Finding Freedom: Moving to Japan for a Peaceful Life

[@fidomusic]

I'm 72 and have lived in Japan since 2012. I came to teach Academic English at a university, met a Japanese woman and married her. Originally we were going to relocate to Australia, where I came here from, but we changed our minds and decided to stay here. Japan is a great place to retire. It used to be one of the most expensive developed countries. Now it's one of the cheapest. It's safe (I never feel threatened here, wherever I am, day or night, drunk or sober), high standards of hygiene, superb public transport, free, clean public toilets everywhere in urban areas, and excellent service with no tipping. I have used the health services here quite a bit, and they are second to none, not free at the point of use, but affordable if you are in the Japanese health system. Good luck Chani with your life here. Your Japanese sounds better than mine!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for your comment. I’m so happy to hear you are happy here after all this time. Do you ever visit Australia?

[@mariah0209]

You’ve inspired me to start all over again in my early 40s.

[@YeahOkayNow]

Same! Love these videos!

[@akas224]

same．I'm learning japanese now!

[@leoniejones07]

Me too!!! Applying for a student visa for a Tokyo language school at 41! Will be scary not to work for a while but I'm burnt out. Finding your videos helped me decide to make the move after being so scared to leave. I'm from Brisbane too😊 Thank you so much. Your videos and story keep me going with my plans when I'm scared and full of doubt. ❤

[@chalronbjork4766]

Love this

[@akas224]

@@leoniejones07💪👏 This life is only once. you'd never regret your decision.

[@lexus007lmlm]

I’m 67 years old and admire your ability to start afresh. Your videos are very inspiring and I look forward to each post!

[@あさまよる]

英語は聞き取れるようになりたくていつも動画見ています。 先生の英語は、分からない自分でも聞き取りやすくて何時も勉強になります。

[@JustVoylin]

I had a burn out last year, nearly daily panic attacks and felt like an empty battery. A complete change of environment, living style, ... is a good thing to have. I became a stay at home dad and trying to work from home now. Been able to spend a lot more time with my family and doing the things I love. Mental health is very important, it's not because you can't see something that it isn't there

[@MissiBoo]

Thanks for your wonderful videos. This is for a bear bell 🐻🔔 😂🫶

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@RelaxNChillOut]

Great vid, This is for the latte and camping car fund.

[@ChaniJapan]

Wow! Thank you so much. 100% camping car fund ❤️ thank you so much for the generous support!

[@SonderZensei]

That's lovely and so generous.

[@Wanderlust.travelandcoffee]

Thanks! Coffee & Car Fund 🚗☕

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much ❤️coffee and car fund 100%

[@ahhhJimAgain]

When I first lived in Japan in 1980, the workers who were repairing a tennis court took photos of each step of the process. That was before digital! This is another example of the quality of work that I so love about Japan. As James Krenov said about his work, "The closer you get the better it looks." Unlike many countries that I've spent time in.

[@_rhen]

suzuki fund 😁 thanks for continued inspiration Chani!!!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much for the Suzuki fund❤️100%

[@frausmithy]

The drive through the area you would like to camp is so beautiful. Thanks for taking us on your trips - I really enjoy tagging along and there is always a gentle reminder to stop and just live for a minute.

[@kwykwyk8447]

My family and I really love Japan, the thoughtfulness is just on another level Starting over is very scary, but I'm slowly considering it ... Learning japanese slowly

[@lucyclark704]

I'm in NZ, in my mid 50's and married. This year, I switched out my Honda Jazz for a Nissan NV200 van so I can add a camp bed and an Eski and use it for solo camping. It's so cool to take yourself off into nature. There are no bears here in NZ, though. I also love Japan!

[@ナイスミーム88]

I'm jealous that I'm Japanese, so there is no snow in Queensland and Auckland where I like skiing and snow = it's like Okinawa Prefecture. There is no plus bear. Japanese bears attack the people around them when even the baby bears of the black bear are hungry. Also, because there are bear protection activists who love the baby bear fanatically, in Akita Prefecture, nearly 10 people have been killed and injured every year, especially this year 😭 I am such an activity I'm ashamed of the mechanism of the country that raised the house. On the other hand, your country has a reasonable legal system in that aspect. Your country is a wonderful teacher of agriculture and human-nature relationship for Japan. I want to travel and eat natural food there someday😊

[@ChaniJapan]

The van is a great idea for solo camping. I’ve been watching how it’s done.

