Your soul beautiful to even remember a friend and reached out to find her ,you found her married with addition lil friends Thank you for sharing this should encourage others to do the same thou every ending might not be the same I absolutely love this❤❤❤❤❤👑
CBC Docs thank you for sharing the story of the true friendship between Jessica and Fukue! I’m from Japan, and while waiting this video, I cried so much with joy! Good job, Jessica for finding her! She is so lucky to have you as a best friend! I had a pen pal from Connecticut when I was in high school... I wish I could find Rhonda!
I don't think the romantic type of love is special. And I am started to think that the romantic type of love isn't real. I mean about more than half of romantic couples either break up with each other or divorce each other, while most platonic best friends remain friends until death. Also, most people are pretty much comfortable enough to be naked around someone and have sex with someone that they have no romantic feelings towards. So sex isn't really a thing about romance. I think that having a platonic best friend is a lot better than having a romantic partner or spouse is. Having someone who's like a sibling to you is a lot better than having a romantic partner is. Also, you would more likely be much closer to a person who's like a brother or sister to you than you would be with a partner or spouse. People tend to fight with their partner or spouse a lot more than they do with a platonic best friend, and you never fight with your best friend the way you fight with your partner or spouse. Partners and spouses are just temporary. If you break up or divorce them, it's hard to go back to them. With your platonic best friend, you're going to make things work, because they are your best friend, they are your go to partner. It's always easier to make amends with them than it is with a romantic partner or spouse.
Funny thing is, i felt weird at the thought of her Fukue seeing a story about it before I found her and got in touch, cause they gave the story soooo much press, which I didn’t expect at all! It all worked out tho 🤗
Ah yes this reminded me of a fun girl last time I was playing WoW (7 years ago), she said she was going to the army and no news since. While writing this I didn't realize it was actually 7 years ago (summer 2013) lol so this matches perfectly what you said 😄
Of course the school has all the yearbooks. It's not like the principal himself kept them in his own personal possession. Just like ANY school, you can find ALL of the yearbooks. It's nothing out of the ordinary. Every school keeps records of their history, students, faculty, and beyond. Same exact situation at my elementary school.
Yeah, the fact he took time off to help this lady find a long lost friend. I doubt they'd do that in the states...probably not even return a phone call. I love Japanese culture for such niceties as that but unfortunately they also have bullying like every country. In a way it might make kids more resilient and grateful to still form friendships. The Jessica was probably viewed as an oddity and Fukue sensing their being mutual "outsiders" chose to try to get to know her and their friendship blossomed. That is scary when you lose touch with someone, you fear they are dead, lost your contact info and moved away and will never be found again...So awesome the news people were there to also help find Fukue. Yeah, probably since it is a small town and this westerner musician who came back would make the story all the more compelling for locals.
@@miameow4833 "I doubt they'd do that in the states" Ummm a TV opportunity for the school and the Principal for something positive? I doubt you'd find a US school that would pass that up lmao.
Adam Eves yes it is out of the ordinary because I was a librarian and we keep a clean not written in copy of every year. The one he had was his personal one with all the children’s special writings in it!
Fukue was bullied in school, yet she was so important to 1 person that after so many years and no contact this 1 person flew across the world to find her again. How beautiful! Never doubt how special you are Fukue
san t I know that was the most beautiful part. Fukue thought nobody cared about her but that reassured her that people did even to this day. To go to those lengths to reunite. Both of them are wonderful human beings.
How can people get those C words mixed up? She loved her bff.. they picked each other at the darkest times and she wanted to know if she was ok due to her horrible childhood... pep are just mean n miserable
That picture is so iconic. I feel like this story should be preserved somewhere. It's just beautiful, like something you would read in a book. Friends from completely different backgrounds, formed a bond so strong during their childhood, that when they became adults, one of them did as much as she could to meet her friend again.
If you quit or stop going to school, it’s not the end of the world. Parents should not push their children hard to go to school when they say they don’t want to go.
@billyfromtheusa TBF the stuff people experience in prison goes way beyond bullying at that point they're fighting for their lives. I have yet to see a Facebook post stab anyone the face yet.
@@ennyuiui It is NEVER your fault if you are bullied. I'm so glad it built up your character and that you were able to confront your bully. But for many people, bullying ruins their whole childhood. Schools should NEVER tolerate it.
Imagine leaving such a positive impression on someone's life that they never forget you, even years and years later. Think we should all try and do that :)
Yea I was borned in Pakistan and I had so much fun with my best friend, when we'll go back to Pakistan I'll surprise my best friend it would be sad if he moved to a different country.
@@JayRuiz-jm8yk I have a half-sister I haven't seen since I was 10 years old she was 20 and now I'm 60 and she 70 I finally found her on Facebook he lives in California I live in Las Vegas 5 hours away from each other 🥰🥰😍
@Ken narville if you wish to be left alone don't leave inflammatory comments in a place that will be seen. How old are you by way? I'm guessing you are a young person. I don't know what you have against the Japanese but it could have been India, Germany, etc. where her parents took her. The point was she never forgot her childhood friend.
My heart is broken for childlike Fukue. How wonderful that Jessica cared so much that she went back to find her. I hope this life changing reconnection has made Fukue feel truly loved.
@@TingTingalingy speaking from personal experience, it could have been nothing more than that she was poor. I grew up in a rural area with about 50 kids in my entire elementary school, and the poorest kids were bullied mercilessly, even when the other kids weren't much better off.
@@GwenActually yeah.... IDK about comparing Japan to other countries. They're a world unto their own, in pretty much every way imaginable. Even today, an assumed to be Japanese men in front of me thanked a store greeter. In USA to be that cordial is not common amongst the mentally sound. But for the japanese, it is. We are simply incomparable. But yes, the poors will always be ostracized, as it's usually warranted
@@biddiemutter3481 poor people by and large make endlessly bad decisions, eat badly by choice, dress badly by choice, work minimum wage jobs as careers by choice etc.
I think some of it has to do with the fact that she felt guilty for leaving her in that condition, that's why she had to come back to see/make sure she was okay. It's so wonderful how humans in such short time can develop so much love and affection for each other. It also shows how a single human can have such a great impact on your life.
Don’t know if I have ever seen such a perfect picture of two innocent kids .. best friends standing back to back .. and their happy expressions .. painted a thousand words
I love that Jess has the same mannerisms as the Japanese, still speaks Japanese fairly well and is respectful in that sense. It warmed my heart when she found her.
Is it really so shocking that someone who at a young age goes to school in a foreign country would be well adapted? When moving to a country the appropriate thing to do is to strive to integrate in as many ways as possible. Jessica and her family clearly did their best to adapt to their surroundings and a key component was learning the language and the manners. Not to mention how is one to learn effectively if one cannot understand the language? I wasn't shocked at all when she started speaking Japanese, the thing that I did applaud her for though was the way she correctly accepted the business card. Even I made the mistake of not properly inspecting someone's business card the first time I was in Japan and I prepped thoroughly for that trip.
I feel a bit jealous seeing this as I have never had a friend like Jessica. She literally flew across the world to find her friend. I hope I find a friend like her someday.
That's not how it works, it's more that you have to be ready to be that Jessica for someone, or to mean so much for someone's life because of your caring that you change their life just like Fukue did for Jessica. You have to be willing to give infinite amount of love to deserve some of it in return.
@@creuvette29I respectfully disagree, this isn't really a thing you need to be "ready" for.. friendships like this can come out of nowhere, even a simple encounter in a grocery store with someone or commenting on a video online can lead to friendships that last the test of time. Even more so than IRL ones.
@@unarmedblackguy don't read the comments then🤣 it does not take a genious to know that the comments are for discussions about the video... Are you on drugs?!
My first day of College, I had a "crush" on the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. After a semester, we became best friends. I could never tell her how I felt because she was so beautiful. 20 years later, we ran into each other and she invited me out to dinner. After 20 years, it felt so comfortable to be around each other again. A year later we married.
That picture of them when they were young, back to back with each other, is so wholesome. Like it wasn't in real life. Like it was from a movie. So beautiful.
SO important to have childhood friends. They shape our lives and influence us so much that we only realize the impact when we grow up. What a lovely friendship and reunion.
Very true. I wish I had that. My oldest friend is from 7th grade but nothing more past that. Even then we don't really talk much. They've never been a sociable person so even when I do reach out, making plans is difficult. My next oldest from 9th grade, we still talk often and go on trips often. That friendship is something I really cherish, even if I don't get to say it that often (because they do not like emotional stuff much).
oh.... I was bullied I was attacked verbally and phisically and shunned at public school and the teachers never cared , I was the shy, weird, quiet autistic girl who wore glasses all her life, I never had a true friend but I had fake friends bc idk how to make friends. I dreamed of finding my true love or finally getting a real true friend sigh seeing that video make me feel a bit jealous, like as if I want to get that feeling but I never had a good friend....
Beautiful story... I'm 57 now.. Had a pen pal when I was 16...we never met but I loved him.. We wanted to meet but neither one of us could afford it... However to make a long story short we met 18 years later.. By then we were both married to different people.. It was a tough time but or friendship remained intact... I became very ill and could not afford medical treatment in my country. He invited me to his country where he got me the best in the medical field and paid all my medical expenses. He and his lovely wife and caring family took care of me for two months then I returned home. That was 20+ ago. We are still in contact via social Media. I was invited to visit this tear but covid 19 changed things... GOD place folks in our lives for so many different reasons. I'm glad He placed my friend in mine. Great friends are a blessing.
I did the same thing as Fukue once (cut off contact with everyone because I was in a really bad place in life) so I understand why she did it. Kudos to Jessica for never forgetting her friend.
Yeah, I did that once as well. I moved away from a great friend and I didn't keep in contact. I was being bullied where I moved to and distracted by a lot of other goings on in school, life, etc. She ended up finding me again and we met up.. she asked me why I never called or kept in contact. I tried to explain that it wasn't her, how it was several other things... she didn't understand. /: We really don't talk much now. 'Fun' facts, people change yet stay the same, I couldn't relate to her as much as I did as a kid.
I cut off my friends from not being accepted the way I am. I was an entertainer at girls gatherings and this one from my close friend didn't want me at all to dance. She felt that's what's making me being popular and she disliked it. I helped her in many ways beside bathing her kids, taking them to parks, even cleaning their poop sometimes but that just never felt enough for her. We were friends for almost 15 years I totally respected her house since she was married everything i wanted i had to ask but that never felt enough. She copied my dressing style even my habit gosh! she just liked the way i talked the way i do things and after she got enough from me, When i had a very difficult situation that i expected her to help me, she ignored me and started making some distance from me and this happened when i got married in 2015. I just decided to delete her out of my life but I can't get her out of my mind from what she did to me it was unbelievable. My husband just can't stand the stories he hears about us and he does understand WHY MY FRIEND REALLY AFFECTED ME EMOTIONALLY, AND MENTALLY. Pray for me guys friends are horrific!!!
The two kids look so happy together. Even more proof, that there's always somebody, in the world, that's thinking about you. Someone, somewhere, always.
Really?... ... ... ... I dont know. maybe??. ... ... . I've been detached to all of my schoolmates ever since. . Thinking what am I right now, if I am successful you mean?
Ken narville, dude, I’m sorry for whatever bad experiences you’ve had with Japanese people who you thought were your friends, but please don’t assume that that means ALL Japanese people are just like that. To state such an assumption about any race or nationality as a whole, as fact, is to overlook the human individual and imprison yourself in a sad, lonely little box. I could never wish that on anybody.
