6 Years Abroad in Japan (from today)
Added 2018-07-28 17:53:12 +0000 UTCThis is the first time in recent years that I’ve actually remembered that today is the anniversary of my arrival in Japan.
And so I feel compelled to write something, given that I’ll inevitably forget it again next year and thereafter.
I want to avoid trying to sound pretentious for once, so I’ll share just one quick thing that I believe is seriously important.
In the 6 years that I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve never had one single day that I’ve regretted moving here.
Even through the toughest, darkest of times, or five months of continuous, obscene snow fall, language barriers that have turned conversations into incomprehensible nightmares, trying to convince 1,200 teenager that learning English is fun (when it isn't), or perhaps above all, not understanding how to operate my fucking microwave for a six month period of time.
Honestly - even through all of that - there’s not been one single fleeting moment that I've regretted living abroad.
(Even during the current on-going heat wave, which is melting my face).
The experience of living abroad in a completely foreign culture and the onslaught of challenges that come with it, have made everyday existence unpredictable, exciting and above all, deeply fulfilling in a way that I've always had trouble describing (which is perhaps, why I make videos - I find it easier to show the madness of it all, as opposed to type it out it like this).
No matter who you are, where you are or how old you are, I cannot recommend enough, the adventure of living abroad in a country with an alien language and culture. Even if it’s just for a short time.
It's bloody daunting at first (I was beyond terrified before I got here), but it's absolutely, positively, completely worth the leap.
Because not only will the trials and tribulations push you to the brink, and give you a better sense of self, but you'll find you're able to gain a better grasp of the world as a whole.
You’ll realise that while we may all be born and raised in our own countries dotted around the world, ultimately despite borders, oceans and beliefs, we all have a lot more in common than you might think. We all still inhabit the same world.
And we're all still here for a relatively short amount of time.
Through living abroad (or travelling for an extended period), you’re able to escape the bubble of your own culture, see things from a more objective perspective, and gain a greater understanding of humanity, and the elements that make existence so utterly spectacular.
And if you do try living abroad, I can only wish that you're able to find the experience as profound, rewarding and as memorable as I've been fortunate to, these past 6 years.
- (And then of course, you can make a Youtube channel and exploit your own existence. Wahey).
Comments
Thanks for inspiring me to basically steal your ideas for my year abroad at university. Prepare to have some hefty youtube competition. (once I get a drone and enough money to bribe King Roland to cameo)
2018-10-21 03:45:11 +0000 UTCI say more travel! Would love to see you take on different cultures. Ryotaro is my other fav on this channel.
Amaiaisuru
2018-08-10 11:40:07 +0000 UTCCongratulations on 6 years in japan! I am currently working as an ALT for interac in Gobo, Wakayama. I've loved watching your channel long before I came here. Honestly I've struggled with being here so much I'm not sure I'll even be here for 6 months but hey it works for some and not for others.
Regina Miller
2018-08-02 07:26:11 +0000 UTCHey Chris! I don't know if you'll read this, but I'm actually writing to you from the Tokyo JET orientation right now. I actually owe you some credit, because without your videos I would have never even heard of the JET programme. Tomorrow I travel to Morioka, Iwate, to start my new life as an ALT. I'm so grateful for all the work you put into your videos and sharing your life experiences with us all. I look forward to seeing where life takes you next. All the best!
2018-07-31 13:10:35 +0000 UTCChris, this "one quick thing" you shared has reinvigorated my inspiration. Cheers buddy
2018-07-29 20:13:45 +0000 UTCAmazing! Same here - coming to Japan for the first time in October, and over half of my trip will be in Tohoku. (I also happen to have a friend in Sendai, but Chris's videos definitely gave us inspiration for places to explore up there). Have a great time!
2018-07-29 11:27:22 +0000 UTCCongratulations Chris. I for one have throughly enjoyed your videos. Your adventures in Tohoku intrigued me so much that we are going on a three week road trip from Aomori to Yamagata in October.
Simon
2018-07-29 08:24:34 +0000 UTCThanks for the write-up and congrats on having a rich and deeply fulfilling experience that you've so thoughtfully shared with us throughout the years. Take care and all the best, Chris!
botchpro
2018-07-29 04:28:25 +0000 UTCI use Gboard, its Japanese support is pretty good.
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2018-07-29 03:33:44 +0000 UTCHappy sixth anniversary Chris!
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2018-07-29 03:33:11 +0000 UTCHappy 6th :)
Nicolas G.
2018-07-28 22:27:07 +0000 UTCCongrats Chris! still love your channel after all this time. Nice to see that the dramatic enhancement to production values hasn't diluted the humour and character of the channel.
2018-07-28 20:00:14 +0000 UTCHappy anniversary! I suppose I've been watching you for four of those six years. You're definitely the most entertaining and enlightening Jvlogger (I don't like words with too many consonants in a row) I've come across, and there are a lot I really like.
2018-07-28 19:09:21 +0000 UTCPs. I apologize for being the biggest n00b in here and peppering strangers with inane questions, but can anyone give a recommendation/preference for choosing between Romaji and Kana keyboards? I have an iPhone 5s, if that matters. I've googled about it to no avail.
2018-07-28 19:02:35 +0000 UTCHappy 6 year anniversary Chris, and thank you for your willingness to share this journey with us. Watching your videos has been such an inspiration for me to push myself to travel a portion of the world I would have otherwise considered to be beyond me... now i'm sat here cramming my head full of the Japanese language feeling that this trip (and potentially a move in the future) is much more attainable. I'm glad that your move has had such a profoundly positive effect on you and can only hope that my recent move to the U.K. will offer something similar. Have a fantastic time in Canada and eat ALL the poutine and justice delicious snacks you can get your hands on :)
2018-07-28 18:57:35 +0000 UTCLove watching your videos & listening to your podcasts . We are planning a trip next September and i was abit nervous about what to expect, but you've helped no end . I'm so excited to go now . Thanks Chris ❤
2018-07-28 18:28:30 +0000 UTCIt's too late for me to go, but thank you for sharing your journey so people like me have something to brighten our days. Now get some sleep, don't worry about those videos til you get back from Canada and have gotten some rest. Sleep well.
2018-07-28 18:23:12 +0000 UTCChris, this is exactly why I follow your story. The passion for excellence and proven strength through adversity is inspiring in ways words cannot truly describe. I'm looking forward to seeing how your story continues as your journey unfolds.
2018-07-28 18:09:11 +0000 UTCI usually get terrified just to go to the supermarket, can't even imagine how moving abroad would feel like. O_o
2018-07-28 18:06:43 +0000 UTCBesides the text, i really like the picture! Cool Shot. 😃👍
2018-07-28 17:59:02 +0000 UTCIt's already 3am, sleep now Chris.
2018-07-28 17:58:16 +0000 UTCI remember watching your first video like it was last month...
Red
2018-07-28 17:57:59 +0000 UTCThat's crazy.
Red
2018-07-28 17:57:04 +0000 UTC
