Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ nordvpn.com/allisonintokyo. Every purchase of the 2-year NordVPN plan will receive +4 bonus months on top, plus up to 20 GB Saily data voucher. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
When I was 5 years old, back in 1981, I told my Mom that I wanted to live in Japan (lived in Manhattan then). I finally did it at 47. Best life decision ever.
Happy birthday Diane!! I went last year and honestly, if I could, I’d move there. Aside from the language barrier, I didn’t have to deal with anything that would dissuade me from it. Glad you are feeling better ❤️
Happy Birthday Diane. People, don’t have regrets. I had an epiphany relatively late, 30’s. Not to live in Japan, but to see the world. I acted on my realisation and did all I could to make it happen and within a year I had my savings, rented my house, quit my job and backpacked for a year. Changed my life……don’t have regrets. I am now 61 and only discovered Japan in 2019. Definitely a country that matches my spirit.
The question “will you regret not moving?” is what made me move to Japan. I applied to the JET programme on a whim, I thought I wouldn’t get in but knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. I got in and have been in a rural placement for a year. I have loved living here and have had the best year! I made the decision to not re-contract as I have commitments back home so I’ll be leaving in a few days. Tbh I’m pretty sad about leaving but I’m so happy I’ve had the opportunity to live in this beautiful country! I’d like to thank you for talking about Japan and the JET programme as it was a big driver for me applying to JET and led me to have this amazing experience ❤ 本当にありがとうございました！ Happy birthday Diane! 🎉 🎂🎉
Happy Birthday, Diane. You have an awesome daughter. I lived in Japan twice. 1984-86 and 1992-95. Wonderful experience. I still have relatives in the Kyoto area.
I love your channel because it seems like a genuine depiction of your life in Japan, rather than your content being a product you're selling us. I didn't grow up being obsessed with Japan, but this is something that has grown in me over the past few years. It's my dream to live in a quiet, clean, efficient place, where the general public keeps respectful distance with one another and everyone tends to mind their own business. That's the real appeal of Japan to me. Coming from the US it's hard to believe there's a place that offers any of those things. I appreciate that your videos never have that sticky influencer vibe. Thank you for not b/s-ing your subscribers and keeping it real in Tokyo ⛩️🫰🏼
Happy Birthday Diane! I went to Japan for a month as soon as it opened from covid back in 2022, I decided that is where I wanted to be, and at 31 I am moving to Japan next month, can't wait!
Would you mind sharing how or through what path did you take to make the move possible? The visa process seems impossible if a company or school’s not sponsoring.
Girl… literally everything you said from playing Sonic in 2nd grade to watching Naruto in 4th is LITERALLY ME OMFG. It was wild haha I loved hearing your story :3 Thank you for sharing!
Hello Allison, my name is Hans and I’m from England the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧 🏴 I have been a silent watcher for quite a while, I love watching your videos. I always look forward to your new uploads, I find your videos relaxing to watch
When you said how you didn’t fit in well in America, I think the way that Japan function reflects with how you function as a person. Thats why you feel comfortable there. Needless to say, I’m an upcoming JET participant and I’m excited for this new chapter of my life.
Happy Birthday Diane! I'm also 27 and have loved Japan since I was 13! I visited Japan for the first time when I was 22 (right before Covid) and LOVED IT! I went again this past April ALONE. I really enjoyed traveling there alone and even traveled to other cities on the train. Strangely, its not the Anime I like, but simply the culture, cuisine, cleanliness, and the very efficient train system! I also have a dream to move to Japan, but never pursued the JET route, because I'm seeking a career in Data Analytics. I'm hoping I can use that career to get a tech job in Japan! Thanks for sharing your story though!
I watched your videos for tips on my vacation but you’re such a lovely person, it sounds like going to Japan was a great and right choice for you. I’m glad you still enjoy it and hope that continues for you! 😊
Just found your videos earlier this week. I’ve started planning a trip to Japan with my GF for ~May 2026. We’re excited and your videos are super helpful! Keep them coming!!
Happy Birthday Diane!! I lived near Osaka for seven years back in the early 2k's. Definitely no regrets. I might likely have stayed, but ended up returning to the US for personal reasons. Just this past summer I came back for a vacation and loved it! In some ways it was the same Japan I loved and remembered, and in some ways, as expected, Japan has continued to evolve without me. I still get very nostalgic about my life there, which brings me to channels like yours. Thanks so much for sharing!
HBD! I went to live alone in Japan (well, I decided to stay with a host family the first year but I didn't know a single person there) at 29 in 2011, stayed for 3 years and met my wife, and we are returning to Japan this autumn!
