka would be a good place to live if I know Japanese.
I lived there for 5 years and I can sympathize with most of what she says. Her take is a bit Tokyo-centric, though. I spent my first 3 years in a small town and the people there were very different - in a good way. Other large cities are also not as “cold” as Tokyo can be - e.g. I really like Sapporo. I’ll probably end up retiring in Japan, actually. The work culture there is not great, but living there without having to work would be ideal - convenient and easy to get around, etc. especially if you speak the language.
(This is going to be a larger comment than I wanted it to be...) It's unfortunate that this wasn't a good experience for you or that it wasn't for you but I'm glad you reflected on your experience. I lived and worked in Japan for a while in Osaka. Whenever I see/hear these experiences I always notice there is a commonality with everyone's explanation. You decided on Tokyo. For your own reasons as many overseas people do. As a parallel reference, I used to see many Japanese struggle in NYC and leave because it was too much for them to adapt. While it's the top city to visit it's also one of the toughest to "make it" in. I've noticed, long term residents usually do better in smaller cities and even countryside areas that are still decently populated. Also, I don't know your proficiency of Japanese which can explain a lot of these issues. I know the internet does a lot of misinformation about the language barrier. From the beginning I've always considered this commonly used 諺（ことわざ/kotowaza/provberb）「出る釘は打たれる」/ "The hammer that sticks out gets hammered down." That will vary with how you make people perceive whether you are "that nail", or not. There is a lot of leeway with that in, "Today's Japan" compared to say 20-30 years ago. I don't know what your actions or expectations were, so I don't want to assume anything. Especially as I am certain that I am a generation or two older than you (Xennial for those that keep count). I can say from experience that Japan has socially opened even more than in the past and I didn't have a problem then either. It's dealing with a lot right now economically but that's one area it has improved especially with the global issue of "over-tourism". I supposed that my experience was one of those fortunate ones that I didn't face any impactful issues that were negative. We definitely had opposite experiences it would seem. I didn't have any foreign friends while living/working in Japan though, they were all Japanese coworkers and people in my circle that we used to hang out at a muse. I used to even go to Gifu in the summers (most "east" I went of Osaka) and meet up with people and go to summer festivals in Takayama during Obon (I loved making soy sauce flavored rice crackers) or visit Kobe City in Hyogo and take the train to Kyoto. Honestly, before I'm too old, I've considered returning (I'm married now) and seeing if we could have a second home there no matter how small. Also, my reasons for not being in Japan were personal but not related to Japan itself. Leaving, was one of the hardest things I had to mentally overcome and had to hold back my tears when it came time. Japan is definitely, to me, a case study in "Different strokes, for different folks."
@ Thank you for being so open. Before I left Japan, I had the old Osaka grandmothers tell me this. It went like this, “You have the soul of a Japanese person. You’re just trying to find your way back home (Japan).” Arguably the most life changing thing anyone ever told me. I wonder if I will fulfill that in my life? Ahem…anyway… You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Don’t ever give up no matter what adversities you face! You’re young still and have time to set yourself up for success! My advice, if it’s worth anything is this. Get your JPLT to Level 2 at least (then earn your cert on Level 1). It will make you feel more confident. Language is one of the biggest barriers. Try seeking ways to either be self employed in Japan or a company that would seek a foreigner who’s willing to work/live in Japan. Sometimes import/export companies hire for example. Also, while more employment opportunities occur in large cities like Tokyo. Seek out smaller or neighboring cities and get away from Tokyo (unless you really want to be there exclusively). Osaka, Aichi, Kanagawa, and Chiba are ranked among the best prefectures to live in as a foreigner. Check those places out and see if they work better with not only opportunities but your personality and style. Fukuoka is somewhere I considered at one point because of the youthful spirit of the city and also it was named for having some of the prettiest people in Japan. But that’s just me. Also, if you can…try to avoid other foreigners in Japan unless they are benefiting you (work or life opportunities). It’s easy to get distracted and comfortable talking to people that are on a similar journey, especially in English. In the end, it doesn’t help you though. You have to sort of “isolate” yourself from them and focus on developing real relationships with Japanese people. It seems “weird”, I know but that’s why you’re there in the first place. Use your interests and join an interest. I don’t care if it’s Ikebana, Dance, Karaoke, Cooking, Kendo, Riichi Mahjong, Anime, Video Games or even Airsoft Gun Surival Game. Form circles so you have a way to socialize with others when you have free time. You will feel so much better for it. Hope this advice helps open your perspective to other opportunities! ✌🏻
@@blackknight597 thanks so much for your words and advice 🤍 will definitely consider this when I try to revisit Japan as a place to live! I’ll try to apply to schools outside of Tokyo for a masters degree as well 🫶 I do hope you make it back in Japan!
You are never going to get the attention you want to get in a country like Japan, so don't go back. They have a sense of community it's just different from yours.
@@TikThots-l6l interesting how attention and community is a conflated term for you. thanks for your input, but I’ll still go back when I want to. I don’t think it’s impossible to find a community and I didn’t say it was impossible-it was just difficult for me and many others too but it can be done :)
If you are somewhat an introvert and can stay content as a lone traveller or transient resident then Japan can be good for a living for a couple years. But if you are the type of person who needs the attention of care and circle of friends then South Korea is your best bet. I know that both Japan and South Korea are quite similar in cold attitude towards strangers but South Korea tends to do better when it comes to making new friendships.
