Aww that sucks. You're literally one of the few Asian American UA-camrs in Japan. Watched your videos to get references for when I do move to Japan. I hope Hawaii works out for you and the wifey!! Good luck!
Aww thank you! I'm sure I'll still have Japan videos in the future and I'll probably have a lot of comparisons in my content, naturally. But thank you, I really appreciate that!
Living 13 years in Japan makes you a good candidate for reverse culture shock, but you'll do fine. I only lived in Japan for two years, then one year, and then three years, so I didn't think fitting back in would be a problem. What did surprise me about moving back to California was poor customer service. A server at a restaurant was so rude I felt like leaving before ordering. I didn't want to inconvenience a couple dozen people who took their time to put together a welcome-back party for me, so I stayed. I couldn't help feeling floored that restaurants would allow such rude people to keep their jobs, though. You'll run into these "Are you kidding me?!" moments. It's normal. You may be treated as a katonk, though!
And you probably had to tip them! But yeah, I know for sure I'll go through reverse culture shock, a lot of ups and downs... should be... interesting. Seems like you've been able to go back and forth which is pretty cool though. I've definitely gotten treated like a katonk before! lol
I can’t wait to say welcome back braddah! My experience: I made the move back home to Hawaii after living up in California for 10 years or so. All things work out. Being near my family and friends & living in paradise everyday was my reason to move back home. I always knew I wanted to, and I was establishing myself and waiting for the right time to make the move back. I can always travel anywhere I want to, and hawaii is my home base always. It’s been about 5 years so far & I don’t regret my decision; aside from missing friends I had in the mainland. Life for me changed drastically in a positive way. I got married, I got 3 kids, have 2 or so houses, changed careers, and living like Heaven is on earth everyday! We can talk story more when you return. Follow your heart, and you’ll always be guided to the right places with love (God) leading the way! Have you talked to Derek yet? His family made the move back home from Thailand, and I’m glad to see family returning home! Safe travels and see you soon!
Pono! Sounds like you're doing good, I'm happy for you man! Yeah, lots of transitions - can be a gift and a curse - but overall I think we're lucky to have gained experiences in different places and still have friends and family we're close to. I haven't talked to Derek recently but I heard he moved back. Dan's moving back in a few days too. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Will be watching this play by play! Considering moving back home is always in the background of my mind, especially as our families get older. It weighs on me heavily. The fears you need mentioned having are the same as my own-being unable to/ not wanting to fit in, quality of life/cost of living, (and B-52s haha). Good on you for your bravery! Blessings on your next steps!
Thank you! Hearing that reminds me that others are in similar shoes as I am. I still have a couple more Japan videos but I'll try to document my transition and life as best as I can after!
I definitely feel you on this one Barrett. I live in San Diego now and the question of moving back home definitely is always in the back of my mind. I tell people that if I ever raise a family I would want to do it in Hawaii for all the reasons you are moving back: the community and the family. There is nowhere else like it. Excited for this next step for you and Ayaka! 🥳🌴🍧🍍
Yeah, I think there's always something that ties us to Hawaii at some level. But San Diego is good from what I know/remember, and at least it's not that far! Thanks for the support!!
Congrats that you are taking the journey to the next chapter of your life…Hawaii has lots of Japanese, right? Hawaii seems like a great place to raise kids…all the best!!!
Thanks! Yeah lots of Japanese and Americans of Japanese ancestry. Lots of Asian influence in general. Cost of living is insane so we’ll see how it goes. Thank you for the support though!
Hey Barrett, you had one of the best youtube channels out there. You had a similar background to me, being a 4th Generation Japanese American from Hawaii, and I enjoyed watching and hearing your perspectives on things. It will be good to go back home, I live in San Diego now but all my family is still in Hawaii. You helped to show me a new perspective on Japan, I definitely felt like a foreigner there when visited in 2019. Good luck on the move back, and keep the channel up!
Hey thank you! That's awesome, we definitely do have things in common! I do plan to keep making videos... it'll probably change a little but I'll probably be back in Japan at times and I'm doing Japan-related work so Japan things will still be a part of a lot of videos, I think! Thanks for watching though, I appreciate it!
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾Home is where you make it. You are not leaving Japan behind, you’re just taking awesome experiences and memories with. Wishing you and your wife happiness. Go make some new memories in Hawaii 🎇🎆🍾🥳
My parents sent me to the states after I finished my high school in Aomori as I wanted to go to college in the states better than in Japan. Education and language skills I gained in the states helped me find good jobs in Tokyo as it is an international city and I never thought about returning home after I came back to Japan from the states because I didn’t know how I could make my living in Aomori. As I am getting older though, I started thinking about my parents like how I can look after them while I live in Tokyo. That’s my biggest concern right now. If your wife has no problem moving to your hometown with you and you can make your living there, you don’t have much to worry about. You are still young and should try anything you think right. I bet you will miss Japan but you can always visit here on your vacation or something just like I visit the states when I miss it. Good luck in your new life!
