Want to Live in Japan? You Need to Know This First

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  • Опубликовано: 2 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 115

  • @luluflowers9277
    @luluflowers9277 Месяц назад +74

    I'm Japanese living in the US.
    I found most of the foreign people who are happy in Japan speak fluent Japanese and accept, immerse and understand Japanese culture very deeply.
    I also found foreign people who always talk about how they don't like Japan in English. Obviously they can't speak in Japanese well.
    There is no utopia in this world. But some are happier and some are less happy.
    When you expect other people to make you happy, you won't be happy but when you make yourself and other people happy, people make you happy back.
    Now I'm in the US, in the completely different culture. I'm trying to make the environment utopia, not expecting people here to make me happy.
    Obviously, foreign people who speak fluent Japanese, adopt Japanese culture so well, they make themselves happy by their own effort.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +9

      Well said!

    • @settingsunmedia
      @settingsunmedia Месяц назад +5

      This is so true. I've lived in Japan for over 10 years and speak fluently, and as you said, most of the grumpy expats that I've met here are upset because they have a barely tried to learn the language and assume western culrural values are inherently more "correct" and that Japanese people need to catch up with the times.

    • @godshardchronicles
      @godshardchronicles Месяц назад +4

      This is true. We conduct business in Japan (Tokyo Comic Con, etc.), and knowing Japanese opens a lot of doors to friendships and great opportunities.

    • @kirbyjoe7484
      @kirbyjoe7484 Месяц назад +3

      Wise words.

    • @rref7199
      @rref7199 Месяц назад

      ​@@settingsunmediaもはや日本が精神的には世界で最も先進的だ。

  • @dragonofparadise
    @dragonofparadise Месяц назад +51

    My reasons for moving to Japan: 1. My health and the amazing health insurance 2. Affordable homes for sale I want to own my own house in cash and they have free houses. 3. Extremely low crime and safe family environment. 4. Public transportation, sick and tired of bad traffic and over priced cars wasting money. 5. Respectful and collectivist culture which I actually prefer. 6. Business opportunities as I want to own my own business instead of working as a employee and there are countless business opportunities as less Japanese are inclined to open businesses and prefer to work as a employee so more opportunities are everywhere for those of us who want to start a business.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +17

      Honestly not sure on the treatment aspect of healthcare, but it's not nearly as ridiculous and pricey as American healthcare so that's a win.
      The crime is incredibly low here but it's not zero so don't go throwing caution to the wind 😂
      I fully agree on owning your own business if you plan to live in Japan. Not only do you get the benefits of being your own boss, but the yen is in a bad spot right now so if you can do business online and earn money in dollars, you'll be on the right track!

    • @wishAL11
      @wishAL11 Месяц назад +3

      @@BaldinJapan What about the earthquakes?

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +6

      @@wishAL11 I grew up near LA where there's plenty of earthquakes (not sure but Japan probably has more), so it's not as bad as I imagine it is for those who have never experienced an earthquake.
      There was one time though I was woken up in the middle of the night by an earthquake alarm going off on my phone, and 5-10 seconds later an earthquake hit... THAT was scary because I was still 90% asleep and I had never heard that alarm before

    • @wishAL11
      @wishAL11 Месяц назад +4

      @@BaldinJapanafter hearing the Japanese government's warning about the potential megaquake, I’ve been feeling less motivated to pursue my goal of moving to Japan. It’s always been a dream of mine, but the possibility of such a large-scale earthquake is making me rethink things a bit. would you still recommend moving there (long-term) despite the warning?

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +5

      That's a completely reasonable fear.
      The short answer is yes, don't let the fear of an earthquake stop you from fulfilling your dreams.
      But the truth is there's a lot to consider and I'd love write it all but it would be too long for a RUclips comment.
      I've wanted to make a video about the earthquake warning and until your question, I wasn't sure what angle to hit it from. Thanks for the idea! I'll hopefully release it by about this time next week, so make sure to check it out

  • @deadby15
    @deadby15 Месяц назад +5

    Being an introvert, I enjoy living in Japan because of the respectful distance, well mannered yet reserved people, calming solitude either in nature or in bustle.
    Different people can like a place for different reasons.

  • @stas4086
    @stas4086 Месяц назад +8

    I don't care what some boldie says. I'm moving to Japan.

