Culture Clash: Foreigner Joins Japanese Neighborhood Association!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- I had barely unpacked my belongings in my new house in Japan, when there was a knock on the door from the 'Street Boss'. This video talks about moving into my house in Japan and getting a surprise with the local 'Chonaikai' system here in Japan.
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#livinginjapan #akiya #movingtojapan #japan
Message from Japanese guy. Joining the chonaikai is not mandatory but if You refuse it, You are considered barbarian. If You don't like taking part in local events, You can skip it. Don't Worry! As long as You pay fee, nobody accuse you.
Do all neighborhoods have this kind of thing? Or just certain ones?
What’s the typical fee amount?
@@edaumaysol This system exists all over Japan but in urban areas the pressure of joining it is weak. Even if You refuse it, You are not stand out because many people do same as You. But if You live in countryside, I recommend to join it to avoid conflict with local people and accept the payment is a kind of tax. "Retired people who move to county side from Tokyo ignore local customs and cause troubles with neighbor" is a common story here in Japan.
@@CAsaidit From my experience, the average payment is 20-30 USD per year.
Participation in neighborhood associations is a civic duty in Japan and is practiced nationwide. It’s important to note that it is a duty, not a right. Tasks such as cleaning garbage disposal sites, other environmental beautification efforts, fire and crime prevention patrols, organizing traditional local festivals, cherry blossom viewing, bazaars, sports festivals, and cultural events are all undertaken by the “neighborhood association.” In particular, those who do not participate in cleaning the garbage disposal sites are denied access. (In that case, they must take their garbage to the disposal site themselves.)
For example, in the event of a fire, fire engines typically arrive in about 10 minutes, but the local volunteer fire brigade usually arrives sooner and carries out rescue operations. Also, in cases of missing persons or crimes, the “neighborhood association” takes the lead in patrolling. Of course, the police and fire departments also exist, but as a community self-policing system, where everyone knows each other as neighbors, these rooted community activities contribute to the prevention of incidents and their early resolution. Another important point is in the event of a disaster. The neighborhood association, in collaboration with the administration, is always prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis, verifying locations and the number of people using the neighborhood association’s roster, guiding to shelters, and conducting evacuation drills. Especially for those living alone who need assistance, the neighborhood association assigns someone to check on their well-being. It’s reassuring to know that this person will knock on the door and say, ‘Let’s evacuate together!’
@edaumaysol
Being called "The street boss" is more than enough reason to join. That's really cool.
Not necessarily, sounds like a way for some people to abuse their position and be like a HOA Karen or a HOA Nazi.
Everyone is surprised by how clean and safe the streets are in Japan and this is thanks to this type of people (neighborhood association) it is a good teamwork to keep the community in harmony, these types of things are what make it special In Japan, it is difficult to find something like this in other countries and that is what makes the difference, that is, everyone wants the good things about Japan: cleanliness, security, harmony, peace, education, good values, etc... but few have the discipline to do so. make those nice things happen
I agree, it’s really a team effort 👏
That street boss scared me enough to go outside and clean my gutters! 😂😂😂
😅
To be honest the editing right now is quite good, very easy viewing and natural.
The editing of your videos flows really well. You are doing really well and have a natural talent. Your videos are really informative and fun to watch. Please enjoy another of those delicious looking crepes with my thanks! I’m heading to visit family that I’ve never met before tomorrow morning in Okinawa. Your video was exactly what I needed to see before I head off! Keep up the great work from a fellow Aussie!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support. I hope your family visit to Okinawa goes well ❤️
This is much better than the American Home Owner’s Association (HOA). Everyone working together to make the neighborhood clean and safe. Thanks for an interesting video!
a key difference between the American HOA is that it's existence and the compulsory membership and dues are built into the property covenant which is why it passes to a new owner with the deed. In Japan, you can choose to join or not. Also the spirit of the two are different.
What a gem of a video topic and the skit’s documentary/humerous style…truly entertaining 😁. You have a knack for this YT world!
