Why This American Chose Rural Japan For Life

[@takashiifromjapan]

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[@paulvon2378]

Iwate is where Ohtani is from?

[@aliasincognito0]

I like you call this guy AMERICAN, but if someone has Japanese ancestry but was born, raised, and lives in the US, you call them JAPANESE. This guy, more than likely, has ancestry from Europe yet you don't call him European.

[@VegasLoungeAct]

You were born in 1999. I visited Japan before you were even born. 😂

[@JeraldNott]

Takashi's english is hard to understand. I was in Japan 1968 to 1970 working at a U.S. Army hospital. I rode trains everyday after work, shopped in Tokyo, went to museums and amusement parks. In 1970, I took the bullet train to EXPO 70 at Osaka. I enjoyed making Japanese friends and visiting the countryside. I had many Japanese girlfriends.

[@meredithheath5272]

I'm wondering - I know, the interesting National Park was mentioned, but hard to understand what the name was - where that National Park is.

[@seraph3761]

This interview was better than 90% of the interviews and videos because this man has gotten to know the real Japan and gotten a feel for it of both it’s pros and cons… not the idealized version most young people adopt setting themselves up to become negative, sour, and toxic when expectation doesn’t meet reality. This was real. Thank you.

[@David-yt4rw]

Most adult version is: If you have money and you´re responsible enough you enjoy both country and city.

[@povnw8985]

Why did they have to sit on the ground in the middle of a walking path?

[@MeowjinBoo]

Most people that I know thst move to japan came from 2nd or 3rd generational wealth. They don't give a shit about the salary when they get topped up by their parents back home.

[@Notaforumguy007]

@@povnw8985 probably to enjoy nature and probably also just avoid annoying people since after some foreign bad actors people are more wary of people walking around with filming themselves.

[@povnw8985]

@@Notaforumguy007 ; I get that, but it's strange to me that there are no benches to sit on.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

he comes from a state where they drink a lot and are very proud of their drinking culture (Wisconsin) and even he is shocked by the alcoholism in Japan

[@nithin1477]

😂😂😂

[@romanvillegas7280]

I'm from Wisconsin as I mentioned in the other comment, and im Straight Edge.

[@lillystrange6197]

Don’t forget the best cheese selection in Wisconsin ❤

[@MrCarlton]

Remember one of my students (Liver Doctor) saying 1/3 Japanese have Fatty Liver now, mostly from drinking 😢

[@bluethunder4542]

Italians drink everyday , are they alcoholics too ? Ignorance is a lack of information.

[@Joyful_Irina]

This man could easily become a storyteller/storywriter. The way he describes life in Japan is amazing and has a great voice to listen to! Nice thing to be able to meet unique people!

[@StinkySoups]

@testyterminal-bi5kj agree

[@hollyslager2883]

Quinlan, the person being interviewed has his own youtube channel and in some he tells stories on top of mountains. His channel is called go north Japan and is mainly focused on the views of his hikes. His voice is nice

[@Joyful_Irina]

@@hollyslager2883 Oh, cool! He really does that! No wonder, he is good at it! Thanks!

[@ChrisG-om9uy]

He is also a Tourist Guide

[@Lokichangchang1]

I like him too 😂❤

[@amphibious3381]

I lived in Osaka now, I’m from a high crime rate town, and considering myself to be not emotionally invested in others, moving to Japan was the best thing I’ve ever done.

[@mbank3832]

so you now emotionally invested in others in Japan now ?

[@Jaev4]

what do you do for work? Is it really just only english teaching?

[@afizi1213]

I also know that many people from my country, Malaysia, live around Osaka and Fukuoka. They can't afford to live in Tokyo because it's expensive, but I don't think everything is expensive there, there are also things that can be bought and lived, otherwise why do Japanese people live in Tokyo? necessarily want progress and great entertainment

[@bluethunder4542]

So bring insular is perfect is his point now

[@nickb220]

@@mbank3832 i assume he likes it because he doesn't need to interact with humans much there

[@allen.9]

this man is all i want to become. he just seems like the type of guy everyone wants to have around and is just super grounded.

[@roumiaou]

Great job, this American man is incredibly inspiring, he does sound so passionate & kind. He's the best "advertiser" for Japan you could have found.

[@Timboyxxx]

Yeah they are really gonna need him ALOT and thats such a good thing because it will help preserve their beauty... Every country in the world for the most part has taken that step and its turned out very well. Especially when it is embraced by a culture sooner rather than later

[@Maplecook]

As a Canadian who lived in both the rural AND urban parts of Japan for years, I will say now that I prefer the countryside.