[@Bluetangg]

Your videos are inspiring! 🤩 Best wishes!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much! Very appreciated ❤️

[@sukisuki6114]

So happy for you Chani! We get our keys to our Japanese property on Monday! You’ve encouraged my family to keep going and ride out the challenges with this move. Best wishes!

[@ChaniJapan]

Monday!!!! How exciting❤️

[@JamesParr888]

Coffee = life.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@malcolmheskins3522]

Thanks! For your Suzuki fund and for such great videos, you are an inspiration!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for the Suzuki fund! You’ve taken me closer ❤️❤️❤️

[@mariamedeiros9555]

Millie is so relaxed and happy. She loves all these videos. Thank you for showing all these beautiful places!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you too for commenting 🐱

[@mariamedeiros9555]

@ChaniJapan You made my day by saying hello. I live in Florida, USA. My daughter teaches English in Busan, South Korea. Last year, we both went to Fukuoka, Japan. It does have awose waterfalls.

[@tdnishio]

I belong to a hiking club, exploring nature, getting exercise, becoming a family with others..❤

[@ChaniJapan]

That is a great idea!

[@k9healthy]

Congratulations on your new life! I am from the US and life here is the opposite of peaceful. There's a lot of crime and healthcare costs are insanely high. I make good income, but am also one hospital stay away from homelessness. Happy for you 🎉!

[@ChaniJapan]

I recently heard how high medical costs are in the US. I never realised just how bad it was.

[@k9healthy]

@@ChaniJapan Sadly, healthcare bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the US.

[@sidscott4688]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I feel some of the peace you feel just from watching your videos. Can't wait for the next one. 🤩

[@BethDoublekickChick]

Im 44, Australian, have loved Japan since 1986, when my family moved from "a housing trust" suburb in Adelaide, to the beautiful Perth Hills, I'll never forget my first year, in grade 1, learning about Japan ~ origami, kimonos 👘 and Mt Fuji -san Almost 40 years later, musuko, now an adult, is embarking on his solo journey to Nihon and I am so proud, and somewhat jealous that I dont have the means to join him.. One day, I hope to be like you.. Arigato gozaimasu, your videos are so inspirational and humble 🥰🤘 Much love from Perth 🇭🇲 Ps, back when i used to drive, I copped many a rocks flying through my window from council workers.😅

[@AmyFilemu]

Thanks!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much ❤️Very kind of you.

[@eekdageek]

What a beautiful scenery!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much for your support ❤️

[@suzyq8134]

Chani, you have become my favourite KZbinr and more importantly, my biggest inspiration. I look forward to each one of your videos. Thank you for your courage, and willingness to share your wisdom and experience ❤

[@JapaneseSoundscapeJourneys-j3w]

You're such a courageous individual. I hope many people will be inspired by your experiences to step outside their comfort zones.

[@annagauvreau3946]

I'm considering moving to Japan in 2 or 3 years from Canada, Even tough im afraid of change your videos are a source of motivation and makes me believe anything is possible at any age ! :)

[@akas224]

highly recommend. peace and safe. relax. just be careful bears if you camp in northen part.

[@carlosaquilayan945]

I am so grateful of your channel! I'll be moving to Japan at the end of the year!!

[@OrigamiTutorials]

I enjoy every video you make. Thank you for taking us on these beautiful trips around Japan - and telling your story. I am dreaming of a similar life like yours, but ...

[@annas866]

Thanks

[@annas866]

Suzuki fund! Thank you for sharing your videos.🙃

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for the Suzuki fund ❤️ it is very appreciated 🚙

[@joanns5250]

Purchasing a car to camp in sounds like a really fun idea!

