What a Japanese Town did with its Abandoned Schools

[@simplydaft]

I was one of the students of Akita Inaka School featured in this video. Was great being able to meet Greg when he came for the shoot (especially as I was already a fan of his video's :P ). Amazing to see this video come out after it was shot back in Feb. Hope you and the family are staying safe and healthy during these trying times Greg :) Also to anyone looking to participate in the Akita Inaka School experience, I definitely recommend. The amount of language and culture I was able to learn/experience in 4 weeks was great!

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

It was great to meet you as well Zac. Hope the taiko drumming is going well!

[@porcorosso4330]

How is the wifi? I have an internet addiction.

[@simplydaft]

@@porcorosso4330 if you're referring to the AIS course, you will have internet at your accommodation and the school, but I definitely recommend a pocket wifi for when you're out and about as well (that's what I had and it worked a treat 😉)

[@porcorosso4330]

@@simplydaft Cool, so good cellular network out there.

[@melylopezfelix1555]

I was an exchange student in Tokyo back in 2019 but I didn't learn japanese and all of classes were in english, after seeing this video I´m really considering going to Akita Inaka School to learn japanese and more about Japan because I fell in love with the country, do you have any recommendations?

[@phealixosrs1831]

Paying local Japanese to help those people speak better is pretty great to see

[@Pinkraider]

In my home town in Ohio, USA, there was an elementary school that closed in a near by neighborhood. It was put up for sale to the public. A local artist bought it and turned part of it into a studio, part of it into a place to display local art and the rest of it to teach art classes. This was a few years ago. I am now wondering if it’s still functioning.

[@cherryblossom5373]

Where in Ohio?

[@Pinkraider]

Cherry Blossom New Philadelphia

[@Pinkraider]

Leopold 🙄🙄🙄

[@Pinkraider]

Just found it! So it looks like it was turned into a place where tattoo artists can use as their tattoo studios. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@euomu]

Leopold you pathetic worm 😂

[@Quagthistle]

My old high school was turned into a comunity center with the city office, an excersize room, and the community cafe. (It's a small rural town in western Kansas with a population of around 120.)

[@kikilovely9100]

The Akita dog is so cute also this is a smart idea in my opinion.

[@ejay4032]

What's the difference between Shiba Inu and Akita?

[@whyisthisathingnow...]

Either way Akita dogs need a lot training 😅

[@snoopymei]

@@ejay4032 Akita is bigger and consider a large breed while Shiba is smaller and consider a small/medium breed. You can also tell their face marking are different (on the Japanese red Akita, which is the one that is the same color as Shiba). The Japanese red Akita has the white "v" just above the eyes

[@justinchan9657]

The meme dog.

[@Dale_Philip]

I love the original content you make. You have a very creative and open mind to constantly think of these interesting topics after years of vlogging everything about Japanese culture. ❤

[@nairobistejada7118]

If You believe with Your Hear Jesus is Lord and due for our sins and Believe with Your heart God Raised Jesus from the dead and Repent from Your sins and Ask Jesus Christ and God for forgiveness you shall be save share with others

[@liltunwin]

I had a feeling this was about Kosaka when I saw the title 😃 I'm half excited and half nervous to attend Akita Inaka School next year as a beginner.

[@elizabethgrace2249]

Goodluck!

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

I am happy for you. I hope it will be a wonderful experience for you.

[@ManofCulture]

U lucky

[@ebvbe]

so cool!

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Fantastic video, Greg. It’s so great to see these old schools being re-purposed like that. Where I live in central Japan, one of the schools that shut down due to population decline has been repurposed as a training center and gym for aspiring wrestlers - and it’s actually run by the famous Olympian, Yoshida Saori! (She’s from here.)

[@Maya-vw6uf]

Wow! I wanna hear more about that.

[@ayeshanasir9916]

JAPAN is another world altogether! ❤❤❤

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Ayesha Nasir That’s why I can’t leave. :-)

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Maya DK well actually... I’m a Japan KZbinr too, and “abandoned-school-turned-wrestling-gym” WAS on my list of projects that I wanted to make. But after watching THIS video I don’t know...Greg is a tough act to follow.

