Thank you for interviewing my dad Takashi. Your content is sublime and it’s helping to shine a light on many aspects that comprise Japan. Keep up the great work.
Chris is a great guy. I have known him almost that whole time. I also came in 1986 after living in Tokyo area from 1983 to 84. Hard to believe we have been here that long but still love everyday.
Great interview! I am completely opposite from him, born and raised in Japan and living here in Australia since 1987. I studied at university in the US and 4 years later I graduated. I went back to Japan, but didn't feel comfortable at all there . I just wanted to get out of Japan and chose Australia as I had a friend whom I met in US was there. Like him I came here with a working holiday visa. I was going to do the same in New Zealand after a year in Australia. Working holiday visa was valid for one year back then. 36 years later, I still haven't been to New Zealand yet. I knew virtually nothing about Australia back then, but could speak English. I am an Australian citizen now.
Why did you not feel comfortable in Japan? I would not be surprised if you said that about the US - I doubt anyone feels comfortable in the US in the past decades. It's the world's giant opium den and prison.
FUWAKU (不惑＝四十にして惑わず), means to be no longer confused in life. This phrase derives directly from a passage in RONGO (論語) or "The Analects of Confucius." It refers to a famous tale regarding the life of Confucius (孔子) who was seeking ideal rulers to advise/serve in his younger years only to be repeatedly disappointed, and only when he reached 40 years-old he finally realized that his purpose/mission in life was to teach others. Thus, 40 years of age was historically referred to as FUWAKU (不惑) in Japan. This is a story from 2,500 years ago in Northern China when living 60 years was considered longevity and celebrated. To date, some people in Japan still have the CHANCHANKO ritual at 60 years old, as the ETO 干支 "calendar" has circled one cycle of life. If you attend a decent junior-highshool and senior-highschool in Japan, you most definitely would learn this story at one point. Passages from RONGO (論語) and other famous historical texts (as well as the meaning/reason behind them) are often part of high-school and university entrance exams.
孔子 《论语·为政》 子曰：吾十有五而志于学，三十而立，四十而不惑，五十而知天命，六十而耳顺，七十而从心所欲，不逾矩。 15 years: Start to accumulate knowledge and experience 30 years: Best physical condition 40 years: No longer affected by external influences 50 years: In tune with nature 60 years: Can accept others' opinions 70 years: Free to do whatever you feel like doing, without overstepping boundaries
Nothing special about 40, you are still beholden to the corporate rat race, have to answer to a boss and honestly the world and your place in it are as confusing as ever. Human beings simply don't live long enough to experience the totality of the universe as it unfolds, which is often on timescales of millions of years. 95 percent of matter the universe is made up of is invisible and unreadable by our best technology.
I'm Australian, I came over to Japan to teach English on a working holiday visa in 2003. My plan was to stay 18mths and then go back to Australia. Well, that didn't happen. 20yrs later I am still here, in Shikoku, now with a Japanese husband (we married in 2004) and 4 sons, aged 16, 8, 4 and 1 hahaha!!!! Hopefully we'll be taking a long awaited family trip back to Australia in a few years!!!!
soo wholesome, thank you for sharing. one question i have is what made you want to go to japan to teach english? i turned down an opportunity in china a few years ago and have been regretting it since. i guess my main reason was i wanted to help immigrants here in my community settle in and find comfort.
I think this one may be your best interview so far. You're getting good at this. Keep on doing such a good job, Takashii!! People, feel free to link your favourite ones in your answers, please. I wouldn't like to miss any :)
American here. I lived in Japan for many years in the late 80’s as well, but in Saitama Prefecture. My experience was very similar to his. Very, very few foreigners, with the exception of the center of Tokyo. Children walking to and fro from school would see me and call out “gaijin da!” Every day. I never got used to it. I stood out everywhere I went. I was young, tall, blonde hair and blue eyes. I got attention whenever I went out. I joke now that I know how Brad Pitt feels. I majored in Linguistics at university with a minor in Japanese and I think because of this got fluent pretty quickly. I was a rare commodity back then. It seemed very few foreigners spoke Japanese fluently back then. I also did translating and interpreter work. worked for a Japanese company and made a lot of money. 6 figures which is crazy money for a guy in his mid-twenties. I married a Japanese woman and moved back to the U..S. Two kids and still married 32 years later. I wonder if my life would’ve been like his if I had stayed.
So lucky! I would’ve loved to get a job as an interpreter as I pick up languages quickly but now with so many interpreting apps I’d be obsolete 😢 thank you for sharing part of your life experience it sounds like you lived a very interesting life
All so interesting. I so admire people who live a new life in a new country. I have bi-racial kids and Asian wife but I’m the one who stayed put, lived in the country of my birth all my life. Sometimes feel guilt for that. Certainly can relate to difficulty of having to take the family to visit the other half of the family! Very important that they do but thousands of pounds/dollars every trip!!
A lot of respect to these foreign uncles and aunts who worked in Japan from the 80s/90s. It really was such a different time, having to learn the language and culture with no google or anything.
Haha, yes it was very different. I remember I used to line up at the international phone booth outside Kita-Kogane station to phone home. If I ran out of coins the call was over! It was a great time though - I had so much fun and learned so much.
@@ellaofficielella, actually, the root problems with not getting married or having kids has almost nothing to do with money or work. . It has a lot to do with believing that ones' ancestors rose up from pond slime to become what you are today, and that religion's evil spawn, which is belief that humans are causing Mother Earth to overheat (so we need to reduce the number of humans). . Even Japanese pollsters see this problem as young people not wanting the hassle of dealing with anyone, even/especially intimately.
@@earlysda I've been here 23 years. And to an extent, yes it is dying. So, the only option for people who live here is to change their lives so that it does not affect them. I did this a while back and while it is sad to see, the effects are not direct.
