Leave Tokyo & Save the Country | Japanese Regional Revitalization Experiment ★ ONLY in JAPAN
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting cities, full of entertainment, restaurants, jobs, people. Why would anyone leave this for - the countryside? Kochi prefecture is on the far side of Shikoku, famous for its mountains, rivers, forests and Pacific Ocean coast, all packed into one place. The population in decreasing, towns are decaying, but there’s a plan. We’ll visit Nyodogawa, talk with experts Alex Kerr and Violet about what more rural towns can do to attract people to see the immense beauty and leave the city in the digital age when it’s never been easier to say good bye to - Tokyo.
▶︎ Ken Mukai's Brewery BLUE BREW in Niyodogawa, Kochi:
mukaicraftbrewing.com MAP: goo.gl/maps/jFNGzbq1Cxs3CbVy8
▶︎ Rogier Uitenboogaart's KAMIKOYA Washi Paper Studio Stay & Experience
kamikoya-washi.com/en/about-k... MAP: g.page/kamikoya?share
▶︎ Alex Kerr - Author, Japanologist and more! alex-kerr.com/
▶︎ Violet Pacileo, CrossFit in Kochi, Japan: www.otoyostrength.com
00:00 Why leave Tokyo?
01:05 Welcome to Rural Japan
01:57 How he moved to Japan for Free
05:19 Ken's Plan to Revitalize the Town
07:30 Free Abandoned Houses?!
10:58 This is Car Country
12:55 Yusuhara, Kochi's Story
13:43 Move Poles & Wires Underground
15:00 Leadership & Citizens
15:48 A Global Issue - Alex Kerr Interview
18:39 Life in the Japanese Countryside of Kochi
22:33 Conclusion on Japan's Revitalization
★ The ONLY in JAPAN Animated Opening was created for John by D'ART Shtajio dartshtajio.com/
◉ Media Inquiries & Questions: Please contact me through onlyinjapan.tv
ONLY in JAPAN ® is a registered trademark - All rights reserved. John Daub has been a reporter for NHK World TV since 2008 and CZcams creator & producer of the ONLY in JAPAN ® series building a community of over 1.6M. Thanks for watching!
#onlyinjapan #KochiJapan - Zábava
There is something to be said for ‘moderately rural’. There are a lot of beautiful, rural areas in Japan that are not far from small or medium sized cities. I’ve been living is such a place for nearly 20 years now, and it’s fantastic. Not only the scenery and the cheap fresh vegetables, but also the more laid-back lifestyle. Especially if you’re raising kids…it’s just so much easier in a less urban area. ‘Inaka’ is where it’s at!
Agree, my wife and I moved from Tokyo to Ibaraki (near Tsukuba) and enjoy (and afford) a large home with a large yard and garden. The real bonus is that we are close enough to Tsukuba, Tokyo, and Narita that we dont feel too remote, I can be in Tokyo in 45 minutes. I like being close enough to trains and services (especially medical) yet we live in a little quiet neighborhood. I admit, I see places like in this video and think "what if", but the reality is that I like the blend of rural and convenience I get in Ibaraki.
@@jalanampang6338 well, I’d say ‘moderately rural’ could describe parts of it. Kind of like where I live. It’s really just a rural pocket between a bunch of cities, but all the locals are convinced we live in ‘inaka’.
@@jalanampang6338 He said moderately rural, and its more rural than Shinjuku. Granted its not deep inaka, still I have a melon farm next to me and 30 fields of lotus root 5 minutes away. Rural-ish?
@@5chevin5 Shinjuku is the urban standard so everything is more rural than that. Ibaraki is mostly rural in the north, places like Daigo-machi are beautiful. I lived in Hitachi 20 years ago. It’s Tokyo’s vegetable garden! Definitely considering a move. I’d like to drive regularly again, have places where there are fireflies and lots of crickets at night.
@@onlyinjapan Yes, I was being sarcastic about Shinjuku. Being from NYC the minute I see a farm I think Im in the countryside. I live inbetween Tsukuba and Tsuchiura, lots of small and some large farms around me, so I consider it rural, though not nearly as rural as your video. My wife and I always comment on how much we enjoy having a car and being able to keep one here as opposed to Tokyo. If needed in Tokyo I drive to just outside Ueno, park, and just train around Tokyo if need be, or take the train in relatively painlessly.
