How we are adapting to countryside life in Japan (& befriending the creepy crawlies)

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 7 лип 2024
  • My partner and I have lived in this ‘akiya’ house, one of the many vacant houses in Japan.
    While living in the countryside has its challenges, such as limited shipping options and a lack of nearby conveniences, the benefits are numerous.
    Here's a glimpse into our countryside life in Japan and how we have adapted so far.
    ___________________________
    Follow me on Instagram: / maigomika
    Read up on my Blog: www.maigomika.com/
    Support me at Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/maigomika
    👉FAQ: I answer frequently asked questions here: www.maigomika.com/about-me/faq/
    🍞 ‪@JoshuaWeissman‬ sourdough recipe: • The Ultimate Homemade ...
    ___________________________
    #japanesecountryside #countrysideliving #akiya #abandonedhouse
    ___________________________
    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    01:04 Where we live in Japan
    02:09 Shopping & getting around
    03:03 Cooking & gardening at home
    04:01 Dinner parties
    04:34 Adapting to life with the creepy crawlies
    06:27 Preparing the wood-heated bath
    07:39 Conclusion
    ___________________________
    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
    uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/el-gato
    License code: QEIAJDFAF0UU4CDX
    uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/he...
    License code: 7HUZCVJ9MIT0OU2S
    uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/old-tim...
    License code: PYQ4IZV5HEZLUVUA
    uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/cara-cara
    License code: KCLVH4SSWJIKZDJJ

КОМЕНТАРІ • 925

  • @maigomika
    @maigomika  Рік тому +19

    Hi all! Thank you all for your wonderful comments so far! Just as a reminder, while I read all your comments, unfortunately, I’m unable to respond to them. To assist you better, I have created an FAQ page that contains the answers to some common questions here: www.maigomika.com/about-me/faq/ Thank you! -Mika

  • @Lartayy
    @Lartayy Рік тому +384

    I'm sure the gejigeji centipede is very helpful to have around, but it sure looks like it crawled out of hell 😨

    • @reinotsurugi
      @reinotsurugi Рік тому +16

      Just had one fall out of my futon last night. Yes...from hell.

    • @goognamgoognw6637
      @goognamgoognw6637 Рік тому +8

      For those north american readers, that gejigeji centipede is common in north america at least i've had more than a few in the South. First time i saw one walking across a wall i thought sci fi had become real and i put a lot of distance between me and it before regaining control of myself. I turns out they're quite amazing to watch and they busy buddies who like to walk. They're afraid of you and no longer scare me.

    • @acridyd
      @acridyd Рік тому +1

      I believe that's a type of Scolopendra centipede, who have large, cousins in the Amazon as well and are also known for a painful bite. This is the wikipedia page I found: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra_japonica.

  • @hollisjamesSF
    @hollisjamesSF Рік тому +1192

    The spiders in your video just destroyed my dreams of moving to the Japanese countryside 😂

    • @takutakutakkunn5498
      @takutakutakkunn5498 Рік тому +159

      Don't worry. They are not poisonous spiders. They catch cockroaches , eat them. so they are very friendly spiders! (๑╹ω╹๑ )

    • @play005517
      @play005517 Рік тому +96

      Unlike their Australian cousins almost all spiders and centipedes you can encounter in Japan are safe

    • @anitabhasker5330
      @anitabhasker5330 Рік тому +18

      Lol same here! I just got so creeped out watching them and those centipedes, and I grew up in various countries in Africa and S.E Asia!

    • @piggypoo
      @piggypoo Рік тому +68

      Those uber-leg centipedes are far worse tbh. And poisonous centipedes IN YOUR BED? I'll enjoy the japanese countryside from the comfort of my computer screen.

    • @kharnifex
      @kharnifex Рік тому +8

      Imagine being an adult human and having small insects intimidate you, amazing.

  • @carmcam1
    @carmcam1 Рік тому +289

    I reside in a tropical country so the we live with critters all year long, i'm so used to them and i appreciate their importance, gecko help the home to be insect free, the bigger spider preys on cockroach, i once saw a big spider carrying a cockroach and even gave the spider the thumbs up for a job well done haha.

    • @Peglegkickboxer
      @Peglegkickboxer Рік тому +15

      I can deal with huntsman spiders, but centipedes gross me the hell out.

