How Has Japan Changed? 2002-2026

Comments · 282

• NE

  @neenerheaddj · 1 month ago

  Thanks for doing what you do, Paul. I’m just a wistful American looking in with little hope at this point of moving my family there, but I appreciate the thoughtful way you explore topics on your channel. I’ve found it very helpful and heartening to hear your perspective. :)

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• RC

  @rchurricane · 1 month ago

  Your love for Japan is unconditional. Bravo.

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• BO

  @bobbyranger4164 · 1 month ago

  As a 20-year veteran living in Japan, I think this video is fantastic—you nailed exactly how much things have changed!

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• JO

  @joedelmaestro5135 · 1 month ago

  Hey Paul, the best video of yours I have seen so far. You took me down memory lane that hit home and is exactly what I sent through in the 80s and 90s living with my Japanese wife and our three boys. I left five years before you arrived after a 20 year gig there. Japan has changed a lot for sure, but there is always a part of the culture that remains and keeps people staying, wanting to be there, or coming back after they've left. One new phase that you may go through is when your children reach that age where their future has to be considered. I left Japan for that reason as I felt my kids would have a better future in an open society western country like the States, Canada, or Australia. They were in high school.  Not sure if that is the case today. I have missed Japan all these years although I have gone back almost every year since I left. Sometimes I envy you for still living the dream I had 45 years ago. "Kansha" 感謝 to you for soldiering on in the hot, humid Japanese summer to give us your message.

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• TY

  @TylerNash-1031 · 1 month ago

  Paul, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this channel and sharing your experiences! I've always loved Japan and fulfilled my dream of moving there this past September. I really thought that I was going to want to stay forever, but ended up leaving after 6 months after some very extensive soul searching. Six months may not seem like a long time, but I made the decision with a clear mind and awakened heart. Your videos made me realize that some of the realities of Japan were not aligned with me and that I ultimately didn't want to live there long term. Regardless, I'll always love Japan and I'm continuing to study Japanese and delving deeper into the beautiful parts of the culture. It will always be a part of me. The experience also inspired me to start my own YouTube channel a couple of months ago and Japan is one of my content pillars. Once again, thanks for all you do and I have no doubt that you're changing Japan for the better just by you being there. Your soul knows you're meant to help Japan! All the best to you!😊♥

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• SU

  @SutogoIchigo · 1 month ago (edited)

  Paul. I dont always comment but I always watch. You and Sundai Love are my two favorite Americans living in Japan YouTubers. You in particular, standout out from other youtubers for your pretty much nonbiased unique perspectives and consistent interesting topics. I hope your channel keeps growing and evolving. <br>PS I am watching from Atlanta Georgia by way of Brooklyn New York. Okay now that I have gotten that off my chest, I can watch the video😁🍿

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• LE

  @leonasceramics · 3 weeks ago (edited)

  I love your honesty and the tone and content of your videos. Please keep it up! And thank you for sharing these deep insights and for taking us along on your walks.

• BE

  @benjaminfunk168 · 1 month ago

  The English signage in Tokyo really struck a chord with me. &nbsp;When I was with a tour back in 2005, I remember traveling from Tachikawa to Tokyo by myself on our free day with very limited Japanese, and it was a challenge. &nbsp; &nbsp;The main train lines weren&apos;t too bad with a good paper map, but I remember a lot of the Kanji matching you mentioned when going on the subway lines. &nbsp;I actually loved the challenge back then, but it sure is easier to access far more places (especially those not on the regular tourist tracks) now.

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• TR

  @trevor972m4 · 1 month ago

  Not just Japan, the world in general has changed. The peace dividend ran out and there are wars every where.

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• SV

  @svenpuetter · 1 month ago

  Hey Paul,<br>My name is Sven (M70) a 13-year ex-resident (surfer/university-level English teacher) of Japan: 1986-1999. Your insights are always interesting. From this particular piece, clearly many things have/are changing: Japanese society as a whole, but it seems that on an individual level, some things remain the same. Your chats and mindset make me feel as though I never left: Im literally right back there. We left for the sake of the children, but I still miss Kamakura, and its green hills!

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• VI

  @victorbalakine5133 · 1 month ago

  Every time I stumble upon on of those videos you mentioned I remember your channel and think to myself - they don’t hold a candle to you, Paul san.

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• MR

  @MrGundawindy · 1 month ago

  Shout out for the JET programme shirt. 😂😂😂

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