Moving to Japan at 50: A Year Later - Was It the Right Choice?
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Thinking about moving to Japan? I share my experience of moving to Japan at 50. Was it the right choice? One year later reflections.
🇯🇵Learn Japanese with me, join now 'Beginners Japanese Course' : www.chanijapan.com 🇯🇵
In this video I will talk about the challenges, surprises, and rewards of living in Japan. From adjusting to the loneliness, setting up a house, renovating an Akiya and building a new community, I'll give you an honest review of my first year in Japan. Whether you're planning to move to Japan or just curious about expat life, this video will share my story. Moving to Japan can be scary on your own.
Hi. My name is Chani. I am an Australian who was stuck in a rut and decided to leave my job, family and friends to move to Japan and set up life in a new country. This channel looks at all the adjustments and follows my journey along the way. I'd love it if you joined the community.
☕️ Thanks for all your support of the channel, I really appreciate it so much. If you would like to help me continue to make videos and support my ability to keep the channel going, here is the link:
ko-fi.com/chan... ☕️
I look forward to seeing you in the next video 😀
@ChaniJapan
#MovingToJapan #LifeInJapan #ExpatLife #JapanAt50 #LivingInJapan #OneYearLater #JapanJourney #MovingAbroad
🇯🇵Learn Japanese with me, join now 'Beginners Japanese Course' : www.chanijapan.com 🇯🇵 *What did you think of the new camera footage filmed at the end of the video? Can you notice the difference?*
I do noticed the new camera that it's has a better wide view which I really like. 😊
Camera is excellent! Nice choice. What is the battery life like, especially in these really warm conditions? So they used proper screws to secure the plastic roof in the end 😉
Totally inspiring Chani
@@ChaniJapan Much better, clear and not so grainy.
It’s amazing! Especially at night, I felt like I was there!❤
Happy Birthday! The footage from the new camera is beautiful. Images are crisp and clear.
Great😀 Thank you 🩷
I agree! The camera works beautifully! Definitely good low light quality and smooth while you were walking.
Chani, your UA-cam channel has such a unique vibe. Your unassuming sweetness and honesty is so refreshing and mixed in with some wisdom gained from lifes' learnings, you add a richness and depth to your videos that are really soothing to watch. Please keep it up!
Thanks so much 😊
The stability is amazing with your new set-up. You are so blessed to have family and friends who visit you in your new home. And it goes without saying how precious dear Millie is💕
New camera looks great, nice clear quality and night shots excellent.
Thanks 👍
As a 54 year old Australian living in Spain…I have to say I admire you! You have done so bloody good! Keep living that journey ❤
And the new footage is great, nice and clear.
I am in awe of your initiative, adaptability to new environments and cultures, and your courage and curiosity. 'Seek and you shall find' truly rings true. Alternatively, 'Where there's a will, there's a way!'
Thank you 🩷
I moved to Perth Australia from the US 26 years ago and it was a major culture shock but i wouldn't change it for nothing nor would i ever move back to the US
That is so good you found a place you enjoy 😀
If you'll never go back to the USA, will you give up your American citizenship if you have one?
@@sky-pv7ff no reason to plus it's to damn expensive to do so anyways
@izzy2112 The problem is there's a lot of fake Americans. Who doesn't deserve American citizenship. Many are foreigners who came here illegally or economic asylum seekers.
What was your biggest culture shock? I guess I thought the US and Australia weren't that different.
Congtatz on one year in Japan 🎉 The night photography is great on the new camera.
I think it’s really clear too. It was grainy on the GoPro.
Ah! This video couldn't have come at a better time!
I commented three weeks ago and now I've been in Japan for about a month. When you were talking about your empty apartment and it being such a low for you, I completely understood! As soon as I started buying little pieces of furniture, my place started to feel ...homey.
Last time I was saying I felt like I was in a dream. I still feel like I'm in a dream but I've started to find a groove and I'm starting to feel like this new step in my life must've been the right choice.