    • @moxiebombshell
      @moxiebombshell Рік тому +11

      @@PeglegkickboxerI grew up in Florida. I'm aware of how important bugs & such are to our environment. I can do all lizards, frogs, toads, etc. I can do almost all 6-legged bugs, and just now I'm even okay with 8-legged ones as long as they aren't the size of my hand (huntsman spiders, I'm looking at you). I can even do small 'pedes!
      All of that being said, I would scream bloody murder the first 100 times I laid eyes the long-legged bugger from this video!! ::shudder::

    • @Onigirli
      @Onigirli Рік тому +5

      @@Peglegkickboxer I remember being delighted at finding out there are bugs here who eat spiders but then finding out what they look like lol..

    • @corruptedteka
      @corruptedteka Рік тому +3

      I live in a tropical country and happen to have a fear of a lot of bugs. So that's unfortunate.

    • @flamah10n
      @flamah10n Рік тому +1

      HOW COOL IS THAT!? I Live in a subtropical area, and that view of the mountains, and the forest is so similar to the area in which I live.

  • @jvishnevetskaia
    @jvishnevetskaia 11 місяців тому +96

    I live in Australia. This is exactly how you adapt to critters! You just learn to co-exist and suddenly they are not frightening anymore. Great job!

    • @lieutenantpepper2734
      @lieutenantpepper2734 10 місяців тому

      Australia used to be used as a jail country.

    • @2oqh
      @2oqh 8 місяців тому +6

      @lieutenantpepper2734 This is not news to anyone, especially not to Australians. Not sure if you mean that as an insult, because no one would be upset over such a commonplace fact

    • @lieutenantpepper2734
      @lieutenantpepper2734 8 місяців тому

      @@2oqh it is news to people in asia. Just spreading the knowledge

    • @cmamelgna5585
      @cmamelgna5585 7 місяців тому +5

      ​@@lieutenantpepper2734 Surely that can't be true. We don't make a secret of that. Also SO many Asian people live, work, educate themselves and holiday in Australia that the word must have spread by now 😂

    • @lieutenantpepper2734
      @lieutenantpepper2734 7 місяців тому +1

      @@cmamelgna5585 I live in Asia. And people told me did not know.

  • @Ongaliman
    @Ongaliman Рік тому +784

    I love that you connect with your neighbours. The main mistake of people who move to countryside is to live like a recluse. On one hand, yes, it is appealing, as you will be left alone and you can do what you want, but on the other hand - you won't get any help when you need it. Plus, socialisation is key to living in general. Most countrysides in Japan have older population and those people are really lonely. New blood makes their life a little bit brighter, so in most cases they are welcoming to foreigners even though in the big cities you will have a lot of problems trying to find an apartment as a foreigner. And it's so refreshing when a person, no matter in which country they live, tries to socialize with people in the village.

    • @MyrrdinWylltEmrys
      @MyrrdinWylltEmrys Рік тому +12

      I disagree with everything you said.

    • @Ongaliman
      @Ongaliman Рік тому +27

      @@MyrrdinWylltEmrys Ok?

    • @DiMacky24
      @DiMacky24 Рік тому +51

      ​@@icze4r As someone who grew up a good hour's drive from a city, getting to know your local community and neighbors is a necessity, because when natural disasters occur (not if but when) emergency services will be hours or sometimes days away (20 days of no power or road access after a wind storm for example). Your neighbors are nearby, just minutes away and developing rapport and mutual trust is a matter of life or death. Unlike a city though, there is more space, you don't have to see or talk to your neighbors every day, but the idea of moving to the countryside to never talk to anyone is a fantasy born of city-slickers and those sorts of people are caustic when they move to small communities and will turn a high trust safe community into a low trust dangerous community and bring many of the problems of the city to the countryside. Develop rapport with your neighbors, make that little sacrifice, and most days you will still have to yourself, the community will remain intact, and you will have options when disaster strikes.

    • @wehrwulf4299
      @wehrwulf4299 Рік тому +2

      There is no socialization anymore, barely. Most people talk about their appliances and cars and jobs even women now have no soul anymore. I tried to socialize in the country where I live and we get along pretty well with a few people but it's not like a community. I'm sure Japan is different though.

    • @FunkyKiwi7
      @FunkyKiwi7 Рік тому +3

      This is an interesting opinion. Introverts and introvert creatives all around the world might disagree.
      It depends on your personality type , cultural upbringing and work/life balance ethic.

  • @empi4106
    @empi4106 Рік тому +257

    I was all in until the centipedes and the bath prep lol. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into this very fascinating way of life. The landscape is lovely.