@@missplainjane3905 There's a lot more stuff to complain about other countries and other nationalities that Japan and the japanese. Japanese are overall more well mannered than pretty much everyone in the world.
@@dalandanie_ im a deep down extrovert i want to know are there any extroverts in japan? cause i wouldn’t visit a country if their all introverts and that can be a problem for me.
I might try that out sometime in the future when I'm ready :) I'd spend 2-3 weeks in a different prefecture with Family (this was prior to moving) but that's just for a holiday trip. All the opportunities are mostly in Tokyo--so it must be hard to grow a career there. Might be good for retiring though!
i speak a little--but not fluent "enough". it's still something I'm working on but the stories I mentioned in the vid are actually from my friends who are fluent (almost native level and passed N1).
It’s just the language, 95% of foreigners that study Japanese cannot even pass the 共通試験, all the foreigners that can read/write Japanese at at least this high school level love life in Japan
A friend of mine who speaks native-level Japanese but has a Chinese passport has always struggled to find a decent job even if they came from a top University and was from a prestigious course. It happened to most of their friends too. So I always understood it as more than a language barrier. Maybe white foreigners who can pass the 共通試験 can find a decent job, but any other race, I don't think so...
@@dalandanie_ I'm not white, but was offered a good job at one of the largest firms in Japan. Can you point out some gaijin on UA-cam that have passed the JLPTN1 and that could pass the high school exams that can't find a job in Japan? I'm honestly curious, because I've noticed the Japanese give us unfair amounts of opportunities just for getting to that point. There are a number of people I could name here on UA-cam from all different backgrounds that have done well in Japan once they were literate, and the only people I see complaining are those who haven't gotten to that point
Also note, 90% of people who studied Japanese in university are not competent in the language, the specific markers I pointed to are the JLPTN1 and 共通試験
@@MikhaelWebb yup, my friend passed N1 and could only find jobs that meet minimum wage. I can’t point to a specific UA-camr since I don’t watch enough, but I know real life people with those struggles. I know Filipinos too who got their masters in Japan, passed the N1, but weren’t offered any good jobs after graduating. Maybe there’s discrimination amongst Asians ? Not sure. I know they’re competent, fluent, and intelligent. But there’s still a huge struggle for them so language isn’t enough to make it for sure
For sure. Also, Japan hasn’t changed in decades. If you watch films from the 90s on Japan, it still looks exactly the same… I feel like both the people and city haven’t changed since. The people who think differently usually move abroad
@@dalandanie_ yeah. Us foreigners will never feel that we fit in. It's lonely, for sure. Not to mention the other aspects of Japan like work culture and harassments.
Perhaps 🥹! I was in Tokyo mainly because all the schools I was applying to for my masters degree were there. But I will definitely give Osaka and Okinawa a shot maybe next time! I’ve been there as a tourist for a month or so but I haven’t lived there long enough to give it a good feel.
I disagree. I think Asia or South East Asia has so many other countries to make friends and settle down there where it is fun and you can find genuine friendships. Just treat Japan as a place to visit occasionally and never really live there, just go visit as a tourist and it will be more fun.
@@joellim7010 yeah, ASEAN countries are fun but you can come to a point where you exhaust what it has to offer. I was hoping to get a better education in Japan. I went to school in the Philippines all my life and my professors told me that what I need is most likely in Japan or Singapore. Singapore is quite expensive compared to Japan that’s why I gave it a shot!
@dalandanie_ Good you didn't come to Singapore. I'm in Singapore now. Quite a shitty place too. Haha. Small, Stressful place and things here like 3 to 5 times more expensive than it's neighbouring countries!
@@joellim7010 oh wow ! I was actually reconsidering Singapore now that I work in start up and everyone is from there. What makes it “stressful”? The work culture, socialization, or both?
As a Japaneses person who lived in US for a few months, the word I would always refer to to describe my experience over there is "Chonky". They just have a totally different dietary norm from what i'm used to.
@@Eline_Meijer oh that’s funny how I give the vibe of an extrovert with my vids. In the Philippines people easily classify me as an introvert. I’m actually an INFJ 😅
He’s highly associated to the idea of it as he discusses it in his book Nausea! He doesn’t say sonder specifically in the English version, but people have come up with that neologism from the original French word
i'm not all too big on anime but I do love JJK and Attack on Titan hahaha I guess the Anime, Jpop, and Kpop conversations I have there seem quite surface level and can easily get quite tiring talking about the same things over and over >﹏
@@dalandanie_ mayb in the future you will try more anime so if you ever change your mind you can confidently go back, although i understand there are many other reason other then making friends lol
One of the issues you have, is when you're talking, you're looking over there >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>[away from the camera] when you're supposed to be looking at me, looking directly _at_ the camera. I don't mean to be an a$$hole to you, but are you camera shy or what?
