Thankfully we can and will create a community that’s needed for her and all of us in Japan! 💛 Change is hard but it doesn’t mean it can’t be a positive thing!
You have the right attitude. You are a dynamic family with good solidarity, best foundation for going out and having experiences. While Germany will miss such a lovely family, I wish you the best and keep filming!
It sounds exciting and Japan is great! But it's really sad for Willa. She will lose all her german and probably won't learn that much japanese, since it's much more unlikely for her to be able to immerse into the normal japanese culture and life. I guess her further upbringing will be much more like in the US, except for geographically being in a different place... Your home in Germany was so cozy, Tokyo region will be a huge difference! I wish you all the best!
Oh wow, what a great adventure! I'm so happy for you! I'm a little shocked by the amount of negative comments, please don't let them bring you down. You're a very lovely family and I'm sure you all will have the best time in Japan. I'm very excited and look forward to your next chapter. 💖
Aww thank you for the kindness and love 🫶 We knew people would have a difference of opinion and that’s okay. We appreciate the honesty so it really makes us think about the decision. We can say, it definitely still feels like the right decision for our family. 🫶 We can’t wait to take you with us!!
We are a Japanese-German family living in Northern Germany and traveling to Tokyo every year. Besides that you guys are so likeable, we now have another reason to stay with your channel. A few recommendations near Yokosuka: Koajiro Forest in Miura-kaigan. Kamakura for beaches, a huge Buddha statue, a bunch of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, terrific cafés, a German bakery, Creme Brulee ice cream, a bamboo forest. Yokohama for Minato Mirai, red-brick warehouses and Chinatown.
What an exciting new adventure!! All the best wishes go with you. Your videos here proved how much you care for the well being of your daughters and how their needs come first whatever you're planning. I am sure you'll all be fine and will enjoy that new chapter in your life. Also Willa will cope well as long as she's with you guys. I hope this is not a "Farewell" to Germany but a "Auf Wiedersehen". It's been great to watch you guys explore and enjoy central Europe. So please come back one day.
From the German countryside to Tokyo? 😳 You're brave, the kids will have sensory overload like there's no tomorrow 😅 The summers there are really hot and humid too. Still, wishing you all the best for this new adventure! Japanese food is amazing!
Thankfully a bit outside of Tokyo! But it will definitely still be a culture shock! We are ready to take on the experience! 😊 and booooyyy we can’t wait for the food!
Traveling is great but not the same as relocating. I grew up and experienced multiple moves and it was always hard. I didn’t have a normal life until we put down roots. Same schools, friends, church etc. I still travel and love the experience but never would uproot the kids because of my desire to travel. I do wish you the best.
Congrats and good luck! Aged 5 I was put in an American school in Paris without any knowledge of English (as a Swede). I've been told I cried every night for over a month but after about 6 weeks I started getting the hang of the language and I was fine. So a rocky start isn't unlikely and shouldn't put you off.
I've followed your travels and growing family since you arrived in Germany. It's remarkable how much of Europe you have explored while also maintaining a professional career and all, including Willa, are to be commended for throwing yourselves into the German lifestyle. Your videos are consistently entertaining and technically excellent, so I am much looking forward to continuing adventures in Japan. A super modern country in many ways, yet with deep cultural links with the past, your commentary on life in Japan will no doubt be fascinating. Having experienced a German sauna, a Japanese onsen will hold no fears for you.
Japan this will be a culture shock for sure. Mr Nippon a German Living in Japan makes good Videos. I watched a few Videos about Japan. Its not my world. I hope you will be happy there!
Thank you! We will have to check out his channel! Thankfully we will have resources through tanners work to help make the transition smoother and to help us create a community of people in similar situations!
Yeah! So excited for you all……and us. Japan is our next dream vacation! Both of my boys 17 & just shy of 19 are sooo wanting to go there next! We can hopefully learn something first hand from you guys! All the best to your new adventures!
Hi! Thank you for sharing your time in Germany, I really loved our appreciation for German places, culture and food - it was really heartwarming! Also getting to know your wonderful family ! It's super exciting that you are going to Japan now - it sounds like the right thing now. Wishing you all the best 🫶
Japan is a great country to visit but not so much to live. It is still a very closed society, only 2% of the Japanese society are immigrants from other countries mostly from China. Most people speak no english. Tokio is the biggest city of the world. But will be very interesting to watch your videos from Japan.
