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Dec 4, 2024

YouTube channels for life in Japan?

Recently ToneToEdo put me on to JapaneseCooking101 on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@JapaneseCooking101) where you can find a variety of easy to follow recipe tutorials for a myriad of eats. I was wondering if anyone knew of other useful "life in Japan" style YouTube channels. It doesn't have to be cooking, anything that helps you out with day-to-day stuff here would be great to know about!

genkidesu

genkidesu

Love to travel, interested in J-beauty products and consider myself a convenience store snack aficionado. Navigating the ever-present challenges of expat life, particularly about my TCK's (third culture kids).

10 Answers



Best Answer

  • TonetoEdo

    on Dec 28

    I just discovered Unpackingjapan hosted by Tobias Bieker. He interviews foreign residents and naturalized Japanese who have a wide variety of experiences from a range of generations. It's lovely to hear the voices and perspectives of veterans such as politician John Heese, cross-cultural consultant Rochelle Kopp, and kimono expert Billy Matsunaga.

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  • helloalissa

    on Dec 4

    I recently started to watch @ChaniJapan - she is from Australia and around my age. The reason I found her channel is that she shares about her experience buying a home here. I also occasionally enjoy @MrsEats - for quirky local Osaka experiences and comparisons with US culture. Following for other recommendations. There is so much content and it's very specific to individual interests.

    1
  • TonetoEdo

    on Dec 4

    I'm also enjoying watching @ChaniJapan as she's relateable and my age. She's practical and thoughtful. For creative inspiration, I watch @Thegreenwrapper, a crafter with easy to follow tutorials for her textile projects.

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  • TonetoEdo

    on Dec 14

    Sharoona has a series of videos, "a day in the life" which is interesting for a peek into the lifestyles of foreigners and Japanese. Are you curious about kimono? Billy Matsunaga shows sewing techniques and kimono dressing.

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  • TonetoEdo

    on Jan 21

    I've got one more that may be of interest... Japan Intercultural Consulting has some playlists that explore Japanese business and cultural practices. The most recent videos are specific to "machizukuri" in relation to the Jingu Gaien issue. But have a look at the playlists. I'm watching "So what is it actually?" which explores topics like monozukuri, horenso, ikigai, etc. You get an overview of the concepts. Worth a look!

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  • TonetoEdo

    on Feb 10

    Found another one! https://www.youtube.com/@LIJ Life in Japan documents the experiences of a family from abroad revealing their ups and downs.

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  • TonetoEdo

    on Mar 6

    Another recent discovery - @LifeWhereImFrom focuses mostly on foreign residents and Japanese people's lifestyles. And I miss "At Home with Venetia", the late Venitia Stanley Smith's show on NHK. Searching YouTube will turn up many of the episodes. She's sorely missed.

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  • genkidesu

    on Mar 6

    @TonetoEdo Oh, I loved Venetia! Her passion for gardening honestly had me wishing for a house here with enough space to recreate something similar.

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  • TonetoEdo

    on Mar 8

    I also watch @shumatsuopost about the akiya real estate situation. He reveals a lot of bargain homes that need love and reveals the realities of purchasing an akiya, an empty home, in Japan. @ANTONINJAPAN has a documentary about buying akiya. I haven't purchased but rented houses that were essentially akiya from owners both Japanese and foreign and experienced the ups and downs of maintainance. It's not for everyone, but it's a life-in-Japan challenge!

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  • TonetoEdo

    on Apr 2

    Another I've been binge watching is 週末べフォーアアフター with Junko Furukata. She's kind to the families whose houses she organizes. When I'm intimidated by reorganizing my space, I have a look at what she does with oshiire and closets.

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2 Answers

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