What we do for work in the Japanese countryside, our visa, & tips we wish we had known beforehand

[@maigomika]

Hi all, thank you for all your comments so far! As a quick reminder, I have a blog post 👉www.maigomika.com/what-we-do-for-work-in-japan/ 👈for more information about our visa/work journey in Japan. If you have any questions that the video or the article doesn't answer, please feel free to ask in the comment section of the blog post. It makes it easier for me to keep similar questions that may be of help to many others in one place. And if you still have more questions, you might find the answers in my FAQ section at www.maigomika.com/faq/ Thanks again!

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@gordonbgraham]

This is the best “foreign experience in Japan” content on the Internet. Brilliant videography, narration and homey feeling, with sound, useful tips and reflections that provide the viewers with idealic images without the fantastic misrepresentations, bugs and all. From a 30 year resident…Thanks for sharing

[@skiyoshiVT]

@@deckleberry But they have videos? Not rly a bot.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@skiyoshiVT Not only that, that’s my real name. I don’t need to hide behind anonymity because I stand behind everything I say and I never sink to insulting others online. I’m not sure what prompted the bot comment. There’s nothing of propaganda nor political commentary in my comment. Odd response

[@TheBillaro]

good comment Gord. only one spelling mistake. ❤😂

[@gordonbgraham]

@@TheBillaro idyllic

[@truthstruthsonly]

international rubbish KEEP COMING INTO ENTIRE far east , oh dear, we are finished

[@jonlilley2832]

Hi, Mika! I used to live in Japan years ago (and for a very long time), but kept hitting the immigration wall with all its formalities, paperwork, and being told, No foreigners can immigrate unless you have Japanese family. I'm so glad to know someone has finally gotten to do what I wanted to do years ago. I went to school specifically for Japanese so I can read and write so rural/village life would've been a lot of fun. I would've probably ended up in Kyushu, but that was just a dream. And, akiya weren't available to purchase, especially to foreigners. Oh well. That's the way things go, huh? I hope all's going well there and thank you very much for sharing!!!

[@T.Yen1557]

Things are slowly changing, for the better or the worst. Maybe you’ll find better availability soon.

[@vixendreamer]

If it's still your dream and plan to go back there, try it now. There are so many akiyas available for sale. Maybe you can find one in your former area or you can find an akiya in a comparable location. Good luck 🫶🏾🤞🏾

[@LouTheLoo]

Thank you for your insightful video! For anyone under 30, a working holiday visa is also a great way to come into Japan with little to no strings attached and figure out if living in Japan is really for you. It enables you to take random jobs anywhere, part-time or full time and gives you freedom to travel all around the country as well. I worked as a hotel manager, localization specialist at a gaming company and now as a general manager for an eco-lodge.

[@khairunkhan212]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@LukeStandridge]

This is a wonderful and inspirational video. I actually lived in Shikoku for 3 months. I have been living in the quiet suburbs of Tokyo for almost 4 years now!! I am incredibly blessed to be able to work as a music composer and producer here. I help compose music for Anime and J-Dramas. And I produce, arrange and record music for many lovely people across Japan. I surprisingly only have a high school diploma. It is a very peaceful and fulfilling life!! I am beyond blessed!! however, I do very much miss Shikoku!! Gotta travel back asap!! Excited to follow your journey as you post more videos!!

[@jjejet]

Please do kindly share more tips and tricks on how to find jobs in Japan with only a high school degree (but various other skills ^^) 🙏

[@roseforeuropa]

Wow, sounds like the dream job for my sister who also currently lives in Tokyo.

[@anonymous-iu4th]

That's incredible. Good luck for the future

[@LukeStandridge]

@@jjejet What happened for me was I reached out to a music composer in Japan. He just happened to be looking for an assistant at the time (which actually happens quite regularly). I had spent years developing the skills as a music composer that when the opportunity came I was able to make the most out of it for these past 4 years!! So for me it was a mix of serendipitous timing and preparation.

[@jjejet]

@@LukeStandridge wow, blessed by the cosmic alignment, thank you for sharing your story

[@tesshiva]

I will likely never travel to Japan, but through your videos, I get a very real image of what it is like, where you live. From the bugs, to the gardening, the rain, the community and the beautiful green - and your quite charming and down-to-earth narration and filmmaking - I feel as if I’m just a bit there myself! Many Thanks for your videos!

[@mandynam7581]

You will likely never travel to Japan? Please keep your hopes up that one day you will.

