Recording summary · June 2023
Why i will NEVER come back to Japan
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Overview
Daniel reflected on leaving Japan after a one-month stay in 2023, concluding that a return is unlikely despite previously longing to return following a 2020 divorce and pandemic restrictions.
Daniel relocated back to Thailand due to underperforming livestream viewership around 5,000 views on Japanese bicycle content, negative encounters while cycling, perceptions of Osaka's aging population and infrastructure compared to Bangkok, and feelings of racial discrimination.
Daniel concluded that the appeal of residing in Japan faded after feeling excluded compared to white tourists, attributing negative interactions to racial hierarchies and personal physical features.
Themes
Longing for Japan During the Pandemic and Prior Accomplishments
The 2023 Return and Realization of Changed Circumstances
Negative Cycling Interactions with Elderly Pedestrians in Osaka
Perceptions of Osaka's Aging Population and Infrastructure Compared to Bangkok
Underperforming Livestream Views and Decision to Return to Thailand
Personal feelings regarding racial identity and perceptions of foreign racial hierarchies in Japan
Developments
Daniel left Japan following a divorce in 2020.
Daniel returned to Japan in 2023 intending to stay six months, but left after one month.
Daniel relocated back to Thailand.
Daniel visited a Family Mart store and bought fried chicken.
Daniel traveled by train to and from Kyoto.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether Daniel will never return to Japan remains subject to qualification.
Daniel does not fully understand the precise reasons for leaving Japan after only a month.
Daniel questioned whether a man would have reacted as rudely if Daniel had not been accompanied by a bicycle near a no-bicycles sign.
Daniel was uncertain why so many older people were observed in Osaka, suggesting people might have been younger 13 years earlier or the contrast with Bangkok exaggerated the difference.
Daniel questioned whether judging Japan entirely from an Osaka experience was unfair, doubting that other cities outside Tokyo would be significantly different.
Daniel is unsure whether white viewers watching the video have experienced rude behavior from elderly Japanese men.