Great interview, he's such a charming and grounded man. I lived in Kyoto, Japan in 1982 and 1983 as a child and still have amazing memories of my time there and the people I met. I still remember kids being shouting about my blonde hair and I remember being treated almost like a celebrity. The more time I spent with Japanese kids, the more that faded and I developed actual friendships. It's a great country filled with great people.
Fantastic interview, Takashii, this is your best yet. Chris was a great guest, he articulated well his many years of challenges, employment progress, cherished friendships with Japanese locals and his general love for the culture. Chris is a treasure, a great story teller. I have been following the life of many foreigners who have resided in Japan for 1 to 10 years, mostly Americans, Canadians, British and Australians. Lots of funny and inspiring stories. I hope to come to Japan and spend a minimum of 6 months, longer if possible. Hopefully I will arrive with the basics of the Japanese language, enough to be polite and engage in simple conversations. And like Chris said, you never stop learning. Keep up the great work, Takashii. You are a great ambassador for Japan. Japan is aging rapidly, it needs millions of new people who will contribute and appreciate its endless beauty and civility.
I love how excited and positive this man is talking about his experience from 80's to now days an his passion and hard work to learn Japanese. It's absolutely beautiful! And him speaking Japanese is wonderful. Great interview Takashii-San ^^
Wow - this was a great interview and so interesting for me as I first moved to Japan back in 1991 and also got married and had children with a Japanese. We stayed in Japan for 6 years but finally moved back to Canada in 1997. I am now in Japan, seeing friends (old students) who I haven't seen since 1997 - FANTASTIC. I love Japan and often wonder what it would have been like if I had stayed. One of my colleagues did stay and became quite successful here. Life is interesting. I have a lot of nostalgia for the first year I lived in Japan - it was the time of my life and I am forever grateful for what Japan and the Japanese people gave to me. Sincerely, thank you JAPAN!!
8 years in Japan, 2 half kids who are bicultural and bilingual, this is phenomenal. So invaluable to me. Thank you! And he's right, recently started learning Kanji seriously, and it's a life changer.
Been here since 1986 too, about 8-9 years in Tokyo, and Kanagawa, the rest in Okinawa. Can really resonate with him, about learning Japanese in the 1980's. Went to a Japanese Language school for 2 and a half years and all we had was a dictionary, teacher spoke no English and used Japanese TV for listening practice. Ahh those were the days!
I lived on Okinawa for a year, and fell in love with the island and its people. I always smile when I read people who are there. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Great interview of this man who has a tangible interpretive experience for many years bridging the two cultures/languages/races and making such a productive life for himself and family. As a native Japanese (9 yrs) and being in the U.S. for the rest of my life, I am impressed with the many examples given regarding the crossing of cultures, economics, what-have-you in life. Excellent, I was in agreement throughout!
I have been watching your videos for a few years now and this was the best one. Your questions were very perceptive and intelligent and Chris' answers were spot on. The 2 of you provided a great introduction to anyone considering living in Japan.
I’ve been a subscriber for awhile and I’m constantly impressed with your interview skills. Unlike many other interviewers, you ask questions and then let your subject speak without interrupting them. It allows them to get their point across and makes them feel comfortable. Great job!
Very interesting! Thank you. I came to Japan in 1985 and have been living in Tochigi-ken since then. It is a little bit like going back on memory lane listening to the interview. So many of my foreign friends have left Japan. Nice to know that I am not the only one who stayed in Japan for over thirty years. Thanks for posting this, Takashi. It is highly appreciated.
Thank you, Takashi and Chris! It is the best tube of your interviews, Takashi. Arigato. I am a Japanese. And I spent my life as same ages with Chris. This interview brought me back to the time when I had learned English, worked hard during the period in 80s to 90s. I am really emphasized with Chris that he said he is still learning Japanese everyday. I am still learning English everyday as well! And also 34 year’s marriage and raised up 3 children are same with me!
Thank you yet again for this very special interview. Your guest is so kind and enthusiastic about Japan. I am so glad to see that he has been successful. His learning the language and wanting to learn about the culture through making friends is what has made him that way. God bless him and God bless you!🌺
What a fantastic interview. It’s so clear that he has spent a very long time speaking slowly in English and perhaps pacing himself in Japanese. He speaks so clearly and specifically. A lovely guy!
oh my goodness he literally came to Japan a few years before the peak of the Japanese economy where there was so much optimism and excess everywhere. That must have been crazy to experience!
Similar vintage to Chris - late 80's gaijin. Arrived in Osaka in the roasting summer and remember my first icy cold drink from a vending machine: 100 yen. 35 years later, the same icy cold drink from a vending machine: 100 yen - as low as 60 yen in some places. That simple anecdote pretty much sums up the Japanese economy over the last 40 years. It is still a great place to live, but the gravy train left the station a long time ago.
I lived on Okinawa for a year. I loved those vending machines. I used to carry 100 yen coins around everywhere just to get one of those iced coffees. I can still taste their goodness, and it has been 26 years since I last had one!!! Some things never leave you...
"Gaijin" here. He is still passionate about the language, and so was I in 1990 as a student. Kanji "triggered" my curiosity back in 1982, and it was a long way to stay as student in Japan. I wanted to expose myself to this language environment as much as possible, and I did. But for me, this was only for some months, then I had to return. Still the greatest experience of my life. Thanls for the video.
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen and enjoyed on Japan. Well done on the interview @Takashii. This Australian gentleman imparted much wisdom for people of all nationalities. Arigatō
This was one of the most profound/insightful/candid interviews that I've had the privilege of viewing. Bottom line: we only get out of life what we put into it through hard work, if truth be told. Back in the 1890's, my Chinese grandfather studied in Japan with Sun Yat-sen. They, of course, could speak Japanese as well as Chinese. They were both revolutionaries, highly educated, forward thinkers. At the time, Japan was considered by Chinese to be a technologically advanced society. In many ways, it still is.
@leochen: yep, Japan turned relatively quickly (over 40 years) from a kind of medieval society to a first world nation. Prussia/Germany was one of their role models. Many revolutionary studied in Europe and/or lived for some time in Japan (sometimes rather escaped. China had a lot going on) ...
