Challenges Living Back and Forth Between the US and Japan

[@asianmusicbassboosted4678]

loved the video and featured great information that i will take into consideration as my girlfriend from Vietnam talked to me about living part in Oahu and part time in Vietnam

[@barrettish]

Thanks for watching and I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s always tricky but I think we all find what works for us eventually… I hope! haha

[@MoMo-zo1jw]

Another great video! Doing a more in-depth video on some of the more mundane stuff like bank accounts and what-not might be interesting and useful to folks. For example, are you able to maintain a single account that would be accessible both in the U.S. and Japan through the same bank? (Thinking of a big bank like CitiBank or maybe Sanwa.). Or are you forced to maintain separate accounts for both countries. Please continue making these videos - and try not to burn yourself out!

[@barrettish]

You read my mind! I’m actually planning to make a video about the banks/cards I’ve used in Japan and the U.S. haha. Thanks for confirming there’s some interest!

[@karanveersingh6943]

Hey man, nice video! I recommend an anytime fitness gym membership. It’ll work at any anytime fitness in the world, so worth looking into if you are going back and forth.

[@barrettish]

Thanks! Yeah, that’s crossed my mind but ideally I’d like a pool. We’ll see.

[@YuiAdventure]

It’s a 7 hr flight from Hawaii to Japan. It’s not that bad. I go back and forth from NY to Tokyo, the 14 hours flight is killing me every time with 1 week jetlag and neck pain

[@barrettish]

Yeah totally, that's one thing I'm really thankful for! And there's quite a bit of flight options as well, luckily. NY though... yeah, that is difficult! I made that trip once from Tokyo and it wasn't the greatest lol

[@jirojiro1029]

You are certainly not alone. I live on the east coast but travel every year back to Asia because that’s where my family lives. I never really feel like adapted to US permanently at least culturally. I always buy a lot of stuff like household items from Daiso or 3coins or Seria in Japan and bring them back to the US.

[@barrettish]

Always good to be reminded others are doing similar things too! I totally know what you mean. That’s a long flight for you though!

[@Gytu]

Hai sai from Okinawa! I came from the East Coast but have a ton of co-workers(military) from Hawaii. Even though I visited Hawaii once, I noticed a lot of similarities(sunny weather, laid back lifestyle, friendly people, and the lovely beaches). Not related to the video, but have you visited Okinawa?

[@barrettish]

Nice! I’ve visited once and noticed the same thing… it was a bit trippy for me because some locals really looked like people I’d see back in Hawaii, just that they didn’t speak English when they talked haha

[@_w_w_]

I'm in a similar situation and have done this for over a decade. To drive down cost, I usually just stay at extended stay hotels. I usually have a checklist of things I look for in a hotel. Things like Internet, TV, gym and so on are take care of. I also tend to buy things overseas and bring back to the US. American household and personal care products are generally inferior compared to those in Asia. Its kind of strange to bring those things back to the US. :P

[@barrettish]

Sounds like you’re always on the go! Great list of things to look for in a hotel. About the household and personal care products… I know what you mean! haha thanks for sharing!

[@debbie1247]

I’ll be moving to Japan from Hawai’i next month with husband remaining in Hawai’i. Appreciate any tips for managing business/life in two locations. Do you have two phones for managing MFA sign on to online accounts? Flight deals, etc? BTW, those power outages are a recent thing, it’s so crazy it’s happening in our otherwise modern world, well that and the road conditions 😮

[@barrettish]

Oh wow big move! I have a U.S. phone and a prepaid type of Japan phone. I gave up my regular Japan phone when I moved back to Hawaii. The prepaid one works but not for certain things like registering for some accounts. When I’m in Japan, I try to only use the U.S. one and I get an eSIM for data. For flights, not sure other than try not to fly during peak times like Golden Week, Obon, New Years. That’s what I heard too about the power outages. Hard to explain to my Japanese colleagues because they can’t imagine the problem in a place like Hawaii/the U.S.! The roads though… they’ve been like that since I can remember haha

[@Mwoods2272]

Barrett, you are like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. They live in Los Angeles but go and stay in their homes in other cities and countries when filming. With all those different clients, you will soon have homes in Los Angeles and Singapore too.

[@barrettish]

lol I love the comparison, totally different league though! Trying to be able to continue like this at some level. I appreciate the support!

[@020untitled]

Do you think it will eventually take a toll both in your work and family life? How is it impacting your family life now? Have you thought about what you would do when you have kids?

[@barrettish]

Good questions. It could at some point if things change. At the moment it’s not a big impact on family life as everyone is healthy and doing their thing, but of course life happens. No kids plan as of now but yeah, we’ve thought about what would happen. There’s no clear right/wrong since each place has its strengths and weaknesses, but Japan might be the one that wins out.

[@MiinaMarie]

I wonder if you kept your computer on a vpn, perhaps it may keep your accounts where you want them to be located. If it helps at all. Does making any friends help make it feel less lonely? I live in a big city too and my career is more evening based, granted I don't work alone, but there are so many different communities on various schedules that keep things moving. Maybe eventually you'll find a good crowd for wherever you go. And as much as i could eat my own words, maybe think about what it affords you, what you GET to do, vs what youre missing out on. I have personally never been to japan or hawaii and they're both crazy high on my list! Youre living someones dream, even if you may readjust course in your own life to suit you better :)

[@barrettish]

Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it! I’ve tried using VPN but it’s hard to always keep it on. Some things work but some don’t, I’m not sure why. I have friends but I guess it’s different because maybe I haven’t known them as long or the shared experiences are different, or culturally a lot is different. For example, I notice it if I’m with them at karaoke, because the knowledge of songs and the memories they evoke are completely different… if that makes sense. It is what it is and it’s expected. Not necessarily good or bad but just something I notice. Definitely considering the overall and positive sides is important. I hope you get to visit both places!