THIS IS NOT AMERICA

THIS IS NOT AMERICA
Meet Matthew Jordan Smith, a renowned Time-stopper based in Tokyo Japan. Listen as he takes us through his journey on life in Japan.
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Thank you for watching!
#blackinjapan #japan #mfiles

[@TheBlackExJp]

Thanks for watching! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nothing to see down here... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seriously, no need to keep scrolling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You are at the end. Nothing more exists beyond this. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What are you looking for? There is nothing else here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK, since you are persistent.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Might as well just subscribe to the channel bro 😂 👉goo.gl/BToqWv

[@King-pv8fk]

Does anyone know what kind of jacket the man is wearing? Amazing Japanese drip Edit: It's called a 'Hanten'

[@chrisbullock6477]

Having traveled to Latin America, specifically South America (Colombia/Costa Rica) I can say I felt the same way, but I would also say compared to Asia or Japan especially, the comfort level is even more so just for the simple fact that there is an African Diaspora presence there and its culture is actually celebrated and exposed there.

[@josir1994]

I scrolled down just to collapse this back lol

[@ericbell3986]

I finally got my passport and Japan is one place on my to go list.

[@chrisbullock6477]

If you ever get a chance I would love for you to interview Tasha and her husband tiger JK who's from LA but he moved to Korea back in the late 90s to pursue his rap career and his wife Tasha father is African-American and her mother is Korean and she grew up on the base there and became Korea's first lady of Hip Hop an R&B she is the original there in Korea

[@DarnellTemenu]

Black British photographer here 👋🏾 currently based in South Korea for the past 3 years, thank you for sharing his story it’s super inspirational and I relate to a lot of what he’s saying. What a legend ✊🏾

[@badzula93]

I lived in Okinawa from 8years old until about 21, I miss it incredibly and I remember one time my dad found someone’s wallet and he turned it into the police station, the next day, the owner of the wallet and his family came to our home and delivered us a care package to show thanks, I was culture shocked when I came to America. This man is absolutely right about safety there

[@THOF4YOUTUBE]

Wow very interesting!!!

[@jamesazikiwe4107]

I lost my wallet while clubbing in Tokyo. Miraculously, a young man found me to return it. I tried to give him around $10. tip to show my gratitude, but he adamantly refused.

[@chrisbullock6477]

Makes sense especially being so close to the base.

[@roddanlives2650]

America will let you know that mankind is evil.

[@badzula93]

@@chrisbullock6477 no we lived off base at this point, my dad retired and we stayed and lived locally

[@Dangic23]

I just moved to Japan in August 2023. Never been happier in my life.

[@kyoko703]

In Japan, he's not a black photographer. He's a photographer, who happens to be a foreigner, who happens to be black.

[@fnsilly8983]

He didn't happened to be black.

[@cooliipie]

Nah. He's seen as African even though he's probably never been there

[@YM-lc7uo]

Foreigners may feel the gaze of Japanese people. But it's not discrimination. It comes from a sense of rarity and admiration.

[@megan6237]

He's most likely considered as a 'foreign(gaikokujin) photographer' who happened to be black. It might not make sense to some of you but Japanese people see foreigners without races. They don't know even know what racism is like in the States. They don't know stereotypes for other countries.

[@julian65886]

Why does the left in America preaches race identity politics? Look at how happy this man is with the concept of individuality.

[@bx895]

Im in awe of how calm his body language is, the lack of anxiety in his eyes and how peaceful he is. Plus i love his style of dress, cmon!

[@RacistChinaWhiteWithBigNose]

Japan is a meritocratic society and a rule-based society. There are times when efforts are not rewarded, but talented people are not denied recognition because of their race. For example, many Mongolians are currently active in the traditional national sport of sumo

[@jaysonlee5231]

I took a solo trip to Japan. I was initially operating with the "New York" side of my mind. Being on guard, but after a while that guard went down and I was able to relax and feel a new kind of peace. I'm a big guy with tattoos, I thought I would feel out of place but not at all! Majority of the locals were super helpful whenever I needed assistance and I felt so relaxed. No one made me feel unwanted.