Ken narville, you’re entitled to your opinion based on your personal experience. At the same time, if you keep in mind that no matter how painful your personal experiences with Japanese people have been, you have not met and gotten to know MOST Japanese, you can still go forward - with caution, yes, but not without hope. Each human being, regardless of race, nationality or culture, is an individual you can only evaluate after taking the time to get to know. Evaluating a person negatively _before_ getting to know them, not only does your fellow human being a disservice; it does *you* a disservice as well, depriving yourself the opportunity to explore possible friendships or life-enriching relationships. I’m not saying you need to try to get to know more Japanese people if you’re still hurting from your past experiences, and need time to heal. I’m only saying please, try to keep those experiences in perspective: try to remember that the number of Japanese people who wronged you, are in no way most of the Japanese people in the world. As long as we have not yet met and become well acquainted with the majority of individuals in any demographic, we cannot in all fairness slap a negative label on all or even most of them. By all means, share your experiences if you need to process what happened and find closure, but don’t let your pain drive you to make sweeping derogatory statements about any group as a whole. Don’t abandon hope just because it’s easier to be angry.
It’s just so crazy that some people that know each other for 2 years can have this kind of relationship and while other that have been friends for 10+years can stab you in the back for some benefits 😔
Hi Jessica your story made me so sad but yet so happy too.I'm just glad that you found Fukue alive and ☺Wish you many more years ❤ as friends wished i had a friend like you
Ooooh that's so true, as somebody with first hand experience of this. Good friends with this bloke for 8 years, throughout highschool and Uni, and he stole a pair of shoes from me, for literally $500, he threw a 8 year old friendship out. I never saw it coming.
This made me cry. I also have a "lost pen pal" in Japan. I am an American woman, 74 years old, and exchanged letters and small gifts with Yoshiko Jinno, of Nagoya, from about 1958 to about 1963. She was two or three years older than I. She suddenly stopped writing to me. In the last letter, she told of a young man she was in love with. My memory is foggy about details, but as I vaguely recall, she did not think he loved her. She sounded sad, maybe even a bit hopeless. I wrote another few times, increasingly puzzled and worried. I never heard from her again. Somewhere, I have those letters, but they are in a storage locker and I am too old to dig through everything to find them. I have thought of her many, many times over the years. I would love to tell her how much she opened my eyes to other cultures and places. All my life, I have longed to know other places and have had some opportunity to travel. In 2012, I had the opportunity to go to Tokyo and Kyoto on a semi-business trip, but only for a week. Finding her would have been impossible in that time and without being able to speak the language. I loved my trip, and it was melancholy, as well as fascinating. Yoshiko was with me the entire time, out there, somewhere. I hope she is happy, with grandchildren and a little house of her own.🌱🌼🌱
Damn, I felt that. You know somewhere out there, she probably still thinks of you and feeling the same way you did. It makes me sad just thinking about that. Thank you for the story.
I lost touch with a school friend when he emigrated to Western Australia and divorce. We parted with unspoken friction. Many years later I began my search on the internet until I finally tracked him down. There after we wrote and called regularly until his untimely death earlier this year. I am so glad we renewed our friendship and I understand completely how deep the bonds are. Well done!
@@ClydeW893 BRUH WHERE- last time I checked, no other comments are talking about her death, and I searched it up and nothing, so someone's fibbing here..
@@nancy54379 Yes. Fukue. She committed ss. I remember seeing the video about it. She was lonely and left behind her husband and children. Her childhood was not very good and she was bullied her whole life, not just during her childhood. They found her vehicle and she wasn't inside, they did an investigation and she was found by a riverbed. It's super sad what happened. I can send you the link and video if you like.
I had a penpal in Greece whom I lost contact with one day. I messaged his brother through Facebook, only to find that he died of illness. I flew all the way to Greece to visit his grave. Of course, I met his mom, his brothers, and his friends. He’s always my angel.
My penpal loved drawing. He had lots of drawings of me. When his mom saw me, the Asian girl he used to draw, she hugged me tightly and burst into tears. That was so heartbreaking.
I am so glad this turned out happily. My grandmother had a similar experience, but it did not turnout well. Grandma had a very good Japanese BFF who lived in the US for nearly 20 years before she moved back to Japan. This was in the days before the Internet became available to the general public, so they wrote to each other often. I remember the stacks of letters Grandma kept. The last letter she received from her friend, she wrote she was coming back to the US and I remember Grandma was so happy and it seems like she was 20 years younger after receiving that letter. Sadly, her friend never returned to the US because she lived in Kobe, and about 4 months after she wrote the letter, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck and killed more than 6,000 residents of Kobe. Grandma's friend was among the dead. Our family was so afraid for her because of the deep depression Grandma went into. Even though Grandma was not a Buddhist, she had made shrine in the style of a Japanese butsudan in an alcove of her house in memory of her friend.
A true friendship is a bond of respect, love and endless laugher. My heart and thoughts go out to yr Grandma. Please place something from me on her shrine. Much 💖
it’s really interesting not just that she learned japanese in a year, but that she also managed to keep the knowledge of it even without having interactions in japanese regularly
Its that ability to still hold that knowledge despite not using it as often as she did as a child that I find admirable. I believe she's in her 30s in this, so at the very least, if she left Japan when she was a child, there is at least 2 decades worth of time that past since her need to use it often for communication. That's pretty impressive
What a sweet and heart warming story I know exactly how Fukue tell because I was bullied the same as her I'm glad her life turned out as well as it hasn't she was really happyshe deserves the best in life and hats off to Jesse for finding her you can just see that they're meant to be
Of course, the Canadian girl provided security and trustfulness in situation where the Japanese girl would otherwise be bullied. Who wouldn't be appreciative of that?
Half of the anime I've watched are basically this story. Half of that is one of them doesn't remember the other, or both don't remember having been friends like, three years before -_-
Gospel of Jesus Christ John 3:16 For God So loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not Perish but have Everlasting Life. Jesus Christ Died for the sin of the World, If you believe in ur heart God risen Jesus from the dead and confess him with ur mouth to people you shall be saved. Jesus said I Am The only way to heaven there is no other way! Repent of urs sins (Repent means Change ur Mind turning away from sinful things and being truly sorry for it.) trust Jesus and give ur life to him He Loves you cares about you more than anyone ever will! we are saved By Grace Trough Faith!,this is sin: Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of eternal life in our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 For all have sined and felt short of the Glory of God. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:18-21, 23 KJV Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 REPENT OR YOU WILL PERISH REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL GET RIGHT WITH GOD LORD JESUS CHRIST.
She got bullied but look at her now, living her life to the fullest. Steady job, big car & lovely family. I'm glad they finally met each other after 30 years.
five reasons why japanese doesn't make good friends: 1 they choose who is worth to hear their tatemae (truth thoughts ) and prefer to use tatemae ( lies) no matter how hard we're polite or nice to them 2 they only thinks to work-work over over 3 they pretends to be kind they just force themselves 4 they never wants to learn internatuional languages, and when we speak poorly japanese they mocks at our accent 5 they have xenophobia
I watched this video a few years ago, and here it is again in my UA-cam feed. It was and still is one of the most beautiful and touching videos I've ever watched. I'm an elderly man, and this brings an upwelling of emotions again in a remarkably wonderful way. Thank you for sharing your and Kukue's story. The reception and help you received in Saku was truly amazing. I am so happy you found your friend, that she is doing well and has such a beautiful family.
I would echo your thoughts, sir. I, too, watched it a few years ago and it came up in my suggestions just today. I had to watch it again and even though I knew the outcome, I still had those "what if" feelings. It's a great story.
they said it was a small community with no foreigners. of course they would remember strangers that look absolutely nothing like them from across the world coming to teach them english
@@Icyslider2 I live in a small town which both me and my dad have lived our entire lives. Crazy enough, I've had people who when I meet them, ask who my dad is without even knowing my last name. I guess him and his 4 brothers were pretty well known around town so that's why.
I was tearing up during the documentary. To think that this little Japanese girl had made such an impact on Jessica's life that 30 years later she travelled 8,000 kilometers to try to find her. Simply beautiful and so heartwarming!
I feel this! I somewhat have a similar story on a lower scale. In 2013/14/15, we hosted a Japanese student at our house in NZ for 2-3 weeks each year. At the time I was a primary schooler of age 6/7/8 years, and loved having international students to stay. Along with my family, I remember absolutely loving having our host-students to stay! It was fun to see them interested so much in us and our culture, which is what made it interesteing for me to learn about theirs. In the short space of time, my family and I formed a huge bond with the host students, keeping special memories for life that I still remember today. After they left, we kept in touch by mail for a number of years, sending cards and letters back and forth. And then, slowly, with each student, the letters just stopped. Most likely because they were all busy in their lives, graduating and moving on, and we were also busy with our, enough that our effort to keep in touch wasn't enough. The last we recieved a message from any of the students we had was in 2016, 8 years ago. While it's not quite 30 years, it still felt like an eternity. I always meant to write to them, but the though just kept slipping out of my mind. Finally, at age 17 and absolutely obsessed with Japan, the culture, sights and history, I decided to go to Japan. Partly to experience my interests in Bonsai, gardens, temples and the intruiging ultra modern side of the country, but also to see if I can reconnect with our old host students. It took a while to get in touch, addresses, emails and phone numbers had all changed, but nothing like a bit of "facebook stalking" can keep you from answers. So 2 months ago, I soloed my way to Japan, paying for and planning everything in my 3 week trip. I stayed in hotels, got around by train, and managed some of the worlds biggest cities all by myself without hesitation (yes, I am very proud ;D). And also, after 8/9/10 years, I finally met up with each of our old host students in their own country! It was soooo amazing! I was so worried about what they might think, do they remember me? But the moment I saw them, we connected like a spark. They were so excited, so welcoming, so sorry that the connection all fell apart, but also so happy that we both remembered each other and the experienceds we shared all that time ago. It was sad to have to leave them again, but after that new ignition, we now keep in contact. It goes to show that those who really care, are really interested, and have good hearts will never leave your memory.
It’s really crazy how one single person can stay in your mind and soul forever, the impact that one person can has in your life is really powerful to me
Its true in my 2nd grade i made a pinky promise with a girl to be bff but i forgot her face and name but i still remember those words and keep that promise i still wonder who she was and why have u forgotten
Same here. I was born into a Christian home and went to a lot of conventions as a kid and I became super close friends with another kid. Both he and I were pastors kids so we saw eachother at every meet up in the maritimes area for about 9 years straight untill my family moved to another province. We didn't have social media or cell phones back then so I had no way of contacting him and the phone number I had from him was changed and I never got a new one. My parents didn't know his that well either so I had no help in finding him. Life moved on and through the years I always wanted to contact him but I can only remember his first name. All I remember about his last name is that it was Russian (can't find him on any social media of any kind). I'm almost 40 now and I still think about that kid to this day. David if your still out there I hope your leading a good life. Love you bro.
I agree. But what you might more amazing is how the community went to the lengths that they each did to reunite these 2 beautiful ladies. While in the military, I had the honor and privilege of going TDA to Karena Air Base in Japan several times. And each time I felt more welcome than the time before. The people of this beautiful islands, the culture all just a wonderful experience. I hope that I would be able to return there at least one more time before my life ends.
@ "A bunch of Jews"? I doubt their religion was something most of the Japanese were even aware of since the only reference to it (their religion) is one video taken within their home with only the Stuart family taking part. They were Caucasian, Canadian, spoke English and happened to be Jewish, and you figured the Japanese village/town remembered this family by the factor which was least likely to be known, and which was the least visibly/physically identifiable? Your mind works in strange ways.
@Darren Headrick I have to agree too, I went to Japan for a vacation on new years 2018-2019 and I have never felt so welcome by strangers anywhere else.
I’m impressed she has keep up the japanese language even tho they were not in japan for long. Edit. Yes they were pen pals but it’s been over 30 years since the last letter. It’s touching she kept the japanese language (likely) because of the emotional connection.