    • @deadby15
      @deadby15 Месяц назад

      I say, at the end of the day, you'll know for sure only after you actually do it. So, stay for a while to see if you like it. If you don't, the culture just was not your cup of tea. No harm.
      Life is long. 😺

  • @runningriot7963
    @runningriot7963 Месяц назад +14

    Learning Japanese is such a rollercoaster ride, and a perfect embodyment of the paradox of knowledge.. The more you learn, the less you know.

  • @67Stu
    @67Stu Месяц назад +4

    🤔
    You say you've been living in Japan for 2 years. I've been living in Japan for 20 years, and have been interacting with Japanese people in three different countries for 40 years. Let's talk after you've been here for 5 years.
    All the best on your journey young man. 🙏🏻

  • @seomei
    @seomei Месяц назад +6

    Happinesses is not the same thing for everyone. What makes you depressed might make someone else at peace

  • @bendyloco
    @bendyloco Месяц назад

    Nice video! Thank you 🙏

  • @c.johnson1691
    @c.johnson1691 Месяц назад

    I visited Japan 2 years ago during the cherry blossom season, and I quickly decided I would never want to live there despite all of the great things about Japan -- cleanliness, no bums on the street, on time public transportation, polite people, and food that left a lot to be desired. Japanese food in America is so much better. Seattle is where I belong even with its disadvantages.

  • @jamesfriesen191
    @jamesfriesen191 Месяц назад +7

    It can certainly be difficult moving to Japan, but I did it in my 20s, and stayed for two years. It was the toughest thing I've ever done in my life, but it was also extremely rewarding. In that time, I made several friends for life, travelled and saw a lot of Asia, learned how to be resilient in difficult times, gained self-confidence, and had an experience very few of my peers can relate to. The first six months were the toughest, mostly because I was away from my family and friends, and didn't know very many people. But once I got out of my shell, I met people and had a lot of fun times.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +1

      You just described my first two years here haha

  • @rranft
    @rranft Месяц назад +3

    Just remember, "no matter where you go, there you are". If you move anywhere to get away from "unhappiness" you're making a mistake.

  • @wildphilpresents
    @wildphilpresents Месяц назад +5

    Thanks for this. As a bald man (who also loves Garmin Watches, uncanny!) moving to Japan in March 2025, interesting to see your perspective. I'm 43 and will be moving to the south-west portion of the country (Fukuoka or Hiroshima, still waiting for my assignment) Lived all over the US and excited to start. I'm trying to preface my arrival with immersion learning in the US. Before arriving in Japan I'm going to spend a few months in the mountains listening/watching nothing but Japanese along with From Zero, Genki, etc. books to fully encompass myself in the language for about 5 months.
    I'm moving primarily for my love of the society and how they are. Shintoism is a beautiful and honorable belief system and I've always been that type of person even before knowing what Shintoism was. Also, the US is in it's final season and honestly don't want to be here when it ends lol.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +1

      Mine's actually a Casio but I've heard Garmin watches are great! I've had mine for years and it's still going strong but maybe I should replace it soon haha
      What do you recommend?
      Definitely learn as much as you can before you get here! It will help you out a ton in the long run, especially if you're moving to somewhere in the countryside because there's basically nobody who can speak English out there

    • @cristianhcm1914
      @cristianhcm1914 Месяц назад +1

      Perfectly said my friend
      Hello from Phoenix Arizona 👋
      I, too, am planning to leave here. In 2027.
      I hope to never look back.

    • @radialmachinery9947
      @radialmachinery9947 Месяц назад

      Not telling you how to learn Japanese but I recommend LivaKivis guide and lately some good videos from Trenton on immersion learning.

  • @ShowaEraGaijin
    @ShowaEraGaijin Месяц назад +1

    Very good assesment for an 11 minute video. I have been living in Japan most of the time since the late 1970's and agree. Learning the language is difficult but the better you learn it the better your experience here will be.
    Also understand that many Japanese will not always comprehend 100% of what is being said - the language can be that obtuse. Example - I once worked at a small Japanese company run by a much older Japanese company president who would always make a statement at the morning meeting (all traditional Japanese companies have a morning meeting). After the meeting a group of the younger Japanese guys would gather around one of the senior guys to ask WTF the president had been talking about.
    Also, accepting that you chose to be here and you have the choice to leave anytime can be very helpful.

