Japan: Things You Should Know Before Coming Here And About Me

[@TravellingTechMan]

This is one of the most well articulated videos on Japan that I have ever seen, I enjoyed hearing your take on things in Japan.

[@RetroGameTech]

Really interesting video, Luke! I'd love to visit Japan someday. Hit up a few karaoke bars, do some game shopping, try some of the unusual foods and snacks! Will definitely need to save a bit of cash first though, haha.

[@GadgetUK164]

Great vid! Love watching your videos. Know what you mean about repairing rather than playing, it's very rewarding when you bring that system back to life. Fascinating info about Japan!

[@bradybrotherton9778]

Thanks for sharing about Japan luke! It was very nice to know about the important facts there! Im glad you're happy with what you do and where you live!

[@alecjahn]

Great video, Luke. Really well done. Definitely a favorite. Lots of good and interesting info! Thanks!

[@bladeslinger71113]

Thanks for the reply. Cant remember when I sub to you but you are one the the most informative channel that I watch everytime you upload. Thanks for the Q and A session

[@minoshiya99]

I would like to comment on what you said about gaming here in the usa. I guess I am very lucky where I live because gaming here is very hot for all age groups, there are 8 gamestops within 10miles, what I'm saying is I am 41yrs old have a wife and 2 kids and aleast over 100 friends that hardcore game so it is a lifestyle for us. I don't really know anyone, besides some 80 year hermit that don't atleast own 1 game system. Thank you for your japanese video, I enjoyed it very much.

[@Galdelico]

That was great, one of your videos I enjoyed the most. And your attitude, man, is just commendable.

[@maxgusatz5644]

Still watching in late 2018. Still love the channel Luke many years on. 😀

[@nfang_tk]

Same here! This guy is awesome! He's a real inspiration to me forsure!

[@duzhang]

Great info about Japan and clarifying the stereotype. Too bad I have already settled in the states but quite a few years ago I really considered moving to Japan to start a career. Keep up the good work Luke.

[@matchpotential]

great video, it was really helpful and now has shown me more about Japan and what to expect wen i go there. Keep up the good work!

[@Icza]

Cool, this was pretty interesting. If there is a lot more to mention regarding living in Japan as a foreigner, it would be cool to see this as a weekly series or something. It would be very interesting. I have no intention on moving to Japan but it's still so interesting to hear about these little things you don't really hear about easily otherwise.

[@jrf84]

My friend,who used to be in my Japanese class, was partially sighted and he decided to go through a TEFL course programme and he's now in Saitama teaching English.I tried to see how he could be supported and how good Japanese facilities/trains etc are for blind people.But I didn't find out that much.I think he's coping being in Japan but many people are worried about him.I admire really what he's doing though

[@busterwolfs]

This video was VERY INFORMATIVE & eye-opening!! Very interesting stuff! Thanks for this upload!

[@pandavenom128]

I've been in Japan for the past 6 months. Hasn't been the most fun experience, so far. This video definitely helped, so thanks.

[@Robertkopp84]

thanks for the quick answer, ill think about it and search a bit of information on my own. you really got me interested.

[@RetroGamesCollector]

Some great insights into Japanese life there. Fascinating stuff. Thank you.

[@defpixel]

Looks like a blast city in the background. What arcade games are you playing? I went to Akihabara last year and went to the HEY arcade, I'm really into shooters.

[@toshineon]

One of my dreams is coming to Japan to work as a computer engineer, and I expected this video to discourage me... but I'm more excited than ever. The negative points you mentioned about moving to a foreign country were already things I expected, and I have no problem completely taking in and adapting to a different culture. Of course I expect it to be difficult, but I'm at least gonna try to make it over there. I'm hard at work studying Japanese right now, and while it is difficult, it will be worth it. Even if I end up not wanting to live there, at least I'll know I tried it out for myself.

[@ColtSSR]

Did you do it?

[@jorge3997]

Did you go?

[@toshineon]

@@jorge3997 Not yet, but it's still on my bucket list. Since the comment I've studied both japanese and computer tech and programming, which I now work with here in Sweden. So progression is slow, but it's going forward.

[@shofla]

YOUR FAMICOM IS DISTRACTING THE HELL OUT OF ME

[@JoshuaJaeger]

Luke, It's really great you're still rocking away with the vids man. Sorry it's been ages since I've posted a comment on one of your videos. This one is so informative and it's great seeing how things are going in your life! My wife and I plan on visiting Japan in 2014, and I can't wait to check out some of the places/ styles you've touched on. Thank you!