[@ultimobile]

Morioka is a city - so not sure how rural his guesthouse actually is there

[@ScottMcMaster-er4xj]

Kyoto was the one I enjoyed living in the most.

[@cannabisbcspk8807]

What did you do for work? Id love to move but idk how id fund my expenses!

[@weirdshibainu]

I bet Japan has some really cool Godzilla T-Shirts for sale

[@entertainmentyoutube3606]

Is not just japan, when you understand life, you understand the best model is to be independent and life in any countryside in any good country, being an employee and life in a city is hell

[@briansakurada2823]

I know Quinlan, actually he"s almost a celebrity up here, so everybody knows him, great guy who loves to share what he knows about the area, which is a vast amount. He helped me out finding the best places for pretty much anything I was looking for after I moved from Sendai to Iwate. I also didn't actually even want to move to Japan, but after a few months, I didn't want to go back, and made good on that. Sold everything I owned back in the US, and started a farm.

[@briansakurada2823]

Ikebukuro was the first place I ever stayed in Japan, back in the early 2000's, totally ghetto, exactly as they said, but still felt safe to me.

[@and_jannis]

I worked at a farm in southern Hokkaido for three weeks. Really made me consider such a life. Seems like a great way to live. I'm curious, how did you reach that point? Did you do something like I did or did you just dive in and buy an old farm?

[@briansakurada2823]

@@and_jannis it’s a really, really long story. The gist is I was a software engineer who loved cooking and gardening. After my ex-wife brought me to Japan and I decided to stay after we divorced, I could only find work as an English teacher here which has got to be the absolute worst. Fast forward a bit and I got lucky that my new father in law had a bunch of farm land that was unused. I was worried about the future of agriculture in Japan with the age of farmers so I turned what I love into a career and built a farm from scratch. Shiwa GREEN Farm. Going into my fourth full time year now. I did work on a couple of farms after I decided to start a farm while investing in infrastructure, but that wasn’t the deciding factor, rather part of the process.

[@TheKiziaru]

@@briansakurada2823 Wow that sounds really cool. How do you feel about the prospects of your farm? Do you think you would retire?

[@Timboyxxx]

Thats so crazy. That hes famous and is known as a celebrity

[@Gautamiyer2]

This is easily one of the best interviews that you've done. I saw that it was over a half hour and initially hesitated, but I just kept on and it was riveting. Really great stuff!

[@jamesnicholas2325]

Takashi's videos should be available on all air plane flights to Japan from overseas, I think they would be great.

[@AlisMarsaili1351]

Great idea!

[@heathergillespe089]

I really appreciate how indepth your interviews are, he was very eloquent in his description of his journey. Thank you for a well put together interview with a great host and interviewee. I'd love to see some of the rural shrines and architecture, they are so interesting. I watched a online walk through of one of the traditional houses. It was beautiful. My mom used to live in Okinawa in the 70s, but came home due to a family member passing, she had some stories.

[@vauk5081]

When I met my wife she lived in Morioka, I lived in Misawa. The Northern part of Japan is absolutely beautiful.

[@MT2xPredator92]

great interview ! this man is the perfect advertising for japan. a foreigner that tells people to visit the rural areas of japan.

[@diegotr1903]

After C-1-9 I think we all can tell that cities suck

[@AlisMarsaili1351]

Yes! Absolutely!

[@RenegadeRanga]

This dude is incredibly well spoken. Great dude, he would be an outstanding guide.

[@itsfonk]

Takashii, I really appreciate the in-depth interview with someone who found their way from the city to the countryside. It has been a long time dream to spend my later days in rural Japan, simply enjoying the feeling of its environment and way of life.

[@JY-wu9mg]

I lived in an isolated small city in Japan for 5yrs. I believe what he says is accurate, especially the parts about making meaningful Japanese friendships. This resonates.

[@Oreocreamsful]

His honesty is breathtaking. I love it !

[@s70driver2005]

Quinlan san really is awesome!!!

[@jf8050]

I don't trust people that don't smile.

[@rami9392]

​@@jf8050You should be more open-minded, then.

[@jf8050]

@@rami9392 It's a subconscious thing that I have difficulty controlling.

[@medeasamkharadze8989]

It seems to me that, the reason it worked out for him is the privilege of being self-employed for 19 years😃 well-done!🎉 I think it’s much easier to be happy anywhere in the world when you don’t have a job you hate. He seems like a really nice guy. What a great interview, Takashi!❤

[@ThisReactiverse]

Isn't it great?! Imagine wanting to take away the ability to be self-employed, then we wouldn't have these people who create wonderful lives for their families.

[@rileysmall4317]

Are you Japanese?

[@silentperson233]

perhaps it would be more accurate to say 'discipline' of being self-employed. it's definitely a lifestyle change!