I totally understand your reasons for the move. I learned a lot during my travels and traveling has made me appreciate my home country Germany a LOT LOT more.
I support exploring different cultures with trips but not a fan of taking the opportunity away from the kids to be in a stable Environment, building potential lifelong friendships etc.hope it works out for them.
When a child is in school and around 10 years it s more stressful for the child to move again. Japan is a very stressful enviroment, especially Tokyo. Wow !!! Crazy stressful. Never in my life would I move there with kids. And the culture is very different there and the attitude, but also nice and friendly. Traditional food is healthy and good I think. But not their junkfood. Tokyo is kind of plastic, plastic, plastic I think. As single ok , but not with children. From wonderful safe country side to Tokyo
It's gonna be a very interesting experience but I'm not sure it's the best decision for everyone. You'll find your way around and I'm curious about all the new adventures
Wow, what an adventure ! I love your spirit and attitude and hunger for new impressions. I completely agree that 'carpe diem' is the best you can do while young and while having kids who are not dependent on any school schedule. Experiencing different cultures from within widens the horizon like nothing else . So things are going to get a bit crazy for you during the coming months and I wish you good luck !
Hi guys. I want to give you some love because I am sure some of these comments can be hard to read. I will NEVER say that what you are doing is wrong because parenting is so personal. I don’t have kids. So I’ll never understand. What I will tell you is my mom‘s experience from living in 13 (or more) places growing up. Her family moved for work in the oil industry. While on the one hand she loved the places she lived, she also resented moving. She couldn’t make stable friends, she was at one point bullied as the new kid at school, and eventually she made the decision to live with another family her senior year so that she wouldn’t have to move. I’m telling you this because her experience is similar to what your kids may eventually experience. As Willa gets older this may be something you ask her how she feels before making the decision. I think my mom and her siblings didn’t have that choice because my grandpa had to move to keep his job, but if you have that choice, maybe include your child in the decisions. I don’t want you to experience resentment from your kids like my mom experienced. Again, I do think you are making the best choice for your family. I say this with a lot of compassion and personal experience. Love your channel. Wish you guys all the best in your adventure.
Hey thanks so much for such a kind comment. We appreciate the honesty and sharing your moms story with us. We will definitely be including our kids in all of our moving decisions. 💗
Why am I so sad that you guys are leaving 🥺 lol but I’m so happy that you as a family will be now taking on the adventures of Japan! My mom used to always say, doesn’t matter where we are, as long as we are together as a family, we will thrive. Xoxo 🥹🤍🫶🏽
You’re the best, thanks! Seriously thanks for your support and kind comments. It’s great to have people like you in our corner cheering us on despite opposition. 💛
WOW! Awesome! If you plan to explore Japan and the Area like you explored Germany and the Surroundings and make such fantastic Videos... I guess we are in for a lot of education and new insights :-) Sad to see you go, but i'm happy for you for this awesome opportunity. You take life with both hands and make the best out of it. Making lots of experiences and lasting memories. That is the way.
I doubt that Tanner will get the generous free time that he enjoyed in Germany to be able to go traveling as much. In Germany you can get in the car Friday afternoon and spend the weekend in a neighbouring country, that’s impossible in Japan.
You’re right it won’t be in different countries, but there’s a lot to Japan to explore ☺️ also thankfully he gets some to travel for work to a couple different countries so that will be fun to extend a explore as a family!
It sad to hear you guys are moving to Japan,but again I think Japan is so much safer than the western country these day and it’s good environment for the kids,and the country side will be nice and peaceful.I am excited for you guys.Children’s adapt quickly especially at younger age.All the best wishes for your family, take good care and God bless and be with you every steps.❤
You guys are soooooo amazing! And ignore all of those negative comments. You know what is best for your family. And frankly it’s no one’s business what you decide to do. Japan has the healthiest children IN THE WORLD….physically, mentally, and spiritually. Best of wishes to all of you!
Thanks Maria! It’s hard not to get down on ourselves a bit after reading some of the comments. Thankfully, we have great comments like yours that remind us that we are great parents and that by moving we aren’t destroying our kids’ health and futures (a bit dramatic, I agree, but that’s how it comes across sometimes). We’re beyond excited for this stage in life and want to make the most of it! Thanks again for the wishes and encouragement!
