Inside Yishun’s SECRET Japanese Community | Foreigners in Heartland Singapore

Did you know there's a secret Japanese community in Yishun, Singapore? I met up with 3 ladies living in the area. What do they like and not like about Yishun? Why move here in the first place? What is their life like in Yishun, Singapore as foreigners? Let's find out. Big thanks to Naomi, Nanako and Zarah!
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Chapters
00:00 I Found Japanese Ladies in Yishun!
01:29 Trying Local Food
02:49 Why Live in Yishun?
05:33 Pros and Cons of Living in Yishun
08:22 Is Yishun Really Dangerous?
09:51 Yishun's Best Attraction?
12:16 Japanese vs Singaporean People
15:05 Culture Shock in Singapore
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#Singapore

[@kimmytan6573]

These Japanese ladies are so "localised" , so happy to see them so cheerful and laughing at the cultural differences. God bless you all.

[@vister6757]

Ya even the way they speak English sounds so Singaporean 😂

[@Fuzzy_Llama]

Would never have guessed they were Japanese with the way they spoke English. 😂

[@davidyuen2448]

Ya, same thoughts. The way they speak, the English accent, the body language… it really amaze me they are Japanese ladies. Love it🥰

[@alingachtung]

There is a Japanese cobbler Mr Yamaguchi Taro who's been in the old Yishun bus interchange for years, you'll now find him outside Northpoint City. He's one of the few cobblers left in Singapore. Only in Yishun!!!!

[@aero.l]

Wow thanks for this nugget! I like to support local cobblers but hard to find any in my area.

[@Fakeslimshady]

hard to find the local cobblers these days...

[@theadventurer1602]

Really weird to see 4 Japanese chatting so comfortably and naturally with each other in heartland English. 🤣Wonder how native Japanese in Japan would react when watching this. Sugoi ne!!!!

[@janef174]

So cute, the Japanese ladies have Singaporean accent

[@kamariahabdrahim6963]

Yes! We could never tell If they do not introduce themselves as Japanese.

[@yeoowoya]

Best guests by far in the japanese community videos, so natural & funny! really enjoyable to watch

[@barriechew9826]

Yishun is a great town!! I lived there since 1991! A safe place, lots of green, there is a reservoir ,and only less than 30 mins by MRT to Orchard! Never experienced any danger . Yishun is safe safe safe safe!!! These japanese ladies....so localised and happy that they are enjoying in Singapore.😂

[@sweeleongng333]

Night time also safe?

[@ToysOrGames]

​@@sweeleongng333its very safe. its just a meme and spread of word, people say then others will believe type of scenario.

[@siuman1124]

Its still part of Singapore la, but try go bad places in Philippines, America, or Malaysia, then its really bad place. Don't try to venture. For Malaysian, or Thais, Yishun is nothing dangerous, just exaggerated dangerous .

[@rosxanatajotdin6303]

yes is safe…i lived in Yishun for many years before shifted to Woodlands..i still go there on weekends to eat & shops..love the food there❤

[@kittyss2371]

​@@siuman1124Malaysia is safe la.. haiyohhh.

[@KangZiJing]

I love how the ladies speak with such a heavy Singlish accent mixed with some Japanglish, this is so adorable

[@Wazzit2ya]

when they were talking in english, i would have never know they are japanese. Sounds very local.

[@naofreehito]

what an adorable group of ladies and how open minded they are! The most Singaporeanish Japanese wifeys! International marriages are great! It's all about learning to accept and learn more about each other's difference and live well together!

[@chng2056]

The ladies are really funny and liven up the video. Well done!!

[@iexan]

Been a local living in yishun for 40 years and loved it🎉 It is amazing to have a Japanese wife living like a local in yishun👍

[@rafiq6521]

They have singaporean accent so cute

[@dawnho7744]

These ladies are so fun and jolly! I like them already!

