1 YEAR LATER: This Man STILL Lives in an Abandoned Japanese School

[@Crimsomreaf5555]

Yo he's actually good at singing and playing guitar, his English singing voice, you practically can't tell it's from a Japanese man. Honestly he should start doing vlogs, people would love to see his life, and it might bring him more business.

[@counselorkia]

YESSSS!!!!

[@rexss90]

@slowerisbetter I would still love monthly updates from him, watching him work at his coffee stand and just enjoy life at the school. It could be such a powerful youtube series.

[@hdodst]

Yo, you right

[@masterk5372]

Agree

[@burritoboy7666]

big yes even sharing a more personal side on his instagram but i understand the business aspect

[@AIBot929]

I find this interesting, Japan understands that it's better to have a building inhabited than leaving it abandoned to decay and has what appears to be a low barrier system to obtain these properties.

[@OfARisenFall]

Yep! Local governments actually allow you to move in and rent older, unused properties at a discounted rate too, with some restrictions.

[@joeh858]

They also reduce your taxes for driving a small displacement car

[@Frodo_Shaggins]

@@joeh858 Kei cars are very cool. Too bad most places can't pick up on using smaller cars for transportation. Especially here in the US where half of the vehicles you see are massive trucks or SUV's that people just have because they look cool, not because they need to tow or haul stuff.

[@citizensnips3850]

@@Frodo_Shaggins I mean looking cool is the most important thing.

[@JeffDvrx]

@@Frodo_Shaggins I will never understand the US infatuation with SUVs and trucks. honestly, just _WHY_

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

He's literally living my dream: living in peace, no BS rat-race job, roasting coffee, and playing drums in a big space where no one will care about the sound. He is a legend. I want this guy's face on a t-shirt.

[@JS-ob4oh]

Your dream is living a life that involves a 2 hour commute almost everyday to operate a coffee stand, but that isn't a rat-race job? And have you consider what he is going to do once he enters his elder years and his health starts to fail him with no hospital much less doctors nearby? And when the onset of arthritis affects his joints and his eyesight develops cataract which will rob him of his night vision, what then?

[@OfARisenFall]

@@JS-ob4oh Dreams change. Doesn't mean he will spend his whole life there. He might move away to receive more support when he is in his more senior years. But, for now, he is young and healthy, so why not make memories? You can't live your life fearing what's going to happen 35+ years away, but you can plan for it, if that's your goal.

[@francisnorthwood7862]

@@JS-ob4oh if you are not a fat american you can maintain this life into your 80s so I dont know what you argument is? you feel like you have to defend your "rat-race" lifestyle and it is really sad how obvious you are coping.

[@masterk5372]

😂😂😂👍

[@sub-jec-tiv]

The important thing: he has created a life for himself with meaning. In Japan you’re going to work hard. You can work hard in an organization that basically crushes you, or, like this guy, you can work hard and do what you wanna do, in the mountain. I agree with @Christopher Wallace. This guy is a legend. When he gets old he will figure out what he wants to do; anyone who thinks they have their future figured out now, is lying to themselves anyway because life always does whatever it will do regardless of your plans. Most importantly, he lives on his own terms, he lives passionately. He’s not old now, and he is living his best life. ✨👏✨

[@karlabello1552]

This man really needs to open a KZbin channel,such an interesting lifestyle , he does literally everything, awesome voice,plays a lot of instruments, barista and a good cook , we need to know more haha 🙌🏻

[@Musical_Nero]

Sadly the dude already seems far too busy to pull off shooting and editing for a channel.

[@cannabros]

he wants a clear mind in nature not social media bs

[@maxthegamer]

go back and make a music video with him with a drone and cool mountain slow moving shots!!!

[@chomiya8831]

The elders playing golf together is so cute and wholesome

[@OhHaii]

It's so nice to see, and reminds me of my japanese grandmother who played gateball as well. I haven't though of that in a long time.

[@MoiPloy]

i imagining they are the same kids who studied and played 60 years ago in that same school

[@Tania-zy7ls]

He's got a great voice, for real. I want to try his coffee now, if it's taking off so much it must be good. Maybe next year...