I'm sooo excited for you and I can't wait for your vlogs from Japan!!! It's amazing that y'all have the opportunity to travel around the world and experience different cultures. I'm a little sad that you're leaving Germany and also for Willa because her German is getting better and better. The little video clip when she was singing 'Theo mach mir ein Bananenbrot' was the cutest and her German seems so perfect she almost has no accent. Safe travels
It's amazing that your job gives you these kinds of opportunities, this must be so nervewracking and exciting and stressful but I am sure it will all be worth it! Getting the chance to get out there and live in different cultures and excperience them first hand and learn from them is such a blessing! I am excited to see your journey!
I'm so sad you're leaving Germany 🇩🇪 I love Germany and dream of living there ❤ Good luck on your ventures in Japan and look forward to seeing what you do there
Wow the audacity of some of these comments! Congrats on the move, so exciting! Home is not defined to one place. Home can be created anywhere through having stable parents and a larger community, both of which will be met for your kids. I’m excited to follow along with this next chapter!
I think it is great you're doing that. Your children will grow up knowing that there is a big world with lots of different cultures. That alone is a big treasure. So many people would be much more open minded and tolerant if they had seen more of the world. People are scared of the unknown therefor it is great to see and get to know the world with all of the different ways of life. I hope you have a great time and cannot wait to get some insights into life in Japan. All the best for that new adventure 😊
wow! how exciting! I moved a lot in my childhood (internationaly too) and it was such an incredible experience. I‘m sure it will feel hard at first but it will get better. good luck!
Wow, that's a surprise. That will be a big culture shock in many ways 😮 sad you're leaving Germany but funny that we actually go on a 3 week trip to Japan tomorrow 😂 wish you all the best of luck and if you're not happy there, here's a community that will welcome you back happily. Stay safe and healthy. Excited to see your updates ❤
II feel sorry for Willa who was visibly happy in Germany - in my opinion she took the most out of the stay there since she actually learned the language and mingled with German kids. As a parent I always looked at what is best for my child first. I did move as well - once to the US and then to the UK - but stayed there then for my daughters whole childhood. Children NEED stability and for parents kids should come first - always!
We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. We understand where you’re coming from if we were moving to Japan without all the resources of Tanners job. However, we have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes, we are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
@@OurStorytoTell what I meant is it would have been so much better to wait a little longer - 5 years is ideal in one place. Willa and Noa would have by then spoken perfect German and kept this ability. As it is - they will not remember anything later on - and that - for THEM - is a shame!
@@user-bl8kh1kq4m because that is as it is. It takes at least 3-4 years of permanent speaking a language to keep it for life. Why ? That is how brain and consciousness work.
I think it is so out of place that people who are not family or friends tell them what they should do with their children. I am pretty sure they put their children first and wouldn't do anything to harm them. What children really need are loving parents and I am absolutely sure that's a given here. So stop judging and let's just wish them all a fantastic time in Japan. There's a whole world out there to explore 😊
@@tatjanarasch4358 People who presentate their kids publicly must be able to take in criticism as well. And often so those people not being family or "friends" are more honest . I am both a mother and have been in similar situations as a child as well - so believe me - I KNOW what I am saying and I mean every word even if it does upset you or anybody else!
So excited for you guys! Moving from (little) Allgäu to the South of Tokyo is a BIG step. Looking forward to see, how life in Japan is going to be... I have always wanted to travel to Japan, but it is very expensive. Looking forward to you guys sharing your experiences! All the best for you. Sending lots of love. God's blessing. Love you!
It’s a huge step and we know it. We have given it so much research and thought, but we feel ready to take it on! Thanks for the support and encouragement! 🫶 It means a lot 🤟
the secret is that everybody uses public transport in Japan, in Tokyo in particular. This is not the case in germany anymore. Hard to justify the cost of running half empty trains in a tight schedule as a for profit company. Germany should have never privatized the train system. But, yes, it is impressive when you are waiting for a bus or train in Tokyo. if it says 3:57 that means: no train or bus at 3:55, arrival, no train or bus at 3:59. Everybody lines up, no cutting in line. great experience.