[@Sone_carat90]

Omg I love their Singaporean accent when they speak English ❤

[@momotaka2650]

ジブさん！楽しい動画をありがとう🎵 昔のジブさんのイーシュンデンジャラスゾーン動画からの伸びしろがすごいですね笑 私にとってはアンモキオもトアパヨもビーシャンも安全なローカルエリアです！ 国際結婚チームの日本人奥さま達、賑やかでノリがいいですね！ あー、やっぱり一度はシンガポールに帰りたい🇸🇬！

[@armageddon87]

Wow. I got to say, their singapore english tone is very very very good!!!! U can "mistake" them as singaporean!!! Fantastic. More japanese ladies should come sg😂😂

[@luvsjeanette]

I'm a Singaporean married to a Japanese and would love to be friends with these ladies. I live in Yio Chu Kang so Yishun is not so far away for me 😊

[@kennyzeng21]

Starts with Y too lol

[@tanjeffrey9396]

Ghib さん、ありがとうございます。このビデオはほんとにおもしろいですね。❤🎉

[@Cheekeong2483]

I love YISHUN and I love Singapore ❤, most entertaining video brother. I liked it.😂❤

[@chunpenghau5213]

This episode looks so fun and lively 😂😅

[@matlim]

Thank you Ghib for finding time to make all these wonderful video. I am a Singaporean and always loved to travel to Japan. There was once me and my family were travelling on a train by the sea in Fukui, and a young man was selling lunch boxes. We bought it and it was very nice home cooked food, made with love. He asked where we were from, and we said Singapore. He said that he has never travelled but would love to visit and stay in Singapore one day .... that has left an impression on me, hence I am always curious about Japanese that are staying in Singapore and if they are happy....now I know they are and I am glad they are! Great that they are localised too and love Yishun :)....keep up the good videos!

[@pokmerb444]

The India Singaporean husband and Japanese wife. Their precious boy boy so awesome handsome ❤❤❤the other also handsome and beautiful but he is the most handsome 😂❤❤❤

[@tanjeffrey9396]

❤ i love this video very much too. I had a friend in Fukui whom i had make friend with six years ago when i was visiting Hiroshima. Hopefully i will be able to meet up with her again this year end trip to Japan 🎉❤ みなさんはとてもやさしいです。❤

[@leeli5441]

Yishun has a lot of wild and unexpected incidents that’s what led it to be called “dangerous” but it’s just a local joke as u can see, it’s a lovely place

[@willie8452]

I LOVE All of Them!!! So loud and noisy hahahha love it 😆😆🤣

[@justhami6672]

I love seeing the cheery vibes from the ladies. Good job Ghib Ojisan for sharing this.

[@RaymondChia_Silaqui]

The way they speak is so localized. If I was not watching the screen I would thought they are locals.

[@auroraravens]

Naomi-san used to be my colleague at work, surprised and glad to see her in your video! I also just moved to Yishun after staying pretty north-central so its been an experience having vastly different travel times.

[@veousmah7993]

Yishun is relatively close to reservoirs and nature parks, so there are often reports of otter and wild boar attacks, so many people joke about these news. But in fact, Yishun is a very nice place to live, surrounded by nature and delicious food😊 If you have ever lived in the east or central region and come here, you will know how good Yishun is.

[@mimib1142]

So excited to follow and watch more. Hope this is a start of new content🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@haruhi7745]

Welcome Back. Ah so cool Vlog. Ah so nice to have Japanese living in Singapore it is so wonderful. 😌👍🌷💙🤍

[@thegreenbaby9365]

Another great video with amazing guests …. Haha interesting!

[@h3llmag3]

Yishun is Dangerous 😂😂😂 The ladies are already so adapting to Singapore. Their speech even so Singaporean

[@alvinlim7364]

They are not shy and reserved at all! 😊

[@secondsun8906]

Very fun video! As someone who has lived in Yishun for 30 years, when the "Yishun dangerous" memes came out, i was like whaaat? Never felt it. Maybe im the dangerous one 🤣 Also true on the far part! But maybe because all my friends stay in the east haha

[@ycfavourites]

👍👍Very interesting video. Thanks Ghib.

[@hiroyukishinichi9873]

Warm welcome to them! Happy to have them making Singapore their home

[@iAxianguy]

😄 These ladies are adorable 🥰

[@sujaniaslam2428]

Hi Ghib,, wow 皆さん　すごい　英語　ペラペラ, Nanako san Naomi san and Zarah san . all very cheerful n blessed to met each other,, 羨ましい,, 皆さん　お元気でね、、nice vlog Ghib,, Kwetiau tabetakunacyau 😅,, 😝、、

[@ip3vk]

These Japanese ladies are very jovial not like the usual Japanese women in Japan which are very conscious when they talk loudly. They are so localised😂

[@litcseow6725]

I moved to yishun since June 2023 Having lived in Jurong East for more than 20 yrs. I feel Yishun is a nice place to live in. Good food and good natural surroundings and fresh air (living near reservoir) Great to see Japanese localized and adapting well.