[@maigomika]

Hi @tesshiva! It's so glad to hear that my videos are able to show off Japan's fantastic scenery! I understand there may be reasons you can't/won't visit Japan in person, but I'm happy that my content can give you a virtual taste of its beauty. 🥰

[@globetrotterca]

You definitely should visit Japan. It's so amazing

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@mandynam7581]

I love your narration. No rushing. Just clear thought process.

[@gibsonblogger]

I appreciate that you shared how your arrival to the Japanese countryside was preceded by 3 years of effort to make that arrival possible. 6:32

[@QuinnCabrera-x2u]

I love your narration. No rushing. Just clear thought process.. I love your narration. No rushing. Just clear thought process..

[@Mist3rBaker]

I can tell you have marvelous writing skill by your narration. You must be a great English teacher then.

[@jparklopez]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm a Korean living in Tokyo with my American hubby over 9 years as a foreigner couple, soaking the best of Korean, Japanese, and American vibes🎎.

[@akas224]

🇰🇷🇺🇸🇯🇵❤

[@andrewcook495]

Thanks for the video! I'm getting ready to make the big move from Australia to rural Hokkaido, but I was lucky enough to find an employer willing to sponsor me in a similar industry to my current job, and helped with the Certificate of Eligibility required for the visa. My part was as simple as taking the completed paperwork to the Consulate General in Sydney.

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@codeninja100]

Very honest presentation. Of all the stories I’ve heard of foreigners living long term in japan no one story is alike. It’s all about building connections and making an effort towards that goal. Being a foreigner and utilizing that in a Japanese business is probably our greatest asset.

[@uhavemooface]

I just love the fact that you get up every morning and do pretty much the same routine everyday. And not only that but you get to go outside and relax after a good chore or two. Its one of the things I still struggle with is trying to keep up with the day to day chores around here or just making excuses not to do anything. Just a little while ago I went through my cabinets and checked expiration dates on all the food we have in the house. I folded the laundry and took out the recyclables. I at least want to try and do something everyday of the week if I can stop making stupid excuses all the time. Thanks for motivating me.

[@Swiecorek]

Dish you made with cabbage, I don' know what you put inside but it's almost identical as Polish "gołąbki" we put inside rice and minced pork meat. Even same tomato sauce we use at the end !

[@thims1961]

The clips of Pancake as a puppy are precious

[@paulwilliams1982]

Great video. I started out on university exchange which allowed me to get a part time job and a start in real world Japanese. I used the free time in my job as an ALT the year after to get 2 kyu and landed an interview at a manufacturing company which then led to a 10 year career in medical translation and interpreting. English teaching can be a great stepping stone, especially if you can work in hospitality out of hours, which is probably the biggest disadvantage of the jet programme. I was in Okayama and used to love cycling in Shikoku. Amazing place.

[@victoriaoyama9768]

Hi Paul!

[@maigomika]

Hi @paulwilliams1982, thanks so much for sharing your experience of finding work in Japan! I've chatted with a few folks who started their long-term journey in Japan from student visas, but since I can't speak on this personally, I really appreciate your note on the subject. What an interesting path you took, which I suspect came with its challenges. Thanks for sharing!

[@paulwilliams1982]

@@victoriaoyama9768 fancy seeing you here!

[@paulwilliams1982]

@@maigomika no worries, very happy to do so. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

[@TimTim__]

That’s very interesting. Was it possible to land into medical field without Japanese proficiency?

[@YouNeverKnowWhoIsWatching]

I can tell this video took a while to put together. The puppy grew bigger.

[@grantoverend1]

Having lived and worked in Japan I have a love for the country and sorely miss being there. I've often fantasized about doing something similar and wish a video like yours would have existed back in 2005. You make excellent points regarding the aspects that would help the process along. Also, regarding the production and storytelling aspects of your videos, they are so wonderful. I love your sincerity and focus on details of your environment. So rich and beautiful.

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@deboxingbento]

Really enjoy the peaceful vibes of your videos. Keep it up!

[@victoriaoyama9768]

I have been really looking forward to your next video so enjoyed watching this. The visual images of creating your veggie garden overlapping with your journey was very clever. And Pan-chan certainly has grown! I would never have guessed that Jesse is a blacksmith! I came to Japan in 1974 to study pottery and ended up staying here. I got a spouse visa which made things easier and then transitioned to permanent residence. Taught a lot of English, made a lot of pottery and am now a translator.