Thank you for your video! Gives me the motivation to keep on trekking through. Right now I'm dealing with not so good things like pipes leaking and an ant infection but hey, its all part of the adventure, right 😂
Also! My birthday month is also July! Can't believe were birthday pals. 😊
Wow! You are doing great. The challenges are hard but the good thing is they will pass 🩷 Happy birthday to you too😽
My birthday is this month too! Happy birthday, Chani! 🎂
Hey! Happy birthday to you too🩷👋
🥳🥳🥳
Mine too
The new camera is fab. The pictures are so clear! Especially obvious with the night footage. Being in a rut is one thing and whilst I do agree that changing countries isn’t the instant fix for everyone, the fact that you moved to try to step out of that rut (by moving to another country) is a great start. Sometimes it requires you to get a new perspective. To see the world with a new set of lens. And moving to another country forces you to delve deep into what’s important. I am glad you’ve found peace with your decision and are enjoying yourself. ❤
Thanks ♥️
DJI Osmo?
I am glad you got your language course off the ground and that it is providing a secondary source of income for you. I am glad you are thriving in Japan and it's just the beginning for you in my opinion. I would like to suggest if possibly for next summer you offer some sort of group tours. I know in a previous video you talked about contributing to the local tourism by being conscious about how and where we spend our money as well as contributing to local businesses. I think if you organized small group tours not only will that be another avenue of income that is viable but you would also be able to meet fans in person, educate tourists on local and regional foods and attractions and also be able to teach people about Japanese culture in general in person. With tour groups you create relationships with local businesses and divert potential clients and tourists their way while you make a nice tidy profit helping organize hotels, cars, food, tickets, attractions etc for the tourists. It's just something for you to consider but I think it would be an amazing hit if done well. It does take planning of course but I'm reminded by these twin host sisters I stayed with in Eastern Europe Georgia nearly 2 decades ago and they started up a small touring company that visited the mountains in northern Georgia and they were a hit with foreign tourists because they were so well organized and they understood the local history and what experiences tourists were looking for. They run their tour company full time now and it is a very very profitable business venture. Just food for thought.
So kind of you 🩷 There is a lot to think about there. I’d love to do what you mentioned. The only issue is getting the right visa/permits for this. I’m sure it can be done. So maybe it’s something I could look at down the track after I’ve been here a while. 😃
I live vicariously through you, I’m much too much of an introvert and not brave enough to make big changes as you did. 💪🏻
I’m actually an introvert too 😬
As a young person, you gave me hopeful perspective for my future.. things that I can't achieve now actually just await to be reality in the future ❤ big love from NZ
Thanks, I hope you can achieve what you want ♥️
Such a great, reflective video, Chani. Your authenticity and honesty, I think, is what sets these vids apart. A massive year. I’m not sure I’d agree with the comment someone made that once in a rut, always in a rut. Of course, can’t really escape any deep underlying issues, and have to deal with those wherever you are, but I have found a radical change of location and circumstances is often enough to shake things up enough, at least to get some perspective on whatever it was that prompted you to move. And moving to Japan and doing what you’re doing is certainly enough of a shake up I think. New camera seems to take clearer footage.
Thanks for your comment. Yes the change of location has shaken things up and I feel more at peace with where I am in life ♥️
The new camera video is better and Happy Birthday !
A late happy birthday wish🫣😅but better late than never 🥰🎂❤ the new camera is great👍🏻🤩vibrant colors and steady footage and a great camera woman🤗😁❤️👍🏻thank you for nice video as always Chani🥰you look very happy Chani, we all need to do the change we need to be happy🥰👍🏻
Thank you so much 🤗
Chani, the new footage was very clear! Great camera choice! Looking forward to watching more…..
I love watching your videos and can relate to those feelings so much having moved from the UK to Hungary, so thank you, you're helping me learn to see it all as one big adventure!
Oh and new camera looks so clear!! ☺️
Thank you🩷
Congratulations and happy birthday! You have grown with your experiences.
Thanks so much 😊
A great good buy with your camera! Great performance.
Also you DIY handiwork is great, just looking back at what you have done to your home, your minivan and camping around.
Cheers 🎉 keep it up.
Life is journey.