[@ironwoodbranch6720]

@@Jordan-inJapan U can do it! Take this video as a guide to get ideas :)

[@JanineAnita]

They should convert the first school into a hostel for travellers as it is in such a beautiful location.

[@coupeloop]

Adults to kids: "No running in the hallways" Adults: *runs in hallways* Thanks for another one Greg

[@LetsaskShogo]

The footage are beautiful, and very informative! I'm Japanese, but I've never heard of this city myself...💦

[@internationallyME]

Ahh good times! Thanks for coming up with me - was fun showing you around! P.s The nabe looked so delicious!!! 😂😂 Whoever made that is a real chef :p

[@immortalgaming0079]

Hello I am your big fan. Can you plz upload a video❤️❤️

[@nairobistejada7118]

If You believe with Your Hear Jesus is Lord and due for our sins and Believe with Your heart God Raised Jesus from the dead and Repent from Your sins and Ask Jesus Christ and God for forgiveness you shall be save share with others

[@immortalgaming0079]

@@nairobistejada7118 excuse me what?😂

[@nairobistejada7118]

@@immortalgaming0079 hey Get saved and Share with Others God Loves You Jesus loves You Believe with Your Heart God Raised Jesus from The dead and Jesus die for our sins and Repent from Your sins You shall be saved ❤️🙏🏽

[@mamanyajessie5511]

@@nairobistejada7118 what does this have to do with the video?

[@Shawn.Tanaka]

During my trip to Japan last year, I randomly recognized and met Angela. She gives off good energy haha I'm happy to see both of you doing great things!

[@Pyper1887]

Compared to your other videos, it seems this didn't get a lot of attention and I put off watching it for a long time. But it turned out to be a very sweet, intimate, heartwarming profile of a small town. Thank you for your educational work documenting the everyday life of Japan.

[@phanh19099]

This video’s quality is high enough to be a Netflix show. Thank you so much for the amazing cinematography and informative content!

[@kilerkai]

i like gregs style for documentaries like this.

[@vanillaar655]

i like how ur documentaries feel very professional and informative but still having this more light and comedic side to it? idk how to explain other than they're very enjoyable

[@jhey5639]

“forced to stay in a small town”... I think it would be better to say “be blessed to stay in a small Japanese town” 😍😍😍😍😍

[@csvarona]

@guts Turtle i lived in a small town (not in Japan) when I was a kid. I get your point, but I remembered that people make their own jobs in that town. Mostly hard work.

[@inky8236]

@@skylerisnothere5736 what's the point?

[@whydoimevenhere]

That would be me,but not for them

[@sycopath8311]

@guts Turtle make one

[@kianbautista1016]

I never get why you would let the government make more jobs when in the past people created more jobs.

[@FingeringThings]

Glad to see them put the building to use instead of leaving it to rot

[@mechasduo004]

That shift from beautiful landscape to "Lets get into this" minescape at 00:41 ... perfect. I love how you do your research and present not only a story but numbers to give us the whole picture.

[@rootbeer1053]

I was going to say something similar! That transition was cool

[@magnussorensen2565]

Well, I always wanted to learn Japanese. But without anyone else talking its hard. Seams that this is on my bucket list.

[@faisaparveenali9285]

Sorry, but it is "seems" not "seams". I'm not trying to be rude. Sorry if I offended you (｡-_-｡)

[@bryce4395]

@Leopold what riots?:0

[@dwsci6997]

@Leopold riots?!

[@bmona7550]

@Leopold The barely have those in rural Japan, if not at all

[@willhemwill5595]

@Leopold lmao no

[@catcachu]

I love how the whole town joins together to reuse these spaces and also how they welcome and integrate the international visitors! Lovely to see!

[@blumtnpaj23]

Old school plows, old school science equipment, old school piano, old school.........whatever this animal is. xD Your videos are always so beautiful and informative, thank you!!!