[@TokyoLens]

truly amazing coffee~ worth the drive

[@rhitccdsccs3946]

@@TokyoLens Does he ship?

[@tentative_flora2690]

I wonder if he plans on hiring people to help roast the coffee to keep up with demand.

[@seatheparade]

Yess his voice is so lovely it took me by surprise! So he's an expert coffee brewer *and* singer damnn

[@barborablaskova]

I was thinking same thing, but I live so far away from Japan, so maybe I try that coffee in another lifetime

[@ashtrees8969]

hearing about how he lives his life is amazing- it’s good to hear about these dedicated systems helping keep buildings like this alive ^.^ love the choice to end off the video with his music, awesome stuff

[@TokyoLens]

More to come!

[@ashtrees8969]

@@TokyoLens Looking forward to it!!

[@TokyoLens]

just got it up on itunes and apple music!! music.apple.com/jp/album/1589797061

[@kathyknight4940]

444

[@insmileyfacemur4242]

​@@TokyoLens if his worry about thieves Japan is not America

[@hitachicordoba]

Big respect to this dude for finding his freedom in one of the most stressful work culture countries in the developed world. Many complain about BS jobs; this guy is roasting coffee and making great music in an abandoned school in the remote mountains. Wow.

[@yomikoreadman128]

Totally true! Work culture of Japan is quite stressful compared to other first world countries especially with some of those traditional Japanese companies. It's nice that he already find something he loved doing. 😊

[@TashapeshapeTah]

Living the life!

[@OhTaco77]

If i had a big place like that and government will allow it, I'd prolly set a mini farm, my grandpa rarely buys stuff from the market coz he got lots of plants and animals like Chicken, Cow, Goat etc, and rivers has fresh water shrimp etc..

[@deecee7073]

@@yomikoreadman128 It's not just japan but most Asian countries have work cultures just like them.

[@mxd-1990asn]

@Yeah Okey Mostly yes ,but not all. There are asians in SEA who do think that they have to do a lot of work (and they do) , personally im coming from Thailand (our family is a Thai-southernChinese ethnic mix, still we are not the same as full chinese ethnics from china ofcourse, mentality wise etc were still more SEA despite of the mixed with east asian '*chinese* backround) and its partly as you already mentioned ,but many also arent as chill at all, especially when it comes to many people who live in the big cities. Villagers are mainly more chill here, while city people are less. I only know that also many ppl vietnam isnt as chill either (i grew up with a lot of thai-viets from bangkok ,according to them its similar there) especially ,like in thailand ,often more the people from cities. So ...it depends. Btw ,about east asia, youre only right about especially korea/japan , but with china its only the east/northern/west parts of china, south china isnt as work driven as the rest of china ,its more similar to southeast asia in that region (at least when it comes to the most people in the very south, theyre not too strong about the work topic, especially not the villagers who do regular field etc work ,the same as many ppl in SEA do too)....although it IS (in my opinion) hard work to spend on fields all day (ricefields etc) especially bcs SEA is mainly quite hot throughout the whole year except for certain small regions (like north thailand, the closest part to south china, it can be very cold there in winter time from ending of nov. until mid february. Same with the very south of china ,the climate there is still colder than SEA but its also the warmest place in china the whole year (theres also no snow in south china except on the mountains ,but mainly not on the ground) climate-wise south china is the closest to SEA. But thats just what i know from family members who are either full southern chinese or are thai-southChinese mixed and have been to south china before (even though none of them were born & raised in china) so im saying anything from southern china based on theyre knowledge, which i guess is mainly correct.

[@Rndered]

He's literally living straight up in his own mansion. Man has it all, music, a thriving buisness, quiet and peace, and basically lives luxurious. Kudos to him.

[@mindakahn9964]

What an absolutely delightful human being. I just adore him. How can you not? He really has to take advantage of the whole hostel thing. What a great Japanese experience to have when you’re young and backpacking. Thank you taking me along.

[@KyudoKun]

The last part where he sing in English surprised me a lot. There's literally no trace of Japanese in there, not to mention, his voice is good as well.