He is one smart man. He nailed it about learning both cultures. He truly cares for his family. Caring, hatdworking, respectful and humble. Three cheers for him and I wish him well in the years to come.
So much knowledge out of this guy! I’m also married to a Japanese, currently living in America, and the cultural and languages differences are a challenge. We plan on living in Japan for our lives in the future and I want to be at the same language level that he’s at now. I have step kids and they’re full Japanese and it is a challenge sometimes to raise them but I think having the perspective that this guy has will get you through
I've been traveling to japan for over 23 years now and I've been fortunate to make a circle of close Japanese friends. So much so I visited Japan twice this summer. I went for a funeral and wedding this summer. My friendship was solidified when I participated in my friends dads funeral as family member. I even helped place his bones in the urn. That all said, making true friends in another country is worth more than money can buy. My friends don't see me off at the airport but I do occasionally get picked up 😂😂
I lived in Tokyo 1989-2019. I can relate to so much of what Chris said. He's so right, the best way to learn Japanese is to get a regular job. For a time I worked with some electicians on construction sites. My Japanese improved by leaps and bounds.
He's a good father. Protecting his wife from smokers, and talking to his children about bullying. That's something I would do someday when I'm a father lol.
What a great fellow. Lots of gems of advice in here, about life in general but also specifics like international marriage, the pressure and reality about raising bilingual kids, and how much you may have to work when your kids in Japan hit university age and the cost of raising them really ramps up. Great humility to accept that while he has achieved much, it has been through the support of Japanese people and not from some awful "Success my way! me! me! me! I deserve it!"-type self-centeredness that people are taught to believe in the West. I've had a similar life to Chris in many ways but am about five years behind him in when I came to Japan, about ten years behind in terms of how old my kids are, and light years behind in terms of sociability. Plenty for me to think about there, so thank you Takashi from producing this content. I hope a lot of people see it.
AMAZING VIDEO AND SUPER INTERESTING INTERVIEW!!! Thanks for going to Fukuoka 🙏🏽 I always wanted to visit there because of it’s street food culture and close location to Korea 👍🏽 ありがとうございます 👏🏽
What a great guest. It was nice to hear his perspective. I'm an American, but I've been living in Taiwan for over 12 years, so I can relate. I think we should all strive to have good friends that go to the airport to bid us farewell. 😊
We miss fabulous Aussie men like him here in Aus! What a kind generous man sending his wife and children to Aus for an entire year while he stayed behind working in Japan
This is one of the best interviews I’ve watched on this channel. The energy of this interview was amazing. I hope you can interview people like Chris who have spent lots of years in Japan. The old perspective is very fascinating for young people. Keep it up! 🎉
It's amazing that he could speak Japanese so well and got adapted to Japan's traditional culture. Btw as he mentioned，what's local people's view on the immigration policy is the key.
Nice way to record the interview. It's nice to see them both, also Takashi's reactions are very funny. And the way he keeps his arm steady with the mic is very impressive.
Thank you so much, I love your channel and I always appreciate how much of real japan you show your audiences. This interview was so good, I feel like I am there experiencing japan with you and Chris for 30 mins 🙂
I absolutely love how in each talking segment, he summarizes them as "It was honestly just... hard. So, so hard." This man has had to work so hard in his life, and it shows. He knows the value of investment, intentionality and putting others' needs before his own. Dude isolated himself from his own family & ate cheap food for a while YEAR, just because he thought it was the right thing to do. That's what astonished me from his answer. It was simply "Because I loved my family and wanted them to succeed. So I did it." Simple as that. Wow. Thank you so much for this interview, not only as a foreigner interested in Japanese culture, but as a son that understand his father a little better now. :)
I met an Australian back in Kyoto when i was doing my exchange last year. He gave me similar vibes to this guy when we talked about which place he preferred, but was much younger.
I can really relate to this person's experience. I started learning Japanese in the US as a teenager back in the 1970s and ended up living in Japan off and on for about 10 years. I lived in Sendai, Toyama and later Osaka and Tokyo. My motivation was similar -- I thought I would learn more by experiencing a culture and language that were very different from my own than say a European language. Yes, there were no cell phones or internet, and it was easy to isolate yourself esp. in a rural community where you could go for weeks hearing no English, except for .... that's right, shortwave radio (Now here's Vladmir Pozner with "Moscow Mailbag"!!!). Most of my time was spent as an exchange student or later as a postdoc at Japanese universities, so I didn't get the ground-level working experience that Mr. Forsyth describes, which I think was very admirable of him. One American guy I later met actually worked as a truck driver in Japan for many years -- now that is unique. In my case, I feel I perhaps spent too much time in Japan. I had already accomplished what I set out to do by the time I was in my 30s, and now I wish I had also lived in Europe and learned French or German. I am at an advanced age now, but might still try to do it.
I really enjoyed this interview. He’s so wise, truthful and full of wit & humor. You’re great host & it shows that you’re really enjoying listening to your guests. Thank you for sharing!
A truly pleasant Sir to seat with, talk to and learn from. Glad I've decided to stop by and watched the entire interview. I first watched the short version.
This interview was the most useful that I've ever heard and saw in my entire life! He's such an amazing and very kind person and I really learned a lot from his words, and you, Takashi, are a great RUclipsr and I really love your contents that are improving day by day! Thank you very much for your hard work on sharing with us these amazing contents: you have always the best questions. Can't wait to see more contents like this!
I got to know him through one of his son’s partner who is a RUclipsr. Chris showed up several times and his talks are always very interesting. Impeccable Japanese as well.
This was a very good interview. I lived in Japan from 1992-2002 and can relate to so much of what Chris said. I met my wife in Japan and because I had ambitions to get into law enforcement we moved to the U.S. Now that I'm near retirement age I think about moving back to Japan mainly because it's much safer then the U.S. and offers more in the way of convenience on a day to day basis. I sometimes wonder, though, if part of the reason I want to live in Japan again is because I'm chasing that feeling of contentment I had while living there when I was younger. Anyway, this was a very well-done interview with great questions and answers.