“We should buy one of these abandoned buildings and start a brewery.” I don’t know how many times I’ve said that traveling through small towns in my area. Doing just that has been something of a dream for me over the last 10 years or so. Good for Mr. Mukai for making it happen. I’ll have to head down there and check that place out one of these days. 🍻
Please do, it’s a nice spot to relax and Ken is really talkative - I had such a fun couple of days hanging out there, staying at that abandoned school across the River. I’ve seen an explosion of craft breweries in Japan so the time is now or as soon as you can!
@@onlyinjapan John, off topic but I’ve been meaning to ask you for ages, you weren’t living in Numazu in 2000-2001 were you?
I don't know if I could ever live in such a rural location, but you can't argue about the scenery you would have if you make that leap of faith. BTW I was distracted by the cat that was crossing during your introduction.
Rural life is amazing so long as you have enough income.
Clean air, open spaces, Wildlife, no crowds.
I might be willing to briefly trade it for the city for a really profitable opportunity, but you better believe I'm investing that grind with my eyes on the prize of going back to the countryside
Rural life is great as long as you are in the right community.
It’s not really that rural. It’s rural by Japanese standards but the city of Kochi had 330,000 people. The island of Shikoku which is very small has 3.8 million people. That’s not rural by most of the rest of the world’s standards. It’s also not that far from Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya.
Ive experienced both city life and rural life. They are both so different. In the cities, you can get whatever you want, whenever you want. Want some food at 2am? No problem. But in the rural parts, no chance. But the rural area has a sense of community. Everyone knows each other.
@@pulsatingsausageboy2076 It's true that those villages are "not that far from Kobe, Osaka," but getting there from either of the first two villages would take most of a day and cost over US $100 each way. The third one, Otoyo, is on a major train line (well, major speaking in Shikoku terms) but isn't NEARLY as attractive.
Wow, incredible work from the mayor, taking a big, expensive risk on improving their town! To even consider that a solution is impressive, but to follow through on the plan is just unbelievable.
I am sure by doing so much negotiating, seeing the goal and fighting for it - and making it happen - will be his life's legacy! That itself is a story. I met a lady when I was filming the opening who stopped me to say hi. She watches this show. I was hoping to get some photos or hear about how the widened street changed the city but I never heard back. I think this needed to be documented and wish I had more time to meet more people in Yusuhara to get more clips to use. Good for a part 2 some day!
@@onlyinjapanso, I didn’t realize how much I well, grew up with you. Living in Arizona all my life so far, despite being 14, the early-mid 2010s I did well, basically just watch your videos. Now that I’m older, I am a furry now, and living in the US, growing up in a car dependent nation, i well, I realized how they just… don’t work. They don’t work efficiently, and aren’t the way humanity should do infrastructure. I’m considering moving to the Netherlands when I turn 18 in 2027. Or 21 in 2030. I also am barring off my own access to cars so I don’t have them when I’m 16. This way, I am forced to live without cars, so I keep on track on moving to a non car dependent lifestyle. It’s simply better. Thanks for influencing my future life in a positive way! The thing is, what I’m going to do with jobs, is just sticking to online jobs. It works best.
Don’t need to convince me. I love the rural countryside and there are opportunities there. I really can’t wait to actually move to Japan.
I love the shot of the cat running behind you during your intro. I know how much you love animals and you couldn't see the kitty until you edited! I bet that made you smile!
It really did, a nice surprise when I started editing! I should have added a cat to the thumbnail! hahaha
Great video, John. Mountains, rivers, sea, beer - sounds ideal! When are you moving?
My thoughts exactly. 🍻
@@jalanampang6338 my wife and son might and who do you think is the boss - me? 🤣
He could do with following your video series on the how-tos when it comes to living in the country. Great house and love the work put into it!
A lot of people are following your lead Jaya!
holy shi* are u lost
I particularly respect and cheer Violet for her bravery in moving to her ancestral home to support her Mother and the disappearing town. It takes true courage and vision to actually execute on a plan this big. From one woman to another... Go Violet! Cant wait to visit! All your ancestors over the 400 years inscribed on the family tombstone are surely so proud of you!