[@catherineowens7855]

If you listen to his English words throughout it is clear he has good English... wonder where he learned it. I imagine there is more to his story!

[@yourmumschancla3953]

@@MightyCrazy so to you speaking english properly jsut like someone making the effort to speak his language or anothers right has somethign to do with race? the hell wrong with you. Most english speakers and varients dont expect people who dont live in a mostly english speaking area or english country to speak the language properly. liek with japanese slang theres dif english slang.

[@brandon.mart00]

@@MightyCrazy There is such a thing as bad English and it's not relegated to non whites. Plenty of white people speak terrible English.

[@undyingvoice]

@@yourmumschancla3953 I lived in Japan for several years and have been told that my Japanese is terrible. So yes, you can poorly speak in another language and it is not just limited to English. Also, I knew Japanese who could learn to sing and say phrases in English but not speak the language fluently enough to converse. That could be the case for this man here.

[@yourmumschancla3953]

@@undyingvoice exactly, like i appreciate his voice and what hes trying to do with his shop and the school but some people man. always some isse. much love mate keep up the awesome videos!

[@shandytown7019]

Wow! His song at the end was really good. I suspect he’s got a singing career once he’s got the coffee thing stabilized! Thanks for sharing his story with us!

[@yujirorasy]

He sounds like a totally different person. I thought that was Norm at first.

[@jf8461]

I think that environment and lifestyle is extremely fertile to creativity.

[@NigelLozane]

Dude your storytelling is just too good🙌🏼 and this actually seems like a cool place to live .

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much man!!

[@sunsettersix6993]

Few videos on KZbin get me emotional, but this one did. The whole sense of peace, freedom, contentment and living in balance with life, with nature, with creativity and even a sense of community with others living in the mountains. It all hit me right in the feels. This guy lives my ideal life. Thank you for sharing.

[@alb.4089]

I feel the same. It's actually sad how we have to work and live in a fast paced world and be so caught up in it. We have to plan our day, have time management. He's so chill and doesn't seem to have any worries or regrets. He's at peace. I'd love to spend a week there and just listen to his stories and music while being far away from the city and the hustle and bustle.

[@christianflor1394]

I don't think I have ever heard a Japanese artist sing that well in English before. I'm seriously impressed.

[@bonbonandpumpkin2463]

Often wondered what happened to Yochan- this is a wonderful follow up. Just thinking how amazing it would be to have an event up there at night with some music playing and drinking coffee ☕️ Thanks for the exploring Norm. Guess sometimes dreams do come true . 😊.

[@TokyoLens]

love that!

[@thecupola7908]

Would love to know where to send my tape to try to get a slot in this epic gig!

[@TokyoLens]

Unless you’re like me and yo-chan and coffee just does nothing to you lol~ A nice cup of coffee is usually my wind down before bed~

[@bonbonandpumpkin2463]

@@TokyoLens I agree with that…. Nice way to unwind .

[@michelleboyle6497]

I love this! As a rural Oregonian, I can tell you that living miles away from community amenities is not unusual, or perceived as all that inconvenient. Revitalizing an abandoned property to the benefit of the folks in the surrounding communities while creatively wearing many hats to make a life for oneself is highly appealing to me. Thank you for showing us this slice of life. I did not know that there were still wide open spaces in Japan in which to make a life.

[@daniburke9452]

Fellow Oregonian here myself

[@SolitudeDragon]

@@PondScummer It's mostly due to financial pressures and population decline.

[@Laura_Darkspear]

Ok this has to be the coolest dude in Japan, aside from Natsuki. Not only does he live in an amazing place but I was surprised by his beautiful singing! Excellent video! I want to live in an abandoned school and roast coffee in the mountains! 😆👏

[@captainkeyboard7273]

Yo-Chan is a really cool and relaxed guy, I wish there would be more people like him and at the same time I'm glad there are not. I'm also glad Yo-Chan isn't very active on social media, or doing vlogs, what people recommand in these comments. It would completly ruin his live style. We can be glad that we got to see a glimpse of him and his way of living. The most precious things are the ones that are rare, but that's something we forgot, because almost everything is available all of the time.