    • @otterpoet
      @otterpoet Рік тому +14

      Yep, the centipedes were the hard 'nope' for me XD

    • @leonie7754
      @leonie7754 Рік тому +10

      I loved the geckos, frogs, lizards etc but i'm deathly terrifies of centipedes. Spiders are scary, but I could probably get used to them, but I could never adapt to the centipedes. The giant hornets they get over there in summer is also a huge nope. I love Japan and have been several times, and hope to go again in the future, but I avoid summer like the plague XD

    • @empi4106
      @empi4106 Рік тому +2

      I feel that! The spiders no problem. I could probably even get used to the long bath prep but the centipedes are a firm deal breaker lol.

  • @Whostanvir
    @Whostanvir Рік тому +112

    Wow!! It would be really cool if you show us one whole tour of the town, like showing post office, library, public bath. Or maybe another video of just a day in life (showing what you do on any random day)

  • @zacharydouglas4309
    @zacharydouglas4309 Рік тому +149

    You’re my new favorite Japanese countryside vlogger. I’m living vicariously through your videos.
    My personal favorites are your meal prep shorts. I love how you paired them with your eclectic musical choices.

    • @maglev_
      @maglev_ Рік тому +3

      what are some recommendations of other people doing similar videos?

  • @michaelgardner800
    @michaelgardner800 Рік тому +155

    Hello Jesse and Mika, as a retired Marine I spent many six-month deployments in Japan during my 23 years of service. I had aways enjoyed my time spent there and tried seeing what I could of the country. Language was always a problem, but I managed to get always around it. People were always kind and helpful were ever I went and I always tried to returned that kindness. You always hear a lot of bad things about service members and there are always some bad one in each and every unit. I had always looked that it this way, I was a visitor in their country, and would never do anything to dishonor their country, my country or myself. It had aways amazed me how they kept theirs so clean. You never saw trash laying around, our people in the US could learn from this, but at last I know that can never happen. It is so wonderful to see you have a connection with your neighbor’s and everyone looks out for each other, that is something that has gone away from people in our country. Once people use to sit outside and talk with each other as they would walk by or make friends with to their next-door neighbors. If someone was sick there way always a neighbor wheeling to give a helping hand. Our social has gotten to a point to were they hide behind closed doors and windows with the shades and curtains pulled. Oh, you still see a little kindness with people in the countryside but not many. Sorry for running off like that, but I do want you to know that I have not watched many of your videos and those that I have I enjoy and looking forward to the next one.

    • @lypee2
      @lypee2 Рік тому +5

      I also agree and would so wish that people would be able to talk to people like back in the day. In the country side of Viet Nam, it is also similar to this. Everyone in the village knows each other and even when riding by via scooter or bicycle, my aunty would call out to each household she passes. And people can sit outside their houses, chit chat, drink tea or even come and help you with whatever you are doing at the time, or walk down anywhere in the village and chit chat to each other on the way. It is such a warm hearted feeling that penetrates my heart, soul and body. To feel that you have your space in the world amongst other kindred beings, and not strangers. Even a nod or a smile over where I live makes a world of a difference. We are just creatures after all, it is natural to acknowledge another living creature like animals do.
      I get pretty anxious trying to talk to strangers but little by little I am getting much better the more I encourage myself to do it. One of my neighbours and I are friends now, and it is a whole new world of experiences that I would have never experienced if I hadn't done anything. And I have decided that I will try and muster up my courage to talk to my other neighbour over the fence who I have casually chatted to, but haven't seen her face because of the fence! :P I hope you can make friends too. The very best of luck to you!

    • @michaelgardner800
      @michaelgardner800 11 місяців тому +1

      Enjoyed read your article. Best wish to you and yours!@@lypee2

    • @lypee2
      @lypee2 10 місяців тому +1

      Thank you Michael. I wish you happiness. Take care.@@michaelgardner800

  • @alexandergiesser
    @alexandergiesser Рік тому +59

    This was fascinating!!! I love how the critters are just part of your house now and you coexist. Thank you for sharing your life like this!

  • @kevankwong2281
    @kevankwong2281 Рік тому +6

    "It's not work. It's a way of life" Thank you for the quote of the day.

  • @dragonmac1234
    @dragonmac1234 Рік тому +44

    I dislike spiders and other creepy crawlies, but they are part of nature and often help to keep the destructive pests in balance. I'm in the UK so we don't have anything that can kill you, but I do try to have a "we'll just ignore each other" policy for anything that is around😄

  • @hxneybxnny
    @hxneybxnny Рік тому +7

    I crave this kind of lifestyle so badly. My father actually grew up in a valley in the hot deserts of Arizona, about 30 minutes from the nearest towns as well! He tells me stories of all of his neighbors and their get togethers. He explained that every other weekend, most of the neighbors would get together and have dinner with one another, and share. He’s talked about friends he made as a child with these people during his remote & rural life. It seems so peaceful, and relaxing. I can’t say I live the same way because I live 15 minutes away from town, but even then it is really a nice way to live. During the summer you can hear the bullfrogs sing, and all the wildlife comes out of hiding. I’ve adapted to the creepy sun spiders and wolf spiders, because I know they’re helpful :) It was very nice to see a glimpse of your country side life ❤️

