Rena, I just have to say that every single video you make touches my heart. 💛 Your choice of words, visuals, and storytelling always conveys such deep emotion. Seeing an upload from you is honestly a highlight of my day and a spark of inspiration. You and Jack should be so proud of where you both are today!- This video really hit home for me. I can’t wait to give my family a hug when I’m back home because of it. :)
Aww Aidan, thank you so much 🥲 it means so much to us and I feel extremely grateful to have people that understands what I'm trying to convey in my videos. And I LOVE THAT, hug them extra tight
Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us. I really understand your struggle. I'm from Germany and not in the exact situation as you guys are, but i deeply, deeply understand you. I want to move out of Germany with my husband to a better place. Germany is getting really hateful and so negative. My heart longs for a place i don't know yet, if that makes sense. But i know for sure that we can't stay living here. There's just a lot going on in my head about that. But thank you again for this beautiful video, the Storytelling and the cinematograhy are so, so good!! 🤍
I'm trying to remind myself that the place itself won't fix all of my problems but sometimes it might just be time to explore other options. I hope we're both able to gain some clarity soon!! I wish you the best of luck
your storytelling and ability to capture moments like these is so beautiful 🥹 hoping you're able to come to a decision that you're not only ok with but are excited about!
Having lived in Japan going on 18 years, there is no easy answer to your dilemma. Visiting Japan, even for extended periods of time, and living here are very different experiences. I vacillate between extremes about my life here. There are so many sublime little moments that I feel like I wouldn't experience anywhere else. But also, I can feel ground into dust by the work culture, by the expectations to conform. Regardless of how good my Japanese is, how correct my manners are, I will always be a gaijin. But then that also grants me the ability to move in and out of situations that other might not be able to. Pluses and minuses....
I definitely resonate with the conformity! Everything from my makeup style to the way I speak changes within weeks of visiting Japan. It's not always necessarily a bad thing but I do fear losing parts of my personality. I also often feel that I'm often forgiven for certain things I say or do because I'm "American" and didn't know any better. Thank you for sharing your experience!!
Thank you for making this! I have been having similar thoughts about moving back to Korea or Canada, especially so after the election. It’s very conflicting and scary facing the possibility of leaving everything behind to start fresh in a new place, albeit exciting. In many ways, Hawai’i has been my home for the past 15 years and I am scared to leave behind all the things here that bring me joy + all the progress I have made here working towards a career. I am afraid to throw away all my progress, as well as the progress with my partner’s immigration status. That being said, a new place is a fresh opportunity to discover another version of yourself and a new environment within which to thrive! Things are not meant to stay stagnant forever, and I feel strongly that there comes a point where we outgrow certain things / people / places even if the process is painful. For myself at least, I have been examining my fears and trying to figure out if my fear of letting go is limiting me from being where I need to be and reaching more of my potential / living a happier life.
@ It would be interesting to hear your husband’s take on all of this as well. What are his hopes and fears about a possible move to Japan, about being a father, and leaving Hawaii?
@@keana_a HI Keana!! I completely understand feeling like it's throwing away all the progress you made but I don't think you're ever really throwing away anything. It's all part of the process, now if you decide to come back, you'll always have what you built even though it takes time to get back into it. And if you don't, you have everything you've gained just from the experience itself too. I think we're both the type to know in hearts when we're feeling too comfortable or stagnant. I believe that no matter what you decide, you'll be fine -- especially since you already have experience living in other places
@@ilikeinq I think this recent trip was different in a way where he really started considering the move -- the quality of life, food, products, etc. Hawai'i is getting quite expensive and we're not sure if we can build a family here in that sense too. But one of his biggest fears is how we'll find our own community in Japan (and how far we'll be from the nearest surf spot hahah)
This is real and thank you for sharing this because it really shows people how we change as we mature. We really start to think about just more than ourselves. If y'all decide to have pudding people I think having them near your family would be a great idea. Great video
Thank you! It really is interesting how our thoughts change as we grow, experience and mature. Who knows, maybe in two years from now I'll be certain that Japan is NOT where I want to live hahah
Wow thank u for this beautiful video! In a very similar situation living in NYC and still far from starting a family but still have similar thoughts… This video made me tear up thinking about my family back in Japan. Excited to follow your journey!
My parents moved back to my fathers home when I was born, to this day I am so grateful they did. It’s not an easy decision to move but especially when starting a family it’s important to be in the best environment possible for your kid and family is a big part of that.