Hi Allison, I hope you are feeling better now. Thought you were very honest in your thoughts about moving. I've been watching now for over 3 years and still really enjoy your vlogs. Happy birthday to your mum, Diane 🎉❤
I’m leaving to go to a Japanese college in a few weeks (I’ve never been to Japan) and this and other of your videos are a great encouragement. Thank you!
Me and my Daughter watch your videos all the time. We love them there so relaxing and interesting. I’m so fascinated with Japan. I would love to visit there
Happy birthday Diane! I never had a chance to do anything as life changing and exciting as living in another country, so when my son showed interest in the JET program, I supported him all the way! He is now a JET, going on his second year, in the Inaka, a tiny seaside town in Hokkaido! Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your priceless advice!
great video allison and thank you for sharing your experience (also happy birthday diane!!) that "will you regret not moving" question still plagues me to this day but the pathways to japan have been harder for me unfortunately... i wasnt able to study abroad in high school due to funds, college due to covid, and i didnt get into JET. i still haven't been to japan, but i'm still waiting for the day where the timing and opportunities align.
You are correct about wondering what would have been. When I was 18, I was asked to move to Japan and teach English. I did not go because I was to graduate in a month and passed it up. I am now in my 60s and do wish I would have gone. Guys, follow your dreams!
I have been following you for a few years ago and I can't believe you went to Saga! I am living there right now and working in a job involved with school exchanges between Saga City and our American sister city! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here
Hope you feel better soon! Honestly, a lot of my reasons for moving to Japan (in 11 days!!! AHHH) are similar to yours. I enjoy the experience of the culture, I feel like I can find a place for myself there in a way I can't really do here, and I want to live a more exciting life! Happy birthday, Allison's mom!
Happy birthday Diane! :) I'm happy to just be a tourist in Japan, but it seems like a safe, vibrant and exciting place to live. If I moved there it would extremely be for food and snacks though.
Happy birthday Diane!! Feel better soon Allison! I moved here for my husbands job in February and binged watched your content all of 2023. Girl you weren’t joking about this heat. I fully expected it to be like hot swampy Florida but it’s so much worse 😅.
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉 I moved to Japan a little over a year and a half ago and have been loving everyday of it! I came to my answer the same way you did, I knew that I'd regret it my entire life if I didn't at least try moving here! For me my draw to Japan was lot of the same reasons as you: originally anime but also feeling like you fit in better here. But also because it's so much easier for me to get around. I can't drive so living in the US had me stranded on my own or constantly asking people around me for rides everywhere. 😭 I had zero autonomy and felt really stangent and trapped. I feel so much more free here with the convenience of trains, busses and biking everywhere. It may seem like such a small thing but I get so much fulfillment in life from just being able to do things like hop over to the grocery store whenever I want! Congratulations on six years here! And thank you for making the kind of content that you do!
Happy Birthday to your Mom 🎉 USA person here and in the past I really wanted to move to Japan. I actually moved states and to the city I'm living in now as a test to see if I could do a big change like that. Turns out I found my community here, and after a long trip to Japan, I realized I really like it here. I'm actually going back to school in another really *rural* state, but I'm excited to try something new while I still have my base in this new City. Nothing could convince me to move back home and I very much don't regret challenging myself!
Happy birthday Diane!! My husband talks about moving to Japan for even just a year every single day since we visited in April 2023 for our honeymoon. I don't know if I could do it, especially during the summer months ): I love my current job and moving away from my family would be so hard. Maybe one day we will do it.. but what scares me is wondering if I would be happy, or wanting the year to end so we could move back to our home country where I actually feel more comfortable.. you know? Awesome video as always Allison, I'm so glad you're feeling better!
I'm probably late but Happy Birthday Dianne!!!!! Back in when I was 10 we did a project on Japan and I've been thinking about it for the past 40 years, not sure if I should concentrate on just a vacation or maybe more. Part of me wants to see more than tourist spots, I want to know what actual life there is like! Which is why I love following you!!! My embarrassing reason is Vending Machine Culture and Pop/cute culture LOL. I'm not huge into anime or Pokémon but I do enjoy the visibility of it all.
Happy birthday Diane! I grew up watching Pokemon, and as I got older and we got Pokemon Go, I returned to that happy childhood again. Then I found manga as well. Ngl, I love the food, the culture (both the historical and the anime culture), and all the quirky and cute stuff they have. I can't wait to experience at least a tiny bit of everything when I go to Japan on a solo trip at the end of October, staying for two weeks, as Japan has been on my bucket list for at least 10 years🥳
Happy birthday diane. And my reason for wanting to live there is because I actually live there as a child and I felt like II was home. It felt right, so I want to go back now.