  • @SamFournier
    @SamFournier Рік тому +39

    Your storytelling is so good, always leaves me wanting more. So glad you started a channel! The lake scene was so cinematic and made me smile😊

  • @MaineJuen
    @MaineJuen Рік тому +7

    I lived in Shimanto City for three years pre-Covid and it was amazing. There is a love in my heart for Kochi, it's scenery, it's food and it's people.

  • @PeterJames468
    @PeterJames468 Рік тому +60

    I agree with everything you have said about living with nature. Having all those creatures around is a sign of a healthy environment too. I think just showing us your daily life experiences is fine. Your drive to town, a walk down your local street or any natural lovely views in your area would all be nice to see. I have always been fascinated by Japan but have had enough of the big city and tourist videos. The natural beauty and countryside of Japan and how you live there is what I would most appreciate to see. Thank you.

  • @xMillaChristie
    @xMillaChristie Рік тому +7

    I love that you just ended up becoming friendly with the creepy crawlies! I could maybe get used to even the spiders, but the centipedes are a no-no!!!!!

  • @jackson7922
    @jackson7922 Рік тому +10

    I am deeply fascinated by the sense of community and presence that can be discovered in the countryside of Japan. It's those creepy critters that get me every single time! I couldn't keep my eyes on the screen when the centipede showed up..I have a long way to go before I can survive out there. : /

    • @halhal-my4pt
      @halhal-my4pt 10 місяців тому

      Blacks are despised in Asia. Stay away. How someone can be so shameless when they know they are not liked by the folks. And yet they keep on coming to Asia and marry Asian girls using the influence and taking advantage of their innate kindness. Asian men won't even look at Black women as they are ugly, lack manners and have zero culture. Don't even try to use notion of racism or xenophobia here. Asia is no America or Africa. Live and let the other live in peace.

  • @jordanw8382
    @jordanw8382 11 місяців тому +2

    As a fellow Vancouverite now in rural Hokkaido, your videos really reflect our own experience living in rural Japan. We also miss our hometown foods. We make it out to the big city, Sapporo, once every few months to stock up on some goodies like North American potato chips, and Costco multigrain bread and roasted chicken never tasted so good, haha. We've been baking, gardening, building, renovating (despite the attempt at peaceful coexistence we had to get rid of the carpenter ants) ...
    It's often been challenging for us but been wonderful for our two small kids. There's so much kindness and community around them, surrounded by pristine nature. We're swimming at the local lake many times a week over the summer. They do all the wholesome stuff we would used to do as kids growing up in the 1980s, things we couldn't even find anymore in the west.

  • @kat_the_mouse
    @kat_the_mouse Рік тому +4

    i don't care how much time I spent in a place, having to *check the bed for centipedes* is not a thing I would ever get used to. XD

  • @countrywithouttrucksandbeerpls

    Oh, dear me....As much as i love the countryside, was raised in it, my phobia of spiders would be my downfall. There's no way i could do what you do. I would not sleep at night, and the screams would scare the neighbors and make them hate me, like it was the case in the past. But it's lovely to see you doing it, and succeeding so harmoniously.

    • @leonh9930
      @leonh9930 Рік тому +3

      Im ok with spider but the other insect she shown.. Nu uh..

  • @donnavought7854
    @donnavought7854 Рік тому +10

    I just started watching your videos and really enjoyed them, the countryside is absolutely beautiful but I could not get used to the bugs especially the spiders!!!!!!!! But I’m jealous how determined you guys are to make this place yours and how nice it would be if all neighbors would be so helpful and kind to help out this is rare. Can’t wait until the next video and I like all content from you guys, oh hello from Oklahoma in the USA 🇺🇸

  • @nini00952
    @nini00952 Рік тому +3

    Hey! I think people would love it if you decide to do a video on ambient sounds of the night life there at your house - kind of like an asmr video almost, when I was watching this video I repeated the parts of the cicadas, frogs and other creatures dwelling there against the backdrop of the night sky and the mountains. It was very calming to hear it as well as seeing it.

