From Clutter to Dream Studio in 2 Days ✨ Life in Japan

[@astroranger5528]

I’ve worked as a lighting technician for over 15 years now, so I’d like to share a little tip that not many people seem to realize: NEVER aim lights directly at your face. Direct lighting often creates harsh shadows, washes out features, and gives an unnatural, unflattering appearance-especially on video. Instead, bounce the light off a surface like a wall, ceiling, or reflector. This diffuses the light, softens shadows, and creates a more natural, evenly lit effect.

[@ChaniJapan]

Wonderful advice! Thank you so much. I will play around with the lighting and see what works with my set up and the cameras. I love when there is a slight shadow on one side of the face and the background is black. I think this looks really awesome so I am trying to go for this effect when I shoot at night time. Hopefully I can figure out how to do it.

[@lindagilbraith5644]

My word for the year is Health. After 5 years of kidney dialysis, I am getting my transplant in the next few months. I look forward to having my health back.

[@ariaingraham2721]

Wonderful! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a healthy future.

[@andersonomo597]

Wow, that's a big thing! All the best wishes for a speedy recovery and a return to great health. Cheers from Oz!!

[@Michelle_Buckley]

Chani put this towards something for your office/studio. I get a lot of value from your videos. Looking forward to more😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Very kind of you ❤️ Thank you and Happy New Year ✨

[@timothyfolkins4651]

Like that you mentioned "real" You-tubers, as in not being able to spend money on expensive equipment. I would say you are one of the realest You-Tubers out there and with a subscriber growth rate to be proud of.

[@FeHopeCyndiW]

My 2025 word is “rise”. I have had a rough few years with my husband dying from cancer treatment complications and some pretty massive business issues due to the landlord not fixing his roof and having to vacate the retail space with nowhere to go. And, I broke 2 bones at the end of 2024. This year, I will rise above all the obstacles! Looking forward to being in Japan this September, too. :)

[@myenchantedlife5262]

My word for 2025 is Accept, I have many health limitations. I have been fighting myself by pushing my limits. I can see now that this was not helpful in any way and did not make my life better. So this year I am going to focus on listening to my body, resting when needed, and not push my physical limits.

[@ChaniJapan]

Wishing you all the best with your journey ✨

[@guillaumejourdain6792]

Funnily enough, my word for 2025 would be "challenge"! I'm moving to Tokyo in two months for my studies and I'm so excited to get to live this amazing experience!

[@BethDoublekickChick]

My word for this year : Outside I'm so tired of agoraphobia ruling my life for the last 4 years, I don't want it to be 5 years. Thanks Chani, I love how every video you make is different and I'm sure your future videos will be even better than ever with the new studio 🎙 Happy 2025 🎉

[@margjeweijdt1510]

I've tidied up the Christmas stuff, cleaned the living room and kitchen and am enjoying the video while relaxing on the sofa with a cat on my lap. My word for 2025 is health. I want to be in a better place mentally and physically and maintain that.

[@ChaniJapan]

Great word and I wish you all the best health in 2025 ✨

[@LadyLyn1234]

❤❤❤❤ me too!

[@jennyruth5620]

Health will be my word too! .. we've got this! 💪💃👯‍♀️

[@ashextraordinaire]

Can I just say I love how you let Millie "help" you? I think sometimes we're too quick to shoo our cats off while we're focusing on a task, when we should take the time to acknowledge and to indulge their bids for attention. Anyway. Love the studio transformation! Have to admit I've framed some of my favorite fabrics, too. I hang them with framed antique fashion plates around my sewing area for inspiration!

[@qewtypants]

Oh it looks wonderful! Nothing feels better than a redo of our spaces. As always, I love Sundays when I catch your videos. My word for 2025 is simplify; I have way too many things, literal 'stuff' around our home and projects half completed going on at the same time. I would like to have less and slow down.

[@ChaniJapan]

I hear you! It's easy to have too much going on at once. I'm with you on the simplify thing.