Thank you! That is an interesting story, thanks for sharing it. I think that is also a tough situation... living and working in Tokyo because that's where the best jobs often are, especially for those with international capabilities, but also having family far away. I appreciate the support and I hope you will find a way!!
Thanks for this video (just found you), I have all the same feelings now, contemplating moving back to my home country. I have only just started to seriously consider it but I am really torn after living here for 14 years.
Yeah I totally get how you feel. If I didn’t have close family back home, I might’ve not decided to leave. I figure I’ll give it a shot and see how it goes, and if it doesn’t work, move back to Japan or something. After being in Japan for as long as we have, it’s definitely a second home and hard to leave!
Hi Barrett! I know this is late as I only noticed this video recently. I subscribed to your channel about a 1 year old ago and every now and then watched your videos whenever I had time. I'm also from Hawaii and have been living in Japan for about 16 years and I felt like I could relate to you in so many ways. It's so hard to find people who live in Japan that are either Asian-American or from Hawaii, so I'm really sad to hear you are leaving Japan. I also had thoughts of moving back to Hawaii for the same reasons as you, family but also because of better job opportunities that are available back home. Anyway I hope everything works out for you and your wife.
Hey it’s nice to hear from you! It’s nice to know someone can relate! Deciding to move back was such a big decision and honestly for a lot of reasons, it hasn’t been the easiest. I’m hoping to be able to be in Japan as much as possible, but we’ll see how it goes. I hope you’ll do whatever’s best for you! Thank you for tuning in from time to time!
Planned to be in Japan approx one year max two or three, and have been here way more than thirteen. Was originally from Hawaii too but left as a little kid. It was traumatic to leave. We moved to many places back and forth as a kid. Tried to go back , but needed to have a steady place to go to live, needed a job, and returns kept being thwarted so had many restarts and lost savings due to emergencies and restarts. Doing it without a job on the other end is risky even with a solid tent, back pack, and a safe place to tent it. Having a mobile business is the best. Hear you on the challenges and a huge congratulations for going back. Your wife must be happy too. Hawaii is spectacular!
Thank you! Hawaii is definitely high cost and high reward. A mobile business really is the best, I'm going to try hard at that. I appreciate you sharing your story!
Congratulations on the decision, man! Looking forward to the transitional videos too, as in, where will you store all of your stuff in Tokyo? Will you hire movers? Will you take a pre-move trip to HI to look for a place?
Thank you!! Some stuff will go to my wife's parents' place, some to a friend, selling and throwing away some stuff, and shipping others to Hawaii. No pre-move so we'll be living at my parents' for a while.
I don’t know man I’d stay in Japan Hawaii and the US especially in Democrat run anything is very bad so visit and see if you think you can make it but Texas and Florida are nice and need people to work fyi, either way best of luck Brother
Thanks! To be honest, I don't think it's just Democrat or just Republican. The blame is on the whole system and everyone in it, moving out towards their own sides rather than the middle. All finger pointing, no accountability, just chaos. I don't think I'd live anywhere else besides Hawaii if I'm in the US mainly because that's where my fam is. And after all these years in Japan, I need as much access to Japanese/Asian food and markets as I can get lol.
Cool video Barrett. While I myself am not from Hawaii, my mother is and everyone on her side of the family. So in a way, I can sort of relate to your case. My mom often talked about her life in college after moving out of Hawaii for the first time as well as the time she spent living on the numerous are force bases in Japan back in the 1980s. When I lasted visited in December, everything seemed quite normal aside from the Covid cases not to mention the rising cost of living. I hope you can find a place to live since the market is tough! Anyways, I love the content and I wish the best of luck for your return to Hawaii!
Thanks! Yeah, the rising cost of living is quite worrying for me, to be honest. I'll probably have some things to say about that in future videos lol. I appreciate the support!
Are you a Japanese passport holder? If you do, your transactions in Japan like the Japan pension and those transaction in city hall, do they matter for those Japanese citizen leaving abroad especially for those don't have family there?
My wife is and they do matter. For example, if someone leaves Japan before paying their pension for the minimum amount of years, they can decide to continue paying it privately until they reach it so they're entitled to collect when they become eligible. It's not much though.
Well congrats on the idea of returning back to your native home!! Hawaii is beautiful and although you've been in Japan these last 13 years and have grown accustomed to their lifestyle there!! I'm sure you and your wife will bounce back once your back home with Family and Friends!! Best Wishes to you Both on this journey!!🙏🏽😃🙏🏽
Thank you, I appreciate it! It's definitely a journey and I hope the adjustment and life balancing between the two countries goes alright. Thanks again!
Soo excited for you Barrett!! I hope you have safe trip! Life is just a huge roller coaster eventually you come back and start from the beginning! I can’t wait for you to see all your family
Looking forward to following your new chapter in Hawaii. As a fellow AsAm abroad, I get what you mean about the lack of community. Hope everything works out obviously, but even if it doesn't, the world is your oyster. Good luck.