[@maigomika]

Hi @victoriaoyama9768, thank you for your comment! What a wonderful story of how Japanese craft brought you to Japan! It seems we have a shared love for Japanese craft. 💗

[@victoriaoyama9768]

@@maigomika Yes! I'm fascinated by what Jesse is doing but also am loving your talent in creating videos!

[@koraypekericli]

Very soothing, peaceful story telling, along with the background video showing an extensive period of cultivation on land, presenting the very theme of the talk. Thank you for sharing! ♥

[@RealRuralJapan]

Good video. I would like to add to as a tip for foreigners living here that the way you conduct yourself at all times matters a lot. This opens a lot of doors because potential employers are known to ask around about you to people who may know you. Smaller companies are quite risk adverse hiring the right staff that fit them. As an example, if they check with the real estate where you rented a property and they get told a neighbor complained about the noise you made just once this would most likely rule you out straightaway. If someone called them up because you left trash outside on the wrong day same thing most likely. Japan is a small world and you will never why you didn't get that job and no one is going to tell you.

[@phantazzor]

even in a small place like there are ?

[@RealRuralJapan]

@@phantazzor Even more so the smaller the place you live in.

[@shirankedo-ib8uv]

If you greet your neighbors properly when you move in and become their "o-tonari san/my neighbor," the residents will not report any problems to the landlord. The area to be greeted is called "向三軒両隣," or the four rooms up, down, left, and right. (If a woman lives alone, it isn't necessary to do this for security reasons.)

[@rsmith02]

I don't think the real estate companies would answer such questions as it would violate the privacy of the renter. Though I've only used larger corporate ones so if you're talking about a town where there is only one company and they all know each other personally, I suppose that's a different story.

[@michaelcaprio5269]

The storytelling imagery in the video is excellent, seeing the garden grow and develop along with hearing the tale of the work journey unfold. Well done.

[@stingera5256]

found this channel by accident and binge watched all of your videos in one sitting, they are THAT engrossing! big kudos to both of you, the journey you guys took is almost monumental, if you really think about it. moving not just to a different country, but to a country that is so vastly different from your home is incredibly hard, yet through your videos it appears entirely possible. personally, I don't think I'll ever be able to live in Japan. still, watching you two make it makes me feel warm and content. you guys rock! additionally, your filmmaking is enchanting, the choice of shots and music is incredible. you just became my favourite youtube channel about Japan! :)

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@robinrichards3884]

Lovely video! I love how you shared your job story as a voiceover to images of you and Jesse and puppy living in that gorgeous green countryside. Visiting Japan is a bucket list item! We’re close to retirement age, and we want to go to places for a month at a time - to visit in a more relaxed way and visit countrysides as well. Can’t wait!

[@xhxcxdrummerx]

Thanks once again for sharing your insight and experiences. I think that this video should be required watching for anyone seeking to move to Japan because many on KZbin aren't sharing the real story of how much effort and sacrifice it can really take. As you said, your story isn't unique, and knowing this would ground the expectations for so many (including myself) who may hold more of a "romanticized" view of traveling to live and work in Japan. It goes without saying, but also, thanks for more delightful scenes of Pancake! Such a cutey! 😍

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@JoaoPaletas]

There's wisdom here for even outside of Japan, came here out of curiosity and feel like I'm leaving with some needed knowledge, thank you!

[@P4RC3V4L]

I've watched and liked each one of your videos but I forgot to comment. The best part about this series of videos and the message I got was "Life is precious" while you two disposed of every bug you encountered in a better way than using pesticides, it shows how deep can become your connection with earth if you respect whats surrounds you. Wish you the best to both of you and thank you for sharing your experience.

[@mindfu11dr0n3]

Not only was this an informative video, even as someone who has lived in Japan for a while now, it was also very relaxing. More please 🥺

[@peterrundog3161]

Really liked your story. I was in the JET program like Jesse, was up in Nagano ski country in the early 90s. Did that 2 years and followed with a year lawyering in Tokyo. What a wonderful and life changing experience! I'd encourage any young person with wanderlust to hitch on in Japan (probably teaching English) and see where it takes them. I would like to hear of the akiya experience sometime too.

[@gubieone]

What an interesting video. Your journey sounds like a normal progression to me. It is often hard to break into a career even in your home country without experience, even with a degree. It is one of the catch 22's of life.