  • @travisalejandro6690
    @travisalejandro6690 Месяц назад +5

    Thanks for honest insight Bald, I think it is a public secret that Japanese is so culturally shocking, especially if you meant to stay and work. I plan to visit them next year, hopefully I will be able to secure job this year. stay safe Bald.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад

      Absolutely! It's incredibly hard to fit in without language knowledge
      Good luck on securing your job!

    • @koma7778
      @koma7778 Месяц назад

      Calling someone bold is impolite

  • @stevensmith8876
    @stevensmith8876 Месяц назад

    Excellent video👍👍👍👍

  • @Maloolz
    @Maloolz Месяц назад +1

    None of the reasons for not liking Japan so far bother me, but I guess the true test is learning Japanese -- I won't know how frustrated I'll be trying to speak the language until I properly grasp it enough to get the frustration.
    Work culture in America can be pretty harsh, too, depending on your industry. I work as a chemical operator, so there are weeks where I'm working 13 hours every single day in a high stress environment -- it pays well, especially the added overtime (I don't know how that works in Japan), but It's taxing regardless on your physical and mental health. I feel if I can handle that, I can handle whatever Japanese work culture throws my way.
    The biggest obstacle though IMO is just finding a path to immigrate.

  • @elmalanmalan2175
    @elmalanmalan2175 Месяц назад +5

    Japan is a very lonely country specially Tokyo where there's millions of people but no one talk to anyone. Even if you speak the language is still hard to connect with people because everyone is very busy also the opportunity to get a job are limited they will rather hired a japanese person.

    • @jw841
      @jw841 Месяц назад +3

      Most fluent Japanese speakers I know here have almost no Japanese friends. They have tried but failed to create real connections. The problem is not language but culture and expectations. There is a reason expats just stick around other expats in Japan. Also something most youtubers never mention is Japan is a very materialistic society. They are just better at not being direct about it like the South Koreans are. But Money and status matter alot here. Living in Japan with status and living in a Japan without staus are two completely different worlds. Most foreigners here just scrape by living month to month. And even though the Japanese are very polite they have little respect for these foreigners. That is the real Japan.

  • @DenshaOtoko2
    @DenshaOtoko2 Месяц назад +1

    We have been friends for 14 years for my host sister and 16 years for my Japanese high school friends.

  • @VenatFFXIV
    @VenatFFXIV Месяц назад +4

    The Highlight of the Video appears on 10:41 🥰

  • @GoznerPeter
    @GoznerPeter Месяц назад +1

    The reason they walked with you for 15 minutes, is because it was faster than trying to explain where to go.
    Still I don't complain, just came back from Japan, it was freaking amazing.

  • @DenshaOtoko2
    @DenshaOtoko2 Месяц назад +1

    I'm still friends with my Wakayama Japan host sister and have been trying to reconnect with my friends from Osaka Japanese high school.

  • @chiaohongcheng
    @chiaohongcheng Месяц назад +3

    You know why you can't be happy? You'll always be that alien in there society. No matter what you do, "you can't be apart of their society".
    And this is me, that has a family member was forced to be Japanese once

    • @josheli3749
      @josheli3749 Месяц назад +1

      You have to exist there as the Westerner living in Japan. Don't try too hard to fit in and be yourself. They will accept you. Of course you will never be one of them same as others to me will never be a White Australian

  • @TLS-in-Japan
    @TLS-in-Japan Месяц назад +1

    Great video and fantastic editing! I learned a lot from it. I also live in Japan and do content creation. I just subscribed-keep the content coming, I really appreciate it! By the way, what language schools do you think are the best in Osaka? I know you're attending one now, but could you recommend a few?

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад

      Thanks! Honestly with my experience with language school so far, I'd say your 2 biggest benefits are
      1. Accountability, and
      2. A clear path on what to learn and when.
      If you want or need those when learning Japanese then language school might be the way to go!
      I've only attended this one language school though so I can't make an honest comparison to others. But all the good ones are in the big cities, so if you like inaka living, then unfortunately you're in a bit of a pickle

  • @IRISHguitarist777
    @IRISHguitarist777 Месяц назад +1

    Great video,full of wisdom and exceedingly hard learned wisdom by the sound of it. Ireland actually has four seasons so we share that with Japan. I've loved Japanese Culture all my life and am finally biting the bullet and going for a 10 day trip in October. I have spent a year learning Japanese language and Culture so barely just enough for my few days there to order food and basic conversation,l am very interested in Japanese Military history and draw Japanese Military subjects so l will be in Heaven when l see the Japanese ZERO fighter in the Yushukan Museum. If l like Japan then l will return for two week trips regularly but l would never ever live there,l don't want to lose the magic of Japan that l grew up with all my life.