Agreed with that Ruth! It's always good to trace your roots and supporting them.
I've been watching things about Japan again and very happy with what I'm seeing these past few years. It feels like Japan and the Japanese people are warming up to foreigners and are willing to trust and work with them more. Warms my heart and gives me more hope for the future of the world.
Out of all the YTbers I follow, Sir, the way you present, explain, the shots you take, by far supersede their content. Its always a pleasure watching your videos whether it be a main episode or a live stream. Looking forward for more such content and adventures with you ~ A follower since 2018 :)
John, excellent! Very well done. I moved in December to Kamakura from Chicago where i hope to spend the rest of my life. I’ve worked for the Japanese 41 years in the Tech Industry. Decided to retire in Japan as I wanted my wife to enjoy her goldening years with her grandson. We bought this place 2 years ago and enjoy… but we’re actually having this countryside discussion as we speak. I actually think you can expand on this topic. As an American… I see extreme value in life in the countryside and would be happy to reverse the current trend. Again thanks! Great work here!
The land is beautiful and the story is inspiring. I have a business in Hawaii and one of my dreams is to open in Japan. I will get there one day and this video reminded me to not stop. Thanks John 🤙
Howzit! Please join us in Japan!
I live in Tokyo but will be leaving once I retire to the country side in Shikoku. I really want to help my wife's hometown since it too has not much going for it. I plan to open a pizzeria/cafe which everyone can come and get together. Some of the youth there are trying really hard to bring businesses back to the country side and I intend to help with that!
Nice to see someone talking about this issue. I'm currently living and studying in Tokyo. Before I came to Japan 2 years ago, I was strangely concerned about this very issue. It's a shame to see so many beautiful towns dying and disappearing. Because my student Visa is getting ready to expire, I will have to return to the US. I am very fond of the people and culture and I would LOVE to stay in Japan but I don't quite fit into the requirements. I'm retired, so I'm not keen on starting another career, I'm not married to a Japanese citizen and I can't afford to go to school forever. But your story has given me a glimmer of hope. After I return to the US and the country opens up again, perhaps I could find my way back to one of these smaller towns to work and help with the revitalization move.
Thanks again for this story.
its not too late , download some dating apps find hanako
@@iaoshuaxd
I just love watching your videos! And what a surprise that brewer Mr. Mukai spoke perfect English. Did not see that coming. Lol.
To be fair, it was mentioned that he is an American who moved there :D
He's American lol...
@@saitodosan9377 I realized that after he spoke. Wasn't expecting it. Did you when you first saw this video?
@@raymondcenteno5835 True. But as mentioned. At first sight, was not expecting him to sound the way he did. In Hawaii, there are countless people who look a certain ethnicity but sound nothing like how they look.
Alex Kerr's book "Another Kyoto" is a wonderful introduction to the architecture and design of Japanese buildings, shrines and temples, especially those in Kyoto. It made a real difference to understanding what we were seeing there.
Agreed very much
I would give up all splendors of a big city to live in rural japan. I'm in love with their natural beauty.
I think it would be fun to move to Japan and help one these small towns.
This could be a new opportunity, " Japan country living " hiking, camping, food, housing, topics that could easy keep you busy. Possibly a new show on NHK!!
ive always been surprised more people dont live in rural areas, especially now with a lot more remote work, The young generation complains they cant afford to live in tokyo and live in tiny apartments meanwhile could be buying large houses for a fraction of the price. espeically since a lot of them move to tokyo for work but their salaries are honestly not THAT much greater depending on what they do for work.
Wholesome and so uplifting! It would be amazing to have the countryside be revitalized and have folks experience Japan outside of just the big cities. Having folks like Ken would also be great for tourism and bring in tourism revenue into these places too.
People in my country have been moving back to the countryside for the last 2 years with the advent of remote work, towns that were dead are breathing again, not only bad things came with the pandemic.
That public library is so nice! I never attracted to live in a big city like Tokyo and would wholeheartedly agree to relocate in such a rural area if I can continue to work remotely.