[@HumanDrillBit]

Very well made. You're an incredible communicator. I live in Bangkok, Thailand 3 years and counting, and I echo everything you stated about living in a foreign country. Thanks for sharing your views and experiences on Japan.

[@areyouserious83]

Great vid Luke there are some but not nearly enough vlogs out there containing a more realistic window into the life of a foreigner living in Japan... By the way bro diggin the look without those 1990's style Captain hook hoop earings you used to rock haha

[@mox2]

A guy from California who's lived in Japan for 3 and a half years and just stumbled on your video after a really great party lol Everything Luke says is spot on, especially with the relationship part, if your smooth the ladies back home, you'll be fine here, but it's the maintaining of the relationships which is difficult Also its really difficult to make deep connecting friendships with the people, its easy to go out with them but your real bros will probably be the ones in your own country

[@JillpooThree]

Really interesting video Luke!! Every video of you is my favorite!! :)

[@littlebrittle18]

i thinks its awesome that you moved to Japan and actually liked it enough to stay for ten years.. that seems insane to me. to live in a place that would take so long to get used to.. when you said youve been there for 10 years i actually got a sinking feeling like it were me there lol.. something about moving to a different country and actually staying permanently sounds scary as hell. but neat that its actually possible!

[@MrJapanApan]

I saw your Swedish candy-testing-video and now i find out you live in Japan. As a Swede who has been to Japan 5 times and plan to move there, i feel we should hang out! Couse you seem like a cool and relaxed dude and so am i. Lol. Keep up the good work and maybe i will see you over there in the land of the rising sun! ; )

[@mochico88]

10 years!?!?! Wow, that's pretty awesome! I'm new to your videos, within the past few days, so I had no idea.

[@nissan300bhp]

basically, if your not from japan or 100% set on it as a move. its a travel destination. always loved japan or the thought of it, but yeah , somewhere to go on holidays/vacation

[@xvxvcaspervxvx]

I was looking into teaching English in Japan and from the research I've gathered its quite difficult to get over. Like Luke said, you need to prove you have a certificate and a university degree of some sort. Then you have to deal with working VISA's in order get work. There are many agencies that can find positions throughout Japan, that doesn't mean its going to be the best of situations. Expenses are another issue. Culture shock like any other place you visit is a big deterrent.

[@HalfBlindGamer]

Very insightful video Luke! Both about you and Japan in general. I'd love to visit Japan sometime for a nice vacation and take in the culture myself, but I don't think I could ever live there. Seems very hard to get settled there. Really cool to see how well you've managed though!

[@RetroSnoop]

Hey Luke! I live in Japan and wanted to say you made a cool video here. Very informative. I've been an English teacher for 3.5 years here. I really wanna do something different!

[@paulink]

Amazing video Luke, you are like my role model. I've visited Japan twice and loved it both times, however when you say fit in I think I might have fit in too well (because of my korean looks) so a lot of times people wouldn't think I'm a foreigner D: But I absolutely loved every second of it. Like you said, I just felt so accepted in Japan. Going to Akihabara was like a revelation to me. But I also went out to the country side and really enjoyed the culture and history. Keep doing what you love!

[@infiniteascensionn]

Hey man, thank you so much for this video & the one you posted quite some time ago. My brother is heading over to Japan to live to pursue a career in hotel management and I linked him this video just in case & he found it really helpful. Great knowing some personal stuff about you too - awesome video! :D

[@koosjuh75]

How did you deal with homesickness if I might ask? For me the last month was horrible, I litterly was sick. Never believed you could really get sick from homesickness. However I am glad I did it, you learn so much about other countries but you learn a lot about yourself as well.

[@CDScythe]

would love to see more of these video's really opens up eyes, thanks alot luke!

[@Emperix]

I would love to check out Japan and see what it's really like. There's only so much you can get from books, lol.

[@jcobra]

My question is, what initiated your move to Japan 10 years ago?

[@P1Gman]

I wish you would have mentioned how tight living quarters are. Like how, if you own more than a bed, tv, washer/dryer, bath tub, sink, your place looks like a storage room.

[@claudiofreitas3]

Hey Luke, I wanted to know more about how one is able to "live" in Japan... I mean, for you, how did you get your first job when you got in Japan? Did you get it before getting there? Or did you move in there as a tourist, got into interviews and then got a work and a work visa? I'm curious because I wanted to live there, but I'm actually kind of lost about how should be a good start. Thank you a lot for the vid and the answers!