[@jeffweiz]

​@@silentperson233thank you. I bristled slightly at the idea of being privileged for being self employed, unless I had come from money. My very first business was turning wire into jewelry on the streets of Mexico while eating rice and beans. It is however always a privilege to have the discipline maintain such a thing:)

[@Freeflow32]

I like how at 1:54 you see people walking on the path and then the clip is seamlessly edited. It just shows that they didn't rudely take up the walking space and moved out of the way of the people walking.

[@nutriapeluda]

I really enjoyed this interview, Quinlan has such a calming voice that I could hear him talk about anything.

[@tosh471]

It was really nice to hear from an American Midwesterner, who values nature and didn't have an attachment to being in Japan for a long time originally. The countryside sounds like a really great place to explore on a visit too.

[@jayraitt9023]

I enjoyed Toyama MUCH more than Tokyo. Tokyo was epic, and was wild, and doesnt sleep. But Toyama prefecture was magical. Tokyo felt like what youd imagine, maybe on social media videos, but Toyama prefecture felt like i was inside a Studio Ghibli movie. It just feels more special outside the major cities.

[@Skipadoo]

quinlan's the best! got to stay at his airbnb and book his tour back in july, definitely recommend it. north japan is absolutely incredible and it's definitely worth checking out

[@mcskeet8067]

My wife and i are in the middle of planning out trip to Japan for later this year, and this interview made us completely re-think which areas to visit. Looks like we're going to check out Northern Japan now! Thanks for the video

[@mbank3832]

He seems like a friendly dude. I would be friend with him

[@s70driver2005]

He is a friend of a friend and she said he really is awesome and friendly like this.

[@Poodle_Gun]

He came to Japan when he was pretty young. It isn't easy to have close friends in the Midwest, unless you met them really young and didn't lose contact. I have a couple of friends like he's talking about, and they took me a lot of time to find. They're kind of unicorns. They're the old fashioned kind of friend who would help you out in an emergency situation. Although, he's up north pretty far where they get 20 foot walls of snow on the sides of the roads and you have to constantly dig footpaths to your door so you can get out of the house. I think that area might be more down-to-earth. Less people too.

[@_PM__]

I didn't have that experience, so maybe it depends on the area of the Midwest. I grew up in the Midwest but moved to Oklahoma after college. I spent decades living in Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico. I missed the Midwest and eventually returned but rather than Illinois, where I'm from, I moved to Indiana and have met some great people. I think friendships are different in the Midwest than some other places, though. I know that when living in Oklahoma, if a person remembered your name, they considered you a friend. Even if they barely knew you, you were thought of as a friend, so a person's circle of friends was fairly large. In the Midwest, I think circles of friends tend to be smaller, but closer. You may have a lot of acquaintances, and a fair number of casual friends, but only a handful of people you consider close friends.

[@Poodle_Gun]

@_PM__ my former roommate lived in Southern Indiana, and it was like that there. I used to live out West west, and fairly similar to your experience there. Live in the South now (the non weird part). Love it. Everyone in the South knows where the weird parts are and most avoid them.

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

Notice he escaped the english teaching trap, became self employed and is basically a tourist guide, youtuber. He mentioned studying mandarin so he probably does tours for westerners and Chinese people. You cannot freely move around if you work for a company..only self employed people can live this kind of life out in the country away from everything.

[@Poodle_Gun]

@Bradgilliswhammyman yeah, you have to do whatever it takes to get out of there haha. It's a sinking ship too. Ironically, this guy reminds me 100% of my best friend. He became a pilot. Put himself through. They're the same kind of person. He's also from the Midwest. That's why him and I are friends. Free spirits.

[@gcanaday1]

The walls of snow thing is exaggerated. 3-4 feet is much more like it.

[@peterwilliams1074]

This was a fantastic interview of an American making a life in Japan and I truly appreciated the questions and openness and forthright responses of the interviewee. I have always appreciated being honest, forthright, open and willing to help each other. I love the Japanese culture and people and would plan to buy a second home property\airbnb. I love your content. I strongly agree with everything the interviewee has said. It would be great to chill with this guy and have a beer and\or sake. It would be my treat!

[@dylanthomas2288]

Your English is great man, keep it up!

[@shadwe11]

This was an incredible video to watch! Such an insightful interview, some quality questions were asked, and some great answers provided. I really love how honest and open that gentleman was with his answers. The only thing I was wishing while watching, was wanting to maybe walk a little to get a small glimpse at the area he was so fond of. Thank you so much for the upload, this was 10/10 video!

