If I could go back, would I move to Japan again?

Summary

In this video, James reflects on his decision to move to Japan, answering a viewer's question about whether he would do it again, knowing what he knows now. He shares his journey from being discontent with his life in the U.S. to making a bold change by moving to Japan. Throughout his experience, James explores various careers, learns Japanese, and discovers new passions, including acting, working with kids, and modeling. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and making life-changing decisions, inspiring viewers to pursue their own transformations, regardless of their background.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moving to Japan was the best decision the speaker ever made, despite the sacrifices involved.
• 😀 The speaker initially struggled with finding a clear direction in life and didn't want to follow traditional paths like college or office work.
• 😀 Making a radical change by moving to Japan was a pivotal moment that led to self-discovery and personal growth.
• 😀 The speaker tried multiple career paths in Japan, including teaching English, working in a ramen restaurant, and acting.
• 😀 Meeting people from all over the world in Japan broadened the speaker's perspective and gave them a global outlook.
• 😀 The experience in Japan helped the speaker learn Japanese, which has now become valuable in their professional life.
• 😀 Working with kids in Japan turned out to be one of the speaker's most fulfilling experiences, leading them to desire having children of their own.
• 😀 The speaker, who previously disliked school, went back to college in Japan and found a subject that sparked interest, surprising themselves.
• 😀 Moving to Japan led to a shift in mindset, making the speaker realize they could grow and evolve in ways they didn’t expect.
• 😀 The speaker encourages others to make bold decisions and take control of their own lives, regardless of their starting point or background.

Q & A

Why does James believe moving to Japan was the best decision he ever made?

James believes moving to Japan was the best decision because it helped him discover his true passions, gave him a sense of purpose, and led to many life-changing experiences, such as making friends from all over the world, learning Japanese, and discovering his desire to have a family.

What did James struggle with before making the decision to move to Japan?

Before moving to Japan, James struggled with feeling lost about his future, disliking school, and working in jobs that didn’t fulfill him. He didn’t know what he truly wanted to do but felt stuck in a cycle of doing the same things year after year.

What was James' initial plan when he moved to Japan?

Initially, James planned to stay in Japan for just one year and try different things, including teaching English, attending school, meeting people, and traveling around the country, in hopes of discovering what he really enjoyed.

How did James' perspective on having kids change during his time in Japan?

Before moving to Japan, James had no interest in having children. However, after working with kids at an international school in Japan, he discovered a love for children and now looks forward to having a family of his own.

How did James' career and personal development evolve in Japan?

In Japan, James expanded his career by trying acting, modeling, voice acting, and working in various jobs, including teaching and working in restaurants. He also developed his Japanese language skills and found something that motivated him to pursue college, a major shift from his previous dislike for school.

What important lesson did James learn about himself during his time in Japan?

James learned that he had a lot more to improve on than he initially realized, particularly in dating and personal development. He discovered that he wasn't the best version of himself while in the States and became humbled by the experiences he had in Japan.

How did James' experience in Japan impact his views on the United States?

Living in Japan helped James recognize what he had taken for granted about the United States, such as certain freedoms and privileges. He also realized that moving abroad opened his eyes to new opportunities, leading to personal growth and a broader world perspective.

What did James realize about the role of privilege as a foreigner in Japan?

James acknowledged that being a foreigner in Japan limited certain privileges and opportunities, such as when renting apartments or advancing in certain careers. This motivated him to eventually plan a return to the United States, where he feels he can be more powerful and establish a secure future for his family.

Why does James encourage others to make life-changing decisions?

James encourages others to make life-changing decisions because he believes that anyone can take control of their life, regardless of their background or circumstances. By taking risks and making bold changes, people can unlock new opportunities and growth.

What is James' perspective on pursuing a path that is not predetermined or set up by others?

James believes that people don't need to be born into certain situations or have things arranged for them by their parents to achieve success. Instead, individuals can take charge of their own lives and create the future they want by making deliberate and bold choices.