[@susanblackwell1314]

Great makeover. I’m going to look at the cup warmer. My word for 2025 will be changes. I will be 75 soon and have decided to retire after 35 years in my job. X

[@ChaniJapan]

The cup warmer actually makes me very happy. Best wishes for your exciting upcoming changes ✨❤️

[@shammydammy2610]

My word for the year is survive. 2023 and 2024 were a gut punch and I just need to keep my head above water this year to get to a better place.

[@sharvo6]

Chani, Please don't go too far down that path of doing what everybody else does! Your videos have been great so far ... once the images, sound and structure become too manufactured, you'll lose your uniqueness which is what attracts us to you. The office/studio looks much more welcoming!

[@s_e_w_p_h_i_e]

You're awesome Chani! My word for 2025 is 'Settle'. Looking forward to finally putting down roots in a house of my own soon and slowing da fuq down...and another year of Chani videos of course!

[@isobelmcfadyen4625]

I think my word for the year is thrive. I lost my job in September and not got a new one yet but im using the time to focus on a different career path, doing free online courses and also getting my health in a better place

[@katharinabruns9480]

Much better! If you don't mind a piece of advice: I spend a lot of time in my office, and open shelves can end up looking cluttered and dusty over time. I would always recommend ceiling-high cupboards with doors for storing books, folders, and other items. Once the doors are closed, everything looks clean and organized.

[@queenmarynovelwriter5397]

Happy New Year. My word is PRESENT; as in experience the present and enjoy each moment.

[@truemarklander]

I LOVE that!!

[@starfire4685]

Great video. Definitely got some ideas now about reorganizing my own office space. I also have a cup warmer for when I work, and now I can't imagine not having one. Now, for my word for the year, I believe the best word for it is SERVE. The world has changed a lot these last few years, and I wanna get back into doing into my passion for volunteering and serving whenever I can.

[@kohlfrog]

I think my word for 2025 will be FORWARD. I've felt stagnant for years like I'm not accomplishing anything and am just treading water. I'd like to end the year feeling like I've moved forward in some way.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

I enjoy seeing how life and work go along for you. Thanks! I like those patchwork jeans 😊

[@Dogsnark]

Your new setup looks great! Happy New Year! I’m so pleased you mention the book, Klara and the Sun! I read it last year and loved it. The author, Ishiguro Kazuo was born in Japan, but has lived in England most of his life. He is most famous for his book, Remains of the Day, which was made into a motion picture. Ishiguro was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017, and is one of my favorite authors. My word for 2025 is “decisions”. I have a hard time making decisions I can stick to, so I want to work on making hard decisions and following through with them.

[@ellecaledonia348]

My goal is CONSISTENCY - working out, going to bed at a reasonable time, working on my language courses, keeping to my scheduled tasks for the day. I’ll give it my best shot. I enjoy your channel very much! Your new studio is fantastic! I had to create a work space during COVID and having a cozy nook made such a big difference. I was more productive at home than in the office!

[@lala_savta1672]

Your new office is beautiful. ❤ My word for this year is declutter … this is not just for my home but for life in general. Declutter what I “used” to allow to enter onto my life. Declutter my mind and my soul. ✨✨Millie is so adorable and I love how she gets in the chair to look out to the street. Thank you for all you share into your life. When I make it to Japan I will be taking you to a meal 😊😊😊

[@kezbot2]

The office makeover came up a treat. I love Seria, its my fave. My word for 2025 is contentment 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Contentment is a great word for 2025! 😊 Love it 😻

[@PennieinNagoya]

I enjoy watching your channel and it helped me mentally to make the change and move to Japan. I am starting my own KZbin channel too. My word is TRANSITIONAL ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

That’s fantastic! I hope you have an amazing TRANSITIONAL year. ✨

[@Myscottiestudio]

Last year, my word was MINIMIZE. This year, my word is CHANGE.

[@cecilearquette1637]

Lovely tradition to think of the coming year and focus on an aspect of your life. My word is learn.

[@ChaniJapan]

LEARN is a great word for 2025!✨

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Found out Linen Chest here in Canada has some really nice curtains so will be using that to change the background color in the studio periodically. Will have shelves with channel stickers and mugs on display, a subscriber live counter, neon sign with the channel name... I can't wait!!!