Depends. I was a native English speaker and when my dad became handicapped my parents moved in with my mom's family. Apparently, my family bullied me, called me a snob for not knowing how to speak my parent's language so they put me in preschool where I was taught the alphabet, how to write, etc and when we moved back to the USA I didn't know English and had to start over again lol Oh, and my family teased me for not knowing English 😏 (this is why my parents decided to move back to the USA, bc my family was never supportive and my parents noticed I was developing low self esteem, which continues to be a daily struggle but I've made improvements)
@@cynthia2901 this is true, my family moved to sweden when i was 5 years old and we lived there for 2 years, we returned to australia after that and it has been 17 years yet somehow i could still pick up slightly when i heard people speaking svenska (swedish language).
I thought the same thing! Wow! She even writes Japanese characters. I had such a happy cry watching this story. Would that we could all learn a foreign language so well and retain it after 30 years. And such a beautiful friendship. Vive l'amitié!
@@genroynoisis6980 I'm not sure that's true. I've heard that, while children learn quickly, they also forget quickly. And from my limited experience, I would say that seems to be true. I think it depends more on how deeply she learned it, and whether she did anything to maintain it after leaving Japan. Having been immersed in it, using it for the majority of the day, every day, for a year--that's going to result in some might deep learning. English speaking adults, even living in Japan, are not likely to be nearly as immersed in the Japanese language, especially if their work involved using their native language (as her father's did). And I expect she did put significant time and effort into maintaining her Japanese.
@@UA-camallowedmynametobestolen Fair point. My native language is Filipino, but I can only speak in a child-like way using the most common phrases. I think the Canadian musician also said something along these lines on video. I left when I was 7, for Australia. I myself have also started forgetting some of the less common nouns, adjectives, and action verbs in Filipino; it feels weird, like when you lose track of your car's keys and have to think back to when you last held them (if that makes sense lol). Earlier this year on a trip to the Philippines, I found myself stammering and stuttering with my words, which was embarrassing. In the case of this video, I'm positive she had to revise some basic Japanese to write and speak like she did as a kid*. *Note that you only need a native speaking child's vocabulary to communicate adequately with people face-to-face in another language. Writing is a little harder, but it's still possible with a little revising.
Yes. Makes me think she may have been bullied not because she was poor but because she was pretty. Kids can be cruel. Jealousy can be a big motivator for it too.
Damn right. I was just thinking I bet none of her bullies turned out as pretty as her. Jesus christ! And I'm a 45yo man, not some weeb who gets a hard on for anything Japanese.
Ash Chaya Ash I'm 58 and amazed at how young she looked, at first I thought it was her eldest child, true friendship will outlive anything, any distance or any amount of time and what a pity it's such a rare thing now.
My wife and I are so happy for you for finding your childhood friend. We all have childhood friends, but not all of us are fortunate to reconnect with them. Your story is so beautiful. Thank you!
I tried to find my best childhood friend a few years ago. We lost touch a long time ago but I still thought about him a lot. I did eventually find him, but he had passed away at only 18 years old. I'm glad these women found each other before it was too late.
I'm really sorry to hear that. Part of the reason it was so important for me to find Fukue is because as a teenager I lost one of my best friends and three others, all 15 or 16 years old, all in a 10 month period, so the chance that I might be able to still find one of my beloved important people from the past was extremely important to me. Thank you for watching and my condolences.
TheJessicaStuartFew You have such a beautiful soul, Jessica. Your story touched my heart. Your life journey is interesting. I’m glad you have a YT channel. Subbed right away!
Her Japanese is pretty good despite the fact that she only lived in Japan as a small child for a very short period of time. Japanese is a difficult language, and I'm saying it because I am a Japanese native and have helped college students learn it here in US. Even for me after years of living in US, retaining my Japanese is hard.
its not we got ABC chinese weebos here in Australia that can already speak Japanese fluently after going to japan a few times and learning it. Once you learn the syllabals the rest is easy. Its easier to learn than chinese
@@blackcactuz that means you not a Weeb. Weebs and Otakus esp asians are so fluent they learn it naturally from hearing music, reasing mangas and going to japan for short holidays. a large majority of Asian young adults here knows fluent japanese
This has to be a live action anime. The perfect photo to go with the perfect title, "Finding Fukue", the emotional buildup with the suspense on whether she would find her friend or not and having the ability to make me shed tears.
Such a beautiful story. I also had a girlfriend from Okinawa and we’ve lost touch. It’s been 30 years, I’ve tried FB but no luck. Her name is Yuri Izumi. I hope that she is doing well. I am so happy for you and Fukue ❤
Did you try any of the people search companies?? It costs $5 to $30. Google her name and I’m sure there will be people search you can see to look into.
@@li1978 well I did end up finding him back through Facebook, though we've obviously changed throughout the years at least my thoughts were wrong and we're still cool
@SirSnufflelots Well, if someone impacted your life and it doesnt matter if it was just a year or 6 months, wouldn't you be curious wondering how they are doing? Like she said, Fukue isn't on social media and its been 30 years. 30 years of wondering what happened to the person that changed your perspective and that gave you inspiration.
The whole time before she found her I was scared her friend had died or something and this would have a sad ending. But I am so happy they found each other again and was able to reconnect successfully after 30 years of separation. It truly is a miracle of friendship. I cried when they were able to catch up on lost time again :') Makes me think of the time my Bestie found me by chance after 7 years.
Such a shame Fukue was bullied so terribly. It's very sad. The same happened to me in junior high school. Children can be so cruel and this abuse can affect and shape your entire future.
I had a “friend” tie a rope around my neck and said he was gonna kill me and that he’s just been pretending to be my friend. Looking back, maybe that made my social anxiety and my life on the Internet a thing.
this, yet schools just leave it as just "they're just kids" and hope it will just goes away.. there are laws but it almost always bends when the suspect/s are kids and saying "they don't know what they're doing" despite doing it for years..
Yeahh it happens to me, I can't forget my childhood friends, 'cause we had so much fun together, like build tree house together, cycling around house complex, stealing neighbors fruits hsjsjsj doin crazy advanture, climb trees and many other things. that was so much fun until I moved away and then they move idk where, we lost contact. But I'll never forget them, those memories are the best of my childhood. Sometimes I wonder where are they, what they would look like, what are the doin kinda miss them
It's not about how much time you've spent with someone but how you spent that time with someone. Some people just come into your lives for just a brief moment and leave behind marks that won't ever fade, for better or worse.
Its actually crazy to think about, I remember a lot of kids I was friends with at the first elementary school I went to. Was lucky enough to keep in touch with a few well into my teens or reconnect with them in my teens/young adult life. I went to high school after when internet/social media started getting big so although I dont really keep in touch with high school friends as much cause we've all grown apart its still easy to get in touch with them at least.
This totally reminded me of a situation similar to me when I was in elementary school . Having a friend live in California for a little in school and moving back to Korea or Japan I forgot what one and she wrote me a letter on how they were back home and how she missed California. Total memory that went away and came back by this video I'm shocked how vids can bring back old memories
Just keep in mind the timing. Much closer to ww2, a lot of older folks hatred of 'others' gets transferred to the kids through association. Nowadays maybe it'd be a bit different. I'm guessing that Jessica is almost 30 orso and that she was there in the 90s.
That is sad situation in Japan. These bullying are still exist. They discriminate if people are little differentt,race,mixed,buraku origin, poor,new rich(narikinn) etc. When I grew up, I did not suffer from those bullying at all.
I'm originally from northern Italy (lake Garda). When I was teenage I became friend with a Danish boy that used to come in holiday in the summer with his parents. I didn't spoke English at the time and he didn't spoke Italian, however, we became friends. Every year I was receiving a postcard from Denmark, nothing written, just a date. I knew that was the day he was arriving at the camping in my village. We lost contact when I went in the army, I was 17yo. Then my parents moved house. After the military service I started to work in catering and travelling between Italy and Switzerland, never had a chance to find him again. At 26 I moved to England, where I still live. A year ago, I received a message in Facebook. ...it was him! We are now planning a meet either here in England or in Denmark... I'm now 48yo. ❤️
Wow, dang I teared up good. To carry that love in your heart for your friend for so long is truly inspirational and even more so to be able to reconnect again---true friendship is an amazing blessing.
yeah.............aint it great? never judge a book by its cover kinda thingy. its too bad some kids/adults are asses. mostly in the raising i would say.
she's willing to travel there just to find her bestfriend (;-;) now thats a really great friend and if i have someone like that, i would cherish her/him ..FOREVER.
I have 1 friend like that. I'd take a bullet for him. If he ever called at 2 am to tell me he accidentally killed someone I'd fly across the country to help him bury the body. I know it's wrong. I value him more then my life. I value him more then my ethics. Fortunately he is the most ethical person I know, so I get to hang on to my halo....🙈🙉🙊😇
That's so wonderful that you two reunited!😂❤ I couldn't hold back tears. Fukue's reason for stopping communication is totally understandable! Your journey is so well filmed! Thank you for sharing your story! ❤ I also lived in Japan in my 20s, for a year, and also have a panpal !
I can't stop crying. the fact that they never stopped thinking about each other for 30 years, that after all that time, when they met again, they clicked just as easily as before. i feel so sorry for fukue, what she went through, and i'm happy that she's doing much better now. this made me so sad but so happy. i am glad that friendships like this exist.
Imagine how this must have been from Fukue's perspective. She's going about her life, having made the best of herself and living well. Life is good. Then all of a sudden your sister calls you up and is like "yeah so your best friend from childhood literally came here looking for you because she misses you and wants to reconnect." Like. Just having an ordinary life and thinking the next day will be the same when suddenly you're having this emotional meeting with someone very important to you who you never thought you'd even hear from again. So happy to see this worked out the way it did! EDIT: I forgot to mention, I love that photo of them both standing back to back. They look like sisters, related or not. That's exactly the kind of picture I'd expect to see with me and my sisters :P
Yeah. And my english teacher woupd say. Break down the prompt and write a narrative essay from fukue's P.O.V We have exactly 45 minutes. By the end of the class I need a complete draft. Voice level 1. Good luck.
My so called friends haven't been talking with me for 2 months now. It feels like I'm the only one that always keeps trying to befriends with them. They talk with eachother but just not me. Should I stop putting efforts? It has been like 3 months or so
@@bodyguard3430 If you are strongly considering to stop putting efforts into a relationship, start with being honest and assertive with them about how you feel, and the things that they are doing that make you feel that way. It gives them the chance to understand you, and gives them an opportunity to explain or apologize for making you feel that way. You can then, assuredly decide based on their reaction, whether they are worth putting energy into.
Probably the most beautiful reunion video I’ve ever seen. Well done Jessica for following up and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and connection. ❤️
@Ken narville What proof do you have?my Cousin is a Japanese and I have Twice visited japan..they are nothing like you described..they are so kind to me Especially when i lost my Wallet and I thought it will a death of me since My money is in there but I got it back ...you shouldn't judge Someones country like that..whether fukue is a Japanese or whatever this video highlighted about a friendship not a racist bro...Maybe you are the Hypocritical here...such a racist ...every country have a flaws and perfectionist...you are the waste of time or waste of space
@Ken narville and i asked for the proof..if they really did hates half Japanese or foreigners My cousin wouldn't get treated so kindly At her school shes half Japanese she told me whenever she didn't understand One of them always helped her to understand .. stop being a racist each of out country have a flaws
I remeber watching this a couple of years ago, and crying like a water hose, stumbled across this again today and watched it again. Still cried like a water hose. So emotional.