Also, in terms of videos, would love to hear your perspective as someone who is from Hawaii on the ethics around tourism. I have been hearing about issues like water scarcity in Hawaii and how tourists are taking away precious resources from locals especially during Covid times. It would be great to hear local perspectives on these issues.
Awesome, I'm glad we have things in common! I don't know much about tourists and resources in Hawaii, but I know it's always a love/hate relationship with tourists there because it's basically "selling nature to support the economy". I'm sure I'll have some things to say once I'm settled in the environment. Thank you for your support!
I remember you talking about eventually moving back. Will you continue making videos in Hawaii? I hope we meet again at some point. Maybe not before you leave, if it's in August. And I hope moving etc is going well/smoothly 😊✨
Thanks! 🙌 Yeah, it’s a big move… I’m sure you know too but it’s hard to leave Tokyo/Japan! I’ll still make videos, I’m sure it’ll change a little bit, but I plan to!
Why is there even a need to go "home"? First of all, consider what the country has done that is beneficial enough to go back to. If it was so good, why was there a need to leave and even stay out for 13 years?
Because family > country. Relationships > country. And going to explore life in a country other than your own isn’t necessarily related to your home country being good or not. For me personally, there was no “need to leave”.
Yes. Family and friends and sometimes obligations. As we get older there are weddings and also sadly funerals. It’s important to attend. This is more of an Asian culture thing.
Many moons ago spent half my life in California. Experienced reverse culture shock returning home. Very expensive to live in Hawaii. Years later Ohana moving to Vegas in their golden years. Hawaii is outrageously expensive, but there is no place like home. The Aloha Spirit is alive and well. Enjoying seeing the coast, as I drive into town. Lunch at the beach. The plethora of cuisine's to choose from can't go wrong. Multitude of challenges for local, but definitely give it a try! Making it through the five year itch is the plan. Really 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 for the 🇺🇸. Be blessed! Aloha 🤙 Welcome Home ❤️
I grew up in California until I was 5 years old then I moved to South Korea and lived there until I was 11 years old then I moved to Oklahoma since then. I do miss California a lot and I do want to move back there but now it’s very tough because house is so expensive over there. But I still have dreams of moving back to California
Wow that’s a lot of moving! And to quite different places! Yeah California and a lot of places are so expensive now. It’s the same in Hawaii which is pretty concerning to me. I hope you’ll find a way back to California if you still want to move back!
Ahh it’s kinda funny how I’m going to japan for college and leaving Hawaii and ur going back to Hawaii. I definitely want to live in another place for awhile but I’ve always wanted to go back later and settle down since it’s home. I really hope the move goes well!!
haha yeah, you're young, go for it! I never imagined I'd live in multiple places and move abroad.... and then struggle with returning. Life's crazy. Thanks!!
Big decision and I totally understand your feeling on moving back. Not sure if you’ll be establishing your nee home base on The Big Island but you’ll still be closer to The Monago Hotel and its pork chops! Good luck! I’ll be interested to see how the transition goes!
Thanks! I’ll be in Honolulu but definitely looking forward to some food! I haven’t been to the Big Island in a really long time but will have to check out those pork chops one of these days! :)
Hi Barrett. I grew up in the 808 and still live here. My brothers moved to the mainland after graduating from Kalani. Go Falcons. They've had great job offers to move back home but decided not to. Mainly because the commute in traffic is nuts and the cost of living. Hawaii's changed since we've been kids; but for me, family and friends keep me here. Jogging at Ala Moana is free. Riding Biki bike in back of Iolani is fun. Going to the cemetery to put flowers on the graves is a tradition for us. Your wife will feel at home; there's the Rice Factory, Don Q, Nijiya and Marukai. I say go for it. Family is everything and Hawaii the bonds are strong.
Awesome, I'm also from that side of the island. Cost of living and traffic... I totally understand! Your point about family, friends and tradition is so true, and being around that is worth taking this shot, I feel. And thank goodness for the access to Japanese markets, I don't think I could do it without them haha. Thank you for commenting!
Thanks! Yeah, she'll have to look around but her English is good and there's definitely a need for Japanese in Honolulu. Hope things will go as well as possible.
This seems like a bolt from the blue, but I'm sure you have been thinking about it for a long time. It will be interesting how your transition plays out, and I will continue watching. It certainly will make for an interesting sociological study!
Yeah, it's been something I've always thought about but didn't do it until now. We also submitted a US Visa application for my wife quite a while ago, and it was finally approved. You're right, this will be an interesting sociological study! haha. Thank you!
When I saw the video pop up I was like woah Barrett moving back. Well I have no experience in transitioning but moving back to live closer to your family and friends it will be good. Hopefully your wife will adjust to life in US. I hope everything goes well for your move from home, work and financials. Plus like you said you are able to move back to Japan or move to another part of the States. I wish you the best Barrett and Ayaka.
I certainly hope this works for you. If you are doing business in both countries, at least you are in a place where it is easier to travel back and forth. With remote work becoming more and more feasible, I think any employer has to look seriously at using those tools. Would it be easier for you if you were a consultant (contracting as it were) and advising any and all clients?
