No amount of online content can do justice to the beauty of a place like Japan. But for those of us unable to experience it firsthand for valid reasons, Japan vlogs by Filipinos offer a good start. Unlike written blogs, vlogs combine text, audio, images, and videos in a single post. This makes them both inspirational and educational.
In the case of Japan, the country has not only seen a number of Filipino vloggers that show what it’s like to be a tourist there; but also those that reveal what it’s like to live in Japan as an expat. That being said, does the country really live up to its reputation for being one of the best places abroad to work for Filipinos? Watch these YouTubers to find out.
Also read: Why Do Filipinos Love Japan So Much? Here Are 15 Reasons
1. Heidi Sarol
Heidi works as an English teacher in Japan and is based in the capital city of Tokyo. In one of her first Japan vlogs as a Filipina expat, she discusses how she was able to move to the country to attend a language school. Aside from work-related experiences, she also vlogs about Tokyo cafes, local shopping, and learning Nihongo for Filipinos.
Watch Heidi’s videos here.
2. Maaku Jhong
Maaku or Marc is a Japanese interpreter and translator. He also works as a trainee supervisor and newspaper delivery guy. Aside from sharing his own experiences (including being a father and husband to a Japanese local), he features other Filipino workers in Japan. This has made him quite the go-to kabayan for those who want to start a life of their own in the country.
Watch Maaku’s videos here.
3. JP Enriquez
In one of his videos, JP explains how he earns over ₱100,000 (without deduction) as a factory worker in Japan. But that’s not all that he has been through. In the past, he was also an onion peeler, server, construction worker, and even traffic enforcer. On his channel, expect all sorts of videos featuring the YouTuber’s different gigs, plus other content for Filipinos.
Watch JP’s videos here.
4. Shek Matz
If you’re a fan of sit-down videos, you will learn a lot from hearing Shek delve into her life experiences in Japan. Among the things she talks about are the happenings around her Japanese home, where she lives with her Japanese family. And like other Filipino YouTubers in the country, she also shares valuable tips on how to thrive here.
Watch Shek’s videos here.
5. Kenzo Martini
Kenzo is a Filipino-Japanese high schooler who offers a somewhat lesser-known aspect of living in Japan as a foreigner — being a student. He has also made a name for himself as a younger singer-songwriter. His videos are fun and more on the casual side of vlogging. You can also see him vlog about travelling in Japan now and then.
Watch Kenzo’s videos here.
Other Japan vlogs of Filipinos to check out
JA Hokson (university professor in Japan)
Andi Lazaro (university student in Japan)
Gaijin World (IT engineer in Japan)
Rodeayop Laxamana (hotel worker in Japan)
Love, Lucel (JET teacher in Japan)
Also read: What Not to Do in Japan, According to Frequent Visitor Robi Domingo
Are you looking for useful insights about how to be a Japan-based Filipino? Do yourself a favour by watching these vlogs by Pinoys living in the Land of the Rising Sun. Otherwise, they also make for great sources of inspiration, especially when you find yourself daydreaming about Japan more than 3,000 kilometres away in the Philippines.
Featured image credit: Emil Karlsson | Unsplash