Yes, I cried too, but I had a somewhat similar experience with a fifth grade friendship of one year only (she was Navy). We never lost touch, though, and still fly across the country to see each other 45 years after she moved away! But I realized watching this, what vast, deep and important worlds make up the fabric of our childhoods, and how special and enchanted very little and mundane things become, once they are no more - “We would sneak around the rice paddies.” I have always been drawn to the interior lives of children, and have always thirsted for the same intimacy that female friendships had in my elementary school-aged childhood. I’m so grateful for this short film that I just came upon by accident.
@@annie-ek1vu its very prominent in Japan, and other asian countries, I think the reason was something about being modest or something. A lot of people do it because they are self conscious about their smile.
when she said "when you were around,i would always go to school",it broke my heart.i had a rough childhood ,i know what it's like to find that star in the middle of your misery and have it taken away.i hope fukue is happier now and she gets a great life.they were so cute together,true friendship is like true love,it happens so rarely,it's important to always be there for your bf
Fukue grew with all the hardship accompanying her.. means that she will gotten stronger. But that doesn’t mean she is living in great life for present day. It may be hard as beford or even more, but she ca. Adapt it as time goes by.. seeing fukue character at their reunion, i saw fukue being a bit clueless, like she just so empty on what to ask, what to share, she even cant showed her greetings to her thousand miles friend that put an effort from A-Z. A sign for showing her struggle in life, too much things messing in her heads. It killing most of her happy thought.Fukue’s life is clearly not the same as jess even though they study at same school before.
Must Watch: A Q&A featuring the filmmakers of Finding Fukue and Jessica Stuart: ua-cam.com/video/B4AeKpMoEdI/v-deo.html
thank you
Your soul beautiful to even remember a friend and reached out to find her ,you found her married with addition lil friends Thank you for sharing this should encourage others to do the same thou every ending might not be the same I absolutely love this❤❤❤❤❤👑
This video popped up a day after I had a dream about a high school/middle school friend that passed away
I’m rglad was your day
CBC Docs thank you for sharing the story of the true friendship between Jessica and Fukue! I’m from Japan, and while waiting this video, I cried so much with joy! Good job, Jessica for finding her! She is so lucky to have you as a best friend! I had a pen pal from Connecticut when I was in high school... I wish I could find Rhonda!
Sometimes soulmates aren’t romantic they’re platonic.
Romantic ones are often called twin flames and soul mates can be anyone. So true though
@@epektasis242 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Most of the time.
YESS!!!
I don't think the romantic type of love is special. And I am started to think that the romantic type of love isn't real. I mean about more than half of romantic couples either break up with each other or divorce each other, while most platonic best friends remain friends until death.
Also, most people are pretty much comfortable enough to be naked around someone and have sex with someone that they have no romantic feelings towards. So sex isn't really a thing about romance.
I think that having a platonic best friend is a lot better than having a romantic partner or spouse is. Having someone who's like a sibling to you is a lot better than having a romantic partner is. Also, you would more likely be much closer to a person who's like a brother or sister to you than you would be with a partner or spouse.
People tend to fight with their partner or spouse a lot more than they do with a platonic best friend, and you never fight with your best friend the way you fight with your partner or spouse. Partners and spouses are just temporary. If you break up or divorce them, it's hard to go back to them. With your platonic best friend, you're going to make things work, because they are your best friend, they are your go to partner. It's always easier to make amends with them than it is with a romantic partner or spouse.
10 million views of Fukue and my story?? Holy moly! I can’t believe that people would even care - thank you, from the bottom of my heart ❤️🙏🤗
Oh my god! I wasn't expecting this comment. Hope you guys are doing great now!
This Story Touched Our Hearts Forever!!!
@@muskankaun ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗
@@jessicaespinoza7920 thank you so much, Jessica! ♥️🤗🙏
Ahhhhh this makes me really happy that you were able to find her. True friendships really last a lifetime ❤️❤️❤️
I was thinking, imagine seeing it on TV, that someone's looking for you, someone trying so hard to find you, because they care about you that much.
Funny thing is, i felt weird at the thought of her Fukue seeing a story about it before I found her and got in touch, cause they gave the story soooo much press, which I didn’t expect at all! It all worked out tho 🤗
I wouldn’t believe it because no one cares about me lol of it was me it would be a joke
I World cry a lot
When you are the like that gets the comment to 1k
Would be amazing right?
She has clearly been so worried about Fukue for so many years. Just the way she weeps after hearing her voice on the phone shows her relief.
Fukue is like that friend you met on steam that was last online 7 years ago.
Ah yes this reminded me of a fun girl last time I was playing WoW (7 years ago), she said she was going to the army and no news since.
While writing this I didn't realize it was actually 7 years ago (summer 2013) lol so this matches perfectly what you said 😄
@@daboisindahood8616 how?
Feels really bad man...
LOL
@Dead Pool Kills Gacha 2 same
Dude, the picture of them leaning together as kids can’t be more perfect for this story.
exactly
Lovely picture representing a life long friendship.
So true. Very sweet.
I know right? That picture is taken perfectly. It symbolizes their friendship beautifully.
That's anime right there...
The principal remembers everything and still keeps old yearbooks. Amazing. He's so caring and involved with his students.
Of course the school has all the yearbooks. It's not like the principal himself kept them in his own personal possession. Just like ANY school, you can find ALL of the yearbooks. It's nothing out of the ordinary. Every school keeps records of their history, students, faculty, and beyond. Same exact situation at my elementary school.
@@adameves5970 In my country it's not something common, that's why I was surprised
Yeah, the fact he took time off to help this lady find a long lost friend. I doubt they'd do that in the states...probably not even return a phone call. I love Japanese culture for such niceties as that but unfortunately they also have bullying like every country. In a way it might make kids more resilient and grateful to still form friendships. The Jessica was probably viewed as an oddity and Fukue sensing their being mutual "outsiders" chose to try to get to know her and their friendship blossomed. That is scary when you lose touch with someone, you fear they are dead, lost your contact info and moved away and will never be found again...So awesome the news people were there to also help find Fukue. Yeah, probably since it is a small town and this westerner musician who came back would make the story all the more compelling for locals.
@@miameow4833 "I doubt they'd do that in the states" Ummm a TV opportunity for the school and the Principal for something positive? I doubt you'd find a US school that would pass that up lmao.
Adam Eves yes it is out of the ordinary because I was a librarian and we keep a clean not written in copy of every year. The one he had was his personal one with all the children’s special writings in it!
I had an English pen pal, Sylvia, for 39 years. She died of heart attack in 2001. Miss her still. I am almost 75 same age as her if she'd lived.
I am sorry for your loss. 🕊️
So sorry for your loss
I can't imagine how important you were to her! I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm happy that you had such a meaningful connection
Sorry for your loss.💀💀
@@shrexyisreal what’s with the skull emojis?
Fukue was bullied in school, yet she was so important to 1 person that after so many years and no contact this 1 person flew across the world to find her again. How beautiful! Never doubt how special you are Fukue
She is a wonderful human! I'm so happy we've reconnected :) thank you for watching.
After reading this story it put tears im eyes. What a beautiful story!
@@thomasseitz9877 aw thank you so much ! 🙏♥️
@@JESSAakaJessicaStuartMusic hey, it's you. Cool!
san t I know that was the most beautiful part. Fukue thought nobody cared about her but that reassured her that people did even to this day. To go to those lengths to reunite. Both of them are wonderful human beings.
To the people calling her clingy, theres people I care about and just would like to know if they are breathing every once in a while.
How can people get those C words mixed up? She loved her bff.. they picked each other at the darkest times and she wanted to know if she was ok due to her horrible childhood... pep are just mean n miserable
It seems self-awareness and clinginess may be mutually exclusive.
I couldn't agree with you more !!
you get me, you really get me :P thanks for piping in with understanding!
@@Atagal Thank you for sticking up for us, Donna
All I can say is this: True friendship is priceless.
That's the reason why Naruto woudn't give up bringing Sasuke back to Konoha
@Plautus egal?
@Plautus egal huh
@@jianbitak1814 haha
@Claire Maurrier but it do
That picture is so iconic. I feel like this story should be preserved somewhere. It's just beautiful, like something you would read in a book. Friends from completely different backgrounds, formed a bond so strong during their childhood, that when they became adults, one of them did as much as she could to meet her friend again.
completely agree
yes!!
im sayin bro
It's preserved right here!
it's stupid to befriend someone from a culture of big liars.
So sad that Fukue was bullied so badly that she still cries about it. People can be so cruel.
If you quit or stop going to school, it’s not the end of the world. Parents should not push their children hard to go to school when they say they don’t want to go.
@billyfromtheusa TBF the stuff people experience in prison goes way beyond bullying at that point they're fighting for their lives.
I have yet to see a Facebook post stab anyone the face yet.
Bullying can ruin somebody.
@GodBotherer1 I know what you mean. There are always (new) people whom you can create bonds with. It's always possible.
@@ennyuiui It is NEVER your fault if you are bullied. I'm so glad it built up your character and that you were able to confront your bully. But for many people, bullying ruins their whole childhood. Schools should NEVER tolerate it.
Imagine leaving such a positive impression on someone's life that they never forget you, even years and years later. Think we should all try and do that :)
This happened to me with a childhood friend and i looked and looked until i found her
Yea I was borned in Pakistan and I had so much fun with my best friend, when we'll go back to Pakistan I'll surprise my best friend it would be sad if he moved to a different country.
This happened to me one summer in Mexico, I met a very good friend. Then I had to come back to Oklahoma & lost touch 😞
I've had that
@@JayRuiz-jm8yk I have a half-sister I haven't seen since I was 10 years old she was 20 and now I'm 60 and she 70 I finally found her on Facebook he lives in California I live in Las Vegas 5 hours away from each other 🥰🥰😍
She felt nostalgic for a childhood friend that befriended her when she was lonely..., those type of feelings u don't forget
dalexxa, both needed each other . have a nice day.
Ken narville wHat the hell!
Ken narville that’s kinda racist in the way I took it cause a lot of people think they all look the same you saying that made me go wHat the hell!
@Ken narville I guess you didn't watch the whole documentary. It was worthwhile for Jessica, and that is what mattered.
@Ken narville if you wish to be left alone don't leave inflammatory comments in a place that will be seen. How old are you by way? I'm guessing you are a young person. I don't know what you have against the Japanese but it could have been India, Germany, etc. where her parents took her. The point was she never forgot her childhood friend.
My heart is broken for childlike Fukue. How wonderful that Jessica cared so much that she went back to find her. I hope this life changing reconnection has made Fukue feel truly loved.
It makes me wonder why she was ostracized. Something about her was odd
@@TingTingalingy speaking from personal experience, it could have been nothing more than that she was poor. I grew up in a rural area with about 50 kids in my entire elementary school, and the poorest kids were bullied mercilessly, even when the other kids weren't much better off.
@@GwenActually yeah.... IDK about comparing Japan to other countries. They're a world unto their own, in pretty much every way imaginable. Even today, an assumed to be Japanese men in front of me thanked a store greeter. In USA to be that cordial is not common amongst the mentally sound. But for the japanese, it is. We are simply incomparable. But yes, the poors will always be ostracized, as it's usually warranted
@@TingTingalingywarranted? I may be missing something?
@@biddiemutter3481 poor people by and large make endlessly bad decisions, eat badly by choice, dress badly by choice, work minimum wage jobs as careers by choice etc.
I think i found em, the two pretty best friends.
Periodt 😏
OUUUUUUUUUUU
Hell yeah!!!!
Y e s
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE GOT ‘EM
The lengths people are willing to go for the people they care about is amazing.
Yves Aubert and the most dangerous weapon
Helion Zerx and i- oop 😂😂😂
I was trying to hold it in but this comment made me burst in tears.
@Yves AubertFirst of all love isn't a weapon.