[@Garfield619]

I am so interested in all your topics, the channel literally had answers I didnt know I need. Glad I found your channel. Love from Nagaland

[@fabiananascimento2882]

Your videos are so relaxing. I've been currently living a career crossroads of sorts. I'm graduated in translation, worked with that for roughly 6-7 years, translating mostly technical, marketing and technology content, but now the stream has dried, so I am feeling the need to reinvent myself. Although I'm going through a fairly stressful and emotionally challenging path, watching your videos make me feel calm, quiet and give me a "mental hygiene" I need at the end of the day, so thank you for that. ❤

[@Kat_Fe]

A fellow translator at a career crossroads here 🙋🏼‍♀️ I too am experiencing a pretty dry period, had to start online tutoring on the side for the time being and I'm figuring out what to do next. You're not alone in this. Good luck with everything! ❤

[@fabiananascimento2882]

@@Kat_Fe thank you for reminding me of that. We'll get through this :)

[@frankfarklesberry]

OMGosh, while enjoying your channel just now, I suddenly was shocked as you made your own version of Polish gołąbki's!! Dziękuję!! This old Polish-American was overjoyed (and now very hungry)! 😀

[@quietman3473]

I too noticed this, and smiled.

[@maigomika]

HA! It turned out to be an awesome recipe to use up our cabbage. 😋

[@frankfarklesberry]

And they freeze really well too. ;--) @@maigomika

[@alpinedeer7969]

I love your videos so so much, I could watch these as a full length movie! I love how they’re not overstimulating like much content online nowadays. The clips of your daily living is so soothing, I hope it’s as calm in real life as you make it seem! Much love :)

[@appitical]

These are some of the most calming videos ever, thank you for sharing your guys lifes with us!

[@maigomika]

We’re happy to share our life in the countryside with you! 💕

[@MerciJapon]

Once again, an excellent video! I've worked with you for over 2 years in Japan and I didn't even know at first how you got into the company where we work though (+ all the process with your previous job)! I know how talented you are for storytelling but also for SEO or writing in general. I'm glad I can continue to follow this even outside Japan! Keep up the good work! Your videos are like a magic moment during our Sunday! I hope I'll be able to come back to Shikoku soon in the future ! ☀

[@maigomika]

@mercijapon Thank you for your encouraging words, as always!😭 I'm so glad we can still connect, even if it happens through our virtual KZbin worlds. And I can only claim good SEO skills since I learned from the SEO master himself. 😜 Please let me know if you ever make it to this corner of Japan again. 🥹

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@jacobcochran301]

It's is absolutely refreshing to see an honest story offered on YT. I've come across so many video's along similar lines that will show you everything except the fact that their multimillionaires that avoid anything that's realistic or not photogenic. Thank you so much for telling a simple, true story of what you guys have gone through.

[@Nokkiwow]

Love hearing about your experience and how transparent you are with it!

[@krisvaba4711]

Ah the dish you made in roughly the middle of the video is something that appears in a similar form in Lithuanian cuisine! It’s called “balandėliai”. The preparation is very similar but we also let the cabbage rolls simmer in a tomato soup/stock for a while. The filling also differs a bit and can also include some rice! It looked delicious in the video!

[@swallowtailnerd1986]

Similar to the Croatian “Sarma” !

[@nmx0014]

also similar to gołabki it seems we all have our stuffed cabbage dishes lol

[@bitsii]

Love it, Mika! And for others out there, I second the English teaching work advice!

[@gnub3360]

What beautiful home. Thanks for sharing it!

[@tammyroyal7547]

Hi Mika, Jesse, & puppy!! Glad y'all are doing well!! Very informative & interesting video. That cabbage was beautiful!! My husband loves cabbage!! Thank you for sharing all that you do & making it interesting & entertaining!! Take care!! Pet the pup for me 😊💚🥬

[@Chymai]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I’m sure it was a stressful and crazy part of your lives and I’m glad you are both comfortable now. You are living my dream and I hope you’re happy!

[@lieuwina]

Thank you for sharing your experiences in Japan and look forward to watching your adventure.

[@therealpeopleofvancouver]

Great video! Love the making of the cabbage rolls while talking about the topics!

