Tokyo, Japan: how did I end up here?

Allow me to re-introduce myself...
I'm thinking about putting together some Tokyo guides (cafes, vegan restaurants, grocery stores, etc.) and sending them out to my email list! Feel free to sign up if you're interested: misakoenvela.myflodesk.com/kq...
✏️ Learn how to break free of the limiting beliefs that are holding you back and start sharing your authentic self with the world: misakoenvela.com/the-course
Keep up with me on social media!
tiktok: / misakoenvela
instagram: / misakoenvela
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Songs:
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#tokyo #japan #walkingtour #dayinmylife #solofemaletraveler

[@apexxmia]

187 days sober 🎉 congrats!! That’s hugeeee!

[@MisakoEnvela]

Thank you, Mia!!! 🫂💫💕

[@kagunmarx5914]

This will be my last year drinking.

[@shawnbuchanan01]

🌞 Your videos have a peaceful energy that’s been invaluable as I prepare to move back to Japan. After living in Northern Europe for most of my adult life as an African American woman with a Native mother, Europe was a better choice for grad school. Now, I'm confident that moving to Japan is the right decision for my multi-ethnic daughter (who is fluent in Japanese) and me. We feel at peace there, and this move is significant for us. I am opening a free work space for POC women and Japanese nationals with a vegan cafe. Nothing my scientific background reflects.

[@armystrongcc1]

Your transparency is refreshing in a time period where things are sugar coated and unauthentic. We are all more parallel than we realize.

[@sierrashavon6459]

Hey, Misako! I started sobbing toward the end! 🥹It’s such a beautiful full circle moment that you’re there in Japan reclaiming some parts of your heritage that the US tried to strip away from your Grandma and Great Grandparents! I’m so excited for you! 💕

[@Ayelet.M]

Fashion design dropout here, I can totally relate to what you said. And I feel like our 20s is the time to discover what’s not what we want and our 30s is to rediscover who we truly are, letting go of past trauma, past judgements (self and others), and limiting beliefs that keeps us small. It’s to stop being the victim and taking the power back to ourselves. Unfortunately, it’s really hard when our culture (the West) is currently obsessed with victim mentality.

[@arestlessleo]

1000% agree on the shift from 20s to 30s.

[@cricri-cp7im]

down deep every single human is the victom of someone or something. being a victim is NOT empowering. and the victim mentality is toxic.

[@erikajean3150]

Congrats on your sobriety journey! I, too, moved my daughter to a different city in hopes of giving her better opportunities and she’s experienced similar situations. Your story is confirmation that diversity is crucial in her upbringing. I may think I know what’s best for her, but God is showing me otherwise. Thank you!

[@Tokyo-Slim]

The feeling of Japan as "home" is one of the main reasons I bought a house there. I've visited 6 or 7 times as an adult and just constantly think about going back. I don't want to permanently leave the US yet - but I may get there at some point. I am going to be in Tokyo for 5 months this fall - I may look to getting a long term resident visa next year, as I have Japanese relatives, and I feel like it would make things generally easier. Congrats on 187 days! Keep it up!

[@abdullahtk33]

Your ability to reflect and then intentionally design the life you want to live is beyond inspiring.

[@goodenergi]

30 DAYS girlll let’s gooooooo

[@MisakoEnvela]

IMA TRY MY BESSST!!

[@RShanKris]

187 Days let"s go!

[@daRich_X]

@@MisakoEnvela Gambatte! 💖

[@sandraturner8463]

Your Sharing was so crystal clear of who you are and what you've been through. I hope you are running to something. Traveling and sharing your story will help someone. Traveling and learning will be so therapeutic for your new you. Blessings

[@SunnyIlha]

Very very deep. What a conversation. Much appreciated as it broadens the mind and soul. This sharing of intellectual deep communication.