[@bronxishomenomatterwhereig3149]

That's surprising. In Japan tattoos are associated with Yakuza. So the average Japanese person tend to avoid people with tats. Some Businesses deny service to those with tats

[@jaysonlee5231]

@@bronxishomenomatterwhereig3149 I was surprised as well. I mentally prepared myself and wore long sleeve shirts just in case but on days I had short sleeve shirts, no one seemed to be bothered

[@matt1130]

You're not wrong but also people tend to be a bit lighter/easier/less avoidant when it is an obvious foreigner. Safer bet that the big white/brown guy is not Yakuza related lol@@bronxishomenomatterwhereig3149

[@TheMakoyou]

あら、すてきな方。 I am Japanese, born and raised in Tokyo. I moved to the countryside more than ten years ago. For the first year, I had a hard time getting used to the language (dialect) and flavors. Even now, I sometimes miss food from the Kanto region. Now I finally feel like a local. If you ask me if I miss Tokyo, I don't. It must be difficult for people from overseas to move here because even Japanese people are like this. In a few months, sakura will bloom. I will miss Tokyo's sakura mochi again, just as I did last year.

[@nemosidebiz]

I'm Japanese, and I hope Japan will continue to be a safe place for all foreigners, no matter what the color of their skin is.

[@leroywilliams5755]

Thank you soo much

[@4syms4syms33]

I second that as a Japanese.

[@Crimson_aries88]

Yes I want to go to Japan 🇯🇵 one day

[@newmoneymarcus]

I visited Japan in October for the first time I enjoyed every moment. I'm already going back in May.

[@njv1234]

I love how relaxed Brothas look in Asia! 🇯🇵 👨🏾

[@kamargee9680]

It is amazing. There are pros and cons but more pros. You really don't worry about thieves. Not thar it can't happen it's just that it doesn't happen like that. They leave their bicycles at the train station with no chains abd when they come back in the evening, they are there still

[@kayflip2233]

You will adore Asia. People will treat you well there. Ignore the haters telling you otherwise, they likely have not lived in Asia at all.

[@IMHTP]

Asia is a culturally diverse continent. Japan, in particular, offers a sense of physical safety that's likely unbeatable among nations. However, mental health could be a challenge for foreigners who may feel cultural isolation or maladjustment while living in Japan long-term.

[@IMHTP]

@@Bluespicygreen It depends on one's priorities. Japan may offer some peace of mind of physical safety, but not necessarily happiness. Facing cultural and language barriers while having no access to family can take a heavy toll on one's mental health.

[@rikudan5876]

They are the same in Hawaii as well. None of that craziness on the main state land.

[@masslao1361]

Glad that photographer’s having good lifestyle in Japan.

[@jirenthegray]

I concur! I’m an African-American living in Japan. It’s very different lifestyle than America. While Japan do have some discrimination, it’s NOT racism. They don’t have laws that prevents marginalized groups from succeeding. They don’t target or racial profile you because of the color of your skin. The Japanese people treat everyone the same. If you’re non-Japanese, you are a foreigner to them. Point blank period. They have strong traditional values that America severely lacks. They are very punctual (trains, buses, and deliveries arrives on time - very rare that they are late). I encourage any African-American to consider moving here, learn the language, and embrace the culture. It’s incredible!

[@startupelevate]

yes!

[@jirenthegray]

@@deeperanddown Somali was clearly an agent planted to get Japanese people to hate black people. That’s why he did what he did. And he’s in Japanese jail (he got what he deserved). Second, the majority of black people who lives here (myself and this guy in the video included) would NEVER behave like that and the Japanese people knows it. The problem is that White-Americans doesn’t like the idea of asian countries embracing African-Americans (especially with this so called Passport Bros movement). So they’re planting “black people” to cause problems in these countries. It’s actually interesting to watch even though it’s a sad attempt. And yes. I do encourage African-Americans who have common sense and doesn’t want to be reminded that they are second class citizens in America to come here and other asian countries where they are wanted and treated with respect.

[@jayclarke777]

​@@deeperanddownYou worry about your ilk in Russia and Ukraine, dragging themselves down. No blk people needed to help them do that either.