[@ultimadrago]

Thanks for sharing your story! I am really enjoying following along. The sight of the Japanese countryside looks beautiful~

[@CharlieFirth-n9y]

LOVE observing these unique experiences! Thank u

[@macherievlog4890]

あなたの動画をみて懐かしく日本に帰りたくなりました。私達はフランス語圏に住んでいて、以前日本の田舎に移住しましたが3度も失敗しました。日本は好きですが、日本の働き方やルールに日本人の私が適応できなかったからです。でも働き方や住む地域が、自分に合う場所がきっとあると思い、また日本移住に挑戦したい気持ちです。素晴らしい動画をありがとうございます。

[@Rageslayerz]

Also, if you're really not interested in teaching but want to try living in Japan (or not a native English speaker with worse prospects for JET/ALT), certain countries have a "working holiday visa" deal with Japan, which will let you do pretty much any type of work for 12 months. This gives you time to figure out if you want to live there, as well as ample time to network and explore career opportunities. (Note that you won't be able to get hired for a "real full-time job" - aka Seishain正社員 job on this visa, but you can work as many or as few hours a week as you want for a year. )

[@Danuxsy]

Japan is a horrible country to live and work in, it's one of the worst on Earth with insane work culture that drive a lot of Japanese to suicide.

[@seekingtruth9304]

@@Danuxsy The world suicide rate ranking by the WHO : US - 31st highest suicide rate, Japan - 49th highest suicide rate in the world. Finland, which is considered the happiest country in the world, ranks 38th for the suicide rate, higher than Japan. Obviously, you have never been to Japan. Yes, Japanese people tend to work longer hours, but that depends a lot on companies/industries. Additionally, Japan ranks 8th for the safest country in the world (peaceful index ranking 9th), while the US ranks 88th for safety (peaceful index ranking 131th). As such, "horrible" depends on each person's perspective.

[@Danuxsy]

i dont care about data that don't agree with me@@seekingtruth9304

[@suginami123]

Teaching is the best way to meet a lot of people and be involved in the culturel

[@treeflamingo]

Thanks for this practical information! I'm hoping to move to Japan in early 2025, and my professional background is teaching EFL and textbook editing. It's good to know that it will likely be wise to focus on teaching jobs while I look for openings in the publishing/editing field. The tip about getting an immigration lawyer is also very valuable! I look forward to watching your continued journey renovating your countryside home~

[@Rageslayerz]

Great video, you do an awesome job of explaining what the process is like. Just wanted to point out to be careful when choosing your immigration lawyer in Japan and to avoid smaller employers unless they're clearly inbound-focused (or unless you qualify for a highly-skilled visa or education-related visas). The lawyer my company hired during the visa application process misinterpreted some rules, which led to me technically overstaying my visa (this is extended by 90 days when applications drag on, but only in certain cases, as I found out the hard way). I could have been thrown out of the country. Instead, we went to immigration, bowed our heads, explained my case, and they retroactively gave me a 90-day stamp and told me to "leave and come back as soon as I could" to demonstrate my willingness to follow the rules, I guess? And after waiting 70 days or so in limbo, the conclusion of the immigration office was that "your company doesn't need foreign workers." Aka, they didn't have a significant part of their revenue come directly from foreign companies. So I ended up having to up and leave my fiance right before Covid hit. So yeah, like Mika says, it's important that you have the "ability to perform tasks as a foreigner that would be difficult for a non-native speaker"- like international sales/marketing. But you can get rejected not because of your own career experience, education, or abilities, but because the company and lawyer haven't done a good job proving that you will be doing specifically this type of work, not a job that a Japanese native could easily do. So yeah, don't just consider your own qualifications, but those of the company that hires you. (The best sign that they can do this process, is that they have successfully sponsored other H/IS visas in the past - aka they have or have had foreign workers.)

[@deadlymecury]

Wow. Seems IT engineers have all of this on easy mode.

[@Rageslayerz]

​@@deadlymecury in terms of getting their visas, yep. Seems to usually be a smooth process, especially if they have a master's in computer engineering or previous experience at a big company. But most I know get overworked and underpaid (and deal with super awkward office politics) compared to many western countries, so it's not all roses and sunshine. (Although that goes for a lot of professions here, so not a unique IT problem per se).