Happy birthday, Diane! I've wanted to visit Japan for as long as I can remember, and I finally got the chance this spring. It was even better than I was expecting, and I fell in love with the people and the culture. Off to google the JET program...
Another great video, Allison. I would never have told anyone at your age that i was into geeky things. Nowadays, i have no problem. I regret many things now and wish i had been like you and did it. You are an inspirational person. Don't forget it. Your mum must be very proud of you. On that subject, Happy birthday, Diane 🎂
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉 I would LOVE to at least visit or live in Japan for some amount of time. I hope I can someday soon. I'm in my 30s so living there might be harder than visiting. Long visits would be nice too 😊
Honestly I’m still thinking about moving to Japan. I’m still thinking about the work life balance culture. I like to work with a community and have a sense that I’m contributing but I also want to put energy in dating as well. I guess teaching is a way in the door. The more I research the more inclined I am about the decision . Happy 🎉 birthday Diane 🥳.
First: Happy Birthday Diane! The point you make about responsibilities is a big thing I feel like not a lot of people mention. I'm 33 and been considering moving to Japan, but I have pets, parents that grow older (and that I might not see a lot of if I move a long distance), a stable job. I have bills to pay. I cannot go and move on a whim like I did when I moved to England when I was 21 (I planned the whole thing and found a family to live with in 2-ish weeks and stayed with them for nearly two years). But the sole Idea and wish is enough reason, to set up a plan: how much can I save, are there jobs in my field I can apply to, can I learn enough Japanese in that time to help me get around, what about my pets etc. I feel like having a strong dream/wish opens up so many possibilities in the first place. And it's totally valid to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out? Totally fine! You still bring back a lot of new experiences :D
Happy Birthday Diane 🥳 Happy 6 year anniversary Allison 🎉 this was a very interesting video, you’re completely right in what you’re saying, life isn’t about ‘what if’s’, if you have the means, done your research, take that opportunity to live your life the way you wish to and don’t regret doing so. I’ve missed the last few of your videos due to (mostly) positive changes in life and I look forward to catching up on those in the coming days. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts, insights and experiences into living in Japan. Best wishes to you, your family and friends from England 🏴🇺🇸🇯🇵😊
Happy Birthday! lol I also feel like an outsider when I am in the US because I see how we do so many things so wrong 😂, and zero plans to change. Drives me nuts.
I did the opposite I was born in Japan wanted to move to the states and I did and am still here glad I did it nothing is perfect everything had pros and cons but you know once you find what you like to do you gotta go at it (:
i loved hearing your story, and it feels so similar to mine except that i never took the leap and made my way to japan. i feel like i missed my window because i got married too young, and even though i'm now divorced, i now have unforseen illness taking up most of my life. i'm working the stable but boring office career, and feel like i missed out on so much. my dream is to be able to do a workaway program at least if my health allows it some day! i know it's never too late, and plenty of people have done this while older (i'm in 30s now), but i just hope i can achieve those dreams some day one way or another! japan just seems like a beautiful experience and i love living vicariously through you and other youtubers there :) thank you always for sharing your experiences and stories!
Happy Birthday to your mom🎂 and glad you are feeling better, I totally feel ya, I got sick a couple weeks ago and finally feel back to normal. Haha 😆 we are about the same age, so hearing you talk 2010s, mannn I remember those days and it makes me feel old 😅 I had a similar experience of getting into Naruto in middle school and actually before that in elementary school Sailor Moon (since it was on TV at 7am pre-cable on weekdays). I also had checked out some Studio Ghibli movies (Totoro/Kiki) from the library as a kid and made the connection that it was all the same studio when I checked out Howl's moving castle and saw the Totoro logo. So same, I didn't make the connection until 9th that all the stuff I loved was in Japan 😂
Mini novella part 3 - Anyway I basically could have probably gone in the small window when I didn't have responsibilities but I feel I wouldn't have appreciated it as fully as I would now. At the same time I've now kinda missed the window in my life where I'm able to take a couple months off and I'm paranoid/cautious that if I do go, that will be when there's an earthquake/tsunami because just my luck 😂 Anyway, I feel like I made my peace with it, for a couple reasons (no need to make this a novel lol) but I wanted to tell you since funny enough I reconnected with my group of friends from HS this past year and so like I can see how everyone is doing and also I can see how my friend group that used to go to Japan a lot is doing.