  • @hulponot29
    @hulponot29 Месяц назад +5

    thks for the video. I have to say that most of the mentioned problems are not Japan specific. Like, if you move to a country with a weak local language, yours quality of life would be lower, thats not very shocking :D

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +1

      Absolutely, and in that sense Japan is no different! People often tend to romanticize Japan and that more often than not leads to disappointment when they move here

    • @jw841
      @jw841 Месяц назад +1

      The funny thing is I preferred Japan and the Japanese before I understood the language. The best way to live in Japan is as a perpetual tourist. But one needs a good income for this and not work for a Japanese company. In my first few years there I understood very little and loved Japan now that I understand Japan I want to leave. :)

    • @user-lc8rh9uj5l
      @user-lc8rh9uj5l Месяц назад

      Can you expand on this a bit further? It seems to be a common idea that a better understanding of the language kind of dulls the rose glasses but many attribute this to the intial fascination wearing off. Does it go beyond this? As in, is it just that it got old or is there more to it?

  • @tyddlup
    @tyddlup Месяц назад +2

    The 'no PDA' thing and the friendship issue would be fine for me. I don't like PDA outside of hand-holding and friendships are not my thing. Because I'm not good at learning languages, I hate the heat, and culture in my own country means very little, it would be a struggle for me to live somewhere like Japan. It would also be a struggle for me because I have food allergies and wouldn't be able to buy what I'm familiar with that doesn't make me ill, but I only clicked on your video for fun and to educate myself.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад

      Glad you stopped by and I hope I was able to teach you something! It's always fascinating hearing about other people's way of life and what kinds of things matter in different places!

  • @rowbearly6128
    @rowbearly6128 Месяц назад +6

    Japan is a lonely place for long term foreign residents.especially in the countryside. 26 years here has taught me that.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +5

      It definitely can be. That's why I've found it incredibly important to try to make local friends (especially those who don't speak english), because too often your fellow foreigners go back home, leaving you alone in Japan.

    • @srihari_g
      @srihari_g Месяц назад +3

      It is the case everywhere when you move to any foreign country, you don't have the same connect as the cultural context is missing

  • @yuripetrovic7606
    @yuripetrovic7606 Месяц назад +2

    I only watch these kind of videos because I have extended stays in both China and Japan. Both countries have extremely similar problems like with work culture, but the public treats the problems very, very differently.
    Japan is the golden child, China is res headed step child.
    It's obnoxious.

  • @magritmura6119
    @magritmura6119 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you so much.I enjoyed your video. Absolutely right. If possible it is best to come to Japan when young so that the background information can be incorporated.

  • @Raven236
    @Raven236 Месяц назад +1

    Thank you for the informative video

  • @robbieross8591
    @robbieross8591 Месяц назад +1

    I suppose places like Chicago and London have four distinct seasons. Chicago in particular has freezing cold and snowy winters and boiling hot summers with pleasant autumns and springs

    • @js424u
      @js424u Месяц назад

      And where are you from? I wouldn’t say Chicago is boiling in the summer imo.

  • @DenshaOtoko2
    @DenshaOtoko2 Месяц назад +1

    Tokyo has a very high context as compared to Osaka, Wakayama and Nara and Kyoto.

  • @MattRyan-kt7go
    @MattRyan-kt7go Месяц назад +1

    Bro, what kind of work do you do?

  • @DenshaOtoko2
    @DenshaOtoko2 Месяц назад +1

    Japanese culture from what I have learned is very Confucian. Just like Hong Kong SAR but we're high context communication unlike Japanese.

  • @LIAM_VID
    @LIAM_VID Месяц назад +4

    japan looks greet but not easy something. took some vids in tokyo and it's a challenge.