[@MrDboydeluxe]

First time finding your KZbin channel, as much as i enjoy the young Japan youtubers, it's very welcoming to find one near my age (still got ya beat by a decade,lol) I look forward to watching past and future videos you offer up. 😅

[@ChaniJapan]

Welcome aboard! I’m glad you are here 👋😃

[@purberri]

If you’re going to be walking in areas with bears you should wear a small bell that jingles. It warns the bears that people are approaching and will likely hide. There are other Japanese videos that talk about it.

[@ChaniJapan]

Good idea. I’ll be sure to get one when I camp 🔔

[@kezbot2]

@@ChaniJapan you can get them at Daiso

[@fidomusic]

Bill Bryson made a joke that you can tell where bears have been because of the bells in the poop 😏

[@napoleonnz]

I very much enjoy watching your explorations of natural areas accessible from where you live. You have rapidly become one of my favorite presenters with such an easy style. Whenever I see a new video from you my mood lifts as I eagerly watch and join in with your experiences. You may never know just how much we, your subscribers appreciate what you are doing.

[@ChaniJapan]

So nice of you

[@TenYen4796]

Peace, tranquility and nature 😀 Those are the three words that are ringing louder than ever and my motivation for visiting Japan in September. I found a way to stay in Japan for three years....if I miss this opportunity it may come again later in life and I'll be much older. So at 61 and in good health the time is now 🛫

[@Cargo_Bay]

Do it! Experience the good, bad, and in between Japan has to offer.

[@Wailn_]

It's so beautiful there! I'm really enjoying you putting the subs up when you're talking to the locals. Thanks for the videos!

[@solomani-42]

Japan is a great country. I still miss it to this day but get my fix by annual visits. It’s the only country I miss as much, if not more, than my own homeland of AU.

[@ChaniJapan]

I’m glad you can enjoy every year 😃

[@OsakaMotorcycleTours]

I keep watching your videos... and I am closer and closer to my move date, which sadly got pushed 2 weeks because of visa planning issues, but it is now October 13th (was Sept. 30th originally)... but not that long of a postpone. My girlfriend and I are so excited for the move. Only about 3 more months until we land in Japan for good. 🤩

[@ChaniJapan]

Not long now 👋

[@Amritadivya]

Thank you for your channel Chani! Sorry to hear how stressful teaching is in Australia--I think it may be the same in the US and with pay that doesn't keep up with all the extra hours that teachers put in. I have a good friend who retired from teaching early during Covid(another layer of stress!). Glad to see that you are finding new ways to find joy and renewal in your life. I look forward to following you on your journey.🤩

[@KarMa-ws3ll]

Wow the nature is just wonderful and the colour of the water unbelievable!

[@ChaniJapan]

It really is!

[@mefood360]

Peace be with you🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@gavinspencer4351]

Beautiful spot to camp!. Maybe some Bear repellent!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much for the support ❤️

[@fleurbee8360]

Hi Chani, my husband and I are going to Mino and Seki in 3 weeks for our 25th anniversary. It is a lovely area. We spent a little time there in Nov last year when we spent the month living in a van and driving 5000km all over the place. It was great fun. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us all and I look forward to your Japanese classes when they start. Hehe. Cheers.

[@newyorkyoijoho]

I recently came back from New York to Japan and have started my new journey. I like your honest videos. I will “Ganbaru”

[@abirose84]

your daily life living in Japan is very inspiring...i would love to live with that too, the freedom and peace~

[@Yngvi_Barran]

Also 50 here and did some camping. Buy a normal narrow mattress instead of an inflatable one. Its like sleeping at home. Normal bedding and a duvet instead of a sleeping bag. I did some car camping but i prefer to put up a tent since you can leave it on the campsite and explore the nearby surroundings with the car, without returning in the evening and finding out that someone took your camping spot while you were away.

[@malitze]

for me camping is the best way to enjoy travel and nature, hope you will have a good time experiencing it.

[@mikaringyo]

I'm 41 now and i have kinda similar life like your life. i think it's good video for someone☺️　however, your Japanese is really good😀👍

[@IvanovTchaikonsky]

another great video of yours! Greetings from Vardø, Norway.