Really enjoyed this. Alex Kerr has indeed written some great books on Japan, cool to see him in this video.
These places have a very Colorado feel to them. Especially that brewery. I grew up in Colorado so I'm used to have multiple craft breweries in the same city.
It's mountainous, clear, looks so lovely. If I had the money and such, I'd live in Yasuhara, so pretty.
Colorado is on my list of travel destinations for just that reason. Japan has definitely been developing, brewery-wise, but it’s slow going. Outside of the major urban areas, there just aren’t many people who have much awareness or interest in craft beer. But things here are definitely moving in a good direction.
How interesting. I just moved to Colorado last year. It's cool seeing the mountains from almost anywhere in the area I live
Yusuhara is really such a dream, that perfect balance between the conveniences of a town and the peace of the countryside!
You have a very pronounced affection for this kind of living, John. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you and the family moved to such a place in 20 years...or maybe tomorrow.
Awesome vid as always.
The interview at the end was very insightful for both the pragmatic challenges (access to high-quality services) and pragmatic solutions (online shopping!).
I have enjoyed the latest videos like these, the format is different there more informative and structured keep them up, I would love to live in a rural community in Japan, I live in a semi rural place in Australia and love it. Living out of the city is so much better for your physical and mental well-being especially if you have children
You gotta put you and your family first. From an entertainment angle, I'm over Tokyo. I've been watching Jvlogs from the beginning of Jvlog time, and I'm hungry for something different.
Also, I am so glad some people are taking the leap and going into rural areas. Also. I never thought about the conservative view of retaining family land.
After being “trapped” here for most of the last 2 years, I’m over it too although it’s home, stories of Tokyo will be fewer on this channel. It’s been picked over 10x over.
I would absolutely love to live there!!
Great job showing the area. Everyone seemed so welcoming.
A another great episode John makes want to move to the countryside.😀
I could absolutely live somewhere extremely rural. Would love to spend a few years exploring the Japanese country side. So gorgeous.
I've watched a lot of videos about abandoned villages and those that are on their way to ending up the same and it sounds sad that it's a thing but I understand why people are leaving. I'm happy to hear that there are those who haven't given up yet and are doing something about it. I do wish that not everything changes drastically as I also understand why keeping parts of the past is important. It'll be sad if everything from back then is lost. I hope for the best though! Good luck to them all.
Great episode John. Really enjoy it👍
Editing was great! Audio editing in a particular was very pleasing.
John kills it ever single video. Thanks for introducing us to Ken and Kochi prefecture!
Fantastic! The beautiful countryside is very enticing! Now we all really want to visit there. Thank you SO much for sharing this with us.
I don't know how he does it, but the quality of this footage is just beyond belief, so crisp and clean, I never saw something liek this on YT, I wonder if it's just a good camera or the encoding he is doing or what exactly, good job John!
Amazing work.. Thank you for sharing it ✌️
This is one of your best videos yet and most impactful.
It's been a dream of mine for a long time to own a small apple orchard in someplace like this- 'moderately rural'. I appreciate you making this video, it allows me to see one example of what things might look like in the end. And I like how they look! :) Now, back to work...
Try this, (2013) Kiseki no Ringo (Mirracle Apples)
Having a purpose to live that type of lifestyle, clearly makes the difference. Fantastic job on this one. Cheers!
I love Ken's "style" - I think it comes from lecturing.. not too fast, I can imagine sitting in his class. This is a fabulous story, thnx!
I've been looking forward to this kind of content again.
I love how people are so passionate in talking about their towns! I just love the library!! 😍 I might consider moving to Kochi when I retire?! So beautiful!! And they have delicious food too. And now, yummy craft beer! 🍺
Kochi is the adventure sport capital of Japan. The nature is pristine and seeing the old towns making bigger efforts to modernize, that is a lot of reason to consider it. Like the Vermont or New Hampshire of Japan. Kochi airport also has budget flights from the Mega-cities Osaka and Tokyo, new highways and infrastructure to/from there so it’s sure up and coming! The food 😋 seals the deal for many!
Kochi is such a great place. The Nature, the people and the harmony. I like that.