It is a delight to hear you speak about your life experience, as an Australian in Japan. I was a PhD student in Japanese studies fifty years ago. ( Never completed). Love the language and culture to this day. I dream of going to Japan! Still keep plugging in to learn the language. Honest, real, humorous, insightful narrative. Great interview Takashi👍 27:44
15 Years in Japan this year! I love it! Especially my Miyazaki family & Friends! If you come to Japan! Be respectful, be yourself and pay attention to the little things! It's often not what is said that we have to listen to! But what isn't said! It is a way of being! I feel so grateful to have been adopted here! Thank you Japan and the Japanese people! I hope I can spend the rest of my life here! Blessed! Gassho! Y.
Great interview! This is probably one of the best and most well articulated view from a foreigner. It highlighted both sides and gave a very fair perception of Japan!
Takashii, that was a very interesting interview. I'm an American Expat living in Japan. My wife is Japanese and we have a 19 year old daughter. I have only lived here since July 2022. I really didn't start studying Japanese until I got here. Your guest said he studied Japanese for three years before moving to Japan. I feel better now about my low level of Japanese and if I study for two more years I might really start to get better. I take classes now and I'm beginning to learn Konji. It was interesting to here 60% of Japanese is Konji. Great interview. Very informative.
Great job Takashii! ありがとう😊I like this interview more than the others. The interview talks about many topics than can be also apply outside Japan,:integration in a foreign country, cultural differences, international marriages, language barriers. Keep it up! ✌🏻
This was a great interview. Chris said some hard truths about foreigners that have been living in Japan for a while that I will take to heart. OK ok I will learn Kanji and make more Japanese friends!!!
I lived in Japan for a little more that 30 years, and for me, this is the most engaging video have ever seen on Facebook. Although he seems to have a rather different personality, and the same goes for the kinds of jobs he's done and his personal life, so much of what he said chimes beautifully with my own experiences. Like hearing an old song that holds dear memories, I'm sure I wont be able to get this out of my head all day, maybe all week.
I studied Japanese in college... over 30 years ago. I considered moving to Japan but ended up having my kids in the US. Although I experienced life in Asia and in other places, I feel that this man has lived the life I would have lived. What a great man! I loved the interview.
TOKYO GUIDEBOOK
takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide
Such great interview
Thank you for interviewing my dad Takashi. Your content is sublime and it’s helping to shine a light on many aspects that comprise Japan. Keep up the great work.
Cool, joe. Are you still into rugby?
@@earlysda watching almost all of the rugby World Cup games ;)
He is MY dad
OH MY GOD. You are so handsome.
You got cool dad! Give him high five ...or I will do it if I meet him in Fukuoka since I got trip to Japan soon :D
Chris is a great guy. I have known him almost that whole time. I also came in 1986 after living in Tokyo area from 1983 to 84. Hard to believe we have been here that long but still love everyday.
you are a lucky person! the better you two are. A friendship like this is only possible between two enlightened people!
I’d love for Takahashi interview you both ! Foreign friendships living in Japan for a long time - that would be great stories
Yes Chris and I were actually in a video for Fukuoka City back in the late 80s and have known each other ever since.
In the future, we don't need visa. Just move to any country you want. That's my dream.
He sounds like someone who truly lives the way he wants to. What a great person!
Just 😮 wow !!!
This man is so humble, friendly and honest!!!
Im so happy for him he lives his Japanese dream 👍🇯🇵😀😄👀
I hope he's able to enjoy his retirement. He's worked so hard to support his family.
Great interview!
I am completely opposite from him, born and raised in Japan and living here in Australia since 1987. I studied at university in the US and 4 years later I graduated. I went back to Japan, but didn't feel comfortable at all there . I just wanted to get out of Japan and chose Australia as I had a friend whom I met in US was there. Like him I came here with a working holiday visa. I was going to do the same in New Zealand after a year in Australia. Working holiday visa was valid for one year back then. 36 years later, I still haven't been to New Zealand yet. I knew virtually nothing about Australia back then, but could speak English. I am an Australian citizen now.
How did u become permanent residence first? I’m wanting to move to australia too
Why did you not feel comfortable in Japan? I would not be surprised if you said that about the US - I doubt anyone feels comfortable in the US in the past decades. It's the world's giant opium den and prison.
FUWAKU (不惑＝四十にして惑わず), means to be no longer confused in life. This phrase derives directly from a passage in RONGO (論語) or "The Analects of Confucius." It refers to a famous tale regarding the life of Confucius (孔子) who was seeking ideal rulers to advise/serve in his younger years only to be repeatedly disappointed, and only when he reached 40 years-old he finally realized that his purpose/mission in life was to teach others. Thus, 40 years of age was historically referred to as FUWAKU (不惑) in Japan.
This is a story from 2,500 years ago in Northern China when living 60 years was considered longevity and celebrated. To date, some people in Japan still have the CHANCHANKO ritual at 60 years old, as the ETO 干支 "calendar" has circled one cycle of life. If you attend a decent junior-highshool and senior-highschool in Japan, you most definitely would learn this story at one point. Passages from RONGO (論語) and other famous historical texts (as well as the meaning/reason behind them) are often part of high-school and university entrance exams.
wow he really does know his Japanese
孔子
《论语·为政》
子曰：吾十有五而志于学，三十而立，四十而不惑，五十而知天命，六十而耳顺，七十而从心所欲，不逾矩。
15 years: Start to accumulate knowledge and experience
30 years: Best physical condition
40 years: No longer affected by external influences
50 years: In tune with nature
60 years: Can accept others' opinions
70 years: Free to do whatever you feel like doing, without overstepping boundaries
Nothing special about 40, you are still beholden to the corporate rat race, have to answer to a boss and honestly the world and your place in it are as confusing as ever. Human beings simply don't live long enough to experience the totality of the universe as it unfolds, which is often on timescales of millions of years. 95 percent of matter the universe is made up of is invisible and unreadable by our best technology.
