
The Struggles of Life in Japan | Trash Taste #2


[02:39 - 02:44]


[05:17 - 05:22]Introduction to Trash Taste Podcast, episode 2


[05:17 - 05:22]Connor from C.O. & Dog VA, Joey from Anime Man join as guests


[05:17 - 05:22]Joey gives Garnt a bottle of Barolo wine


[06:02 - 06:08]Garnt got into wine from reading Drops of God manga


[06:09 - 06:16]Moved to Japan 8 months ago, doesn't feel like it


[06:16 - 06:25]Fell asleep in bath with nosebleed, woke up scared


[06:16 - 06:25]Wine on flights is usually bad, especially when watching food shows


[06:38 - 06:44]Haven't been in Tokyo since quarantine started


[06:50 - 06:56]Garnt's birthday celebrations, hungover


[06:57 - 07:04]Everything not fully open yet, but slowly getting back to normal


[07:11 - 07:18]Living in Japan topic discussion


[07:18 - 07:29]Connor lived in Japan for 4 years, has family here


[00:00 - 07:29]Guests join Trash Taste podcast, discuss living in Japan for 8 months, Garnt's birthday celebrations, Joey gives wine gift, lived in Japan for 4 years, family here.


[07:29 - 07:45] The speaker had previously mentioned wanting to move to Japan after university, when they had around 20-30 thousand subscribers on YouTube.


[07:45 - 07:56]They were interning at a Japanese IT company during their second year of university, but the company is now defunct.


[08:02 - 08:10]Moving to Japan would be a natural path for the speaker, who is fluent in both English and Japanese.


[08:10 - 08:16]Knowing both languages is an advantage for job opportunities, particularly in the anime and manga industry.


[09:02 - 09:11]The speaker's original plan was to work at an IT company in Japan after getting their degree, but their YouTube channel blew up in their third year of university.


[12:12 - 12:22]The speaker had experience living in Thailand for three years before moving to Japan.


[12:31 - 12:37]The speaker and their friends had previously discussed the idea of moving to Japan, but the speaker was hesitant due to the need for social interaction.


[12:31 - 12:37]The speaker's ultimate decision to move to Japan was the last big move before possibly settling in one place.


[13:48 - 13:58]The speaker and their friends have noticed a decrease in their excitement for traveling due to the amount of time spent traveling for work.


[14:36 - 14:47]Traveling frequently for work can become draining, no matter how exciting it may seem.


[07:29 - 14:47]The speaker had previously considered moving to Japan after university, but their YouTube channel became successful in their third year. They ultimately decided to move to Japan, despite their hesitation about social interaction, as it was the last big move they wanted to make before settling down.


[18:39 - 18:44]Offer to move to Japan presented during a Book Walker meeting


[19:15 - 19:28]Question of moving to Japan brought up in a hypothetical sense


[19:58 - 20:05]Offer becomes more serious and concrete after a few months


[20:31 - 20:38]Both speakers had wanted to move to Japan for a while


[20:54 - 21:02]Worries about the moving process and what goes on in the back end


[21:17 - 21:40]Visiting Japan multiple times gave an advantage


[21:41 - 21:50]Moving to Japan often has different expectations versus just visiting


[22:01 - 22:14]The mentality of moving to Japan because of liking anime is not present for the speakers


[14:47 - 22:14]Offer to move to Japan presented during a Book Walker meeting and becomes more serious after a few months, with both speakers wanting to move to Japan for a while. Visiting Japan multiple times gave an advantage, but moving to Japan often has different expectations than just visiting. The mentality of moving to Japan because of liking anime is not present for the speakers.


[22:14 - 22:19]Moving to Japan for the sole purpose of anime is not a realistic dream


[22:19 - 22:40]Exposure to anime has not increased significantly compared to living in Thailand


[22:51 - 22:57]Watching anime on TV is not possible due to language barrier and sporadic airing schedule


[25:11 - 25:16]Initial hesitation to move to Japan due to lack of knowledge and purpose


[25:11 - 25:16]Changed mindset after finding out a friend was also moving to Japan


[25:27 - 25:35]Moving to Japan is easier for those with Japanese passport or a working holiday visa


[26:22 - 26:30]Visa process is difficult for most foreigners


[27:34 - 27:47]Finding an apartment in Japan is extremely difficult, especially for freelancers and non-Japanese speakers


[29:14 - 29:19]Most landlords require proof of stable income and proper trash sorting skills


[22:14 - 29:30]Moving to Japan for anime is not realistic, exposure to anime has not increased, difficulty finding an apartment, easier for those with Japanese passport or working holiday visa.