    • @maigomika
      @maigomika  Рік тому +1

      Noted! You might be getting something like that soon 😉

  • @mikewatts1533
    @mikewatts1533 10 місяців тому +2

    I am sure that the Sunrises and the Sunsets must be amazing. And your comment on turning off the outdoor lights just to gaze at the night sky must be so beautiful.
    I'm in the Pacific Northwest about 15 minutes from town. Lots of trees and local animals, which adds a character to the landscape. So I understand how some of the "Locals" might try your patience, but I like to think they are there for a reason.
    So Best of Luck to you two and Thanks for sharing.

  • @jasmined500
    @jasmined500 Рік тому +18

    I love watching your videos! When I first saw the footage of spiders and centipedes in one of your older videos, my first thought was “alright how are they gonna kill all of them”. But seeing you adapt to and coexist with the wildlife, instead of trying to find a way to keep them out, is something I never EVER would have expected. And I think it’s beautiful! Seeing you get over your fear of the critters gives me hope that I could do that, were I to live on the countryside ❤ much love from Texas!

  • @user-wn8sk6us5c
    @user-wn8sk6us5c Рік тому +4

    What a beautiful life you both have. Thank you for sharing it. 🌻

  • @leoljillian
    @leoljillian Рік тому

    love this series of videos, thanks for sharing 🌿

  • @lowpinglag
    @lowpinglag Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us.

  • @mireiafernandezobama6361
    @mireiafernandezobama6361 Рік тому +5

    You guys are doing such an amazing job :)) keep up your work! I'm really excited to follow you on your journey

  • @MAGICOmagique
    @MAGICOmagique Рік тому +3

    Without going too much into details it would be nice if you could discuss the economics of living such a lifestyle. How do you afford daily necessities? Did you save some money from when you used to live in Canada? Stuff like that.

    • @kanakattack5000
      @kanakattack5000 Рік тому

      I would also like to know this. I see lots of videos about people moving to Japan but none of them discuss income or jobs.

    • @maigomika
      @maigomika  Рік тому

      Hi @magicomagique, I'll be answering that in a future video. Stay tuned!

  • @WMARUoriginal
    @WMARUoriginal Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing these updates! I love seeing how you are adapting

  • @heraclites12
    @heraclites12 Рік тому

    Just appreciative of this perspective! Cannot wait for the next one!

  • @DANSDEAD
    @DANSDEAD Рік тому +4

    This has quickly become one of my favourite channels on youtube. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next video!

  • @bipple
    @bipple Рік тому +6

    something i'd love to see in a future video is a walking tour of the surrounding area, both natural and built. I think that'd be really nice :) Love your videos!

  • @meganh7526
    @meganh7526 Рік тому +1

    Props to you for getting used to the critters! Frogs and geckos and snails are fine… spiders and centipedes would be another story. Even the tiny little Canadian house centipedes fill me with terror.

    • @jojowalrus1453
      @jojowalrus1453 Рік тому

      I love close to Canada, and this video made me appreciate long winters more.

  • @TheLittleHomestead1
    @TheLittleHomestead1 Рік тому +1

    Great video thanks. I was impressed you were able to bake good bread in the small oven ! Also I would be pleased to see your efforts with cheese making so far. Blessings ~ Linda

  • @Akutikun
    @Akutikun Рік тому +3

    It's wonderful to see you living with the creatures and be a part of your neighbors lives. What a blessing to recognize we are all family and to share in charity. Thank you for sharing this.

  • @mylinhpaolieri
    @mylinhpaolieri Рік тому +6

    Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your daily life. It is inspiring to me and I too love the simpler way of life with nature. Can you tell us what made you decide to come to live in the countryside of Japan and how long do you plan to remain there? How do you earn an income to support your expenses? Are you working remotely? Thank you and please continue to share more of your daily country life so full of nature.

  • @typhoon8941
    @typhoon8941 Рік тому

    Keep the videos coming gang, love everything you've been building

  • @LeanneGodfried-jp5uh
    @LeanneGodfried-jp5uh Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing with the world your stories❤

  • @wren6048
    @wren6048 Рік тому +28

    If you’re comfortable with it, I would love to hear more from both of you about what the transition was like both emotionally and physically. My girlfriend and I are both born & raised in Canada. She’s Okinawan Japanese, and we’ve often daydreamed about moving to Japan for at least a year or two so she/ we can experience an adventure that is so close to her heart. We love to travel, but haven’t left the country together yet. Did you and your partner travel much in preparation for this big change, what was it like?

    • @lilaclaza
      @lilaclaza Рік тому

      I second this request.

  • @reemai83
    @reemai83 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing this!

  • @MrAnimal456
    @MrAnimal456 Рік тому

    Awesome videos!! You do a great job of making the viewers feel like we’re right there in the countryside with you.