Thanks bro, btw you dropped this 👑
I'm Australian, I came over to Japan to teach English on a working holiday visa in 2003. My plan was to stay 18mths and then go back to Australia. Well, that didn't happen. 20yrs later I am still here, in Shikoku, now with a Japanese husband (we married in 2004) and 4 sons, aged 16, 8, 4 and 1 hahaha!!!!
Hopefully we'll be taking a long awaited family trip back to Australia in a few years!!!!
nice!!!
Wow 16 and 1!! Kudos to you. You're gonna be busy a while.
soo wholesome, thank you for sharing. one question i have is what made you want to go to japan to teach english? i turned down an opportunity in china a few years ago and have been regretting it since. i guess my main reason was i wanted to help immigrants here in my community settle in and find comfort.
@@kingveetee Lol, I think someone got bored during the pandemic haha
wow, I came 2003 as well to teach English at Nova and am still here from Australia, got 3 boys now, sounds familiar :)
I think this one may be your best interview so far. You're getting good at this. Keep on doing such a good job, Takashii!!
People, feel free to link your favourite ones in your answers, please. I wouldn't like to miss any :)
yes for sure! this guy has probably 5 more interview worth of stuff in him! 😀
The questions were really good. Very general to allow him to go where he wanted to, but still nicely guided through his entire Japanese experience.
TAKASHIのiが２つ重なるのはなぜですか？彼のビデオのコメント欄でよく見るので、英語ネイティブの人誰か教えて欲しい。
@@new_handoru THen you better write in English, to ask.
One of the best interviews you have ever done! Talking to an older australian,you will always get it raw and real.
American here. I lived in Japan for many years in the late 80’s as well, but in Saitama Prefecture. My experience was very similar to his. Very, very few foreigners, with the exception of the center of Tokyo. Children walking to and fro from school would see me and call out “gaijin da!” Every day. I never got used to it. I stood out everywhere I went. I was young, tall, blonde hair and blue eyes. I got attention whenever I went out. I joke now that I know how Brad Pitt feels. I majored in Linguistics at university with a minor in Japanese and I think because of this got fluent pretty quickly. I was a rare commodity back then. It seemed very few foreigners spoke Japanese fluently back then. I also did translating and interpreter work. worked for a Japanese company and made a lot of money. 6 figures which is crazy money for a guy in his mid-twenties. I married a Japanese woman and moved back to the U..S. Two kids and still married 32 years later. I wonder if my life would’ve been like his if I had stayed.
So lucky! I would’ve loved to get a job as an interpreter as I pick up languages quickly but now with so many interpreting apps I’d be obsolete 😢 thank you for sharing part of your life experience it sounds like you lived a very interesting life
A question, did you teach your kids japanese with your wife and are your kids bilingual?
All so interesting. I so admire people who live a new life in a new country. I have bi-racial kids and Asian wife but I’m the one who stayed put, lived in the country of my birth all my life. Sometimes feel guilt for that.
Certainly can relate to difficulty of having to take the family to visit the other half of the family! Very important that they do but thousands of pounds/dollars every trip!!
What an awesome story I bet you have so many more to tell
That sounds awesome!
A lot of respect to these foreign uncles and aunts who worked in Japan from the 80s/90s. It really was such a different time, having to learn the language and culture with no google or anything.
Japan was booming in 1989 when I first came to live.
It's dying now.
Saw just last week on the news that 1 in 10 people here are over 80 now.
@@earlysda i know.. as a millennial it's really hard to plan for our future if working conditions can be unfair.
Haha, yes it was very different. I remember I used to line up at the international phone booth outside Kita-Kogane station to phone home. If I ran out of coins the call was over! It was a great time though - I had so much fun and learned so much.
@@ellaofficielella, actually, the root problems with not getting married or having kids has almost nothing to do with money or work.
.
It has a lot to do with believing that ones' ancestors rose up from pond slime to become what you are today, and that religion's evil spawn, which is belief that humans are causing Mother Earth to overheat (so we need to reduce the number of humans).
.
Even Japanese pollsters see this problem as young people not wanting the hassle of dealing with anyone, even/especially intimately.
@@earlysda I've been here 23 years. And to an extent, yes it is dying. So, the only option for people who live here is to change their lives so that it does not affect them. I did this a while back and while it is sad to see, the effects are not direct.
Great interview, he's such a charming and grounded man. I lived in Kyoto, Japan in 1982 and 1983 as a child and still have amazing memories of my time there and the people I met. I still remember kids being shouting about my blonde hair and I remember being treated almost like a celebrity. The more time I spent with Japanese kids, the more that faded and I developed actual friendships. It's a great country filled with great people.
Australian’s are the best. So friendly and down to earth. What a great guy.
This guy is the most wholesome dude ever so chill and yet full of life massive respect for this guy. Thank you for the interview Takashi.
Fantastic interview, Takashii, this is your best yet.
Chris was a great guest, he articulated well his many years of challenges, employment progress, cherished friendships with Japanese locals and his general love for the culture.
Chris is a treasure, a great story teller.
I have been following the life of many foreigners who have resided in Japan for 1 to 10 years, mostly Americans, Canadians, British and Australians. Lots of funny and inspiring stories.
I hope to come to Japan and spend a minimum of 6 months, longer if possible.
Hopefully I will arrive with the basics of the Japanese language, enough to be polite and engage in simple conversations. And like Chris said, you never stop learning.
Keep up the great work, Takashii. You are a great ambassador for Japan.
Japan is aging rapidly, it needs millions of new people who will contribute and appreciate its endless beauty and civility.