[@skylerisnothere5736]

alllove.buzz/NPnkyogebDG 내가 존경하는 일본 배우

[@plemm]

Wow, this makes me want to pack a bag and head there right away. It's truly beautiful there. As always very informative and underlined with incredible drone shots, overall a great video!

[@guanips]

I love your vids they have that cozy documentary style, it feels like someone is telling me about their trip and not some robot like voice narrating for money, great job!

[@ocherki]

Those grandmas have more social life than me in my city... Thank you for the video! It's really heartwarming to see those beautiful people, theyir activities, relations, that cozy city covered by snow and surrounded by beautiful nature. I would like to go there for some time...

[@urouroniwa]

Ha ha! They have the same town music as my town! My entire 12 years or so in Japan I've spent in a small town in rural Shizuoka. When I first came here, I thought I'd only stay for a year in order to learn Japanese and then I'd return to Canada. Within 3 months, I was arranging to sell my house in Canada (remotely!). I've been lucky (blessed, really) to meet my wife here and I literally can't imagine calling any other place in the world "home". For those who really want to experience Japanese culture, that kind of language study/home stay is impossible to beat IMHO.

[@norb4152]

What do you do there now, if I may ask?

[@urouroniwa]

@@norb4152 Remote IT work on contract.

[@markespley8740]

Thanks Greg. That was great. I was there 12 months ago for the summer school. Without doubt was one of the best experiences in my 59 years. It was a hot summer then but I will be signing up for a winter course too . Your filming of the area was great and just brings back the beautiful memories, the tears are rolling. Thank you.😎🐨🦘👍

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Man it's gorgeous there. I'd love to live in a small , semi rural Japanese city.

[@BobSaget69]

Just got my approval for Akita Inaka School!

[@kevins3821]

It's such a waste when those very well-built school buildings are abandoned when the schools in ny local area couldn't even afford some basic facilities like a decent infirmary, an LCD projector, clean restroom, decent cafetaria, or something like a repaint (we only do that about every 3-4 years).

[@ProtoMan137]

You guys are getting repaints?

[@ronniepearce4438]

repaint about every 20 years where I am

[@porcorosso4330]

Does it need to be repainted that often? Maybe it is worth it to try some crowd funding for your school... It shouldn't hurt to try right?

[@Farmdafish]

Bruh we get repaints like every 10 or 20 years

[@jjq9360]

they're abandoned because of population decline

[@edisonurena2278]

That was such a nice video I really enjoyed every single minute of it. I'm from the Dominican Republic and believe me you don't want to see an abandoned Dominican school.

[@Aveius__]

I'm stunned by this one. Your great camera work is perfect to display the incredible landscape (even more so snowy) and the quaint aspects of the town and its kind people. A story of revival for those would-be empty places, which is strangely touching. Great, great job!

[@mightymitzi]

Oh I really want to go there too! So glad the towns keep restoring and using their buildings, and not destroying. Please keep your culture and spirit! I hope to return one day! 💗🌟

[@Ajzahtiri]

I guess I'll stay up at least 17 more minutes then.

[@solchapeau6343]

What country are you from? I'm just getting off work now (2 hours after you posted).

[@nandinisingh5786]

Same same lol!

[@Derekuma]

As always a wonderful program. It was so good to see "internationally ME " / Angela again , I had missed her videos & it was so good to see her school is doing so well. Two wonderful people "giving back" to Japan . I envy you.

[@Hannah-vy3qn]

Such an interesting video! I love the style of Japanese schools, and those Japanese language classes looked great for being truly engaged with the language and classmates. Normally former schools here in the UK are turned into flats. Most of them are lovely, sturdy buildings from the 19th century, especially the primary schools. I think they make great flats, better than being torn down.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Tomari! Now that's a fun way to use an abandoned building. I'm a professional golfer, on Wii Sports that is

[@funtonite]

Speaking of professional Wii Sports, here's a great documentary on speed run records for Wii Sports Resort golf. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYnOfKicrq6cd7s

[@valerielunavic4624]

I’d move there in a heartbeat omg, I hope they can bring that town back to life

[@CptFitzgerald]

The old abandoned high school in my town is now a commercial haunted house open only during Halloween season >_

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

You can keep Tokyo with its shops, nightlife and cafés. This is the side of Japan that interests me. The small town and, most of all, its people. Thank you for a beautiful film.