[@MisakoEnvela]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. I really appreciate your time and your thoughtful comment! 🙏🏽💫

[@timothycrespin6836]

Love walking through the backstreets of Tokyo. Congratulations as well on 187 days

[@andrewsperspective]

Misakooo! Thank you for much for today's video! It meant the world to me to have been able to sit here while I eat breakfast and listen to your entire journey. I've been following your journey since before you started posting, since when Damon had you on his channel or maybe even DamonandJo. I'm on a similar journey, trying to get to Denmark from the US, currently I'm in Bogota, Colombia. But every day in my gut, I know I'm 1 day closer to arriving in Denmark permanently. Thank you so so so much for being so considerate with the world and with yourself. I think you're one of the kindest people I know. Can't wait to see what the next couple of months look for our lives :D

[@lily_m3538]

Very insightful and eloquent.

[@Evmahalo]

🎉congrats on your sobriety! Your channel is very inspiring, thoughtfully prepared and so full of truth.. I hope that you continue ‘cause yes, the ‘winning’ is in the insights & encouraging support along the path. Keep recording ’🎥

[@nattartz6841]

Great video! I’m 7 years sober this year! It’s tough but it gets so much easier with time. Looking forward to watching your journey ahead!

[@driddle4685]

Your vulnerability is courageous. I’m sharing this video with my granddaughter! Your transparency is very much needed and appreciated ✨ There’s a book in your future!

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Hey, you, reading this... yes, YOU! Have you subscribed yet? If not, please do, and let's get our Misako to a 100k subs before the end of this year! 🙌🏼 Liking and just putting a ❤ in the comments will really help drive the algorithm. Don't you want to see many more videos? I do 🤗

[@mctcurious]

Misako, this felt like the lovely progression of a new friendship. I know your from your time with Lilly. You really stood out to me as one of her valued team, someone who had her own story. I checked in with you again recently, just in time for this new adventure in Japan. As a black American with a mother descended from enslaved Americans and an African immigrant father, I related so strongly to the heartbreaking stories you told of your youth that were so formative for you. And I’m so deeply impressed by your journey to actualization (which is apparently lifelong, if my experience is any example haha). Thank you for sharing, for telling us your story, and for gifting us with your perspective and wisdom. I’m feeling so lucky to be on this ride.❤

[@geno4207]

Yeah beautiful keeps showing up the world 🌍 we love seeing our people traveling instead of negativity 💪🏾🙏🏾💪🏾🙏🏾💪🏾🙏🏾

[@wittyandanxious]

So proud of you, Misako ✨ Life unfolds beautifully when we allow it to happen!

[@otreborzedalav1]

Don't let the little things affect your life. Great video, thank you.

[@margeryhandy7499]

Congratulations! Wow! Thank you for introducing yourself to us and for sharing your story. You are an overcomer, lady! Keep sharing your journey and thank you for sharing beautiful Tokyo with us!

[@IAmThatDude335]

What a beautiful video. I love how you intercut shots of the city while you were talking. It offered a sort of subconscious visual pacing and really made for a very pleasant viewing experience. Also congrats on your sobreity! Thats major! A recovery program really helped me come back to myself in many ways while i was in college too. Much love and respect. Hope you're well. Thanks for sharing. ✌🏽

[@nicoledavis6510]

Thank you for your transparency, such an amazing journey.

[@kasteph]

thanks for sharing your story 💙

[@noahm212]

Your videos are so grounding and purifying

[@chelsonyoutube]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! You're such an inspiration to me.

[@healingonesmindset]

Wow! What a full circle moment. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾💆🏾🧘🏾

[@SRoseArtistry]

So happy I found your channel, I’m rooting for you girl🎉

[@tammielee10]

This was a beautifully arranged video! Thank you for sharing.

[@lindaknaras8828]

God bless you. I am proud of you for omitting and sharing your compliments and issues

[@kobewoo_]

Thank you for opening up to us about your life! I resonated with so many parts of this. Thank you

[@natl3118]

Loved this. Such a calming presence and story.

[@SPKLifeStyle2.0]

This is SO beautiful

[@MisakoEnvela]

Thank you!!!!!🥹❤️

[@sehenorandriamanalina4447]

I am so grateful for your being, your presence and your story Misako. Thank you for sharing

[@CookieFridays]

I really enjoyed learning more about you and your story! Nice upload!

[@15.johnsonangel]

Mmm. What a beautiful vulnerable share. So grateful for this opportunity to get to know you. So proud of the healing journery you're on 🙌🏿💜 love you Queen!