I love how excited and positive this man is talking about his experience from 80's to now days an his passion and hard work to learn Japanese. It's absolutely beautiful! And him speaking Japanese is wonderful. Great interview Takashii-San ^^
Wow - this was a great interview and so interesting for me as I first moved to Japan back in 1991 and also got married and had children with a Japanese. We stayed in Japan for 6 years but finally moved back to Canada in 1997. I am now in Japan, seeing friends (old students) who I haven't seen since 1997 - FANTASTIC. I love Japan and often wonder what it would have been like if I had stayed. One of my colleagues did stay and became quite successful here. Life is interesting. I have a lot of nostalgia for the first year I lived in Japan - it was the time of my life and I am forever grateful for what Japan and the Japanese people gave to me. Sincerely, thank you JAPAN!!
8 years in Japan, 2 half kids who are bicultural and bilingual, this is phenomenal. So invaluable to me. Thank you! And he's right, recently started learning Kanji seriously, and it's a life changer.
I love this episode. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Been here since 1986 too, about 8-9 years in Tokyo, and Kanagawa, the rest in Okinawa. Can really resonate with him, about learning Japanese in the 1980's. Went to a Japanese Language school for 2 and a half years and all we had was a dictionary, teacher spoke no English and used Japanese TV for listening practice. Ahh those were the days!
I lived on Okinawa for a year, and fell in love with the island and its people. I always smile when I read people who are there. Thank you for sharing your experience.
This is the best interview I have seen in your channel. The guest very informative and very honest. Thank you for sharing.
Great interview of this man who has a tangible interpretive experience for many years bridging the two cultures/languages/races and making such a productive life for himself and family. As a native Japanese (9 yrs) and being in the U.S. for the rest of my life, I am impressed with the many examples given regarding the crossing of cultures, economics, what-have-you in life. Excellent, I was in agreement throughout!
このオーストラリアのおじさんのトークは彼の日本での努力が凄まじかったのが犇々と伝わります。彼にとつて福岡という場所も良かったようです。TAKASHIさん、どうやってこのオジサンを見つけたのですか？あなたも凄いひとですね。
I have been watching your videos for a few years now and this was the best one. Your questions were very perceptive and intelligent and Chris' answers were spot on. The 2 of you provided a great introduction to anyone considering living in Japan.
Fascinating and sweet gentleman. Admirable.
I’ve been a subscriber for awhile and I’m constantly impressed with your interview skills. Unlike many other interviewers, you ask questions and then let your subject speak without interrupting them. It allows them to get their point across and makes them feel comfortable. Great job!
Very interesting! Thank you. I came to Japan in 1985 and have been living in Tochigi-ken since then. It is a little bit like going back on memory lane listening to the interview. So many of my foreign friends have left Japan. Nice to know that I am not the only one who stayed in Japan for over thirty years. Thanks for posting this, Takashi. It is highly appreciated.
Thank you, Takashi and Chris!
It is the best tube of your interviews, Takashi. Arigato.
I am a Japanese. And I spent my life as same ages with Chris. This interview brought me back to the time when I had learned English, worked hard during the period in 80s to 90s.
I am really emphasized with Chris that he said he is still learning Japanese everyday. I am still learning English everyday as well!
And also 34 year’s marriage and raised up 3 children are same with me!
Wonderful interview! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Shortwave-radio was definitely our parents era!
This is great interview! You should interview more longtime resident like him!
Thank you yet again for this very special interview. Your guest is so kind and enthusiastic about Japan. I am so glad to see that he has been successful. His learning the language and wanting to learn about the culture through making friends is what has made him that way. God bless him and God bless you!🌺
He didn't mention anything about God at all.
That was the saddest part of the interview where he measured success by others' feelings towards him...
@@earlysda You either completely misunderstood his point or you aren't much of a people person.
@@mollytovxx4181molly, please reread the comment I was commenting on, if you want to understand.
What a fantastic interview. It’s so clear that he has spent a very long time speaking slowly in English and perhaps pacing himself in Japanese. He speaks so clearly and specifically. A lovely guy!
A very balanced person... May he and his family be always well
What a fantastic person. One of your best interviews to date. Excellent ❤
oh my goodness he literally came to Japan a few years before the peak of the Japanese economy where there was so much optimism and excess everywhere. That must have been crazy to experience!
exactamundo
Until america destroyed japan with plaza accord due to fear of being beaten
Similar vintage to Chris - late 80's gaijin.
Arrived in Osaka in the roasting summer and remember my first icy cold drink from a vending machine: 100 yen.
35 years later, the same icy cold drink from a vending machine: 100 yen - as low as 60 yen in some places.
That simple anecdote pretty much sums up the Japanese economy over the last 40 years.
It is still a great place to live, but the gravy train left the station a long time ago.
Same here - late 80s Osaka. I couldn't believe the skyline was all cranes!
Now those cranes are in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Thanks to the usa destroying the japanese economy with tech sanctions and plaza accord
I had the same experience. Coke light “lighto “ 100yen
I lived on Okinawa for a year. I loved those vending machines. I used to carry 100 yen coins around everywhere just to get one of those iced coffees. I can still taste their goodness, and it has been 26 years since I last had one!!! Some things never leave you...
Respect to this guy. Not many of them around. I'm been in Japan for 23 years now so not as long as this man.
Respect to you sir. Thank you for living here for very many years. Thank you.ありがとう👍
"Gaijin" here. He is still passionate about the language, and so was I in 1990 as a student. Kanji "triggered" my curiosity back in 1982, and it was a long way to stay as student in Japan. I wanted to expose myself to this language environment as much as possible, and I did. But for me, this was only for some months, then I had to return. Still the greatest experience of my life. Thanls for the video.
I'm a foreigner in China, 11 years here, with a Chinese wife. I can identify with what he says so much. Absolutely top advice on raising kids.
RUclips is banned in China.