We had the opportunity between Japan and Germany and chose Germany. My husband is determined to get to Japan (and I believe same area) so I am very much looking forward to this.
You guys are welcome in our country and thank you for shooting interest in my country. Trust me, your kids will love it here and very convenient place for kids and mother like us.
I’m so happy for you! Plus, I just watched some videos about bakeries in Japan und you will find for sure some great bread over there! I also smiled about the other comments on here and how typical German the thought process is in some. Even though I am also German, I left 25 years ago, moving to LA, NV and now NJ, I can definitely say my mindset is more American now than German…but my family in Germany is very much about stability and always shake their heads when I announce another move…You guys are young, so take the opportunity!
Ooh that makes us happy to hear we won’t be lacking in the bread department!! 😋😋 The food gets us really excited about Japan! Also we really appreciate your comment and the difference of mindset between the two countries. We know many expats & their families who have thrived in different settings and with different moves. We know it will be challenging but thankfully we will have some solid resources and similarities with individuals on the US navy base.
I thought the EXACT same thing when I read these comments- very typical German (and small town too). We are Americans living in a small town in Germany, moved here with our 4 kids, when they were 11/9/7/4 and we didn't speak a word of German. But the whole "stability" thing is definitely very German.
@@OurStorytoTellthe "stability" your children have- is YOU! Your family is stable and "home" no matter where you are in the world. And your children will thrive, with you positive attitudes! ♥️
@@katiecollevechio5470 Yep, it’s too funny… there is also no starter homes or anything like it; you build one house and live in it until you die. I hope you guys have a great time anyway!
Winter (in Tokyo) is relativ mild but can be also freezing (like Frankfurt). Summer is extremly humid. Make sure you use that time to learn japanese, because it will make your life much easier since most japanese do not speak English.
@@sarazepam6156 well, thats too bad!! Isn t it a great chance to learn at least the basics? This is all about when spending time in a foreign country. The kids should learn something from that! This opportunity will never come back. We all know that americans don t like to learn another language, but you really should since you are young!!!
It will be hard, different language, different writing, completely different culture and above all masses of people, especially in and around Tokyo. I mean, it's easy to travel the world as a couple, but with a toddler and a baby it's a completely different matter. I hope for Willa that she can find connection. Well, you want to go your own way, but I'm skeptical. Nevertheless, I wish you all the best!
We understand that! We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that & we understand where you’re coming from if we were moving to Japan without all the resources of Tanners job. However, we have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes We are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
Wow, welcome to the neighbourhood! Congrats 🙂 We just moved back from Munich to Tokyo ourselves. Very different places, but Japan is amazing for quality of life as well
@@OurStorytoTellWe’re in the Shinjuku area, so pretty well core Tokyo. Convenient and very well connected, but very busy and further away from the water or mountains than some of our friends. Still only takes 34 minutes if you take the right train to Yokohama for instance (and trains really do run on time here 😅 )
I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving Germany, especially to go to Japan. To me Japan is a place to visit but to live there will be hard. However will you learn the language, you had problems picking up German ? My worry is that Risa will end up feeling isolated and lonely and Willa will obviously miss her friends and the Japanese equivalent to Kindergarten will be alien to her. It was exciting as a couple to explore the world but as parents I think there comes a time when you have to consider the children and their need for stability and routine, they have no choice but to go along with you but will there come a point when they are overwhelmed by it all ? I know many people whose parents were in the British Military and they were moved every 2 to 3 years and had to start all over again making friends etc, and I would say that 90% of then resent this and even as adults find it hard to form long lasting relationships.Obviously I hope that I am proved wrong and I wish you the very best.
We know it will be difficult at times. Change always is, right? We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. We are very grateful for all the resources Tanner’s job provides. We will have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. We are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
With every decision, there come advantages and disadvantages. It is all a matter of managing the disadvantages. Your comment sounds like those children of British Military members you have mentioned discovered hardship, could not cope or became dysfunctional. There are more jobs where people have to change countries and cultures, like ambassadors, embassy staff etc., they have children as well. I actually know some children of embassy staff, they are very well educated and highly able to manage change and feel at home in many cultures, they have formed very pleasant personalities. Moreover, they may find there their best friend ever. I guess no one can tell today.