[@seanfoster671]

My thoughts exaclty. Wile it seems he does like the occasional visitors every once in a while, I dont think he would enjoy being a large tourist visitor center every year. He is living the dream.

[@siaoliao]

He keeps developing his place in different ways, and also really tastefully! There are definitely give and takes for such a lifestyle but that's part of choosing how we want to live. So glad to see him thriving!

[@Verklompen]

His voice though!!! I'm trying to close my mouth because it flew wide open when he started singing.

[@dademan83]

Is there anywhere we can listen to his music online? The guy has a great voice. And great documentary as always. I love these slice-of-life stories that are off the beaten path. There are a ton of great youtubers coming out of Japan, but not many going into the mountains to do this.

[@ellamelcer5472]

I want to know too!!!!

[@soulwynd]

Yes, please.

[@Crim_Zen]

ya his voice was surprising

[@walt1212]

His instagram is in the description! :)

[@ojcubz]

Read my mind, I knew he was a musician but damn he has a good voice to boot!

[@astrophilosophe]

Omg man, bless this dude and all he does. He can freaking sing and cook too?! Was real nice of him to bring you to that special little water shrine spot, I am so happy this guy is doing what he's doing thanks for the update video Norm!

[@TokyoLens]

honestly thank you so much for watching~

[@wy4553]

While he's not working the soul crushing office jobs that Japan is known for, you can tell that he is still certainly a hard worker. He's constantly keeping himself busy with his DIY projects (ex. the gym), running his businesses, and maintaining the cleanliness of such a large property.

[@snubnosedmonke]

this man is truly a free soul you can tell how passionate he is about his home in the mountains and his love for music and coffee, he seems like such a chill guy to hang and talk with too

[@thempstead]

Nice to see the chap in the abandon school again and good to see that things seem to be going well for him. It's nice that he seems to have the time, space and resources to be able to try new things there

[@TokyoLens]

really glad he gets to live that life!

[@Luboun]

I just had to drop everything and start watching this video straight away. It doesn't feel like it's been a year since I watched your first two videos but I'm so glad you visited him again :)

[@TokyoLens]

Haha thank youuuuu

[@KirkKiyosadaTome]

His singing voice was shockingly good. The quality of your docuvids are, as always, unshockingly exceptional.

[@Cet3010]

Looks like he's living his dream. So nice and inspiring. Glad you did a second video on him.

[@thetattoodmini]

after seeing the first video, watching his success as a professional roaster, seeing the community he's become a part of with his place, and just the relaxed lifestyle mixed with his passion for creating something more with his schoolhouse, it really does make me want to visit Japan just to meet him and explore the area like he said. he makes it sound almost magical to live there, hard not to envy his peace.

[@AvishekChatterjee1991]

This was a beautiful sequel Norm - was waiting for it! So amazing to know the history of the place more.

[@TokyoLens]

😊

[@DanielVivarelli]

I love people like this. Seems like he’s given lots of thought to what happiness means to him and go all in. Love the way he can clearly articulate his “why” … nice one Norm

[@ImSofaKingGood]

This guy, his passion for coffee and music, and his super school-roastery-cafe-hostel-ballpark-gym-recording-studio-event-space have magical vibes. It's like he's living in a Ghibli set.

[@LuckyBadger]

Now he just needs a Corgi, or a few cats. Maybe an Akita for security.

[@bukanputrikecilayah]

He lives in heaven right now

[@mesolagic]

Thank you so much for going back there and continuing this story. I watched the first part last year and I've never forgotten it. His story, the environment, everything. It's just so amazing and breath taking! I want to go visit there so badly next time I go to Japan. If I could ever own an abandoned school in Japanese mountains you bet I would do it man. Again thank you for continuing this story friend. I wish you and him all the best in this world and I hope you both get to continue doing what you love 😊 peace and love from ATL ✌

[@myssee]

Huge admiration for his choice of living its a beautiful thing cos he seems at peace with what he does. Hes living his best life for sure and that water looks so fresh and naturally chilled from the mountains. Hes got a good thing going there. Awesome voice too in speaking and singing.