[@surooshapaykamian476]

i loved this. just hearing you talk and seeing the life force flow out of you I adore it.

[@yaminogame7805]

congrats on your sobriety 💜

[@MisakoEnvela]

Thank you so much 🫂🤎

[@Notesofcitrus]

Have been really loving your channel so much lately, I could listen to you talk all day ❤ Thank you for sharing all that you do!

Great vid! The quality hits different.

[@raebae90]

Loved learning about you.The walking and talking is my jam (love these kinds of videos). I’m busying myself cleaning my house and watching and listening to your video while I do that is a vibe lol

[@amyr3285]

I'm so happy for you that you managed to be sober for 187 days!! Congrats and keep it up please. I have a friend who is Japanese, and he does drink a lot. I don't want to ruin the friendship, but at the same time I worry about it. He is pretty close to me. I wish I could make him see how dangerous it can be for his health, without ruining the friendship. Maybe I should tell him it's not the best choice to relax, which is what he seems to use it for.

[@mme69]

You are really inspiring, keep these kind of videos going! It was so interesting to listen to you and to see the streets of tokyo. Loved it ❤

[@dahills8925]

I love your content, very deep and inspirational. We don't all have the openings in our circumstances to make these sorts of moves but there are numerous ways to break free and live. Thank you for the inspiration. I've visited Japan for two weeks before coming back for a month later this year my goal is to stay an entire 90 visa limit working up to it🤞. I'll make it, I've got this!

[@thecreatorlaurenchi]

I found you in the last month through your japan content. Thanks so much for being vulnerable and sharing your journey! As someone who recently graduated and is interested in a following a similar journey, this was really inspiring to listen to🙏🏾. Keep it up!

[@t.l1357]

Congrats on your sobreity. I think it's good to plan how u handle social drinking situations. I ask for juice or spritzers in a wine glass or a fancier glass. Keeps people from always asking u to drink more. I found out Paris Hilton always drank ginger ale in champagne glasses. I introduced my friends to wine and now i don't drink for health reasons. But people still try to pressure me at times. The fancy glasses helps to avoid all the explanation. Keep going, I love the way my body feels without meds or alcohol 💃🏿💜

[@dalilaramos3851]

YESS to this entire video! Congrats on your sobriety Beautiful 🤍

[@DanielleWar]

Thank you so much gave me a bit of an eye opener that sometimes it’s better to leave something behind to go somewhere you can feel at ease just the point of getting there ❤

[@jawjahjayne]

This was so beautiful, I'm so inspired.

[@nicki_nick]

Love learning about how much you flourished after getting into the right environment 💕

[@wtm1]

Thank you for sharing your testimony!🙏🏻💪🏻

[@catlantigua]

forever proud of you sister 🤍

[@bydefnedogan]

this piece was such a nice way to get to know your perspective and more about you!! thank you for opening up and also loved the shots of the posters on the streets ❤❤❤❤

[@ThatGirl-cs1gt]

It's wild how we have very similar stories, and age as well. I came to my conclusion that I'll be in Lisbon by my 29th birthday (September) and I know I'll make that goal. Here's to starting over 🎉

[@softballfj]

I’m happy you brought up your Mexico days - I was wondering why you looked familiar and I came across a few of your videos back in the day. I also grew up and I pw area where me and brother were the ONLY black kids at the school and it’s very hard. It warps your sense of self and value as a black person. And when I found my way to diversity I felt like I had been holding my breath all those years. I’ve been working on building a strong base in America so that I can travel and do juijitsu all around the world. I’m def gonna check out thrive! Thank you for sharing your story. You inspired me to a little bolder, a little open to possibilities, and a little healthier - watched this while on the elliptical 😊

[@TheOfficial_CommanderShepherd]

I totally understand how Japan feels like home. Lived there for 6 years and have been trying to move back to do IT work and be with my fiancée.

[@vanessawitcher8996]

Hello Misako, I just finished listening to your YT vlog about your decision to start life anew in Japan. May I say you have a very pleasant and calming voice it's almost meditative. I could relate to your story regarding a childhood experience of exclusion. Stuff like that and the baggage of insecurity and impaired self-worth that comes with it can indeed stay with you for a very long time. However,you seem to be working through it all gracefully, and congratulations on your 187+ days of sobriety. One day, each day, every day. Thank you for sharing your story. I do enjoy following along on your morning walks through the quiet residential streets of Tokyo. It's a great format, simple and authentic. I feel like I'm there, too!