Thanks! A lot of my work is mobile so I advise and work with clients from the US, Japan, France, Taiwan, etc. I'll be able to continue doing a lot of it which is great. I don't think I could go to a place that wasn't open to that kind of work style.
My friend from HS was in your situation, he moved to Japan, married a girl from Japan and now lives back in Hilo. I know he mentioned that it was kind of hard for his wife to find a job where she was happy. If she could speak English fluently I think it would have been easier for her as there are lots of job opportunities for people who are fluent in Japanese. I'm glad you're already keeping in mind that you will be going back to Japan often since your wife's family is there. And since I'm moving to retirement next year (I'll be 51) I think it's great that you're moving back because once you do retire yourself, if you don't have work history in the US you'll hardly get any Social Security benefits. Although I think you qualify if you have at least 10 years.
Thanks for sharing and sorry for the late response. Luckily my wife is pretty capable in English as well but I think finding a decent job can still be challenging. A lot of Japanese or Japanese-facing companies with Hawaii offices seem to offer mediocre positions and give low pay. It'll definitely be challenging but yeah, looking towards the future, it's best to get a start - or at least taste if Hawaii is the right place - as soon as possible. Otherwise it'd be hard to have the option down the road.
As you get older, so do your parents... If they cared for you as a child, it's only decent that their children are around to take care of them in old age.
Whoa! Big news. Home is home so I totally understand the reasons and I know the feeling too. Best of luck with the move and I’m looking forward to watching things unfold. 😁🤙
Happy for you, Barret! Hawaii is an awesome place to live. I’m sure you going to have a great time and it’s good to hear that you’ll be close to family! This shit happens when you get older and it’s all part of the journey.
What part are Hawaii are you from, that's amazing, I moved from Hawaii 7 years ago to Texas and I feel the exact same way. My intention was actually to be here for a month and it's been 7 years. Now I'm actually planning a 3-5 year return back to the Big island. This video couldn't have come at a more perfect moment, as well as trying to figure out my job services in transition back. I would love to follow this movement with you as it helps me transition as well. Thank you so much for this video. I'm here for it!
Glad to be going through a similar experience as you! 7 years from 1 month... wow! I'm from Honolulu and will be moving back there. Thanks for watching and sharing your situation! Good luck with your transition!
@@barrettish Thanks! I just met someone here from Honolulu l, says they are taking down the stay to build an new one! 😪 Anywho looking forward to videos!
lol 2 years ago yo. I'm afraid of that happening, but gotta give it a shot. At least I'm more settled down now, but I can imagine easily getting island fever after a while.
Good luck! It's definitely a hard transition, though maybe Hawai'i will be less so than the East Coast? Even if you don't ultimately find it "worth it" to stay, I'm sure the time closer to the family will be nice. 😊 Also, if you're shipping (cardboard) boxes on via a boat, wrap the outside in duct tape (that's what Kirby recommended, and I think it saved a few of my boxes).
Thanks! Can't believe I'm actually doing it. Ooh good tip. We're shipping some stuff through my friend on a base, which is super helpful, but USPS... lol
![How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK]](/img/n.gif)
Aww that sucks. You're literally one of the few Asian American UA-camrs in Japan. Watched your videos to get references for when I do move to Japan. I hope Hawaii works out for you and the wifey!! Good luck!
Aww thank you! I'm sure I'll still have Japan videos in the future and I'll probably have a lot of comparisons in my content, naturally. But thank you, I really appreciate that!
Living 13 years in Japan makes you a good candidate for reverse culture shock, but you'll do fine. I only lived in Japan for two years, then one year, and then three years, so I didn't think fitting back in would be a problem. What did surprise me about moving back to California was poor customer service. A server at a restaurant was so rude I felt like leaving before ordering. I didn't want to inconvenience a couple dozen people who took their time to put together a welcome-back party for me, so I stayed. I couldn't help feeling floored that restaurants would allow such rude people to keep their jobs, though. You'll run into these "Are you kidding me?!" moments. It's normal. You may be treated as a katonk, though!
And you probably had to tip them! But yeah, I know for sure I'll go through reverse culture shock, a lot of ups and downs... should be... interesting.
Seems like you've been able to go back and forth which is pretty cool though. I've definitely gotten treated like a katonk before! lol
I can’t wait to say welcome back braddah! My experience: I made the move back home to Hawaii after living up in California for 10 years or so. All things work out. Being near my family and friends & living in paradise everyday was my reason to move back home. I always knew I wanted to, and I was establishing myself and waiting for the right time to make the move back. I can always travel anywhere I want to, and hawaii is my home base always. It’s been about 5 years so far & I don’t regret my decision; aside from missing friends I had in the mainland. Life for me changed drastically in a positive way. I got married, I got 3 kids, have 2 or so houses, changed careers, and living like Heaven is on earth everyday! We can talk story more when you return. Follow your heart, and you’ll always be guided to the right places with love (God) leading the way! Have you talked to Derek yet? His family made the move back home from Thailand, and I’m glad to see family returning home! Safe travels and see you soon!