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

I encourage my friends to travel abroad,but,most are hesitant for some reason,so I stopped begging. LOL. I was stationed in Korea while in the army and LOVED it. Had no issues of racism there,which felt GOOD,the Korean nationals were kind,patient,smiling and always polite ( it was actually refreshing-LOL ) I was in Uijeongbu,Korea at Camp Stanley ( which has since closed down ) ended up staying an extra year by putting in a request for an extension there. Had a ball in Korea. LOL.

[@chrischreative2245]

There aren’t any laws in the US that prevent you from succeeding. I love Japan but get off that stuff. Stop referring to yourself as “marginalized”, etc. change the mindset.

[@user-vg8qy8wc1u]

素敵な動画をありがとう。 以前近くに住んでいた時はよく行った場所です。 Jiyugaokaという土地の名前の由来は「自由な丘」からきています。 マシューさんにぴったりですね。

[@JoshArtisto]

I finally got my first passport and I have been wanting to go to Japan since I was little. I will finally be able to go. As a black man, I am so inspired by these videos and hearing about what life is like in Japan while black vs America.

[@RayPearcetv]

I feel the same way. I finally got my passport at the beginning of covid, and have been working towards getting my funds together to go visit. Will finally do so in late 2025-early 2026

[@magnetohex703]

Make sure you steal something in Japan and tell us how many years you get in prison National Crime in Japan of theft probably because the law there it's very punishable. LOL

[@kesea5454]

I went for the 1st time a few months ago. You'll love it.

[@jirenthegray]

Go bro! I live here. The guy speaks the truth. It’s literally the opposite of what you will experience in America. I highly recommend you go to Osaka first before you go to Tokyo. You will get the full experience of Japan there than in Tokyo.

[@magnetohex703]

@@cj1017 So you can find out how long prison is in Japan for stealing. Hold on let me be right back I'm going to check out the laws of Japan on stealing because if there's no stealing it has to have a lot more years than the United States most likely very harsh punishment so that could be the reason why stealing?, is non existence in Japan.

[@DisingenuousComment]

Black man arrives in Historic Japan -> Respected, trusted, and turned into a Samurai (Yasuke, the black Samurai). Black man arrives in Historic USA -> Enslaved.

[@j.s.6654]

There’s a sense of relaxness and coolness with this man. He seems so refreshed and genuinely happy, as if he truly know his life purpose and is content with his path. I aspire to be like him

[@JavierHarford]

Beautiful interview, his energy is so warm I can feel it even here in the cold UK. As a descendant of Jamaicans; now with a son of my own I am learning the importance of continuing our families journey across the world seeking to get rid of the pressure of our colonial history. I can't wait till I'm able to touch down in Japan.

[@anthonyr6646]

素晴らしいインタビューでした！ありがとうございます。

[@jonsmith848]

In the 90's I spent one month in Tokyo.. zero stress/zero drama. I loved it.

[@artemtrix]

Omg, such a kind and thoughtful interview! It was this rare moment when I could watch 40+ min video with no breaks 🎉 Matthew seems to be such a kind and bright soul, with extremely charismatic and peaceful demeanor. Just sharing his thoughts and insighs: not trying to be deep, not trying to grab your attention 😢 Wholehearted thanks to the BEJ flr this interview 🙏

[@filo5930]

👏👏👏 as a photographer/illustrator who wants to live in Japan one day this make me feel so happy to hear, im glad to see this Sir happy and living a good life, leaving all that ugly things behind, amazing work

[@heartdonations2532]

Peace for a black man..... Priceless! I had the same experience living in Korea.

[@kamargee9680]

I lived in both Korea and Japan. I resonate with your statement

[@user-wn6dh1rw2o]

I want you to know that there are many Japanese who would even like to be friends with you if they can speak your language. And there are many Japanese who admire black people who look cool even when they wear simple clothes.🎉

[@neauxmad1048]

I recognized Jiyugaoka immediately at the beginning from those benches you were sitting on. I loved walking around there and visiting my friend's shop. Hopefully I'll be back there soon.

