Why Is Japan So Cheap Now? - Japanese interview

[@takashiifromjapan]

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[@scoty_does]

Traditional society changes more slowly.

[@lobsterspijkenisse]

You should go talk to the goverment and ask them to make a retirement visa so people can come to japan and stay there and buy akiya houses and fill all those empty houses in japan ( i think around 13 million) and then the rural areas become populated again , people are bringing in money when they live in japan and the economy will go up and then 3 problems can be solved with a simple retirment visa or if u buy an akiya house visa can stay in japan

[@Xmarkthings]

That old lady was so CUTE👹 her old voice cracking made me want to cry for some reason. I hope she stays healthy!

[@blakethetank]

new Jacket? ;-)

[@happycook6737]

What about making a video about what food people want to eat and customs to celebrate New Year's?

[@mbank3832]

God bless the owner for letting that 91 year old lady live for free in his apartment. Kindness is more meaningful than money sometimes

[@Polypal3D]

She is so cute. She thinks that we are rich in Italy. How did she come up with this idea?😄

[@aaronwhite3119]

Right, How many people would actually do that?

[@Li-ov5rf]

Well it’s normal for males to allow women to live for free. Males were designed to be providers.

[@MarniLondon]

Yes I agree what a cool person

[@pissupehelwan]

@@Li-ov5rf Yeah, right....go tell that to your landlord (if you are renting). That's just not how rentals work in ANY country.

[@romainrahni8682]

if the owner of the appartement of the 91 year old lady sees this , just to let you know that there should be more people like you in this world ! huge respect to you whoever you are !

[@enigmamyth]

Or maybe if chances arise we should act like him.

[@SmartestDumbGuy]

He will be rewarded by God for that. That is what Jesus talked about.

[@kwacou4279]

There are. I know an 85 yr old man paying 250 per month for a studio apt in Queens. The owners father was a friend of the old man. Not a room but a full studio apt. with separate kitchen & bathroom.

[@ashwing2713]

@@SmartestDumbGuyyour profile name justify you …don’t bring religion in everything

[@SmartestDumbGuy]

@@ashwing2713 what's wrong with me saying that? It's true that Jesus talked about that. What does that have to do with religion? Jesus is a historical figure. Why would that offend you? I was giving the guy props because of his good character.

[@devo-x4f]

Praying for all the people affected by the earthquake in Ishikawa today. Japan and NZ share this in common, we're both shaky isles. But with a much bigger population, the affects in Japan are always much worse. I hope everyone is safe there now - and wishing Ishikawa a speedy recovery.

[@EnglishStoryShared]

What a beautiful act of compassion! The owner's generosity has given that 91-year-old lady a secure and familiar place to call home, offering peace of mind that money simply can't buy

[@kaleeysmith8801]

well, fact is, the owner knows the 91yr old is going to die within 10yrs or less, most likely, so being kind but also knowing that it's not a financial burden on him forever.

[@SPT1]

It was overall cool but the 91 year old lady was the most interesting part. I think you should interview older Japanese people more often, it's interesting to see the contrast between the Japan they knew and current Japan.

[@learningisfun273]

Absolutely agree. I think technology, especially social media, has turned the collective into the individual. It'd be interesting to see how the older generation can opine to this and the cause of it.

[@TheBebelehaut]

@@learningisfun273 Turned the collective into the individual?

[@learningisfun273]

@@TheBebelehaut the 91 year old lady said that back in the day people were collective in mindset, meaning they'd help each other as a group generally. Now, she said people are more individually centered (i.e. mine is mine, yours is yours). I've noticed that too and I'm only mid 30s.

[@ciello___8307]

Yes, but at the same time, you can see how they are out of touch in other aspects. Like she said she thought italy, spain were the most wealthy countries now… which is NOT true. But then again, i wont be too harsh on her. I dont expect a 91 year old who doesnt have to pay her own rent to be the expert on global wealth. And thats fine

[@yellowcode2011]

The post-war Japan was a less democratic country, it was pretty much a single party state (ruled by Liberal Democratic Party) for a long time. So their ideology was pushed down to general public through decades of propaganda which made the country appear as a collective. As Japan became more democratic, the collective mindset or the single party ideology just dissolved away.

[@MrSweeperUSA]

God bless that old Japanese lady. She had to be a child during ww2. What a delight to hear her insight . She lived through so many eras in Japan. Almost could feel her soul through the video. Awesome job Takashi-San!

[@mortenjorck]

I wonder if Takashii knows any Japanese KZbinrs who specialize in oral histories. It would be incredible to hear some of her stories if she were up for it.

[@chickenbroski99]

@@yuyuaru You need math lessons. 91 would be 7 in 1939.

[@Dorimefasolatedo]

@@yuyuaru ofcourse it's genshit fan that doesn't know how to do simple math, not surprising.

[@yuyuaru]

im sorry from wrong calculation. i will delete my comment. thanks for the correction.

[@JackAsiaNomad]

she went in the UK in 1972, which was very rare at that time ... she was 40 yo and probably had good savings etc. I'm surprised because it's only after 1980 that Japan became rich with a good potential abroad. May be she confused the date.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

We appreciate these interviews. Gives us more insight in regards to Japanese society and its economy.

[@JB-xl2jc]

I am honestly flabbergasted as an American. For some reason I always thought Japan was fairly expensive. I hadn't been, but hearing someone saying they'd be completely fulfilled on a little over a thousand a month, I'm astounded. In my area to be fully fulfilled I would say one needs 80,000-100,000 USD a year.

[@stormtrooper22]

@@JB-xl2jc I also did think that it was pretty expensive in there,especially in Tokyo but it seems like I was wrong about it

[@gotz2bk]

​@@JB-xl2jc lifestyle plays a big part here too. In America there's a lot of grandstanding; from where and what you eat, to what you drive, to where you live, and to what you wear. Public transit and housing options/density limits a lot of options for poor to middle class; but also preserves a better balance since there are less areas to spend frivolously.

[@ajd2447]

I wanna say This video is exaggerated. We can’t live Big cities in japan ,especially Tokyo on 100.000 yen per a month. Japanese college student on this video mentioned “we can live in tokyo on 100,000yen per a month“ But most of Japanese college students don’t pay living cost. Because Their parents pay it. And All my japanese college friends use only their part time job salary for their entertainment expenses. Probably female Students in this video are in also same situation. I think If you want to live ordinary life in cityside in japan. Under situation of Being single and unable to save money for your bank account,have to live modest life. You need 200,000 yen per a month at least .

[@NaYoungSeung]

@@ajd2447 Even in the short memory of my trip, I don't think the cost of living in Tokyo was this cheep. Maybe it's a little exaggerated video, but he's a KZbinr, so I understand.

[@dougietruter7080]

I am amazed by the humbleness and impeccable manners of the Japanese people. I wish the world could learn from them. You are courteous and a great interviewer. Well done; I have massive respect for the people of Japan.

[@DavidG-nb4sm]

Japan is the most amazing country in the world.

[@akaiseigo]

A huge respect for the nice grandma who is fully aware with today's issues.

[@xsnjkwfeny-wr9qr]

not really if she thinks Spain and Italy are wealthy.. in history yes. in money,, not so much

[@Kburn1985]

Aware of what? How Portugal and Spain are the richest countries in the world? LMFAO. A beggar in Japan is richer than the average Spaniard.

[@furikuri23]

@@xsnjkwfeny-wr9qrMoney is relative and proven to be quite an unreliable concept in recent times especially the fiat system created by the West. I think what she meant was true wealth, which translates into real things, culture, history and potential. Certainly not paper.

[@ciello___8307]

@@furikuri23yeah but interviewer was asking about economic, monetary wealth obviously…. Spain and italy i would not say they are the richest lol

[@IndigoIndustrial]

@@ciello___8307 The average Italian does much better than the average American. Wealth is redistributed better in Europe.

[@DrainedPunk]

I am from Poland and when I first visited Japan in 2017 it was still quite an expensive destination for our standards. But during my last trip in the summer of 2023 I was surprised to find out that inexpensive restaurants and groceries at convenience stores are already considerably cheaper than in Poland. There are some things that are still quite expensive, like Shinkansen tickets and hotels in the biggest cities. But overall, I think if it wasn’t for plane ticket prices it would be quite an inexpensive holiday.