  • @persona9709
    @persona9709 Рік тому +9

    Word of advice when dealing with creepy crawlers mint and/or lavender keeps them at bay quite well. Moresover, for japan id go with either peppermint or catnip (yes, catnip is part of the mint family).

  • @jogergerald5215
    @jogergerald5215 Рік тому +2

    I was born, live, go to school and work in the city, all this hustle and bustle makes me explode. I hope one day I can be like you, live in the countryside and do what humans should do which is to go back and be one with nature.

  • @Eternal-Security
    @Eternal-Security Рік тому

    Thanks for documenting this experience and bringing us into your home. This is a truly unique situation and fascinating to watch.

  • @rubentrevino5374
    @rubentrevino5374 Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing this with us, simple pleasures are the best.

  • @reiinaa
    @reiinaa Рік тому +3

    damnn what a peaceful life, i wish i had a courage to do something like that and escape from my 9-5 job. i know its a hard ride and wont be easy. hats off to both of u

  • @TroyBrophy
    @TroyBrophy Рік тому +4

    We're in the process of moving into a mountain house with farmland. Our welcome "party" with our neighbors took place last week, and I already feel a bit overwhelmed by the expectations of socializing and helping the community. I tend to be a bit reclusive, but thankfully my wife is extremely outgoing. I do look forward to doing a lot of baking to share with our neighbors, until our gardening starts to produce something to share. And yes, I've had to quickly come to terms with the fact that huntsman spiders are a benefit to the house. So far, only one mamushi and two mukade have been spotted inside house, but every visit to the toilet involves checking the walls, ceiling and under the seat. I envy you your youth. We're much younger than our neighbors, but old enough that learning to farm seems incredibly daunting, and I'm hoping my body can adapt. I'm curious about the state of the house? My wife and I have both been suffering bad allergies and fatigue since we started living in this house full time just over a month ago. I'm guessing there's a ton of dust and rodent droppings that have collected in the attic area over the century the house has been around. I'm bracing myself for a crawl up there with a shop vacuum to remove as much as possible.

    • @stylishskater92
      @stylishskater92 Рік тому +4

      It might also be mold, with old wooden houses. Hope its not, wish i could do what youre doing some day but im 30 years old and my body is already destroyed most likely irreversibly by disease (ironically due to my love of nature), lost my family and soon to be wife years ago, big in debt due to medical history the last years. Life is probably not going to go that way for me if it will even last that long, but im always happy to hear other people managed to do it after a long time of hard work... wishing you guys the best! Im sure you will find vitality and strength in the fulfillment the countryside life will bring!

    • @jordanw8382
      @jordanw8382 11 місяців тому +1

      Agree that mold is one likely cause. We're in rural Hokkaido and have looked at many houses for sale and rent. We've found the insulation and moisture protection of the houses are low to non-existent in most Japanese houses. The construction standards have been surprisingly very low. We had to move out of our rental unit a few months ago because of encroaching mold. If it's a problem for you guys and you won't be leaving the place anytime soon, I'd suggest a good air purifier with UV, and dehumidifier.

  • @raehauck4737
    @raehauck4737 Рік тому +1

    Thank you. I love the harmony you found with nature in nature. Your homemade bread and grilled cheese sandwich looked great. Wishing you all the best.

  • @DanikaBevirt
    @DanikaBevirt Рік тому +1

    I love seeing collages and timelapse’s of your everyday life, cooking and working in nature. It’s so soothing. The home renovations was also very interesting. :)

  • @shishio82
    @shishio82 Рік тому +10

    May i ask what the WIFI situation is like? Are you able to get internet at your home?
    Much appreciated! Keep up the awesome content. :)

    • @ando1135
      @ando1135 Рік тому

      likely fiber optic there.

  • @jyarados3082
    @jyarados3082 Рік тому +2

    Topics that I'd like explored are maybe something that is generally taken for granted.
    Topic 1: Showing us the different types of shrines and local culture around the area could be super cool. Shrine highlights, and some background on their history, and how they inform the local culture of Shikoku. Do any of the farmers have specific shrines they pray at to ensure good harvests, etc.
    Topic 2: Showcasing Shikoku as an area to visit, and giving a foreign audience who's on the fence about visiting, the good the bad and the ugly for what navigating through Shikoku might require. E.g. - how's train accessibility? Is a car rental mandatory. Can you get by without Japanese? Etc.
    Just my 2 cents, please reach out if you'd like any other ideas :)

  • @user-kp9ve8jg4l
    @user-kp9ve8jg4l Рік тому

    Your video series is a treasure and I am so grateful that you are sharing such a candid point of view. Please keep the material going

  • @shaunhall6834
    @shaunhall6834 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for your channel. Such a beautiful place!

