Living in Japan at 50: My Drab to Fab Summer Makeover 🇯🇵🔥

[@santisanti8386]

You are Mr. Rogers for grown up children. Calmness, serenity, mindfulness. I don't have exact tools to measure it, but I feel about 92% stress free after watching your videos, they are like a little meditation and mindfulness practice. I'm so grateful to have found some really great people and content on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Chani. I wish you to continue enjoying every moment of it.

[@ChaniJapan]

❤very kind of you. Thank you 😊

[@tukkataaow]

+1💖🌏👁🇹🇭🇭🇰🫶👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌me too 🙏

[@PVTKR]

Mrs.Rogers!😊

[@primrose4441]

My feelings exactly. I feel so good watching your videos ❤️

[@roliboom]

What a lovely comment! And so true, Chani's videos are so calming and so interesting!

[@ItIsTheVeni]

Why I love the internet - I'm 35, I just recently finished therapy with a psychologist and started living my life over again, but I'm still afraid that I've already missed everything in this life. That I won't have time to experience anything, I won't have time to be anywhere. And then I came across your channel. Where you say with full confidence that at 50 you can easily move to the country you have long dreamed of, and live a quiet and peaceful life, which you have long dreamed of, to do your own thing, and just live.... Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@bluryeye1]

You have many years ahead of you, just look forward to every new day and get out there and enjoy!

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Being the same age as Chani, my advice is to set achievable goals for each 5 year block. They can be simple or complex. Life will zip past if you let it. Goal setting and doing new things can alter your perception of time. Enjoy right now you can’t change the past, and try and be a better version of the person you were yesterday. 😊👍

[@coraleelawrence9790]

Thanks for another wonderful insight into your life! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Marlon044]

dude I know the feeling at 39

[@LonLonRanchDressing]

If only people in the US were that concerned about being good neighbors. I’d feel so much more sane 😂

[@loft4me]

Being mindful of the neighbors, creating a space that although small, provides a sense of relaxation for your well-being. Taking practical steps to accommodate any negatives concerning the weather (instead of just complaining about it), all makes for a delightful personality with a lot of practicality. I'm pretty impressed.

[@rickymead5282]

You're an absolute legend! Beer garden, BBQ, overalls, gardening, DIY, thongs, camping, and relaxing with beer's and shopping. It proves you may take the Aussie out of Australia but you can't take the Australia out of the Aussie! Love your work mate! 😊👍🏽

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks 👍 Yeah I'm being very Aussie this weekend.

[@HM-kc4ky]

日本の夏は湿気と暑さが厳しく、特に西日本でさらに空き家のような古い家だとなおさら暑くて大変かもしれません。しかし、お祭りや花火大会など楽しいことも盛り沢山なのが夏です。どうかチャニさんも猫ちゃんも、熱中症に気をつけてお過ごしください。

[@ChaniJapan]

はい👍気をつけます♥️　ありがとうございます🎶

[@julianmaciasrubio2322]

Hello Ms Chani!!!, KZbin popped me up with one of your videos. I decided to watch all of them from the very beginning!, what an incredible journey you did, and I can say you are so brave!, not only for leaving Au and moving to a different country but also for opening your world and life and even more for share with us! I am happy to keep watching your content! thank you so much!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!! I’m glad you found the channel and are here 🩷

[@RKusmie64]

I like how your videos show us the day to day of your life in Japan, Chani. It's nice to see touristy stuff sometimes, but I love most just seeing how it is to actually live in a different part of the world. And you're so relaxing to listen to. 😊 Millie is adorable and I imagine she's going to enjoy camping! Looking forward to your upcoming adventures. Xoxo Robin❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jacintaaliu2343]

I like this too! It's like being a welcome sticky beak.

