For the last month or so I’ve been regularly watching a particular YouTube channel about living in Japan as a foreigner.
Welcome to the channel. My name is Paul and I make videos about Japanese society, life, and culture from the viewpoint of a long-term foreign resident. I’ve been here for going on 20 years
Paul’s channel is Exjapter, and his channel is not a travel or tourism channel about Japan, but instead focuses on just general living topics. He doesn’t take you to interesting travel sites, or sit down to eat exotic food, or show you traditional events or festivals. Every one of his videos is just him walking through various neighborhoods with a selfie stick held in front, talking into the camera in largely unedited scenes.
Paul is originally from Wisconsin, and landed in Japan as part of the JET program (Japanese Exchange and Teaching). Initially he lived and taught in the countryside (near Mt Fuji, I think) but in the following years moved toward Tokyo, got married, and has kids. He returned to the states for grad school for a few years, and now teaches at a Tokyo university.
Sarah and I have enjoyed the videos because they stay focused, without a bunch of extra crap or cuts. The topics are more relevant to our lives at this point, though I understand that for it’s not as helpful for people coming for a vacation. I’ve only watched maybe 10 of them or so, but here are some of the videos I think might have a broader audience:
Truth about Japanese Wives
Point number 1: Apparently getting a cold or any illness is likely to make your wife angry at you.
My Most WTF Moments in Japan
Advice You Should Ignore In Japan
Tip number 1: Don’t be yourself.