I was so nervous when she came to the house 😅
Its great hearing the Aussie accent instead of a US or UK one. Just a change when it comes to the majority of videos on Japan, love how down to earth you are😊
Congratulations on your adventures in Japan. Vienna, Lucy and I send our warmest wishes. So happy you’re living your dream! Cindy smith
Oh wow! Hi Cindy 😃Say a big hello to the girls for me❤️Thanks for the support as well. 👋
I am a retired gal, but when I built my "retirement" home, one of the things I investigated was the Home Owners' Association of the subdivision where I was going to build. Many of the residents are retirees , like myself, and the rules and regulations are very much in line with "our" way of life, i.e., maintained property, landscaping, etc. I agree with you.....joining the home owners' association is a good thing (if reasonably priced). P.S. My work life was internationally focused, and I had the great opportunity to work in Perth, Australia. Lovely community and local folks! The only time I was in Japan was on lay-overs at Nariita International Airport on my way to and from work assignments. P.PS. I, thoroughly, enjoy your videos. You are doing a tremendous job! Keep up the good work! 'Til next time! 👍👏🥰
I think the chounaikai is very different from a Homeowners' Association (which in my experience in the US is designed to ensure resale value, consistency in colors and the kinds of things allowed in your yard etc. The chounaikai is about public spaces and shared, lived experiences in the "chou".
Thanks so much 👋
The Chonaikai is very common, and is a must to get contacts with the neighborhood. I had the experience in both Tokyo and now living in the countryside...
When you opened your front door and the way you said the Japanese name of the neighborhood boss...for a second, it was giving dangerous sounding gang or something, type vibes! Lol! Your area is so nice and I loved the video.
Thanks!
Thanks so much ❤️
The best insights and such a real perspective on your new life - no fluff! Another great video Chani.
Thanks so much!
Wow I really like the idea of the community group keeping things in order. Looks like you are settling in nicely. The library and beach looked amazing.
10:52 I'm surprised it says "Glück" on your cup because that's the german word for "luck" :)
I'm loving your vlogs, they make me want to visit Japan one day as well!
Yes- I noticed that word as well and wondered how it tied into the name of the place. 😄
Oh wow!
This is such a gem of a video Chani. :) Valuable and super interesting topic that I haven't seen covered before! I don't know if I will ever move to japan (the heat would likely kill a nordic like myself) But I am looking forward to do a longer visit in the near future... Here in Sweden when we buy apartments, we become a member of the "housing association", and we don't really own the apartment itself but rather a percentage of the compound. We often have shared areas and services, like a shared laundry room, bicycle storage, recycling station, garden, playground, barbecue area etc... Before you can own your share you need to get accepted by the house association (it's pretty much a formality) but you kind of feel like your being accepted into the grandma mafia. :D Honestly, it's great. I love the elderly house association members. They have a lot of time, and are also very committed in making well-informed decisions regarding for the prosperity of the apartment complex, both for us that live there in the here and now as well as for future generations. I bet the Japanese grandmas are the same... looking out to make the neighborhood tidy and nice for its residence as well as making it pleasant for future generations :)
I had no idea. Thanks for sharing what goes on in your country. 😊
Yes they are similar. Very kind but keep a keen eye on what’s going on 👀
I am really enjoying your content! I hope you keep going!!
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks so much for your support ❤️
I live in New Zealand but I'm half Japanese and half German. I have really enjoyed watching your videos.
You are amazing at DIY, and have a very beautiful/soothing voice. I was thinking you would be great at ASMR and voice-overs.
Thank you! 😃 I had to google what ASMR is. I’d never heard it before.
Wow, that’s a wonderful way to get to know your community. I would have been terrified having someone bowling up to the house, but your acceptance of the rules, and the fact that they will have you as boss in 7 years actually sounds like a really cool thing❤️❤️
What an awesome library! You choose a really nice area. I am falling in love with that neighborhood. The karaoke bar you went to in another video looked so fun. People seemed really down to earth.
Thank you so much!
Clean quiet streets, almost empty trains, beach just a short ride away, being able to speak the language, wow Chani you are living my dream 😂
(Omg i cant remember anymore when the last time i saw the beach)
At 43 i feel i'm left behind on technology and social media. But here you are learning editing.