Thank you so much! 😊
A great recap of your first year in Japan! Enjoyed watching the video has it realistically depicts the challenges and joys you experienced. With the new camera the videos are crisp and sharp. Very nice!! But either way, I enjoy watching, listening and learning.😊
Hi Chani, the new camera is great and yes I can see the difference, so much more sharp. Happy Birthday for July, it’s my husbands’ Birthday today. Oooh something exciting next week, ummm I heard the “beep,beep”, maybe you’re getting your car this week. I enjoy watching your videos and every time I think how wonderful you are for taking the big plunge and. Loving to Japan. If I was 10 years younger and single I’d do the same. I haven’t done any Japanese study this week 🫣😓 hopefully next week I’ll find an hour to do some. I don’t like to do more than an hour at a time as it doesn’t sink in..
It's crazy how far GoPro has fallen in device quality, and reliability. They were THE industry leader for at least over a decade. But Insta360, and DJI took its lunch.
Millie is growing SO fast!
As always, thanks for sharing. It's always nice to learn about someones journey.
Millie is really getting bigger! Not sure how long she will keep growing. She is one now.
Happy belated birthday. Footage is terrific. I love your channel.
Your journey and your bravery are inspiring. Thank you for these videos. ❤
Good day Chani! To answer your camera question, to me the footage with the new camera seems like it has darker blacks and better color saturation and clarity. Just my 2 cents! Also on a personal note, thanks for making such inspiring videos. I'm buying my first home at the end of this month at the age of 59, and for me it has been quite the scary experience. It's part of moving forward, and I know its for the best, but still nerve wracking. Thanks for making such nice videos!
Congrats on your first home 🏡
Thanks
So kind of you 🩷 Thank you so much 😃
The new camera makes a big difference! But even if you didn’t have a new camera your content is wonderful 😊
Thank you ☺️
I have that same DJI camera kit and it's fantastic. I love GoPros, but for my current use and your use you'll be super happy with it. The wireless mic setup is just so seamless.
I'm looking forward to trying it out today!
Happy birthday Chani,loving the new camera,great content as always it’s like I am there too. Thank you 💖🎉🎂🎁
So glad the footage looks ok from your end!
WOW! You've accomplished soooo much! Sincerely, congratulations on your beautiful new home and thank you for letting us have glimpses of your life. 🎉❤ Greetings from Vienna, Austria! Natascha (a fellow July-Baby 😊)
Thanks so much 😊 and Happy Birthday
I just recently found your channel and I have been enjoying your videos, they have a calming vibe to it 🤍. Thank you for taking us on your journey, I’m in my late 30’s and its been my dream to visit Japan and maybe moving there in the future. So seeing your videos always gives me hope that’s it’s possible ☺️
Thanks 👋
Hello chani it’s Annie from the UK 🇬🇧 I love your videos and what a year you have had . Keep up with the fantastic videos I so enjoy them love Annie 💖💖💖
Hi Chani , I’m also from the UK and enjoying the videos 🏴😊
Thanks so much 👋
I have to look into taking your classes. My husband and I are actually currently working on our move to Japan soon. We’re looking into less than a years time as our kids move on their own way. I enjoy your videos and always look forward to new videos. Your new camera is great!
Thanks so much 👋
Thanks for the update, I always get excited when I see you've posted a new video! The new camera is wonderful, there is a big difference in the quality, you made the right choice.
Thanks so much 😊
Tanjoubi omedetto Chani. The video was clear, and the night shots were, too. My son has been using Go Pro for about 12 years now, and he has also become disenchanted with them. Thanks for the episode.
Thanks so much 😊
Well done Chani. What a great little montage. Living it with you has been great and reminds me (us) of our year as we've been preparing to move from Brisbane to Japan also. The challenges and the head space you were in must've come flooding back as you were reliving and splicing the footage together in post production. The DJI Osmo night footage is great! Bigger sensor captures those richer blacks - good upgrade.
Hi, I'm just curious re your move to Japan. Do you speak Japanese?
@@TereseHalvorson are you asking me or Chani?
@@jasonsmith6106 You. Just curious as I'm interested in buying a property in Japan but we don't speak Japanese.
@@TereseHalvorson Yes I speak Japanese.