This is something I seriously only started considering more recently. Being raised in America, I was taught to seek independence and was excited to start a family "on our own" but now all I want to do is be near family again :') Thank you for sharing!
I love your rambling 😊looking forward to each and every upload of you and Jack. You have very welcoming parents…not racist towards any Asians outside of Japan. My in-laws are the same with that same heartwarming feeling.
Thank you for sharing this. We definitely have some similar thoughts at the moment, so it was comforting to know you're going through these things. I appreciate it 🫶 It's beautiful that you want to be closer to your family, not everyone feels that way or has that support.
I don't comment often on RUclips videos (feels like most people who do say this do comment on RUclips videos a whole lot) but I saw the title and had to watch the video. My parents are Japanese and from Japan, but due to living in America for work, they decided to have me in California. So from when I was born till now I grew up with one foot in Japanese culture, and one foot in America. I ended up living in California till I finished high school (so basically my whole life). When high school ended for me during COVID, I decided to take a chance and go back to Japan for college. One, to learn more about myself as a Japanese person, and two because all my extended family is in Japan (and my grandparents aren't getting any younger) It's my last year in college, and boy what an experience it's been. There are definitely perks of being a kikoushijo (returnee student), but more struggles if anything. Every day is a learning experience. Living in Japan has made me realize that being able to speak Japanese and looking Japanese won't be enough for me to be like the locals. I love Japan though, the food is good, and the public transportation, car culture, and music...But I definitely don't fit in. There is a place for me in Japan, but it's not within the normal Japanese people. While that realization has been hard to swallow, I can't deny that it's been one hell of an experience though. I think it has changed me for the better, and I feel more in touch with myself and my culture. I used not to be confident about my background and identity, but now I definitely feel a lot more confident about being Japanese. I haven't been back to California in 3 years and I miss it a lot. Japan is like a nostalgic place to me. All my family is here, my roots are here, but it's not where I grew up. I'll always pride myself in being Japanese, but personally, I like being Asian American. Its what makes me me, and that's what I think my identity is. My apologies for the long comment. It was really nice for the algorithm to recommend such a video. Enjoyed it thoroughly. ありがとうございました
Thank you so so much for taking the time to tell me your story, it's really valuable to me. As Jack and I started to really consider moving to Japan, that was a big point of concern for me, it's kind of what I expect would happen. I usually have a really hard time connecting with Japanese people born and raised in Japan. With that being said, I do think I've already come to terms with the fact that my place will not be within the "normal Japanese people" -- I COMPLETELY understand what you mean by this and feel this DEEPLY. I find it easier to connect with those that travel abroad often or is Asian American! My hope is that I'm able to somehow find those connections when I'm in Japan. Side note -- I saw how my parents, returning to Japan after living in Hawai'i, had to readjust as well. I think they do a great job conforming where they should (to be respectful / manners) but they take pride in the unique perspectives they've gained from living in Hawai'i as well. Anyway, thank you again so so much for watching and sharing your experience!! I hope you're able to find your people in Japan, I'm sure they're out there :')
Such a great video! Resonated with what you shared. Definitely in a similar situation right now, and it’s very very difficult. Thanks for sharing!! You just gained a new subscriber!
1:21 minutes into the vid. I vote move back to Japan, buy a machiya in a beach/surf town and document the process of renovating it and turning it into a surf camp/ cafe.
Nice video. I know your decision will be the right decision for you but what about Jack, if you have children won't the kids be far away from their other grandparents?
😮can't u put smaller letterings in ur videos?! I've never seen such absurd small letters. If u can't put normal big, clear letterings, the video making is NOT for you
Rena, I just have to say that every single video you make touches my heart. 💛 Your choice of words, visuals, and storytelling always conveys such deep emotion. Seeing an upload from you is honestly a highlight of my day and a spark of inspiration. You and Jack should be so proud of where you both are today!- This video really hit home for me. I can’t wait to give my family a hug when I’m back home because of it. :)
Aww Aidan, thank you so much 🥲 it means so much to us and I feel extremely grateful to have people that understands what I'm trying to convey in my videos. And I LOVE THAT, hug them extra tight
Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us. I really understand your struggle. I'm from Germany and not in the exact situation as you guys are, but i deeply, deeply understand you. I want to move out of Germany with my husband to a better place. Germany is getting really hateful and so negative. My heart longs for a place i don't know yet, if that makes sense. But i know for sure that we can't stay living here. There's just a lot going on in my head about that. But thank you again for this beautiful video, the Storytelling and the cinematograhy are so, so good!! 🤍
I'm trying to remind myself that the place itself won't fix all of my problems but sometimes it might just be time to explore other options. I hope we're both able to gain some clarity soon!! I wish you the best of luck
Really love the cinematography and storytelling!! Super inspiring! 🫶
your storytelling and ability to capture moments like these is so beautiful 🥹 hoping you're able to come to a decision that you're not only ok with but are excited about!