[@VictorioArellano]

I moved to Stockholm from San Francisco about 4 years ago and your videos have helped me and my husband reflect on all of the challenges we’ve overcome together. Great video and thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@kazuwilliams5222]

I grew many veggies and herbs. When I had issues with aphids on my tomatoes, I would buy lady bugs and praying matis since they eat aphids and softer bugs. I found this a good way to protect my garden from bad insects.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thats a great idea 💡

[@mamahiroba]

I am sure you feel that your house in Japan is cramped beyond comparison with Australia. In spite of such inconvenience, you have managed to spend your days in a spiritually rich way, which is very impressive. From now until the middle of July, the humid and rainy season begins. Please take your time to enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the elegance of the rain falling on the leaves of the trees and the plants on your balcony.

[@rsmith02]

She's living alone- maybe such as house is enough and maybe enough is all any of us need?

[@napoleonnz]

Hi Chani, just one small tip: when you bring home a plant in a pot, as you plant it in the garden it's wise to tease out the roots from the way they were in the pot. Half fill the hole with water and then add soil, tamping down all around. This way the roots will start reaching out into the surrounding soil for immediate nutrients and the plant will be off to a great start. I have followed you from the beginning with great admiration for all of your efforts. Each week I eagerly look forward to your next video which I always find rewarding to watch.

[@ChaniJapan]

ohhh good tip. I will do that next time I plant from a pot into the garden.

[@leahpeah123ya]

Stubby cooler is the cutest. I’m calling it that for now on!

[@ChaniJapan]

What do you call it where you are from 😃

[@nancygandhi]

Thanks!

[@ChaniJapan]

Very kind of you ♥️ Thank you so much 👋

[@katewardle8032]

The outside area looks lovely now! Japan has great fertile soil for gardening. I can’t wait for the camping Kei van!

[@ChaniJapan]

I put a lot of compost in over the winter when the garden was dormant. I think it really helped.

[@hedgehoghogtel1694]

I wish I had the peace and quiet and respectful neighbours you are/and have! I need to move to Japan. That looks a great BBQ. You had me salivating!

[@TheRubberKitty]

That is so awesome. I am loving the transformation that is happening.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!

[@cecilearquette1637]

Really loved another glimpse into what you are doing. Nice to see all the ways you are living your best life!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much!

[@qtdcanada]

You have become Japanese, due to the fact that you have managed to set up a vegetables & flowers garden together with a 'beer garden & Barbecue table' to boot, within a small, confined space at the back of the house! Also, you spoke about traveling/camping light with compact stove, cooking wares & utensils, etc. all designed to fit inside a small Kei camping van, still with enough room for a table and (foldable) bed. I remember lugging/pushing 2 rollable luggage pieces and sweating profusely especially at train stations in my first Japan trip in 07/1998; my Japanese friends only had a small carryon along with a tiny laptop (about the size of today's 10-in tablet) to communicate with their grad students.

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

Hey Chani,I love the transformation of your garden area congrats and thanks for your stress free videos see ya friend ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@Cazzyvid]

I love your videos ,it’s great to see you living your best life and fulfilling you dreams

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!

[@yeevita]

Your outdoor space is lovely. You have made for yourself and Millie quite a nice oasis.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you very much!

[@sudoym3484]

Millie is just the sweetest❤

[@himawari4166]

I have planted rasperies on my balcony and they are growing and growing with a rich harvest! Also shizo, which I can harvest daily. I love the red shizo.

[@ChaniJapan]

Red shizo sounds great!

[@nancygandhi]

You are great! I enjoy your videos so much, even though I don’t plan to move to Japan (I do plan to visit every year). It’s amazing what you are doing within a tight budget, and what a cozy home you have created. Thank you!

[@tonypagan8221]

Thank you for these videos. Your journey has been very inspiring. My wife and I are seriously thinking of doing what you've done one day. Keep sharing your story. We both wish you much success.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks👋

[@creativehomestead]

If you want something easy for your garden, I recommend: Chard (rainbow), Kale (so many kinds) or Collards. They can be eaten fresh or cooked and they will continue to produce all summer into winter if you just pick the big leaves as they mature. They don't take up a lot of space either.

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes I would love to grow some Kale.