Final mini novella (guess I woke up really chatty today huh LMAO) - I'm glad you moved to Japan to have no regrets and cultivated the life you wanted to live (I did a no regrets thing with my career and found it wasn't for me and completely changed career paths, but it was totally worth it) and I wanted to say you aren't behind your peers relationship-wise just because you moved to Japan, almost all my friends are still single and honestly in suburban Florida, that's not that shocking 😂 I found someone recently and got married 💖 but it was after going on bunchhhh of dates (had to get on the dating apps since again in suburban Florida how else will you meet people) and let's say after ~100 first dates I found one guy that was the right fit for me (who guess what, apparently lived down the street for decade and our paths didn't collide until said getting on a freaken app lol), so it's a numbers game for sure! My single friends have gone on maybe 3 dates in the course of the year sooo 😅 it really decreases their chances and I also tell them to get out there and they will meet someone (one did that and yayyyy 🙌 just got a BF that might be the one too). So yeah, all I'm saying is even in Japan since you mentioned FB groups and stuff, I'm sure you will find your perfect someone like minded values 💖 (just yeah, don't give uppppp and yeah no matter where you live, you have to go through the dating ringer haha 😅) Sending you all the best 🎉🎉🎉 and to close it out on a classic Naruto line: "Believe it!" ✨
Happy birthday Diane :) I'm not planning to move to Japan, I just hearing about people's experience living there. But if I did, the first reason would be "Pokemon" ^^;
Happy Birthday, Diane!! 🎉 😊 My husband and I would LOVE to move to Japan one day, but our kids have no such desire right now even though they love visiting Japan too 😅 I think ideally though, if you could work remotely for a North American company and be a digital nomad in Japan that would be best because the differences in salary of what would make for the same role in Japan is HUGE. Of course the cost of living in Japan in much cheaper but if you had a decent/high paying job in North America, I don’t think you would be ok with being paid much, much less for doing the same work in Japan.
im in japan right now attending a language school! i came here in April of this year and im really enjoyong it so far. im here for two years then hopefully i can find a job here. i watched your videos before moving here and i still do, now it's just more relatable. im in a similar boat because im 24 and was really early into my career and didnt have many responsibilities. but i wanted a change from my daily life in canada even though there was nothong wrong with it. also you didnt finish your story! you disnt elaborate after getting into the JET programme. what happened after that?? and happy birthday diane!
you had no business making me cry when you asked if I'd regret it if I never moved to Japan in my life 😭😭😭 I've loved Japan since I was a kid just like you. And only recently at 28 I started to take private lessons for Japanese, started saving money and also studying to become better at my job to get a well paid job in Japan. if I'm lucky I'll probably be in my early to mid 30s when I actually manage to go there, but I'm staying hopeful and working hard ❤ P.S. Happy birthday, Diane!! ❤
![Lil Uzi Vert - Chill Bae [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D7F42F_JM3U/mqdefault.jpg)
Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ nordvpn.com/allisonintokyo. Every purchase of the 2-year NordVPN plan will receive +4 bonus months on top, plus up to 20 GB Saily data voucher. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
When I was 5 years old, back in 1981, I told my Mom that I wanted to live in Japan (lived in Manhattan then).
I finally did it at 47.
Best life decision ever.
Hope you have a good life there mate!
First video I filmed in almost 2 months because I kept getting sick wahhhh so surprise Wednesday video 🤗
Happy birthday Diane!!
I went last year and honestly, if I could, I’d move there. Aside from the language barrier, I didn’t have to deal with anything that would dissuade me from it.
Glad you are feeling better ❤️
Happy Birthday Diane. People, don’t have regrets. I had an epiphany relatively late, 30’s. Not to live in Japan, but to see the world. I acted on my realisation and did all I could to make it happen and within a year I had my savings, rented my house, quit my job and backpacked for a year. Changed my life……don’t have regrets. I am now 61 and only discovered Japan in 2019. Definitely a country that matches my spirit.
The question “will you regret not moving?” is what made me move to Japan. I applied to the JET programme on a whim, I thought I wouldn’t get in but knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. I got in and have been in a rural placement for a year. I have loved living here and have had the best year! I made the decision to not re-contract as I have commitments back home so I’ll be leaving in a few days. Tbh I’m pretty sad about leaving but I’m so happy I’ve had the opportunity to live in this beautiful country! I’d like to thank you for talking about Japan and the JET programme as it was a big driver for me applying to JET and led me to have this amazing experience ❤ 本当にありがとうございました！
Happy birthday Diane! 🎉 🎂🎉
Happy Birthday, Diane. You have an awesome daughter. I lived in Japan twice. 1984-86 and 1992-95. Wonderful experience. I still have relatives in the Kyoto area.
I love your channel because it seems like a genuine depiction of your life in Japan, rather than your content being a product you're selling us. I didn't grow up being obsessed with Japan, but this is something that has grown in me over the past few years. It's my dream to live in a quiet, clean, efficient place, where the general public keeps respectful distance with one another and everyone tends to mind their own business. That's the real appeal of Japan to me. Coming from the US it's hard to believe there's a place that offers any of those things. I appreciate that your videos never have that sticky influencer vibe. Thank you for not b/s-ing your subscribers and keeping it real in Tokyo ⛩️🫰🏼
Thankyou for saving me a lot of typing! My thoughts exactly.