[@chocolatococo657]

Many good food here .. 618 Sim white carrot cake 605 A&C braised Duck kway chap 645 pak mandor nasi lemak 654 Do & me old school western 661 Arab turkish western restaurant 664 Wei Wei noodles ~ must try old school black carrot cake 729 Vegan restaurant 732 Legend scissor cut curry rice 744 Dajie makan place 748 Heng Hua restaurant 103 Nummun Thai Kitchen restaurant 110 Hyogaki icecream shop 123 handmade teochew kuehs 156 Coba Coba 291 Newton Old Ming Kee prawn noodles 292 icecream shop 293 gambate stall ~ crispiest waffle 285 old world bkt and porridge 848 Hojiak Rojak broadway coffeeshop 848 Uncle Rojak Chang cheng coffeeshop Chong pang food centre - chuan kee braised duck ( michelin bib gourmand) - Xiang Xiang fishball noodles ~ preferably with chilli ( michelin plate ) - Pin xiang ~ white carrot cake - Yao Fa Teochew Mushroom Meat Noodles - Guan Heng Cooked Food ~ Satay beehoon only open in late afternoon - lu xiang ji noodles Yishun Park hawker centre ~ Nanyang Curry Soon heng eating house ~ Ipoh curry cheong fun ~ Lu jia fish soup Chong pang nasi lemak A hot hideout @ sembawang Muffinhomme @ bukit canberra food centre Slow Bakes @ yishun central

[@sylvia3867]

these ladies are wonderful… love their Singlish accents. they seem so fun to be with. wishing them all the best 😊❤️

[@peachukii]

this channel is so wholesome.

[@quinchen4694]

My Japanese husband and I also live in Yishun, the Khatib side. I've seen some Japanese living around the area. Maybe there is a secret Japanese community here 😅. I grew up in Yishun, stayed in sengkang for 8 years but decided to resettle back in Yishun. It's actually a very nice area, close to parks, the reservoir connects to springleaf. Many major buses routes run through here. Less than half an hour by train to get to the orchard. I find it actually much more convenient than staying in Sengkang. There's Donki at Northpoint too. The estates are relatively clean and the cleaners actually stay in the neighbouring blocks.

[@joesama3282]

I also live in Khatib near 848. My hdb living below neighbors has a japanese/singaporean family and scotland/singaporean couple, in same floor across my house have myanmarese, china, malaysian family neighbors. Now Yishun has becoming more international residential with strong kampong spirit that never leave Yishun. Just 30years ago back in 90s, I can say that Yishun is dangerous due to the gangsterism not safe during late night. When I moved out with my taiwanese wife from my parent house, we bought our new bto just opposite of my parent house. I can never leave this place, the food, the people, the area are overall very good and my wife think so too. I remember one time we were cycling around Yishun and cycle to the Yishun Dam then I take her to the Seletar Airport and told her that we have 2nd airport, she was shocked to know Singapore actually have 2 airport haha...

[@jominechong857]

This is a very interesting video.

[@JiMoMin]

So interesting listening their stories

[@Angie-dw4nx]

the ladies are so humourous! like their candid views of living in yishun

[@alui5362]

so warm and bubbly!

[@thereisnoaddress]

wow, the husband is just like you -- needing to bring chili padi when travelling! Also what a throwback to Yishun. Thanks for showing us their lives!

[@GhibOjisan]

Haha I was like “that’s me”

[@MsLilac88]

Konichiwa, I always feel intrigued by your amazing food & lifestyle videos, a few of my friends are staying at Yishun, it looks like an interesting neighbourhood. 😊

[@raymondlim8131]

nice video!!!

[@calicochua]

i love this!!!!!! greetings from yishun!

[@lilianr513]

Naomi is SUCH a vibe!!!!