[@susanhowling2628]

I’m so happy you’re settling into your new life; it’s a big step to start a new life. I can relate to your situation as I’m living a new life. I love your garden, nice looking tomatoes. I would love to plant tomatoes but I have so many wild animals who visit my garden nightly. I live in a town that is part of the Greater Toronto area but I have skunks, raccoons, many squirrels. I would need to wrap plants in chicken wire to protect them and I hate to admit it but I don’t feel like taking on that much work at the moment….hahaha!

[@CarpeDMVPN]

It's therapeutic to see you living your best life! I wish you the best! We were there in August of last year and it was oppressively hot, can't wait to see what DIY you come up with to deal with it!

[@ChaniJapan]

July/August is really so hot and nearly unbearable.

[@roliboom]

Those lettuce wraps look delicious! Love your beer garden it looks so cozy and comfortable. I love growing plants and have a small balcony garden. There's tomatoes, cucumber, swiss chard, herbs, and lots of flowers. It's so much fun and such a stress buster. I love watching your videos and look forward to your camping adventure. Millie is a cutie☺

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much

[@tinekejoldersma]

Of all the camping gear I ever used my klamboe, a mosquito net, was the best investment ever. I even had one I could zip to the outdoor space of my van. My cats loved laying on their cooling mats inside it, as it never occurred to me cats can be stung too. Does Millie need a cooling mat? Coffee, tea maker, something to drink from and carry water in too. Electricity? Do you need an extension cord? Is Millie allowed inside restaurants? Some refused my fluffy boys. Oh my goodness, kimchi lotus root 😋

[@ChaniJapan]

I really do need to find a mosquito net

[@MechmanGetrieb]

It´s funny seeing you preparing for Camping as I just stumbled over an anime called Laid-Back Camp. All the questions you have are literally there topic. How, when, where, what equipment. Seemingly the campsite´s they visit are real. Your house is making real progress. It becomes nicer and nicer!

[@SuzannesLife-ok4pn]

I live your updates!!! Thanks Chani x

[@ChaniJapan]

I'm so glad!

[@Lisajen-h5u]

Hi Chani, I live in Tasmania and it’s freezing here at the moment so not much is growing at all. I have silver beet, cabbages and cauliflowers in my garden at the moment. During the warmer weather it will be filled with all my favourite vegetables. I love watching your videos and Millie is just gorgeous 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you 👋

[@projectpenwing]

Great way to start my holiday with your video, Hiragana studies and chill on the balcony!

[@ChaniJapan]

Happy holidays!

[@turbturbturb]

Chani, a place for everything and everything in its place, nice work, great skills you have. I lived my dream in japan for 3.5 years back in the early 2000's teaching and just embracing my time in Tokyo, loved it, was in my very early forties. Now I get my fill from visits occasionally and your channel, can relate to many things having lived there. Lol, you are doing exactly what I imagine I would do in your shoes. Attention to detail, chilled out, relaxed, happy, consideration for neighbours, plants, improvisation, and a georgeous cat. Hi from NZ, thanks for the time and effort you put into your videos.

[@ChaniJapan]

👋

[@marylou6765]

It is so nice to see you and Millie so happy! You did a great job on your backyard area. I hope you two will enjoy it all summer and have fun on your camping trips!

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you 😀

[@Ascot89]

Lovely video as always❤ thank you & cheers from Switzerland😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stephenGDL]

I like you're so Japanese with it, decked out in all the Mont Bell apparel! Love it!

[@ChaniJapan]

I am totally in love with Mont Bell stuff. Only problem is the Tshirt sizes are a little small. 😅

[@lynnmichelle5482]

You've made a lovely outdoor space Chani and that little bbq looks great! Bet it was so nice to sit and relax after being busy preparing the space 😅

[@tacitusromanus8239]

Millie is so adorable! Love what you are doing to your garden area making it so chill. Looking forward to your camping adventures. ♥

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!

[@peachyduck60]

Fantastic video Chani throughly enjoyed it ,love your outdoor space well done 💖🥬🥩⛺️🏠

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@rastusbojangles]

That cat is too cute. I love that you're making the house your own.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you! 😊 she can be cute sometimes 🐱

[@evaburnz]

Great job my fellow Australian compatriot!