[@TheSpellwright]

I was a student in Japan about 20 years ago. This episode made me feel really nostalgic about my youth.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

This was shot in February 2020, so before the coronavirus was widespread in Japan. I can't tell you the absolute latest on student visas, as its changing everyday, but Japan is slowly opening up its borders again so that I hope you can visit a Japanese language learning school in the near future. The best i can offer is check out www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/gdqrxl/coronavirus_covid19s_impact_on_moving_to_japan/ for the latest news. The school featured in the video is akitainakaschool.com. If I could have went to a school like this vs. my regular Japanese language school in Tokyo I totally would have. The learning approach seemed a lot more flexible.

[@willymags123]

That's a very lovely place thank you for taking us there. I love the chime when school is let out here in America we have a loud buzzer.

[@cleodello]

Ah, I love seeing small town life in different countries! So lovely. This video reminded me of one of my favourite films called, in English, "A Gentle Breeze in the Village" (天然コケッコー). It is a lovely slice-of-life film in this tiny village with only a handful of students left at the local school. I've heard it is based on a manga series, but I've never read it. All I can say is that the film is beautiful and makes you nostalgic for a place you've never been. I wish to see the film again, someday.

[@pozzo6828]

It was a nice film

[@Larkinchance]

One of my favorite pieces that you have was the middle school lunch period.. It showed how well the kids got along and how they cooperated in the clean-up.. Bravo!

[@_JoyceArt]

My elementary school is now an apartment building for senior citizens, my high school was until recently a “folks university”, now they’re closing that down too. And my higher education school is now gone, it used to house a wok restaurant, an urban planning bureau for the improved highway system (underground) until it was tore down and I believe it’s now a park.

[@elipandaman]

WHOA. My friend lived in Kosaka a few years back, and I went to visit him - but it was during the summer, so seeing Nanataki Falls, Lake Towada (so so beautiful), and just the town in general in the snow was really cool! Totally recommend the Railroad Park to anyone visiting as well. I'm still in shock you put out a video about Kosaka!!! I loved learning about ground golf too.

[@--Paws--]

10:40 The classes feel personable and intimate, it doesn't seem like a class more like a group of friends.

[@akirebara]

Oh wow Angela has been one of my favorite KZbinrs when it comes to living in Japan. It's nice to know that you're friends with her!

[@thiagoborges2920]

This video makes me so so happy :D I wanted to go study Japanese in a place like that

[@aaronkoller8811]

You did a fantastic job of capturing what it is like to be in a small Japanese town during winter -- the sights, sounds, and small details galore. Brings back so many memories. Great job!

[@matthewjay660]

When I lived in France, as a foreigner for 2 years, I had the privilege of living in a town of 10,000 people. It was small, happy, simple, and quiet. Now I live in Houston, Texas, a metropolis of 4 million. Covid-19 was raging last month and we just dodged Hurricane Laura. 😐 There is something special to be said about small-town living.

[@GamingFoodie]

So many KZbinrs focus on the big, bustling cities in this country that glimpses like these are a real treat. Thank you for all the work you put into these videos. I hope towns and smaller cities like these can hold on and thrive as life goes on.

[@grumpychocobo]

This whole video made me so nostalgic for my time in Japan.

[@Sagwafu]

I'm so happy you got to hang out with the Mayor and it seems like everyone you met was very proud of their town. I'd love to see more videos of places like this one.

[@ghost_knight_001]

Hope to see more like these,,, Even food and winter festivals if possible

[@Abderian]

Always going to be happy to see Akita featured in videos. It always feels like home.