[@tsungyuangyang]

Poland is developing very fast too!

[@nevion5533]

But Poland is way cheaper than souther eu countries such as Spain and Italy.

[@Keyakina]

@@nevion5533 And Spain is way cheaper then other EU countries like the the Netherlands

[@BinaryResistance-xv9dc]

​@@nevion5533I wouldn't say Poland is much cheaper now than Spain. Actually prices like food, rent etc went up very much during last two years. I stay a lot in Spain now and for me it's even cheaper than Poland. Italy is a bit more expensive but still I would say no more than 20%

[@MrKata55]

I'm from Poland as well and living in Tokyo rn, and share the same observations. It's quite livable actually, provided you can find a decent job.

[@yokkabai]

The age range of the people interviewed was great. It was so interesting to hear their thoughts on this topic and their rough income. I especially liked the comment from the older 55 year old man.

[@catamountmpls]

Great interview. You ask the questions people are looking for, and kindly allow the person to give full answers, which allowed me to learn quite a bit that I didn't know.

[@sidharthmahapatra4767]

Just want to correct the construction worker guy here: He said that the wages doubled, I agree, but at the same time the Yen has declined wrt USD at a much faster rate. So the value that was for the commodities that can be bought in his childhood has inflated but the purchasing power has declined due to weakening of yen. Even if the salary is doubled, how much value is he getting is the real question here

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

I thought the same thing. Sure, the wages go up, the GDP goes up; but so do prices for EVERYTHING---and taxes. And let's not forget that most families have basically no assets because houses don't appreciate. (Most people can't afford to buy a home, anyway).

[@GWT1m0]

Exactly, the problem isn't with their GDP, it's with the lack of independence in controlling its currency.

[@maxintos1]

YEN decline against the USD only matters when you buy goods from US or travel. Stuff produced and grown locally will not increase in price. So more expensive iphone but same price japanese car. This also means Japanese companies should now be much more competitive internationally as their products are now much cheaper to people buying in USD. This should help the economy grow and export more.

[@JB-xl2jc]

This is the usual problem with asking people economic questions who don't have economic training. They will take the reasonable path of applying personal experience and anecdotes, and I can't blame them of course. But thats a very poor way to assess the economy. As an example, here in the US, people are usually considered to have fully "made it" if they get a six figure job, aka $100,000 USD a year or more. Except this is a "threshold" that has existed for decades... and making $100,000 in 2020 was roughly equivalent to making $48,000 a year in 1990. So people feel great here now when they see 100k a year, but in reality, your purchasing power isn't similar to what you might be thinking.

[@MrMadvillan]

@@maxintos1 however japan has a very low energy dependence ratio, which I assume will inevitably eat into those export profits and force local manufacturers to raise prices.

[@mannycalavera2335]

The guy who spoke Portuguese and English has a knack for languages. Even if he is not confident about his English, his pronunciation is some of the best I have heard from a Japanese person that has not spent significant time abroad.

[@edgardmacena2704]

His Portuguese is just perfect and he carries a very specific accent so it's great to see from a gringo

[@yihan5067]

I agree, he doesn't have Jap accent of English at all, which is quite rare among Japnese

[@JoseFernandez-cp3cv]

Nothing stayed the.same for long

[@JXEIO]

I know right? I was also really impressed

[@Joelle-od8gm]

Well as a french women I want to say how impressed I am by Japan and his population. Most of the countries of the whole world should take exemple on Japan in many ways, people are polite, respectfull, and so intelligent. Economic situation in Europe is getting worse, lots of drug and insecurity especially for women. So please think twice before leaving Japan for Europe. Take care all of you.

[@pumpkinspice1456]

I am from Germany and Japan had the image of an expensive travel destination that’s why I always postponed my Japan Trip. Your video changed some assumptions I had about Japan. Very interesting. I wish the economy improves, because everybody deserves a decent life.

[@Cohobapr]

I think the most expensive will the be flight but once you get there everything is reasonable affordable especially if you have Euro or USD. The food is very affordable and you can find great delicious food anywhere you look at. I love Japan 🇯🇵 ❤

[@BestoftheBest-oz4ei]

Just came back in December from Japan. Bringing USD, we were spending like kings! Food is super cheap, like half the cost in the US so we ate like kings as well. Now is the best time to go to Japan due to the strong EURO and Dollar...it's also good for Japan's economy with all the tourism foreign currency.

[@Sbudre]

Japan is really cheap if you are holding Euros, Dollars or Pounds. I'm from an South Africa and I've found the cost of living in Japan very comparable to my country

[@katiirabbi]

you should go! Your tourist euros would help the local economy

[@olivertwisted]

@@BestoftheBest-oz4eiWas there in November. The whole country is a bargain with the USD exchange rate. Food. Shopping. Hotels.

[@martink8080]

Back in 1991, we had a 5 day stop-over in Japan and could barely afford the stay. Even MacDonald's was out of our budget. We spent more during those five days than the previous 2 months we were in Indonesia. Now we have just returned from a 19 day vacation in Japan and found it to be a very affordable place, especially compared to what we had experienced previously. But it was nice to see that the essentials had not changed, the politeness, the cleanliness, the punctuality, the care for the other.

[@antinorest]

Very interesting. Is it possible to visit Japan if you don´t speak Japanese? I´ve heard Japanese don´t like foreigners who doesn´t speak Japanese, is it true?

[@martink8080]

@@antinorest We didn't have that experience in 1991 nor this year. While travel outside of the major cities might be a challenge because few people speak English, even in Tokyo and a few other big cities it was not uncommon to have no English speakers. But today with Google Translate or other similar apps, it is not hard to be understood and to understand what is around you. In one tiny 7 stool bar/restaurant, we had a "conversation" with a local family using the app so it's not impossible. A nice way to meet people you would otherwise not. And with Google translate, you can take a picture of a written Japanese and get it translated so signs and menus are not a problem. A bit slow but you're on vacation, what's the hurry.

[@antinorest]

@@martink8080 Thank you, God bless you

[@whatdaro]

As an Australian I've tried living and working in Japan, but getting a job there is virtually impossible for foreigners. I'm an IT engineer and my skills did not seem to matter, all they cared about was that my level of Japanese was N1. Even in foreign companies that is the case. While during the job one could do fine to start of at N3 level or eve N4. Companies want people with highest levels of skill want them 100% multilingual but offering junior level pay compared to other countries. I've seen many people leave Japan because of this.

[@retromaniaco_br7422]

There is a similar thing in my country. It's common in Brazil companies caring more about your English level rather than your skills for the job. Even if you don't need at all to do your work.

[@lm-pw9ul]

It's similar in every country.

[@t.a6159]

"when you live in their country learn their language "

[@whatdaro]

@@t.a6159 yeah, I've gone back to Australia, still learning Japanese, target is N1, but I thought learning it while living there would have been faster.

[@deanwinchester7723]

Not similar in India... In India if you know English as a foreigner that's more than enough as most of the people around 85% people know English in India...

[@jpfecteaumaine]

Your interviews are so genuine and well done. Thank you for all of your efforts.

[@takashiifromjapan]

Wow, thank you!!!🙏

[@AddictedGamer-tt6xn]

@@takashiifromjapan 1516 yen, isn't it :)

[@jewviking]

​@@takashiifromjapan in Japan many people good, that matters mostly. very bad in many countries, VERY RARE! cheap prices also good thing

[@fmt0htm]

I recently lost my grandma who lived for 88 years, she had dementia and stayed at the care center for the last 2 years - so I truly impressed by that madame at 91 years old who lives her own !! Wish her best for coming years 😌

[@lifeincentralvalley9430]

I really like how the girl in the end answered the questions, it’s like she sees through things and she has a very clear mind

[@vitalitymirth]

“People shared the same heart.” A sweet memory from a sweet 91 year old lady. I hope the people of Japan will share the same heart again. Japan is an endearing country. ❤

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

Honestly, I just wish that the young people would treat the old people better. And I wish that the old people in politics would consider the needs of the young people more often.

[@julremnacua3282]

@@ChristopherCricketWallace spot on ✅

[@clinteastwood14896]

The same heart as in the 1930s and 40s? The same heart wanting to impose fascism upon the rest of the world? That was the last time the Japanese people came together as a nation and I'd rather not see that again.