New camera set up is great, sharper and color quality better. Fun recap
Thanks 😃
You are the best UA-cam discovery of this year for me. It's great to see your channel growing 🤩. Btw the new camera video is stunning! Great choice!
Happy birthday month girl 🎉
Thanks so much 🩷
Camera footage is excellent. Thank you
Yay! So glad you think so too😀
お誕生日おめでとう！ My birthday is in July too. I celebrated with a family trip to Mexico! Congrats on a year in Japan. You are so brave and go getter! Your ability to speak & understand Japanese is amazing! I'm encouraging my husband to take your Japanese course. I surely enjoy your video every time you put up! Keep up the good work! アメリカから応援しています。
Happy birthday to you too 🥳
The footage from the new camera looks clear and very stable Chani.👍🏻 Am currently in Japan, and as I drive around and pass akiyas, I think of u and your videos. U are so brave, and I dream of doing likewise one day. 😅 Cheers to ur 1st yr anniversary of living in Japan & happy birthday too! 🥂🎉
Thanks so much. I appreciate the thoughts 👋😃
I've enjoyed your videos from the beginning. This refresh has me looking back through your videos to see how you went about finding a short term apartment. I also love the DJI too! 千里の道も一歩から
Thank you for your good energy and your inspiring courage!!! I’m 36 and dreaming of living in Japan, and you really inspire me to work and take the leap! Blessings!
Go for it!
Happy to hear you are still enjoying life in Japan. The beach with the fireworks looked really cool. I want to go there. Also the local karaoke bar you went to seems like a great place as well. Hope to bump into you in my travels to and from Tokyo and Osaka.
The camera is GREAT! The stabilization alone was wort it.
Thank you so much, this one made me share a tear 😢 and also made me smile: life is a journey ❤ life is an adventure ❤
I really think so. We are all on a journey ♥️
I switched from GoPro to DJI Pocket as well due to overheating issues! You're gonna be so happy about the switch. Stabilization is sooo nice and it can film for so long compared to the go pro. And I really love how discreet it is, I have social anxiety so feel really anxious filming in public, but this one is thankfully pretty small! Only downsides I've experienced is its inability to film close-up and in dim light, but otherwise, I've been so happy with this camera (mine is a Pocket 3).
Oh we have the same camera. So glad you say its good. I will give it a go this weekend.
watching your videos are so helpful
my husband and I have recently moved here for work
and hopefully to buy a home here
also to get a car for travel camping
😍
I am not used to using the video filming but the new film seems very clear @ the walking filming is very steady. Love watching yr channel.
Happy birthday and thanks for your videos❤
Thanks so much 😊
and, the Journey is the Reward. 🙂
True ♥️
Happy birthday Chani san :D
Thank you ☺️
At the end of my first year in Japan, I didn’t know if it was the right choice. Most of the people I had arrived in Japan with at that time returned home after a year. A few more returned home in the years after that. By the time of the 2011 earthquake, only a few of these people remained, and after the quake, all of them left. It was the pandemic which made me realize finally that I had made the right choice, to be in Japan, where there were no lockdowns, no forced closures of businesses or schools, and no restrictions on personal movement.
same. while my family were lockdown in Itay, I enjoyed traveling Kyoto😊
What an amazing year you have had Chani! Yes 👍 it was a fantastic move buying a new camera as the picture quality and stability of the footage is superb. ❤❤❤❤ Happy Birthday 🎈 too !!! 21 again ? Ms Chani ? lol 😜
Yes! Thank you! 21 again for sure 😜
Late Happy Birthday.... Amazing, I have the same DJO Osmo Pocket 3, creator combo, including the little black bag that just holds everything in the kit. It is a great camera and has a lot of features and the video/still quality is excellent. Thanks for the really interesting story of a part of your life getting started here in Japan.
The footage looks great. I know a couple of people with this camera and have heard there are some limitations but for vlogging it works well 👍
Just got back from Japan last night, looked at a few houses to buy in Chiba and found one we really like buy we're waiting till 2027. Happy Birthday!
You can definitely see the better picture quality in the new camera ❤
Yay! Thank you!
Very big improvement in the film quality ❤
Congrats on your first year in Japan!
Thanks so much 😊
Thank you Chani for another great video.