@@Religious_man yeah, I’m still a bit camera shy 😅 I found that if I look directly at the lense, I blank out and lose my words. Everything I said in the video was unscripted and from the top of my head. But I’ll try to look at the camera more and prepare something for future videos. I look to the sides because my flip out camera screen is there and there’s a mirror on the other side so I end up talking to myself while I film which makes me feel more comfortable. Thanks for your suggestion! I’ll work on that for future vids 🫶
@@kzm-cb5mr I guess for the Philippines, you could say that my family comes from the higher middle class given the actual social brackets and numbers, but we’re not “rich”. I’d like to share though that my whole trip to Japan was self-funded with money I saved selling cookies during the pandemic with a brand I made called Kawaii Kookies PH. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! 🤍
Each person has a different Japan experience when living here. It really depends on you and your background. Each person has a different experience. It Doesn't mean one persons experience trumps all or vise versa. It could be awesome to live here or it could be miserable. It could be challenging. It all depends on you and your mindset. Japan IS worth living in. But true It's NOT for everyone. Thanks for sharing your story and enjoy Manilla.
@@bungalogic YES! Exactly! 🫶 I will ALWAYS love Japan especially the lessons it has taught me and the people I have come to love along the way. I share my experiences NOT to destroy the reputation of Japan, *but to further the conversation on nuances that are often overlooked with the country’s over romanticization.* All countries have its pros and cons.
Japan may not be for me right now, but it doesn’t mean I never enjoyed it, that I’ll never enjoy it, and will never be able to live there once again. Maybe when I’m older with more life experience, I’ll move back for different reasons. I’m still SO young and was a fresh graduate when I moved there. Definitely, most life experiences in your 20s are volatile.
Thanks so much for wording this so well, bungalogic !
Japan could be worth living, but not investing much of your life. Japan is good to visit or for a short term experience. After a few years in Tokyo or the South of Japan, it is clear that you will not get any genuine from Japanese people. You will never get really friends with them, they have many social problems that they brush off and put under the rug, and many times numbers are manipulated to keep them low. I wish this girl will be happy somewhere else. With international support is really difficult to find happiness, especially socially. It s safe, efficient, and we have lot of learn from Japanese people to make our societies better. But socially, emotionally, and long terms relationships? Not even in 100 years
@@saphyrionelendilion7166 hmm. I’ve lived here for almost 20 years I’m American and have invested my life here. The experience is different for each person. I don’t think it’s fair to say that all Japanese are closed to foreigners or are incapable of giving true meaningful friendships. My best mates are Japanese.
I agree with bungalogic. You can definitely forge good relationships with Japanese people. It may be difficult to find, but it’s not impossible. Let’s not generalize :)
Maybe if I stayed a bit longer, looked somewhere else (diff city perhaps?), or pursued my masters there which allowed for forced proximity, then maybe my experience would be completely different _(I say this because I think the first year moving abroad is always difficult. And I sometimes think that if I stuck it through longer, then maybe ut got better? Not sure tho until I experience it for myself.)_
I just left early mostly because I felt so alone after a major heartbreak in Tokyo and it wasn’t healthy for me to be there without family and access to my meds and therapist as someone with ADHD and depression. (That’s a detail I left out in the video)
Thank you for wishing me happiness @saphyrionelendillon7166 🥹🫶. I wish you the same! Although, I do still crave to study abroad and move somewhere since I wasn’t able to due to the pandemic years. Still considering perhaps Germany, Madrid, LA, NYC, Canada, or Tokyo!
Regarding bullying, I think it’s really bad in Asia in general (especially East Asia). If you think it’s bad in Japan (re bullying) it’s worse in Korea. Asian culture really cares about image and uses social pressure that way. Regardless, all countries have bullying that manifest in diff ways. The hiding of numbers and reality happens everywhere. I think it’s a bureaucratic thing.
For many years I romanticised Japan and consumed content written by those who did the same as me, but lately I'm coming across content like yours where those who've lived the experience are coming out and sharing the truth, the reality that we all never knew or choose to ignore. Thank you for showing a light to us all.
just sharing my experience, but take it with a grain of salt! Don’t let it stop you from visiting on your own! But thank you so much for this affirming comment it really made me happy and inspired me to do more content like this. 🥹 Working on another video this week!
I always find it impressive that people where they don't speak the language, or don't speak it well, and then ar shocked they feel lonely. What did you expect?
@ if you watched the whole video, I mention that the instances I shared were ones from my friends who are all N1 level fluent and higher. They all felt lonely too. Some are even born in Japan but have now moved to Europe the same time I left.
Well it’s from one person’s perspective. I’ve also heard the “truth” as you called it from many other foreigners who say they love living in Japan, they have good relationships, they will never leave etc. it’s not one universal truth that points only to the dark side, it depends on the person and people have different perspectives. It’s not as lonely as you think.
@@itskenlang of course, as I said in the pinned comment, it varies person to person. Just wanted to point out that my loneliness was not solely because of my lack of skill in the language. I wanted to highlight that I have friends who are fluent in N1 level or higher (which is native level) but still experience the same things as me.
The sun rises with or without Japan anyway.
That’s a beautifully true. It’s a nice reminder when I consider that I mourn because Japan was my dream country, had my dream school, and was home to a boy I really loved. Leaving after all three fell apart seemed like a way to self-preserve.