  • @defskill9484
    @defskill9484 Рік тому +5

    One day I want to go to a place like this and live a life like this 😊 but without the spiders 😖

  • @shelleyroth2277
    @shelleyroth2277 Рік тому +5

    Loved this! I watched this with my son (he’s 7) and he was fascinated with all the critters. I’m wondering, what do you do for work? Are you able to work from home and have internet? Also, do you both speak the language? Are you able to talk with your neighbours?

    • @MM-TheEnd
      @MM-TheEnd Рік тому

      Yes. I'm interested to know that too!

  • @sparx550
    @sparx550 Рік тому +1

    Watching your vlog was a joy. All the best.

  • @pat_c
    @pat_c Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your countryside experience with us.
    Watching your vlogs/video's is like distilling Japanese "slice of life" into a very relaxing and consumable form.
    The small pleasures you experience and share with your narrating makes it so comforting and homely.
    I look forward to seeing what you have in store next for us. ☺

  • @MM-TheEnd
    @MM-TheEnd Рік тому +5

    We've also recently moved to the countryside and I was wondering what you do to deal with all the insect bites? That's one of the things driving me almost insane! We too have a hot water issue and barely bathed this past winter. The lack of showering and bathing is also something very hard to get used to. Our grocery run is more than an hour away, so we keep putting it off. The village we live in is very close-knit (as are most villages, I suppose). In fact all the villagers are related to each other, so we are really like outsiders. There's some cultural and regional language differences too, not to mention intellectual disparity, so I guess we've a long way to go before we feel integrated. It's no doubt beautiful, but I wonder at times if it's worth the social isolation and lack of conveniences. Would love honest your opinion on these things. Thanks!

    • @Puda
      @Puda Рік тому

      Interested to know why you did that in the first place? Are you from Japan?

    • @MM-TheEnd
      @MM-TheEnd Рік тому

      @Puda No, not Japan, but been a city dweller my whole life. It was more affordable compared to home prices in cities and of course, being close to nature. Country life takes time to get used if you have no experience of it.

    • @Puda
      @Puda Рік тому

      @@MM-TheEnd I don’t think I could do it. Hopefully you are enjoying it!

    • @MM-TheEnd
      @MM-TheEnd Рік тому +1

      @Puda Thank you. Some aspects are amazing, some not so much :)

    • @Puda
      @Puda Рік тому

      @@MM-TheEnd just like everything else I guess :) I am about 20 min from downtown in a 1.3M inhabitants city. The city itself is not very active and I am in a residential neighborhood with a large backyard. I have an herb garden and I grow veggies. It’s rare to see neighbours enjoying their backyards so it feels pretty safe :)

  • @ryanruizvargas2517
    @ryanruizvargas2517 Рік тому

    So peaceful.

  • @ratstograts
    @ratstograts Рік тому

    Thanks for the video. I enjoyed having a peek at your life.

  • @lil.chickn
    @lil.chickn Рік тому

    the cinematography is sooooo goood i love your videos!

  • @JYOTISHA_GP
    @JYOTISHA_GP Рік тому

    Such a beautiful countryside, so lovely, peaceful and amazing

  • @melondoo6129
    @melondoo6129 Рік тому

    I love this so much! Thank you for giving us a small glimpse into your world

  • @ericdelevinquiere9902
    @ericdelevinquiere9902 9 місяців тому +1

    Refreshing to see people that don’t want to exterminate every creature around them, I did not realize Japan was still so wild, definitely will check that out!

  • @eepyJay
    @eepyJay 9 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing your lifestyle, it’s so interesting

  • @kathykay6602
    @kathykay6602 Рік тому

    I can not wait for your next video. Anything and everything about your life there is simply fascinating to me! Thank you and keep sharing.

  • @trevorromney3589
    @trevorromney3589 Рік тому

    I love following your journey! You guys actually look notably happier in this video from the previous few!

  • @greob
    @greob Місяць тому

    Nice video! Thanks for sharing the little critters!

  • @robertgulfshores4463
    @robertgulfshores4463 Рік тому

    Ahh, so nice! Thank you so much for sharing these videos. Someday ...

  • @leahlemieux
    @leahlemieux Рік тому

    Enjoyed this window into your country life in rural Japan very much. I hope to see more.

  • @lexipau
    @lexipau Рік тому

    I love how you make your videos so interesting to watch.

  • @anydaynow01
    @anydaynow01 Рік тому

    Your videos are so inspiring please keep them coming!