Rooting for you! 🎉
Stumbled upon your videos a few weeks back. You are living what I wish I could do, but my kids are still in school here in Australia. So we make do with yearly visits to Japan. Your videos are good. I teach High school Film &Television near Brisbane, and have done for 23years. Happy to help with any premiere pro questions, but you seem to be doing just fine. Looking forward to more videos. Loving the content.
Thanks so much for your kind offer 😃
Love your life outlook. Videos are great.. So happy that you and Millie are enjoying the lifestyle. "Living the dream"as we say in FNQ.
Michael ,Cairns.
Thanks so much Michael 👋
Super happy you did this video because on the tiny chance I ever get to fulfil my dream of living in Japan, I would straight up be terrified if the Grandma Mafia showed up and invited themselves in if I didn't know to expect it 😮😅
I had no idea this was a think over there; HOAs are such a foreign concept to me, as I'm Canadian living in the ghetto and have only heard of it from Americans complaining about it online. Great content as usual! Extra love for getting to see kitty on the chair looking out the window! 😍
Grandma mafia 🤣Love it!!!
My monthly mortgage costs $700. My monthly HOA fee is $450! If you don’t pay the HOA fee, they will put a LIEN on your house and you will be in their hands. Also, nothing other than white color can be seen from your window. You can have red curtain on the inside, they don’t care. I think I will move to Japan in the near future. I need a community. They say active social life helps prevent dementia and isolation make you die early. Street Boss! Here I come 😊
Chaniさん、いつも楽しく見させてもらってます！
自分は元は淡路島の出身ですが、身内が和歌山に住んでいるので和歌山には何度か訪れたことがあります。今度、加太や友が島に行ってみたいと思います。
動画内の魚の電車広告について気になって南海電鉄のHPを見たんですが、加太は鯛(タイ sea bream)が有名らしく、「おめでたい」と「愛でたい」が
組み合わさってできたそうです。広告のキャッチコピーのために作った特別な表現で、ダジャレの意味に納得しました😅
愛でたい❤️ ありがとう😊
thank you fore all of your super videos about Japan. i wood love to go ther one time. 😍
Love your videos as always!
I like how you call it 'Street Boss' haha
My boyfriend became the 'Street Boss' recently in his area of Wakayama and he's been going around to his neighbour's homes as well 🤣
Oh wow!
Oh what a beautiful coffee place you found there. In the summer I'm often at the kataonami beach, i do have to go get some coffee at Glück some time🤗
You are really close! I have been to Marina city but didn’t go to Kataonami. I should check it out 😃
@@ChaniJapan Yeah you should definitely it's a really nice calm beach, even in the main season it's not getting to full 🙂
Thank you for making these videos. I'm planning to stay in Japan for a year on a working holiday visa later this year as a test run to be 100% sure I would be happy living in Japan, with the thought of eventually making it my permanent home, so videos like these that give me an insight into the daily life of a foreigner living in Japan, and the things people should expect, are incredibly helpful for me. Keep up the good work!
that's a wonderful insight you can only truly understand from first hand experience, no matter where in the world you are. thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you for sharing your trip to the Wakayama Library and to Isonoura (sp?). I look forward to watching your videos as the Street Boss in a few years. I think that it will be great edutainment!
Chani, this is a very interesting video today. Loved the tour of the beautiful library and showing us how easy it is to get around by train. Your discussion of your neighborhood association is so useful. Thank you.
Please take your time preparing for your language classes. It is so gracious of you to offer this opportunity to your fans.
Thank you so much!
Hi Chani - I love this idea of the chonaikai! It’s community spirit. It fosters responsibility and mutual respect and watching out for one another. It keeps the place safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone in the community. It’s not just watching out for one’s own interest but that of others as well. And if communities thrive than the country thrives too. Sure Japan has its problems like any other country in the world. But I believe it is this strong community spirit (& the fact that it is taken quite seriously here) that sets it worlds apart from other countries in terms of keeping the country safe, clean and orderly for its citizens and visitors alike. One of the main reasons I love ❤️ Japan 😊!