[@arlett6477]

Japan was amazing in the early 2000's, I spent hours in internet cafes just to connect to the world. I had my first flip phone there. No social media back then. I don't even think texting was a thing yet... Used to work and live in Ikebukuro too... but first Roppongi, Nishi Azabu.. Foreigners gravitated to Sports Cafe as a social hangout spot from all around the world and a bunch of other places I don't even remember... Before that Sapporo Susukino, Flore Cafe, and Rad Brothers, my god what memories, we were drunk like non-stop :D Last, Osaka Dotonbori. Good times.

[@s70driver2005]

Sounds so awesome!!! My wife and I visited Japan back towards the very end of the pandemic with a work Visa and it was so awesome being the only Gaijins around for a long time. Do you still live in Japan now?

[@ultimobile]

we first visited Japan in 1991 - took the shinkansen with a green pass then - and did that again for a second time for our 15th visit in 2023 - still a nice way to travel - just the nose is a bit (a LOT) longer ... ;-)

[@s70driver2005]

@@ultimobile 15th time!?!?! So jelly. Have you guys not wanted to move there?

[@casualweekday-ytshadowbang2469]

@@s70driver2005 Often it’s easier to grow a career in your own country. Make more money and use it to visit Japan. If you work like the Japanese, you have to go through the same hardships too; plus you’ll probably never be able to compete against their native language level. Also, regarding the interviewee’s remark, it’s not only the English teachers salaries that got cheaper in Japan in the past 20 years. So when you have valuable skills in your country, you might be better off working there and come just on your free time. This is only from a vocational standpoint of course.

[@s70driver2005]

@casualweekday-ytshadowbang2469 yea I've heard that a lot from people but like I told my wife. If you want something then there are ways to make it cone true. I actually have a connection to Japan as I import stuff for a Japanese company. I'd work for them in Japan if they would allow it instead of the traditional English teacher route, even though I have a bachelor's degree.

[@MrShem123ist]

The scenery in the countryside is pure beauty, Takashi san! I admire his energy during the whole course of the interview. This is one of your best videos in my opinion! 本当に素晴らしい！ 👌

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

Takashii-san, your channel is endlessly fascinating. You have a knack for finding truly interesting and eloquent interviewees. I have to agree with Quinlan - northern Japan is special.

[@rey7517]

I lived in Japan for 4 Years and LOVED everything about it. Family and I would love to move back, so looking forward to seeing more videos like this @takashiifromjapan

[@sebastianrubio928]

more interviews like this one, please. I also really like how you made it longer, for such topics, longer is better, I mean it's logical, you talk an entire lifetime, 15 minutes isn't enough.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

We appreciate these interviews. They're very insightful.

[@henroda1]

The way he speaks english sounds super japanese in the cadence and rhythm its interesting

[@xiaoxaxo]

after living in japan for so long it's only natural

[@apushkal]

I noticed that too

[@theway5563]

I must not be very perceptive because I didn’t notice that at all. I will have to listen again, now. A most enjoyable interview.

[@nikorasu_karasu]

​@@theway5563compare his exaggerated American accent at 4:05 to how he speaks normally. Americans speak more emphatic and bold, Japanese voice is more reserved.

[@clearYourOldAccounts]

He's gay

[@RealLifeJapan]

I'm from Boston,MA USA and my family and I moved to Osaka, Japan in 2015. We lived there for four years then we moved to Nara, Japan. We prefer the countryside, but really enjoy Japan in general. It is such a wonderful place to raise your children. The countryside is cheap and we grow lots of vegetables. The people here are so friendly and it is a very different experience from the city. You can check out our lives here by watching Real Life Japan. Cheers!

[@mckinnonwolf7877]

What area would you suggest for someone who wants to live in the country but still be around 40 min or less away from the city? Ideally close to a mountain road as well.

[@mistacrawson7472]

@@mckinnonwolf7877 nara all the way

[@mckinnonwolf7877]

@@mistacrawson7472 big appreciate homie, someone else mentioned Yamanashi to me as well somewhere else

[@tenguriki]

This is such a great video. When I moved to Japan, I was slightly sad to not be in Tokyo. Now, I'm super greatful that I live far outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto. Honestly, Tokyo feels like one of the least Japanese places in Japan to me. I can only stand to visit for a day or two at most. A lot of people love Tokyo, and that's awesome, but there's so much to see outside of Tokyo. Great video, I'd love to see more people speak about this so people visiting know about all aspects of Japan!

[@mckinnonwolf7877]

What area would you suggest for someone who wants to live in the country, but still be close to the city? Ideally not too far from a mountain road as well

[@requiemnocturne]

He’s so sweet, his personality really shines! I’d love to be his friend! 😊 I grew up in Yamagata when I was little and I recommend visiting there too! Lots of hot springs and beautiful temples and shrines. I also LOVE Shimane. It’s a hidden gem. I went to Iwamiginzan, it’s a world heritage site but literally, nobody was there and I was able to have the whole place to myself! Amazing experience. Love Shimane!