[@gaijinph]

7:27 FINALLY!!!!, so its called the Yosakoi dance... I heard that chant many times, ever since I accidentally walked into a "Fiesta" fest in a compound, close to my dormitory when I was studying in Japan. I heard it a lot of times since then, but I don't know the title of the song or the chant. Oh, an I studied in a specialization program by the government so I can work directly at the head office in Tokyo, at one of the top 3 construction firms in Japan. The scene at the school you showed reminded me so much of my time studying at the Yokohama facility. I was fortunate also to have a sensei who concentrated in speech communication., she gave me a lot of additional special homework (reading comprehension and summation of short stories or essays), and she quickly became my favorite sensei. We talk a lot, and since I was a naughty kid, I sometimes talk with a lot of innuendo mixed in...but all in good fun. As a result, in our weekly speaking classes with the locals, I was the only one partnered with either an elderly guy or an old lady....because me interacting with the younger female volunteers would be "a bit dangerous", as she said XD. We were so open with each other, she knows that I have a huge crush on one of the teachers (and she teases me a lot with that). And in our graduation, after our farewell speech, she hugged me. That's when I started crying in her arms, like I didn't want to let go. Even when I as working in Tokyo and my return to the Makati office in the Philippines, we send mail to each other. The last letter I got from her is one which she informed me that the teacher I had a huge crush on just gave birth to a baby girl.

[@yujishinohara797baby]

thanks for posting, years ago in Tokyo my expat friend where everything was reimbursed/expense account, found himself being notified by HR of restructure, faced with being reduced to local wages meaning no longer being able to live in Harajuku or going back home he realized that he had not developed his language skills during his cushy stay here so he asked another expat if he could borrow his motorcycle so that he could head off to the countryside/inaka to learn Japanese, far away from the city distractions. I think this kind of 24/7 inaka cultural immersion school was what he was looking for.

[@angeladonato5096]

My old elementary/middle school that I went to closed down I believe three years ago and it’s still just sitting there empty. It’s kinda sad I hoped that it would be reused and hopefully it will.

[@canadalovesanime3137]

So pretty; snow makes everything beautiful! I miss snow; I grew up in Alberta, but where I am now it rarely snows. It's hard for me to believe sometimes that this is really Canada. It's sad to see these towns slowly disappearing. Most older buildings here just get torn down; so it's nice to see them being reused. Thanks for the great video, as always!

[@pierluc_cr]

The best part is when they dump the snow in the sewer. We should do it it Quebec. Why waiting for spring to see the snow melting and going to the sewer itself when you can help it doing it yourself during winter?

[@soonlet4977]

Probably the sewer is built to do just that. I think it has got to be heated a little to get the snow to melt and a flow going.

[@michaelsebastian2842]

One of the good things of being an archipelago of volcanoes is practically infinite supply of hot spring water. Not sure this would be applicable where you live.

[@pierluc_cr]

@@michaelsebastian2842 No volcano in Quebec but in my city we have an incinerator.

[@persemmon]

As always, such interesting videos Greg. Love what you do!

[@DoctorEbot]

Cool. I like the ‘industrial’ sounding music when you introduced that old mining complex. 0:44

[@Phooen]

I absolutely loved that video ! The way you tell the story, the way this is documented, the people and of course this beautiful place are so soothing for me !

[@qychn]

omg, a Japanese school near Oirase Gorge? That's a dream. I wish I could take a month off my life and do that. Sadly it's almost impossible.. job prospect can be hard even in Tokyo, letting alone in a remote Aomori town. :(

[@rebeccachia]

I love that you had shot this over the winter season! it's so beautiful. Cant take my eyes off the sceneries

[@subhansanaky]

It's like their town it's in another world The view,the city, the way people interact It's really so amazing Always loved see your Video 👍👍 PS : sorry for my English.still learning

[@muammar1895]

nooo don't be sorry you're doing great!!!

[@Chilly_Billy]

The exterior videography was absolutely beautiful! Great job.

[@constant-kopfkino]

I've often wondered why exactly do I feel so fascinated by Japan? And the more I watch your videos, I feel like it's their gentle and polite behaviour, more than anything else. Thank you for this!

[@sdoddles4533]

This is such great timing for you to put this video out, my 14 year old and I were just talking about sending him abroad in a couple years to a school in Japan so he can learn better Japanese with some immersion. This is a much better option than some of the schools we were finding. What a lovely town!