[@margaretharper4522]

Japan look gorgeous and clean Scotland is not as clean not looked after the same and the people of Japan are so lovely and polite love all your videos.👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ChaniJapan]

Sounds like those kittens were meant to be yours ♥️

[@cniquet01]

Love that you used the word ikigai- its actually the premise for my own videos on my journey moving from Adelaide to Japan.❤ i think youre doing a great job Chani, represent Australia 🇦🇺 🥰

[@28naveenator27van]

Would love to watch your adventures too . From your pre moving to your first months. Lucky you.

[@dreamcreate116]

Japan is so lush and they certainly have water abundance. I am a big fan of the practical Japanese cars and so wish we had them here in Australia. Thanks for the drive Chani, so appreciated.

[@RisingSun-z2x]

By the way, 70% of Japan's land area is made up of mountains and virgin forests. It is a country rich in nature, but on the other hand, there is little space for people to live, so houses need to be built small. With a population of 120 million,...

[@-MINILIFE-]

reason to live It is very nice I respect Chani. Suzuki Every has a lot of space. Suzuki Spacia Base and Honda's N Van are also ideal for camping. If you plan on sleeping in your car or driving, a quiet car is also a good idea. good car life🚗❤

[@loveameliarose]

As always, another great video. Inspiring for us who are dreaming of that sea change. If only my Japanese was better. - A

[@Boston981]

Thanks! What a lovely channel.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you for the kind support ❤️✨

[@CarpeDMVPN]

Great video! It's inspiring to watch you just live your best life in Japan.

[@TaroChan-nel]

I just binge watched all your videos and can’t wait to watch even more. You’re a strong, independent lady. An inspiration for all.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!!

[@meghanthompson]

You’ve inspired me as well ❤️ thank you

[@little.tricks]

Your Japanese is great!!

[@lizzie7929]

Looks beautiful and rejuvenating the scenery 🌄⛰️🏞️♨️

[@cwaltherp22]

I always wait for your videos. Thank you so much.

[@edwinaflannery9828]

You certainly make me think, I am so glad we had a life style change but I dont always appreciate how fortunate we are..so you made me stop and think how amazing this is..well done I love watching your videos, they are empowering

[@Bluetangg]

That's a beautiful bridge. I think it would set off my fear of heights. But it would be a lovely place to practice overcoming fear. Beautiful! Usually it helps to make noise around bears. To warn them off, since they don't want to have a confrontation with people. I'm from a part of the US with a lot of black and brown bears.

[@flashgordon6510]

What an incredibly beautiful place! Thank you for sharing. I love following your adventures! Millie is Ragdolling hard today, I see! lol

[@Boston981]

Thank you Chani. You've inspired me as well. Love the content.

[@ChaniJapan]

That is so nice to hear! Thank you ❤️

[@sewtania4074]

You are very brave and inspire me regarding making such a major life change in your 50s. Bears are a normal occurrence in our campgrounds and on our hiking trails. Normally, if you make noise when you , eg sing or clap, they hear you and stay away. Best to confirm this locally where you are.

[@MohamadS.AbuTaleb-rp8de]

_JP is restoring what you've lost overseas._ _So many encounters in Asia encouraged my perception to explore the entity which is called life by a different ship, peace is not the lack of excitement but it is the spotlight upon a fab living_ 💖 🇯🇵|

[@-MacCat-]

We've been following your "voyage" and enjoy watching your refreshing and upbeat look at a new life. We know what you're on about.

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

Love your snapshots of your new life in Japan😀

[@jamierose1384]

Thank you for visitin aridagawa/shimizu area..the Oshi Highland Road is always a little challenging. The restaurant at the bottom of the hill of shimizu onsen is also good (akadama).

[@ChaniJapan]

Next time! I will check it out when I come back to camp 🐱 Thanks!

[@treasurechest1993]

Don't be afraid of hiking. Get some bear bells. Hang them from you back pack or your belt. As long as a bear hears you coming they will avoid you. Good luck with getting a car suitable for camping. It is a popular option in Japan. The Honda N series is also worth a look.