[@monogramadikt5971]

the globalists have hypnotized the everybody into becoming selfish individualists hell bent on materialist consumption and its making the world an more and more unhappy and lonely place yeah

[@jaimhaas5170]

THey need to restart a sense of independence from the west. Too many policies from the Biden admin have damaged their interests. I'm glad they are still getting cheaper oil imports.

[@lyricsandchillbtw]

As a Brazilian living in Portugal, I was surprised to witness a Japanese speaking Portuguese so well! Ryu san, with your attitude, I'm sure people would enjoy having you around here or in Brazil! I'm still learning Japanese, hoping one day I can speak it as well as you can speak Portuguese!

[@ibnenkigalileo9256]

True, his Portuguese is amazing

[@thiagohenriquesimoes411]

I knew it was him when I saw him in this video. He became famous among Brazilians with his Portuguese he learn from Brazilian friends (from Recife, more specifically)

[@ごま-r3v]

Let me just say ryu’s portuguese was pretty much perfect. i’m portuguese, so i speak in and am used to a different accent, but my grandpa lives in brazil, and i visit him from time to time, and i can say with confidence ryu would pass easily as a Brazilian child of immigrants in brazil. Serious congratulations to him.

[@swedboyzwsmeanoldnastydad6614]

His English was pretty near perfect as well. It's funny how shy some Japanese people are about speaking a foreign language when many are excellent at speaking those languages.

[@fesouzasan]

Yeah, I'm Brazilian, and IMO, he is talking very fluently, only with a very slight accent. Sounds more like someone who lived in Brazil for a while than someone who learned Portuguese on his own. Commendable effort

[@saul5043]

actually, some time ago he was interviewed by brazilians in tokyo who were amazed that he could talk portuguese so well and with an accent from a specific region of brazil. apparently, he worked in a brazilian restaurant in tokyo and learned portuguese by talking with his co-workers

[@jgnogueira]

There is a huge japanese community in São Paulo, is very likely he learned from them.

[@kouhaibeats]

​@@fesouzasan idk if it is just me, but I think he has a north/northeastern accent, I don't think any Japanese leaning Portuguese would say "mehmo" ou "pensano" like he did.

[@johanness2866]

Very interesting, thank you. Also very good to show younger and older people who often have different perspectives! Keep up the good work!

[@nancythanyaratka]

Whoever let the elderly Japanese lady live rent-free is so kind. I remember when the Japanese yen was stronger than the Canadian dollar so I thought everything was expensive there. But now that it’s reversed, I want to take the opportunity to travel to Japan.

[@samhu5878]

The flights are really expensive right now, but it really is very cheap in Japan compared to the US at least.

[@skurdibbles7913]

there was a time in the 90s where i could fund a 4 day stay and airfare and have money over by bringing back vinyl records from Toronto to Florida. going to canada back then felt like going to mexico now. man has the world changed alot.

[@reinhardankenbauer3241]

I'm 67. I grew up with the information that Japan is so incredibly expensive that I might never be able to visit. That's the reason I visited almost 80 countries during my active working life - but mostly the poor and cheap ones, like India, Bolivia, Indonesia, Poland. Now the world has turned very much upside down. I'm in a position like the gentle old lady. Her retirement benefits are 700 per month, mine in Germany 800. Before retirement, I earned 1800 a month (after taxes). 30 years ago, my salary was almost the same, but worth 3 times as much. The standard of living in the so-called "developed countries" is rapidly going down, retired people can be seen collecting bottles everywhere, because their pensions are sometimes hardly sufficient to pay the rent. 🎉❤

[@tomasgogashvily5350]

​@@reinhardankenbauer3241 Don't be too discouraged. In Moscow, prices are the same as in Canada, but salaries and pensions are way below the norm. Pensioners earn about 100-400 USD a month, while the Russian average salary is around 1000$ a month. Normal people can't afford eggs now, and it's considered as basic produce

[@TOOTOO-f6v]

The only reason was because US helped Japan.

[@rfMokou]

7:44 the moment he spoke portugues I realized I knew that guy!!! A couple months ago he got kinda famous here in Brazil because of his accent, he really sounds like a northern person from here and that's absoluty not what people expect when a Japanese person learns portuguese. This guy is just too cute for us, so yes Ryu, COME TO BRAZIL!

[@jaimhaas5170]

His english was crazy good. I was shocked how well he spoke it.

[@eveelliot4968]

That's so cool. As soon as I heard him talking in Japanese I thought, huh there's something interesting about his accent. So it made sense when he turned out to be trilingual. Smart guy!!

[@Phoenixrofl]

@@jaimhaas5170Exactly. If his Portuguese is better than his English then it must be pretty great! He has the pronunciation down at least.

[@LamplighterScott]

I remember in the 90's visiting Japan while working for a Japanese company. The USD was so low, everything seemed unbelievably expensive compared to when I was a student there in the 70's. The pendulum swings both ways. So, I think I better visit again now before it eventually swings back.

[@chrischreative2245]

I’ve been pricing trips to Japan and it’s averaging about $1,800-$2200 to stay in decent hotels.

[@stevens1041]

I have the similar experience as you. I remember going to Tokyo from San Francisco around 25 years ago and was overwhelmed how expensive Tokyo was. Today, I can eat much cheaper in Tokyo than in San Francisco, almost everything is cheaper in Tokyo now. Massive change in a relatively short period of time.

[@ominousplatypus380]

Considering the multiple decades of economic stagnation and the impending demographic catastrophe that Japan is headed towards, it's looking like the pendulum might never swing back.

[@chromebomb]

i was there in 2012 and the usd was low also

[@paulbedichek5177]

Looks like Japan in permanent decline,they can't replace newborns with immigrants, like the US.

[@susanharkema2888]

Such a revealing and wonderful interview! It gives perspective as to how others around the world are experiencing life and their economy. Thank you for your channels!

[@Kahsimiah]

It lifted my heart a little when the blue-collar worker came out as the one with the most income. People with jobs like this are totally underrated and need to get paid better.

[@npcimknot958]

It’s kinda happening everywhere. The people who are going to suffer most in a weak economy is the laptop class

[@alge2402]

he is white collar

[@Kahsimiah]

​@alge2402 he works in construction, that is a blue collar job.

[@LazarTheMaster]

​@@Kahsimiahconstruction doesn't necessarily mean blue collar, and he's the oldest (at the peak of his career)..

[@Kahsimiah]

@LazarTheMaster being at the peak of your career doesn't make you white collar, if you started and stayed in construction. The whole sector is blue- collar.

[@nicolasvicenzo2200]

One of the best interviews you have done. i loved how many different perspectives you got from young and old.

[@vpaskua5035]

So interesting to hear all their opinions, from young to older age. I'm a 32 yo portuguese and still live in Portugal, but I can relate with so much that has been said regarding japanese life. Everything is super expensive now (in proportion to our wages): house, food, commodities (electricity, water, etc), transportation... Health and education sectors are collapsing and the government doesn't blink an eye. Over the past few years, many of my friends have gone abroad to work and have no intention to return anymore. Portugal is a little paradise by the sea, with amazing food and people, but only foreigners can enjoy it now. Hope you can visit us someday and talk about your experience here :) have a good 2024!

[@Andredias164]

Verdade! Infelizmente é assim. 😢

[@juanlamaquina1125]

Porra, o pessoal japonês reclama, mas conseguem pagar rendas na capital! Já a gente...

[@Andredias164]

@@juanlamaquina1125 Exatamente. É a prova a que o paradigma da crise da habitação muda de país para país.

[@enigmamyth]

It's an interesting perspective, people from other countries go to Portugal to earn money and see it as a rich nation. Yet the native people from that country go abroad to other rich countries to earn more

[@NewsforThought-English]

that's how it is everywhere. Czechs go to Poland, Polish go to Germany, Canadians go to US, Americans go to Portugal to retire lol@@enigmamyth

[@sarahp.7157]

Thank you for making this video. I learned more about Japan. I visited Japan last Dec. 2023 and I was really amazed at how disciplined the people are and I really admire your country for that. I wish your country will stay economically powerful like you always do.