Okay it makes more sense now. You are moving to a mini US environment in Japan, living and working with other Americans and exploring Japan in your free time. I can see how this will work for Willa as she will be in the US system and it will be easy for her to adapt when you return to the USA. However you won’t have the same cultural experience that you had in Germany but I can see the attraction. Good luck to you all and I look forward to future videos. Maybe you’ll be able to focus more on what Japan has to offer tourists with less exposure of your two lovely daughters on the internet. Best wishes xxx
All you say is true but I would imagine that the majority of embassy / diplomat children were educated in Boarding Schools in the UK. Very few will have attended the public schools in the foreign countries their parents worked in.which of course opens up other questions such as are children who leave their families at a young age to go to school more independent and open to change because they have no real roots or sense of belonging? Who knows, as parents all we can do is follow our instincts and do our best. I certainly know that Risa and Tanner will have thought this out and their reply to my comment explains the situation better than the video which gave the impression that they would be in a similar situation as they are in Germany, living in the German community and Willa attending German Kindergarten.@@berndhoffmann7703
I watched your family since you came to germany and your life here was easy peasy until now and now you will all that give up? Your very pretty life here, this house, your friends, WILLAS friends? For what? It is a thing to go on vacation to meet the culture but moving there??? Well, we do have a saying in Germany: "Wenn es dem Esel zu wohl ist, geht er auf das Eis". You really can do what you want, I just feel sorry for the kids, they have no choice. You hopefully are aware that you won´t get that German life back as you are used it now. I think you will regret it very soon, but I really wish you all the best and maybe, maybe, maybe you will be happy like you are here 😞
It is definitely bittersweet and very emotional leaving Germany. We love Germany and do have a very comfortable life here. We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. We understand where you’re coming from if we were moving to Japan without all the resources of Tanners job. However, we have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes, we are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
I think you are absolutely doing the right thing! Japan is an incredible country, the kids will love it and I am sure that you are doing the best to make is as easy for your children as possible! Have all my respect and good luck for this great adventure!
Oh we know we won’t get one even close!! Haha we are okay with a 2-3 bedroom place! We will have to be haha! Major downsize but our house is much too big! Although we know we will miss it 🥹😂
Awesome! Japan was my guess but I thought it may have been somewhere like Okinawa due to the US presence there. I think your at a perfect time to take these adventures, so good on you for taking the leap.
Yes good guess!! 👏 We are pretry confident would have had island fever in Okinawa, but then again who knows. We are excited for this adventure- Thank you!
I just got back yesterday to Germany from my three week trip to Japan. It's such a beautiful country and definitely very diffferent from Europe and Germany. I loved how respectful and mindful everyone is of the others around them. But it was also a little exhausting because you everything feels a little more strict and you constantly have to mind what you're doing (which isn't bad and also always part of visiting other cultures). I'm sad you're leaving Germany but excited to see all the spots I just discovered and see them through your experience! But man, you are NOT (can not be) prepared for the absolute mass of people in Tokyo! Tokyo alone is like 1/3 of Germany's population in total. It's absolutely crazy how many people are on the streets but everything is so well organized that it still somehow works out. Also regarding the weather since I just got back: we had around 25-22 C the whole trip and only two days of rain in three weeks. It definitely felt more like late summer and the trees have just started changing color a little.
So cool you just got back! It’s been fun looking into the weather differences so fun to hear you’ve experienced it yourself! We know the summers will be rough (hot and humid). We are excited for the adventure though and can’t wait to show you online! 😊
I hope the kids get the opportunity to get and feel stable somewhere (can built connections that they are not forced out to due to another move) you want to get to know different cultures, which is great, but they dont have a choice, maybe they want to be stable somewhere in a community etc...
Rubbish, it's a myth that children are flexible . They want security and stability and a sense of belonging. Ask any adult whose parents were in the military and had to move and start all over again every couple of years, the vast majority hated it.@@lilg2300
@@lilg2300 but they need roots more than anything. Traveling is great when they are older - at that age all they need is love, stability, nature. I felt Willa had that in Germany I think she will suffer most - more than little Noa.