[@robertjones3968]

OMG!!!!! I’m originally from Brooklyn too but I left in 1968 and joined the Marines. In my 30 years of military service and 50+ countries later, I would agree that Japan is definitely one of the safest countries I’ve ever lived in (3+ years over several decades). THE safest country I ever lived in was China (PRC) under Chairman Mao when I worked with the US State Department in 1973. I also lived in Korea and I never witnessed any crime there either. My son and daughter also lived in Korea and Japan as adults and they absolutely fell in love with the Oriental culture as I did. Kudos to you for living your dream. My late wife was from Central Asia which fostered the most peaceful, blissful atmosphere imaginable for us during our time together (bless her soul). Those ancient cultures have much to teach mankind.

[@jaydennis2067]

He is a delightful person.

[@JK-cf2ti]

Skin color doesn't matter. People who do not cause trouble to Japanese people are accepted. This is not limited to Japan, where people who strongly advocate their country's way of doing things or force their opinions on others are disliked. He was successful because he was smart and had the right sense of distance from this country. By the way, Japanese people are not used to being talked to by strangers. Therefore, some people run away when a foreigner sits next to them on a bus or train. But this is not racism. I just don't want to be talked to because I can't speak English.

[@danalawton2986]

So you can't speak English... did you ever think that the other person might speak Japanese? And why "run" in the first place? No one in many other countries would "run". Why the fear?

[@user-wl5zq2vx3t]

走って逃げるのは個人的な別の事情があるのでしょう。。日本人は肌の色や人種だけで逃げないよ

[@MetalforOden]

Man what he says about safety and how it pervades every part of society there is so on point. I remember the first time feeling that in Hiroshima late at night walking home with headphones on and realizing that I wasn't worried about my surroundings and I could just exist in the moment without a care. The lack of that stress he talks about is powerful. I miss Japan so damn much. I completely agree with him about travel being the best thing for everyone. It really just change you.

[@mhollifi1949]

Hey, it’s my town. Thank for taking picture of my town. Since, I sold my house and living in Texas, I miss there. Thank you so much.

[@jasong4681]

Wow what a legend. Lots of wisdom in this video! Talking about the 'baggage' that many of us have when we travel the world is very true. I feel at peace in Japan in a way that's hard to explain

[@menmentantan5591]

From Japan Local point of view, most place tourist comes and some sophisticated towns such as Jiyugaoka were rather special and safe. So when you change place to DEEP area such as Kawaguci City or Fukuoka, we recommend you to be more cautious as some immigrant from asia lives.

[@A-B-B]

I also love Japan. I discussed with my husband that if Taiwan continues to be colonized by Japan, Taiwan will definitely get better now.🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@DisingenuousComment]

It already is looking better

[@vodgeee]

I found this interview to be incredibly informative and thought-provoking. Your insights were invaluable, gentlemen. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@nerucheung]

Matthew is such a legend, super talented and wise person! Bless this man and you Ranzo 🙏 p.s Matthew's coat is fire

[@mercedesplay_more_kof8488]

That coat is seriously cool.

[@Wayward9]

This man has such a calming voice

[@FISHGOMOO4321]

Wonderful video. Even though I am white and from the UK, I truly understand this man’s sentiments: life here is just easier, slower, more comfortable. It’s truly wonderful. Sorry to be that guy, but Ben’s Cookies is from The UK and it’s just as good there as it is in Japan 😎

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

It's funny because I felt the same peace in North Italy when I was visiting and staying amongst the locals.

[@IAMJUDAH144]

I understand what the brother Matthew was saying. For me I can say for certain that when i've been to places like China, Saudi Arabia, Morroco, I felt at ease and all that added weight from the WEST was lifted right up off of me. And also to add, many think that the USA Is at the helm of RACISM, that's not true the UK where I am currently based Is immensely RACIST In a cunning slimy way more so than America could ever be, FACT.

[@Philly_smoke69]

It's way more slicker,darker, cunning in the UK because they feel they aren't racist..Whereas in the US, a racist usually is open and proud of their biases

[@ruddiato]

Really???

[@MonkeyHero]

Really, China? Maybe you couldnt hear what they were saying.

[@IAMJUDAH144]

@@ruddiato Absolutely.