That train the sea was very cool! Japan has so many cute and interesting things. Great to see that library also. Help me remember to call you Boss in seven years. 😅
Will do!
Milliy is a treasure. Also love your local beach - Japan has been looking appealing for some time - will buy another Lotto ticket this week! Thanks for your calm, fascinating wisdom and for sharing your lifestyle with us.
Good luck! I hope you win and come visit the beautiful local sights 😃👋
awesome video chani and super helpful 🌻
my doorbell rang while the moving truck was still being unloaded ahaha
luv your work 🥝
Oh no! Surprise 😮
Chani, thank you so much for this video! I know a lot of people have made similar comments, but the amount of detail you provide on day-to-day living in Japan is so helpful! I’ve lived in Japan before and have visited regularly over the years but had never heard of this! I’ve recently discovered your channel and am going through your back log - I’d really enjoy similar videos on other aspects of your life there that people take for granted. There are not a lot of UA-camrs who are addressing this - it is really niche content. All the best for the summer period :)
Thanks so much 👋
Another fascinating insight into daily life in Japan Chani. Thank you! Lovely to see Milly looking so playful too!
Happy to hear the language course is happening! Have really enjoyed your videos and the insightful content. So great to see and a fascinating look into life in a smaller Japanese town. Thank for the efforts and time creating this channel!
Yay! I love that you're close to the beach. Thanks for taking us along and i'm looking forward to your language course!
Chani, I live in HI and love your vids. Of course I want to visit Japan but I’m not thrilled with visiting Tokyo for too long. I love the countryside and beach. Can you share some hidden gems to visit?
i had never heard of these associations. Thanks for the info. Just subscribed to your online classes, I'm learning already!
Wonderful! I’m so glad you joined 😃
I’ve enjoyed every one of your videos. Great job with the filming and editing. As I watch, I try to put myself in your shoes to try imagining how I would like living in Japan. I love Japan, but I’m much too old to consider living there. I’ll just enjoy it vicariously watching your videos.
昨年イギリス🇬🇧に移住しましたが、私のホームタウンなので懐かしく拝見しました。
磯の浦までよくウォーキングしました😊
和歌山ライフを楽しんでください❤
Great work Chani. I'm writing from Mitchelton, Brisbane. My wife and I are dreaming about retirement in Japan. I have a friend in Kishiwada and have looked at Wakayama! All the best and keep these videos coming!
I think that Neighborhood Associations are a great idea if they run properly. If you are new to the country, then I think that it makes perfect sense. You can get to meet new people and hopefully make some friends 😊. Thank you Chani for another excellent video. Love and hugs to Millie 😻🫶
🐱
Seriously, I'm so happy I found this channel. 😄I didn't know how real this was. I had watched it happen in an Anime called "From Yakuza to House Husband". Although it had a very humorus approach. But it seems to be very accurate.
I want to see that. It sounds good!
It's amazing how you can understand the Japanse language so well in person! It's still a bit fast for me but I'm picking up more words and sentences structures the more I go. I'm currently studying Japanses and using numerous resources on UA-cam and outside apps. My love for Japan has really grown for some time now and I figured I go back to learning it. I really hope to go back to Japan one day❤
I really like this idea of having a 'street warden', particularly for the fact that it helps everyone bond more, especially if you're new to the area. I'm in the UK, and there's a handful of neighbours I'll chat to briefly, if I head out somewhere while they're also out, but it's only on occasion.
Thanks for taking up along to the beach and showing us more of where you live! Beautiful area.
Glad you enjoyed it
Hello from Oregon! Enjoy your videos. I attended college in Tokyo over 45 years ago, for three years. Things have changed!
I grew up in Tokyo, 1957 to 1980’s. I think designated street boss is better than one nosy n bossy neighbor! Hee, hee… thanks much for your video! My “step mother” was from Wakayama!
What a good idea to have a neighbourhood group like that! The beach is beautiful!
It really is!