[@zaztube]

beautiful comment and suggestion. totally agree on this. Shimane is a great place. Iwamiginzan, Matsue, Izumi.. it’s just a great ken. Yamagata is a lovely place as well. Tohoku locals are great people

[@SuccessfulGeezer]

This is my favorite video I have seen from you so far. Seems a lot more real that a lot of the other shorter interviews, would love to see more longer form interviews with Japan natives 👍

[@anamariagutierrez2019]

Very informative and fun video Thank you Very Much for sharing it.

[@dv9360]

I like that saying: "Perfectionists can't learn languages." So true. You have to be willing to speak poorly at times to improve.

[@weirdshibainu]

Heck, I speaks bad when I talk American. I ain't afraid of gettin learnt up on a new talking language.

[@OccuredJakub12]

I'm a perfectionist and learning Japanese rn😂

[@dv9360]

​@@OccuredJakub12 Leaning toward perfectionism can be an asset too because you will strive to learn the language as accurately and completely as possible without settling for second-rate pronunciation, etc. But it inevitably takes making mistakes to get there too I think.

[@Kurlach]

@@weirdshibainu There’s no such language as ‘American’ 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️

[@weirdshibainu]

@@Kurlach Go buy a sense of humor. It was obviously a joke.

[@ericastier1646]

I really like this sitting on a countryside quiet road. It feels peaceful and wonderful.

[@davidk5093]

This guy and Pete from premiere two are the nicest, kindest, coolest Americans you will ever meet. I know because I'm from the same place in America as him. Great interview! 🙏

[@michaelhockus8208]

Wow Takashii, this is a fascinating episode. It might be my favorite that you have shared. Your interview skills are impressive, your guest had many thoughtful responses and seems like a good dude, and the enthusiasm and joy you both have for story telling is infectious. Cheers from NYC 👋 Edit: To add, I love how your guest says "we" when discussing how Japan must change. He has gone completely native! Very impressive. Edit 2: This guy is an inspiration for all humans! I must emphasize his point at 29:57: HAVE FUN WHILE YOU LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE! 🚨🚨🚨 Like the children that Takashii once interviewed who watched English cartoons and played video games, THEY HAD FUN WHILE LEARNING and had mastered American English on their because it was fun! This is such a great episode.

[@cvilsack1]

You're really doing a great social experiment, with these interviews!!

[@EDC.EveryDayCode]

I really appreciate at 9 mins in, you talking about how there are places in Japan that are not insanely packed!! I'm from a rural area, and i love the extra space.

[@DenisChangMusic]

I came to Japan on an artist visa. I’m a jazz musician, and I constantly change cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka , each with their own ups and downs. It’s hard to choose where to settle. It’s really fascinating to wee the difference in culture within Japan between these three cities. I’ve been to other places as well, but I like those three cities in particular

[@arkangeln910c8]

Fukuoka is imho the most vibrant, active, nice city to live, south of Osaka-Kobe.

[@visit_shizukuishi]

Wow welcome to Iwate! Glad you could meet up with Quinlan. Great bloke!

[@corinekung2200]

This video comes at a right time with Morioka’s recent nomination as the 52 best places to visit by the New York Times! Tohoku region is a hidden gem in Japan and I am also looking forward to seeing more tourists visit lovely cities like Morioka. Moving to Hirosaki was one of the best decisions I made and I really love the warmth of the people from outside the big cities. Let’s discover the charm of Tohoku together! 😊

[@shirokumakogyo]

Wow, we have a lot in common. I also moved to Japan in 2000 (though not to teach English), lived in Yokohama and Tokyo for 17 years, got tired of the pre-Olympics noise and congestion of Tokyo and up and moved to a small fishing town on the coast of the Japan Sea in Toyama Prefecture. And now, though I miss my friends in Tokyo (most of them bartenders), I'm happy here in my small town, where I live in a renovated 'machiya,' continue doing translation work by day and run a bar (in one half of my house) at night. I find even short visits to Tokyo unexpectedly exhausting.

[@majorkade]

I traveled to Japan for the first time in early 2000. That trip around Asia didn’t end for six months. Settled in Bangkok. Taught English for three years there.