  • @majibento
    @majibento Месяц назад +2

    Wait Aomori City has the heaviest snowfall in the world?! That explains so much about my time there last year in December 😂 I’d really wished I’d brought snow boots with me then… had a great time though, especially in Hirosaki City nearby

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад +1

      Haha sounds like you went trekking in the snow and got a little more than you asked for! I'd like to make a video in Aomori at some point because I think it's just that cool!

    • @majibento
      @majibento Месяц назад

      @@BaldinJapanOoooh I’d love a video in Aomori! I’m a big fan of the local idol group Ringomusume which is how I got into Aomori haha… I went there last year as a pilgrimage to check out various places they’ve filmed MVs at. And the A-factory in Aomori city can’t be missed for all the apple fans!
      During that that, I fell in love with Hirosaki castle and Dotenmachi. Next time I want to visit during apple season though!! Or during a time when Ringo Music is doing events.
      This month they’re actually doing a big music festival in Hirosaki. It’s totally free so if you happen to be there on September 28 you should check it out!!

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  26 дней назад +1

      Unfortunately I was busy that day, trying to get some recording and editing done but hopefully I'll be able to go next time!

  • @marcogawa
    @marcogawa Месяц назад +1

    Bear and ants. Interesting point of view.

    • @BaldinJapan
      @BaldinJapan  Месяц назад

      It's all I could think of 😂

    • @marcogawa
      @marcogawa Месяц назад

      @@BaldinJapan hahaha… really clever.

  • @emilijaguzyte8054
    @emilijaguzyte8054 Месяц назад +2

    BRO your cat grew so much send pictures

  • @PPB_Army
    @PPB_Army Месяц назад +3

    I've seen videos of Japanese dudes getting some in the burger king booth 🤣🤣

  • @FISHGOMOO4321
    @FISHGOMOO4321 Месяц назад +2

    Moved here last year from the UK, my Japanese isn't perfect but I get by.
    I love my life here and I will never return to the UK.

    • @cristianhcm1914
      @cristianhcm1914 Месяц назад

      Awesome. Good for you!
      Hello from Phoenix Arizona 👋

  • @crucifixus
    @crucifixus Месяц назад +2

    communication part duplicated

  • @JH-bb8in
    @JH-bb8in Месяц назад +1

    unhappy people are unhappy anywhere

  • @James-yl3kk
    @James-yl3kk Месяц назад

    Cultural differences , it's all downhill after you have kids

  • @vipulbansal9503
    @vipulbansal9503 26 дней назад

    saitama bullshitting about japan

  • @Alexander-m3o1u
    @Alexander-m3o1u Месяц назад

    Here I am listening to you and I disagree on almost every point. Even Google Translate has built-in AI nowadays, but even when it didn't, it translated most of the nuances very well - you just needed to know how to use it. But it's not any more difficult than writing search queries. Not to mention programs like Trados and others.
    Most of Europe has four clearly distinguishable seasons. What are you even talking about? To me you sound just like an arrogant spoiled kid, winning how hard it is to learn one of the easiest Asian language. 😅

  • @zephdoom
    @zephdoom Месяц назад

    Sound like such a lame.

  • @RONIN1111
    @RONIN1111 Месяц назад +2

    You aren’t happy in japan. Don’t speak for others.

    • @cristianhcm1914
      @cristianhcm1914 Месяц назад

      Perfectly said my friend.

    • @philipcalzone3445
      @philipcalzone3445 Месяц назад

      Did you guys not understand the video? He said he liked Japan and what it has to offer, BUT it's not infallible. It looks like you're offended because he doesn't think Japan is perfect?

  • @forzaa867
    @forzaa867 Месяц назад +2

    Aww so cute, you want to start making videos but you are small a small channel >.

    • @doctorinsane2246
      @doctorinsane2246 Месяц назад +5

      Everybody has to start somewhere!

    • @rowbearly6128
      @rowbearly6128 Месяц назад +1

      Aww so stupid you want to make edgy comments but lack the wit.

    • @rowbearly6128
      @rowbearly6128 Месяц назад +1

      Awww so stupid, you want to make edgy comments but lack the wit.

    • @Er1kgaming22
      @Er1kgaming22 Месяц назад +1

      3.5 peak lol scrub

    • @rowbearly6128
      @rowbearly6128 Месяц назад

      @@Er1kgaming22 Try English,I have no idea what that was supposed to mean.