[@strangebird5974]

Your videos are really soothing to watch and an inspiration. I hope someday to be able to back out a bit from being busy all the time and to get to where I can live life a bit more relaxed and in tune with myself.

[@ChaniJapan]

I hope you can do that 🩷

[@markraymundomarkitproperty4306]

Thanks for showing us beautiful Wakayama

[@kazuwilliams5222]

Thanks again for another video. I'm coming to Japan in November to look at buying a place to live after I retire.

[@yaminogame7805]

You've given me hope...I'm 37 and feel like I was too old to move, but I love Japan. I've been as a tourist many times now, my dream would be to live there as you are.

[@fmini8418]

Can’t wait for your new adventures 🙌🙌🙌

[@RumMonkeyable]

Thanks for the video! Camping should be a new adventure. Go for it! AND, you get to try-out the new onsen, too. 👍👏🥰

[@ChaniJapan]

Can't wait!

[@B_archaeology]

Another very lovely vlog, Chani. Hope the new car/camper is achievable soon and thank you for the adorable image of sweet Millie in the final scenes. She is so beautiful!

[@curiousnomadic]

It is so utterly beautiful there. If I was there I would be taking advantage of all the hiking trails, onsens, all the little curious villages. As long as they hear you first the bears won't bother you. A Japanese movie I recommend for you is Dreams by Akira Kurosawa.

[@ChaniJapan]

I will check out that movie!

[@DVDfeverGames]

That lake with the footbridge is incredible, and the lake looks so full of life. In the UK, we've got a government who are on the way out (thankfully), who have taken kickbacks for letting all the rivers get so polluted on purpose, that if people go swimming in them, they get ill. You can imagine the sort of thing they're full of 😥 There's some flowers planted here and there, in my town, but nothing like what you see in Japan. Also, round my way, they're more likely to tarmac over green spaces for easy maintenance, which is detrimental to water run-off, and would cause floods long-term.

[@capitalb5889]

You probably aren't that familiar with the Japanese love affair with concrete. And while the countryside is largely luscious, the cities are dreary and the parks are dismal.

[@DVDfeverGames]

​@@capitalb5889 Every city in every country will have a lot of concrete, although I like that Japan has a lot of individual houses in each street, whereas in the UK, there are rows upon rows of terraced red-brick houses. I'm in Manchester, so if you watch Life on Mars series 1 episode 4, there's a scene amongst a similar set of houses. However, when it comes to beauty spots, no-one does it like Japan, and that's one thing that's drawing me to it.

[@capitalb5889]

@@DVDfeverGames I enjoyed Life on Mars a lot and I lived in Manchester for 3 years, so know those houses both inside and out. I agree that the haphazard nature of Japanese streets has a certain charm, but most modern houses are pretty ugly, especially compared to more traditional designs. They are better inside than out (if you overlook the lack of insulation). And while Japan has a lot of attractive spots, they really know how to fuck them up with some ugly buildings, or unnecessary tetrapoda to ruin the coastlines. I recommend Dogs and Demons by Alex Kerr to get an insight into how half-hearted their love of nature can be. When I lived in Japan I always shocked at how much concrete was used. It isn't necessary but it is essentially a rural employment scheme to keep the economy afloat. Which is why they will concrete a riverbed that has happily flowers for thousands of years, doing irreversible damage to the local habitat. Yes, they are proud of certain beauty spots, but so much does get treated badly. But saying all that, we will probably buy a place there one day, perhaps near my in-laws, and I love being there and being in the countryside especially.

[@Leahbiabobia]

I love camping in Japan content so I am overly excited to see your future videos!!