[@deegee-zi5xm]

The English tend to be cunning and slimy so it makes sense that they would add that flavor to their particular brand of racism.

[@TrueBlackJew]

I’m coming in January for a school semester at TUJ! I was already excited but this has reassured me so much that going is a great decision for my life!!! Thank you so much for this interview!! I’m Black & Jewish and I went to Israel last year for birthright, was the ONLY Black person in my group, and from the minute I landed I had a TERRIBLE TIME. I thought cuz we’re all “Jewish” ppl would be kind/normal to me but NOPE! As soon as I landed I felt the racism just the same as in America. Before the trip I hasn’t been on a plane in over a decade and got incredibly airsick during the last hour of the flight; still was when we landed, got our luggage and made for the buses to take us to our hotel. I had to stop and throw up in a trash can (which was already embarrassing for me) and my entire group including the white group leader (a white Jew from America that moved to Israel permanently) who was responsible for the group’s safety left me behind like I didn’t exist or matter.. THEN, as I tried to catch up to the group, this little white guy comes over to me with a badge out saying he’s “airport security and needs to do a ‘random’ security check on me”… I was LIVID cuz there was nothing but white people walking past both of us yet somehow I’m the only one that gets picked for a “random” check?!? And I called him out on it too saying “how is it possible that no one else in this airport is being subjected to this besides me?? Maybe it’s cuz I’m BLACK and everyone else is visibly NOT!?” And the girl behind him sitting at the security desk had the gall to reply, “but I’m Black too,” implying the guy couldn’t be racist because of her presence…😂😡🤬 I was like, “you may be darker than this guy [and she was but she was only a bit darker than my complexion which is caramel color] but you’re definitely NOT BLACK like me or other ppl with African/Caribbean ancestry; and if you were you would (should) feel ashamed of yourself for letting this little racist bastard treat me like this!” To which she had NOTHING to reply 😂 I put my bags through the security scanner and walked thru the metal detector cuz I didn’t want to risk being detained in a foreign country, but I gave them the most evil of looks and cursed them out the entire time. And when I was done and finally caught up with my group at the bus, the white chaperone for the group had the nerve to ask me, “what took you so long?” 🤯😡 I was so mad I started speaking Japanese like 冗談だろう！？ He didn’t even attempt to come back to look for me!! 🤬 When I told him what happened all he said was, “oh.” 🤦🏽‍♂️ And the rest of the trip was more micro aggressive behavior from other people JUST LIKE IN AMERICA. くだらないよ！信じられないよ！😢 The ONLY time I didn’t feel like just another n!gga was at a LGBTQ friendly club in Tel Aviv, and I’m not even LGBTQ!! I wasn’t surprised tho. Other oppressed ppl are usually the only ones to not be complete バカやろう to me. But hearing Matthew talk about Japan makes me feel like I’m finally going to a place that will treat me like a HUMAN BEING and not something else. どうもありがとうございます Matthewさん！！ (P.S. if you have time I would love to treat you to all the ramen Japan has to offer! 😂🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♂️ ナルトのようにラーメンが一番好きですからよ( ◠‿◠ ))

[@AeonPhoenix]

All too true. People told me that Japan is xenophobic, especially to dark skinned folk. Yet I see all sorts of black people living all across Asia and never suffered discrimination most of the time. I personally believe there's a narrative to keep those colonized by the Europeans from ever knowing how it's like to live in a fair society.

[@fitzroy6970]

@@AeonPhoenixit’s mostly whyte ppl who says that shit about Japan

[@kanatanyanko]

差別は日本でもあります。 それは良くないことです。でも確実にあります。 日本は島国なので、海外の人、肌の色、髪の毛の色、いかにも日本人ではない人を見るとびっくりします(笑) でもそれは見慣れなくてみてしまうと言う事です。 差別という事ではなく、ただ純粋に見たことがない人に出会ってしまった！と言う好奇心です。 私は海外の人に出会うとやっぱ見てしまいます。 綺麗だな、素敵だな、でも言葉も文化も違うし話しかけられても返信できない！どうしょう？と言う感じです。 ただ日本人ではないという事で興味があり見てしまいます。英語話せないどうしよーと言ういろんな感情が発生します。 基本日本の方はそう思ってるかなと思うのですが。

[@mailejohn5296]

This is the kind of content the world needs. Enjoyed every minute of this interview

[@graceoconnor9701]

Sir, you are a blessed human being. Thank you .