Reminds me of what Yukio Mishima said after Japan capitulated in WW2
I'm in rural japan right now making kitchen knives and every day is a struggle... Trying to hold onto a challenge but the only people i can really connect with are other foreginers... sometims within a few hours of meeting, we're relating to how difficult it is to be here
I thought it would be less harder in rural Japan but I guess not 😔 thank u so much for sharing your experience 🫶
Your experiences in Japan are similar to experiences of foreigners living in Scandinavian countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Northern Europeans in general, where people are traditionally and culturally very reserved and are introverts. Countries like the Philippines where the people are super friendly, makes you wonder if they are super friendly with good or bad intentions that makes you uncomfortable. At least the people from those reserved countries are more straight forward, genuine, trustworthy, and you feel safe. I just got back from a trip to Japan and felt 100% safe and if I were to travel to countries like the Philippines, I would always be on guard. Same when traveling in Europe where I don't have to feel as guarded when I was in Austria and Germany, and have to be guarded in Italy, France, and etc. where the people are more friendly.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! I totally understand how cultural differences in friendliness and openness can influence one’s sense of safety and trust, especially when traveling. My video, though, was more focused on the internal struggles I experienced in Japan around finding a sense of belonging and connection within a culture that places a strong emphasis on tatemae-the social harmony that can sometimes feel like a barrier to genuine connection. For me, it wasn’t about safety or trust so much as navigating a system where self-expression can be limited in favor of outward harmony, which made it challenging to feel fully seen and connected. But I can see how some people may connect reserved cultural norms with a sense of security.
Interesting how you bring up Germans in the Philippines. It made me genuinely curious so maybe I’ll ask the Germans in my office who recently moved to the Philippines a year ago what it was like for them. Any questions you wanna ask so i can film and can draw parallels with them to my experience in Japan ?
@@dalandanie_ Our friend's son in the US who is of German heritage went toschool in Germany and now lives in Germany. He said making friends with Germans was difficult because the German's friends are those they gre up with or people from the same town. A common story is expat in Europe usually ends up with another expat. In my friend's case, he ended up marrying a Russian who was going to the same school. Another thing is that people don't want to get to know you because you are foreigner, here today and gone tomorrow. In the end the most people are more comfortable with their own kind, sharing a common culture and ways of doing things. I am Asian who grew up and live in a white community. My wife is white and shared a common way of life. If I were to find an Asian partner, that would be culturally challenging for me.
i doubt some scandinaves are introverts there are extroverts too
Filipinos are def "friendly" but from what I've noticed they're really fake. They stick to their own kind a lot or to other East Asians (talking about the foreigners, the ones that are americanized are fine). Japanese are culturally reserved, but they judge a lot too. Went to Switzerland before and I never had an issue tbh, everyone was respectful and seemed genuine.
I lived and worked in the Japanese countryside for 2 years. A city with a population of 7,000 people. I took many opportunities to simply patronize local businesses. It all comes down to what compels you to act and behave and react to the world around you. I loved sitting at counters in izakayas or capsule hotels, butchering the Japanese language, yet connecting with people if only for a moment. I didn't build it up in my head and metered my expectations. I miss Japan so much. No place on the planet owes us our expectations. Every place on the planet offers opportunities for growth based on our willingness to invest in them. But eventually, you need to decide for yourself if all the parameters and variables for living in a place successfully warrant continued effort.
Sucks that Japan didn't work out for you.
Hopefully your next adventure is more fruitful
Cheers
Agree. No place on Earth owes us our expectations.
I too love izakayas and having small chats with people there
@@dalandanie_ Cheers. Best of success with the channel
Thank you for coming to Japan !!
@@KEiTA_official thank u for always having me. Been spending Christmas and new year there every year since I was 13 ❤️
@@dalandanie_
May your Christmas and New Year's be filled with happiness. 😉
@ you too!
LOL, as someone who has been living here for 2 years, I find it annoying how overly romanticized it is. People travel here for 2 weeks and think it's the second coming of the lord.
that’s soooo true. I also think it’s overly romanticized because of the overconsumption Japan has to offer. It’s also the materialism that makes it look “exciting”. So many toys, products, beauty trends, etc. it’s all exciting-but purely temporary.
@@davidpark2509 it’s a great country with many pros. It’s just not heaven like social media makes it out to be.
Not only Tokyo. Same everywhere in Japan! From Osaka ✌️
@@Hanamixto interesting! What’s your experience in Osaka like? I heard people are supposedly more friendly and honest there? Are you a grad student or working?
@ it is depressing as well in osaka. I worked here for 4 years and finally decided to leave Japan. I also have been to Tokyo for 2 years.
@@Hanamixtothanks for sharing your story and I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you 😔 are u planning to move back in a decade or so or is Japan a completely closed book for you?