Happy Birthday Diane!
I went to Japan for a month as soon as it opened from covid back in 2022, I decided that is where I wanted to be, and at 31 I am moving to Japan next month, can't wait!
Would you mind sharing how or through what path did you take to make the move possible? The visa process seems impossible if a company or school’s not sponsoring.
@@Auroramuffintops Go as a tourist and legalise after you arrive. This is what I did some 50 years ago.
Girl… literally everything you said from playing Sonic in 2nd grade to watching Naruto in 4th is LITERALLY ME OMFG. It was wild haha I loved hearing your story :3 Thank you for sharing!
🦔🦔🦔
Hello Allison, my name is Hans and I’m from England the United Kingdom. 🇬🇧 🏴 I have been a silent watcher for quite a while, I love watching your videos. I always look forward to your new uploads, I find your videos relaxing to watch
When you said how you didn’t fit in well in America, I think the way that Japan function reflects with how you function as a person. Thats why you feel comfortable there. Needless to say, I’m an upcoming JET participant and I’m excited for this new chapter of my life.
Happy Birthday Diane!
I'm also 27 and have loved Japan since I was 13!
I visited Japan for the first time when I was 22 (right before Covid) and LOVED IT! I went again this past April ALONE. I really enjoyed traveling there alone and even traveled to other cities on the train.
Strangely, its not the Anime I like, but simply the culture, cuisine, cleanliness, and the very efficient train system!
I also have a dream to move to Japan, but never pursued the JET route, because I'm seeking a career in Data Analytics. I'm hoping I can use that career to get a tech job in Japan!
Thanks for sharing your story though!
I watched your videos for tips on my vacation but you’re such a lovely person, it sounds like going to Japan was a great and right choice for you. I’m glad you still enjoy it and hope that continues for you! 😊
Just found your videos earlier this week. I’ve started planning a trip to Japan with my GF for ~May 2026. We’re excited and your videos are super helpful! Keep them coming!!
Happy Birthday Diane!!
I lived near Osaka for seven years back in the early 2k's. Definitely no regrets. I might likely have stayed, but ended up returning to the US for personal reasons. Just this past summer I came back for a vacation and loved it! In some ways it was the same Japan I loved and remembered, and in some ways, as expected, Japan has continued to evolve without me. I still get very nostalgic about my life there, which brings me to channels like yours. Thanks so much for sharing!
HBD! I went to live alone in Japan (well, I decided to stay with a host family the first year but I didn't know a single person there) at 29 in 2011, stayed for 3 years and met my wife, and we are returning to Japan this autumn!
Hi Allison, I hope you are feeling better now. Thought you were very honest in your thoughts about moving. I've been watching now for over 3 years and still really enjoy your vlogs. Happy birthday to your mum, Diane 🎉❤
I’m leaving to go to a Japanese college in a few weeks (I’ve never been to Japan) and this and other of your videos are a great encouragement. Thank you!
Me and my Daughter watch your videos all the time. We love them there so relaxing and interesting. I’m so fascinated with Japan. I would love to visit there
Happy Birthday Dianne! Visited in 2000 through the Fulbright Memorial Scholarship Program for educators. and loved Japan. Hope to return one day! :)
Happy birthday Diane! I never had a chance to do anything as life changing and exciting as living in another country, so when my son showed interest in the JET program, I supported him all the way! He is now a JET, going on his second year, in the Inaka, a tiny seaside town in Hokkaido! Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your priceless advice!
Hey bro thank you for moving to Japan we need more people just like you in Japan to help country thrive !❤
great video allison and thank you for sharing your experience (also happy birthday diane!!) that "will you regret not moving" question still plagues me to this day but the pathways to japan have been harder for me unfortunately... i wasnt able to study abroad in high school due to funds, college due to covid, and i didnt get into JET. i still haven't been to japan, but i'm still waiting for the day where the timing and opportunities align.
You are correct about wondering what would have been. When I was 18, I was asked to move to Japan and teach English. I did not go because I was to graduate in a month and passed it up. I am now in my 60s and do wish I would have gone. Guys, follow your dreams!
Happy Birthday, Diane!
Happy Birthday, Diane! Thanks Allison.
I have been following you for a few years ago and I can't believe you went to Saga! I am living there right now and working in a job involved with school exchanges between Saga City and our American sister city! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here
Hope you feel better soon!