I just returned from Japan, it is indeed such a great country. The people are very polite, especially when you are a foreigner. I have never felt safer in another country, as it seems like everyone is following the rules. Also there is so much to explore, not only the cities but also the nature was mind-blowing. If you want to connect with Japanese people and also internationals I can highly recommend to go to the Hillsong church in Tokyo, as many Japanese people don't speak englisch in other places. All the best wishes for your family, Germany is going to miss you! God bless🙏
The house you have right know is so cool. What a view and landscape! A place to lay back and recharge. Well, come back to Germany whenever you want! Good luck in Japan! An interesting place to adventure but i know for myself that i couldn't do it for more then a few weeks because i am not a big fan of densly populated areas.
Thank you! We will miss our house so so much! Very grateful for this German experience and we know we will miss it 💛 we plan to come back again sometime!
So happy for you. You are able to explore so many different new things. I can´t wait to see your videos from Japan and tasting the japanese food 😉. but, by everthing you do please notice - you are always welcome back in Germany ❤
My honest opinion: You should worry more about your children's future. It would be fine for two adults, but it's not possible with children. Children need a harmonious environment with friends and acquaintances. You should think a little more about your children in your own selfishness.
We appreciate the honesty. We want to be asked the hard questions. However, we thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. We understand where you’re coming from if we were moving to Japan without all the resources of Tanners job. However, we have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes, we are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
Seeing and living in different cultures is one of the biggest enrichments. Doing that with little children seems kind of selfish though. It's basically impossible for them to build a healthy social life and long-term friendships. Nonetheless all the best to you guys of course!
We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. We understand where you’re coming from if we were moving to Japan without all the resources of Tanners job. However, we have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes, we are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
I really think , better now, before the girl goes to school. Our germany is losing great people. I like your videos with your cute daughter. I think , shes open for everything. Maybe she will love it.
Wow, that's a huge jump, both location- and culturalwise. Wishing you all the best! Regarding some concerns I've seen from others, in my opinion it's good to do those things now that the kids are small. I think later on once Willa goes to school it'll be much harder. There's more freedom when kids are small. Once school starts you're forced to stick to school schedule and vacations except maybe when homeschooling but that is not allowed in many countries. I think you're making a good choice. Also, kids absorb a lot more when they are smaller. I think this is a great experience and it'll shape the kids in a positive way. I used to travel a lot with my family as kid/teen and I'm glad we did. Now as adult and with studies and work it's so much harder. There might be some cons but I think the positive things outweigh those.
Such a kind and thoughtful comment! We agree with you! Although we don’t know what life will entail for us when our girls are older, we feel like they will adjust well at this point in life with the move. 😊
I do wish you the very best move, the greatest transfer, positive adventure, and loads and loads of good new experiences. 😘 But I still am sad that you are leaving.😢 I've lived through many of your experiences with you through your videos and I feel connected to your family. But that's what's also relieving my little bit of sadness as you will probably continue to inform your subscribers about all those changes. So, again, good luck with everything.❤
We are safe! Thank you so much for asking! 💗🫶We actually didn’t feel it. Which surprised us for how large it was! It was on the other coast then us though.
Wow! This is really soon! I wish you all the best and I know it is going to be awesome. You guys are so open minded… so what’s going to happen other than incredible?
Wow, I would never do this. I would never move my children to a metropolis like this. But I wish you just the best and will watch your upcoming adventures!
We totally understand why some wouldn’t do it! We respect that. We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We are very thankful for the resources Tanners employers will give us to help the transition and time abroad be smoother. We will actively seek out and create opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable and make friends in! 😊
Cool, was there three weeks for vacation for the second time in September this year. That will be a interesting experience for you because you don't get very far there with English language. Especially outside the big urban areas. But it also works somehow. The people there are very friendly and helpful. Their service culture even exceeds that of the US. It will be a great time because there are many incredibly beautiful places, especially outside the metropolitan areas. Tokyo in my little experience itself is the least representative place for Japan. In many ways, this will be a very different new experience compared to Germany. Great respect for your courage to take such a big step again. My son lived there for several months 4 years ago. Climate in summer in this area is very hot and humid. In winter, typical Japanese homes are a bit uncomfortable. Homes are often even crappier than US homes.
I remember when i saw 007 YOLT back in late 80s , was amazed by Tokyo......that film came out in 1967 , only 22 yrs after ww2 and already they becoming powerful tech giant even then. Don P was also amazing actor. @@OurStorytoTell
I am very happy for you, it will be exciting. Although I'm going to miss you. You're doing the right thing. Now, before Villa goes to school. Enjoy every day as if it were your last. Such an adventure, bravo!