[@harryshi526]

man i just can't express how grateful i am for this channel. such great interviews and many perspectives. love from new zealand

[@ruanteles8569]

Ryu become a internet sensation here in Brasil, because the way he talks Portuguese is with a really specific accent from Brasilian Nortwhest region. I really hope that he visit us and have a great time here.

[@costakeith9048]

I think the guy is just naturally really good at accents, his English accent was nearly flawless as well and by his own admission he barely knew English. I was curious how good his Portuguese was, so thanks for commenting.

[@renatoberaldo2335]

É mesmo hahaha

[@louispaxeco6931]

Sim, Ryu tem uma excelente pronúncia;

[@igorvsilva]

Ryu speaks Portuguese so well. He even has a Recife accent. Kudos for him. I believe he'll have plenty of opportunities to grow in Brazil, since Brazil and Japan have a strong relationship and many Japanese companies have business there. Great video.

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

I genuinely would not think he is a foreigner if I talked to him only in Brazilian Portuguese.

[@Kburn1985]

Moving to Brazil for more money... Good luck with that, not the most well thought out plan.

[@igorvsilva]

@@Kburn1985 you don't have a clue what Brazil is about.

[@eVill420]

@@igorvsilva You have an economic collapse every 5 years and the average person is 3x poorer than in Japan Japan is a country in a 3 decade decline, but how's Brazil an improvement? sure it's not the worst, but...

[@eduardo9a1]

Maybe he specialize in some profession brazil is in need and are going to make a lot of money working in "Petrobras" for example

[@RomCros]

I love Japanese ppl so much. So strong and always giving their best.

[@timeformore]

These were very interesting interviews! I liked that you got people to open up about voting, foreigners, the impact on their personal lives, etc. Well done!

[@s.e.e455]

I LOVE IT when Japanese people really speak their mind, not giving half-hearted answers or saying, “this is how things are.” They are the people who want more for their country and culture, and it gives me hope ❤ On a side note, the firefighter is super attractive 😊

[@JurnaLJamaL]

I am from Indonesia and have lived in Japan and the UK. When I moved to Japan from Indonesia, I felt that everything was quite pricey in Japan. But now, I realised that Japan is way much cheaper comparing to the UK. In just less than a decade, prices in Japan are getting more affordable for Indonesians. Some stuffs sold in Japan even have same price to those in Indonesia. I think it's not Japan getting poorer, but Japan being stagnant while others keep growing.

[@ГалинаФетисова-ю4м]

exactly, but being stagnant means you are getting poor, because everything around the World is getting more expensive while your population gets paid LESS. 350k yen now and 20 years ago are different amount of money.

[@probium2832]

@@ГалинаФетисова-ю4м and what about countries actively *in* a recession

[@earlysda]

Jurnal, You have just described Japan getting poor.

[@noxnox7445]

@@ГалинаФетисова-ю4м Isn't that the story of those who go abroad from Japan? Those who stay in Japan are not affected much because they are stagnant. And those who live abroad will be poor if their salaries don't rise at the same rate as the rate at which everything is getting more expensive.

[@ГалинаФетисова-ю4м]

@@noxnox7445 no, it is true for both, if you think prices in Japan have stayed stagnant, I have bad news for you. We live in a capitalist society EVERYTHING gets more expensive every year. This is how it works.

[@catherinelempke8451]

I actually moved to Japan from Canada a few months ago, partly because it's so expensive to live in Canada. I'm earning less here, technically, but the lifestyle I'm able to have here is so much more relaxed because things are actually affordable.

[@Anomalyy666]

How much in usd per month do you need to earn to live there? Is 1000 usd enough or can you get by for even less?

[@catherinelempke8451]

@@Anomalyy666 $1k USD a month would be pushing it, I think. I earn roughly ¥230,000 a month, or just under $2k Canadian. I do not live in the Tokyo area, I'm in a very small (just under 24m2, or 250 sq ft) apartment, I don't have a car, I don't run my AC at night, I don't have the fastest internet, I cook all my own meals. My rent is ¥34,000 a month, my bills (water, gas, electricity) are about ¥15,000 a month, plus I pay into the National Health Insurance here which is ¥17,000 a month. Phone and internet is about ¥7,000. So just that is nearly ¥75,000 a month. I generally spend like ¥22,000 a month in groceries. All of these bills are WAY cheaper than I would be paying in Canada - like less than half, in some cases - but given that I'm looking to go see some sights, save up some money, pay my remaining debt back in Canada, I for sure couldn't live off much less than I'm earning, personally.

[@catherinelempke8451]

@MeltedCrayons003 Literally anywhere in Japan is incredibly safe. Be warned about the humidity, though, it's pretty high - my area was at 100% humidity a few nights ago. If you're inland you're safer from both tsunamis and earthquakes. Tokyo area and Osaka/Kyoto area are the most expensive places by a long shot, the countryside can be very cheap - but be warned the Japanese government is not at all keen on letting people in for long term stays. Applying for permanent residency takes 10 years in country to start with, and people will still get denied over minor issues. Be really really careful about your visa and about crossing ALL your T's and dotting ALL your I's in your application. Good luck!

[@thekitmi9156]

I think its interesting how multiple interviewees brought up the themes of connection and relying on others, whether it be each other in the past or relying on foreigners now. It kinda shows how in the modern day, disconnection between ourselves is a huge problem.

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

We also have a right wing political party mindlessly bashing anything for the common good as Socialism. The problems start there.

[@Kadaspala]

​@@BradgilliswhammymanI mean in all fairness the only part they're wrong about is the bashing instead of praising.

[@kuro_emiya]

gotta love it when socialists like you get upset at people who bash on your views when that's all you do to every other economic view point. you blindly trust socialism and think anything else is bad and rabidly attack everything, and then get upset when people don't like socialism when you act like that.

[@eVill420]

@@Kadaspala they have a demographic crisis but they're still keeping the workers as obedient servants, they could probably reverse the population decline if they made it easier to survive while having a child but no, they can't give social benefits

[@danicoleb5394]

THIS! THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS!

[@patrickisfree]

I found the elderly ladies' comments, "We no longer live as a collective in Japanese society. In the past, people shared the same heart, but now everyone is acting on their own accord. So I think Japan has changed a lot". Those are very wise comments and something we could all learn from. I'd offer free rent to her like her landlord does and to other elderly people myself if I were in a position to do it. God bless her x. Always respect the elderly, children, animals and the planet we live on. .

[@AZ-ph4fs]

The west probably influenced that. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing though.

[@PizzaAteMyCat]

To me she sounds like every old person ever, talking about the younger generations.

[@thetreekeeper143]

Japan has been westernised. In general western society promotes individualism rather than collectivism. It's a divide and conquer thing. If you keep people divided, you can control the country easily. That's why I believe Edward Snowden made an interesting comment that Japan has been hijacked by the US.

[@MartinLewisEsq]

Unfortunately the far right are influential in Japanese politics, so on top of the usual damage that the right wing do to society, there's a strong current pulling society backwards towards an imagined past. Xenophobic sentiment is never far away from the rhetoric in the Diet, so a country which is reliant on immigration doesn't allow sufficient immigration. The reality is that Japanese society has not looked after Japanese citizens for decades, people can't afford to have children, or look after their elderly relatives, and a significant proportion of retired people deliberately commit crimes in order to be awarded custodial sentences, so that they can have people to talk to and receive care. Humans benefit from living as a collective, but that is at odds with capitalism and individualism, and poor workers' rights. Japan is rich in corruption and exploitation, and as you can see from this video, younger Japanese people can see the problems, and they understand that more immigration is the route to prosperity.

[@Mikichan85]

That's not totally good. For something yes, but "don't think individually" cause a lot of problems. Like the personal life, or the health. The "not so much" holy days or be forced to make "party" with boss and colleagues. That's why the number of suicide raise up in Japan.

[@dewitubeX1]

I hope everybody in japan is okay from the earthquake and my condolences to the family of the lost ones. 🙏🏽

[@patrisha7487]

Takashii, you are very good at interviewing. You never interupt the person you are interviewing. I see this so often even in main stream media. I turn them off as it is irritating. Kudos to you.

[@renanhenrique2587]

As a Brazilian, I would like to say that I was really impressed by ryu's portuguese. So good!

