3 Years In Okinawa (Japan) - And How It's Changed Me

Summary

In this video, Matt, an American living in Okinawa, Japan for three years, reflects on how his life has changed since moving there. He shares insights about adapting to the safety, convenience, and relaxed lifestyle in Okinawa, contrasting it with his previous experiences in California. He talks about how he has become more dependent on others, especially his wife, due to language barriers, and how he's been spoiled by the island's accessibility and beauty. Matt highlights both the positives and challenges of living in Okinawa, emphasizing how nature, culture, and a slower pace have reshaped him.

Takeaways

• 😀 Matt has been living in Okinawa, Japan for three years, and in this video, he discusses how the experience has changed him.
• 😀 One significant change is that he has become accustomed to the extreme safety in Japan, to the point where he has forgotten the need to be cautious about theft or personal security when traveling abroad.
• 😀 Due to the relaxed atmosphere in Okinawa, Matt has become more laid-back, though he also feels that the lack of a hustle mentality here has slowed his pursuit of big goals and aspirations.
• 😀 Matt feels less independent now, mainly because of his reliance on his wife to handle official matters that require advanced Japanese language skills, which he is still working on learning.
• 😀 The convenience of living in Okinawa has spoiled Matt, as everything is within walking distance and easily accessible, from vending machines to shops and restaurants.
• 😀 Matt finds himself missing the convenience of vending machines and stores when visiting California, where it’s harder to walk to such amenities.
• 😀 Despite the laid-back lifestyle, Matt still has big goals, including wanting to help his family and friends, and build something substantial that gives him the means to help others.
• 😀 He describes Okinawa's beauty, from the tropical greenery to the beaches and forests, which contribute to his overall sense of well-being and feeling of relaxation.
• 😀 Matt often feels good in Okinawa due to the natural environment, which evokes nostalgic and calming feelings reminiscent of the anime he watched growing up.
• 😀 In general, Matt has adjusted well to life in Okinawa, but some cultural differences, like the pace of life and his increased reliance on others, have also shaped his experience of living there.

Q & A

How has living in Okinawa affected Matt's sense of safety?

Living in Okinawa has made Matt feel so safe that he has forgotten how to stay alert when traveling to less safe places. For example, he used to worry about things like theft in California, but now in Okinawa, he no longer locks his car or house and is not as concerned about safety.

What example does Matt provide to highlight the difference in safety between Okinawa and California?

Matt shares an example where his wife left her phone at a restaurant in Okinawa, and she wasn't concerned it might be stolen. When she called the restaurant the next day, they confirmed they had it. This was a stark contrast to his assumption that it would have been stolen in California.

What does Matt think about the relaxed lifestyle in Okinawa?

While Matt appreciates the relaxed lifestyle in Okinawa, he also feels that the lack of a hustle mentality can sometimes be limiting. People in Okinawa are generally content and not focused on building bigger or better things, which contrasts with Matt’s personal drive to achieve large goals.

How does Matt's sense of independence change while living in Okinawa?

Matt feels less independent in Okinawa due to his struggle with the Japanese language. He relies heavily on his wife to handle official matters, such as dealing with government documents and managing visas, which is something he is not accustomed to.

Why does Matt feel spoiled by the convenience in Okinawa?

Matt feels spoiled by the convenience in Okinawa because everything is so close by—restaurants, shops, and vending machines are easily accessible. He contrasts this with California, where he had to drive long distances to access similar conveniences.

What cultural difference does Matt highlight between Okinawa and California regarding business and residential areas?

Matt points out that Okinawa has no zoning laws separating residential and commercial areas. Businesses are scattered throughout residential neighborhoods, and people even operate businesses out of their homes. This makes it much easier for residents to access goods and services compared to California.

How has living in Okinawa influenced Matt’s emotional well-being?

Living in Okinawa has positively affected Matt's emotional well-being. He often feels good walking through the streets, enjoying the tropical environment, nature, and the ocean views, which contribute to a sense of peace and relaxation.

How does Matt feel about the tropical environment in Okinawa?

Matt loves the tropical environment in Okinawa. The lush greenery, natural beauty, and proximity to the ocean make him feel calm and content. He believes that spending time in nature, as he does in Okinawa, is beneficial for emotional health.

Does Matt miss the hustle culture of California?

Although Matt doesn't miss the hustle mentality of California, he does miss the drive and ambition that comes with it. He feels that people in Okinawa tend to be less focused on pushing for success or personal growth, which contrasts with his own ambitions.

What motivates Matt in terms of his goals and aspirations?

Matt is motivated by the desire to build something substantial that not only provides a good lifestyle for himself but also helps his family, friends, and others. He wants to create opportunities for his loved ones to travel and experience life without financial worries.