Pono! Sounds like you're doing good, I'm happy for you man!
Yeah, lots of transitions - can be a gift and a curse - but overall I think we're lucky to have gained experiences in different places and still have friends and family we're close to. I haven't talked to Derek recently but I heard he moved back. Dan's moving back in a few days too. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Will be watching this play by play! Considering moving back home is always in the background of my mind, especially as our families get older. It weighs on me heavily. The fears you need mentioned having are the same as my own-being unable to/ not wanting to fit in, quality of life/cost of living, (and B-52s haha). Good on you for your bravery! Blessings on your next steps!
Thank you! Hearing that reminds me that others are in similar shoes as I am.
I still have a couple more Japan videos but I'll try to document my transition and life as best as I can after!
One can always go back home and in your case, you're going back to a place I consider is paradise
haha yeah, true. Definitely a hard place to live though.
I definitely feel you on this one Barrett. I live in San Diego now and the question of moving back home definitely is always in the back of my mind. I tell people that if I ever raise a family I would want to do it in Hawaii for all the reasons you are moving back: the community and the family. There is nowhere else like it. Excited for this next step for you and Ayaka! 🥳🌴🍧🍍
Yeah, I think there's always something that ties us to Hawaii at some level. But San Diego is good from what I know/remember, and at least it's not that far! Thanks for the support!!
I live in San Diego as well! All my family is still in Hawaii as well.
Sad to see you go, man. I'm also an American in Tokyo, and I just found your channel 😭
However, the big journey home is exciting. Best of luck!
Aw, welcome! But yeah, big move... hopefully I can find some kind of balance between the two places. Thank you!!
Congrats that you are taking the journey to the next chapter of your life…Hawaii has lots of Japanese, right? Hawaii seems like a great place to raise kids…all the best!!!
Thanks! Yeah lots of Japanese and Americans of Japanese ancestry. Lots of Asian influence in general. Cost of living is insane so we’ll see how it goes. Thank you for the support though!
I'll be curious to follow your journey. 🌞
Thank you!!
I'm looking forward to UA-cam from Hawaii.Aloha!🌈
Yay, thanks!!
Hey Barrett, you had one of the best youtube channels out there. You had a similar background to me, being a 4th Generation Japanese American from Hawaii, and I enjoyed watching and hearing your perspectives on things. It will be good to go back home, I live in San Diego now but all my family is still in Hawaii. You helped to show me a new perspective on Japan, I definitely felt like a foreigner there when visited in 2019. Good luck on the move back, and keep the channel up!
Hey thank you! That's awesome, we definitely do have things in common! I do plan to keep making videos... it'll probably change a little but I'll probably be back in Japan at times and I'm doing Japan-related work so Japan things will still be a part of a lot of videos, I think! Thanks for watching though, I appreciate it!
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾Home is where you make it. You are not leaving Japan behind, you’re just taking awesome experiences and memories with. Wishing you and your wife happiness. Go make some new memories in Hawaii 🎇🎆🍾🥳
That is true, and I know I can take your word for it! Thank you!!
I look forward to seeing Hawaiian food. Good luck!
haha yea! Thank you!!
My parents sent me to the states after I finished my high school in Aomori as I wanted to go to college in the states better than in Japan. Education and language skills I gained in the states helped me find good jobs in Tokyo as it is an international city and I never thought about returning home after I came back to Japan from the states because I didn’t know how I could make my living in Aomori. As I am getting older though, I started thinking about my parents like how I can look after them while I live in Tokyo. That’s my biggest concern right now. If your wife has no problem moving to your hometown with you and you can make your living there, you don’t have much to worry about. You are still young and should try anything you think right. I bet you will miss Japan but you can always visit here on your vacation or something just like I visit the states when I miss it. Good luck in your new life!
Thank you! That is an interesting story, thanks for sharing it. I think that is also a tough situation... living and working in Tokyo because that's where the best jobs often are, especially for those with international capabilities, but also having family far away. I appreciate the support and I hope you will find a way!!
Thanks for this video (just found you), I have all the same feelings now, contemplating moving back to my home country. I have only just started to seriously consider it but I am really torn after living here for 14 years.
Yeah I totally get how you feel. If I didn’t have close family back home, I might’ve not decided to leave. I figure I’ll give it a shot and see how it goes, and if it doesn’t work, move back to Japan or something. After being in Japan for as long as we have, it’s definitely a second home and hard to leave!
Hi Barrett! I know this is late as I only noticed this video recently. I subscribed to your channel about a 1 year old ago and every now and then watched your videos whenever I had time. I'm also from Hawaii and have been living in Japan for about 16 years and I felt like I could relate to you in so many ways. It's so hard to find people who live in Japan that are either Asian-American or from Hawaii, so I'm really sad to hear you are leaving Japan. I also had thoughts of moving back to Hawaii for the same reasons as you, family but also because of better job opportunities that are available back home. Anyway I hope everything works out for you and your wife.