[@macynguyen8864]

I can imagine how peaceful your life is… I grew up in Waikiki, Honolulu Hawaii and it’s very busy there too. When I got married, my husband and I moved to WA state… in a suburb area. We LOVED IT!!! We cannot see ourselves moving back in the city. We moved again and is now in the rural area - which we even love it more. It’s only 10 minutes driving to Costco/stores - so we are very much enjoying life and is peaceful ☺️

[@shirokumakogyo]

@@macynguyen8864Glad you found your ideal lifestyle. I grew up in Hawaii (Kaneohe), lived and worked in Waikiki for 15 years, and in Seattle for five (my mother's family is originally from there), before moving to Japan in 2000. It took me a while, but I've finally found my permanent home (though I still have affection for both Hawaii and Seattle...).

[@mckinnonwolf7877]

Where would you suggest for a person who wants to live in the country but still be close to the city?

[@BelloBudo007]

Thank you for the really good interview Takashi San. It was really good to hear someone else's take on living in Japan. He has adapted and done well, so well done to him. Japanese countryside v Japanese cities - I have been visiting Japan since 1982 and while I enjoy the big cities, I confess that once I'm on the train and heading out into the countryside, there's a sense of relief and calm that overcomes me. While the backwaters of Kyushu has been my 'go to' destination, I will certainly investigate Iwate region because TBH I do not like crowds, especially crowds of foreigners. Too many are rude, loud and impatient for my liking. But that may well be a reflection of my age more than anything else.

[@latenightwithedmoney956]

Just got a chance to start catching up on your videos and love the content. Keep up the great work and keep on keeping on. Will try to watch the ones I missed and look forward to watching all of them. あなたのビデオに追いつき始め、コンテンツを愛するチャンスを得たばかりです。これからも頑張ってください。私が見逃したものを見てみて、それらすべてを見るのを楽しみにしています。

[@Mark_13-37]

As a Hungarian who grew up in Sheffield, England I can say that the way the world is going it's becoming less and less about money more about a pursuit of a life more in touch with ourselves, our immediate environment but most of all nature. In other words there's a big shift in people starting to be digital creators instead of digital consumers and I think from what I can see is from people wanting to live a more mindful life and I believe that's why many western people are drawn to countries like Japan for similar reason. A sort of self discovery. I am in the process of sorting out my affairs so to speak in England/UK, getting my British Citizenship and going back to my "motherland" as that's what I see my country of Hungary as, however I see England specifically South Yorkshire as my "fatherland". But yeah it's amazing stuff that's happening in the digital and physical world. There's a lot of terrible things too but I believe it's all a sign of a world's end and a new world's beginning. Thanks for the cool videos Takashii I'm interested in the Art of Archery side of things in Japan as it corresponds with my own culture. After my time spent in Magyarország ie Hungary, perhaps the next one will be Japan who knows where the wind of destiny will take me. I plan to do similar to you tbf just for Hungary and the carpathian basin eventually too, there's a lot of my country's beauty that people miss out on. For now I'm just researching and learning the basics :)

[@kennethflores-hv7uf]

Hey keep me posted should you start up something in Hungary. I’ll admit, Hungary has never been on my radar but if there’s something to see I’m all in.

[@AlisMarsaili1351]

I agree with you about people seeking a self actualization process rather than wanting to be like Elon Musk walks around with a Louis Vuitton bags. I have heard Hungary is a beautiful place. I’m so happy that you are creating a quality life I respect that.

[@AngelOnEarth0614]

Love what youve written. Im at the stage where i enjoy the peace and tranquility and living near the water and having a spectacular view of God's creation everyday does wonders to my soul. May you have a wonderful journey ahead of you

[@AltsekBUL]

I have never seen a YT channel explode so fast! One year ago this guy had 200k subs, but well deserved for sure!

[@TimParker]

great to see quinlan on here! a very positive force in the north of japan!

[@stateofmind9745]

I’m definitely pushing for that move to Japan in the near future, mainly for the culture and peace. I’m from South west Africa & it’s not bad here, but I’m depressed most of the time cause of the changes in our culture & current state of economy. I’m self employed & I everyday dream of moving to Japan. This interview just opened up my ideas of where to live and what to expect from the locals

[@Ninjahavok]

Great interview, your interview skills are getting better with every video. Keep up the good work Takashii!

[@YouNeverKnowWhoIsWatching]

Takashii, I am enjoying your videos more and more. You have such an adorable personality. This is a compliment coming from a Texas grandma.

[@mikemcsweeney4753]

Just found your channel. Very informative and now I want to visit Japan in my 70th year. Keep up the good work.

[@janchiv4856]

Amazing content, for sure. 😁

[@akira_gojo]

Great interview. Quinlan is awesome, inspiring and passionate. I got a lot of insight about north Japan and will definitely want to visit when I make plans!

[@adrianoherger]

Thanks for the interveiw! GO NORTH JAPAN is an amazing channel as well!