I think some of it has to do with the fact that she felt guilty for leaving her in that condition, that's why she had to come back to see/make sure she was okay. It's so wonderful how humans in such short time can develop so much love and affection for each other. It also shows how a single human can have such a great impact on your life.
Spoiler:
I was so scared they would find out that Fukue had died or something, I'm glad they reunited!
same
Me too
I was thinking like.. Suicide when she mentioned bullying. Im so relieved
@weeby weeb you noticeddddd 😃 lwmcownxlw, hey atleast we share a fellow anime liking lol
Ikr same 😂😭
Don’t know if I have ever seen such a perfect picture of two innocent kids .. best friends standing back to back .. and their happy expressions .. painted a thousand words
Beautifully expressed. You made my night
such a beautiful photo
I love that Jess has the same mannerisms as the Japanese, still speaks Japanese fairly well and is respectful in that sense. It warmed my heart when she found her.
Yeah she seems very respectful in Japan unlink certain people *cough cough Logan Paul cough cough*
"Japan is all about the respeeeekkkkkkttttttt!" - Said by a great Japanese Philosopher, Senpai Paul.
cvc LMAOOO
Is it really so shocking that someone who at a young age goes to school in a foreign country would be well adapted? When moving to a country the appropriate thing to do is to strive to integrate in as many ways as possible. Jessica and her family clearly did their best to adapt to their surroundings and a key component was learning the language and the manners. Not to mention how is one to learn effectively if one cannot understand the language?
I wasn't shocked at all when she started speaking Japanese, the thing that I did applaud her for though was the way she correctly accepted the business card. Even I made the mistake of not properly inspecting someone's business card the first time I was in Japan and I prepped thoroughly for that trip.
MorningStar Kematch
Aahhhh you just spoiled it xDdd
"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Martin Luther King
Big quote! Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏
WAIT UR THE GIRL IN THIS VID OMG but that aside dang how did u have such a good friendship with fufuke
Damn.......
or both
What if your freinds are your enemies
I’m not crying, you are. That’s a true friend there.
She just started ignoring her for years on end, true friendship lol.
I do not understand, why did i almost cry even tho i never cry at something "emotional".
@@homokala8170 cos you're a simp?
Chris The Tech Guy I’m not crying bish
Raissa Suwardhono lol
I feel a bit jealous seeing this as I have never had a friend like Jessica. She literally flew across the world to find her friend. I hope I find a friend like her someday.
That's not how it works, it's more that you have to be ready to be that Jessica for someone, or to mean so much for someone's life because of your caring that you change their life just like Fukue did for Jessica. You have to be willing to give infinite amount of love to deserve some of it in return.
@@creuvette29well said
I hope you do too.good true friends are not easy to find.you seem a nice person and I hope you will get your wish.
@@creuvette29I respectfully disagree, this isn't really a thing you need to be "ready" for.. friendships like this can come out of nowhere, even a simple encounter in a grocery store with someone or commenting on a video online can lead to friendships that last the test of time. Even more so than IRL ones.
I thought this was gonna be some horrible realization that her friend was dead and never found. I’m glad it turned out the way it did!
@@unarmedblackguy lmao looking through the comments while watching was basically wanting to spoil it for urself dude.
Elly Principato I’m not
@@unarmedblackguy don't read the comments then🤣 it does not take a genious to know that the comments are for discussions about the video... Are you on drugs?!
@@cookiejammer1944 I'm sure they didn't mean the comment to sound mean.
I never died, I'm your soul friend.
My first day of College, I had a "crush" on the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. After a semester, we became best friends. I could never tell her how I felt because she was so beautiful. 20 years later, we ran into each other and she invited me out to dinner. After 20 years, it felt so comfortable to be around each other again. A year later we married.
Rick Uyeda that called lucky 🍀
That is absolutely beautiful Rick. Congratulations buddy, so very happy for you. #LoveWins
I dont know why I assumed you were a girl at first, but either way that's a great story
Rick Uyeda I’m so happy for you! Congrats and I hope you are doing well
Beautiful.
That picture of them when they were young, back to back with each other, is so wholesome. Like it wasn't in real life. Like it was from a movie. So beautiful.
IKR!!! i'm pretty sure her parent take that, no wonder she is musician when grow up. the artist blood passed down in her..
My exact thoughts, If I had a picture like that I would put it literally everywhere
the most underrated photo
@@raghad_1153 i will make it for my album cover if i were a musician
Ikr! When this story becomes a movie (which I hope) I want that picture to be the poster
SO important to have childhood friends. They shape our lives and influence us so much that we only realize the impact when we grow up. What a lovely friendship and reunion.
So true
Very true. I wish I had that. My oldest friend is from 7th grade but nothing more past that. Even then we don't really talk much. They've never been a sociable person so even when I do reach out, making plans is difficult. My next oldest from 9th grade, we still talk often and go on trips often. That friendship is something I really cherish, even if I don't get to say it that often (because they do not like emotional stuff much).
i had childhood friends but i barely remember them or think about them i haven't seen them since i was a little kid
oh....
I was bullied I was attacked verbally and phisically and shunned at public school and the teachers never cared , I was the shy, weird, quiet autistic girl who wore glasses all her life, I never had a true friend but I had fake friends bc idk how to make friends. I dreamed of finding my true love or finally getting a real true friend sigh seeing that video make me feel a bit jealous, like as if I want to get that feeling but I never had a good friend....
Beautiful story... I'm 57 now.. Had a pen pal when I was 16...we never met but I loved him.. We wanted to meet but neither one of us could afford it... However to make a long story short we met 18 years later.. By then we were both married to different people.. It was a tough time but or friendship remained intact... I became very ill and could not afford medical treatment in my country. He invited me to his country where he got me the best in the medical field and paid all my medical expenses. He and his lovely wife and caring family took care of me for two months then I returned home. That was 20+ ago. We are still in contact via social Media. I was invited to visit this tear but covid 19 changed things... GOD place folks in our lives for so many different reasons. I'm glad He placed my friend in mine. Great friends are a blessing.
Your story is like mind
and i dont even get to make friends in hs since all of mine left me at the same time :( hope i get to go through at least one year in hs normally
Beautiful story making me tear....
friends are priceless
It's such a beautiful story.
Made me tear up.
I did the same thing as Fukue once (cut off contact with everyone because I was in a really bad place in life) so I understand why she did it. Kudos to Jessica for never forgetting her friend.
She was so special and different from everyone else I met there or knew in Canada, that I could never forget her. Thank you for sharing.
i'm doing that now 🤷
@@Ari-ih5un hope things get better for you.
Yeah, I did that once as well. I moved away from a great friend and I didn't keep in contact. I was being bullied where I moved to and distracted by a lot of other goings on in school, life, etc. She ended up finding me again and we met up.. she asked me why I never called or kept in contact. I tried to explain that it wasn't her, how it was several other things... she didn't understand. /: We really don't talk much now. 'Fun' facts, people change yet stay the same, I couldn't relate to her as much as I did as a kid.
I cut off my friends from not being accepted the way I am. I was an entertainer at girls gatherings and this one from my close friend didn't want me at all to dance. She felt that's what's making me being popular and she disliked it. I helped her in many ways beside bathing her kids, taking them to parks, even cleaning their poop sometimes but that just never felt enough for her. We were friends for almost 15 years I totally respected her house since she was married everything i wanted i had to ask but that never felt enough. She copied my dressing style even my habit gosh! she just liked the way i talked the way i do things and after she got enough from me, When i had a very difficult situation that i expected her to help me, she ignored me and started making some distance from me and this happened when i got married in 2015. I just decided to delete her out of my life but I can't get her out of my mind from what she did to me it was unbelievable. My husband just can't stand the stories he hears about us and he does understand WHY MY FRIEND REALLY AFFECTED ME EMOTIONALLY, AND MENTALLY. Pray for me guys friends are horrific!!!
Fukue‘s daughter looks so much like Fukue when she was younger, that‘s adorable
Yeah that's really cute.
I'm pretty sure the young ones are look alikes
Fr😩
or your just a racist
@@danielmkandrews Who you talking to here because nobody here is being racist and btw you're
The two kids look so happy together.
Even more proof, that there's always somebody, in the world, that's thinking about you.
Someone, somewhere, always.
God always is even if people are not. ❤
Really?... ... ... ... I dont know. maybe??. ... ... .
I've been detached to all of my schoolmates ever since. . Thinking what am I right now, if I am successful you mean?
It's so cute how she speaks Japanese.
Fukue is lucky to have such a caring loyal friend.
pumpkin monster!!!
Comment Freely That would be St. Pumpkin Monster, the patron saint of long-lost friends.
in the other hand I hate listening her speak it, she sounds lazy
Ken narville, dude, I’m sorry for whatever bad experiences you’ve had with Japanese people who you thought were your friends, but please don’t assume that that means ALL Japanese people are just like that. To state such an assumption about any race or nationality as a whole, as fact, is to overlook the human individual and imprison yourself in a sad, lonely little box. I could never wish that on anybody.
Ken narville, you’re entitled to your opinion based on your personal experience. At the same time, if you keep in mind that no matter how painful your personal experiences with Japanese people have been, you have not met and gotten to know MOST Japanese, you can still go forward - with caution, yes, but not without hope. Each human being, regardless of race, nationality or culture, is an individual you can only evaluate after taking the time to get to know. Evaluating a person negatively _before_ getting to know them, not only does your fellow human being a disservice; it does *you* a disservice as well, depriving yourself the opportunity to explore possible friendships or life-enriching relationships.
I’m not saying you need to try to get to know more Japanese people if you’re still hurting from your past experiences, and need time to heal. I’m only saying please, try to keep those experiences in perspective: try to remember that the number of Japanese people who wronged you, are in no way most of the Japanese people in the world. As long as we have not yet met and become well acquainted with the majority of individuals in any demographic, we cannot in all fairness slap a negative label on all or even most of them.
By all means, share your experiences if you need to process what happened and find closure, but don’t let your pain drive you to make sweeping derogatory statements about any group as a whole. Don’t abandon hope just because it’s easier to be angry.
It’s just so crazy that some people that know each other for 2 years can have this kind of relationship and while other that have been friends for 10+years can stab you in the back for some benefits 😔
Same thought
Yeah sad I was best friends with a girl when I was 10 and just in January we broke it off because of what she said to me.
Hi Jessica your story made me so sad but yet so happy too.I'm just glad that you found Fukue alive and ☺Wish you many more years ❤ as friends wished i had a friend like you
Ooooh that's so true, as somebody with first hand experience of this. Good friends with this bloke for 8 years, throughout highschool and Uni, and he stole a pair of shoes from me, for literally $500, he threw a 8 year old friendship out. I never saw it coming.
True mahn
This made me cry. I also have a "lost pen pal" in Japan. I am an American woman, 74 years old, and exchanged letters and small gifts with Yoshiko Jinno, of Nagoya, from about 1958 to about 1963. She was two or three years older than I. She suddenly stopped writing to me. In the last letter, she told of a young man she was in love with. My memory is foggy about details, but as I vaguely recall, she did not think he loved her. She sounded sad, maybe even a bit hopeless. I wrote another few times, increasingly puzzled and worried. I never heard from her again.
Somewhere, I have those letters, but they are in a storage locker and I am too old to dig through everything to find them. I have thought of her many, many times over the years. I would love to tell her how much she opened my eyes to other cultures and places. All my life, I have longed to know other places and have had some opportunity to travel. In 2012, I had the opportunity to go to Tokyo and Kyoto on a semi-business trip, but only for a week. Finding her would have been impossible in that time and without being able to speak the language. I loved my trip, and it was melancholy, as well as fascinating. Yoshiko was with me the entire time, out there, somewhere. I hope she is happy, with grandchildren and a little house of her own.🌱🌼🌱
I really hope you find your friend someday even if the chances are low, I'm praying for you.