[@lindagonzalez5513]

Didn’t japan buy out half of Brazil? Her Portuguese should be perfect 😂

[@PriscilaM-f7f]

O português com sotaque nordestino . Arrasou Ryu Kun So impressed his Portuguese accent ! Amazing Welcome to Brazil

[@dinhadejesus]

Simm, o português com sotaque nordestino foi a melhor parte

[@dinhadejesus]

So crazy to see someone learning portuguese and also thinking about moving here. Between my friends, most of them would like to leave here for better opportunities. We tend to think that other countries are always going better while we are not. It’s always good to see someone else’s perspectives about our country.

[@efrenzworld8641]

Praying for a quick recovery for everyone on the west coast of Japan...visited Aamori, Niigata, and Tsuruga in Oct 2023..What a wonderful place and people were great to us. I love watching your interviews Takashii! Keep up the good work!

[@jaycorwin1625]

What amazes me is how upbeat people there are. I think it's not necessarily natural but the result of trying to be optimistic even when things are not their best, and to keep up a good strong exterior to encourage other people. Those are very good qualities, and you should be proud that Japanese culture has not lost either its humility or its pride but finds strength in both. Thank you for another nice video, Takashi.

[@johnjack3578]

They literally live in one of the richest, highest quality of life countries in the world. Of course they are upbeat, they never suffered a day in their life and never knew poverty or hardship.

[@ii4826]

Because the situation in Japan is not that bad. Japan's unemployment rate is among the lowest in the world and prices are low enough to guarantee a minimum standard of living for most people.

[@nochipsonlycrisps8639]

Fuckin weebs and their culture rants

[@ericchristensen8252]

​@@johnjack3578quality of life? People are working most of the day, get home abs continue working. Japan has a high suicide rate. People aren't having kids because they can't afford it, the hermit lifestyle is taking off, and there's less individualism than other countries.

[@ALLKASDLLS-mg4lu]

@@ericchristensen8252 >People are working most of the day, Depends on the person. The average Japanese person today works about 8 hours, which is average compared to other OECD countries. >Japan has a high suicide rate. Not quite. Japan's suicide rate now ranks 49th in the world, which is lower than the suicide rates in the U.S., Sweden, Finland and many other western countries. >People aren't having kids because they can't afford it, Yeah, but that's true everywhere except the Third World. >the hermit lifestyle is taking off, Japan is just an introvert-friendly country. >and there's less individualism than other countries. That's a good thing

[@amyel063]

Thank you so much for this educative video

[@Windarti30]

In my opinion, a housing market crash is imminent due to the high number of individuals who purchased homes above the asking price despite the low interest rates. These buyers find themselves in precarious situations as housing prices decline, leaving them without any equity. If they become unable to afford their homes, foreclosure becomes a likely outcome. Even attempting to sell would not yield any profits. This scenario is expected to impact a significant number of people, particularly in light of the anticipated surge in layoffs and the rapid increase in the cost of living..

[@Zensaitv]

This is the problem with city's they think they can keep raising it till we die 😂 stupid

[@globefloppingwithadri]

@MatgorzataZielinska advertising BOT

[@danieldonaldson8634]

In the West, certainly, but that has exactly nothing to do with the Japanese real estate market, which has been rising, but is still well below the peak prices set in 1991, 33 years ago. If you bought a house then, and didn't lose it in the crash that followed, you are still below where you started.. This is despite a very low prime rate that has not changed in 10 years. The rise in prices seen over the past 15 years should if anything be higher; but the Japanese Central Bank, with an already low rate, is not able to drive the demand until other factors improve. The largest single source of revenue for Japan are social service taxes, notably for old age security and medical care for one of the oldest populations on the planet. As I said elsewhere, this would change greatly if there were half as many people over 70 as there are now. The median age is something like 50, but a large number are over 80, with the highest costs in care, etc. Think about learning something about the things you comment on, before you share your wisdom.

[@keepcreationprocess]

I am happy those greedy people becoming bankrupt

[@littlestbroccoli]

​@@danieldonaldson8634 They are probably a bot, fake AI spam. Get ready to see a lot more of this soon

[@BlueHarvey]

The interview with the 91 year old lady reminded me how we can still be amazing to eachother (letting her live for free in the apartment). That generation has so many stories to tell! If possible, could you interview older people about then vs now?

[@manuelmed98]

I don't feel like KZbin/people are ready for that video 😂😅 they would perceive some of old people's outdated views merely as something to dispute, rather than just cultural perceptions, social reality, etc

[@Peter95111]

I was actually shocked by the wages that people say they live on monthly, and are comfortable. Especially living in Tokyo. I always thought of Japan as a very rich country, even when I would go there for work. Living in California it seems our wages are much higher. Unfortunately it's also more expensive but I thought it would've been on par with Tokyo. Living on Japanese wages in the Bay Area would be impossible. Really interesting video.

[@wkghrs]

Living in the Bay Area with a median American salary is near impossible.

[@BreakingClouds-]

I live in South Central and my rent alone is $1500. I’d probably be happier making that a month and living in Japan 🤣

[@abrahammedina1535]

Yeah, no. Tokyo Prices are about 50% of that of bay area prices.

[@JaceVibe]

American salaries are huge in comparison to most of the world. I work as a tour leader in Europe and the salaries I hear from my guests are shocking to us who live here (for the same jobs). You have a lot to be grateful for, even though I'm aware the expenses are also higher.

[@DubboU]

It really puts things in perspective, how much cheaper things can actually be for a person to live. But good old capitalism has something to say about that.

[@lisajackson9279]

I could not love Japan more, beautiful culture incredible heritage and people are so dignified and eloquent....

[@Wiezel57]

I am Brazilian, after living in the US for 20 years, I’m now retired back in Brazil. I deeply admire Japanese culture and met many incredibly kind Japanese. I have to say I’m happy Japan is cheaper now, so I can plan to finally visit, but I cheer for your economy to get better because the people deserve so much to live well.

[@nadiamccall4311]

I find Japan so interesting to this day, but as a kid...I was OBSESSED. I used to pretend I was Japanese, taught myself to count to ten in Japanese (I still remember what I learned), it was intense. I was a weird kid. I told people I was half Japanese -- and even convinced someone once or twice

[@yhie5]

it’s cheaper now compared to the past, but it’s not that cheap compare to other Asian countries

[@XZ1.]

​@@nadiamccall4311 I'm learning japanese for work, but I don't tell people because I don't want them to think of me like that 😅

[@LeeFKoch]

I live in Germany, and my son is studying In Japan, so we have come to visit him for the New Year's Holiday. I was quite surprised by how reasonable the prices are in Japan compared to Germany. Our average salary is close to 2,244.00 Euros/350,000¥ per month, but the average cost of living is about 1,833.00€/285,000¥ per month. The biggest expenses are for housing, fuel/energy, and groceries.

[@CherryJuli]

The average salary is not a good indicator. Because of the huge low income sector in Germany the median income is a better indicator and that’s somewhere around 1.8-1.9k € per month. I make 3k which is considered a high wage in Germany but realistically I can’t even afford a modern apartment with a separate living room and bedroom. That would cost me at least 1.5k. Rent and groceries are so expensive now and the rent market is insane because nobody can afford to buy houses anymore.

[@russellpengilley5924]

Do you think housing costs away from the big cities will get lower in Germany soon? According to the 2022 UN World Population Prospects report in the medium scenario Germany will have about 1 million less people in 10 years. I think that's why Japan is relatively cheaper and has stagnant prices in the less popular areas. Their population is about 5 million less than 15 years ago (123m Vs 128m).

[@LeeFKoch]

@@russellpengilley5924 If you are willing to commute from the countryside to town for work, you can find more affordable housing than in an urban setting, but you will need a car, as public transportation in rural areas is infrequent and unreliable. I live in a small town of 8,000 inhabitants and commute 40 km to and from work each day. I could take public transportation during the school year (school children ride regular public transportation in Germany), but I would need to catch a bus at 5:30 a.m. in order to be on time for work at 8:00 a.m.! Plus, those early buses don't run when school is out. Living in the country and working from home isn't an option either, as internet services in rural Germany are extremely poor (very low data volume via copper telephone cables laid in the 20th century).

[@wiegraf9009]

It is affordable but if you work there you are caught in the deflationary trap where your wages are stagnant and there is no way to improve your standard of living. I'm not saying it's much better elsewhere. My salary in real terms has only decreased since I graduated from university here in Canada, but I understand Japanese who want to seek fortune abroad.

