30 years in Japan: The Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me | What Nobody Says About Living in Japan

After 30 years living in Japan, I've learned a few things the hard way. Some lessons took months to understand... others took decades. In this video, I share the advice I wish someone had given me when I first arrived—from dealing with culture shock and learning Japanese, to building friendships, finding purpose, and creating a life that actually feels fulfilling here. Whether you're planning a move to Japan, have just arrived, or have been here for years, these are the insights that made the biggest difference in my own journey. Topics include: • How to handle culture shock • Why comparing Japan to your home country can hold you back • Learning Japanese without fear of mistakes • Escaping the expat bubble • Finding community in Japan • The reality of never fully becoming Japanese • Building a meaningful life beyond simply "living abroad" • How both you and Japan change over time If you're interested in the realities of long-term life in Japan—not just the tourist experience—consider subscribing for more videos about culture, daily life, food, and the lessons I've learned after three decades here. Enjoy food, enjoy life. #Japan #LivingInJapan #ExpatLife #JapanLife #MovingToJapan #LifeInJapan #JapaneseCulture