[@Drkman454]

I was there for the first time in September, and I absolutely loved it. It was so peaceful, pretty, and ridiculously clean. I FELT the most safe I ever have in my life. I walked down the street at 3am with no concerns at all. I have legit thought about trying to figure out a way to move like for real for real. I definitely understand the appeal of living there. I met quite a few American Black people while I was there.

[@HiddenGemsHistory]

This is a really beautiful conversation

[@gabriellehollis9081]

To be that accomplished, yet held back from certain assignments in the States is mind boggling… So happy that he has created his best life there.

[@mikesmusicgear9204]

This interview is very much appreciated. It is very interesting to compare and contrast the international experiences of African American men particularly those of a professional status. I am an African-American man and Surgeon, ( MD) . I absolutely agree that there is a psychological "weight " that is lifted from one's shoulders when you travel to numerous international destinations. 🙁 There is a historical-temporal gravity of suspicion, stereotype, and fear/avoidance that has been particularly hardwired in the United States,😞 ... ( And other parts of the post-colonial world ),… that often feels lifted away when we travel to certain places abroad. Of particular note is Matthew's anecdote about his reflex behavior ( or conditioned response ) to avoid a woman walking on the street ( in order to not make her uncomfortable)....must be nice !.… I often still feel that "reflex" here in the US. And in my daily practice, I have to be exceptionally amicable and personable to offset peoples preconceptions.

[@tinabeanajustabean]

Wow i cant believe how long it took for your channel to appear in my feed 😭 your work is amazing. Thank you so much for producing and thank you to your speakers for sharing so honestly. Truly a gift to those of us who try to learn about others.

[@GunnyJacka]

Wonderful interview. As I transition into my next chapter in life I made the decision decades ago that I would return and reside in Japan. I love it here, and plan to ride it out until the end.

[@backpackvegan2890]

Thank you for this inspiring interview. I really enjoyed learning about his career and his perspective on Japan in comparison to the US. I can relate to the "freedom" he spoke about. I get a little taste of it when I travel to some countries.

[@harukaru84]

what an amazing, wonderful, inspiring human being, Matthew is. this goes up to my top favs of your interviews so far, along with the lady lawyer (Annette) interview. you can feel the kindness of his heart. I enjoyed this interview so much thank you Ranzo.

[@carm738]

I’m so happy for you me my daughter and granddaughter went in August Tokyo was excellent you will fall in love with it

[@jackoneil3933]

Thank you Mathew and Ranzo, What Matthew relates about what he found liberating about discovering Japan brought much into into focus about why Japan felt so much like home, as well as humbling and compelling. Very true what Mathew observes about living in fear, and along with the fear a 'resentment' that not only follows us, but which we become. For Mathew having grown up in New York City that fear of theft, crime and break-ins followed him, and he felt liberated from in Japan. For me, it was not just only fear of crime, but the everyday worry of a competitive and dangerously hostile workplace, and all the petty hostilities, selfishness and rudeness that I found myself liberated from in Japan. It was not that Japan seemed better than America, a lot of things are not better in Japan but more complicated and challenging, but rather what it was the sense of relief of what I left behind in America that was largely absent in Japan. Mathew's advice to leave your old baggage and self behind in Japan was comforting and inspiring to me. However, my best friend from America, for whom his baggage of contention, judgment, resentment, wilfulness and narcissism became the ground of his being, he felt incompatible, uncomfortable and perhaps stifled in Japan. He still lives there decades later and feels not uncomfortable if not fearful over his incompatibility. The gravity of the extent to which my fears and resentments in America had become me, struck me hardest after spending about 40 days mostly alone in Japan, and Just before Christmas, and when I called my family and happily said not to worry if I was not home for the holidays. When they expressed offense and judged me as being selfish and rude for what they saw as rejection, that solidified my knowing of what in them I had taken on and was separating from. Was it selfish for me to want to prefer to remain in a place of and solitude rather than return for a battering of contention and stress veiled in a facade of false holiday cheer? Perhaps it is, in the true sense of what love is, but spending that Christmas and New Years I spent alone in Tokyo alone was one of the the most joyous and liberating, end to 40 days away from the temptations of resentment, anger and judgment and I wonder if that's what Matthew also experienced?