[29:55 - 30:05] Japanese rental process is tedious and complex


[33:21 - 33:26]Options for renting in Japan: difficult process or paying a lot of money


[34:06 - 34:17]Going through an agency specializing in foreigners is more expensive


[34:06 - 34:17]Applying for a working visa can be a long and stressful process


[34:30 - 34:39]Some European countries have more thorough processes without the same concerns


[34:30 - 34:39]Guarantor solves this issue, but still a concern for some


[34:30 - 34:39]No risk in any business venture in Japan


[34:30 - 34:39]Need to prove a good reason for working in Japan


[34:56 - 35:02]Only one embassy in the UK for getting a visa


[35:26 - 35:32]Lost passport before picking up visa from embassy


[35:26 - 35:32]Mental breakdown when passport couldn't be found


[35:47 - 35:53]Building managers' concern: running away without paying rent


[35:47 - 35:53]Months of work and other people's efforts are at stake


[35:53 - 35:59]Need to provide evidence of valuable work and achievements


[36:05 - 36:16]Long waiting times and expensive travel for some


[29:30 - 36:23]Japanese rental and visa processes are tedious, expensive, and lack risk. Applying for a working visa involves providing evidence of valuable work and achievements, waiting a long time, and traveling to the only embassy in the UK. Losing a passport can cause a mental breakdown and jeopardize months of effort.


[36:57 - 37:03] Couldn't find passport and had to scramble to get a new one


[37:08 - 37:14]Stressful experience and caused a breakdown


[39:06 - 39:13]Degree helps with the visa process in strict countries like Japan


[39:41 - 39:53]Teaching English is an easy way to transition into living in Japan


[40:59 - 41:09]Pros and cons of living in Japan


[41:57 - 42:05]Discrimination in Japan is more xenophobia rather than racism


[42:30 - 42:46]Difficulties in finding an apartment as a non-Japanese speaker


[42:46 - 42:52]Company backing can help with finding an apartment


[36:23 - 42:52]Overall, the experience of living in Japan can be challenging but also rewarding.


[42:53 - 42:58]Narrator discusses the difficulty of writing his name in Kanji


[43:34 - 43:44]Narrator shares experiences of being mistaken for a foreigner or not taken seriously as a Japanese person


[43:46 - 43:53]Narrator talks about being Japanese but not looking it


[44:25 - 44:44]Discussion of older Japanese generation's lack of exposure to foreigners and outside world


[44:49 - 44:57]Mention of Japanese TV being trashy and not representative of real life


[45:32 - 45:40]Narrator reflects on how many YouTubers don't address this issue


[46:39 - 46:45]Narrator shares personal experience of being questioned by police because of his appearance


[49:24 - 49:32]Discussion of privilege and xenophobia towards foreigners in Japan


[49:24 - 49:32]Discussion of white privilege and how it relates to being a foreigner in Japan


[49:24 - 49:32]Difficulty of discussing controversial topics as a foreigner in Japan


[49:24 - 49:32]Narrator's final thoughts on the common occurrence of discrimination towards foreigners in Japan.


[42:53 - 49:59]The narrator discusses the challenges of living in Japan as a foreigner, including difficulties with language and appearance, experiences of discrimination and prejudice, and the lack of understanding and exposure towards foreigners in the older Japanese generation. The narrator also reflects on the lack of representation of these issues in media, and the challenges of discussing controversial topics as a foreigner in Japan.


[54:17 - 54:33]Moving to Japan comes with many surprises and differences in culture and business practices


[54:33 - 54:40]The process of getting a gym membership in Japan is much more formal and time-consuming than in other countries


[54:40 - 54:52]Japanese businesses operate at a much slower pace and have many layers of permission and bureaucracy


[55:06 - 55:12]Overall, living in Japan reveals the many intricacies and inefficiencies that are hidden from tourists


[55:13 - 55:20]Contracts and agreements in Japan often include unnecessary and confusing fees, such as key money


[56:17 - 56:26]These fees and processes can be a barrier for homeless individuals trying to secure housing


[49:59 - 57:01]Moving to Japan comes with many cultural differences and bureaucratic challenges, such as slow business practices and unnecessary fees, that can be barriers for individuals trying to secure housing.


[57:26 - 57:32] The speaker discusses the high cost of living in Japan and how it is solidified that they will not be leaving because of the cost.


[57:47 - 57:53]They mention that it takes a minimum of two years to stay in one place and that even then, the cost is still high.


