How has Japan changed you as a person?

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After just 2 weeks in Japan as soon as I got back to the USA I immediately missed the polite and high-quality service.

After almost 10 years here, the social isolation is a very common issue I’d say. I love living here, but it can be really difficult and frustrating as well regardless of your level of Japanese ability. Many foreigners and even Japanese people seem to struggle with the lack of meaningful relationships and reliable friendships (and not people to get drunk with). Most of the friends I made throughout the years left after 3 or latest 5 years, which can be really hard when it happens repeatedly. People who stay long term usually have either a Japanese spouse or found a strong niche community based on their interests or stay for their work. Personally, I find it very tiring how everyone is constantly so drained from work and other obligations that meeting someone requires at least 1 month of calendar blocking in advance - just to find out last minute that they cancelled again. Friendships also can stay on a small talk level literally for years, which as a European honestly feels very shallow to me. Overall, without a Japanese spouse, the feeling of being an eternal foreigner/outsider can make it also very difficult to develop a sense of belonging.

Since 1970 I've lived in Japan for more than 20 years now, off and on. I raised my son here as a single mom. We crossed the Pacific 3x on Norwegian freighters, back and forth between Japan and Canada. I am now a senior living in Kyoto, a retired English teacher and a color pencil artist for conservation. Japan has had a huge impact on my life, more than I can comment on here. 🥰

The common responses of becoming more respectful, patient, and considerate of others is really something we should learn to do more today.

Hey thanks again for having me 😊 it was a lot of fun!

We grew up washing hands when we got home (southern U.S) and I love that in Japan it's the standard at home.

Those new graphics are a new impressive touch and helps follow along with the people you’re talking to

I've lived in Japan for 8 years (so far) and I can relate to every single one of these. Outstanding vid.

I love your interviews!! You’re a great interviewer cause you always make it about the person (interviewee), and you listen to them too!! In addition, you ask GREAT questions!! I love your series!! Keep doing them!!! 💯💯💯

EXCELLENT piece! So informative to see their development and understanding. Interesting to see their evolution the longer they stay in Japan. Thank you for this thoughtful segment.

“I care about the people around me more.” Thanks for the video Takashi san! I love all of their answers.

A gold mine of information with so much variety. Loves every bit of it and while heartedly appreciated it!

I love these types of videos so so much. I feel like here in Australia we're somewhere in between. It was really nice to hear the stark contrast between what I thought this video would be like and what the reality was! Thank you!

日本に滞在していた時（2023年6月〜8月）、私は日本人であることの意味を理解することができました。その本質は、他者第一、自己第二です。ブラジルでは日系人の妻と結婚していますが、日本人は非常に特異な社会生活の形を持っています。日本は私に何を変えたのでしょうか？私が間違った場所で生まれたことを確信させてくれました。私はこの国をその本質で知ることができたこと（一般の市民が日常生活を送る方法）に永遠に感謝し、いつか妻と子供と一緒に戻り、日本の素晴らしい国の発展に貢献したいと思っています。

Great advice on learning WHY you say a word. Helpful for many non-Western languages.

Love this!! The change for everyone all makes a lot of sense.

Thank you so much for the video Takashi. I am planning to apply for the JET program this year and I understand that a lot of JET participants think Japan is a fantasy land but for me I want to know what I’m getting into and that includes the not-so-glamorous aspects of the culture, so I really appreciate these videos because they really teach me a lot.

Your interviews are so interesting. The contrast between Japan and other cultures is fascinating. Love this ❤❤❤

Love this! Idk what it is it feels different from your past videos but this is great. Crisp! Can’t wait to watch your next one 🙏🏼