This is one of the most wholesome comments I've read on yt. Hope you find her one day!
I bet she is also thinking about you! I hope you'll get to meet her again!
Damn, I felt that. You know somewhere out there, she probably still thinks of you and feeling the same way you did. It makes me sad just thinking about that. Thank you for the story.
@@seraphik dang i really hope she finds he one day!
I lost touch with a school friend when he emigrated to Western Australia and divorce.
We parted with unspoken friction.
Many years later I began my search on the internet until I finally tracked him down.
There after we wrote and called regularly until his untimely death earlier this year.
I am so glad we renewed our friendship and I understand completely how deep the bonds are.
Well done!
I’m sorry for your loss 😢
Fukues daughter looks just like her when she was young with jessica
It tends to be like that with asians
@hannie _x same i don't see Fukues daughter looking like her mom when her mom was young
This isnt a dating site,..dude
@@thayoutubebigwig1109 ok dude lol
You are both so blessed to have that kind of friendship and were able to find each other again.
they're talking like no time has passed. Wow. You can see their connection. I hope they remain friends for life.
she ended up killing herself a month after this, its on media and so sad.
@@ClydeW893 BRUH WHERE- last time I checked, no other comments are talking about her death, and I searched it up and nothing, so someone's fibbing here..
@@nancy54379 Yes. Fukue. She committed ss. I remember seeing the video about it. She was lonely and left behind her husband and children. Her childhood was not very good and she was bullied her whole life, not just during her childhood. They found her vehicle and she wasn't inside, they did an investigation and she was found by a riverbed. It's super sad what happened. I can send you the link and video if you like.
@@ClydeW893 yes please.. I was just about to ask you to send the link.
Wait really? I thought you were lying also can you send the link
I had a penpal in Greece whom I lost contact with one day. I messaged his brother through Facebook, only to find that he died of illness. I flew all the way to Greece to visit his grave. Of course, I met his mom, his brothers, and his friends. He’s always my angel.
God bless him and your soul, you and your friend had a short time in life. Hope you get better in life now, Godspeed
This is really sad.. Bless his soul
i actually cried
Holy crap life is so sad.
My penpal loved drawing. He had lots of drawings of me. When his mom saw me, the Asian girl he used to draw, she hugged me tightly and burst into tears. That was so heartbreaking.
It just gave me so much happiness to know that despite Fukue going through so much as a kid, she is living a happy life with her husband and children.
at first i thought it was gonna be a sad documentary and finding out she was murdered．
I thought she would commit suicide.
ikrrrrr
you're mean.. I thought I'm the only one who thinks so
Same!!
Me tooo 🤭
Imagine what it must be like to have someone who genuinely cares so much about you that even after years of no contact they go out to find you
Howbout what it feels like?
I am not able to imagine it.
yes I can imagine, don`t you have parents who care about you?
Litteraly all the way across the world
@@missprettyschannel parents who truly care about thier children loose them and give up way easier than this lady all the time
I am so glad this turned out happily. My grandmother had a similar experience, but it did not turnout well. Grandma had a very good Japanese BFF who lived in the US for nearly 20 years before she moved back to Japan. This was in the days before the Internet became available to the general public, so they wrote to each other often. I remember the stacks of letters Grandma kept. The last letter she received from her friend, she wrote she was coming back to the US and I remember Grandma was so happy and it seems like she was 20 years younger after receiving that letter. Sadly, her friend never returned to the US because she lived in Kobe, and about 4 months after she wrote the letter, the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck and killed more than 6,000 residents of Kobe. Grandma's friend was among the dead. Our family was so afraid for her because of the deep depression Grandma went into. Even though Grandma was not a Buddhist, she had made shrine in the style of a Japanese butsudan in an alcove of her house in memory of her friend.
aw thats really sad. i hope your grandmother is ok now
thats so heartbreaking i hope your grandmother is better
That is so sad... 😢 I hope your grandmother was able to find peace and happiness after that...
Aw that’s a sad story.
A true friendship is a bond of respect, love and endless laugher. My heart and thoughts go out to yr Grandma. Please place something from me on her shrine. Much 💖
What a heartwarming tribute of unconditional love and Friendship; it's why Fake News never airs love like Jess and Fukue share.
what are you talking about “fake news” lmao
I’ve had a pen pal in Russia for over 40 years. We finally met in St Petersburg in 2019. It was wonderful!!
Oh wow
:)
Wow. That is the most racist thing I've heard all week.
@@daboisindahood8616 tf
@@daboisindahood8616 how tho
it’s really interesting not just that she learned japanese in a year, but that she also managed to keep the knowledge of it even without having interactions in japanese regularly
Young kids learn, and pick up language fast.
Its that ability to still hold that knowledge despite not using it as often as she did as a child that I find admirable. I believe she's in her 30s in this, so at the very least, if she left Japan when she was a child, there is at least 2 decades worth of time that past since her need to use it often for communication. That's pretty impressive
orbit!
How do you know if she has been practicing her japanese.
True, Cantonese was my first language but I'm starting to lose it at just 17
I feel that Jessica is not just her best friend, but also her “Japanese sister” which is a emotional moment to see them after all those years.
What a sweet and heart warming story I know exactly how Fukue tell because I was bullied the same as her I'm glad her life turned out as well as it hasn't she was really happyshe deserves the best in life and hats off to Jesse for finding her you can just see that they're meant to be
jason liao yes, soul mates 💖💖
@Ken narville how so?
@Ken narville how do you know have you ever been to Japan I have and I know that some people there would do that
Of course, the Canadian girl provided security and trustfulness in situation where the Japanese girl would otherwise be bullied. Who wouldn't be appreciative of that?
My best friend was killed in a car accident 3 months after graduating. I understand that feeling of loss. Please stay friends!!
As someone who has social anxiety, I cannot believe how brave she was in finding her old friend. I can never imagine doing something so bold.
As someone that is paralyzed to the waist down, I cannot believe how brave she was in walking. I can never imagine doing something so bold.
I had to move away from all my friends. I hope to do this sometime in the future to see them again
@@BlankComicsMain i am so sorry for you i hope you will see your friends again🤧😞😢🥺❤🤲
Me too
@@BlankComicsMain i wish you succes to finding your old friends😁👍🙌❤
Her: Finding Fukue
Me: Finding Tissues
This was great, thank you for sharing your amazing reunion.
LOOOOL
My tears stop when I saw ur comment 😂
*FINDING SASUKE*
FACTSS
😂
Seriously, an anime series should be written out of this. I'm literally crying right now.
Half of the anime I've watched are basically this story. Half of that is one of them doesn't remember the other, or both don't remember having been friends like, three years before -_-
@Chuchu You must be having daddy issues. How pitiful. 😒
Seriously I need one I just need one bro
Hell yesss me too
Mostly stories like this are RomCom Harem Anime
Like Nisekoi
I have had a penpal in Japan for 15 years. We have never met but she is very special to me. Her name is Junko.
Awesome :)
Bless u both 🙌🏻
Gospel of Jesus Christ John 3:16 For God So loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not Perish but have Everlasting Life. Jesus Christ Died for the sin of the World, If you believe in ur heart God risen Jesus from the dead and confess him with ur mouth to people you shall be saved. Jesus said I Am The only way to heaven there is no other way! Repent of urs sins (Repent means Change ur Mind turning away from sinful things and being truly sorry for it.) trust Jesus and give ur life to him He Loves you cares about you more than anyone ever will! we are saved By Grace Trough Faith!,this is sin: Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of eternal life in our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 For all have sined and felt short of the Glory of God. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:18-21, 23 KJV Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 REPENT OR YOU WILL PERISH REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL GET RIGHT WITH GOD LORD JESUS CHRIST.
junko furuta
bro did NOT have to say that 🙏🙏😭
despite Fukue's struggle and bullying... she turned out just fine with a happy family. thank you for sharing your friendship with us.
I'm glad.
spoiled it for me lol 😆
@Ken narville So do you?
@Ken narville you didn't either
@Ken narville yeah. And I wonder where did all your comments go
She got bullied but look at her now, living her life to the fullest. Steady job, big car & lovely family. I'm glad they finally met each other after 30 years.
@Ken narville No, she seems as happy as possible.
@Ken narville But why would you say that she isn't happy. What shows that she isn't happy?
@@brisaquina8816 Well it is possible she could just be faking it, bullying can cause trauma to a child for life...
@@greencityorgization7372 I mean she could ,but also she can be not
five reasons why japanese doesn't make good friends:
1 they choose who is worth to hear their tatemae (truth thoughts ) and prefer to use tatemae ( lies) no matter how hard we're polite or nice to them
2 they only thinks to work-work over over
3 they pretends to be kind they just force themselves
4 they never wants to learn internatuional languages, and when we speak poorly japanese they mocks at our accent
5 they have xenophobia
I thought this was going to be a mysterious crime but THANK GOD IT WASNT
🤣💜
Mrs. B. 💜
Kookie Cutie oml SAME
You gave it away
The girls kid had bts merch on
I watched this video a few years ago, and here it is again in my UA-cam feed. It was and still is one of the most beautiful and touching videos I've ever watched. I'm an elderly man, and this brings an upwelling of emotions again in a remarkably wonderful way. Thank you for sharing your and Kukue's story. The reception and help you received in Saku was truly amazing. I am so happy you found your friend, that she is doing well and has such a beautiful family.
I would echo your thoughts, sir. I, too, watched it a few years ago and it came up in my suggestions just today. I had to watch it again and even though I knew the outcome, I still had those "what if" feelings. It's a great story.
15:28
The picture of them leaning when they were kids has some thing magical I could not describe.
Yes
I knowww right
Yeeess !! Ikr ?? I thought the same that picture is sooo powerful ! It's as if it was straight from some deep movie or something.
The photo gives such vibes... Hard to describe
It gives some "lost childhood friend" movie/anime vibe
The moment when the ladies recognized her dad used to teach there was like mind blowing. They still remembered! Wow.
they said it was a small community with no foreigners. of course they would remember strangers that look absolutely nothing like them from across the world coming to teach them english
That usually happens to small towns/cities. Everyone knows everyone.
Well people in the small town of Mansfield Ohio remember my uncle 4 years after his death it's amazing
@@Icyslider2 I live in a small town which both me and my dad have lived our entire lives. Crazy enough, I've had people who when I meet them, ask who my dad is without even knowing my last name. I guess him and his 4 brothers were pretty well known around town so that's why.
I was tearing up during the documentary. To think that this little Japanese girl had made such an impact on Jessica's life that 30 years later she travelled 8,000 kilometers to try to find her. Simply beautiful and so heartwarming!
Finding nemo
Finding dory
Finding fukue
🤣
Hahahaha lmao 😂🤣😂😂😂🤣
Ha.
Next stop.
Finding your house...…...
Princess Bloom next stop
Finding your body
I feel this! I somewhat have a similar story on a lower scale.
In 2013/14/15, we hosted a Japanese student at our house in NZ for 2-3 weeks each year. At the time I was a primary schooler of age 6/7/8 years, and loved having international students to stay. Along with my family, I remember absolutely loving having our host-students to stay! It was fun to see them interested so much in us and our culture, which is what made it interesteing for me to learn about theirs. In the short space of time, my family and I formed a huge bond with the host students, keeping special memories for life that I still remember today. After they left, we kept in touch by mail for a number of years, sending cards and letters back and forth. And then, slowly, with each student, the letters just stopped. Most likely because they were all busy in their lives, graduating and moving on, and we were also busy with our, enough that our effort to keep in touch wasn't enough.