[@joanns5250]

Your redesigned work space looks FAB! I''m a big fan of Kazuo Ishiguro and have enjoyed all of his books.

[@Bunjibing]

Yes, Ishiguro is my favourite author. Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go are both heartbreaking but very beautiful.

[@lillianmvargaso4960]

It turned out so nice; many of us are on a budget😢 - no mountains of $$$ here for me. Thank you for sharing. My word-thrive😂. Blessings for the New Year🎉.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you! I love your word THRIVE ♥️ it is a good one. Have a great 2025✨

[@Fishgirl321]

I adored “Klara and the Sun.” So much to think about in that novel. Lovely Reno on your room. I always admire your “can do” approach to things. I don’t have a word for the year but want to continue to pursue things that feed me heart and soul and support my growth.

[@sasaki_on_aoba]

明けましておめでとう御座います🍾 Looking forward to watch you continue to grow here on your channel Chani Have an absolute wonderful 2025

[@ChaniJapan]

明けましておめでとうございます！Have a fabulous 2025 ✨

[@pcoristi]

My word is PEACE. 👍🏼👍🏼on the transformation! But also pleeeease get yourself a proper step ladder!! Take it from one who knows the pitfalls of standing on chairs. Especially because as we get older we can't bounce back from injuries like we used to. And as you are living alone you should be extra cautious -- even with neighbours close by. ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

PEACE is a perfect word for 2025! Love it. Yes I hear you about the chair. I even have a step ladder downstairs 🤦‍♀️ I didn't even think to get it.

[@Songbirdstress]

@@ChaniJapan Yes, but don't fall bringing it up the stairs lol.

[@Bentears]

Yay I got here 5 mins after you posted, this never happens! The new office setup looks great!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much. I'm feeling a lot happier now it is done ✅

[@SUNRISE.COAST.PICKER]

Wow what a beautiful change and looks like you are setting yourself up for success in 2025! Looking forward to watching you GROW! My word this year PERSEVERANCE ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks, perseverance is a great word for 2025! 😊

[@natalietowner6780]

Milly is such a great little supervisor 😊

[@judym4673]

My word for this year is ACTIVE 😊. Be active in my decisions, exercises and nutrition. Happy new year

[@spankohyayo]

謹賀新年！今年も楽しみにしています。猫ちゃんにも宜しくね。

[@ChaniJapan]

明けましておめでとうございます！今年もよろしくお願いします。✨

[@enidtrinidad8192]

The room turned out great, Chani! My word for 2025 is "intentional." I plan to be intentional in everything I do this year. Thank you for your video!

[@janegreen9340]

With your sound absorbing panels you have answered one of my questions about my neighbour’s decoration decisions - their TV screen is huge, it fills a wall, and these panels are behind the screen., the sound must echo a bit. Your room looks well organised and ready for action even Millie thinks so - what joy for a cat - a box of your own! Word for this year - breathe

[@tomomiko202]

My word is "Health," as in fully recover from cancer treatment and arrive at better health than what I had when 2024 began! Your office looks great! Maybe I will remake mine this year.

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

The framed fabrics are a great idea 👍🏻Millie ❤

[@OldGreyWolf_おおかみ]

My word for 2025 would be "change" 変わる I have been in the same job for 16 years and my trip to Japan in late 2023 transformed my internalised outsider view of Japan. I applied for the JET Programme as a means of experiencing and exploring more of Japan. Disappointingly, that is not happening but I am returning to Japan for my 50th birthday in February. I am determined to make strides into Japan this year and transform my life. Keep up the great work on the videos and Happy New Year from Australia!

[@Chiisanabatta]

Beautiful looking studio!! Great job, motivated me to redo mine :3 my word for this year is “Hard-working”

[@marieledoux5758]

🎍🎍🎆 Happy New Year! I love watching your video! I'm from France (Lille) I would have liked to come and live in Japan like you. But the fear of leaving everything and my mother who is no longer young , made me abandon this idea. My word for the year is " Harmony" : harmony with my body, with my mind, with myself and my family. Your new setup is very great!