[@deadby15]

The way I see it, we are all free. Just free. If one chooses to embrace his roots, traditions, and history that's totally great. But that is not really a duty. If one prefers to be just a human being, or simply himself, and create his identity from scratch by himself, then that's admirable, too. 😺

[@DJ_BROBOT]

this interview is incredible...this brother is full of wisdom, skill and patience. He is mad skilled and humble. I gotta learn more about his work

[@mercedesplay_more_kof8488]

Great video as always. Loved hearing the story of his career and seeing just how at peace he is there. Happy holidays y’all at BEJ! :3

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

This man is a gem, he is an AMBASSADOR. The thing is, he's old enough and mature enough to know that what makes Japan JAPAN. He came there knowing and respecting the difference enough to say "leave your baggage at home". It's very much akin to moving from a high crime area into a nice, peaceful area. Do not go there doing the same things you did in other places and make yourself stand out in the wrong way. Something I see a lot with foreigners going to Japan for is that they either go there with excessive fantasies created in their head from the sources, or, they go there thinking they can change the society in some way. That's the absolute wrong person to allow into a place like Japan. You have to humble yourself, assimilate ,and go there with the mentality that it is not yours, and that you need to pay respect to what makes that environment what it is, and not try to buck the system or abuse it. One of the things I love about Japan is that it's NOT easy for a foreigner to thrive there, since English is not widely adopted. It takes a certain character, level of dedication and respect to make it work. It has a high "barrier of entry". Matthew is one of those people that deserves the experience, absolutely. I cant say the same for a LOT of others, White or Black.

[@michaelgeorge4607]

Excellent. I’ve wanted to go to Japan since college days. I can relate to the feeling of ease you feel once your outside of the U.S.

[@deansaid937]

Wonderful interview Ronzo. I didn't know Mathew existed, such a successful story and good for him . Keep up the good work.

[@UNscenefuture]

Really enjoyed this one. The best interview thus far.

[@TheRealVirgilW]

Amazing episode brother. I love seeing stories like this from my people. Be blessed 🙏

[@dgenesis9275]

definitely one of the best video i have watched on BEJ

[@kumyo]

Thank you so much for posting this, I was saying this in the comments before

[@DerekFullerWhoIsGovt]

Staying Japan will probably increase his life span

[@neauxmad1048]

Most elderly people I met in Japan were a good 10-20 years older than I originally thought before they told me.

[@BigHeadAvenger]

Outstanding interview. Jordan Smith is a very interesting individual.

[@sandragiant777]

Ranzo, you just did a great interview with a great man. Really wonderful, informative and entertaining.

[@1971gift]

Lovely interview. Thank you and Matthew! I appreciate his humility. Despite working w/ so many celebrities he doesn't have that bragadoccio and really is open and shares. A real human story.

[@WinterMorris]

Loved this interview, I have always gravitated to the east and a more simple life. Thank you for this hopefully I can find myself there soon enough

[@King-pv8fk]

Trust me, Japanese social structure is not considered simple.

[@MD-jk3ol]

日本は楽園ではない。 旅行は簡単でも住むのは難しい。

[@kjordan5456]

Fantastic interview! Well done!

[@teddydavis2339]

I hear this conversation a lot. Freedom is a state of mind. I believe that a lot of those shackles are mental ones. I feel very free. I don't let other people's opinion of me affect how I feel about myself. I lived abroad, so I understand life outside of the US. I'm glad that this gentleman found his "freedom". There are many safe cities in the US. New York is not one of them. Kudos to this gentleman. I don't know what his life was like in the US, but people are thriving in the US, regardless of race. Many black people are held back by their mentality. It sounds like he had a pretty good life.