[@BBQBiscuts]

Wow, this was an amazing video. Thank you for sharing your story so others an learn from it too.

[@exploringwmikah7411]

I haven't related to a video on Japan as much as this one! Thank you for your authentic expression, you helped me explore a deeper knowing within my feeling on Japan. So Thank you - I'll be here:)

[@guesswho8562]

HI from Regina, Sask Canada came across your positive affirmation videos yesterday. So grateful.

[@gipp.youtube]

Thank you ❤

[@mikejust3790]

Thank you so much for sharing 🙏🏾!!! ❤

[@MisakoEnvela]

Thank you for watching! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nwilliams48]

Love this for you ❤

[@MisakoEnvela]

I appreciate you 🫂💫

[@nataliesoutlet]

Hi Misako! I've been following you for sometime and just now realized I had seen you if not even spoken to you on Lily's show :) Anyways, I was just in Japan and what a beautiful country! I'm currently also studying Japanese so super excited to follow along with you in language school. What a great chapter in life to begin

[@laurashelbayeh7904]

Congratulations in all your life achievements! Thank you for sharing a wonderful story of amazing self improvement that your are achieving everyday . Love your story !

[@workingtwiceashard]

I've always found you to be dope and inspiring, and this video has elevated your dopeness (in my eyes) 100x over! I have dreams of living in Japan one day and your story/dedication is so motivating. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

[@elizabethzepeda2122]

I was so excited to see you posted another video so soon after your last one. I always look forward to it! What a wonderful and vulnerable video. Loved the walk and talk style. So sorry to hear of that experience you had with you supposed friends speaking badly of black people. As a biracial woman, I relate and my heart goes out to you. Keep doin' you, and Japan looks good on you!

[@eun371]

Hey Misako, thank you. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for genuine, authentic and true to yourself. And thank you for sharing the affirmation for black women at the end of the video. I claim that 💜💚

[@BlancheMonique333]

New sub here! I really enjoy your videos it’s my go to when I’m relaxing, I’ve been super intentional about what I consume here on KZbin and your videos are so refreshing to me, and your authenticity is inspiring✨🌻

[@dwalker6868]

Love the video thank you for sharing inspired stay blessed

[@nesha6208]

Honestly, this was such a great video. I loved being able to learn about you. Being a black female myself in my mid twenties, I do really love seeing more of us expanding, healing, and treating ourselves. Last year was a big turning point for me as well as this year. I want to continue growing and taking on new experiences. I love how you are able to be vulnerable and share your personal experiences with us. I am also very happy to hear about your sobriety! You will excel in this! Please continue to make more videos. I found your video when you first came to Japan, and the first one I watched, I immediately subscribed to. Your videos are calming and I see a lot of myself in you as well. I enjoy solo travel and will be moving out of my home state soon to spread my wings. We do only have one life, and I do wish to live it to the fullest by creating memories, growing as a person, and taking growing steps. Thank you once again for sharing. I am sure your channel will grow! ❤ It was a pleasure. Thank you for sharing.

[@marineexp1629]

Thanks and grateful to the Universe which put your videos in my algorithm. You're such a pure soul. Thank you for sharing your traumas, your evolution, your scars, your smile through the dark. (and also the Tokyo's street ;)

[@lunarmoon1]

Woww I love this video. I definitely needed to see this today!!! I also am now looking into Ikigai. 💖💖💖💖

[@MisakoEnvela]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and the message arrived at the right time for you! YESS! Please look into ikigai and let me know what you think of the concept! 💙

[@FelixAM87]

Just hit a year sober last week took me awhile to realize how much damage it was doing to my life but I feel so much more free congrats !

[@anahinata28]

Thank you for sharing your story. You inspire me and I see how beautiful your energy is.❤ It is also a dream for me to live there and learn the language, let’s see in the future we might meet there! God Bless you and keep inspiring people. 😊

[@S8866m]

I am so proud of what you have accomplished so far. A huge respect from Japan. これからも日本での生活を楽しんでください☆

[@boshii]

Hola, great vid of your new life, going to Japan myself to relive my youth.