[@ChaniJapan]

🇦🇺🍻

[@evaburnz]

@@ChaniJapan cheers!

[@Autumnbreeze3000]

Thank you so much for sharing, Chani! I love your little charming garden! Looking forward to your next vlog, as I always do. All the best to you.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much!

[@dazzhan9826]

"The Chani Cooler" - A name for your new beer cooler business !

[@Dogsnark]

I’m always pleased when I see a new video from you, Chani. I love your do-it-yourself lifestyle and, of course, your life in Japan. I’m also a cat person, so I love seeing Millie (sp?), too. I wonder if your beer garden space would be safe for her without having her on a leash.

[@ChaniJapan]

I would never forgive myself if she got spooked and ran so I can't take it off. Maybe if I could somehow net the area, it would be ok.

[@surfit.]

Here's another tip. Look into fire blanket. KZbin has videos on it. Summers are hot and dry and one spark can do big time harm. Keep one in your camper and another in your home kitchen. Knock on wood, I haven't need to use them yet.

[@ChaniJapan]

Good tip. I will look into it.

[@kamyoyurika141]

nice video as always, thank you

[@kerriirvin5206]

Thank you 🦋

[@vigerminaberrios4116]

Your outdoor area is very nice. I love plants also, That little thing to cook is so cute. I wish they set those here as I need one for camping. Nice video as always ❤

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much

[@davefitz7555]

Great use of the space. Can't wait to see your adventures around Wakayama. Shikoku is also only a ferry ride away and the Shimanto River area is gorgeous.

[@ChaniJapan]

I am so excited to take my car over on the car ferry!⛴️

[@jackg5321]

When i was a child we lived in a house and had a huge backyard with a veggie garden. I remember my parents would even grow beans at were running up the wooden frame. Now in Sydney if you want to live closest City you have to live in an apartment so we're just have our big balcony and have some flowers. But man thsoe herbs are growing so fast! When it comes back to springtime here I want to try growing some basil, cordianer again, to spice up thise salads.

[@ChaniJapan]

Flowers are nice too! I love having herbs ready to add to cooking.

[@inggermanydeutschland3808]

Location, location, location 🎉🎉🎉

[@dragonflydataV]

Perfect little garden there and I love the sail shade. Going to have to look into that for myself. A recommendation for your garden eggplant. I have some too and found the leaves are edible, just cook them as you would any green leafy vege. I put it in soups, including miso, stews and casseroles where they are barely noticed. Helpful if one has kids that are suss about veggies.

[@ChaniJapan]

Great suggestion!

[@louisehowe2451]

Your little garden space is really taking shape now. I think you're very restrained if you can come out of a hyaku-enya with only a ¥1,000 deficit! 😮 Your BBQ Wagyu smells probably drove your neighbours mad with jealousy! Oishi-sō. 😋 I love mugi-cha on a hot day but it's not easy to get locally here in Australia so I make genmai-cha and chill it. Both my cats like cat grass but only one has the gene that attracts cats to catnip. We grow nepeta (catmint) which has attractive soft grey green serrated edge foliage and small pretty bracts of lavender flowers in summer. He's a 100% indoor cat so we pick him a few sprigs and he gobbles them up like crack then rolls around all stoned... 😂😂😂

[@ChaniJapan]

I just started growing cat mint too!

[@faamp]

That looked delicious.

[@caro_es]

Thank you for sharing these snapshots of your life in Japan. I'm curious about the way you prepared the meat wrapped in lettuce? That looks delicious. Also, Millie would probably love to be able to go out on the terrace alone. Here in France, we have these nets that keep cats from escaping balconies or terraces. Maybe this is something to consider installing?