[@vlogkitsune6785]

You got your first sponsor. Awesome. Congratulations

[@rainlya]

Great interview, Takashi san. I enjoyed learning more about Tohoku and since I’m planning a trip to Japan in 2024, I’ll probably pay Quinlan a visit. 私は日本語をべんきょうしてます。

[@ItsBAndBees]

I love linguistics and love this guys and his views on learning a new language. Some facts is that it takes countless repetitions to master a new skill, however a skill learned through play can be mastered in about a dozen turns. Making things fun and learning through okay is so important. And I agree with him saying immerse yourself and learn it all together, even if it’s a little at a time. It’s true, Japanese really isn’t as hard as many other languages!

[@pedrofalcon7863]

The north Japan is something I always had on my sight for landscape phtography, it's unique nature really attracts anyone who loves nature. After seeing this video, I am completely sold to go there. What an amazing interview, you can see that he is living life the fullest and having a lot of experience.

[@CindymeCindy]

This was a very interesting talk from a very interesting man. Really enjoyed it.

[@takashiifromjapan]

TOKYO GUIDEBOOK takashifromjapan.com/tokyocompleteguide

[@クリシトフイレシ]

It's a joy to listen to this guy.

[@zathrasB5]

I have to agree with a lot of the comments below. Quinlan is very eloquent. An excellent ambassador for Japan. Overall this is one of the best interviews I have seen about a non-native being in Japan, Good work.

[@s70driver2005]

I LOVE Quinlan San!!! He does awesome videos about the northern area of Honshu and its awesome to see a different part of Japan then the normal places people show.

[@abrahamalatorre]

I appreciate his honesty of how life is there in Japan from a traveler to a local perspective. Explains a lot and can see his point who's from the States. Excellent video, this is the content I enjoy hearing as a US citizen travling there next year.

[@abcdefg54321x]

I really like this guy…soo friendly

[@MageThief]

Quinlan is an awesome guy, love his channel and the beautiful nature that he is treating his viewers.

[@rilorobinson7685]

I'm also happy nobody gave him shit for his nose size

[@AshtonCoolman]

What a cool place to have an interview. This interview was very eye opening. I've considered living in Japan and I absolutely would choose the countryside over Tokyo. There's also a lot of amazing akiya(abandoned, cheap homes) in the countryside that are begging to be bought.

[@mikiohirata9627]

Yes there are many AKIYA all over Japan mostly rural area though. There's a catch to why they have become AKIYA in the first place. So do a through research of township (village, city=some cities have rather isolated and rural districts). And it would be almost essential you speak (at least) and write Japanese which should help you unless you have a translator if you can't speak it.

[@ultimobile]

@@mikiohirata9627 'There's a catch to why they have become AKIYA in the first place' - one I've seen is 'half an hour's drive to the nearest shop' - of ANY KIND - not just large supermarket - just somewhere to buy milk and or bread for example ... that would get old real quick, especially in winter

[@casualweekday-ytshadowbang2469]

I did a bit of research when I heard of Akiya. It can be in remote place as others mentioned, but also the house often needs a lot of renovation work. It appears that companies that specialize in buying, renovating/reconstructing, then reselling these empty houses secure the best opportunities in this market.

[@AshtonCoolman]

@@casualweekday-ytshadowbang2469 yes, very true. As an American, the cost of buying an Akiya that needs renovation work will still come out to a lot less than buying a house in America. Of course, getting one that's already been fixed up is much preferred.

[@casualweekday-ytshadowbang2469]

​@@AshtonCoolman The USD/JPY rate is still high, so I see your point. Another possibility is to buy the house first and having it renovated later. I’m not sure about the countryside, but most Japanese city dwellers don’t like to buy unless it’s been renovated beforehand, for some reason. However, if you’re like 6ft+ tall, you may want a customized renovation, believe me.

[@joananguyen3942]

Aww one of the best interview ! This guy is so interesting and friendly, he describes his life with so much passion, and motivation. He is really strong and understanding, to be able to live this kind of life. He seems free, and able to find his path and change it if it becomes inconvenient at one point of his life ! Great interview! Thank you !

[@MIST774]

I find these interviews a little funny in the sense that if I were in Spain and asked these questions I would hear very similar answers about Spain. It seems that the global economic situation is tense everywhere

[@majorkade]

Yep. Why it's good to travel. Differences & Similarities

[@canteriggle6525]

It's so fun seeing two of my favorite youtubers talking to each other!

[@RaginCanadian-gx2zl]

If i move i wanna live more rural for various reasons but id wanna be somewhere where i can walk to a station to go to tokyo so i can still do things with friends in the city and go buy manga and stuff.

[@alighieri8454]

I really enjoyed this interview. This gentleman is very well spoken and he permeates a positive energy. Much love from Michigan.