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen and enjoyed on Japan. Well done on the interview @Takashii. This Australian gentleman imparted much wisdom for people of all nationalities. Arigatō
This was one of the most profound/insightful/candid interviews that I've had the privilege of viewing. Bottom line: we only get out of life what we put into it through hard work, if truth be told. Back in the 1890's, my Chinese grandfather studied in Japan with Sun Yat-sen. They, of course, could speak Japanese as well as Chinese. They were both revolutionaries, highly educated, forward thinkers. At the time, Japan was considered by Chinese to be a technologically advanced society. In many ways, it still is.
my bros a KMT heir?!?!?!
@leochen: yep, Japan turned relatively quickly (over 40 years) from a kind of medieval society to a first world nation. Prussia/Germany was one of their role models. Many revolutionary studied in Europe and/or lived for some time in Japan (sometimes rather escaped. China had a lot going on) ...
He is one smart man. He nailed it about learning both cultures. He truly cares for his family. Caring, hatdworking, respectful and humble. Three cheers for him and I wish him well in the years to come.
This is the best interview you've done as of yet Mr. Takashii. Quality production.
So much knowledge out of this guy! I’m also married to a Japanese, currently living in America, and the cultural and languages differences are a challenge. We plan on living in Japan for our lives in the future and I want to be at the same language level that he’s at now. I have step kids and they’re full Japanese and it is a challenge sometimes to raise them but I think having the perspective that this guy has will get you through
You really are a gifted interviewer. There must be so many more adventures like this man has had, just waiting to be discussed.
I've been traveling to japan for over 23 years now and I've been fortunate to make a circle of close Japanese friends. So much so I visited Japan twice this summer. I went for a funeral and wedding this summer. My friendship was solidified when I participated in my friends dads funeral as family member. I even helped place his bones in the urn. That all said, making true friends in another country is worth more than money can buy. My friends don't see me off at the airport but I do occasionally get picked up 😂😂
It might be easier for Chris's friends to see him off at the airport given it's only 10 minutes from the city! 😂😂
You must have a ton of disposable income, those flights are not cheap...easily 1000 bucks or more for the cheap seats.
Excellent interview, with a fantastic guest. Your best performance!
I lived in Tokyo 1989-2019. I can relate to so much of what Chris said. He's so right, the best way to learn Japanese is to get a regular job. For a time I worked with some electicians on construction sites. My Japanese improved by leaps and bounds.
He's a good father. Protecting his wife from smokers, and talking to his children about bullying. That's something I would do someday when I'm a father lol.
protecting hes wife ,...!! ohhhhh hahah
He's a better father for keeping his children away from the decadent, perverted west and its Marxist tranny rainbow flag indoctrination warriors.
I love your interviews. I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 and this guy has not lost his Aussie accent. Love it.
What a great fellow. Lots of gems of advice in here, about life in general but also specifics like international marriage, the pressure and reality about raising bilingual kids, and how much you may have to work when your kids in Japan hit university age and the cost of raising them really ramps up. Great humility to accept that while he has achieved much, it has been through the support of Japanese people and not from some awful "Success my way! me! me! me! I deserve it!"-type self-centeredness that people are taught to believe in the West. I've had a similar life to Chris in many ways but am about five years behind him in when I came to Japan, about ten years behind in terms of how old my kids are, and light years behind in terms of sociability. Plenty for me to think about there, so thank you Takashi from producing this content. I hope a lot of people see it.
My favourite interview of yours so far, Takashi. Well done!
Such a nice guy, very inspiring. Great interview!
Watch the whole video, very interesting. I've been to Japan twice and love it there.
Hello from Western Australia.
Excellent interview. Asking interesting questions and just letting him talk, I wish more interviewers were like you!
This was such an interesting interview. Thanks for making this available!
Great interview. Brought back many memories for me. I lived in Tokyo from 1975-2013.
Why did you leave…
@@r8m8s8
I left for medical reasons. Hometown near Boston, MA and returned there permanently for treatment.
38 years?!
AMAZING VIDEO AND SUPER INTERESTING INTERVIEW!!! Thanks for going to Fukuoka 🙏🏽 I always wanted to visit there because of it’s street food culture and close location to Korea 👍🏽 ありがとうございます 👏🏽
This was a great interview! I’ve watched you for a while and you seem to be getting more and more comfortable and confident with your interviews.
When he started saying "Marriage is hard. Get ready!" 🤣 I couldn't stop laughing
The "path of least resistance" comment was spot on.
What a great guest. It was nice to hear his perspective. I'm an American, but I've been living in Taiwan for over 12 years, so I can relate. I think we should all strive to have good friends that go to the airport to bid us farewell. 😊
I arrived in Taipei in June 1999....that place has changed a lot.
That was an amazing interview. Good job. One day I hope to visit from America. I am currently learning all the Kanji. Maybe next year to visit.
We miss fabulous Aussie men like him here in Aus! What a kind generous man sending his wife and children to Aus for an entire year while he stayed behind working in Japan
Really happy to see you sir 😊💞
This is our university teacher also my seminar teacher, so kind and friendly person. we like him so much ❤💞
This is one of the best interviews I’ve watched on this channel. The energy of this interview was amazing. I hope you can interview people like Chris who have spent lots of years in Japan.
The old perspective is very fascinating for young people. Keep it up! 🎉
Thank you Takashi for this wonderful interview, it was really terrific to hear your guest's experiences in Japan as a foreigner
It's amazing that he could speak Japanese so well and got adapted to Japan's traditional culture. Btw as he mentioned，what's local people's view on the immigration policy is the key.
Nice way to record the interview. It's nice to see them both, also Takashi's reactions are very funny. And the way he keeps his arm steady with the mic is very impressive.
Thank you so much, I love your channel and I always appreciate how much of real japan you show your audiences. This interview was so good, I feel like I am there experiencing japan with you and Chris for 30 mins 🙂
I absolutely love how in each talking segment, he summarizes them as "It was honestly just... hard. So, so hard." This man has had to work so hard in his life, and it shows. He knows the value of investment, intentionality and putting others' needs before his own.