The last we recieved a message from any of the students we had was in 2016, 8 years ago. While it's not quite 30 years, it still felt like an eternity. I always meant to write to them, but the though just kept slipping out of my mind.
Finally, at age 17 and absolutely obsessed with Japan, the culture, sights and history, I decided to go to Japan. Partly to experience my interests in Bonsai, gardens, temples and the intruiging ultra modern side of the country, but also to see if I can reconnect with our old host students. It took a while to get in touch, addresses, emails and phone numbers had all changed, but nothing like a bit of "facebook stalking" can keep you from answers.
So 2 months ago, I soloed my way to Japan, paying for and planning everything in my 3 week trip. I stayed in hotels, got around by train, and managed some of the worlds biggest cities all by myself without hesitation (yes, I am very proud ;D). And also, after 8/9/10 years, I finally met up with each of our old host students in their own country! It was soooo amazing! I was so worried about what they might think, do they remember me? But the moment I saw them, we connected like a spark. They were so excited, so welcoming, so sorry that the connection all fell apart, but also so happy that we both remembered each other and the experienceds we shared all that time ago.
It was sad to have to leave them again, but after that new ignition, we now keep in contact. It goes to show that those who really care, are really interested, and have good hearts will never leave your memory.
It’s really crazy how one single person can stay in your mind and soul forever, the impact that one person can has in your life is really powerful to me
Agreed, vale! Fukue is one of a handful of super important special friends from my life, so I feel very very fortunate 🙏♥️🤗
Its true in my 2nd grade i made a pinky promise with a girl to be bff but i forgot her face and name but i still remember those words and keep that promise i still wonder who she was and why have u forgotten
I forgotten*
@@twitter1288 soon bro you will remember her name.
Same here. I was born into a Christian home and went to a lot of conventions as a kid and I became super close friends with another kid. Both he and I were pastors kids so we saw eachother at every meet up in the maritimes area for about 9 years straight untill my family moved to another province. We didn't have social media or cell phones back then so I had no way of contacting him and the phone number I had from him was changed and I never got a new one. My parents didn't know his that well either so I had no help in finding him. Life moved on and through the years I always wanted to contact him but I can only remember his first name. All I remember about his last name is that it was Russian (can't find him on any social media of any kind). I'm almost 40 now and I still think about that kid to this day. David if your still out there I hope your leading a good life. Love you bro.
The fact that those women remembered her family living there was absolutely touching and special!
Right? Such a warm thing
@ doesn't stop it from being heartwarming lol
I agree. But what you might more amazing is how the community went to the lengths that they each did to reunite these 2 beautiful ladies. While in the military, I had the honor and privilege of going TDA to Karena Air Base in Japan several times. And each time I felt more welcome than the time before. The people of this beautiful islands, the culture all just a wonderful experience. I hope that I would be able to return there at least one more time before my life ends.
@ "A bunch of Jews"?
I doubt their religion was something most of the Japanese were even aware of since the only reference to it (their religion) is one video taken within their home with only the Stuart family taking part. They were Caucasian, Canadian, spoke English and happened to be Jewish, and you figured the Japanese village/town remembered this family by the factor which was least likely to be known, and which was the least visibly/physically identifiable?
Your mind works in strange ways.
@Darren Headrick I have to agree too, I went to Japan for a vacation on new years 2018-2019 and I have never felt so welcome by strangers anywhere else.
I’m impressed she has keep up the japanese language even tho they were not in japan for long.
Edit. Yes they were pen pals but it’s been over 30 years since the last letter. It’s touching she kept the japanese language (likely) because of the emotional connection.
May be she studied it when she went home
I think once you have the foundations, it's easier to revise so and remember cause you never really forget everything but still super impressive!
Depends. I was a native English speaker and when my dad became handicapped my parents moved in with my mom's family. Apparently, my family bullied me, called me a snob for not knowing how to speak my parent's language so they put me in preschool where I was taught the alphabet, how to write, etc and when we moved back to the USA I didn't know English and had to start over again lol
Oh, and my family teased me for not knowing English 😏 (this is why my parents decided to move back to the USA, bc my family was never supportive and my parents noticed I was developing low self esteem, which continues to be a daily struggle but I've made improvements)
She’s a weaboo
@@cynthia2901 this is true, my family moved to sweden when i was 5 years old and we lived there for 2 years, we returned to australia after that and it has been 17 years yet somehow i could still pick up slightly when i heard people speaking svenska (swedish language).
Friendship that break the continental border and still exist even after a long period of lost contact. What a beautiful documentary.
this is the most wholesome content I've seen in quarantine
I am normally watching milk age
Same
@@Nippelmoe I assume the same is for me
Yeah, it makes me think about a friend in my middle school. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about her, if she is alive and something like that.
im 666
Impressive that she is still so fluent after only being one year in Japan
Well, languages just stick with you when you're still a kid, especially when you still haven't gone through puberty.
Yeah, learning a language past ur adolescence is really hard, so u often forget it.
I thought the same thing! Wow! She even writes Japanese characters. I had such a happy cry watching this story. Would that we could all learn a foreign language so well and retain it after 30 years. And such a beautiful friendship. Vive l'amitié!
@@genroynoisis6980 I'm not sure that's true. I've heard that, while children learn quickly, they also forget quickly. And from my limited experience, I would say that seems to be true.
I think it depends more on how deeply she learned it, and whether she did anything to maintain it after leaving Japan.
Having been immersed in it, using it for the majority of the day, every day, for a year--that's going to result in some might deep learning. English speaking adults, even living in Japan, are not likely to be nearly as immersed in the Japanese language, especially if their work involved using their native language (as her father's did).
And I expect she did put significant time and effort into maintaining her Japanese.
@@UA-camallowedmynametobestolen Fair point. My native language is Filipino, but I can only speak in a child-like way using the most common phrases. I think the Canadian musician also said something along these lines on video. I left when I was 7, for Australia.
I myself have also started forgetting some of the less common nouns, adjectives, and action verbs in Filipino; it feels weird, like when you lose track of your car's keys and have to think back to when you last held them (if that makes sense lol). Earlier this year on a trip to the Philippines, I found myself stammering and stuttering with my words, which was embarrassing.
In the case of this video, I'm positive she had to revise some basic Japanese to write and speak like she did as a kid*.
*Note that you only need a native speaking child's vocabulary to communicate adequately with people face-to-face in another language. Writing is a little harder, but it's still possible with a little revising.
Can we just talk about how beautiful Fukue is, like she is gorgeous and has such a wonderful smile.
Yes. Makes me think she may have been bullied not because she was poor but because she was pretty. Kids can be cruel. Jealousy can be a big motivator for it too.
Damn right. I was just thinking I bet none of her bullies turned out as pretty as her. Jesus christ! And I'm a 45yo man, not some weeb who gets a hard on for anything Japanese.
@@amythompson6869 Agreed. Grown women still bully other women for being pretty or whatever is above or beyond the norms.
Ash Chaya
Ash I'm 58 and amazed at how young she looked, at first I thought it was her eldest child, true friendship will outlive anything, any distance or any amount of time and what a pity it's such a rare thing now.
@Hugh Jaanus You'll never find out. Most incels like you find all women unsolvable mysteries.
My wife and I are so happy for you for finding your childhood friend. We all have childhood friends, but not all of us are fortunate to reconnect with them. Your story is so beautiful. Thank you!
I tried to find my best childhood friend a few years ago. We lost touch a long time ago but I still thought about him a lot. I did eventually find him, but he had passed away at only 18 years old. I'm glad these women found each other before it was too late.
I'm really sorry to hear that. Part of the reason it was so important for me to find Fukue is because as a teenager I lost one of my best friends and three others, all 15 or 16 years old, all in a 10 month period, so the chance that I might be able to still find one of my beloved important people from the past was extremely important to me. Thank you for watching and my condolences.
TheJessicaStuartFew You have such a beautiful soul, Jessica. Your story touched my heart. Your life journey is interesting. I’m glad you have a YT channel. Subbed right away!
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!
I am so sorry.
💗💗
Her Japanese is pretty good despite the fact that she only lived in Japan as a small child for a very short period of time. Japanese is a difficult language, and I'm saying it because I am a Japanese native and have helped college students learn it here in US. Even for me after years of living in US, retaining my Japanese is hard.
Ikr? Back in school, I studied Japanese for 4 years. Now I can barely remember a thing.
Just goes to show what an impact that time had on her. That 1 year effected her whole life.
its not we got ABC chinese weebos here in Australia that can already speak Japanese fluently after going to japan a few times and learning it. Once you learn the syllabals the rest is easy. Its easier to learn than chinese
@@blackcactuz that means you not a Weeb. Weebs and Otakus esp asians are so fluent they learn it naturally from hearing music, reasing mangas and going to japan for short holidays. a large majority of Asian young adults here knows fluent japanese
Children retain the languages they learn in early life.
This has to be a live action anime. The perfect photo to go with the perfect title, "Finding Fukue", the emotional buildup with the suspense on whether she would find her friend or not and having the ability to make me shed tears.
omggg thats the best idea I've heard today.
Awwwwwwww
I like that idea
I thought of that but as a normal anime
That concept already exists lmao
It's called kimi no nawa "your name"
It's not the same story, but the same concept nonetheless
Such a beautiful story. I also had a girlfriend from Okinawa and we’ve lost touch. It’s been 30 years, I’ve tried FB but no luck. Her name is Yuri Izumi. I hope that she is doing well. I am so happy for you and Fukue ❤
Did you try any of the people search companies?? It costs $5 to $30. Google her name and I’m sure there will be people search you can see to look into.
If she was me, I’d be thinking things (like while I was looking for her): am I being clingy? What if she doesn’t care? What if She forgot me?
yes exactly i was tryna find my guy friend too and thought the same thing
@@sarahleechang2122 what happened?
@@li1978 well I did end up finding him back through Facebook, though we've obviously changed throughout the years at least my thoughts were wrong and we're still cool
@SirSnufflelots Sucks never having someone want to see you huh?
@SirSnufflelots Well, if someone impacted your life and it doesnt matter if it was just a year or 6 months, wouldn't you be curious wondering how they are doing? Like she said, Fukue isn't on social media and its been 30 years. 30 years of wondering what happened to the person that changed your perspective and that gave you inspiration.
The whole time before she found her I was scared her friend had died or something and this would have a sad ending. But I am so happy they found each other again and was able to reconnect successfully after 30 years of separation. It truly is a miracle of friendship. I cried when they were able to catch up on lost time again :') Makes me think of the time my Bestie found me by chance after 7 years.
SAME!!!!
Same! Though, I'm sure Fukue's life was pretty hard.
So was I. Or was extremely poor and struggling. I'm so happy she's doing well
I was thinking of the famous suicide park in Japan glad she’s alive ❤️❤️
ME 2....YIKES...@ 15:00 minutes in...It started raining on my face...
Such a shame Fukue was bullied so terribly. It's very sad. The same happened to me in junior high school. Children can be so cruel and this abuse can affect and shape your entire future.
yea i didnt know kids dropped out of elementary school. I'm hoping she at least got some home schooling or something tho she seems to be doing alright
I had a “friend” tie a rope around my neck and said he was gonna kill me and that he’s just been pretending to be my friend. Looking back, maybe that made my social anxiety and my life on the Internet a thing.
@@IDontWannaHandleYT there are some very depraved out there....
well said. we really need to do more to accept and love each other.
this, yet schools just leave it as just "they're just kids" and hope it will just goes away.. there are laws but it almost always bends when the suspect/s are kids and saying "they don't know what they're doing" despite doing it for years..
Use me as an “I’m crying right now” button
Activate "im crying right now button" edit: thanks for all your likes guys 😁
@@Masonisntfunny55 god damn onion cutting ninjas again
😆
@@chandisraygor3299
Lol!!