I recently had to move from my rural home to an urban area. I miss the peace, the quiet, and the nature. The noise from the traffic bangs around in my head and raises my stress level. Convenience is nice, but I'll take the extra drive time any day. Thanks for the video John 🌸
Yusuhara scenery and layout from above really reminds of the town of Gatlinburg Tennessee for some reason.
I was in Shikoku 2019 and wow, how beautiful it is ! I'm looking foward to visit Japan (and Shikoku ) once more in 2024 if nothing else interupt my plans, Japan is such a faschinating country. I love Japan !!
Kochi lady.. good luck with your dream. so love the Library I remember the young family that lived in Otoyo with her boys that enjoy the river thx John
The kids have grown a lot too! I’m happy Violet has pushed ahead with her CrossFit in Otoyo and will go for a visit again soon :) see how things change over the years,
Another quality production, John! I'm very curious to try out Blue Brew's own brew!
I lived and worked in shikoku for a year right near the yoshino when I first came to Japan 7 years ago. Rafting everyday in that beautiful river was the best and the jungle mountains and scenic drives are breathtaking. Such a nice place and great to see more foreigners there doing what they can to modernise it.
Great video John!
0:23 cute cat haha
I dunno, John -- if you have easy access to Tokyo and north for gigs, you might settle in Kochi. You clearly love the prefecture and city from the many livestreams you've done from there. It is pristine and still has many of the things about "old Japan" (I guess Showa-era) preserved. And the arts and crafts of the region are just wonderful....
Awesome episode. Please keep putting out content like this.
John, will you ever revisit Tokyo Llama and see what the renovated abandoned houses looks like? I really love that episode from start to finish and sometimes I go back to watch because there's a sense of curiosity within me.
rural vs urban is about convenience vs inconvenience, always
love this topic, my goal is live in the mountain-side while working in nearby city
Also job opportunities and income potential.
Education for kids as well.
That said, small class size and few teachers probably doesn't necessarily mean poor education outcome.
It might leave more room for parents to influence the curriculum and style of learning. Maybe a more customized learning experience.
What a beautifully shot video!
Would love to come settle there.... One day will visit for sure.
Japan is beautiful. The people humble. I was lucky to visit a half a dozen times. Its nice to watch it through your eyes in these times
Another great episode in Kochi John! I will be talking with Bobby Okinaka also in Niyodogawa where Ken Mukai of Mukai Craft Brewery is - I enjoyed talking with Ken on my show last year as well as Violet and Alex Kerr this year, they all have such great insights into how to revive these rural Kochi areas. I'm looking forward to hearing what Bobby has to say today as well.
Thanks! Have to shine a light on people doing great things. It’s takes a lot of work to make changes in rural Japan and it’s very good to see success stories that help small towns understand how it can impact them too. Keep up the great work!
@@onlyinjapan YOU are also doing great work to help promote the lesser known gems of Japan John! I would love to talk with you sometime on my live talkshow if you ever have a free hour to give some insights on your story and the projects you get the most enthusiastic about in Japan
Alex Kerr
I was a huge honor to have him on the show to talk about this. I hope to go over and visit Chiiori Trust in Iya this year. Fascinating 300 year old Edo-era homes with a story!
I am a total fan too!
John, this was my favorite video of yours by far. The reporting, the spotlight you put on these communities; the very real challenges they face along with the hope of the future... I'm a year or so away from moving to rural Japan myself, and I am in tears wanting to be there sooner. Thank you for this video and the attention you are bringing to rural Japan.
Kochi, lovely, natural beauty and crystal clear waters. Nice mixture of old and new in Yusuhara.
If i ever want to settle in Japan i would love to settle in the rural area, but as i am trying to find an university there, rural area would not be that good for now, but hope i could complete my education and move to Japan as it is my dream country.🥰
Just recently subscribed to this channel and I love it! Great job!! ❤❤
This is awesome, I would move to rural Japan in a heartbeat.
Love the editing and the content, truly hard work! Kudos John!
i miss japan so much😢😢😢i hope i can come back,thankyou so much your vlog make me genki ,,😊😊🙋🙋
Great quality and informative video here.
Yayy! New video every week. Thanks john 😍
I've been watching your videos for several years and have to say this is my favorite one yet. I'd love to see more content like this episode. Thanks for making them!