[@rupa15440]

That seems like a fun class! And personally I feel that you should practice speaking first when learning a language. I have studied Chinese for 8 years and some people that I learn with have studied for 20. But because my teacher focused on speech I can speak a lot better than others. However they all read better than me.

[@justoneviolinist4953]

Man I was hit with so much nostalgia while watching this video... It's extremely well done, thank you so much!

[@marionrobertson3895]

Life where I'm From wow soo interesting to see what the Japanese do at school and the events they do.I have always been amazed at the things they do. I have always thought the Japanese were soo wise . Thanks for sharing Greg God bless you all.PS Greg I just love you your wife and kids.

[@notreallyhim]

Love the cinematography and concept of this video. Thanks Greg, your hard work shows!

[@o0Avalon0o]

I wish my town would do something like this.

[@jazmine4746]

watching your videos makes me feels like I'm in Japan. Hope to be able to go there after pandemic

[@upa8629]

This documentary make me remember anime Nagi no Asukara : snow, snow, empty school, nothing just snow

[@visconti24]

Your videos are invariably well-done, interesting and highly informative. It is such a pleasure to turn on to your work because, no matter how obscure or esoteric the subject, one can count on being entertained in a profound way. Even the trivia helps the subject move along in a meaningful and interesting way. Thank you and my best wishes to you and your family.

[@Steampunkkids]

In rural Indiana, we just leave them there abandoned. I assume it’s because of asbestos and/ or lead paint and that the clean-up is too cost-prohibitive to re-purpose the building or bull-doze it

[@DerrickJolicoeur]

Very interesting! I know recently in my city at least two schools have become abandoned due to transitioning into newer construction. I'm still completely unaware of what will be done, or is being done with the buildings as of yet, but I'm certainly curious on the matter!

[@audrey.c1]

I was like that lady looks familiar...Then i Realized it was Internationally Me!

[@lebocharp]

The 5pm chime of the abandoned school being used at the end of the video is perfectly beautiful

[@yuugaouzuki18]

one wish that i know will never come true: to experience high school life in Japan. 😭

[@abdullahoduno4850]

Truly Aesthetic. Wonderful video. Feels like I'm in Japan while watching this.

[@TheMongooseOfDoom]

3:25 It doesn't say don't waste water, it says "Don't dump water". Meaning that the sink isn't functional.

[@malloryjenkins9875]

That was such a great video! It was so good to watch and reminisce on the course. So nice to meet you back then.

[@shirobuta_]

I have an abandoned elementary school that was converted into an aquarium

[@ArchmageSerestia]

Those mountains are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for making so many incredible videos like this. Your shots are so breathtaking!

[@ayayahuasca]

@7:29 reminded me of PPTenshi singing "souran" XD

[@grumpychocobo]

lol, I just commented the same thing. Sorra Sorra!

[@KN1GHT5H4DE]

@@grumpychocobo SOURAN SOURAN!

[@AirCrewRani]

Your channel is calm and encapsulates everything I look for in a Japanese YTC. Keep producing and sharing.

[@Dita_Utomo]

Everybody gangsta until they saw the mayor's cute handwritten name plaque xD 9:41

[@giorgia6359]

I feel blessed I have discovered this KZbin channel! Watching its videos always has a soothing effect on me

[@kenshin239]

small town looks more developed than my entire country

[@WeAreBikeScouts]

This is a really great story, I love it! I wouldn't mind living in a town like that. I could spend my time writing, I could go back to my watercolor painting, hiking, photography, woodworking, and I could learn Japanese too. It's perfect!

[@gogogomes7025]

3:33 it was Onizuka

[@mrskwrl]

Man the production quality is just getting better and better. Can you do a video on the snow clearing in these northern towns? It's so cool.

[@grumpychocobo]

7:35 who else thought of PP Tenshi. lol

[@kzr9899]

pptenshi and kaguya ahaha

[@dotmiracle]

I feel so much happiness, I feel so much warmth coming from my heart. Hardly finding any words right now, thank you.