[@christinewitton3260]

A very professional set up. Well done. Would love to know how you and Millie got together. She is is such a lovely cat and obviously a wonderful companion.

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

I may need a cup warmer!! Big tea drinker here and I'm going on 18 hours on my current edit over the course of 4 days! (over an hour long vlog where I took my cat Merri for a walk). What keeps me going while editing? CHEETOS!!!

[@michiok.2081]

Absolute transformation with wonderful sense of color choices. 佳き日を。

[@vickiekunau5154]

The makeover is looking very good!! A very conducive place to get things done. I believe my word for the year is going to be Intentional. I waste too much time each day on things which aren't productive, or that keep me from accomplishing chores and such, so Intentional is how I want to spend the year mainly focusing on what I spend my time doing, and the relationships I am building. I enjoy your channel a great deal!

[@chefevielee]

My word for the new year is grace. In fact it's double grace. Is the Hebrew number 5 means grace. Both on the Hebrew and Gregorian calendar this year ends in 5 this year. Anywho I would think that that soundproofing would add more insulation for warmth! And the plastic that you took out from the frames. You can use it on top of some pots to sprout seeds for garden plants.

[@scottgiles7178]

You have definitely inspired me to clean my office! My word for 2025 is 'Breathe'

[@le_th_]

We had that same sunset sky in San Francisco last night! My word is "thrive".

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

You have a very different definition of "disgustingly messy" than most people 😆 Congrats on the new studio! Will be setting up mine in March, in a coworking space!!

[@yaminogame7805]

I appreciate the honesty about not having the money to blow on fancy stuff..you don't need it. Only thing you should spend money on really are lighting as it's very important. Even they are cheap on amazon. No need for expensive lighting until you are making big money to do so and want to.

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Your office looks beautiful. I moved to this home in September and my word for 2025 is ORDER. My hope is to find places for everything so my home will be peaceful visually and practical as well so I am not frustrated. The simplicity of your office/studio is an inspiration to me. Japanese style, artistry and cleaver functionality is something I have appreciated. Thanks for the inspiration. ❤ Happy New Year. 🎉

[@jamiepenfold3182]

My word: Accomplish. Finish projects, participate in adventures,find fulfillment in relationships and the everyday routine.

[@virginiasellers5914]

In 2025 my word is Move. I am planning to move from Orlando Florida to North Dakota. I also want to be more active this year. Love your new space.

[@TheSweetsherrypie]

You are doing a wonderful job building your channel! It shows me it can be done! You are so brave and resourceful. Well done.

[@kan-e7s]

あけましておめでとうございます🎍 今年も良い年になりますように。「grow」善い目標ですね😊

[@adarita305]

I love your channel so much! I wish they were twice as long 😂 The new office turned out beautifully!

[@ermionel]

My word for 2025 is "strenght" ... thank you Chani fr your videos! I admire your strenght by the way (to change your life and start anew in a foreign country you love ... for me it could have been Scotland in another life). I can't wait to see what the future will bring to you in 2025! All the best!!!

[@patriciap5840]

My word for 2025 is....2 words (I'm a Gemini!) "Quiet Discipline." I am excited about the new Japanese course - sentences!! I am also excited about the new coffee warmer I just ordered :-) Your office looks lovey! Suteki desu!

[@writingraven3314]

I hope you enjoy your new office. Happy 2025. I started picking a word for the year a few years ago. My word for 2025 is Boundaries.

[@kamanama3671]

Hey, Top quality is not always expensive. The best deals in life are the best deals.❤

[@c_lee_mason]

The room looks great! I appreciate your video so much. I think my word is “transition.” I accepted a teaching position and will be moving to Japan this year. This involves leaving my country, family, and friends. But I have a partner in Japan and many friends abroad too. I think this year will be about physical transition. It will also involve mental transitions as I embrace my decision and start to embrace a new home fully. I’d also like to learn some video editing skills so maybe I’ll create a channel too once I’m a little more settled. 😊 I’m wishing you the best in 2025!