[58:50 - 58:59]They mention that living frugally in Japan is not too difficult and that convenience stores are within a 100 meter radius and offer everything one could need.


[1.00:02 - 1.00:08]The speaker talks about how they initially didn't understand why people say Japan is an expensive place, but now they do due to the high cost of rent.


[1.00:02 - 1.00:08]They mention how in the UK, they would buy a new printer instead of ink because it was cheaper.


[1.00:02 - 1.00:08]The speaker talks about how in Japan, the convenience of being able to print documents at a convenience store is unmatched.


[1.00:09 - 1.00:14]The speaker expresses their love for convenience stores and how they can print documents there for a cheap price.


[1.01:39 - 1.01:45]They mention that either things in Japan work exceedingly well or not at all.


[1.01:39 - 1.01:45]The dichotomy of maintaining tradition and culture in Japan is discussed.


[1.02:44 - 1.02:50]The speaker talks about how web design in Japan is outdated and cluttered.


[1.03:15 - 1.03:23]The convenience stores in Japan are the only ones that truly live up to their name.


[1.03:15 - 1.03:23]They mention the food in Japan is amazing and how it is always guaranteed to be good.


[1.03:15 - 1.03:23]In Japan, you are never overcharged for food.


[57:01 - 1.03:56]The speaker discusses the high cost of living in Japan and how it is solidified that they will not be leaving because of the cost. They also discuss the convenience of living in Japan and the amazing food. They mention the outdated web design and the dichotomy of maintaining tradition and culture. Overall, the speaker is enamored with Japan and its many conveniences, but acknowledges its flaws.


[1.03:56 - 1.04:08] Overcharged for food experience and taste


[1.04:08 - 1.04:17]Harsh words to mom for bland food


[1.04:17 - 1.04:25]Combini food better than restaurant food


[1.04:25 - 1.04:37]Japan's cheaper to eat out than cook


[1.05:58 - 1.06:04]Vegetables and fruits expensive


[1.06:41 - 1.06:47]Weird obsession with fruits and their prefectures


[1.08:12 - 1.08:32]Weight loss culture in Japan


[1.10:16 - 1.10:24]Fruit elitism and expensive homegrown fruits


[1.10:47 - 1.10:59]Dieting even though considered healthy


[1.10:47 - 1.10:59]Preconception of easy weight loss in Japan


[1.10:59 - 1.11:08]Unhealthy options available on menus


[1.03:56 - 1.11:08]Japan's food culture involves overcharging for taste and experience, cheaper to eat out than cook, expensive fruits and vegetables, obsession with fruits and their prefectures, and weight loss culture despite being considered healthy.


[1.11:08 - 1.11:19]The speaker discusses the misconception that Japanese food is healthier


[1.11:26 - 1.11:37]They mention that traditional Japanese food can be healthier, but it's more about portion sizes


[1.11:37 - 1.11:43]The combination of foods in Japan is not always healthy, but it is delicious


[1.11:49 - 1.11:54]The speaker talks about how the perceived thinness in Japan is more due to lifestyle and exercise rather than just food


[1.12:07 - 1.12:13]They mention that people in Japan tend to eat lighter meals for breakfast and lunch, with business meals being an exception


[1.13:04 - 1.13:10]The speaker talks about the struggle of finding good bread and cheese in Japan


[1.15:38 - 1.15:46]They mention that there are more variations of natto (a type of fermented soybeans) than cheese in Japan


[1.16:04 - 1.16:10]The speaker shares their personal experience with trying new foods in Japan


[1.16:42 - 1.16:58]They mention that there are more vegetarian and vegan options in Japan now due to the increasing number of foreigners


[1.16:58 - 1.17:04]They also mention their love for fish, particularly salmon, and how it is readily available in Japan


[1.17:11 - 1.17:18]The speaker discusses their love for sushi and how they eat it frequently


[1.17:57 - 1.18:08]The speaker talks about how they have developed a habit of eating fish in Japan


[1.11:08 - 1.18:08]Overall, Japan's food culture is a combination of healthy and indulgent options, with the emphasis being on lifestyle and exercise rather than just diet.


[1.18:08 - 1.18:14] Pizza potato is a popular dish in Japan.


[1.18:21 - 1.18:29]Japanese food culture is diverse and extends beyond just sushi.


[1.18:29 - 1.18:36]Italian food in Japan is consistently good.


[1.19:02 - 1.19:07]Chinese food in the UK is not good.