Your Japanese is sooo good!!! Very fluent ❤🎉
Thank you ❤️
I'm falling in love with Japan. Very good. I love your content. Keep it up my dear friend.
Such an organisation seems like a great thing to join, for such a small fee you get to know your neighbourhood alot more, meet new people, be part of events which obviously will need you to communicate and use your Japanese skills and hopefully make friends through it.
The beach looked like a great area and i love the themed train with the handles.
In my neighbourhood, the job of community head, or as you said, 'street boss', is a one-year commitment. In our case, my wife became the head of the neighbourhood for the fiscal year after we moved in. There are many retired people in my neighbourhood, and strangely enough, after being in the neighbourhood for the past 20 years, she hasn't yet had to repeat the job.
Enjoyed the video! This was the nicest beach I have seen in Japan for sure. And the fish train made me smile 😊
Thank you! 😃
This is the first time I've heard of 町内会 . We got a similar version of it in Norway. But it's not common for every street, mostly in areas where its terraced houses and areas with semi-detached houses. It's getting more and more common to have a group for residential blocks too.
There's no fee to join either.
Edit : Thank you for posting this video! It was educational.
I am in love with the fish train!!! 🐠🐡🦀🪼🐙 I love the maze as well and would have tried it too! lol! What a lovely place to live, Chani!
Thanks so much
What a gorgeous library! I'd be there all the time. The neighbourhood association sounds like they keep you quite busy. It seems a very good way to meet new people. Have you made some friends?
Yes. I’ve met some lovely people here in Wakayama 😀
That beach is lovely! I'm in Japan too, about 10 minutes by foot from the beach.
Thankyou Chani, what an interesting concept of having a neighbourhood association, I can see many positives. Can you please keep us updated with events that happen under this group? Love watching you travelling on the trains, always seems so clean & neat, compared to what we have in Australia. Also like see the food you buy, love & blessings to you & Millie😻
Thank you, I will keep you posted if anything happens.
I love your journeys😊 I idolize how you have immersed yourself in your community 😊. You’re filling your life with adventures and I applaud you!😊
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for sharing. I'm very much enjoying your style of showing around the area while telling a story. Unique and entertaining!
Glad you like them!
You're amazing Chani! Keep it up!! ❤ - Saludos from Colombia
Thank you so much!!
@@ChaniJapan Thank you for your content!
10:48 Is the owner of the cafe possibly German? The word "Glück" on the mango juice is German and means "luck". I'm from Germany and I love Japan. I also love Australia. When I was 15, I always wanted to emigrate to Australia, specifically to Queensland or Darwin in the Northern Territory. I really like your videos. Good Glück 😃 in your new home Japan.
Thanks
Thanks so much ❤️
I really enjoy watching your videos. They remind me of my childhood spent in Tokyo with my parents and brothers in the 1980s. I was very sad when we had to leave and Japan, it's people and culture always remained close to my heart.
By the way: The name of the cafe at Wakayama beach 'Glück' is German and translates to luck/ fortune ❤
I was really worried what was going to happen in the video when you said a Street Boss showed up at your house.... :O Glad you had a wonderful day at the beach, its so beautiful.
Your videos are beautiful! I jump to watch as soon as I see one in UA-cam!
And news flash! I'm visiting Tokyo later this summer for the first time!
Have fun!
You're house is nice, please give us another tour. You are doing a wonderful job. ❤
Thank you! Will do!
I thought that was a bookstore, not a library. It is pretty cool to see so many people there.
Thanks for sharing your insights! I wish you could provide Japanese subtitles as I really wanted to catch what the librarian’s conversation.
I appreciate the scary music at the beginning… it really set the scene for the street boss :) Another great video, as usual!! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I admire you so much ❤❤❤ What an amazing life plot twist. Also, I have a cat called Millie too ✨ Hi from Argentina.
Wonderful video. Thank you for showing us around and explaining neighborhood association.