[@islamisthetruewaytogod6812]

Hello ! May Allah protect and guide you to his light and happiness in this life and the hereafter, God bless, Ameen. Excuse me for giving a little presentation of Islam, because it is very misunderstood nowadays, especially on those « Antichrist's » times, where media and politics are mixed to distort history and truth. Thank you very much for your time. Islam is an arabic word that means the Surrender to the One and Only God, our Creator, Protector, Provider, who gives us life and all that we have, we are safe and sound by his will and grace, we are His and to Him we return, and we have to thank him in this trial life by submitting to him by our free will, or later in the Day of judgment when it's too late to save our own skin. Islam was the original Religion descended to earth from heaven with Adam and Eve (peace and blessing be upon them) in the beginning of humanity. and was passed to people with the succession of the 124 000 prophets and 315 messengers of God to all nations and civilizations since, passing by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ismaël, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, David, Solomon and Jesus (Peace and blessing be upon them) during the history of mankind, the last replaces and completes the previous, until the succession of the last messenger of God fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him) to complete the noble morals of all mankind, to bring humans and jinns out of darkness into light, and to purify people's religion and belief from corruption and polytheism, and return it to purity and true monotheism, like it was in the times of the prophets (Peace and blessing be upon them). Many Religions that we know nowadays, at their beginning were true and under Islam, initiated by one of the prophets of God, but their original teachings, history and scriptures have been corrupted over time with falsification and polytheism, or lost and replaced with false ones. That's why Islam is the only Religion accepted by God nowadays, which consists in bearing witness that there is no god besides Allah (God in Aramaic, the original language of Jesus and the Gospel), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, just like Jesus and Moses and others are His servants and messengers. Never a messenger of God said he was God or literally son of God, it was the people after him who changed the words of God and corrupted the Religion. God is unique and absolute, He does not need to have a family and sons or to associate anyone else with His kingdom, He can simply create whatever He wants, everything belongs to Him, and to Him everything will return. Allah said in Surah Al-Mu’minun : “God has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what it has created, and some of them would have gained supremacy over others. Glory be to God, far beyond what they describe. The Knower of the hidden and the manifest. He is exalted, far above what they associate. (91-92 / Translated by ITANI). Allah means the one and only God, the God of all prophets and creatures, the creator of the universe and mankind, and the Master of the Day of judgment, where our destiny, Hell or Paradise, is decided based on our faith and deeds in this trial life, and above all, Allah's mercy. Allah said in Surah Al-Ikhlas : In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Say, “He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable to Him.” (1-4 / Translated by ITANI). Allah said in Surah An-Nisa : O FOLLOWERS of the Gospel! Do not overstep the bounds [of truth] in your religious beliefs, and do not say of God anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but God's Apostle - [the fulfilment of] His promise which He had conveyed unto Mary - and a soul created by Him. Believe, then, in God and His apostles, and do not say, "[God is] a trinity". Desist [from this assertion] for your own good. God is but One God; utterly remote is He, in His glory, from having a son: unto Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and none is as worthy of trust as God. Never did the Christ feel too proud to be God's servant, nor do the angels who are near unto Him. And those who feel too proud to serve Him and glory in their arrogance [should know that on Judgment Day] He will gather them all unto Himself: (171-172 / Translated by Muhammad Asad). Allah the Most Merciful said in Surah Ali-Imran : Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him; and those who were vouchsafed revelation aforetime took, out of mutual jealousy, to divergent views [on this point] only after knowledge [thereof] had come unto them. But as for him who denies the truth of God's messages - behold, God is swift in reckoning! Thus, [O Prophet,] if they argue with thee, say, "I have surrendered my whole being unto God, and [so have] all who follow me!" - and ask those who have been vouchsafed revelation aforetime, as well as all unlettered people, "Have you [too] surrendered yourselves unto Him?" And if they surrender themselves unto Him, they are on the right path; but if they turn away - behold, thy duty is no more than to deliver the message: for God sees all that is in [the hearts of] His creatures. Verily, as for those who deny the truth of God's messages, and slay the prophets against all right, and slay people who enjoin equity - announce unto them a grievous chastisement. It is they whose works shall come to nought both in this world and in the life to come; and they shall have none to succour them. (19-22 / Translated by Muhammad Asad).. God said : Say, “We believe in Allah, and in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. And to Him, we surrender.” (2:136 / Translated by Community) Salam (Peace) ---------------

[@rsmith02]

Your company seems particularly incompetent, sorry to hear of your situation and hope you get a second chance in Japan.

[@Rageslayerz]

​@@rsmith02 I don't disagree, they and the lawyer they hired didn't exactly do a good job. In the end, though, I got a visa through other means (married my fiance), though it took a long time.

[@Demios101]

What a gift to wake up to.

[@Smittenhamster]

I was DYING to know what Jesse's professional background was. Due to the home renovation bit I would have thought carpenter but I guess there's a certain set of transferable skills to all manual/building professions.