[1.20:06 - 1.20:20]Amazon's English settings and Google Translate are helpful for navigating Japanese websites and forms.


[1.22:23 - 1.22:32]English support is limited in Japan, making it difficult to live there without knowledge of the language.


[1.22:23 - 1.22:32]It is possible to live in Japan without knowing Japanese, but it would be difficult without assistance.


[1.22:32 - 1.22:40]Japan is different to live in as a resident compared to visiting as a tourist.


[1.22:41 - 1.22:47]Registering with the town hall and dealing with administrative tasks can be overwhelming without help.


[1.18:08 - 1.25:06]Overall, living in Japan without knowledge of the language can be a challenging experience.


[1.25:06 - 1.25:19] Amazon Japan is similar to Amazon UK, with English support.


[1.28:20 - 1.28:28]When moving to Japan, make sure the apartment has AC.


[1.28:54 - 1.29:03]Akihabara is a mecca for anime fans, but there are other areas in Tokyo with a more diverse range of activities.


[1.31:02 - 1.31:08]Akihabara is not as convenient for shopping as expected, and online shopping is often cheaper.


[1.31:08 - 1.31:20]Akihabara stores often have multiple stories and tightly packed goods.


[1.31:08 - 1.31:20]Akihabara is an overwhelming and unique experience for anime fans.


[1.31:49 - 1.31:55]Used items in Japan are often in immaculate condition.


[1.25:06 - 1.31:55]Amazon Japan is convenient, Akihabara is not, make sure apartment has AC, Akihabara is overwhelming for anime fans.


[1.32:07 - 1.32:16]The speaker talks about their experience buying a used fridge in Japan through Craigslist.


[1.32:33 - 1.32:39]They were told about "Sayonara sales," where people sell their belongings before moving out of Japan.


[1.33:09 - 1.33:14]The speaker bought a fridge and a laundry machine for a cheap price.


[1.33:44 - 1.33:50]The person who sold the fridge was angry that the speaker didn't pay an extra fee for installation, causing tension.


[1.36:09 - 1.36:18]The speaker found cockroaches in the fridge and had to thoroughly clean their entire apartment to get rid of them.


[1.37:06 - 1.37:13]The speaker did not receive a strong reaction from others when announcing their move to Japan.


[1.37:32 - 1.37:38]People assumed the speaker was chasing a "wee dream" by moving to Japan and that they could already speak Japanese.


[1.31:55 - 1.38:25]The speaker discusses buying a used fridge in Japan and the assumptions and reactions they received when moving there. They also mention experiencing tension with the seller and finding cockroaches in the fridge.


[1.38:38 - 1.38:46]Discussion about moving to Japan and being a YouTuber


[1.38:46 - 1.38:54]Obtaining a visa for being a "super weeb"


[1.40:36 - 1.40:41]Difficulty of doing business in Japan


[1.41:22 - 1.41:30]Difficulty of learning Japanese


[1.41:22 - 1.41:30]Making connections and learning new skills in Japan


[1.41:31 - 1.41:38]Being one of the first YouTubers to move to Japan


[1.42:04 - 1.42:12]Language barrier


[1.44:41 - 1.44:49]Desire to continue exploring Japan and learning the language


[1.45:11 - 1.45:19]Goal of being able to participate in conversations and understand kanji


[1.38:26 - 1.45:25]Discussion about moving to Japan as a YouTuber, obtaining a visa for being a "super weeb", challenges of learning Japanese and doing business in Japan, making connections and learning new skills, and the desire to continue exploring Japan and improving language skills.


[1.48:44 - 1.49:00]The speaker talks about Japan being like a second home to them and how they will miss the friendliness and openness of British culture.


[1.49:00 - 1.49:08]They discuss the possibility of their feelings towards Japan changing over time.


[1.49:08 - 1.49:14]The speaker's fiance, Sydney, sang the opening and ending of an anime at a company party and received positive reactions.


[1.49:54 - 1.50:00]They end the podcast discussing the good and bad sides of Japan, and how overall, the people are very nice.


[1.50:56 - 1.51:01]The speaker mentions the subreddit and Twitter account for the podcast and encourages community involvement.


[1.45:25 - 1.51:35]The podcast ends with the hosts thanking each other and saying they will see each other in the next episode. Overall, the speaker discusses their experiences in Japan and the positive aspects of the country, as well as their thoughts on possibly calling it home in the future. They also share a funny anecdote about their fiance singing anime songs at a company party. The podcast ends with a call for community involvement and a friendly exchange between the hosts.