Honestly, a lot of my reasons for moving to Japan (in 11 days!!! AHHH) are similar to yours. I enjoy the experience of the culture, I feel like I can find a place for myself there in a way I can't really do here, and I want to live a more exciting life!
Happy birthday, Allison's mom!
Happy Birthday Diane! You raised an awesome daughter.
Happy birthday Diane. My youngest daughter always wanted to move to Japan. Thanks for sharing your view point.
Happy birthday Diane! :)
I'm happy to just be a tourist in Japan, but it seems like a safe, vibrant and exciting place to live. If I moved there it would extremely be for food and snacks though.
Happy birthday Diane!!
Feel better soon Allison!
I moved here for my husbands job in February and binged watched your content all of 2023. Girl you weren’t joking about this heat. I fully expected it to be like hot swampy Florida but it’s so much worse 😅.
Happy Birthday to your mom Diane, she is very proud of you I’m sure 🌷🌹
Happy Birthday Dianne. Hope you feel better soon
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉
I moved to Japan a little over a year and a half ago and have been loving everyday of it! I came to my answer the same way you did, I knew that I'd regret it my entire life if I didn't at least try moving here! For me my draw to Japan was lot of the same reasons as you: originally anime but also feeling like you fit in better here. But also because it's so much easier for me to get around. I can't drive so living in the US had me stranded on my own or constantly asking people around me for rides everywhere. 😭 I had zero autonomy and felt really stangent and trapped. I feel so much more free here with the convenience of trains, busses and biking everywhere. It may seem like such a small thing but I get so much fulfillment in life from just being able to do things like hop over to the grocery store whenever I want! Congratulations on six years here! And thank you for making the kind of content that you do!
Happy Birthday to your Mom 🎉
USA person here and in the past I really wanted to move to Japan. I actually moved states and to the city I'm living in now as a test to see if I could do a big change like that. Turns out I found my community here, and after a long trip to Japan, I realized I really like it here. I'm actually going back to school in another really *rural* state, but I'm excited to try something new while I still have my base in this new City. Nothing could convince me to move back home and I very much don't regret challenging myself!
happy birthday Diane ! thanks for making me smile
Happy birthday Diane!!
My husband talks about moving to Japan for even just a year every single day since we visited in April 2023 for our honeymoon. I don't know if I could do it, especially during the summer months ): I love my current job and moving away from my family would be so hard.
Maybe one day we will do it.. but what scares me is wondering if I would be happy, or wanting the year to end so we could move back to our home country where I actually feel more comfortable.. you know?
Awesome video as always Allison, I'm so glad you're feeling better!
Happy Birthday Diane 🎉🎉 I love anime and the Japanese culture I have grown to enjoy as well as jrpgs
I'm probably late but Happy Birthday Dianne!!!!! Back in when I was 10 we did a project on Japan and I've been thinking about it for the past 40 years, not sure if I should concentrate on just a vacation or maybe more. Part of me wants to see more than tourist spots, I want to know what actual life there is like! Which is why I love following you!!! My embarrassing reason is Vending Machine Culture and Pop/cute culture LOL. I'm not huge into anime or Pokémon but I do enjoy the visibility of it all.
Allison, thank you so much for making this episode on moving to Japan! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANN 🍪🍪🍪✨🎈🎈🎈🎉🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊🎁🎉🎉🎊
Michaela and Danny, wow they're throwbacks!
Happy birthday Diane!
I grew up watching Pokemon, and as I got older and we got Pokemon Go, I returned to that happy childhood again. Then I found manga as well. Ngl, I love the food, the culture (both the historical and the anime culture), and all the quirky and cute stuff they have. I can't wait to experience at least a tiny bit of everything when I go to Japan on a solo trip at the end of October, staying for two weeks, as Japan has been on my bucket list for at least 10 years🥳
Happy Birthday, Diane! 🎂
Happy Birthday, Diane.
If I had the means I would definitely move to Japan right now. ❤ Happy Birthday Dianne
Happy birthday to your Mum, Diane
Happy bday Diane! I’m traveling to Japan for the first time in May🤩 I can’t wait! Hope you feel better ASAP!
Happy Birthday Dianne !
I am a huge alli fan.I've watched you since the beginning. I love all your contents.I think you do a fabulous job.Happy birthday diane
Happy birthday diane. And my reason for wanting to live there is because I actually live there as a child and I felt like II was home. It felt right, so I want to go back now.
thank you for this video!
i only wish i saw it 10 years ago...
and happy birthday to Diane
Happy birthday, Diane!
I've wanted to visit Japan for as long as I can remember, and I finally got the chance this spring. It was even better than I was expecting, and I fell in love with the people and the culture.
Off to google the JET program...