[@DemonSlayer622]

Luke thank you for the great and useful information and ironicly my friend is dragging me to live with him in japan im going to have a tough time adapting but ill try hard haha

[@samuraispiritsx]

I was just in Japan and I found the women there were much more forthcoming when trying to talk to me and know where I'm from ect, just more friendly. But the men wanted no part in talking to us for the most part. Had a amazing time, Tokyo is the place for me, will be moving there within the next 2 years for sure, the busy city life is what I need right now in my life.

[@satyanjoy]

Japan is one of the interesting place to be, to know the culture and people..this video is a great insight into it,,thanks a lot

[@lactobacillusprime]

Well spoken and very insightful Luke! Cheers, Mark V.

[@DazManCat]

Great video Luke. Fascinating cultural insight.

[@andersevenrud]

Really enjoy these videos about the Japanese culture and history. Hope you can do more of these, even though you focus on Gaming.... maybe do some more bike-rides and show off some stuff ? :)

[@andersevenrud]

I think it would have been really cool if you made a separate channel about your life in Japan, what you've learned, and just show off some cool locations and maybe give some tips on what/where one could go to kill some free-time etc. when visiting. Anyways, keep up the great videos man. You've helped me out a lot! Oh.... and are people seriously calling your stuff for junk?! You gotta have the best mother-flippin' collection of the world's greatest hardware ever (Written in envy)!

[@thetylife]

I've been watching your vids for years and I feel like I know you a lot more through this vid. Finally know what you do over there, sorta lol. Japan doesn't sound that great to live in for a foreigner. It makes me appreciate my situation here in the U.S. more. I'd love to visit though.

[@thereason1010]

Luke, do you see yourself living in Japan for the rest of your life? If no would you go back to the US or somewhere else around the world?

[@101rockfreak]

You provided some great insight as to what the reality is for someone who wants to move over there. You really gave a great snapshot and answered a lot of my random questions about Japan and culture variances. Great video as always! Your videos like this are a refreshing change of pace from the usual, which are also fantastic. But why no Bemani love?

[@EdoJp]

I love when you make videos like this. Please keep uploading them

[@thewhisperednothingsasmr]

Hey, i know this is a really old video but i just had a quick question, i am travelling to Japan in April and am a massive gamer (Retro and Current). I'd like to grab a heap of games while im there but my problem is that i am only just starting to learn how to speak Japanese and i struggle to understand if it's written/spoken to me. I have spoken to a few people who have said that you can't get games with English audio or even English subtitles in Japan but I noticed that your copy of Biohazard had an English menu... is it just the menu in English or is there an option for language? If there is an English option, are there many games like this in Japan and if so where is the best place to find them? I assume most stuff at Hard Off etc would be in Japanese... I plan on getting a lot of Famicom etc games with little dialog but i'm also into N64, Dreamcast etc and figure I will struggle finding games for these. Any advice you could give would be awesome. Thanks mate :)

[@SwankeyMonkey]

Very good and informative video Luke. Thank you for uploading this.

[@JesseEtzler0]

Ya it was very difficult to communicate with the people when I visited. I felt very alone for those 9 days I stayed there, I was able to have a few conversations with people but it was still tough. If I knew the language better everything would of been simple. I do want to build friendships and attempt to get hired for an industry job. I'll keep practicing my Japanese. I'm almost thinking becoming an english teacher might be the best start and slowly learn more of the language living there.

[@janxaholic9117]

thanks for the video man, u really are motivated me to go thier w/c is my childhood dreams sopposed to be and my siblings. ill go to japan not to look for a job(if i get lucky why not lol!) but to visit the place like akihabara,osaka gaming stuff,super potato.for collections and try obscure foods etc. were planing to go there maybe this 2016. thx man thumbs up for this video.

[@Mineshack]

What do you mean 'this 2016'? Theres only going to be one 2016 in all of our lifetimes.

[@SwankeyMonkey]

Hey Luke, a bit of an odd question... but, does potato have a certain meaning in Japan? You had made some videos about an arcade in Akihabara named the "Super Potato". And I had noticed when I was modifying a Dreamcast VMU, that the VMU's PCB chip had 'POTATO' printed in bold on it. So it seems that potato carries some meaning with it, in order for the Japanese to use it in someway related to tech and gaming. Thanks for any response to this curiosity.