[@lotusdevi]

Oh Chani I got teary a bit...such synchronicities with your videos...I'm planning to rent a car late November from Nara and drive down to Wakayama ( via Koyasan), and stop along various areas of the Kumano Koda trail, river onsens and shrines, and definately this gorgeous spot you visited on the bridge ! Thanky ou again, for being there and living what is also my own dream, and sharing your journey...it shows me more how similar many of us are, and following our hearts toward what brings us joy and peace...the older I get I realise how short life is and to appreciate each day and to pursue our passions and callings no matter what

[@ChaniJapan]

Beautifully said❤️

[@GayeWilliamson]

Looks like an amazing adventure. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@AnAussieinNorway]

I went camping through Japan in a Suzuki Alto and I'm 6'1. The biggest thing you'll need to worry about is Security vs ventilation. I went to Daiso to buy some flywire and taped it to the windows and had 2 battery powered fans. Security isn't really a problem as Japan is so safe

[@TheSeantube11]

Great new video !!! I’m loving them all !!! Keep going ❤

[@valli_chenae]

Camping and the onset looks so nice! I hope you’ll be able to get the new car soon!❤

[@ellennicholson9608]

Hey Chani !! Love you being brave !

[@qewtypants]

It's so lovely to wake up to another video, time to grab my own morning coffee and watch. I was wondering about safety as an older woman (I don't mean older negatively :)) traveling alone. I suppose we all need to be aware but do you feel relatively safe in your new environment? As always, I absolutely love your content Chani. Warmest wishes from Perth.

[@sewtania4074]

We call it "weed wacking" in the part of Canada I'm from. No, I've never seen those protective barriers used. It is very thoughtful.

[@Wanderlust.travelandcoffee]

Getting very excited about coming to Japan. Loved this video as I was only just looking at Camper Car options and the Every seems like it's the bomb. Had thought of getting one of these to do my rural house hunting/inspections in. Oh you went to Aragijima, I saw that the other day when looking at houses. The nature has me super excited, fresh clean air and a simple life. Love your weekly vlogs Chani. Wakayama is high on my list of places I am looking at. Just tens of thousands of houses to go through LOL . Can't wait to be able to buy you coffee and cake in person. Thanks for the extra inspiration. 🙏😄🙏

[@ChaniJapan]

You will love it. Yes there are many houses to inspect here! I see so many Every cars on the road so they must be good! Look forward to catching up.

[@LargeHadronAnusCollider]

Man i just love suzukis kei cars, that little van would be perfect, i wish they'd do the leg work to get them approved in Australia instead of grey importing.

[@edilee5909]

Thanks for inspiring us! I just came back from a 6 week trip to Japan where I hiked in every city I visited. Saw a bunch of bear sighted/caution signs too and at times I was terrified xD I averaged 24k steps per day for that whole time! What's more exciting is I also found a job teaching science at an international school in Osaka! Fingers crossed for the visa application to get approved, and I hope that I love living the re as much as I love visiting!

[@ChaniJapan]

That is awesome!

[@miriam2909]

Ohh I wonder how that van will handle the mountains. If you love driving and end up enjoying camping it sounds great. Will it fit in your garage? Lovely vlog . The scenery is gorgeous ❤ you could travel far and wide if this works out, if time off work permits of course. Have a great week. Enjoy the warm cause it’s getting cold back home 😮…..😊😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks. I took the flyer home and measure the garage. It fits!!!!

[@miriam2909]

@ChaniJapan woohoo.. that's the first thing checked off the list 😄. Do you fit in the van lengthwise ?

[@MEME-iv5dm]

I have a Suzuki Every. If you get the model with the cheaper middle seats, they will fold down completely flat, but they are a little less comfortable for passengers.

[@Underthecrown]

Yay! So glad to hear you are looking into the camping afterall. Car camping sounds cozy AND bear safe

[@epiwhittaker5617]

Chani, thank you for sharing your story. Very inspiring 👏

[@ashleytchannel5403]

What kind of cat is Milly? She’s absolutely precious ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

She is a ragdoll 🐱

[@cynthiakritika5047]

I started cracking up when the car salesman said the car is “somewhat safe” with the engine in the back lol Rest assured!

[@pennelightttt]

You've inspired me to start up Japanese language again!! Thank you for your open and heartfelt videos ;)

[@ChaniJapan]

You can do it!

[@lynnmichelle5482]

Wow what a beautiful journey, stunning scenery and those little trees edging the roads are so lovely! Nature is everything to me so I really relate with Japanese culture with the care they give to it, there is a serenity and balance, thankyou for sharing, but wow I couldn't walk over that bridge, I'm terrified of heights lol 😮