[@ChaniJapan]

I just put a bit of salt and pepper on the meat. That is all. I want to get the cat net you mentioned. 🐱

[@natalieyoung6]

Love your little barbecue 🤩

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you 😋

[@sherrid5559]

I've been following for a while but I just wanted to say how refreshing your whole ethos is. I admire the changes you’ve made in your life and appreciate the content you're putting out. I'm in the UK and in my mid 50s and you are an inspiration. Thank you 🙏

[@ChaniJapan]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much ♥️

[@gaybs23]

LOVE IT.❤❤❤

[@heyquantboy]

Giving you a thumbs up and more encouragement! I will check out that Japanese course. Your Australian accent is amazing.

[@ChaniJapan]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@donnaplumridge9769]

My son and myself are growing chillis, potatoes, garlic, cucumbers, strawberries, pumpkins and corn. I tried growing Brussel sprouts, but for some reason never took ( we started it from seeds ). Looking forward to harvest time, since nothing tastes better than your own veggies and fruits! Btw, liked your home improvements, especially for the shading issue! As for the heat, I feel for you! Visited Tokyo back in 2018, and omg! Thank heavens for vending machines on every street corner! I must’ve had umpteen iced green teas and water bottles! Visited quite a few coffee shops and regular shops to escape the heat!

[@ChaniJapan]

Your garden sounds great. Lots of variety. The heat is a killer. Not looking forward to it.

[@slowdown3415]

Garden tip - little bit every day is far better than a lot once a week / month etc Probably like learning japanese too😂

[@ChaniJapan]

Good tip. Bit by bit!

[@johnforde7735]

Nice beer garden! We used to sit out on our balcony in Tokyo with a cassette conro and some beef like you are doing, so it takes me back. You have a nicer area than a balcony in Tokyo. I hope you enjoy it. I'm guessing you'll use it more in autumn than summer. All the beer companies have special aki beers come out in autumn and I think that's no coincidence.

[@ChaniJapan]

I think I’ll try that beer in Autumn 🍻

[@jackg5321]

9:15 Haha I have the exact feeling when walking into a Diaso or Kmart here in Australia. So much much stuff to buy! Good philosophy: Buy slowly, try out hiking/ your hobby and see what you need.

[@ChaniJapan]

So true!

[@DVDfeverGames]

I think I could get used to having a BBQ in the back garden, especially for the warm evenings 😃 I'd definitely need to use the VPN if I lived in Japan. I'd miss too many programmes on UK catch-up services 😁

[@babycakes9337]

Hello from Melbourne. I’m a gen X like you. Must say you’re very brave uprooting and moving to another country but I guess Japan would be one of the best countries to migrate to.

[@ChaniJapan]

Its a great country. Very organised and safe. It seems to suit my personality.

[@internetsurfer3000]

Great outfit! Very cool.

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you!

[@AliiSparkle]

New subscriber; Canadian who's lived and worked in Australia but dreams of Japan too 😁 Such a nice little beer garden! Maybe a projector for the white wall there, so you could watch movies outside too! And I've seen solar powered fans for outdoors, they sound handy 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Ayelet.M]

The transformation of your garden/ house is amazing! 🎉And my roof garden is not great since it’s so hot (32- 34 on average) and it’s not well shaded. I used to grow in spring some lettuce, spinach and carrots. But mostly cacti and succulents. Indoor I have many plants but I do wish to be able to grow more veggies.

[@ChaniJapan]

Sounds hot there! I tried carrots but for some reason they would t grow.

[@FollowTheSunAustralia]

Perfect outdoor area and practice for your camping trip , Milly is so adorable , where did you get her , it's like she's very calm and intelligent

[@ChaniJapan]

She has her moments of crazy but mostly she is calm.

[@gosekinz]

next up Chani's brews & bbqs ;)

[@mant50]

I'm a Tokyo resident who dreams of living in the Japanese countryside. I dream of living in a hot spring town or Shikoku when I retire. All of your information is realistic!👏👏👏

[@ChaniJapan]

Shikoku is lovely

[@slowdown3415]

Re stubby coolers - I found my Japanese friends can't grasp the concept of a stubby cooler and just how awesome they are . A few even said they look ugly/ ridiculous😅

[@lazvegaz]

It's so funny how I was waiting to see your next video today and now... tadaaa! Doumo arigatou gozaimasu, Chani Sensei

[@ChaniJapan]

Perfect timing 🩷✨👋

[@petecardona8203]

Im growing basiñ and parsley. Being half Italian it’s a must in my cuisine

[@ChaniJapan]

My parsley is really growing well!