Thank you!! I HOPE SO TOO! All I know is I wanna baby someday 😫
Having lived in Japan going on 18 years, there is no easy answer to your dilemma. Visiting Japan, even for extended periods of time, and living here are very different experiences. I vacillate between extremes about my life here. There are so many sublime little moments that I feel like I wouldn't experience anywhere else. But also, I can feel ground into dust by the work culture, by the expectations to conform. Regardless of how good my Japanese is, how correct my manners are, I will always be a gaijin. But then that also grants me the ability to move in and out of situations that other might not be able to. Pluses and minuses....
I definitely resonate with the conformity! Everything from my makeup style to the way I speak changes within weeks of visiting Japan. It's not always necessarily a bad thing but I do fear losing parts of my personality. I also often feel that I'm often forgiven for certain things I say or do because I'm "American" and didn't know any better. Thank you for sharing your experience!!
Thank you for making this! I have been having similar thoughts about moving back to Korea or Canada, especially so after the election. It’s very conflicting and scary facing the possibility of leaving everything behind to start fresh in a new place, albeit exciting. In many ways, Hawai’i has been my home for the past 15 years and I am scared to leave behind all the things here that bring me joy + all the progress I have made here working towards a career. I am afraid to throw away all my progress, as well as the progress with my partner’s immigration status.
That being said, a new place is a fresh opportunity to discover another version of yourself and a new environment within which to thrive! Things are not meant to stay stagnant forever, and I feel strongly that there comes a point where we outgrow certain things / people / places even if the process is painful. For myself at least, I have been examining my fears and trying to figure out if my fear of letting go is limiting me from being where I need to be and reaching more of my potential / living a happier life.
@ It would be interesting to hear your husband’s take on all of this as well. What are his hopes and fears about a possible move to Japan, about being a father, and leaving Hawaii?
@@keana_a HI Keana!! I completely understand feeling like it's throwing away all the progress you made but I don't think you're ever really throwing away anything. It's all part of the process, now if you decide to come back, you'll always have what you built even though it takes time to get back into it. And if you don't, you have everything you've gained just from the experience itself too.
I think we're both the type to know in hearts when we're feeling too comfortable or stagnant. I believe that no matter what you decide, you'll be fine -- especially since you already have experience living in other places
@@ilikeinq I think this recent trip was different in a way where he really started considering the move -- the quality of life, food, products, etc. Hawai'i is getting quite expensive and we're not sure if we can build a family here in that sense too.
But one of his biggest fears is how we'll find our own community in Japan (and how far we'll be from the nearest surf spot hahah)
Thank you for sharing your story, it's beautiful💙
This is amazing, the message the cinematography. Keep going
This video is so dreamy and also brings back all the memories when I was little. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us.
This is real and thank you for sharing this because it really shows people how we change as we mature. We really start to think about just more than ourselves. If y'all decide to have pudding people I think having them near your family would be a great idea. Great video
Thank you! It really is interesting how our thoughts change as we grow, experience and mature. Who knows, maybe in two years from now I'll be certain that Japan is NOT where I want to live hahah
such a beautiful story Rena. Wow
always admiring your storytelling and cinematographyyyy! T-T the audio's *chef's kiss* too!!!
thank youuuuu 🥹🥹
These shots look so amazing! Thanks for including the gear in the description!
Wow thank u for this beautiful video! In a very similar situation living in NYC and still far from starting a family but still have similar thoughts… This video made me tear up thinking about my family back in Japan. Excited to follow your journey!
Thank you so much! I hope you're able to visit and spend some time with them soon
My parents moved back to my fathers home when I was born, to this day I am so grateful they did. It’s not an easy decision to move but especially when starting a family it’s important to be in the best environment possible for your kid and family is a big part of that.
This is something I seriously only started considering more recently. Being raised in America, I was taught to seek independence and was excited to start a family "on our own" but now all I want to do is be near family again :') Thank you for sharing!