[@MatsukawaZaraki]

Wow! I thought you already had great videos and sound! You rose to the 2024 "challenge" and have been absolutely crushing it! I'm working on moving there full time also this year, so one of these days we'll have to meet up. Maybe we can get some of our youtube friends together, like Nekoashi, the Bentons, etc. and have a little meetup later this year 😊

[@hiroki_ravioli]

Great makeover video ! Btw, I know a little bit sound technician stuff, and the fabric in frames might sound like a good idea, but a fabric this thin won't change anything tbh, it would need foam behind it. It's at least a pretty decor !

[@RedErin]

My word? GO! That’s it. I feel like this is the year I will not let anything stop me. I don’t do a spring clean as I’ve found it easier to just do tiny cleans in a rotation schedule so nothing builds up to a major clean. That said I still have a closet that needs cleaning out and some decisions about items. I just read an article on the new “cantaloupe” organizing and all I could say was it’s another fad to get caught up in. But it did make me think a bit as I’m looking to rearrange a few things and realized I do hate moving small things just to dust. I think what I’ll do is rearrange things so any little things I love are more consolidated instead of spread out. One thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that modular design allows me to easily flex with any life changes. Saw you wheeling the cubicle storage unit around and realized that’s exactly what I’m missing so I’m off to get some wheels for mine. The cloth in the frames is such a great idea. You might in the future look into changing that up. When I was a kid a clever thing was to staple fabric over a wooden frame, it was easy and cheap and readily changed out. You could do that but add foam or batting just wedged in the frame to absorb sound. I’m so jealous of the cheap and cheerful fabric squares, we don’t have anything quite like that in the US (when I was a kid there were still dime stores that had small sewing supplies and I miss that!).

[@dyanalayng5507]

Always interesting to see renovation ideas, especially for small spaces. I see Millie is helping you. ❤ After considering various 2025 words, I think SIMPLIFY will be a good focus for me.

[@flanflanjp_]

An upgrade to be mindful of later is the CRI (color rendering index) rating for LED lightbulbs. Cheaper LED bulbs will have a low CRI and make colors look weird or off, while higher CRI bulbs will look a lot more like natural light! It's also good to have a warm light to use late at night to help with sleep.

[@dianebaker5243]

Happy new year 🥰

[@thefourseason797]

Chani, I love seeing your videos, they are so interesting and calming. Wish you could upload a 20 min video every day. :D Choosing a word for a year is very interesting. After a short thinking, my word for the year 2025 is commitment. I wish you and Millie all good for the New Year, stay healthy and be just yourself. ♥

[@ChaniJapan]

Lovely ✨

[@zoeb6778]

Your word for the new year really made me think... As I thought it was going to be something, but really thinking hard...it has to be this...health. In recent yrs, my health has deteriorated. I need to refocus and can improve it. This has to be my 1st and foremost priority!

[@ChaniJapan]

I love this idea of only choosing one word. I love that you are putting health first. Such an important priority✨ Have a wonderful 2025 ♥️

[@missbeans]

Happy New Year Chani! My word for the year will be Healing. Have endured a lot of emotional and health-related trauma since covid. Both of which I've pushed aside, which has definitely come back to bite me. This year I'm going to focus on healing these traumas.

[@Jillybean620]

Wow, studio looks fabulous. Very professional looking. My word for 2025 is - style. Hoping to improve my sense of style in all elements of my life (work, play, interactions, home, and self).

[@miriam2909]

Your office looks so nice now Chani. You made good choices 😊. My word for the year is Memorable. I think I live in hope lol.

[@sternenregen5489]

Happy new year! My words for 2025 is creativity and to bring mire kindness in the world! I wish you success with your goal!

[@KathleenIllustrated]

I loved Klara and the Sun so much! If you like this type of melancholy speculative-fiction, my favorite book of 2024 was “The Other Valley”. Similar vibes and the audio book is great as well. All the best, Chani!