Your allowed to cry..
It's a wonderful real life story...your just showing that you have a warm heart and that's sweet
I just looked at their instagrams and the only person fukue follows is jessica 😭🥰
How did Jessica not find her instagram but you did?
@Davy GN’R yea makes sense
@Davy GN’R no it's the truth
@@zuzom589 did u not watch the documentary?
@@toast-withbutter936 uh yea? Lol what kind of question is that
Tell Fukue to stop cutting the god dam onions.
heheh.
Ikr she really need to stop
abndnsjdjs word
tell that to Namjoon
@@emokaeya8845 what?
Not me crying. My childhood bestie and I were both horribly bullied kids. I am so grateful we’re almost 40 and still close 💜💜💜
I think they should start a series for those gamers who lost their buddies
Damn don't make me cry
"hold on brb"
*Is gone for 10 years*
spoopyjhope omg stop
Oh myyy i agree😢
Just think one day you will log into Minecraft and never log back in 😭
Image being in someones life for just one year and leaving such a imprint on them that even after 30 they cant forget you
Friendship is strange sometimes
"When halloween came around I was always thinking about Jessica" That hit me so hard
Yeahh it happens to me, I can't forget my childhood friends, 'cause we had so much fun together, like build tree house together, cycling around house complex, stealing neighbors fruits hsjsjsj doin crazy advanture, climb trees and many other things. that was so much fun until I moved away and then they move idk where, we lost contact. But I'll never forget them, those memories are the best of my childhood. Sometimes I wonder where are they, what they would look like, what are the doin kinda miss them
Still my favorite documentary on youtube, it really touches your soul
It’s incredible that they never stopped thinking about each other given how young they were and how brief their time together was.
That's how things go. If you make that one special friend at the right (or wrong) time, just the thought of that friend could stay with you forever.
It's not about how much time you've spent with someone but how you spent that time with someone. Some people just come into your lives for just a brief moment and leave behind marks that won't ever fade, for better or worse.
Its actually crazy to think about, I remember a lot of kids I was friends with at the first elementary school I went to. Was lucky enough to keep in touch with a few well into my teens or reconnect with them in my teens/young adult life. I went to high school after when internet/social media started getting big so although I dont really keep in touch with high school friends as much cause we've all grown apart its still easy to get in touch with them at least.
This totally reminded me of a situation similar to me when I was in elementary school . Having a friend live in California for a little in school and moving back to Korea or Japan I forgot what one and she wrote me a letter on how they were back home and how she missed California. Total memory that went away and came back by this video I'm shocked how vids can bring back old memories
At that age one year is a very long time.
I can't believe she was bullied so much she had to drop out. Especially since she seems so kind. Probably why she was so quick to make a friend.
Just keep in mind the timing. Much closer to ww2, a lot of older folks hatred of 'others' gets transferred to the kids through association. Nowadays maybe it'd be a bit different. I'm guessing that Jessica is almost 30 orso and that she was there in the 90s.
yeah that was sad, school system failed her
That is sad situation in Japan. These bullying are still exist. They discriminate if people are little differentt,race,mixed,buraku origin, poor,new rich(narikinn) etc. When I grew up, I did not suffer from those bullying at all.
Lol happens all the time. Same happened to me
@@timexdistance1615 and me.
I'm originally from northern Italy (lake Garda). When I was teenage I became friend with a Danish boy that used to come in holiday in the summer with his parents. I didn't spoke English at the time and he didn't spoke Italian, however, we became friends. Every year I was receiving a postcard from Denmark, nothing written, just a date. I knew that was the day he was arriving at the camping in my village. We lost contact when I went in the army, I was 17yo. Then my parents moved house. After the military service I started to work in catering and travelling between Italy and Switzerland, never had a chance to find him again. At 26 I moved to England, where I still live. A year ago, I received a message in Facebook. ...it was him! We are now planning a meet either here in England or in Denmark... I'm now 48yo. ❤️
I'm very happy for you!
Have a lovely time.... Happy for you
But so many years apart and you guys finally meet in your late 40’s? That’s honestly an incredible story but so strange. So much time apart each other
So happy for you ❤❤❤
Wow that's amazing!
Wow, dang I teared up good. To carry that love in your heart for your friend for so long is truly inspirational and even more so to be able to reconnect again---true friendship is an amazing blessing.
It's strange how the impoverished and bullied girl turned out to be as stunning as a model with the beauty to match inside.
A.P.B ! always doing the most to make our bullies jealous of what they don’t have
yeah.............aint it great? never judge a book by its cover kinda thingy. its too bad some kids/adults are asses. mostly in the raising i would say.
Not to mention how good looking her children turn out to be too.
Well, she was a very beautiful child!
Ken narville You’re ugly from the inside out obviously.
Her: finds old friend across the world after 30 years
Me: can't find my keys I had yesterday
Chris Xiong i dont think this is the best time and video to use that meme on.. be more sympathetic.
@@onigirinyaa6854 How can you tell that he isn't sympathetic?
Chris Xiong same
Correction: can't find my keys I had 30 seconds ago
Kohpi Binz Nobody died, the story has a happy ending so whats the problem?
she's willing to travel there just to find her bestfriend (;-;)
now thats a really great friend and if i have someone like that, i would cherish her/him ..FOREVER.
Hannah Dunn especially when people won’t walk next door for their friends cause it’s to far for their WiFi these days smh. Sad
I had a friend like that. He passed in 2009 and I have never recovered.
@@rickhill3613 Wow, people do that?! Wtf has happened to the world?
Me too
I have 1 friend like that. I'd take a bullet for him. If he ever called at 2 am to tell me he accidentally killed someone I'd fly across the country to help him bury the body. I know it's wrong. I value him more then my life. I value him more then my ethics. Fortunately he is the most ethical person I know, so I get to hang on to my halo....🙈🙉🙊😇
That's so wonderful that you two reunited!😂❤ I couldn't hold back tears. Fukue's reason for stopping communication is totally understandable! Your journey is so well filmed! Thank you for sharing your story! ❤
I also lived in Japan in my 20s, for a year, and also have a panpal !
I can't stop crying. the fact that they never stopped thinking about each other for 30 years, that after all that time, when they met again, they clicked just as easily as before. i feel so sorry for fukue, what she went through, and i'm happy that she's doing much better now. this made me so sad but so happy. i am glad that friendships like this exist.
It does. I'm happy that I never forgotten my dearest friend.
Just makes me wanna cry....WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
It's so sweet that I'm refusing it to be true
imagine loving someone this much
Imagine how this must have been from Fukue's perspective. She's going about her life, having made the best of herself and living well. Life is good. Then all of a sudden your sister calls you up and is like "yeah so your best friend from childhood literally came here looking for you because she misses you and wants to reconnect." Like. Just having an ordinary life and thinking the next day will be the same when suddenly you're having this emotional meeting with someone very important to you who you never thought you'd even hear from again.
So happy to see this worked out the way it did!
EDIT: I forgot to mention, I love that photo of them both standing back to back. They look like sisters, related or not. That's exactly the kind of picture I'd expect to see with me and my sisters :P
Lol omg I just teared up reading what you wrote lmao
I got emotional.
Yeah. And my english teacher woupd say. Break down the prompt and write a narrative essay from fukue's P.O.V We have exactly 45 minutes. By the end of the class I need a complete draft. Voice level 1. Good luck.
Aww how emotional n I don't start watch it yet I just scroll to comments
nice story. We all need hope.
Thank you.
This made me legit cry. There are no friends like childhood friends.
@parKb5
One week in a child`s life can last an eternity.
My so called friends haven't been talking with me for 2 months now. It feels like I'm the only one that always keeps trying to befriends with them. They talk with eachother but just not me. Should I stop putting efforts? It has been like 3 months or so
@@bodyguard3430 I don't think their your real friends if you can't think of anything you did wrong.
Fukue? No, fook-you!
@@bodyguard3430 If you are strongly considering to stop putting efforts into a relationship, start with being honest and assertive with them about how you feel, and the things that they are doing that make you feel that way. It gives them the chance to understand you, and gives them an opportunity to explain or apologize for making you feel that way. You can then, assuredly decide based on their reaction, whether they are worth putting energy into.
Probably the most beautiful reunion video I’ve ever seen. Well done Jessica for following up and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and connection. ❤️
Jessica is the friend we all need, the one who never gives up on us. Fukue is lucky to have her.
Maybe not. She might have been the bully all along
@Ken narville What proof do you have?my Cousin is a Japanese and I have Twice visited japan..they are nothing like you described..they are so kind to me Especially when i lost my Wallet and I thought it will a death of me since My money is in there but I got it back ...you shouldn't judge Someones country like that..whether fukue is a Japanese or whatever this video highlighted about a friendship not a racist bro...Maybe you are the Hypocritical here...such a racist ...every country have a flaws and perfectionist...you are the waste of time or waste of space
@@ilostmyphone2724 Thank you, Sadly many Westerners can be so nasty. ( Amis ?) I too like Japan and Russia and China
@Ken narville and i asked for the proof..if they really did hates half Japanese or foreigners My cousin wouldn't get treated so kindly At her school shes half Japanese she told me whenever she didn't understand One of them always helped her to understand .. stop being a racist each of out country have a flaws
@Ken narville bruh shut the hell up
I remeber watching this a couple of years ago, and crying like a water hose, stumbled across this again today and watched it again. Still cried like a water hose. So emotional.
Ikr I almost cry but my sister is here 😀😃🥲
Yes, I cried too, but I had a somewhat similar experience with a fifth grade friendship of one year only (she was Navy). We never lost touch, though, and still fly across the country to see each other 45 years after she moved away!
But I realized watching this, what vast, deep and important worlds make up the fabric of our childhoods, and how special and enchanted very little and mundane things become, once they are no more - “We would sneak around the rice paddies.”
I have always been drawn to the interior lives of children, and have always thirsted for the same intimacy that female friendships had in my elementary school-aged childhood.
I’m so grateful for this short film that I just came upon by accident.
Ohh
This comment is touching and funny at the same time.
@@georgea.4855 jill
I love that this shows the mannerisms that Jessica picked up during her childhood in japan. Like when she covered her mouth during and after laughing.
The one thought I thought of when I saw this comment was:
" *Sykkuno* "
@@skedaddle347 Same
is that a japanese thing? i’ve always done it
@@annie-ek1vu its very prominent in Japan, and other asian countries, I think the reason was something about being modest or something.
A lot of people do it because they are self conscious about their smile.
@@annie-ek1vu It's an Asian thing.& also would like to say, an introvert thing for some !. I know sounds weird but it's true !
I'm not an emotional person. But this is beautiful. Fukue is beautiful. Jessica too. The way they both feel so emotional when meeting is just amazing
when she said "when you were around,i would always go to school",it broke my heart.i had a rough childhood ,i know what it's like to find that star in the middle of your misery and have it taken away.i hope fukue is happier now and she gets a great life.they were so cute together,true friendship is like true love,it happens so rarely,it's important to always be there for your bf
This story melted my heart....so happy they found each other again.
Fukue grew with all the hardship accompanying her.. means that she will gotten stronger. But that doesn’t mean she is living in great life for present day. It may be hard as beford or even more, but she ca. Adapt it as time goes by.. seeing fukue character at their reunion, i saw fukue being a bit clueless, like she just so empty on what to ask, what to share, she even cant showed her greetings to her thousand miles friend that put an effort from A-Z. A sign for showing her struggle in life, too much things messing in her heads. It killing most of her happy thought.Fukue’s life is clearly not the same as jess even though they study at same school before.
@@Ecan26 i saw that too yes,that's why i said "i hope".i absolutely agree
@@toalhousecokey25 i agree,i was a blubbering mess lol