Ami’s eyes are absolutely mesmerizing.
As always, amazing video. I learn so much about Japan (my 5 years here doesn't scratch the surface) and you present the feeling of living here (both positive and occasionally the honest challenges) in a very organic and approachable way. I was watching your channel while I was "stuck" back in the US awaiting my return to Japan and I thought once I got back I would stop, but I still watch all the time, thank you John.
Wow John, I really appreciate all the effort that went into this video! Keep up the exceptional work!!
John, great video. If I had the choice between town and country life I would defiantly head for the country, but you have to look at your circumstances, schools for Leo, what could Kanai turn her hand to, and what would be the affect to your work life? If I were in your place you need a long chat to the other half, throw different scenarios around with a lot of what if's and how would we, and then just take your time. Lots of research, which we know you are good at. It is a massive step to move from the convenience of a modern city like Tokyo and move back in time, but it comes down to what is best for your family, that's No1, then what's good for me. I wish you the best of luck getting that lot sorted. Keep up the good work John, you have one of the best channels, if not the best channels on the tube.
John, your videos are getting so much better by the day. Great stories! Great story telling! Keep em coming!
Love your videos John! With 4 kids here, it sure is tempting to move to the countryside!
wow John, amazing video. Such a great interesting topic about such an unknown little area of Japan. You make everything so much more entertaining, thank you for all the videos you've made over the years! Always happy when a new video like this drops :)
This is like equivalent to TV level production quality. Your videos are amazing!
Really loved this episode, keep em coming, really interesting and well researched, on a topic not really talked about
Another very well produced video, hoping you reach 500K this year.
This was such am amazing and fascinating video!!
Just such a different perspective and insight.
I love this idea of modernizing BUT keeping the "old" in these small towns! not everyone wants to live in a big bussling city but having these modern touches, makes the younger generations wanting to live in these rural towns
John this is excellent .glad you are back making this type of content
One of my favorite things about this channel is the ability to tell a good story. Keep it up, John!
This video was FANTASTIC and I feel like its something that only you could have made (its a perfect mix of your passion, connections, and interviewing expertise). Really, incredible job and can't wait for more.
John, this episode is just simply amazing. Thank you for doing it. It's so informative, entertaining, important. And strictly as a CZcams video it's just awesome.
Wow Mr. Daub your video quality and production just keeps getting better and better. Awesome work!
This is actually what I want to do after I graduate from college. I’ve been there once and I’ve always wanted to return to stay. I just don’t know what I myself could contribute to make it worthwhile for where I choose to settle down. It’s not a glamorous or opulent life, but it’s opportunity that I wouldn’t have here where I live now.
Your beautiful video moved me John! Seeing the stunning countryside through your lens and story telling is amazing. For my next visit to Shikoku, I shall do it at a more leisurely pace to soak in all the inspiring scenery and unique culture. I am also enticed to get a countryside house in Japan to retire :)
This was very inspiring and gave me a lot of hope which I needed the most for these past few years. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your dedication , John！And for all the people who are in this video., too.
Thank you John. This was very educational and I thought about something like this in my mother's hometown near Aizu.
Also cat timing in the intro was 😸
Such a gorgeous place and bringing in tourists will only lead to more jobs and hopefully more residents. Great initiative and hopefully it works out. ☺️👍🏻
Hello John, greetings from Toronto Canada, I've been your subscriber for 6 years now and I enjoyed all your vlogs. But I'll be honest with you, I missed this kind of contents..the original Only in Japan, where you describe the surroundings with enthusiasm and professionalism. A very contagious feeling. You virtually bring us on the spot and learned a lot! I thank you so much for that..from the bottom of my hearth. Looking forward to seeing more of this😉
John, you did it again. Keep up the great work. Looking forward the next project.
Be careful what you wish for, future people will migrate to little oasis as these in the mountains, for spiritual and self healing of mind and body, it has natural tranquility space, love it, John this is a great piece.
This is a really helpful & important story about rural Japan. Thank you John 👍
Great video John! Always intrigued by your scripted content.
Great video as always John! As much as I like the livestreams, I got introduced to OiJ through these format. I missed it a lot!