It was lovely to see some ov your early videos. I really think you made the most amazing lifestyle change. I dont think moving country will take awy your problems...but what it does do is give you a new perspective, and perhaps allow you to see those problems in a different way.
New camera is fantastic. I think I might get one myself for a new trip!..I do think your story telling wins out more though.
Happy Birthday Chani!! Maoy you continue to have joy in your life.
If you are going on a new trip, I think the camera is great because its really light weight and easy to use.
I am so thankful to have found your channel. I was 49 this year and planning a long term hiatus in Japan when my last kid finished college in a couple years. I am not more than certain it's going to be amazing.
You can do it!
Omg i have dji pocket 2 loved it used it when i was in hawaii. Gopro was overheating too only used it for the drive. im cancer too. I too wanted to buy abandoned house one day. Used to study in Japanese language institution in 2004 in takaba. I used korean & japanese in hawaii. Fell in love with 😅the islands there. Kanbare!
Happy Birthday!! I hope you had a grand time!
Definitely, the picture quality of the new camera set up is a lot better. I need to look at something like that.
I too am planning to move back to Japan. Down in Kumamoto. My wife’s family lives there. We just got back from our 6 week visit and in all honesty, I didn’t want to come back to my home, but my cats were waiting with their sitter.
Thank you for your videos.
Thanks so much!!
I’m glad the storm didn’t do too much damage because you’ve done so much work on your house. I can relate to how you’ve set up a new home. Four years ago I inherited my parents’ house and I’ve been making a lot of changes and I live alone in the house. I’m really enjoying your videos, I’m enjoying how you show daily life in Japan. The new camera is great, really stable and so clear at night.
Epic journey! Thank you for sharing with us! The footage on the new camera is excellent BTW.
Thanks so much!
You are soo inspiring!!
Thank you for sharing your experiences in my country !!
Thank you so much!
Hi Chani,
Beyond the high quality night video, you’ll be able to use face and person (object) tracking to do some lovely far away and scenic shots, plus it has an easy tripod adapter and bluetooth microphone with auto sync. Happy birthday!
I look forward to playing with it.
Happy birthday Chani 🧁 😊. I’m so glad you got your patio roof stabilised. The new go pro seems really good. Lovely and clear. Great birthday present for yourself . Enjoy the warmth… it’s freezing cold in Australia where I live 🥶. Lovely to see you so relaxed and happy. 😊.
Thank you! 🤗
Glad to see you are enjoying so many things. A video about differences of life/work/money in japan and australia?
Happy birthday! 🎉 Giving ourselves a nice birthday present is always nice! As for the camera, the quality of the image is excellent for outside footage. The focus changes accordingly, which is very helpful on the go. I'm sure you will have a lot of fun taking new videos from now on!
Thanks so much 😊
Hi Chani. Love your channel. So interesting to see Japanese daily life. I think the new camera is a winner! Very clear footage. 👌
Great 😃
Also your new camera looks great! And happy birthday month.
Yay, thank you!
The new camera footage is like getting a new pair of glasses! The images seem more 3D and less flat. Thank you Chani!
Thanks so much 😊
I'm a new subscriber, I've been kind of binging your videos for the last few days in between on-line work. Fascinating to see what you've managed to accomplish in a year. I am also an expat, albeit to Southeast Asia (so far!) and have a great interest in Japanese culture so I appreciate seeing things that address some of the same real-world concerns and questions I would have. I also really like to see some Japan footage that is not just Tokyo. So really, thanks so much for sharing your experience with the world. Lastly, I think the camera footage looks sharp and it might just be in my mind but the colors seem to pop a bit more, very smooth footage and I think you've made a find choice in that camera. When you first bought it I thought it might not be very high quality being that it is compact but it looks very good, better than the go pro by miles I'd say. Wishing you and Millie well from Cambodia!
Hi there in Cambodia. I hope all is well for you 😀 Thanks for your comment and joining the community 👋
The new camera footage looks great. I do not know if I can tell the difference but I am not a great source on that matter. Glad you got a new model and I hope it lasts you a long time. I really enjoyed the montage also! Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much 👋
I love love love! how matter-of-fact and slice of life your videos are. You aren't hyping, selling, or promoting much at all, and it's mostly just you living as best you know how. I love it.