I’m still contemplating trying again
@@dalandanie_ First time I came to Japan was 2016 and I was student, went back home after couple of years. In my home country I worked 3 years and decided to give one more try as a working class person in Japan. That was my second time as a full time office employee in Kansai area Japan. But it did not work well. Same people, same culture. You will be foreigner forever. This is what I learnt my dear. I suggest you to think again
🫶🏻
@ I saw your channel and correct me if I’m wrong but you’re still living in Japan? 🤍 Are u planning to leave soon given what you’ve shared? I think I’m okay being a foreigner forever but I’m wondering if the amount of effort to assimilate was worth it for you 🥹
As others have said...including you 😊 every experience is dofferent. Of course it is...for each of us are different. I think a lot of people approach Japan with their own expectations and want to be met on their own terms rather than accepting...and appreciating differences. I lived in Japan 6 months and loved every minute. Relationships grow...very few in any country are instant noodles
@@jeanettehasley7054 I think people can appreciate differences yet still be able to say that it isn’t their cup of tea 😊 Not saying Japan isn’t my cup of tea, but it was just a difficult context for me at that time. Things might change for me later on but for now, this is what I went through! I’m definitely glad that you’re loving every minute so far! I hope it stays that way! Cheers 🫶✨
@dalandanie_ I understand. You were (and are) very articulate. I wasn't countering or even disagreeing with your experience...only adding my own. I have seen others experience what you have. There are definitely layers. Some Japanese people have spoken of not being able to navigate the layers themselves.
@@jeanettehasley7054 thank you for sharing your experience and for going the extra step to comment, btw! I value healthy discourse. 🤍 I just thought from your initial comment that you implied that I struggled because of my inability to value and accept differences and that I was let down because certain expectations of mine weren’t met. I actually came in with not that much expectations, I just moved to try something new. I just wanted to make it clear that I very much value cultural diversity as someone who grew up in a city that is a melting pot of various races and cultures (Manila has Spanish, American, Japanese, Chinese influences due to colonialism and now even a lot of Korean and European influences)
Yeah idk, I’m an introvert so the thought of people not fully accepting me is kind of comforting. Just gives me more time to focus on myself and what I’m trying to do
@@stevenjacobo7853 I’m an introvert too. And I don’t except people to fully accept me. So idk 🤷♀️😅
It's funny how the Japanese like to stick to Japanese, when Japan's history is shaped by a lot of ' foreign ' influences '.
They value preserving one’s language and culture, which isn’t bad. Japan actually colonized the Philippines for a few years with the intention of making us “more Asian”
There was a lot of death and torture excused with the goal of undoing the westernization of Spain and America in my home country.
I lived in Japan and I always go there each year due to having a Japanese husband (but now lives in my home country) and his family. I tell you honestly, despite a lot of Filipinas living in Japan, I got severe depression (for not really fitting in and having to juggle a lot of things there) there and had to be under therapy .
I didn't see doing my career path in IT as sustainable in the long run there due to not liking their work culture plus it is quite expensive to live there. I went home to Cebu because I live way comfortably here, which I acknowledge it as a huge privilege to a Filipino. A lot of my things here are handed down to me from my parents, from the property and vehicles I drive and the ease of connections if things go awry.
I also brought my husband to live here and he has found a healthier work-life balance in Cebu (so do I, if you're an IT- senior level, earning in the Philippines can really be comfortable) and he ended up loving living here. It's been 4 yrs since we left Japan for the Philippines. Visiting Japan 1month max is way enough for us to reconnect with family and some friends there. I lived in Osaka btw.
Lastly, I hate Tokyo so much as being there made me have a heightened sense of claustrophobia and dread. But that's just me and my experience.
@@theboredprogrammer1114 reading your comment just felt like being warmly hugged from one Filipina to another 🥹 a lot of these comments felt invalidating but I’m glad that another Filipina like you can share experiences with us
Filipino culture is just so wildly different-and I’m glad that you and your husband found comfort back in Cebu 🤍 I’m not a big fan of Filipino culture since I’m not so chummy with people and I’m an introvert but the lack of belonging was the toughest for me.
I’m wishing you all the best for you and your family!
@@dalandanie_ I even feel invalidated by a lot of Filipinos about not liking my experiences living in Japan and being true to my opinion that it is only nice for short vacations there. I'm also far from the stereotypical extroverted Filipino but I do have a close knit family and social circle here. I don't care about being in this bubble of mine as I already had my share of stepping out of my comfort zone years ago (I'm in my mid-30s btw).
@@theboredprogrammer1114I’m so sorry you had to experience that invalidation. I’m so glad you’re here and sharing your experience-your validation and story means so much to me. I am an introvert too and it definitely doesn’t equate to being able to survive in Japan (so many haters down here who missed the point of the video haha.) I guess Philippine culture is a lot more caring and intentional talaga than in Japan. I’m not saying I didn’t experience that care and love in Japan, but it’s really so hard to come across. I felt like it was once in a blue moon to find someone who genuinely cared and shared a deep connection and understanding with. I’m glad you’re back in the Philippines with your family 🫶 I might try out Tokyo again in a few years or so (not sure. The world is big) or another country since I’m still in that experimental phase pa din 😅
On the contrary from watching Takashii from Japan interviews, I’ve heard many Americans and other foreigners say the opposite. They love living in Japan and will live there for the rest of their lives because it’s better in many ways than other countries, pros and cons considered. I wouldn’t put a blanket statement like “vacationing Japan is great but reconsider if you want to live there” because it just depends on the person. Even many foreigners have stated that because they are introverted, enjoy single life, want to be left alone, they are completely happy living in Japan. Then there are others who are happily married, with healthy social relationships with locals to an extent and also love living there all the same. Just depends on the person.