[@krisy-in-italy]

Happy New Year Chani! I finished off the year with another chest cold so my word for 2025 will be Health. I pick up every flu going round it seems. I need to strengthen my immune system somehow. In the meantime I’m putting away all the holiday decorations since tomorrow is the Epifanie and marks the end of the Christmas holidays in Italy. ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

I really hope you have a year of health ahead of you ✨

[@valli_chenae]

Such a lovely office makeover! The sound panels really elevate the space~

[@spookymulder1204]

It looks great! Just a side note - I've read a few places that some essential oils can be harmful to cats, so if that's what you have in your diffuser you might look into what's safe!

[@nicolemitchell446]

I love your jeans! They look so cool and are very flattering. I gave up wearing jeans several years ago because I hate the styles they have but yours look amazing ❤

[@nancysiow6262]

Wow, Chain, well done! And you've remodeled your studio so calmly...it is looking really fab. Hope it'll churn out heaps of great vlogs for you n yr business. Good on you😄!!

[@TheSeantube11]

Wow! Looks so amazing. Happy NY25. Hope u had a wonderful break. Another amazing and inspiring video.

[@AJ-we7sb]

I loved Klara and the sun!

[@alexispark3678]

I think I’m going to borrow your word “challenge” for 2025, as I am wanting to learn to edit videos and build a website for my art… all of which seems a bit daunting right now, but I am making conscious efforts each day towards my goals

[@Bunjibing]

Your room looks great, Chani! Another interesting video. I like your mentioning of Japanese store names and then 'JB Hi-Fi' pops up! 😅 I think my word this year would be similar to yours. Flourish!

[@TheMisturi]

Thank you for sharing! Amazing how some small choice items can really transform a space! I’ve watched a few of your videos and l could pick that you’re from Australia as a fellow Aussie 🇦🇺 I love Japan, going back in April/May for the second time on a solo trip (first time was in 2019 with my husband on our honeymoon) and I cannot wait! I would love to live there, even just for 12 months, so watching your videos l am able to vicariously live through you! 😅

[@mossygreenlog]

Hello from Okinawa! On a long trip here! I think it was one of your videos showing Daiso. I actually found one and was able to get some things I needed. Thank you for the suggestion. Couldn't really find a place with so much variety (other than Don Quijote which is a wild looking place).

[@ChaniJapan]

I’ve never been to Okinawa! Have a great trip ✨❤️👋

[@nancyinboise2160]

Looks great you did an awesome job! I love how Millie gets into everything just like my cat Bonnie. The channel has encouraged me to try cooking Japanese food again. I tried years ago but there weren't very many products I could find. Now I have a huge Asian store 5 minutes from here! Could you do some more Japanese recipes, things beginners could do? I think my word this year is harmony

[@susanpasion226]

Happy New Year!! Looking forward to viewing more videos in from the "new" office . Thank you for sharing bits of meaningful Japanese culture. Thinking of a word for my 2025!

[@treasurechest1993]

I was going to write "procrastinate " on a piece of paper, but couldn’t be bothered now. Maybe later. Btw, the office/studio looks great.

[@ChaniJapan]

😆 I feel more productive now ✨

[@lorraineblackwell4547]

Great job Chani! I love what you've done. I'm delighted to hear the next course will be out soon and can't wait to sign up for it. Wishing you a very Happy New Year x

[@Haze-eh3vy]

I look forward to seeing more of your journey. All the best!

[@roshanshrestha3836]

You are such an inspiration Chani..💛💛💛

[@user-jz8zm6rp8h]

You did a great job on your room it’s looks very calming as well as functional. My word for this year is declutter - I have started selling on eBay and am in the process of selling things that I no longer need around the home and in my life! I am hoping to build it up during this year to be able to make enough extra money to help with the costs of living.

[@TT-zv1oh]

So glad I stumbled across your channel! It makes me think that I could try visiting Japan in the future and I love seeing more representation of older woman (respectfully lol!)

[@MissiBoo]

The studio looks fantastic Chani. It also has the stamp of approval from Miss Millie 😻🐾😂. I wish you a prosperous 2025, full of growth 💹. Thank you so much for all your hard work in 2024 ☺️❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!! Millie as always was there to help out. I wish you a wonderful year in 2025 ✨

[@frithbarbat]

Someone gave me a copy of that book and I loved it so much.