I LOVE how respectful you are in your town especially in Japan. 🇯🇵🇯🇵 I’ve seen a video where if you forgo certain manners in Japan you can get away with it, and that’s not right at all. You never know who’s watching. Also, can you do a video on haunted 👻 apartments in Japan? It’s these apartments where you can get a discount if you choose to stay in a haunted one. 👻👻👻
Wow very interesting and the first I’ve heard of this as well!!! Omg in seven years you’re gonna be a boss 😊
Another fun video. I am so impressed with your adjustment to your surroundings. Your video editing is really good. You can be proud !! 😃
Thanks so much!
Mrs BH too, is hooked to your channel now, so you must be doing something right. Here's to the next chapter!
I've heard of Neighbour Hood association in Japan, however, I lived in an apartment building and there was an Apaato Bozu.
This was a wonderful peek behind the curtain... loved it! You are doing a great job of giving us a new view of life. You had me a Street Boss! New goal in life. Hahaha
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another lovely video! I made coffee and put three biscuits on a plate before I sat down to watch.I wanted to savor every minute and held off watching until I was ready to have my morning coffee. Your videos are packed full of information and many of your floral and scenic shots are feasts for the senses. Off topic: You could well pass for the younger sister of my best friend who looks nearly identical to you (when she was your age) except for being a brunette. Initially I could not figure out why I had such a friendly, warm feeling in me the first time I saw you in a video and then I realized it was the very familiar face! 🥰
Very interesting, and it’s probably a good idea to be part of the group. It appears to operate much like the Body Corporate Chairperson in our block of 21 flats. Some are owner/occupiers and the rest are renting. But to encourage people to be sensible about recycling and to be respectful of all in our homes certainly throws up some odd behaviour. One chap put a whole case, divided into about 6 boxes of 6 bottles into the rubbish bin. I took it out and stood it by the recycling bins. I have no real power to change his awareness of recycling. Love it that you’re so close to the ocean, for an Australian it’s such a joy. I noticed that the sign on the Mango juice you wee drinking was the word ‘Glück which is German for happy and/or Lucky!
I love that the cafe is called Lucky 😃
Your video editing is already great! I love hearing about your days
Thanks so much 😊
私の町では朝6時からエリア毎に協力して道の掃除や草刈りをしています。単身の高齢者もいるので健康の確認や関係性を築くことにとても良いシステムだと思います。しかし、若い頃はそういった付き合いや作業がとても面倒だと思っていました。
I agree, as I get older, I really appreciate being more connected with my neighbourhood!
The train decor is amazing!🐠🌊
It really is!
This was so interesting - it’s nice how organized and welcoming the neighborhood is. Loved seeing the library, themed train and beach. Your town and surrounding area is lovely!
Thanks for watching
Cafe Glück - that's so sweet. It seems that giving cafes German names is quite a thing in Japan, I came across a Cafe "Neue Liebe" once, and funny enough there is one with the same name in Düsseldorf (where there are a lot of Japanese people).
Hi Chani thanks for the update regarding the language tutoring looking forward to it thanks Joe from wa
No worries!
Really nice beach! Reminds me of the beaches here in Hawaii. Here in Hawaii, we have something called "Kumiai" which is similar to a neighborhood association.
This was so interesting, also a new concept for me. Thanks for telling about it! I wish I had a surfing spot in my back yard ahhh... I even live close to the coast, but the wind is not good enough and it's too cold here in Denmark 🥶
Wow the library is beautiful and inviting!
It really is!
Thank you so much for this information, it is very helpful. My dream is to retire in Japan preferably the countryside.
This was so interesting! Watching your videos on Fridays has fast become part of my daily routine. 😀 Hope you continue to grow your channel and share!
Thank you for all your support. Very appreciated ❤️
I absolutely Love your videos, and learning about your life in Japan. A plus, all the way! xoxo
Yay! Thank you!
I'm a Japanese individual residing in the countryside, and while there are slight variations in the "chonaikai" system depending on the region, it appears to be generally consistent. To be honest, when I was young and living alone, I didn't fully appreciate the benefits, but now that I've started a family and grown older, I've come to find these systems incredibly valuable.
For instance, while Japan has earned recognition as a "clean country" due to education efforts, we mustn't overlook the importance of community values ingrained in our culture.