Dude isolated himself from his own family & ate cheap food for a while YEAR, just because he thought it was the right thing to do. That's what astonished me from his answer. It was simply "Because I loved my family and wanted them to succeed. So I did it." Simple as that. Wow.
Thank you so much for this interview, not only as a foreigner interested in Japanese culture, but as a son that understand his father a little better now. :)
I met an Australian back in Kyoto when i was doing my exchange last year. He gave me similar vibes to this guy when we talked about which place he preferred, but was much younger.
I could listen to you guys all day long. This was such a wonderful video. So very interesting, informative and entertaining.
Thank you both so much🙂
I can really relate to this person's experience. I started learning Japanese in the US as a teenager back in the 1970s and ended up living in Japan off and on for about 10 years. I lived in Sendai, Toyama and later Osaka and Tokyo. My motivation was similar -- I thought I would learn more by experiencing a culture and language that were very different from my own than say a European language. Yes, there were no cell phones or internet, and it was easy to isolate yourself esp. in a rural community where you could go for weeks hearing no English, except for .... that's right, shortwave radio (Now here's Vladmir Pozner with "Moscow Mailbag"!!!). Most of my time was spent as an exchange student or later as a postdoc at Japanese universities, so I didn't get the ground-level working experience that Mr. Forsyth describes, which I think was very admirable of him. One American guy I later met actually worked as a truck driver in Japan for many years -- now that is unique. In my case, I feel I perhaps spent too much time in Japan. I had already accomplished what I set out to do by the time I was in my 30s, and now I wish I had also lived in Europe and learned French or German. I am at an advanced age now, but might still try to do it.
I really enjoyed this interview. He’s so wise, truthful and full of wit & humor. You’re great host & it shows that you’re really enjoying listening to your guests. Thank you for sharing!
A truly pleasant Sir to seat with, talk to and learn from.
Glad I've decided to stop by and watched the entire interview.
I first watched the short version.
This interview was the most useful that I've ever heard and saw in my entire life! He's such an amazing and very kind person and I really learned a lot from his words, and you, Takashi, are a great RUclipsr and I really love your contents that are improving day by day!
Thank you very much for your hard work on sharing with us these amazing contents: you have always the best questions. Can't wait to see more contents like this!
Fantastic interview with someone with a lot of wisdom that came through life. Thank you for this great interview.
That was an excellent interview. He is an interesting person with excellent on the spot answers. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for your content. 😊
This was a great interview!
I got to know him through one of his son’s partner who is a RUclipsr. Chris showed up several times and his talks are always very interesting. Impeccable Japanese as well.
What's her channel?
Yes please do share the channel
This was a very good interview. I lived in Japan from 1992-2002 and can relate to so much of what Chris said. I met my wife in Japan and because I had ambitions to get into law enforcement we moved to the U.S. Now that I'm near retirement age I think about moving back to Japan mainly because it's much safer then the U.S. and offers more in the way of convenience on a day to day basis. I sometimes wonder, though, if part of the reason I want to live in Japan again is because I'm chasing that feeling of contentment I had while living there when I was younger. Anyway, this was a very well-done interview with great questions and answers.
It is a delight to hear you speak about your life experience, as an Australian in Japan. I was a PhD student in Japanese studies fifty years ago. ( Never completed). Love the language and culture to this day. I dream of going to Japan! Still keep plugging in to learn the language.
Honest, real, humorous, insightful narrative. Great interview Takashi👍 27:44
15 Years in Japan this year! I love it! Especially my Miyazaki family & Friends! If you come to Japan! Be respectful, be yourself and pay attention to the little things! It's often not what is said that we have to listen to! But what isn't said! It is a way of being! I feel so grateful to have been adopted here! Thank you Japan and the Japanese people! I hope I can spend the rest of my life here! Blessed! Gassho! Y.
What a beautiful and joyful soul he has! This interview was so lovely to watch and such great life lessons. Thank you for sharing!
Great interview! This is probably one of the best and most well articulated view from a foreigner. It highlighted both sides and gave a very fair perception of Japan!
I love this guy! Great storyteller, I could listen to him all day. Thanks for sharing.
What a great experience to hear from a fellow Australian, but one who has lived in Japan for almost 40 years. Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Takashii, that was a very interesting interview. I'm an American Expat living in Japan. My wife is Japanese and we have a 19 year old daughter. I have only lived here since July 2022. I really didn't start studying Japanese until I got here. Your guest said he studied Japanese for three years before moving to Japan. I feel better now about my low level of Japanese and if I study for two more years I might really start to get better. I take classes now and I'm beginning to learn Konji. It was interesting to here 60% of Japanese is Konji. Great interview. Very informative.
You're an American immigrant. Why are Americans so afraid of being immigrants?
Kanji
Awesome interview! Thank you!
TOP TIER INTERVIEW :D KEEP IT UP
Great job Takashii! ありがとう😊I like this interview more than the others. The interview talks about many topics than can be also apply outside Japan,:integration in a foreign country, cultural differences, international marriages, language barriers. Keep it up! ✌🏻
@takashiifromjapan
What an insightful interview!
Chris is such a delight to listen to. What a great storyteller, and an all around chill dude!
This was a great interview. Chris said some hard truths about foreigners that have been living in Japan for a while that I will take to heart. OK ok I will learn Kanji and make more Japanese friends!!!
I lived in Japan for a little more that 30 years, and for me, this is the most engaging video have ever seen on Facebook. Although he seems to have a rather different personality, and the same goes for the kinds of jobs he's done and his personal life, so much of what he said chimes beautifully with my own experiences. Like hearing an old song that holds dear memories, I'm sure I wont be able to get this out of my head all day, maybe all week.
I studied Japanese in college... over 30 years ago. I considered moving to Japan but ended up having my kids in the US. Although I experienced life in Asia and in other places, I feel that this man has lived the life I would have lived. What a great man! I loved the interview.
What a fab interview thank you - my favourite guest so far
Beautiful interview. Your best yet
More videos like this please! It's so good hearing in depth interviews with people like this.