[@darkinertia2]

luke i have a question about japan, what is the state of indie games over there? from what i see, it seems like indie games arent really done too much and the ones that are, dont really take off except on rare occasion, seems like the thing for devs is to make it to a big company and work for them rather than do it on your own but i can be wrong

[@Celtpjs34stone34]

Really Michigan thats awesome! What area near Detroit. I grew up in Dearborn but now at school across state. Great video as usual Luke!

[@NovemberSierra87]

A very nice vid! I follow youre channel quite some time now. Im very interested to visit Japan for a holiday! You give some nice tips for a stay! Greets from Holland!

[@Retromicky82]

Awesome video . I would love to know more about the money and how that works etc .

[@scott882012]

Awesome stuff!, i'm coming to Japan on holiday in September! Have a good year Luke

[@DaisyTheSadboi]

This is going to sound like a kind of general question, but if one was to visit Japan, where would be the best spots to both sightsee and not feel like a total gaijin?

[@Atarix777]

You are a bit like Barney from "How I met your mother" because even when he talks about work u never know what he actually does for living ;-D Very cool video, I liked a lot to listen to it!

[@MrCrossa]

Thanks for the vis, Luke. I"m actually going to Japan in summer of 2013 after I graduate from high school.

[@futurematt5]

Great video Luke, you made some good points and you definitely have made a great effort to live in Japan for 10 years.

[@Horzzo]

As someone who has lived "overseas" 1/4th of my life I can definately relate with much of what you said here. I was in Europe rather than the Far East but the "rules" are the same. Try to fit in and adapt to culture and the way of life. Also understand that many people will stereotype you right off the bat for being a forigner.

[@Mikeamania79]

my good life long friend made the move to japan he's a rock star there , more then he would ever be here. great video bro you remind me so much of him , great guy

[@NeonGenesisPlatinum]

How long have you been over there? What made you initialy move over there? How the hell will you EVER get all of your stuff back to the states when you leave? Cheers Luke

[@xan1242]

Thank you Luke for this video! Now I know how should I get into Japan when I finish college! Hopefully I shall meet you someday! :D

[@williamstewart6484]

I lived in Japan for 5 years up in Misawa. Totally awesome I really miss it, especially the Ramen and Georgia coffee!!!

[@Synthetic_Graves]

and beautiful. I envy their rich history and their passion for the things that the Japanese do, I just dont think I would ever fit in well and the last thing I want to be is a thorn in someone's side. I know you mentioned you love your work there and you love living there, but have you ever considered returning stateside? Wow, ok time for bed. What I intended on only being a simple question, turned into a double post. Awesome vid Luke!

[@trulygg]

This was truly worth listening to, while I've heard similar things before it's always good to hear from this point of view. c:

[@AtariBorn]

Where in Michigan? I've started a new in seismic around the Traverse City, Williamsburg areas. Also Evart and Mt Pleasant.

[@freeagentxms]

It's funny because other cultures have the expectation that their culture/customs will be whole heart idly accepted when they come to the US, and they generally are, but as you pointed out(and it's very true) that is not the case abroad. My wife is from another country, so I'm very familiar with this.

[@Delagodo]

1 question, what's the best way to travel in Japan? Thanks for making an FYI vid, always wanted to go to Japan, one day hopefully I will!

[@TheDemoniusX]

Hey man I am from MI too! I lived in Warren which was 2 miles north of detroit. I appreciate the advice when going to japan as my wife and I will visit there in the next few years (If money holds up,of course). I am TRYING to learn the language and it's not easy in the slightest. Actually doing better in learning german (which I hope to also visit in my life time). Thanks for this vid. I am sure it will come in handy for anyone who is interested in visiting the land of the rising sun!

[@MrFwibbles]

Hey Luke, good to hear from you again. I want to visit Japan one day, but I don't like fish or beef and I don't know what I would eat there. Whenever I hear about Japanese cuisine, it's always dishes with fish or beef in. Is it hard to find places to eat that serve chicken?

[@Draven2626]

most jobs in the US pay either weekly or every two weeks

[@TechnicolorVille]

Great video Luke I really like the perspective. Oh and uhm is going to the movies expensive in Japan? I frequent the movies often.

[@hfidek]

very cool video im from france and i have been living in US for 7 years now and im at the point myself where i really consider it my home and wouldn't change anything .