[@jackblack7850]

Exactly, it’s called confirmation bias. If you walk around thinking everyone hates you because of your color, you will find endless examples during the day supporting that. If you change your mindset and walk around thinking everyone loves you because of xyz, then you will find those examples as well. Typical Americans are narcissists that think everything is about them. Everyone has their own problems they are trying to deal with on the daily, they aren’t going out of their way to be racist to anyone.

[@DarkEpicPheonix]

NYC is quite literally one of the safest cities in the US.

[@OiMate-sj1os]

​@@DarkEpicPheonix you're saying it like the united States is safe to begin with😂

[@MoneyMarable]

I love this. He’s got an expansive portfolio with wonderful stories

[@r-cdmx]

This was awesome. Thank you. ✨

[@shunwilliams6180]

Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤❤

[@michaelbailey8059]

I am on my way there in a few weeks with my wife and kids.

[@nuprophett]

This was amazing. Excellent content!

[@tsolo5147]

This was a great interview.

[@LimingLyn]

Great interview, and when Mr Smith spoke about the baggage, I get the same feeling when I touchdown in Japan. I just throw off that heavy coat. BUT, I try to avoid the heavy touristy areas as that feeling returns again, so I stay more to less visited Tokyo areas. I've learned to be respectful of the environment and culture. AND definitely learn the language. You don't have to be fluent, but comfortable enough to ask for food, shelter, ginko and the toilet. MJS has an amazing career and will check out his sites. Ranzo, great job, and I hope he do a family shoot for your family. Blessings.

[@jamesdoe3553]

Cheers Ranzo, another great interview. 🍺

[@BokushingusKendoTV]

OmGoodness!!!! I’m so happy you interviewed him!!! I’m a photographer and i studied his work!! His photography is amazing!!!!

[@ifs3]

Great interview 👍🏾i felt like i was sitting with you both.😊i had to get my coat😁thank you both👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@BeardyBaldyBob]

Brilliant fascinating interview.

[@tayajaycam]

I’m from Brooklyn also, and I’m trying to move to Japan soon. I visited in 2023 and fell in love🥹 I know living is different from visiting but I still would like to experience it myself in its entirety😊

[@Deji918]

This is beautiful discussion. This Bro is blazing a trail.

[@DJ_JMIZZEL]

Awesome 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@YuliSayuri]

Wow! Haven’t been to Jiyugaoka for decades! So nice to see it. Thank you for sharing this video. It’s so sad we as POC have to worry about safety all the time in San Francisco Bay Area. I didn’t even realize the burden until I went back to Japan this summer.

[@rancidnation8224]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@KangTheDigitalNomadGlobeTreker]

Finally a piece on MJS I was wondering when BEJ Raanzo would get to sitting down with him. He is a fascinating character within the Japanese foreigner community. Salute to you for this brief interview.

[@Undercovertheory]

Wow, what an interview. Great, great great!

[@tone_atlas_4037]

Great interview! Very informative.

[@CandiOsaka]

wonderful to see such good content ! He has such great valuable input ! We are really similar more than we think different !

[@DioJeanBaptiste]

such a great video, man how are you able to find so many amazing people all over the place.

[@stephendgj]

I love that guy I like his energy

[@TrueDaughterofYAH]

Awesome video ❤

[@tonimcguire8588]

Thank you! You are explaining how I felt when I first visited China. Yes, there were people who were aware of my being black, but I got work as an spoken English language teacher because of how I spoke and that I’m an American native speaker. Not because of my color but because of my abilities. I’m a classical musician and I also got work as a music teacher, a judge and a master class teacher. All because of what I know and not the skin I’m in.

[@mayseventy4466]

This was extremely informative, thought provoking and helpful interview loved it! ❤👋🇹🇹 This year 2024 is the first time in my 53 yrs living that i really want to travel. ☺️ afraid of flying but want to do it.

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Thanks for this insightful interesting content = )

[@onatsu036]

ニコニコ笑顔な話し方が好き💓

[@ansel825]

I’m loving this conversation I’m wondering if I can reinvent myself even at my age

[@sjamespalmer1517]

Excellent interview👍🏾👍🏾

[@shaboopie12]

really good interview.

[@KenRobert1]

Amazing interview I enjoy it. Africa please you can come to this level of safety and success, job opportunities.