Another great video, Allison. I would never have told anyone at your age that i was into geeky things. Nowadays, i have no problem. I regret many things now and wish i had been like you and did it. You are an inspirational person. Don't forget it. Your mum must be very proud of you. On that subject, Happy birthday, Diane 🎂
Happy birthday Dianne. Feel better gorgeous!
Happy Birthday Diane!
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉
I would LOVE to at least visit or live in Japan for some amount of time. I hope I can someday soon. I'm in my 30s so living there might be harder than visiting. Long visits would be nice too 😊
omg sonic adventure dx and 2 are my comfort games when i was in kid 😭 i felt so emotional when u mentioned that
Thank you for this interesting video! ❤
I am planning to settle down in Japan within the next years
Honestly I’m still thinking about moving to Japan. I’m still thinking about the work life balance culture. I like to work with a community and have a sense that I’m contributing but I also want to put energy in dating as well. I guess teaching is a way in the door. The more I research the more inclined I am about the decision . Happy 🎉 birthday Diane 🥳.
Danny Choo's Photo walks are amazing
Happy Birthday Allison’s mom! 👋🏻 🎉🎈😊
First: Happy Birthday Diane!
The point you make about responsibilities is a big thing I feel like not a lot of people mention. I'm 33 and been considering moving to Japan, but I have pets, parents that grow older (and that I might not see a lot of if I move a long distance), a stable job. I have bills to pay. I cannot go and move on a whim like I did when I moved to England when I was 21 (I planned the whole thing and found a family to live with in 2-ish weeks and stayed with them for nearly two years). But the sole Idea and wish is enough reason, to set up a plan: how much can I save, are there jobs in my field I can apply to, can I learn enough Japanese in that time to help me get around, what about my pets etc. I feel like having a strong dream/wish opens up so many possibilities in the first place. And it's totally valid to give it a shot. If it doesn't work out? Totally fine! You still bring back a lot of new experiences :D
Watched to the end! Happy birthday, Diane! It has to be hard to have your Mom so far away. Stay healthy!
Happy Birthday Diane 🥳
Happy 6 year anniversary Allison 🎉 this was a very interesting video, you’re completely right in what you’re saying, life isn’t about ‘what if’s’, if you have the means, done your research, take that opportunity to live your life the way you wish to and don’t regret doing so.
I’ve missed the last few of your videos due to (mostly) positive changes in life and I look forward to catching up on those in the coming days.
Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts, insights and experiences into living in Japan.
Best wishes to you, your family and friends from England 🏴🇺🇸🇯🇵😊
Thanks!! Congrats for the positive life changes ❣️
@@AllisoninTokyo thank you Allison 😊 have a great weekend
Happy Birthday!
lol
I also feel like an outsider when I am in the US because I see how we do so many things so wrong 😂, and zero plans to change.
Drives me nuts.
I did the opposite I was born in Japan wanted to move to the states and I did and am still here glad I did it nothing is perfect everything had pros and cons but you know once you find what you like to do you gotta go at it (:
Happy birthday Diane x
happy birthday diane!
i loved hearing your story, and it feels so similar to mine except that i never took the leap and made my way to japan. i feel like i missed my window because i got married too young, and even though i'm now divorced, i now have unforseen illness taking up most of my life. i'm working the stable but boring office career, and feel like i missed out on so much. my dream is to be able to do a workaway program at least if my health allows it some day! i know it's never too late, and plenty of people have done this while older (i'm in 30s now), but i just hope i can achieve those dreams some day one way or another! japan just seems like a beautiful experience and i love living vicariously through you and other youtubers there :) thank you always for sharing your experiences and stories!
Happy Birthday Diane💝🎂🎂
Glad your feeling better
Happy birthday Diane! 🥳🎂🥂
Happy Birthday to your mom🎂 and glad you are feeling better, I totally feel ya, I got sick a couple weeks ago and finally feel back to normal. Haha 😆 we are about the same age, so hearing you talk 2010s, mannn I remember those days and it makes me feel old 😅 I had a similar experience of getting into Naruto in middle school and actually before that in elementary school Sailor Moon (since it was on TV at 7am pre-cable on weekdays). I also had checked out some Studio Ghibli movies (Totoro/Kiki) from the library as a kid and made the connection that it was all the same studio when I checked out Howl's moving castle and saw the Totoro logo. So same, I didn't make the connection until 9th that all the stuff I loved was in Japan 😂
Mini novella part 3 - Anyway I basically could have probably gone in the small window when I didn't have responsibilities but I feel I wouldn't have appreciated it as fully as I would now. At the same time I've now kinda missed the window in my life where I'm able to take a couple months off and I'm paranoid/cautious that if I do go, that will be when there's an earthquake/tsunami because just my luck 😂 Anyway, I feel like I made my peace with it, for a couple reasons (no need to make this a novel lol) but I wanted to tell you since funny enough I reconnected with my group of friends from HS this past year and so like I can see how everyone is doing and also I can see how my friend group that used to go to Japan a lot is doing.