[@RetroClash95]

Changed my mind I have a difficult question! What type of music do you listen to? I'm such a big Luke morse fan that I have to know!

[@JesseH76]

That's what I discovered just meeting them on myspace and Facebook. I thought we were becoming pretty good friends writing and talking about various things, sending gifts, just really getting to know each other so when I visit I might have people to show me around. They dropped me as a friend out the the blue, no explanation, no anything. I thought it strange, but just let it go without question.

[@Jamesatighe]

I was intrigued when you commented on how its hard to live on a monthly salary? Being from the UK this is the norm and pretty much every job pays monthly except certain jobs like temping etc. In America is this not the case? I just wondered as you said it was quite a shock to be paid monthly and I assumed the states was the same. Awesome video though man. I really want to go travel to Japan one day. Learnt some basic Japanese but struggle so want to get it better before I travel really.

[@DuckiesUnite]

Great video! Poor Luke, you always look so sleepy.

[@evilkinggumby]

I know thisis an older vid and you've done a mess of them since this but I wanted to say THANK YOU. This, plus the bike riding video recently and it's Q&A have been a great and useful tool. I appreciate the insight and general honesty you've had in detailing your experiences in japan. One question: Anime seems to imply lots of folk have houses, but IRL it seems like housing is mostly apartments? Or does it vary a lot? (you in apt?)

[@jrlepage]

Do you feel like you've changed as a person since living in Japan (I assume that's an obvious "yes" given how long you've been there). How have you changed for better/worse?

[@TheSilentOne666]

I've contemplated the idea of moving to Japan ever since I was very young. I haven't been able to visit yet (too expensive, on a student budget) but I was wondering how difficult or easy it is to obtain a visa to stay there. Also, is it possible for westerners to earn Japanese citizenship? I also heard that it's extremely difficult to get a decent apartment if you don't speak any Japanese (I took a couple classes, but I'm still nowhere near fluent).

[@shwink]

I agree with the investment part, when I was unemployed for 2 years helped me survive by selling most of my old collection. Though got a job and slowly built back up.

[@jbyork]

Hey Luke, thanks for sharing your personal experience. Keep up the great videos! :)

[@charden2016]

Hey awesome video man, it was really informative. I do have a few questions though, like do you know about the visa process, and if so; if you come over on a student visa, can you change to a work visa during the duration of your stay, or do you have to go back to the states and reapply?

[@jeff97ish]

Thanks for the info bro. I have been considering it. I am a huge gamer and really love to import retro.

[@crx5555]

thanks for the heads up ive always wanted to visit japan.

[@devmiles]

You pretty much nailed the foreign factor especially in Japan where things go very different from what we western people do or think. I found especially on emotional levels so many difference and indeed you should be careful what you do or say not to embarass people. i've been in a few difficult situations with this hehe. it's hard, it costs a lot of time and effort but Japan is really rewarding =D the Dutch were the first people to trade with the Japanese by the way. I have been to Dejima

[@LightTheUnicorn]

I get called a hoarder ALOT by people for my small collection of old electronics and games, I enjoy keeping old stuff running, but don't keep "old junk", if something's genuinely beyond repair or just crap it will get thrown or parted out. everyone has their own hobbes ;)

[@SlasherMiniFilms]

Great Video, Luke! You're a great example of someone who moved from the US and made a REALLY successful life elsewhere!

[@JesseEtzler0]

I recently got back from my trip to Japan, was an amazing experience there! I do have my bachelors degree in video game design and computer science. Also have worked for Activision. Hoping to soon find a job in Japan but I believe most industry jobs require more Japanese than I currently have learned.

[@paulspydar]

My now wife moved from Japan to the UK , we have been married for a long time & I have been wanting to move to Japan for a while now , but my wife just doesn't want to do it, as she likes it here so much & says she really doesn't fit in back home in Japan anymore ,& she was born there! I would love to move one day before I get too old, but I doubt I will ever be able to persuade her..:-(

[@harpo2500]

Great video I just had now question. do you ever go back home back to the states like for the holidays to see family? And when was the last time you've been home? I'm just curious. Thank you.

[@RyuNoZero]

:D I was 2times in Japan as tourist in holidays it was really fun I tried to speak Japanese because I'm learning it. I'll travel again and again but my question is: Where are you in Japan ? East or South ?

[@DDRFreak410]

I learned alot from this video, and I have decided that it's probably best that I go to Japan for visiting purposes only.