[@marcusa3177]

Once the borders open and I figure out how to get there while doing my Fukuoka-Shikoku loop, I'd probably stay there for three days at least. It'd be a good reset from the hubbub of travel and min-maxing stuff while on "vacation". Glad Yo-chan's doing well and roasting fine. Hope the place picks up as some sort of staycation/remote work hub for all of us who are sick of the city and are looking for the stillness only nature can provide. Nice work Norm!

[@TokyoLens]

Hope I get an update on this some day 😊

[@marcusa3177]

@@TokyoLens definitely. I'm working towards making that (and more) a reality. Now if only Japan would open its borders especially for fully-vaccinated foreign workers

[@marcusa3177]

@@_Zane__ that's par for the course IMO (think the flu or other viral diseases that has become endemic and we've gotten a handle on); honestly as long as people don't die, the healthcare system isn't crushed, and we as a specie will work towards mitigating the effects of illness on other aspects of our lives (economy, etc) then we'd be fine.

[@clementihammock7572]

via Eki Tokushima, change to bus at Eki Awa Ikeda. Possible ferry route From Kyushu to Shikoku is from Beppu Ferry terminal to Ehimei Awahatama? or get the value JR Railpass, Setouchi ? It covers a few Kansai prefectures, Kyushu Fukuoka prefecture and Shikoku Ehimei and Kagawa Prefectures.

[@reanneapostol3152]

Count me in, sounds like a pilgrimage on my end but it'd feel like a good reset for the hustle and bustle of the daily grind

[@sneedmando186]

Japanese grandparents watching with their grandchildren: *“See! We told you we hiked both ways in the snow!”* ⛄️ great to see you two again ♥️

[@ej3016]

in 🇨🇦 grandparents also hiked both ways in the snow but barefoot and it was further one way than the other 😂🤣

[@alex.d7419]

@@ej3016 Lol they hiked 15 miles barefoot through a rainstorm and made it to school on time 😂 why barefoot? Because the only time they wear shoes was for church

[@Zennna]

Japan reminds me in so many ways my own home- Estonia. The country-side is getting less and less populated. But I am aiming to return there. I am 29 now, but I used to live in an abandoned village- my family was to only one living in there (we didn't have running water nor electricity). I remember my father buying the last map that still had the name of the village on it, because in 1999 the local goverment removed even from the maps. I miss that place dearly, and would like to return. I am glad you introduced us to Yo -Chan, I am always happy to see like-minded people living their truth.

[@bjni]

Please share with us, the internet strangers. the name of this Estonian place.

[@zellafae]

@@MyFirstHandle i think the best place to raise kids is in the country.

[@Zennna]

@@bjni For privacy reasons I cannot say the exact name, but it is located in the middle of Estonia.

[@janariviik2634]

A couple of years ago I took a detour to visit Viivikonna, which is probably one of the more famous Estonian ghost towns. Intriguing trip, and definitely will take up on any further opportunity to visit abandoned Estonia. My initial plan was to write a book about "the abandoned Baltics", also managed to visit Kreenholmi Manufaktuur in Narva on that trip.

[@2eleven48]

@@Zennna ...you keep it quiet until you actually do something about it and you're ready to tell us.

[@mmc4917]

こんな生活をしてる人がいるのか 魂が開放されさそうな静かそうでいい場所ですね こういう生活に憧れます

[@elly_angelic]

wow, what yo-chan said at the end really spoke to my life right now,, "living a life of challenge and progress... things like fear and inconvenience take a back seat... chase the excitement of imagining what else i can do [here] next" i think everyone can take a page from his book,, it's inspiring ~~ i hope he has a lot of success and lots of people come to visit him,, i know i definitely want to ~~ also he's been growing his hair out since last year !! hehe, looking great ~

[@mesolagic]

writing this one down and putting it on my wall 💜

[@olive4naito]

His abandoned school looks a million times nicer than the city apartment or house I've lived in. So gorgeous! But if it didn't cost much, you can afford to renovate!

[@AstorReinhardt]

I'm glad to see he's still living there! And he gets his drinking water from a natural spring...that's freaking awesome.