[@cocolenchojapan]

I really like your style and story! Eventually I will get around to making a video about working for the US Government at a military installation under Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). It has been rattling around in my head, just too busy with other things. Keep up the excellent work!

[@nettayaw2231]

My husband n I r retirees and we have holiday homes in Japan, plan to extend our stay to residence permits. Been watching your vdo with big interest❤️

[@tv0562]

멋진영상 잘보고갑니다. 늘~ 행복하고 편안한 시간되시고 유튜브도 승승장구 하시길 응원합니다. 😊😊🎉

[@nulleinss]

I must say I really enjoy your channel and videos, thank you for sharing your life to us! ♥

[@TheNextDecade]

Been loving your videos! Thank you for the advice, I'm headed back to Japan soon and I think ill be looking into meeting a gyoseishoshi next time. Thank you!!

[@ozzyvega]

You guys are amazing. Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips. These are priceless!

[@marta_na_moto]

During the video you are making gołabki - cabbage rolls - very traditional Polish dish! Did you know?

[@fabiola925]

I appreciate how you share your story

[@westieclo]

OMG. I somehow followed you both separately on different platforms. Thanks for the lovely video.

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

So glad to see your post. As i said previously, I'd rather wait (eagerly) for your high quality videos than those that just dump things on the internet. Contrary to popular belief that content is mass media, videos are an ART FORM first & foremost! Thank you!❤👏🎎

[@yamajules1397]

Beautiful Onta/Koishiwara Yakimono you’re using for the rolled cabbage. Kyushu, Shikoku, the best😉

[@eekobus]

Woke up in the morning and saw your video, watched it for 5mins and wanted to go back to sleep. Best to set video playback speed at +1.75 to stay awake.

[@beltransanchez5571]

knowing Jesse is a blacksmith, no wonder your kitchen knives look so amazing!

[@matthewchinmingwei6721]

Love the title image for this video!

[@maigomika]

Glad you like it!

[@timswafford5047]

I've l9ved this video and I'm gonna fix that cabbage dish for my wife. But I love looking at the house. I love the design of the old house.

[@vagobond]

Great content here. I'm at the beginning of my own journey here in Japan - I've bought an akiya and secured a teaching job - I'm documenting it as well - I just wish my production skills were as amazing as yours. So good!

[@wealth2815]

Out in the sticks, it certainly is essential to speak Japanese.There are all types of bureaucratic dealings to cope with and setting up utilities, insurance, buying a car etc are all necessary. At least katakana and hiragana are a must before going to Japan and once there a course to get up to speed.

[@SakariyaMustaf]

Stumbled upon this video in my recommended feed. Really liked the camera work and overall editing. Felt like watching something on a big TV network :)

[@FoxyfloofJumps]

This is really neat. Thank you! I'm actually looking to get back into school soonish. I'm actually looking at places I might want to live/travel in as a major criterion for what I should study this time around.

[@mohamedsaif3004]

Thanks A lot. This is a wonderful experience in Japan and inspirational video.

[@FogsFles]

Thank you for sharing your story and experiences!

[@vasilikonstan]

1:23 It's not an abandoned "akiya" anymore! ☺ Beautiful video, thank you for sharing.

[@annew8365]

I had to look up Japanese cabbage rolls. Apparently, they were introduced to Japan in 1895 but don’t often include rice in the recipe. They look delicious. All the best from 🇨🇦.

[@MulchBucket]

Love your videos! Always exciting to see a new upload from the two of you, super inspiring content for someone who would like to eventually try something similar!

[@drumetii.2024]

Great journey! We were in Japan for two months and we want to live there.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Thanks for the informative and entertaining video.

[@BP-nn7tq]

I just found this channel and I loved this video. It has great transitions and the content is much needed knowledge. I was also entertained by the food prep 😊

[@imournhim]

I had no idea Jesse was a smith. I am a profoundly amateur smith and I fell in love with this channel before I knew about Jesse! Bonus wonderful.

[@atagami.654]

I swear I thought in your earlier videos that your English is impressively good!! Now I understand why👍

[@PineappleAdrift]

Awesome video showing what you can do after teaching english in japan. Nice work.

[@SwipeyGaming]

Just FYI for anyone looking to move to Japan. If you do not have a passport from an english speaking nation like the UK or the US for example, there is an almost 0% chance of becoming an english teacher in Japan and you should be looking for a different way in.