Hey it’s nice to hear from you! It’s nice to know someone can relate! Deciding to move back was such a big decision and honestly for a lot of reasons, it hasn’t been the easiest. I’m hoping to be able to be in Japan as much as possible, but we’ll see how it goes.
I hope you’ll do whatever’s best for you! Thank you for tuning in from time to time!
Planned to be in Japan approx one year max two or three, and have been here way more than thirteen. Was originally from Hawaii too but left as a little kid. It was traumatic to leave. We moved to many places back and forth as a kid. Tried to go back , but needed to have a steady place to go to live, needed a job, and returns kept being thwarted so had many restarts and lost savings due to emergencies and restarts. Doing it without a job on the other end is risky even with a solid tent, back pack, and a safe place to tent it. Having a mobile business is the best. Hear you on the challenges and a huge congratulations for going back. Your wife must be happy too. Hawaii is spectacular!
Thank you! Hawaii is definitely high cost and high reward. A mobile business really is the best, I'm going to try hard at that. I appreciate you sharing your story!
Congratulations on the decision, man!
Looking forward to the transitional videos too, as in, where will you store all of your stuff in Tokyo? Will you hire movers? Will you take a pre-move trip to HI to look for a place?
Thank you!! Some stuff will go to my wife's parents' place, some to a friend, selling and throwing away some stuff, and shipping others to Hawaii. No pre-move so we'll be living at my parents' for a while.
Welcome back to US! Will you keep updating this channel though?
Thanks! Yeah, I mentioned it towards the end but I'm not going anywhere, at least where the internet is concerned haha
I don’t know man I’d stay in Japan Hawaii and the US especially in Democrat run anything is very bad so visit and see if you think you can make it but Texas and Florida are nice and need people to work fyi, either way best of luck Brother
Thanks! To be honest, I don't think it's just Democrat or just Republican. The blame is on the whole system and everyone in it, moving out towards their own sides rather than the middle. All finger pointing, no accountability, just chaos. I don't think I'd live anywhere else besides Hawaii if I'm in the US mainly because that's where my fam is. And after all these years in Japan, I need as much access to Japanese/Asian food and markets as I can get lol.
Cool video Barrett. While I myself am not from Hawaii, my mother is and everyone on her side of the family. So in a way, I can sort of relate to your case. My mom often talked about her life in college after moving out of Hawaii for the first time as well as the time she spent living on the numerous are force bases in Japan back in the 1980s. When I lasted visited in December, everything seemed quite normal aside from the Covid cases not to mention the rising cost of living. I hope you can find a place to live since the market is tough! Anyways, I love the content and I wish the best of luck for your return to Hawaii!
Thanks! Yeah, the rising cost of living is quite worrying for me, to be honest. I'll probably have some things to say about that in future videos lol. I appreciate the support!
My wife (she's from Taiwan) and I agree,... there is no place like Hawaii for raising kids.
Awesome! Yeah, it's hard but we'll see how things go. Taiwan though, I heard the care after giving birth there is amazing!
Are you a Japanese passport holder? If you do, your transactions in Japan like the Japan pension and those transaction in city hall, do they matter for those Japanese citizen leaving abroad especially for those don't have family there?
My wife is and they do matter. For example, if someone leaves Japan before paying their pension for the minimum amount of years, they can decide to continue paying it privately until they reach it so they're entitled to collect when they become eligible. It's not much though.
Well congrats on the idea of returning back to your native home!! Hawaii is beautiful and although you've been in Japan these last 13 years and have grown accustomed to their lifestyle there!! I'm sure you and your wife will bounce back once your back home with Family and Friends!! Best Wishes to you Both on this journey!!🙏🏽😃🙏🏽
Thank you, I appreciate it! It's definitely a journey and I hope the adjustment and life balancing between the two countries goes alright. Thanks again!
@@barrettish Your Welcome 👍🏽
New chapter to your life ... toi toi (Pronounce Toy Toy) = all the best ... ;) ...
Thank you, I apprciate that!
Soo excited for you Barrett!! I hope you have safe trip! Life is just a huge roller coaster eventually you come back and start from the beginning! I can’t wait for you to see all your family
Thank you!! Exactly, there's definitely no linear route in life. I really appreciate it!!
Looking forward to following your new chapter in Hawaii. As a fellow AsAm abroad, I get what you mean about the lack of community. Hope everything works out obviously, but even if it doesn't, the world is your oyster. Good luck.
Also, in terms of videos, would love to hear your perspective as someone who is from Hawaii on the ethics around tourism. I have been hearing about issues like water scarcity in Hawaii and how tourists are taking away precious resources from locals especially during Covid times. It would be great to hear local perspectives on these issues.
Awesome, I'm glad we have things in common!
I don't know much about tourists and resources in Hawaii, but I know it's always a love/hate relationship with tourists there because it's basically "selling nature to support the economy". I'm sure I'll have some things to say once I'm settled in the environment.