[@mariaeugeniarodrigues4048]

❤Hi Chani qué gusto verte en el jardín, es hermoso, qué cambios maravillosos hacen las plantas. Yó en argentina estamos con cultivo de plantas de invierno, las mías van despacio por el frio😊. Y en verano se dan bien los tomates 🍅, les pongo tutores para creascan mejor, suelen alcanzar lindas alturas. Maravillosos las berenjenas 🍆 💕 El cambio de cubrir la pared con la cortinas de juncos hermoso y la guirnaldas, has creado un ambiente muy bonito ❤. Enloquecí con la barbacoa esa cocinita morí, para asar carne, quiero una jajajjaj. Besooo a las dos, siempre te envío buenas energías desde aquí. Hasta la próxima 😊😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much 😊 I love eggplants too, I am excited for this first one to grow.

[@unrealenginedevplus]

You are Precious to have plants, vegetables and flowers in your garden and making the house valuable with nature. Barbique is also very tasty. To live alone is something you do not feel alone. I am coming into Taiwan for the next 3 months so that is why I am asking. What do you think?

[@ChaniJapan]

So nice of you. I have Millie the cat so I feel fine! Also I often have visitors from home which keeps me connected. I have made some friends here too.

[@unrealenginedevplus]

@@ChaniJapan Noted and I will follow it.

[@lolsson7]

Haven't watched the video yet, but that introduction REALLY makes me look forward to the next 15 minutes 😁 Edit: after watching - the intro did not disappoint! Your garden is coming along nicely and chilling with a bbq and a cold brew seems like everyday-luxury! Also why not launch Chani stubbys as a way to support the channel? "Impossible to find in Japan but through the miracle of the internet you can pick up yours right >here

[@ChaniJapan]

Thank you so much ♥️ I should launch stubby coolers! Maybe after I go camping.

[@brian2750]

Good choice on the Wagyu. Have you considered "Glamping" as warm up to actual camping.? There are a whole lot of those places around and more popping up in our area- Shiga Takashima.

[@ChaniJapan]

I've done camping a bit in Australia so I'm ok with it, just doing it in a car will be the new experience I'm looking for.

[@wendy6512]

I have little greenhouses growing tomatoes and strawberries

[@ChaniJapan]

nice 👍

[@lz738]

Lol! By the title of this video, I thought you were going to give yourself a makeover! haha

[@ChaniJapan]

I wish!

[@lblg4167]

I'd love to have a beer with you ! 😃

[@ChaniJapan]

🍻

[@mariosagastume5883]

❤❤❤BRAVO❤❤❤ COURAGEOUS! Chani, I just found your channel- Thank you for sharing your Courageous Personal Testimonial life journey with the public! And to Millie- the Cat 🐱 It’s too adorable for words! Your raw insights, persprectives, and respect for the Japanese culture it’s admirable. You asked a very good question in one your videos : “what keeps some of Us from taking the next step? for Me is “fear and failure” - I am 53 I have taught Spanish Immersion classes - Now I have been teaching at University in the states ( Masters degree) for about 13 yrs or etc. Since I graduated from High School my dream has been to move to a rural area in Japan. I admire your courage,dedication and determination! Humble suggestion: write ✍️ a children’s book in Japanese and English about Millie the Cat and your journey (but from the perspective of the cat?…if you know what I mean?) I am sure you are familiar with the famous japanese book: “ I am a Cat” by Saseki Natsume. Once again thank you for sharing your inspirational life journey! By the way I will be registering for some of your online classes. Thank you kindly : 😊

[@ChaniJapan]