[@pallmall8452]

These always make me smile, I'm actually from Milwaukee WI and I can tell he carries our Midwest traditions of politeness with him. Can't wait to see your interviews from the states

[@EmilyTienne]

I appreciate this guy’s directness and honesty. He’s really telling it like it is, from his viewpoint.

[@gerrykuhn3701]

Great video. Full of insights. I spent 3 weeks in Japan in October this year. I really enjoyed it. I envy people who discovered it when they were younger. I have so many commitments now that it would be really awkward to make the move. I did spend one day in Morioka and it was a very pleasant experience. Didn't have enough time to see the surrounding countryside but I'm sure it must be beautiful. Looking forward to my next trip to Japan. Thanks Takashi san for all your terrific content.

[@qasim097]

I love these videos. I learn a lot every time! Hello from San Diego

[@Lewis_MrGore]

Aha, seeing two KZbinrs I watch on a regular coming together! Love it :D

[@TsukimiTube]

These are exactly the reasons why I’ll move to Kyotos suburb soon. Kanto area is so busy, loud and crowded. In the beginning it didn’t bother me that much, but 10 years really made me feel exhausted.

[@tomburns7544]

I really love how you are really exploring so many peoples' stories and experiences to educate non-Japanese people. Thank you, Takashii! 👍

[@nikkeiexplorer]

Thank you for this high quality interview, Takashi san. Quinlan seems like a really chill dude.

[@heaththompson6034]

Great video, Takashii. Really great insights like all your videos. My son is considering moving to Japan, and I've learned so much from your videos that are helping us with information to make his decision.

[@natalieyoung6]

We love going to the Japanese countryside . They are so friendly. We have made lots of friends who have came back to Australia to visit us 🇺🇸 ❤️ 🇯🇵

[@macaroni.ravioli]

GREAT SUPER INTERVIEW ! thank you 🙏

[@CharlotteDePopo]

You two are besties fr that’s so cool

[@GigiMurakami]

This was a great interview! Man this guy has done it all 😂 I’ve been considering staying in Japan for some time as I’m also self employed and do my work remotely. It feels like it could be a good move.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Takashii, your skill and thoughtfulness as an interviewer is superior. I've watched several of your videos and have marveled at the depth and breadth of your questions. I can tell you really enjoyed talking with this person. ;-) I lived in Iwakuni at a US Marine Corps air base for 45 days due to a foulup in my orders when I was supposed to report to DaNang during the Vietnam war. I purchased a Honda 90 and thoroughly enjoyed my days off exploring the area around the city as well as the one day I decided to travel to Hiroshima. This was my first motorcycle and I was not very good or comfortable riding it in traffic, so when I got into the city of Hiroshima I became overwhelmed and decided to go into the first restaurant I could find to have lunch and recover before leaving. The restaurant had no English speakers and the menu was totally in Japanese with photos, but I had a wonderful meal and was treated very well. It was my very first time eating prawn (food memories are very strong with me). On my way back to the base I saw some hills off to my right as I drove down the coast road south, so I decided to follow a side road up into the hills a little. I finally got to see rural Japan and still remember how beautiful and peaceful it was - bedding outside on railings, green fields, tiled roofs - a wonderful experience I never forgot. I have since explored Japanese culture from different angles and have always enjoyed it. I studied Shotokan Karate one Winter while living in England. I've also watched many samurai movies, especially The Blind Swordsman/Masseuse, which I loved. I've also studied traditional artisan crafts like pottery and woodworking, sword and knife making, architecture, bonsai, the tea ceremony, etc. and appreciate all of them. The Japanese obsession with fresh food, especially seafood, is something I really appreciate. I love to eat and so love to cook and have been in food service for 15 years as a self-employed baker. My primary kitchen tool has been a Japanese cleaver for decades. I also very much respect and admire the Japanese work ethic and the small engine equipment that is produced in Japan - my other current occupation is small engine repair. The design, engineering, fabrication, etc. are the best I've seen.

[@Bashcandicoot99]

Great interview and packed full of insights. Found the topic of Japan's future direction particularly fascinating.

[@nicolasrobitaille3259]

I love north of Japan. My wife is Japanese and we live in Canada so it reminds me home in some ways. It's a lot less crowded and so much easier to visit. We come to Japan once a year and we almost always visit north or at the opposite, Kyushu in the south of Japan. I highly recommend.

[@SondicoDenann]

So many awesome insights. Love your channel!

[@tokyotoransu3767]

Great interview. I've watched Quinlan on his channel and he always is so respectful and honest. Great all around person.

[@vincentherring414]

Very nice interview! Insightful , thank you for the interview.