[@dianechaniewski293]

This is a great follow up! I hope that his hostel gets a few more visitors now. It was so cute seeing the older people use the field. Thanks so much Norm. :)

[@davidgarrett0x]

It's really cool Diane happy to see that there's still simple people around the world

[@SaffronRice]

Aw this is so chill and it’s really calming to watch him explain his lifestyle. He seems so sweet, I wish the very best for him!!

[@reku2140]

Great Guy. Living the best of his life. You can feel the positivity within him.

[@Mugen_band]

That is the life man! that is a gem of a human being and I was surprised at how great his voice was. So fricken cool, thank you for following up with him norm, this is by far some of my favorite content

[@VendErre]

That's actually a really amazing school. Children would walk through beautiful nature and get exercise on their way to school? 10/10. Absolutely brilliant model.

[@JadeCanada237]

Loved this! Nice to see he's still doing well there. As a horticulturist I can't help but envision the amazing fruit and vegetable gardens that could be grown on that land.

[@wildrose3390]

this dude is a treasure, his joy for life is infectious. thanks for sharing him with the world!

[@jf8461]

Wow! I kind of envy this guy. I think he has found a very good and simple way to live happily. That huge school is almost like having your own mansion in a beautiful surroundings. I wonder if they have a program like that in the states??🤔

[@JonesLongwater]

Next time im solo-ing around in Japan, I will most certainly take some time to visit, stay and enjoy the atmosphere also! What an inspiring life choice, doing what he loves doing, while looking after a building and grounds for others to use... Brilliant!

[@gundamrx792]

you can tell buy his facial expressions he is really happy with his life style and truly perusing his lifes passion we should all be so lucky as this man

[@greed0599]

Dude, that's so fucking cool; He's turning it into a community center

[@williamw2529]

I'm glad you did a checkup. I saw the first one and thought it was great. People seem to be able to live so free in Japan.

[@mariahjane7969]

How he lives resonates with my soul. Peacefulness and doing what he loves sounds like heaven to me.

[@ryanread8617]

Living a dream life, and he seems to use it well, cares for the community and does a job he loves. He has a great life ahead!

[@2010lly]

Beautiful sequal from the last story, good to know that Yo-chan is doing fine.. Tbh this lifestyle kinda looks enjoying and free

[@TokyoLens]

Such a great way to live!

[@becks5867]

I love that Yo-Chan is living in such an awesome and beautiful place doing the things he loves 💜☕️

[@TokyoLens]

Me too

[@Lukavichiano]

His singing voice, wow. What a wonderful character. I love his outlook on life.

[@tiffanywong7045]

Thanks!

[@別府ニーナ]

Living here in the US is tiring already for me. I am planning to quit my job as a nurse here and hopefully relocate in Japan, buy a property in Akiya bank and live a simple. The American dream, a materialistic dream is no longer my dream…. I want to live a simple life, eat good food, bathe in an Onsen, and just enjoy the beauty of nature :)

[@marlenen6130]

Maybe you can pick up a long stay at the school? Find a classroom and make it your own while you decide? I’m a nurse in the Pacific Northwest and not working. I’m finally letting someone take care of me, while I take care of him (He’s my fiancé) and I’ve never been happier. I’ve been gardening, farming, camping, hammocking, splicing rope, cooking, pickling and worm wrangling. My favorite part has been tending my worm bins. It’s so relaxing!

[@1bluemoon025]

Yeah, in my opinion the "American Dream" has died.

[@michaelquerubin7902]

well too bad i believe this program only for japanese and foreigner cant or wont have the properties. but you can rent it or you can find a japanese partner. thats their policy i guess.

[@TokyoLens]

What Michael here is saying is 100% incorrect A great number of non-Japanese people live solo here in Japan taking over properties like this. This program is 100% NOT for Japanese only Hope that helps clarify I’m not a huge fan of misinformation of this type so I wanted to jump in and clarify this one!

[@michaelquerubin7902]

@@TokyoLens thank you for your insight and i apologize for the wrong information. i was reading some articles on internet and stuuf about japanese economic system and stuff. and maybe the rule already change or i didnt know about this system. once again thank you for correcting me.