@@itskenlang I say the need to rethink not because life in Japan is terrible, but because the life people usually imagine when they go as a tourist is quite different from actually living there.
Living in Japan can definitely be amazing. I had those moments where I enjoyed (as I mentioned in the video). But the overall experience for my context and life stage just wasn’t right for me. It’s difficult (but not impossible). I challenge you to find a Filipina who’s my age and has successfully moved to Japan alone (without friends and family or a partner).
I’ve noticed that people who say that they enjoy Japan usually come from a place of racial and gender privilege. If you’re interested, I hope you can check out the concept of Intersectionality. It’s an idea that discusses how social and political identities result in unique combinations of discrimination and privilege.
The way I experience the world is through the lense of a young Filipina. I’d like to note that Filipinos are actually historically looked down upon in Japan as well (check out Japayuki to start). I’m not saying I’m always perceived as one, but that I’m also fighting stigmas as I live there-stigmas other races and genders usually don’t experience. Im not saying all Filipinas there are treated this way, but I have gone on dates where men offered me cash in exchange for something I don’t want or even offer.
There are amazing people in Japan, it was just unfortunate that I met some that made it difficult for me to “make it” in a new country.
Cheers! I hope this helps!
I love visiting Japan but I have no romanticized notion about ever living there. Firstly, the work culture is toxic. Secondly, as you said, the Japanese as a whole are hard to penetrate. It's the tatemae, it's their busy lives, but also I think there's collectiveness where if you're not Japanese, you'll never be 'in" the group.
i wouldn’t visit japan if they mistreat westerners horribly & they don’t socialize or acknowledge westerners i heard and their culture is kinda toxic i know there are homeless/slums there.
They Hate African s... gnome Saying 😂😂😂😂
out of all the countries I've been to, I think the Japanese are the most polite. they have their apprehensions but they don't act on it. they don't blatantly mistreat you unlike in the West where a lot of white people used to pick on Asians (especially during the pandemic)
i think they (Japanese) just don't match the level of openness and hospitality I as a Filipino am used to from back home (but that might be a terrible standard because Filipinos are amongst the most friendly and hospitable according to foreigners)
日本を離れたというより、東京を離れたってことね。不便な地方都市は更に暮らしにくそうだし、しょうがない。
そうです 🫶
i live in japan rn, and i used to live in the uk, and I've got to say japan is super miserable. everyone is either overworked, creeps, or just ignorant. im half, but im used to british customs, and for me its super miserable, and im getting tf out of japan as soon as i can
do you work in Japanese companies too? That’s true on the being miserable and overworked-so many of my friends don’t see themselves living there for good because of it. Living in that place is fun while you’re young but only for a short while.
@dalandanie_ I go to school (I'm only 16) but it's my first time living in a city, and seeing how miserable people are really does affect how i feel, as o believe that people shouldn't be this overworked
Go to Fukuoka. The people are much more warm than in Tokyo. I only visited, but I feel as though Fukuoka would be a good place to live if I know Japanese.
I lived there for 5 years and I can sympathize with most of what she says. Her take is a bit Tokyo-centric, though. I spent my first 3 years in a small town and the people there were very different - in a good way. Other large cities are also not as “cold” as Tokyo can be - e.g. I really like Sapporo.
I’ll probably end up retiring in Japan, actually. The work culture there is not great, but living there without having to work would be ideal - convenient and easy to get around, etc. especially if you speak the language.
@@jlindsey1991good place
(This is going to be a larger comment than I wanted it to be...)
It's unfortunate that this wasn't a good experience for you or that it wasn't for you but I'm glad you reflected on your experience. I lived and worked in Japan for a while in Osaka. Whenever I see/hear these experiences I always notice there is a commonality with everyone's explanation. You decided on Tokyo. For your own reasons as many overseas people do. As a parallel reference, I used to see many Japanese struggle in NYC and leave because it was too much for them to adapt. While it's the top city to visit it's also one of the toughest to "make it" in. I've noticed, long term residents usually do better in smaller cities and even countryside areas that are still decently populated. Also, I don't know your proficiency of Japanese which can explain a lot of these issues. I know the internet does a lot of misinformation about the language barrier.
From the beginning I've always considered this commonly used 諺（ことわざ/kotowaza/provberb）「出る釘は打たれる」/ "The hammer that sticks out gets hammered down." That will vary with how you make people perceive whether you are "that nail", or not. There is a lot of leeway with that in, "Today's Japan" compared to say 20-30 years ago. I don't know what your actions or expectations were, so I don't want to assume anything. Especially as I am certain that I am a generation or two older than you (Xennial for those that keep count). I can say from experience that Japan has socially opened even more than in the past and I didn't have a problem then either. It's dealing with a lot right now economically but that's one area it has improved especially with the global issue of "over-tourism". I supposed that my experience was one of those fortunate ones that I didn't face any impactful issues that were negative.