[@antoniocolagreco1483]

We have a war in EU and German industry competitiveness relied a lot on cheap Russian gas.

[@AlasdairILoveOxford]

For context for foreign viewers, outside maybe Tokyo city, rents in Japan are surprisingly low compared to most western nations. My info could be very out of date but here is an example: When I arrived in Japan in 1997, the minimum monthly salary to provide a work visa to employ a foreign language teacher was 250,000 yen a month. That was the starting salary for new arrivals into the country to get sponsored. I lived in a shared house in a very attractive very central part of Fukuoka city and my rent as 1/3 of the house was 23,500 yen a month, so I paid less than 10% of my salary on rent. By the time that I left Japan in 2006, after working much less hours but choosing the best paid teaching jobs, I was earning up to 500,000 yen a month and I was paying 35,000 yen a rent for the same size house but with just 2 instead of 3 persons living there. In fact, the rent NEVER went up on the two houses which I rented in that 8 year period. In the UK in this period, your rent probably doubled and I doubt that anyone much in the UK in their 20s in a shared house, can pay only 7% of their salary towards rent. It's probably more like 40-50% of your earnings. In 1997, the Japanese yen was 180 yen to £1, so my salary on 250,00 was about £1,500 a month. In the UK, I would have struggled to find any university educated job that paid £1,500 a month plus the tax deductions off a UK salary are far higher than the minor tax deductions off a Japanese salary. Japan is therefore actually the most affordable nation that I have ever lived in and the UK is easily one of the most expensive.

[@gmarefan]

The percentage of salary on rent does paint a clearer picture. Many people will just look at the conversion of currencies, which is kind of complicated.

[@AlasdairILoveOxford]

Yes. Mind you, another issue to be aware of, if you wish to save and invest, while earning in Japan, is the yen exchange rate fluctuates much more than most developed nations' currencies, so if you wish to invest, best to convert yen to dollars etc from each month's salary check, rather than leave it to devalue and earn zero interest in a Japanese bank account! As an example, while I was there, between 1997 and about 2001, the UK to Japan rate bounced between about 225 and 165 yen to the £ if I recall correctly. @@gmarefan

[@egrobinson620]

I feel the same coming from the US. In Tokyo you can still find many apartments under 1,000 dollars, around 700 (or 70,000 yen) easily. That's insanely affordable. In America *everywhere* including the countryside is over 1,000 dollars in rent with 1,500 and 2,000 in the cities being the minimum. Add paying for healthcare and everyday costs, and most people live paycheck to paycheck. I don't think Japanese understand how good they have it, being a welfare state and an insulated economy. Things may have once been better comparatively, but it is still very cheap to live in Japan if you're a full time worker. Many Japanese are surprised when I tell them this and say "but aren't American wages high"? Not so if the cost of living is that high to begin with. Everyone just thinks its better to make American dollars because the economy is based off it, but guess what, regular Americans aren't the ones benefiting from that superiority lol. For Japan, I don't think the question is if the economy is bad, but is their hyper work and overtime salaryman culture worth it anymore? Everything is based in Tokyo, and the economy is still centered around it, while in the countryside there are literally thousands of empty homes in dwindling communities that can be repopulated very cheaply. Japan says it wants people to be more collective, family centered, and "of one heart" but does nothing to incentivize people to move out of the big city based economy and into the countryside. Small towns have many stimulus programs for new families, but Japan isn't moving *jobs* or companies into the countryside.

[@Drownedinblood]

@@egrobinson620If Japan did anything like try to entice companies or promote businesses in the countryside they might get accused of state planning and being like China....which managed to overhaul otherwise dead areas of it's nation, the so called "ghost cities" that are no longer ghost cities through public transit development, housing developments, and giving incentives to start businesses.

[@egrobinson620]

@@Drownedinblood Hmm Comparing corporate regulation to Chinese dictatorship is very convenient for corporations who don't want those regulations or want to risk profits lol Second I don't think that's entirely true. There are still huuge amounts of development in China that remain depopulated. Their interior revitalization hasn't been as successful as they thought, and people still move from all over the country to work in cities.

[@BtheNomad]

As a fellow KZbinr making street-interviews, Takashii's ability to find relevant and current topics, is really amazing! Gotta give props - you're very inspiring man, keep it up!

[@LunarcomplexMain]

She's absolutely right, even in other parts of the world, everywhere people have become more of an individual. Internet has made it so you don't need to befriend people near you like before, even if you didn't want to. Now you can seek out your own across the entire world, and this, I believe has effected alot of the close, smaller communities.

[@Whit_Siever]

Did a slew of world tours between 2018-2021 One week in Tokyo was actually more budget friendly than I was preparing for. One week in Australia almost bankrupted me

[@andrewdunbar828]

As an Aussie I've been saying this for years. Though just in the last 2 years maybe the cost of living in Aus has gone mental whereas it's gone up only a tiny bit in Japan.

[@TheHamburgler123]

I'm so blessed that I own my own business in a seasonal trade (~3 months off every winter) and this has allowed me to travel extensively. I make good money but still can't financially justify making a trip to Australia. 2 weeks there would cost more than the 2 months I spent in Colombia last winter. Still want to visit but I'm going to wait until I'm a little older and when the business has grown some more.

[@aleksandaraleksic4067]

I feel that most people think that high prices mean rich people. That's not the case, at least in Europe because the increase in the prices is not followed by increase in income. Companies cover about the half of the true inflation with pay rise so every year millions are poorer. The level of inequality between rich and the poor is a measure of good economy, the wider the gap the worse it is.

[@bodhisativaa]

Must have been eating out and buying fast food because I'm a cleaner full time living in Brisbane earning about 1000 a week after tax and I do just fine.

[@motodigitalvideo]

​@bodhisativaa that's about as much as the fire-fighter is earning when converting AUD to Yen 😮

[@raydedonder]

Thanks for doing this interview, as a foreigner it provides me different views from Japanese people. I love Japan and hope everything goes well.

[@Ofelas1]

Living standard falls, when debt grows faster than economic activity. Japan is in this spiral.

[@lesp315]

Hope is a mother of people in love and stupid. Who are you?

[@justinleung-q3r]

Thank you for producing this video and the content is very good. ❤

[@dw7647]

Japan is still the 3rd largest economy behind US and China. If you ask the same questions to Americans, Germans, French and any ordinary citizens of developed countries, they would also share the sentiment that they are struggling. Grass is always greener on the other side and people always want to have more things regardless of where they are in life.

[@semzip8558]

Sure but the Yen is actually extremely weak right now. This is not a good time for Japanese to travel to the States or Europe.

[@SeanOptimoa]

@@semzip8558 But a GREAT time for traveling into Japan. Helps boost the economy there as well.

[@Wh1sper0417]

actually Japan has already been surpassed by Germany and become 4th economy

[@myghost.bsky.social]

But Japan has been stagnant for years, compared to those countries, but it managed to reach such a great level of wealth that it still maintains itself well.

[@davidc4408]

​@@Wh1sper0417UK is 5th

[@villabong11]

That old lady was so wholesome to listen to i have wonderful grandmas but wish she was my grandma as well

[@rafaelazevedo1382]

Ryu really speaks great portugese. Ryu realmente fala um ótimo português. Parabéns!!!!

[@mmdeguti2509]

E fala com sotaque nordestino😊

[@vtm914]

Greetings from California 🙂 I traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima in 2010 and I was very impressed by your country’s cleanliness and orderliness while at the same time being some of the most populous cities in the world. Your people were also extremely polite which really touched my heart; I am not exaggerating. I will never forget our trip to Japan, a place where I never dreamed I would have the privilege to visit.

[@tess_desuAK]

As a foreigner living in rural Japan, the weak yen is a serious problem. My husband and I make enough to live pretty well for Aomori, but my family lives in Alaska, which has always been expensive. We're going to visit this summer and I can't wait - but it's really going to be a financial burden, even though we'll be staying with family. A lot of Japanese people have been saying recently that more foreigners should be let in, and that's awesome. But for those of us who do move here and earn a living in yen, it's really hard to afford to go home and visit your family, or travel anywhere outside of Japan. That's likely to discourage a lot of people from sticking around more than a year or two. Super interesting video. Your interviewing skills are really improving rapidly.