[@KironManuelCards]

Amazing video So good to know

[@danishrusdi]

Even having a Singaporean spouse can also be an opportunity to be more Singaporean also.🇸🇬✌️

[@CSB-pu9mc]

Ha, so cute. Welcome to Singapore. So happy that all of them blend in so well in the community. I am a Singaporean and used to lived in Toyko, Higashi Shinjuku, and love it when my neighbours smile and say Konichiwa to me when I go out to work. Miss those days.. :)

[@nanako2144]

oh! I used to live in Higashishinjuku!!

[@littlepixie2023]

*1:56** ... this is so cute* ❤

[@fengweichengisme]

やっぱり日本人は英語を話す時と日本語を話す時と全然違うね　雰囲気😆 フォローさせていただきます🥰

[@derrickng922]

Very nice and heart warming. Thanks

[@leewn2319]

Hi Ghib San, u need to do a corrective video to restore Yishun’s reputation and boost people’s confidence and mental image of Yishun.

[@steamedbeam7837]

he already did... the video that went viral proved yishun is NOT a dangerous place and he said he liked it. the reference was because that video that showed yishun as a nice place blew up in japan

[@lexolex-wv7xi]

Luv yr content. Tks

[@NEAAFFAIRS]

Can i say they are not putting up a Japanese proper front. So appreciative of this.

[@coldbrewed8308]

Love this episode

[@reclusecruise6652]

As someone who lives in Yishun, it's odd how so many people are wary of this place when im just like "huh?"

[@arnabusmccain1823]

Hilarious video. Japanese ladies with Singaporean accent 😂😂

[@toitec003]

めちゃくちゃ良い企画ですね‼️

[@tsubasatsubasa106]

Interesting to see the difference between the "expat wives" and the ones who married the locals...

[@aero.l]

Expat wives somehow come across as more reserved and less confident in their interactions with others. But might also have to do with length of time overseas.

[@user-js3de6jl7n]

These jap ladies so jovial unpretentious n loud, became localised 😅love them, welcome ❤

[@paecpc]

So interesting to hear their stories, everyone is so localised 😊❤

[@viviankwan1101]

The ladies were so cute and cheerful…! 😍 Really enjoyed this video… thanks for sharing this…! 🙏

[@HweeTengLee]

The kids are so adorable!

[@silverchairsg]

Yishun holds a special meaning for me. To me, whenever someone mentions Yishun, I inevitably immediately think of Khatib, which is the next MRT station. Why? Because of my favourite 5 star resort that's located just 10min from the MRT station. Free food, lodgings, clothing and exercise. I make sure to never miss my 2 weeks' stay there every year. 😆

[@rinky_dinky]

i love this episode

[@pdoys18]

Yishun.....the pride of the north lah!! Lots of nature, greenery and good food too lah!! Who says Yishun is dangerous......?? No lah....it is safe lah!!

[@creatireci2859]

So cool that those Japanese people speak English with Singaporean/Malaysian accents and gestures. I have Japanese friends and been to Japan & they’re all more on the reserved side.

[@copperpen4017]

Shifted to Yishun 2 years ago and loving it😊

[@goddanner]

I really like this interview!! Use grab to order la ~~ they cannot choose when to drop off.

[@splattered1]

wholesome video~~ steady pompipi~~

[@afiqite1921]

Omg can’t believe you were filming at my old house!! How do you find your experience in シンガポール?

[@domimatrix]

Very entertaining n informative! I think Yishun is Singapore’s most famous neighborhood in the world!

[@jevteamy2048]

I WAS THE ONE AT THE PIANO AREA WHEN I SAW YOU HAHAHA

[@IZTheOne]

they are already Singaporean haha! the way they talk and mindset it's in them.