We definitely had opposite experiences it would seem. I didn't have any foreign friends while living/working in Japan though, they were all Japanese coworkers and people in my circle that we used to hang out at a muse. I used to even go to Gifu in the summers (most "east" I went of Osaka) and meet up with people and go to summer festivals in Takayama during Obon (I loved making soy sauce flavored rice crackers) or visit Kobe City in Hyogo and take the train to Kyoto. Honestly, before I'm too old, I've considered returning (I'm married now) and seeing if we could have a second home there no matter how small. Also, my reasons for not being in Japan were personal but not related to Japan itself. Leaving, was one of the hardest things I had to mentally overcome and had to hold back my tears when it came time.
Japan is definitely, to me, a case study in "Different strokes, for different folks."
first of all, thank you so much for your insightful comment and for taking the time to write down your thoughts well and in a constructive way
@ Thank you for being so open. Before I left Japan, I had the old Osaka grandmothers tell me this. It went like this, “You have the soul of a Japanese person. You’re just trying to find your way back home (Japan).” Arguably the most life changing thing anyone ever told me. I wonder if I will fulfill that in my life? Ahem…anyway…
You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Don’t ever give up no matter what adversities you face! You’re young still and have time to set yourself up for success!
My advice, if it’s worth anything is this. Get your JPLT to Level 2 at least (then earn your cert on Level 1). It will make you feel more confident. Language is one of the biggest barriers. Try seeking ways to either be self employed in Japan or a company that would seek a foreigner who’s willing to work/live in Japan. Sometimes import/export companies hire for example. Also, while more employment opportunities occur in large cities like Tokyo. Seek out smaller or neighboring cities and get away from Tokyo (unless you really want to be there exclusively). Osaka, Aichi, Kanagawa, and Chiba are ranked among the best prefectures to live in as a foreigner. Check those places out and see if they work better with not only opportunities but your personality and style. Fukuoka is somewhere I considered at one point because of the youthful spirit of the city and also it was named for having some of the prettiest people in Japan. But that’s just me.
Also, if you can…try to avoid other foreigners in Japan unless they are benefiting you (work or life opportunities). It’s easy to get distracted and comfortable talking to people that are on a similar journey, especially in English. In the end, it doesn’t help you though. You have to sort of “isolate” yourself from them and focus on developing real relationships with Japanese people. It seems “weird”, I know but that’s why you’re there in the first place. Use your interests and join an interest. I don’t care if it’s Ikebana, Dance, Karaoke, Cooking, Kendo, Riichi Mahjong, Anime, Video Games or even Airsoft Gun Surival Game. Form circles so you have a way to socialize with others when you have free time. You will feel so much better for it.
Hope this advice helps open your perspective to other opportunities! ✌🏻
@@blackknight597 thanks so much for your words and advice 🤍 will definitely consider this when I try to revisit Japan as a place to live! I’ll try to apply to schools outside of Tokyo for a masters degree as well 🫶
I do hope you make it back in Japan!
You are never going to get the attention you want to get in a country like Japan, so don't go back. They have a sense of community it's just different from yours.
@@TikThots-l6l interesting how attention and community is a conflated term for you. thanks for your input, but I’ll still go back when I want to. I don’t think it’s impossible to find a community and I didn’t say it was impossible-it was just difficult for me and many others too but it can be done :)
If you are somewhat an introvert and can stay content as a lone traveller or transient resident then Japan can be good for a living for a couple years. But if you are the type of person who needs the attention of care and circle of friends then South Korea is your best bet. I know that both Japan and South Korea are quite similar in cold attitude towards strangers but South Korea tends to do better when it comes to making new friendships.
@ I actually am an extreme introvert haha. But South Korea does sound nice! Not sure if I can survive with the beauty standards and social pressure 😬
@@missplainjane3905 There's a lot more stuff to complain about other countries and other nationalities that Japan and the japanese. Japanese are overall more well mannered than pretty much everyone in the world.
@@dalandanie_
im a deep down extrovert i want to know are there any extroverts in japan? cause i wouldn’t visit a country if their all introverts and that can be a problem for me.
Interesting video. I’m wondering how different your experiences could have been if you stayed outside of Tokyo for longer periods of time.
I might try that out sometime in the future when I'm ready :) I'd spend 2-3 weeks in a different prefecture with Family (this was prior to moving) but that's just for a holiday trip. All the opportunities are mostly in Tokyo--so it must be hard to grow a career there. Might be good for retiring though!
Just curious, do you speak their language?
i speak a little--but not fluent "enough". it's still something I'm working on but the stories I mentioned in the vid are actually from my friends who are fluent (almost native level and passed N1).
It’s just the language, 95% of foreigners that study Japanese cannot even pass the 共通試験, all the foreigners that can read/write Japanese at at least this high school level love life in Japan
America functions the same way, US corporations for example are far less inclined to hire someone for white collar work if they are illiterate
A friend of mine who speaks native-level Japanese but has a Chinese passport has always struggled to find a decent job even if they came from a top University and was from a prestigious course. It happened to most of their friends too. So I always understood it as more than a language barrier.
Maybe white foreigners who can pass the 共通試験 can find a decent job, but any other race, I don't think so...