  • @Chimunculous
    @Chimunculous Рік тому

    This video put a big smile on my face. Please keep making them!

  • @maricarong7943
    @maricarong7943 Рік тому

    More videos to come.. thank you for sharing

  • @amandalyarosza4640
    @amandalyarosza4640 Рік тому

    Thank you for this artpiece. more please!

  • @jesseniapatricio9294
    @jesseniapatricio9294 Рік тому

    I would love to see more about shopping around the area and any local markets! I have been wanting to try new food and different recipes, so this would be a great start to see what I can try!

  • @tammyroyal7547
    @tammyroyal7547 Рік тому

    This video was so interesting & enjoyable!! Loved seeing all of the scenery on the way to town!! Just seeing the spiders & centipedes gave me the shivers!! I am such a scardy when it comes to creepers!! Love the sense of community that yall have found!! Great video!! 😊

  • @mawill432
    @mawill432 10 місяців тому

    Excellent vid. You have me genuinely interested in what comes next for you two, so ill be around from now on and I look forward to watching your next vids!

  • @bradbates2339
    @bradbates2339 Рік тому +2

    This was great! You've really upped your game so to speak as I only imagine the work needed for editing the various scenes of your daily life plus the light-hearted background music. I laughed aloud when you mention making bread and cheese. After 7 weeks living in Hokkaido, I'm missing cheddar and whole wheat bread from Canada as well.

  • @kiaralaack6344
    @kiaralaack6344 Рік тому

    Loving your videos! I've been looking forward to all your posts! I'd be interested to see a video about your neighbors and things you do you together and the types of food you share. I love that you've established a strong community with them.

  • @mokinzi
    @mokinzi Рік тому

    What a lovely video, your home looks wonderful! Some of those critters would startle me for sure (especially the many-legged ones) - but it so lovely how you have grown to care for them and appreciate their role in the natural landscape surrounding you ♡

  • @notscaredboochie
    @notscaredboochie Рік тому +1

    We took a trip to a ryokan in Gunma a few months ago. Seeing those green mountains made me tear up! Such a beautiful country.

  • @timswafford5047
    @timswafford5047 9 місяців тому

    I've been waiting for more videos. Please make more.

  • @paulhenderson9991
    @paulhenderson9991 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your journey😊

  • @AdventureAceSweden
    @AdventureAceSweden Рік тому

    what a great video, thanks for sharing!

  • @azamarabear
    @azamarabear Рік тому

    Thanks for the upload

  • @KetchupSuicide
    @KetchupSuicide Рік тому +1

    Even tho I'm sure it's a lot of hard work, it looks absolutely amazing, you've done so well. Been to Japan 7 times now and never get tired of it, would be amazing to do something like this.

  • @letakennedy7342
    @letakennedy7342 Рік тому

    I loved seeing the closest village and where you shop - another part to your daily life 😊

  • @HDdAnNaUgamingrRO
    @HDdAnNaUgamingrRO Рік тому

    love your videos. I like learning about new perspectives.

  • @veget_asian
    @veget_asian Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing. What a nice life style❤i like that you exchange fruits and vegetables with neighbors. So sweet!

  • @bcabanas
    @bcabanas Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing us your life style in the country side. I love the way you see things...good relationship with your neighborhoods and the nature is so human. To live in a country side far away from the stress of life is luxury. You are very lucky. Take care 🙏🙏

  • @savannahm.laurentian1286
    @savannahm.laurentian1286 Рік тому +2

    Thank you so much for this. A country kid, stranded in a big city by a perfect storm, I miss the sounds of nature, gekkos, frogs, the wind, the rain. Thank you.💕💕💕😥

  • @ArtyCollectz
    @ArtyCollectz Рік тому

    This has become one of my favorite video series on UA-cam, thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. Seeing you connect with your neighbors is truly special.

  • @liula540
    @liula540 Рік тому

    I love watching your videos. Actually, I found your channel from 1 of your IG stories which showed up on my reel feed. Mahalo for sharing your journey.🤙🏼

  • @dunedainable
    @dunedainable Рік тому

    beautiful. nice to see different ways of life and ponder ones own choices.

  • @chevkoch
    @chevkoch Рік тому

    Thanks for sharing, these are well-crafted videos and I'd just like to see you continue with these. It seems what I've put on the horizon for myself now, a small house away from urban city life. This helps as a reminder for that personal vision in a way. Keep the little frogs in your videos.

  • @chibikkotravels
    @chibikkotravels Рік тому +2

    Oh my Shikoku is really far and truly the countryside. It’s certainly beautiful and has that untouched nature feel.