[@yhie5]

You should have saved some dollars in your account. That’s what I’ve been doing for several years.

[@samfrostinjapan]

Yeah, I've been here 6 years, and even as a software developer and haven't gone back once as it just isn't practical with the kind of money Japanese companies pay.

[@LifeAndMe99]

This problem is only real if you live in a country which has a stronger currency then the japanese yen, but the truth is that most of the world has a way worse currency than the yen, for instance im from Hungary, currently in Sapporo, when coming here with my Hungarian Forints pfff it was a joke tbh even now with a weak yen One yen is 2.4 forint which means that this thing is only true for maybe maximum up to 25% of the world but to be honest maximum 25% of the world will ever be able to afford to ever come to japan for instance from Hungary, Cheapest ticket was a month and half of the real Hungarian salary (not the one goverment trying to sell people there really get) so yeah thank you for your point but the japanese salary is only bad if you compare it to world leading countries and not the "real world" Wish you a good night,since you are as well from japan!:)

[@StephanParry]

No, please dont ruin Japan with the selfish western 'cultural values' or religious dogma from other countries. A few sure, but not so much they create conclaves within Japan. Japan is a rarity left in the world and I hope they stay that way..

[@StephanParry]

@kyaraha8053 "I" don't need to do anything. Japan just needs to stay its course. Hopefully those that do stay, respect Japan.

[@dimitristripakis7364]

It is honest and useful to ask random people's opinions, instead of projecting oneself views. At least someone seems to understand that. Thank you and well done.

[@NovoMvndo]

A pronúncia do cara em português é muito boa, ele se comunicaria muito fácil aqui no Brasil,

[@Mis_hormonaslocas]

Pensei o mesmo.

[@giovannidedonatti9924]

ele tem até sotaque mano, eu não falaria q ele não brasileiro

[@escolamangaka]

Realmente, achei até que cresceu no Brasil kkkkk

[@RODRIGOSILVA-vm6iv]

Ele tem sotoque de Pernambuco, eu vi um video dele sendo intrevistado kkkkkk

[@dimitriafonso612]

Eu adoro que ele aprendeu a falar "mermo" kkkkk

[@Dubsteppinout]

When I visited Japan, I fell in love with everything. I was living in Asia and thoroughly enjoyed all the countries I visited, but I truly felt that Japan was the place I wanted to grow old in. Unfortunately old isn’t what Japan needs so I doubt the opportunities would be there for me. My daughter however, often considers Japan as an option for post grad. She’s just starting college now and I’m super excited about helping her realize that. It would be great to go rehabilitate a house in Japan for her, as just like one of the interviewees, I’m in Construction.

[@sevenseas4520]

This is a very interesting topic! I moved to Japan from Canada in the summer and I’ve taken a huge salary cut to do so (changed careers, I used to work in finance and hated it, but I took a 53% salary decrease - which really hurts 😅) And since then, I’ve wondered why the Japanese economy is struggling, even after the boarders reopened for tourism. I think everyone had a really interesting insight to this topic Thank you for the video!

[@JB-xl2jc]

The Japanese economy is truly fascinating, the negative rates are somewhat unique in developed economies of its scale. I do wonder long term what the impacts of a lopsided population curve will be. I foresee immigration getting significantly easier year to year, to account for a dropping workforce, but it's just as possible that it'll spur innovation to have a smaller more elite workforce.

[@_Zane__]

What are you doing now in Jaoan? I'm in the same boat and considering Japan to move to

[@_Zane__]

@TieNylon yeah, I am not a financial expert but I knew inflation and interest rates in Canada would increase with Covid spending... so I switched my mortgage before hand to a fixed rate in 2020 😑

[@_Zane__]

@TieNylon haven't decided yet.. need to figure out what I would be qualified to do there 🤣

[@fourspiralarms]

I was in a similar situation and decided to decline the job offer due to a 75% pay cut from my current salary. Although it would've been great to be back in Japan I couldn't justify it with that large of a salary cut. So far (aside from the pay cut) are you happy with your decision?

[@springertube]

Takashii - these are so good, you are such a fine interviewer. Keep them coming! From the US, but lived in Japan two years when young (8-10) in the early 60s near Fukuoka. We loved our time there: the people, culture, beautiful countryside, distinct four-seasons. A lot of people don't realize that even southern Japan (Kyushu) can have "full on" winters - at least back then - that were reminiscent of Colorado, New England, etc, in the US, and autumn and spring of course are famously spectacular throughout Japan.

[@JaggySam]

I recently visited Japan and couldn’t believe the price of food, drinks, and everyday items. Having previously lived in Japan, it doesn’t seem like there have been any price increases at all, and with the pound getting stronger my money went a lot further than previously. My standard combini haul used to cost £9/£10 and this time round would only cost £6.50 for the same things (because I am a creature of habit😅).

[@EVL-xj5vc]

Same here. I had to use S$1 to buy 700 yen. But now I can buy 1120 yen! S = Singapore dollars. Japan is affordable now. But I hope this affordability is not at their expense.

[@Moth11]

Takashii you are a great interviewer. You find great subjects too from the 18 year old girl to the 90 year old woman, no matter what age they’re all intelligent and have something to say

[@BugGenerat0r]

Very eye-opening video for us outside Japan. Wishing Japanese people all the best.

[@sayaxumevron3374]

This is quite a complex topic. I live in central Europe and I visited Japan in May and for me Japan itself was a bit expensive. It all depends on the country to which you fly. There is also a KZbinr in my country who is half-Japanese and he compared prices, and Japan was cheaper on some things and more expensive on others.

[@unka2007]

Japan is cheaper than France. rent,transportation,eat-out,utilities,taxes… everything is cheaper in Japan

[@H_elloo]

Are you Polish and do you mean Gabriel H.?

[@nunyabisniz8047]

Japan today is cheaper compared to Japan before.

[@trevorphilips2090]

Also from the same region, been to Japan 13 years ago and then it was very expensive. However, even the cheapest accommodation was clean and tidy, in general Japanese standards are so high that it is safe to go for budget options and it offsets a lot of the high prices - I imagine it is especially true now.

[@phunk8607]

for Aussie, Japan seem cheaper than what we expected nowadays

[@KateOBrienCreative]

On the other side of things, I just visited Japan and I felt like a millionaire. It was the first time in my life I felt like I could walk into a shop and just buy a lot of things without thinking about it. I am an Australian living in France earning euros for reference. I brought so many things back here, ingredients and cooking equipment. It was great!

[@blahblah6237]

Same here but California

[@davidx8152]

Sounds fascinating - what work do you do in France?

[@davidx8152]

Sounds awesome - what work do you do in California?@@blahblah6237

[@frederik0014]

I found fresh fruit expensive in Japan, the rest mostly a bit cheaper than the Netherlands, but still far from cheap. But I'm used to travelling in South east Asia.

[@seomei]

Try visiting south korea, you will feel like a billionaire

[@timesupgr.8471]

This is unbelievable. I couldn’t live in Las Vegas on the amounts these people are talking about. I love the humility of the man who spoke English with almost no distinguishable accent and thought it was poor.

[@giovannipcherchi6291]

I was in JP at the beginning of December traveling from Ireland, we found it SUPER CHEAP and the quality was HIGH, we loved it! What an amazing country and compared to the prices we are used to pay in Europe and specially in Ireland JP seems so much cheaper

[@SL-jo4om]

Yeah. It's amazing how some people consider having to pay big bucks for lousy housing, mediocre food and dysfunctional educational and transportation systems represents "wealth". Japan is not as opulently rich as before, but it's by no means poor.

[@Amins88]

@@SL-jo4om The problem is that these countries feel they need to keep massively inflating their prices in order to "keep up" with other countries and attract foreign money, but all it does is make their people struggle far more with their daily living expenses. Then the people beg for increasing wages, which exacerbates the situation further with even more increased living expenses. This type of mentality is not sustainable.

[@vanessaruiz4705]

how much did you pay for your flight though? because yes, japan is cheaper now once there, but flights are much more expensive now than in 2019. Just saying. Anyways, im happy you enjoyed

[@SwissTanuki]

I went to Japan last October and it was unbelievable how much good food and service you could get for so little money. Tourist heaven.