@@dalandanie_ I'm not white, but was offered a good job at one of the largest firms in Japan. Can you point out some gaijin on UA-cam that have passed the JLPTN1 and that could pass the high school exams that can't find a job in Japan?
I'm honestly curious, because I've noticed the Japanese give us unfair amounts of opportunities just for getting to that point. There are a number of people I could name here on UA-cam from all different backgrounds that have done well in Japan once they were literate, and the only people I see complaining are those who haven't gotten to that point
Also note, 90% of people who studied Japanese in university are not competent in the language, the specific markers I pointed to are the JLPTN1 and 共通試験
@@MikhaelWebb yup, my friend passed N1 and could only find jobs that meet minimum wage. I can’t point to a specific UA-camr since I don’t watch enough, but I know real life people with those struggles.
I know Filipinos too who got their masters in Japan, passed the N1, but weren’t offered any good jobs after graduating.
Maybe there’s discrimination amongst Asians ? Not sure. I know they’re competent, fluent, and intelligent. But there’s still a huge struggle for them so language isn’t enough to make it for sure
No 1 cardinal rule
NEVER EVER CRITICIZE JAPAN 🇯🇵 😅
Overly romanticized due to the media and other tourist. Also, Japan is like living in modern tech and at the same time living in old traditional way.
For sure. Also, Japan hasn’t changed in decades. If you watch films from the 90s on Japan, it still looks exactly the same… I feel like both the people and city haven’t changed since. The people who think differently usually move abroad
@@dalandanie_ yeah. Us foreigners will never feel that we fit in. It's lonely, for sure. Not to mention the other aspects of Japan like work culture and harassments.
@@cas9007 work is terrible, indeed. Also much worse for women. The M shaped employment curve still exists today 😔
All android devices everywhere. Not modern talk as you say.
You're the type that should've lived in Osaka or Okinawa because your energy is too bright and warm ✨️
Perhaps 🥹! I was in Tokyo mainly because all the schools I was applying to for my masters degree were there. But I will definitely give Osaka and Okinawa a shot maybe next time! I’ve been there as a tourist for a month or so but I haven’t lived there long enough to give it a good feel.
I disagree. I think Asia or South East Asia has so many other countries to make friends and settle down there where it is fun and you can find genuine friendships. Just treat Japan as a place to visit occasionally and never really live there, just go visit as a tourist and it will be more fun.
@@joellim7010 yeah, ASEAN countries are fun but you can come to a point where you exhaust what it has to offer. I was hoping to get a better education in Japan. I went to school in the Philippines all my life and my professors told me that what I need is most likely in Japan or Singapore. Singapore is quite expensive compared to Japan that’s why I gave it a shot!
@dalandanie_ Good you didn't come to Singapore. I'm in Singapore now. Quite a shitty place too. Haha. Small, Stressful place and things here like 3 to 5 times more expensive than it's neighbouring countries!
@@joellim7010 oh wow ! I was actually reconsidering Singapore now that I work in start up and everyone is from there. What makes it “stressful”? The work culture, socialization, or both?
As a Japaneses person who lived in US for a few months, the word I would always refer to to describe my experience over there is "Chonky". They just have a totally different dietary norm from what i'm used to.
@@lw4423 I’ve never lived in the USA but thanks for sharing your experience!
You are wayyyy extroverted for japan
@@Eline_Meijer oh that’s funny how I give the vibe of an extrovert with my vids. In the Philippines people easily classify me as an introvert. I’m actually an INFJ 😅
Was it a book by Jean-Paul Sartre where he talked about sonder?
He’s highly associated to the idea of it as he discusses it in his book Nausea! He doesn’t say sonder specifically in the English version, but people have come up with that neologism from the original French word
Osaka is Really the BEST!
I heard lack of shared interest, bonding over anime should be enough though right? Lolol if you love anime should be a fever dream
i'm not all too big on anime but I do love JJK and Attack on Titan hahaha
I guess the Anime, Jpop, and Kpop conversations I have there seem quite surface level and can easily get quite tiring talking about the same things over and over >﹏
@@dalandanie_ mayb in the future you will try more anime so if you ever change your mind you can confidently go back, although i understand there are many other reason other then making friends lol
One of the issues you have, is when you're talking, you're looking over there >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>[away from the camera] when you're supposed to be looking at me, looking directly _at_ the camera. I don't mean to be an a$$hole to you, but are you camera shy or what?
@@Religious_man yeah, I’m still a bit camera shy 😅 I found that if I look directly at the lense, I blank out and lose my words. Everything I said in the video was unscripted and from the top of my head. But I’ll try to look at the camera more and prepare something for future videos. I look to the sides because my flip out camera screen is there and there’s a mirror on the other side so I end up talking to myself while I film which makes me feel more comfortable. Thanks for your suggestion! I’ll work on that for future vids 🫶
Ok
rich girl view of life
Be gone
Poor boy judgement 😂
It's true... you could easily surmise that she's from an affluent background.
@@kzm-cb5mr I guess for the Philippines, you could say that my family comes from the higher middle class given the actual social brackets and numbers, but we’re not “rich”. I’d like to share though that my whole trip to Japan was self-funded with money I saved selling cookies during the pandemic with a brand I made called Kawaii Kookies PH.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! 🤍