[@user-mm8gb1zy4o]

Wow congrats!

[@dn9ellis]

New subscriber! Your content is captivating. I’m very happy I have found your channel. Congratulations on your sobriety!🎉

[@DWebbTheOldHead]

My pops is from Pittsburgh. In fact, all my relatives on his side of the family still lives there, and yes, in a DIEHARD STEELERS FAN. GO STEELERS!!! Nice video.

[@BeGoodAlex]

Forgive people who have hurt you Misako. You will never heal until you can hole heartedly forgive.

[@15.johnsonangel]

I would love videos of Tokyo vibes and some thoughts or answers to questions. You have a great aesthetic eye. It would be great to see Japan through your lens 🙌🏿💕💯😍

[@GryphonPhoenyxSaraphim]

You are awesome.

[@tuesdayjanae3676]

Right now I'm in my Teacher preparation program to teach elementary schools, one day in the future I hope to be able to teach overseas in Japan and many other countries. I love your videos and all the info and relaxing vibes you give off!

[@tuesdayjanae3676]

Also I am also from the los angeles area as well!!

[@margaretjackson7953]

May GOD continue your path🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Macho_Beats]

Beautiful being! Amazing content.

[@MisakoEnvela]

Thank you so much 🥹❤️

[@Macho_Beats]

I’m a grown ass man and you inspired me to take my first trip abroad by myself.

[@jennifergillingham836]

I learned about you through Lilly’s vlogs💖☺️

[@SunnySage122]

Thanks always for sharing your experience! Having lived in Mexico and now Japan, as you get more settled, it’d be great see a video of how you’d compare your life in Mexico and its culture to life in Japan and its distinct culture. In what ways do you feel you’re living a more ideal life compared to Mexico? Thanks! ✨

[@Cha4k]

Japan also has a fairly big alcoholism issue. Be careful because its VERY easy to drink here. My Japanese father in law actually died young as a result from it, He was a very nice guy but very depressed. The constant drinking took a toll on his body and he died in his 50s. My wife wont drink because of it.

[@myrtisfisher3782]

Misako, first, I love your name. I’m responding to your amazing videos viewed thus far and this video. I just want to encourage you to keep pressing forward and don’t allow anyone to define you or mess up your day and/or days….I do see some of your insecurities but you seem to have become strong, self motivated and goal driven . Surround yourself with positive people and continue to push through your self-doubts and learn to stop second guessing yourself. You have overcome many struggles and difficulties, but you persevered. Remember, word says, this race is not won by the swift but slowly by those who endure to the end ( paraphrasing) Joy and Peace in your life can be sustained through true acceptance of self and self worth. Your videos are absolutely amazing and uplifting. You are on a beautiful spiritual journey to rediscover inclusiveness and self-discovery. Don’t stop and persevere…

[@1Surinamer]

I understand that it's not easy to settle in Japan. Especially if you don't have a high level of education. I would like to live in Japan so badly, for real. I'm done with The Negative West. Congrats lady, I do feel you are in a better place now, Enjoy your life in Japan. ❤

[@Hopdog230]

I just started following your channel and I really enjoy your content. Also.. I would love to be on your show Thriving! I’m in Sweden and I’ve been abroad for over a decade now and have lived in several eurpopean countries.

[@geexy]

subscribed❤

[@CubanDre]

Beautiful story. You have made it!! Keep on Growing! This looks quite early in the morning. How is the 5am club going and, how has it helped you on your journey?

[@SunnyIlha]

Incidentally, I guess, from your showing us impromptu, it's true that Japan is a supremely safe place to just walk anywhere out & about. "Tadaima!" ☺️

[@HolaAmiga415]

Daily walks would be cool

[@jcousin30]

Really enjoying the channel. Will be a black woman in Tokyo next week and starting my journey of exploration 🎉

[@pughnotflorence]

Been following since Paris! Amazing how far you’ve come. I am curious as to how you navigate the world as a black woman and where you would potentially settle after traveling around