[@ahkj4]

I love that you interview people about topics like this. It's a perspective I don't get to see much as a foreigner who cannot speak much Japanese, so I really appreciate it!💜

[@ayth81]

This video was very interesting! Here in France, I noticed there are far fewer Japanese tourists in Paris compared to say 20 years ago. It is quite noticeable, to the point I concluded it's either too expensive or they are less interested in coming here.

[@brian12321]

I remember when I was a kid, Japan was a really expensive country for traveling, but for the past decade I’ve been to Japan so many times because everything is so affordable and even way cheaper than in my country.

[@kaneshirosan1642]

I was about to make the same comment as a 80s guy.

[@cristibaluta]

I did the same comment, i need to do a reality check and see if i can afford a trip there because i always wanted

[@brian12321]

@@cristibaluta you’ll be surprised how affordable the hotel prices are in Japan even in Tokyo.

[@vanessaruiz4705]

flights have gone up a lot though.

[@EdgarRuiz]

Another GREAT video! I can't get enough. Protect that 91yrold at all costs! She's wonderful.

[@HotDogLaws]

when I was in Japan recently I observed that the prices of everything, from apartment rents to meals to wages, reminded me of US prices circa like 2008. seeing these numbers definitely confirms that. very interesting how the abundance of extremely cheap tiny apartments makes it so much easier for people to live on very little.

[@joedoe4595]

I kind of like Japan's housing model. Housing is a depreciating asset in Japan. It keeps rents and housing prices from spiraling out of control.

[@gallasebiyo4427]

What makes Japan look cheap is not housing, it's because of their stagnated economy. They haven't experienced any significant inflation before 2021.

[@RockinRocketScience]

​@@joedoe4595the opposite can definitely happen

[@chickenbroski99]

@@gallasebiyo4427 Their inflation, like much of the West has been hidden. While their 0% interest rates and bailouts had also ruined their economy, instead of deflation and prices decreasing due to the increases in our productivity the last 30 years prices have appeared to stay the same. Japan has the same debt problem we do in the West, taxes that are much too high and a central bank which robs people through a hidden inflation and uses 0% interest rates to keep their economy on life support. The Japanese also now work 80 hour work weeks just to keep up with the debt they have. People need to have the balls to go through a recession let things crash and build back a better one. Bailing out the elite class who made these mistakes and keeping them in power is never going to fix the problem. We will continue to degrade and stagnate.

[@Chepicoro]

@@chickenbroski99 I agree with you..but I fear all the politicians on the developed countries will prefer to avoid a recession at all cost and instead go the japanese way of increasingly more debt

[@jmonsch]

Thank you, Takashi. Very interesting perspectives that the interviewees shared.

[@ldthmpsn]

Love your approach to interviewing & the kinds of questions you ask! 🙏🏽 you seem very respectful & genuinely interested in what they have to say

[@Vivas890]

yeah you have a great personality and your followup questions based on what the interviewee says are good!

[@cristianlanfranchi]

Great video Takashii. I was in Tokyo spring 2023 after 8 years from my first visit. As with all the big capital cities, most wealth is concentrated in them. Regarding the economy, all over the world the gap between rich and poor is increasing. I think some countries had it really good up until recently but growth is stagnating due to shrinking populations (Japan and most of Europe), add to that the last turmoils/wars/covid resulting in price increases (mostly corporation greed) and you have diminishing purchasing power. When you have travelled and visited different countries and seen how many, many people live in this world you can call yourself lucky to live in a place like Japan. Btw I am coming back next year!

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

I think for western Europe it's only just starting but I think you're essentially right. Put on your seat belt people, this is going to be one rough ride.

[@elrey8876]

In the 1980's Japan's economy seemed ready to rule the world. Here in SE Queensland, Australia the Japanese businessmen and companies came out and bought up a lot of the property and highrise buildings - until it seemed like they might own it all. Then 10-20 years later it all seemed to change.

[@Lucyintheskywithdiamondssd]

This was sooo interesting. I love learning about the economy in different countries; please can you do more on this! :)

[@omittapir5986]

This was an eye opener! Thank you for sharing.

[@Marvelous0071]

That elderly women's testimony was really eye opening, I understand that change is inevitable but it is important to preserve what it is we value regardless of the seasons change, we have to adapt while keeping our values intact. Humanity has persevered through so much in terms of tragedy and trama why is this era so different, are things too easy or simply forgotten, are our eyes so big that it's hard to stay focused. What is overwhelming us so much that causes us to forget ourselves? (I understand what's going on and unfortunately there is no stopping it, this is only the beginning, our values have shifted so greatly, our hunger and determination to become greater than what we are has placed superseding expectations upon us. Our dreams and expectations have no limits and we find it harder to be satisfied with how things are. Fear above all is what keeps mankind disturbed) Peace and love people

[@sallykayekaufman5119]

Great video. I teach personal finance to high school students in America. Students should do that in Japan. We were there this summer and it is remarkable how affordable it is to visit. There are a lot of reasons for this, of course. One aspect that is so different from the US is how regional all of your food is. We loved that. You retain so much of your culture. Tourists all love Japan and that will propel your economy forward. ❤️

[@tooruu5155]

That is so cool. I wished I had been taught personal finance in school too. I heard it is normal in American schools that students are taught about personal finance because it is such an important topic. Sadly, we don't have that in my country.

[@RobinJamesEricBond]

Awesome to see these kind of interviews! I am a Swedish citizen and I went to tokyo in 2010 for 2 weeks. I noticed already back then that compared to Sweden the prices for food were lower, especially restaurants. But things like cameras and other electronics were about the same price as over in Sweden. I would like to go back now after the Pandemic and finally visit Hokkaido!

[@earlysda]

Japan's a fire sale now.

[@baranjan4172]

Man how times change. I remember Japanese tourists all over Europe (Venice too) because Japan was rich and everywhere was cheap for them. I had no idea things changed this much.

[@fernandoherranz4095]

Takashi, this is genius! Such a great way to get a sense of how people feel and get them to explain why. You are such a great interviewer! Cheers!

[@kevinhoung]

I studied in Kyoto for one year in 2006 and remember the living costs. A few friends went to Japan after COVID and shared their experiences and I was SHOCKED that prices were essentially the same to when I was living there. One of the girls in the video that shared her hourly wage was the same when I worked a part time job!!!

[@Qlletrolle]

It makes sense. Depending on the exact dates the Japanese inflation rate between 2006 och 2023 has only been 11-12%.

[@emteiks]

Kudos for interviewing such a diverse group with many backgrounds! Perhaps it is better to think about "affordable" and "sustainable" Japan instead of it being "cheap"? I think it is better description of what you have there. If 2000$ / month makes it enough to live well then it is great.

[@robertwilsoniii2048]

I'm just realizing Takashi is a genius. He has 1.86m subscribers living in Japan, which means he makes a lot of money.

[@cornbeef]

What a fascinating interview with all those people! Japan is possibly my favourite country, though I've never visited. I really do want to visit soon though. I hope that the Japanese economy can bounce back. People seem to be living within their means and seem aware of what they can and can't afford. If you asked anyone in the UK if they earned enough, I don't think anyone would say "I earn enough for me"!

[@chriswaters3442]

Japan is an apartheid nation. Live here for a little while and you will understand. Live here for several decades and you will REALLY understand. Japanese hate foreigners with a passion. They are also increasingly violent, so much so that there is an anti-assault campaign in the country, with posters prominently displayed in train stations and in nearly every train car in the Tokyo metro area. If you think Japan is wonderful, you either have never lived here, or you can’t think.

[@Celeste77789]

Missed you Takashi-san! Thank you for the amazing interview it was so interesting 😊

[@renatep.7566]

I totally love Japan, used to work for one of their banks in Germany in the 70s and finally visited the country about 5 years ago, it blew my mind, I want to go there again and am now relearning the language which I studied 30 years ago. I’m totally infatuated with the culture.

[@aero.l]

You mean women 💀

[@TOOTOO-f6v]

Horrible sounding language,

[@renatep.7566]

Not to me, except it‘s tough to learn.

[@renatep.7566]

@@aero.lI am female, so, no, I talking about the culture, but the women are beautiful as well!