Thank you for your support!
I remember you talking about eventually moving back. Will you continue making videos in Hawaii?
I hope we meet again at some point. Maybe not before you leave, if it's in August. And I hope moving etc is going well/smoothly 😊✨
Thanks! 🙌 Yeah, it’s a big move… I’m sure you know too but it’s hard to leave Tokyo/Japan! I’ll still make videos, I’m sure it’ll change a little bit, but I plan to!
You kept repeating the same thing over and over gain.
*again
So what though? lol
Good luck
Thank you!!
Why is there even a need to go "home"? First of all, consider what the country has done that is beneficial enough to go back to. If it was so good, why was there a need to leave and even stay out for 13 years?
Because family > country. Relationships > country. And going to explore life in a country other than your own isn’t necessarily related to your home country being good or not. For me personally, there was no “need to leave”.
Yes. Family and friends and sometimes obligations.
As we get older there are weddings and also sadly funerals. It’s important to attend. This is more of an Asian culture thing.
Hey buddy how are things going.
Alright, as good as I could expect. Lots of difficulties transitioning and learning how to live back and forth though.
What a shame
Will be back and forth, Japan's a part of my life
Many moons ago spent half my life in California. Experienced reverse culture shock returning home. Very expensive to live in Hawaii. Years later Ohana moving to Vegas in their golden years. Hawaii is outrageously expensive, but there is no place like home. The Aloha Spirit is alive and well. Enjoying seeing the coast, as I drive into town. Lunch at the beach. The plethora of cuisine's to choose from can't go wrong. Multitude of challenges for local, but definitely give it a try! Making it through the five year itch is the plan. Really 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 for the 🇺🇸. Be blessed!
Aloha 🤙 Welcome Home ❤️
Thank you!! Yes, that is definitely the reality of Hawaii... it's high cost, high reward, basically. We'll give it a good shot!
I grew up in California until I was 5 years old then I moved to South Korea and lived there until I was 11 years old then I moved to Oklahoma since then. I do miss California a lot and I do want to move back there but now it’s very tough because house is so expensive over there. But I still have dreams of moving back to California
Wow that’s a lot of moving! And to quite different places! Yeah California and a lot of places are so expensive now. It’s the same in Hawaii which is pretty concerning to me. I hope you’ll find a way back to California if you still want to move back!
what about the 10+y you worked and contributed to Japanese Pension System? Will you take/enjoy your money/pension in Japan?
I'll probably collect when I'm eligible, if it's still around. It's not going to be much at all though.
Ahh it’s kinda funny how I’m going to japan for college and leaving Hawaii and ur going back to Hawaii. I definitely want to live in another place for awhile but I’ve always wanted to go back later and settle down since it’s home. I really hope the move goes well!!
haha yeah, you're young, go for it! I never imagined I'd live in multiple places and move abroad.... and then struggle with returning. Life's crazy. Thanks!!
Big decision and I totally understand your feeling on moving back. Not sure if you’ll be establishing your nee home base on The Big Island but you’ll still be closer to The Monago Hotel and its pork chops! Good luck! I’ll be interested to see how the transition goes!
Thanks! I’ll be in Honolulu but definitely looking forward to some food! I haven’t been to the Big Island in a really long time but will have to check out those pork chops one of these days! :)
Hi Barrett. I grew up in the 808 and still live here. My brothers moved to the mainland after graduating from Kalani. Go Falcons. They've had great job offers to move back home but decided not to. Mainly because the commute in traffic is nuts and the cost of living. Hawaii's changed since we've been kids; but for me, family and friends keep me here. Jogging at Ala Moana is free. Riding Biki bike in back of Iolani is fun. Going to the cemetery to put flowers on the graves is a tradition for us. Your wife will feel at home; there's the Rice Factory, Don Q, Nijiya and Marukai. I say go for it. Family is everything and Hawaii the bonds are strong.
Awesome, I'm also from that side of the island. Cost of living and traffic... I totally understand! Your point about family, friends and tradition is so true, and being around that is worth taking this shot, I feel. And thank goodness for the access to Japanese markets, I don't think I could do it without them haha. Thank you for commenting!
Hi Barrett, good luck on the move. Wondering about employment opportunities for your wife in Hawaii.
Thanks! Yeah, she'll have to look around but her English is good and there's definitely a need for Japanese in Honolulu. Hope things will go as well as possible.
Good luck! Are you taking all your stuff or having a Sayonara sale? LOL
Thank you! haha a mix of both... selling and throwing a few things, storing a few, giving a bunch away, shipping a good amount.
This seems like a bolt from the blue, but I'm sure you have been thinking about it for a long time. It will be interesting how your transition plays out, and I will continue watching. It certainly will make for an interesting sociological study!
Yeah, it's been something I've always thought about but didn't do it until now. We also submitted a US Visa application for my wife quite a while ago, and it was finally approved. You're right, this will be an interesting sociological study! haha. Thank you!