Thanks so much! I hope you achieve your dream of a countryside property. Writing a children’s book with Millie is a great idea 🩷

[@bellsofthenorthhomestead5326]

It looks great Chani! By the way we just tried vegemite for the first time! I liked it but my 18 year old son and my husband were sort of “meh” 😂

[@ChaniJapan]

Oh that was very adventurous of you! It is a strong flavour 😀

[@bellsofthenorthhomestead5326]

@@ChaniJapan well I’m a government travel agent that tries just about anything and everything. The way I figure is what if I don’t try something but it was delicious all long so I’d be missing out! 😄

[@furiousgriz]

Chani, awesome video and glad to see you’re enjoying your house. Just wondering if you watch other Japan based KZbin channels? Have you got any that you would like to meet? Hope you have a great summer!

[@ChaniJapan]

I used to watch a lot when I was preparing to come here. Now I am watching a few channels that show renovating how-to or gardening in Japan. Very practical videos. I would really love to meet Nami, just love her videos.

[@glennmartin346]

Everything looks pretty wonderful. But I have to ask you and maybe I missed it. The last I saw you were putting the acrylic panels up over your patio but you couldn't reach far enough without standing on the air conditioning unit. Did I miss how you finished it? Cuz I noticed that it looks like it's done now or is that a different patio? Either way, fabulous look congratulations

[@ChaniJapan]

I didn't finish the upstairs deck. So its still half done. The one you can see in this video is the downstairs patio ♥️

[@tweet2999]

😊

[@purspike]

Let's go, Millie (Milly?)!

[@ChaniJapan]

Millie ♥️

[@angelicasoup638]

10:36 than you for sharing nice video. Can compression band good for ego bag straps.? Some of my ego bags can’t handle small.

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes, absolutely. I am using it for my futon to pack in the car.

[@laurencehebert4880]

Did you end up finishing the new see-through roof on your balcony

[@ChaniJapan]

No 😬 I can't fix it. The upstairs roof will need a professional to finish it I think.

[@patty0135]

Check out sundai love she really good at planting in japan

[@ChaniJapan]

I totally love Sundai 🫶

[@michellerhodes4076]

Could you make Millie a catio? Then she could be out there with you as well and no need for a harness.

[@ChaniJapan]

I would love to do that.

[@fionnawheatley9095]

I really want to get hold of some yamaimo seeds… they are such a versatile ingredient… I don’t suppose you’d know where I could order them? From Perth Western Australia!

[@mickanderson3593]

You had me at beer and a barbie in the backyard. You can take the girl out of Australia .................

[@EthanFourie-g1h]

Hi Chani, I live in Brisbane and really enjoying the videos! Is there a particular reason why you chose to live the wakayama region? Thanks Ethan.

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes. I wanted to be near an international airport. Also close to nature, not in a big city, and able to afford to buy property here.

[@EthanFourie-g1h]

@ChaniJapan thanks for the reply! Looks like a really nice area and so close to Osaka.I'm also thinking about buying a place in Japan.

[@a.h.5300]

I live in Japan also, but in an apartment so I have a balcony garden. I also try to avoid chemicals, so using homemade pest control.

[@YoureNowOnTV]

🍺 😁👍

[@spannerr7877]

Was it difficult to go through the processes to actually buy your akiya? I've been trying to research how I can go about searching and what it takes to ultimately buy one, but it seems to be difficult and apparently it can be difficult for foreigners to be able to buy an akiya for a myriad of reasons, was your experience anything like that? Also, what sort of Japanese level would you realistically be looking at needing for the whole process? I've been learning the language for a little while but I worry my Japanese ability will make it difficult to go through everything.

[@ChaniJapan]

It was more time consuming than difficult. Took a long time to build trust with the agents. Once that trust was built and I met with them multiple times it was easier. I speak Japanese so that was an advantage.

[@MartianInDisguise]

When you go camping, will Millie come with you?

[@ChaniJapan]

Yes. I’m training her to get ready. I won’t take her when it’s really hot in Summer. Only in the cooler months. 🏕️🐱