🎉Happy 🎉Birthday 🎉
The new camera footage looks great! I also love the color of your friend’s car❣️
🌹Happy 1 Year Anniversary too 🌹
She has the best pink Suzuki Hustler. Such a great looking car
🥳 Happy Birthday 🍡 😋 🎉 enjoy your special day 🎊 ! New camera footage is great! Congratulations on 1st. year Japan accomplishments, home, auto, job, millie, friendships, exploring! Hopefully, new patio cover does not leak, screws have rubber gaskets or silicone at each screw 🤞🏽! Cheers to a Happy Birthday 🍣 🍻 🌸!
I saw him put silicone in some places. So hopefully that will stop any leaks. Thanks for the birthday wishes. ♥️
FABULOUS video, insight and super inspiring! That 'Rut' gave you the power, energy and guts to move forward! Thank you so much for this fabulous video and reminder of one's strengths. Love from New Zealand ❤❤❤🙏 ( ex Saffer 🤗) All the best
Happy birthday Chani, I disagree with the person who comented abiutbei g in a rut. You have made a choice and a commitment to changing your life and it has turned out for the better. Good on you because you tried and succeeded. Love the footage on the new camera. Very clear. Desley 🇦🇺
Thanks so much 👋
You are Proud of your Self and so we are: for You!
Very well done 👍✅👍
Thanks for Motivating us!
Keep on staying❤ safe and so strong and positive
Thank you ☺️
🎉happy birthday ❤. Life is journey 😊 your video inspire me I decide move to Japan 🇯🇵 now in Tokyo
Thank you 🩷
I know a few IRL streamers on Twitch that use the DGI gimbal for their phones, and they are all very happy with its performance so it will be interesting to see and hear what you think of the new camera as you make more videos in the future with it. First impressions from the video you shot is that the great stability from the gimbal has carried over to the camera and the color and picture is wonderful. It'll be great to see some video of the countryside in the daylight with it. Happy birthday!
I look forward to getting some nice footage with it 😃
New camera has great clarity, depth of field & great colour. Loving your updates Chani, big cuddle to Millie❤❤
Thanks so much 😊
I’m really proud of you. In one year you achieved a lot than anyone I know for sure. Congratulations on your birthday 🎉
Thank you ☺️
Milly is the sweetest little sidekick 😊❤
The new camera is making clear, crisp shots. But it should right? Old tech vs new tech. Keep up the lovely videos!
I've been looking at these cameras. Looks good. I agree about the rut. In the UK we say, "a change is as good as a rest".
wow! The new camera is really great. It is indeed stabilysing the picture . Very clear! Wow! Can't wait for the big news!!! You make it really hard to wait ☺
Thanks so much 😊
Happy Birthday. The new camera footage is wonderful. The clarity really comes through compared to the old camera. 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks so much 👋
Beautiful footage with that new camera you bought! ☺️
Yes! Thank you!
@@ChaniJapanYou’re welcome 🤗
Much better image quality in terms of details and also pretty stabilized! Good choice!
Thanks so much 😊
Hi Chani. I’m really enjoying your videos. I have even started learning Japanese. You have certainly provided some “ups” for me. 😊
Thanks so much 😊
Happy Birthday to you Chani! Yes life is a journey, very true. The video is great and we are waiting for the good news then next week !!=))) Hello from France
Thank you so much 🤗
I think moving to Japan was definitely the right choice for you. Knowing the language is a big advantage. You are very brave to tackle all the ups and downs on your own in a foreign country. You have achieved so much in just a year! You are an inspiration to those of us who are 50 +!
The clarity of your new camera is wonderful. It looks like Millie approves of your new purchase.
♥
The night footage was really good! I’ve been thinking about getting that camera so I’m keen to hear your opinions
It is taking a little while to get used to it but I think its great.
Happy birthday Chani from another July birthday girl. So glad you followed your dreams and moved to Japan. And you have achieved so much in those 12 months , i don't know how you did it.
Enjoy the new camera and keep sending us your fabulous updates. We love it.❤
Thanks so much 😊