I love your rambling 😊looking forward to each and every upload of you and Jack. You have very welcoming parents…not racist towards any Asians outside of Japan. My in-laws are the same with that same heartwarming feeling.
Thank you so much for your support!! Hahah YES, I'm grateful that they're just happy to see us happy :')
Thank you for sharing this. We definitely have some similar thoughts at the moment, so it was comforting to know you're going through these things. I appreciate it 🫶 It's beautiful that you want to be closer to your family, not everyone feels that way or has that support.
I also feel comfort knowing that I'm not the only one with these thoughts spiraling in my head hahah thank you for taking the time to watch!
I am wishing you moments of comfort and self compassion amongst all the big feelings that come and go throughout this time for you and Jack. 💙
Thank you so much 🥺❤
This is truly beautiful 🥺
So good. And the music is great!
I LOVE everything about this video. Subscribing in 3, 2, 1...
As somebody in a similar situation, thinking about kids, moving back home and being almost 30. I Love this video
I don't comment often on RUclips videos (feels like most people who do say this do comment on RUclips videos a whole lot) but I saw the title and had to watch the video. My parents are Japanese and from Japan, but due to living in America for work, they decided to have me in California. So from when I was born till now I grew up with one foot in Japanese culture, and one foot in America. I ended up living in California till I finished high school (so basically my whole life). When high school ended for me during COVID, I decided to take a chance and go back to Japan for college. One, to learn more about myself as a Japanese person, and two because all my extended family is in Japan (and my grandparents aren't getting any younger)
It's my last year in college, and boy what an experience it's been. There are definitely perks of being a kikoushijo (returnee student), but more struggles if anything. Every day is a learning experience. Living in Japan has made me realize that being able to speak Japanese and looking Japanese won't be enough for me to be like the locals. I love Japan though, the food is good, and the public transportation, car culture, and music...But I definitely don't fit in.
There is a place for me in Japan, but it's not within the normal Japanese people. While that realization has been hard to swallow, I can't deny that it's been one hell of an experience though. I think it has changed me for the better, and I feel more in touch with myself and my culture. I used not to be confident about my background and identity, but now I definitely feel a lot more confident about being Japanese.
I haven't been back to California in 3 years and I miss it a lot. Japan is like a nostalgic place to me. All my family is here, my roots are here, but it's not where I grew up. I'll always pride myself in being Japanese, but personally, I like being Asian American. Its what makes me me, and that's what I think my identity is.
My apologies for the long comment. It was really nice for the algorithm to recommend such a video. Enjoyed it thoroughly. ありがとうございました
Thank you so so much for taking the time to tell me your story, it's really valuable to me. As Jack and I started to really consider moving to Japan, that was a big point of concern for me, it's kind of what I expect would happen. I usually have a really hard time connecting with Japanese people born and raised in Japan. With that being said, I do think I've already come to terms with the fact that my place will not be within the "normal Japanese people" -- I COMPLETELY understand what you mean by this and feel this DEEPLY.
I find it easier to connect with those that travel abroad often or is Asian American! My hope is that I'm able to somehow find those connections when I'm in Japan.
Side note -- I saw how my parents, returning to Japan after living in Hawai'i, had to readjust as well. I think they do a great job conforming where they should (to be respectful / manners) but they take pride in the unique perspectives they've gained from living in Hawai'i as well.
Anyway, thank you again so so much for watching and sharing your experience!! I hope you're able to find your people in Japan, I'm sure they're out there :')
Loved thiiiiiss!!!
Thank you for stopping by and watching Shua!!
Such a great video! Resonated with what you shared. Definitely in a similar situation right now, and it’s very very difficult. Thanks for sharing!! You just gained a new subscriber!
I hope we both figure it out soon :') thank you for watching!
1:21 minutes into the vid. I vote move back to Japan, buy a machiya in a beach/surf town and document the process of renovating it and turning it into a surf camp/ cafe.
You might be onto something here... 👀👀
👍
Nice video. I know your decision will be the right decision for you but what about Jack, if you have children won't the kids be far away from their other grandparents?
Yes definitely something we're thinking about too, his family isn't in Hawai'i either 🥲
prepare for hate as a chinese person
😮can't u put smaller letterings in ur videos?! I've never seen such absurd small letters. If u can't put normal big, clear letterings, the video making is NOT for you
@@udhe4421 hahaha I SHOULD quit. I hate big text 😭😭