When I saw the video pop up I was like woah Barrett moving back. Well I have no experience in transitioning but moving back to live closer to your family and friends it will be good. Hopefully your wife will adjust to life in US. I hope everything goes well for your move from home, work and financials. Plus like you said you are able to move back to Japan or move to another part of the States. I wish you the best Barrett and Ayaka.
I really appreciate that, thank you! I'll give it my best shot!
I certainly hope this works for you. If you are doing business in both countries, at least you are in a place where it is easier to travel back and forth. With remote work becoming more and more feasible, I think any employer has to look seriously at using those tools. Would it be easier for you if you were a consultant (contracting as it were) and advising any and all clients?
Thanks! A lot of my work is mobile so I advise and work with clients from the US, Japan, France, Taiwan, etc. I'll be able to continue doing a lot of it which is great. I don't think I could go to a place that wasn't open to that kind of work style.
My friend from HS was in your situation, he moved to Japan, married a girl from Japan and now lives back in Hilo. I know he mentioned that it was kind of hard for his wife to find a job where she was happy. If she could speak English fluently I think it would have been easier for her as there are lots of job opportunities for people who are fluent in Japanese.
I'm glad you're already keeping in mind that you will be going back to Japan often since your wife's family is there.
And since I'm moving to retirement next year (I'll be 51) I think it's great that you're moving back because once you do retire yourself, if you don't have work history in the US you'll hardly get any Social Security benefits. Although I think you qualify if you have at least 10 years.
Thanks for sharing and sorry for the late response.
Luckily my wife is pretty capable in English as well but I think finding a decent job can still be challenging. A lot of Japanese or Japanese-facing companies with Hawaii offices seem to offer mediocre positions and give low pay.
It'll definitely be challenging but yeah, looking towards the future, it's best to get a start - or at least taste if Hawaii is the right place - as soon as possible. Otherwise it'd be hard to have the option down the road.
As you get older, so do your parents... If they cared for you as a child, it's only decent that their children are around to take care of them in old age.
For sure. Not sure how much I can do but I'll give it a shot.
As someone who is in the process who is moving from the US to the Emirates I love hearing your journey as a expat.
I wish you luck wherever you end up
Thank you! I hope things go well for you and your move as well!
Whoa! Big news. Home is home so I totally understand the reasons and I know the feeling too. Best of luck with the move and I’m looking forward to watching things unfold. 😁🤙
Yeah, big decision and a hard one. Home is home but it's also not the same as when we were there... just gotta see how it goes I guess! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing Barrett. Life is a lot more complicated than we often think haha
Absolutely is haha. Thank you for watching!
Happy for you, Barret! Hawaii is an awesome place to live. I’m sure you going to have a great time and it’s good to hear that you’ll be close to family! This shit happens when you get older and it’s all part of the journey.
Thank you! Yes, it's definitely a part of the journey. Will do my best!
hopefully you will continue your channel and show us hawaii 🏖
For sure! 👍 Thanks for watching!
Well I wish you the best Barrett, I am sure your friends and family look forward to your move
I hope so haha. Thank you!!
What part are Hawaii are you from, that's amazing, I moved from Hawaii 7 years ago to Texas and I feel the exact same way. My intention was actually to be here for a month and it's been 7 years. Now I'm actually planning a 3-5 year return back to the Big island. This video couldn't have come at a more perfect moment, as well as trying to figure out my job services in transition back.
I would love to follow this movement with you as it helps me transition as well. Thank you so much for this video. I'm here for it!
Glad to be going through a similar experience as you! 7 years from 1 month... wow!
I'm from Honolulu and will be moving back there. Thanks for watching and sharing your situation! Good luck with your transition!
@@barrettish Thanks! I just met someone here from Honolulu l, says they are taking down the stay to build an new one! 😪 Anywho looking forward to videos!
wait, wife? I went home for 2 weeks and I couldn't wait to leave, probably cause you were not there =( Vegas baby!
lol 2 years ago yo. I'm afraid of that happening, but gotta give it a shot. At least I'm more settled down now, but I can imagine easily getting island fever after a while.
@@barrettish let me know if you ever visit the 9th island.
@@johnsykes7750 Is that where you’re at now?
@@barrettish yea just moved here. come visit
Good luck! It's definitely a hard transition, though maybe Hawai'i will be less so than the East Coast? Even if you don't ultimately find it "worth it" to stay, I'm sure the time closer to the family will be nice. 😊 Also, if you're shipping (cardboard) boxes on via a boat, wrap the outside in duct tape (that's what Kirby recommended, and I think it saved a few of my boxes).
Thanks! Can't believe I'm actually doing it.
Ooh good tip. We're shipping some stuff through my friend on a base, which is super helpful, but USPS... lol
@@barrettish I know! But just imagine Mina/Yoshiko/Ai's reaction if they knew you'd stayed 13 years. LOL
@@sarahdavis4608 I’m pretty sure no one imagined me being able to stay that long lol 😂
Good luck!
Thank you!!
🤩
😊