[@psx2sg]

The ladies have not being through other parts of Singapore. I have been staying in Central, East, North before and only moved to Yishun 3-4 years ago.There will be coffee shops in any part of singapore that uncle drink and get rowdy, depends if the place you stay is near a drinking coffee shop actually. I also dont get rejected to go Yishun on Taxis (unless changed shift). To be honest i dont know why Yishun got amplified where things are happen everywhere in Singapore. Yishun is near to Malaysia, Woodlands checkpoint, Zoo, Birdpark. i'm not a orchard road person so Yishun is good for me. and as for 'Far', i think that depends on where your friend stays

[@diainJP]

It's so interesting watching Yishun-themed videos as someone who's been away from Singapore for over a decade because growing up in Jurong, we knew we were like, you know, the Adachi-ku of Singapore (nothing against people from Adachi-ku, just stating facts), and we had the same concerns - far away from everywhere, perhaps a little 'grittier' an image than most areas due to the industrial background - but it's so interesting to observe how Yishun seems to have that 'pai kia' image now. On another note, I'm really surprised by that bit about the monkeys at the bus stop though, I think that's actually kind of cool😂

[@hiroyukishinichi9873]

Nowadays every part of Singapore is pretty much well-connected, with lots of amenities. That's also why Singapore Government will be rolling out the new categorization of HDB BTOs (no longer mature vs non-mature). Jurong Lake District will become 2nd CBD, Tengah will transform too, Punggol will become digital district, North side will get hotter with SG-JB RTS link, Cross-Island MRT line will make West-to-East much faster. Yishun joke just happened to catch on 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@LVPictures]

Ghib knows his stall in Chong Pang hawker lol. Definity the most competent stall at that hour. For cheaper alternative could have gone for Hua Hua fishball but soup does get a bit salty if u go later. The best is probably the satay bee hoon stall but one can also urge that it is his duck rice stall. But they shouldn't have brought u there in the afternoon, the most concentrated place with good food in Chong Pang was block 732... just a stone throw away. Depending on whether this was filmed before or after Sept 11, the best porridge in Singapore was actually in block 732. Sadly it has now moved to Yishun Block 285. Sooo inaccessbile by bus now. But you still have good fried rice and dim sum in block 732. But the whole coffee shop will only open after 29 Sept though, whole place closed for renovation.

[@mingyuexin2715]

these aunties are so localized now. their speaking accent is so local auntie. I like it!

[@saints10]

Gosh I'd like to meet these ladies, they seem so nice, I'd also love to learn some Japanese from them too!

[@___Danny___]

last time there used to have a japanese community in river valley road , near the old liang court there.

[@foologic]

These ladies are so fun-loving and funny! Completely enjoyed watching them defending Yishun! P.S. I am Singaporean, and I also cannot understand why people don't drink cold/iced water. I can only drink iced water! LOL..

[@kolkattaindia]

So much fun watching this video 😅 🙏👍

[@ordinaryobserver897]

There are more pianos these days in HDB not just yishun. Eg. In toa payoh and woodlands for people to play, free. Your guests are so loveable.

[@rolandlwtay]

This is nicely hilarious! 🤣🤣

[@harunahaluna]

なおみさんのお部屋気になるぅ〜！🎉❤❤

[@jeanniewong2967]

Come visit Punggol .. nice food , nice park and cycling

[@durian5233]

Wow, their Singlish is soooo perfect!

[@jytan740]

i didnt know yishun was dangerous, until ghib say so lol

[@GhibOjisan]

I never say!!😭

[@liahalim1671]

Adding Yishun on my bucket list😂

[@ymhktravel]

It's somewhat true about what the lady who's married to a China Chinese (now Singaporean) said. I think Chinese in general (even the much older Singaporean) prefer warm water to cold water, esp at night. Singaporean Chinese a majority still take chilled water or cold drinks, like salad, and have no problem with cold dishes. However, China Chinese do take raw food, just not some types of it, eg. salad bowl which is not really part of their culture in China, but the younger ones are more open to new things. But something to note in a medical sense. Drinking warm water has its own benefits, such as helping digestion and toxin removal, hence that's why Chinese, esp older people, prefer warm, feel kinder on the gut.

[@Dans_Theatre]

Jit Poon Lang! Long time no see! ..... you sabo Yishun! LOL!

[@AikoHonoka]

Every week I was at Yishun visiting my grandma house Know this area for so many years And I know some stores over there

[@leponpon6935]

Kway Chap also damn nice. Love it, though, Malaysia also has kway chap, it is more accessible in Singapore.

[@kittyss2371]

i ised to live in AMK amd take bus to Yishu to visit my friemds.. so much has chanfe fm early 90s. Missed the Good Ol' Days..

[@song1489]

With these cute “aunties” around, Yishun is no longer a dangerous place lah ❤