Final mini novella (guess I woke up really chatty today huh LMAO) - I'm glad you moved to Japan to have no regrets and cultivated the life you wanted to live (I did a no regrets thing with my career and found it wasn't for me and completely changed career paths, but it was totally worth it) and I wanted to say you aren't behind your peers relationship-wise just because you moved to Japan, almost all my friends are still single and honestly in suburban Florida, that's not that shocking 😂 I found someone recently and got married 💖 but it was after going on bunchhhh of dates (had to get on the dating apps since again in suburban Florida how else will you meet people) and let's say after ~100 first dates I found one guy that was the right fit for me (who guess what, apparently lived down the street for decade and our paths didn't collide until said getting on a freaken app lol), so it's a numbers game for sure! My single friends have gone on maybe 3 dates in the course of the year sooo 😅 it really decreases their chances and I also tell them to get out there and they will meet someone (one did that and yayyyy 🙌 just got a BF that might be the one too). So yeah, all I'm saying is even in Japan since you mentioned FB groups and stuff, I'm sure you will find your perfect someone like minded values 💖 (just yeah, don't give uppppp and yeah no matter where you live, you have to go through the dating ringer haha 😅) Sending you all the best 🎉🎉🎉 and to close it out on a classic Naruto line: "Believe it!" ✨
Belated Happy Birthday Diane
Happy Belated Birthday Diane!!
Happy Birthday Dianne
Happy Birthday Diane! 🥳
Happy birthday to your mom ❤
Happy Birthday Diane! Enjoy your videos so much, hope you are well soon.
Happy Birthday Diane!
Haha, the Neopets reference was a real blast from the past 😁 I enjoyed hearing your rationale for starting a new life in Japan!
Happy birthday, Diane!
Happy birthday, Diane!🎉😆
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎊🎉🌸🎂🎁🎈
Happy birthday, Dianne! 🎉
Happy Birthday Diane! 🎉 thanks for the videos, I visited years ago and want to come back. It is an amazing country!
Thank you Allison for this video, it really gave me reassurance in my future plan to try language school in Japan.
Happy birthday Diane! 🎉
Happy birthday Diane! Have a good one!
Happy birthday Dianne ♡
Happy birthday Diane :)
I'm not planning to move to Japan, I just hearing about people's experience living there. But if I did, the first reason would be "Pokemon" ^^;
Happy Birthday, Diane!! 🎉 😊 My husband and I would LOVE to move to Japan one day, but our kids have no such desire right now even though they love visiting Japan too 😅 I think ideally though, if you could work remotely for a North American company and be a digital nomad in Japan that would be best because the differences in salary of what would make for the same role in Japan is HUGE. Of course the cost of living in Japan in much cheaper but if you had a decent/high paying job in North America, I don’t think you would be ok with being paid much, much less for doing the same work in Japan.
Happy birthday to your mum, Dianne!😊🎉
your video really comforted me as i watched it in my new japanese inaka apartment. happy birthday diane ^_^
im in japan right now attending a language school! i came here in April of this year and im really enjoyong it so far. im here for two years then hopefully i can find a job here. i watched your videos before moving here and i still do, now it's just more relatable. im in a similar boat because im 24 and was really early into my career and didnt have many responsibilities. but i wanted a change from my daily life in canada even though there was nothong wrong with it.
also you didnt finish your story! you disnt elaborate after getting into the JET programme. what happened after that??
and happy birthday diane!
Happy birthday Diane ❤🎉
Thank you for the in depth video. And happy birthday Allison's mom!
Happy Birthday Diane!
It's always so interesting what reasons different people have and how many points do overlap 😊👍
Happy birthday Diane! I think CCS is a good gateway drug. Danny Choo was the bomb back then. I actually met him in 2010 at a itasha festival.
you had no business making me cry when you asked if I'd regret it if I never moved to Japan in my life 😭😭😭
I've loved Japan since I was a kid just like you. And only recently at 28 I started to take private lessons for Japanese, started saving money and also studying to become better at my job to get a well paid job in Japan. if I'm lucky I'll probably be in my early to mid 30s when I actually manage to go there, but I'm staying hopeful and working hard ❤
P.S. Happy birthday, Diane!! ❤
Aww🥺 yess you can do it! I know plenty of people who move here in their 30s 😊
Happy birthday Diane🎉🎉