[@maigomika]

Hi @swipeygaming, thank you for your feedback. It is worth noting that while the majority of English teachers in the JET program hail from the United Kingdom, North America, and Australia, there are also teachers from other countries where English is the native language. In my experience working for an eikaiwa, I was one of over 15 teachers in my regional branch and the only North American among a diverse group that included individuals from Kenya, Cameroon, Jamaica, and the Philippines, among other nations. It is important to emphasize that English is not the only avenue for finding work in Japan, but it was the path we chose personally. I hope this information is helpful to those seeking insight into the matter.

[@SwipeyGaming]

@@maigomika Hello. I didn't mean to imply that you could only become an english teacher if you are from a North American nation, but more so that non native english speakers probably have a better chance entering Japan with another marketable skill, as requirements for non native english teachers are usually a bachelors degree and 12 years of experience teaching english.

[@dougayers7517]

If you are not Japanese N2 (native level), you will not find a job, at least in Tech.

[@dougayers7517]

@@Niemand-wills-wissen Tell that to the 1 or 2 headhunters who call me every week who all say I have just the perfect skills they are looking for. Next question: are you N2? nope. Oh the customer is demanding N2 for this position. And I only do software. So your friend is lucky. Wait till they turn 40. Another big surprise waiting on them. I also wrote software for 12 years for a Japanese company in Japan...until the day I turned 40. Then they fired my ass because I was starting to build up retirement money. Lifetime employment system indeed. The only skill they care about is N2. Education, Experience, Skills are worthless. The only skill they care about is N2. N3, N4 is also worthless. My problem is, I was math and science heavy and a lightweight on language. Never met a good translator engineer.

[@gordonbgraham]

The high school for which I’ve worked currently has 3 English teachers from Taiwan. My daughter’s junior high school English teacher is from the Philippines. Our school also offers Chinese as an elective course.

[@boeriksson3326]

Truly love you videos. Thank you for sharing.😊 I've been thinking of taking on an akiya as early as maybe next summer, but my plan is not so advanced as finding work in Japan to begin with. Instead I'm going to continue working in my field for 2-3 months at a time then stay in Japan about 3-4 moths at a time and continue doing so until my retirement. I might have more advanced plans later on but this is my thoughts for now.

[@katiimelody]

You guys are soooo courageous !! Much love to y'all :D

[@akiogomes906]

Thank you so much, you are the content Ive been looking for so long.

[@marcusmcgowan844]

I've just started Step 1! Slowly setting up my apartment and prepping my intro lesson for when school is back in September. I too hope I can reflect on my beginnings here whilst working in my favored field in years to come. Thanks for the advice!

[@godiegogo333]

I’m a Marine stationed in Japan. I’ve lived here more than 3 years now, fell in the love with country, and found the love of my life here. During my last year being stationed here I found a job working on base that could potentially keep me here after my military contract ended. I was very lucky, most military members do not attempt with this without being married. It’s a long and complicated process and will overwhelm you unless this is what you really want. My best advice to is to learn the culture, language, and network as much as you can. Build up your resume and certifications as much as you can. Working as a US federal employee getting paid in USD will pay you much better than working as a broke teacher working for Yen off base. Good luck to you

[@kingmaafa120]

SEMPER FI RETIRED MARINE JUST LEFT OKINAWA

[@Chris-Moore501]

I learned how to cook a little too! Thanks for sharing your way of life with us ❤️

[@roof30]

Thank you for such an informative video. Inu-chan is growing fast!

[@lucasstockler5084]

I love your videos. I find them so relaxing and beautiful ❤

[@gaborungvari784]

Nice garden work and stuffed cabbage in Japan:) You may try to cook the stuffed cabbages with the tomato sauce, here in Hungary (and general Eastern EU) many variants of this dish are very popular. Also try to eat with some sour cream , it makes it even better.

[@cameronkemp9742]

nice video, mika. ive been fighting with immigration for years, but never thought of asking a 行政書士 for help. thanks for the advice.

[@alexsmith-rs6zq]

I find your videos so chill & relaxing :)

[@maigomika]

Oh thank you!

[@michaeldwyer9656]

Keep doing what you're doing. I like what I see and hear.

[@howdoishotweb763]

Your rows of produce are pretty, but you should consider something more sturdy to mark your rows. Those little white plastic tags blow away very easily. Wooden stakes are sturdy, reusable, and also look nice.