4 things I wish I knew before moving to Japan

[Rasheens-Story]

Even mixed folks like half Japanese people born there are treated as foreigners 😂because they look different

[melissarivas]

I love your content, Ms. Lady! My son is in Kofu, Japan, prefecture of Yamanashi. He's studying language translation, he's made a few friends with the locals only because they see him daily on his way to class, but he said it's hard to meet new people. I can't wait to visit, even though my son hates going into Tokyo because it's so fast paced and busy, I will definitely be visiting that custom perfume making shop you shared in another video, Ima make him take me so he can translate for me.

[YasminRayYaz]

I am living and loving this new vibes of them YouTube shorts you’re giving us. Gorgeousness

[robotistic]

I am born in Japan but spent most of my adult life overseas and came back to Japan as a returner. I am still having a tough time blending in to japanese mannerisms, even the way we converse need to fit into their specific rules. Because I am Japanese expectations are even higher….. I have been so stressed.

[Tarotbyjessa]

Same in the UK. I've been here for nearly a decade. It hurts, they want you to integrate but when you do you're pushed away. Just when you thought you're building a connection with them, you're not. Love and Belongingness is so important to our survival.

[jasmineadjei]

You are an inspiration I think disporan groups or expats maybe a good shout I’m a British Ghanaian in ghana and it feels impossible and I’m on the continent. Lonely is not the word to describe how I feel. Keep on keeping on my lovely.

[erikdalna]

Truth is that relatively few societies integrate outsiders easily, especially if they look different. Multiculturalism is rare and precious and that’s why we must defend against those who want to narrow our horizons.

[kathryneliza]

I found a Japanese Mum and Dad who worked as our admin lady - she invited all of the ALTs to her house but fell in love with me the kiwi and the two Carribbean girls.. she started to learn the diff cultural differences of each of us.. I totally relate to the coffee friends, and them wanting to be friends because you are foreign. Hope you find some good people who are like family! ❤

[josephoni]

Great content i will be visiting Japan shortly, hope to enjoy my stay

[EJL]

Spot on! Been here for four years and have only 3 local friends.

[fearlessnita]

I live in Japan now and I agree with everything you’ve said.

[heinc]

Thank You for your Expressions of Experiences...

Good Lessons

Always Chin Up, Shoulders Back, Head On Straight 💪

[LimingLyn]

YOU Look amazing AND so relaxed…. Guess with the weight of the dissertation completed and graduation behind you, You have more inner peace🎉🎉Lol . I’ve always like how you speak about what you wish you knew BEFORE coming to Japan. I hope people planning to reside in Japan truly understand your content and know it’s not ALL ANIME or MANGA related. AND remember, no matter your status, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A FOREIGNER if you don’t have Japanese blood even if you become a citizen.❤

[TJ-]

I don’t know why but in the end when she was holding the birds and was grinning into the camera she suddenly reminded me so much of Whitney Houston

[mccnbinnie]

Thank you for sharing these thoughts 🙏🏽

[stevenbaker]

I lived there in the early 00s loved it and made friends even had a nickname Hiasia. Probably actually an insult 😂. I don't know if the alienation is any different in their urban areas than other countries.

[loveyvo]

That must be difficult. I still feel like a foreigner in the USA 🇺🇸.

[Balanced]

I agree with their outlook, how can you be someone who you look so foreign & different to, there must be some distinction, set apart features, cultural differences to qualify to be called African, Japanese, Indian, Mongolian...etc.

[byronmims]

Thank you for the commentary education that's wonderfully enterwoven into your videos. What's your PhD in?

[shizuokaBLUES]

I’ve been here in Japan 29 years and have given up on having Japanese friends. I can be friendly with many and can enjoy the odd night out in a group or friendly interaction in the hallway. But friendship? Not when I’m always regarded as a “gaijin friend” and never truly accepted or trusted.