[@chickenheart7615]

Thank you for your amazing documentary !! This documentary reminds me that my ex-boss is also living and operating inn and cafe at a closed school in Hokkaido. He worked so hard wearing Italian expensive suits in Tokyo, and now his appearance is like a farmer. His life is very slow without competition, he often has a BBQ with his friends. In rural areas of Japan, decreasing population , empty homes and closed facilities are serious problems. and these problems could be also a lot of opportunities for urban people.

[@ChristoMac]

Amazing story, good for him, as long as he's happy that's all that matters because life goes by way too fast.

[@TAILLGUNNERR]

Yo-Chan has an amazing voice! that entire music room would be a dream come true to create music in! Coffee and Music - thats the way to go for sure!

[@maxxxedd3000]

Is no one gonna talk about how good this dude's singing voice is??

[@ragemodels]

Wow he certainly has found his Shangri-la for sure !!!! The system "Akiya bank " of giving out abandoned buildings is awesome !!!His music is Awesome he can sing really well in English!!! That pure moutian water is absolutely Magical !!! Bravo well done to all !!!👏👏👏🌳🏔🎼💜

[@maraeacookson1573]

I watched the vid of him last year and I'm pleased to see he's still going strong!!! He has an amazing voice and awesome guitaring. Thank you for sharing. Take care and be safe from Aotearoa [NZ]

[@davidgarrett0x]

He has a beautiful voice maraea and I like his self confidence too

[@maraeacookson1573]

@@davidgarrett0x yes agree he has a beautiful voice, and his self confidence is next level amazing. Have a great day, take care.

[@davidgarrett0x]

@@maraeacookson1573 thank you hope you're having a wonderful day, where are you commenting from?

[@maraeacookson1573]

@@davidgarrett0x I had a great day thank you, and I hope you are also. I'm from Aotearoa NZ.

[@davidgarrett0x]

@@maraeacookson1573 how's it going over there nice to meet you, I like NZ I'll like to visit someday, and it'll be a pleasure to know more about you, I hope you feel the same?

[@inzonia4403]

man its so cool to imagine how this place was when it was still a school, imagine seeing lot of kids walking through these paths playing and chatting on their way to school and back home, imagine them running around the school, the teachers taking care of them, its just so nice to imagine

[@jessicaleajames]

Wow. This man is so talented. Love hearing his stories. These videos are addicting. Thank you so much for them.

[@otakisenpai8377]

This guy just literally did a season 2 for the man living on a abandoned school found deep in the forest

[@chrisgiannopoulos2306]

Just added the first video to my watch later playlist! Guess I'll have to watch both videos back to back later tonight when I can. As always, thanks for the amazing stories you share with us Norm. Always look forward to new videos

[@TokyoLens]

Yaaaay!! Definitely watch last years video first! Lol

[@sjokoladekaker]

This is such an amazing story. The entire atmosphere, concept, vibe, his lifestyle and passion, everything is just great! I'm glad everything worked out for him and thank you for giving us an update. Keep up the great work. Appreciate it lots! c:

[@tomas6179]

Really cool. I kind of can’t imagine how he has time to manage everything there. It’s a huge place full of gear and stuff plus he has a coffe stand and roasting coffe. He seems very dedicated

[@twnfaem]

Lots of respect and admiration for this inspirational man: Yohei. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@Nynke_K]

Glad to see that Yohei and his life are every bit as wholesome as you'd hope! Also really impressed by his English accent while singing :)

[@GEORGECAR4]

yochan singing is crazy good!! his English is on point as well

[@bewitchedchannel]

In the beginning I thought that this guy was crazy for living in such a remote place but after careful consideration, I got to the conclusion that we are the crazy ones by living in polluted and dangerous cities, in tiny flats in constant stress and competition for grades, jobs, career promotions etc... like horses chasing the carrots. Well done to this guy. I hope more videos about him and his abandoned school will come up.

[@marinkitchen]

This is so inspiring. He has a great talent. Thanks for sharing good videos all the time👏

[@EvaChan]

Can't believe it's been a year since you first visited this place. Time just fly during these interesting times. It's also very interesting to find out what he does to maintain this life style. It makes that commute worthwhile. :)

[@MageThief]

I was actually hoping for more on this cool place and you must have heard my wish! ;) Man this is one place I must visit next time it is allowed to travel to Japan, love those mountain areas in Japan.