Was the place in Germany furnished (rather unusual anyway) or did you have to buy all the furniture and if so, will you take it along or sell and start from scratch again in Japan by having to buy everything? I know from living abroad for 17 years a LOT of bits and bops accumulate living somewhere and to some you quite get attached. Plus the move seems to be at a breakneck speed, there will be a lot of pressure to make sure you got all insurances, energy provider etc cancelled and wrap a life up. phew. I already feel exhausted... It will certainly be hard for Willa loosing all her friends and moving on reckoning now she has a bit of German and coming to a place where she doesn't understand a word again. I wish you all the best guys, it was great to see your adventures and perceptions of my home country from an outside view. Hopefully we'll get to see your adventures in Japan - it is a very different culture and world indeed.
No the place wasn’t furnished in Germany! Our employers paid to ship our stuff over and will be doing the same for Japan. They will put us in furnished, temporary housing until our stuff arrives and we have found our permanent housing. It’s a lot of stuff and quite the process, but we are trying to dejunk and are normally quite minimalistic people in terms of things thankfully! 😅 It will be a change, but one that we feel ready for! We make sure to keep an extra eye on Willa and create space for her feelings as well as create a support system & community for her!
I feel like I recall you before stating you’re a GS employee? Are you guys only going for a couple years for the 5 year cap or are you getting your time extended? I’m currently in Germany as well and thought that might be an idea (to split the time up and see more of the world)
I wish you all the best for your time in Japan for you!!! Many good experiences and impressions! And I hope for more wonderful videos of you like in the past! ;-)
I have travelled all over the world and lived and worked in less developed countries as well as the most developed places. The only place I felt homesick and rejected was Japan. While not hostile towards foreigners, the Japanese are not easy to get acquainted with. You need to speak Japanese to be able to master the pitfalls of daily life. Now this was back in the 1980s and may have changed by now, but I wish you all the luck of the world - you will need it. I feel sorry for Willa, though - she will feel lonely.
We appreciate the insight! We hope we have a different experience. We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. We understand where you’re coming from if we were moving to Japan without all the resources of Tanners job. However, we have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes, we are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with.
its heartbreaking... but I you will gain massive experience with it and so will your kids. best of luck and climb mount fuji for me please! maybe consider doing twitch livestreams as opener for the edited videos ? anyway, best of luck! ♥ hugs
Knapp daneben ist auch vorbei. I was expecting South Korea but then it's not too far away from Japan. However out of rural Germany right into ultra urban Japan ... well, that's quite a big difference. But - tbh - moving from Utah to Bavaria must have been quite a difference too. Travelling means a lot to you obviously. And I think it's a good decision to do that now regarding your age, regarding the stage of development of your family, the phase of your lives. There's still a lot of time to change things if needed. But the coincidence of your stage of development with the opportunity offered to you is probably rather unique. I'm confident that you'll know how to grab that chance. All the best to you, good success and good luck!
Thank you! We really appreciate the support. Moving from Utah to Germany was a big adjustment! We thought of our children and the impact this move would have on them extensively. This is a huge move. We know that. Thankfully we have many resources from Tanners job. We have access to an English speaking, all American school system on the base. Not only on the base, but near Tokyo there are many other expats who we can connect with and will have similarities with. Yes, we are going to try and integrate into the local culture too, but we will actively seek out opportunities for Willa to feel comfortable in and make friends with. 😊
I was in Japan as well and had a great time. The country is great to explore but i would never move there. Its a traditional / conservative Country with a lot of "hidden rules". There are a lot of interviews from foreiners living in japan telling how hard it can be when you dont look japanese. A friend of mine wasn't even allowed in some places even tho he speaks the language.
That’s very interesting to read! I guess we will find out when we go. We are very excited though. We know it will come with many challenges but we are up for it!
Tokyo is a very quiet city other than tourist spots. At home in Tokyo, I can only hear birds chirping. Tokyo is also recommended depending on the location. Also, in Japan you need to be careful not to impose your values on others. Japanese people really hate having their values denied by Western values.
Living in Tokyo sounds so nice!! We have loved doing day trips there! :) We have tried our very best to be so respectful to the culture and values here in Japan! We love learning about them 🫶
