Why am I still here.. (Japan Update)

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses their four-year struggle to move to Japan, detailing the emotional and logistical challenges. Despite securing a preliminary visa and exchanging over 700 emails, they remain unable to enter due to Japan's strict border closures. The creator expresses frustration with the uncertainty and the impact on their mental health, empathizes with the estimated 350,000 others in similar limbo, and calls for transparency from the Japanese government. They also highlight the irony of being approved for a five-year stay yet being denied entry, and the broader implications for those separated from family and opportunities.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker has been trying to move to Japan for four years but is currently not there.
• 💔 Leaving behind friends and life in their home country was a difficult decision for the speaker.
• 📧 The visa process involved over 700 emails of correspondence, highlighting its complexity.
• 🚫 Japan's strict border control due to COVID-19 has been a significant obstacle, preventing entry even with a visa.
• 😔 The speaker feels it's inappropriate to complain about their situation given the global pandemic's broader impact.
• 🔄 There's a constant internal struggle between giving up and continuing to pursue the move to Japan.
• 📉 The lack of updates on border reopening from the Japanese government adds to the speaker's frustration.
• 🏢 The speaker has established a company in Japan, including an office and an employee, despite not being able to enter.
• 😓 The uncertainty has led to a limbo situation affecting around 350,000 people, as reported by The New York Times.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses empathy for others in similar situations and wishes for more transparency from the Japanese government.

Q & A

How long has the speaker been trying to move to Japan?

The speaker has been trying to move to Japan for four years.

What was the speaker's initial difficulty in deciding to move to Japan?

The initial difficulty was the decision to leave behind everything they had built, including friends and connections.

How many emails were exchanged during the speaker's visa process?

The speaker counted 700 emails exchanged during the visa process.

Why has Japan kept its borders closed?

Japan has kept its borders closed primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why did the speaker avoid making a video about their situation?

The speaker avoided making a video because they did not want to appear as someone who is well-off complaining about COVID-19 affecting them, and they felt it was a complicated issue.

What is the speaker's main frustration regarding the border closure?

The speaker's main frustration is the lack of updates and certainty about when Japan will reopen its borders, leading to a guessing game and uncertainty.

How has the speaker's situation affected their daily life?

The speaker's situation has caused them to oscillate between wanting to give up and feeling determined to move to Japan, causing emotional distress.

What is the estimated number of people in a similar situation as the speaker, according to a New York Times article?

According to a New York Times article, approximately 350,000 people are in a similar limbo situation as the speaker.

What does the speaker have to show for their efforts in Japan despite not being able to enter?

The speaker has an approved visa for five years, a company set up in Japan, an employee, and a house, despite not being allowed to enter the country.

Why does the speaker feel a sense of responsibility towards others in the same situation?

The speaker feels a sense of responsibility because many people in similar situations have reached out to them, hoping for some influence or advocacy.

What is the speaker's final message to Japan regarding their situation?

The speaker's final message is a request for Japan to provide an update on border policies to give people in similar situations some clarity and peace of mind.