[@douglasharley2440]

this dude is *amazing!* talk about living life...respect.

[@BombJovi]

That song at the end was wonderful! I very much enjoyed hearing that.

[@jelikgyattebayo]

How refreshing! Watching him fetch that water too, how incredibly lucky! I'm glad he has this peace in him. It's something we all strive for.

[@BeccsLovesDrewski]

Japan is really an amazing place as a whole. Id love to visit!

[@marianasalina1890]

What a voice,man! 🙏🏽🌸 Awesome way of life. He's very lucky. He has the space and freedom that people in the city hasn't. Cool videos!

[@KirstenReusch]

Dibs! 💜🙂💜😄💜 When you realize you've smiled the entire time watching... Yo-chan's story is amazing and this has been like hanging out and catching up with a life long friend. To strike out on one's own and find happiness, excitement, and success in the adventure every day is a treasure.

[@artfromtheheart4391]

Well that was certainly unexpected at the end, what a lovely voice!! Should call his place 'The Singing Roast-a-raunt'

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome vlog. Nice that you went back to see Mountain School Man and get questions answered. This was great vlog with many beautiful areas. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@TokyoLens]

This was the mini doc There is a vlog version though Should be the video right after this one

[@M.Campbell]

Love this. Thank you for sharing it. Good for him living life on his own terms.

[@chrisembryclimbing]

This is an awesome and touching story. Does Yo-chan export his coffee yet? Some coffeeaholics like myself would be interested in supporting someone like him and his supporting the community there. I do wish we had a system like Akiya in America. So many places are just allowed to rot and decay. So thankful for this video series highlighting truly what it is to be content and support the surrounding community.

[@carlogalopo2605]

I just imagine how nostalgia would hit the former students if they ever had a reunion there. Also this is the 20th time I am watching this ❤️

[@shaunoshaungo1305]

Absolutely beautiful in scenery and singing! I would love to purchase an album, so calming melody perfect for café. Sent with love from Seattle 😊

[@amycole3403]

Was so happy for a follow-up vid! Same cool atmosphere and film quality. And was fun seeing your friendship develop as he shared more of his story. 🌸

[@YouKnowUAreRight]

This man is living the dream! Good for him, it's inspiring.

[@joeroutley900]

Can’t wait to watch this!! Always a good video when made by you 😂

[@TokyoLens]

Thank youuuu

[@КсенЛит]

When you hear something like "guy who lives in abandoned place" you imagine a weirdo who somehow managed to set up his life in unusual place, but right here we can see not only a person with a unique set of mind and vision of life but also a buisnessman and professional in different things (hope you understood). Although I will probably never meet this guy it doesn't stop me from being affected by his story and idk philosophy? Truly amazing story and video, thank you so much for sharing 💕

[@joe23airjordan1]

Hi Norm! I'm bindge watching your old videos 👍👍⭐ This is one of my favorite videos! I love coffee I'm Joe from San Francisco USA

[@Sk00maPipe]

This man is living the dream. I hope he keeps it up!

[@DavidKAnderson]

The way this guy approaches life with such joy, but also with an eye towards doing things well, you just know that coffee's gonna be delicious.

[@TokyoLens]

SPOILER ALERT!!! If you haven't seen last year's video, its here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5qVf5edp8yWq5o

[@donald9375]

I would most definitely live here. Being surrounded by nature would be a nice change of pace

[@marcusa3177]

...does he have fiber (or similar) internet? Because dang son, if I'd have my way I'd work either on a beach (Kochi? HMMMM) or here. The ready and steady supply of coffee and night skies devoid of light pollution checks a lot of boxes in my list.

[@WhitedeathSN]

Thank you once again for documenting this. Also the song at the end needs to be on spotify ;)

[@kinjames8635]

just this morning i rewatched that video with him lol

[@yossisureta2578]

The place definitely looks so adventurous to live…! But maybe realistically, I wanna stay at the hostel first before thinking I would live or not🤗