It’s a fusion of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, as I take you through a day in our lives as a YouTuber and blacksmith in the Japanese countryside.
In a recent video, I invited you to join us for a glimpse into our daily routine and everyday life as a blacksmith and YouTuber in rural Japan. This vlog blends traditional craftsmanship with modern content creation, showing our lifestyle here. Curious to see our full day unfold? From the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer to quiet countryside evenings, be sure to watch the full video!
Our Rural Morning Routine
Our day kicks off early. At 6:30 AM, the town plays Radio Taiso over the PA system, a Japanese exercise routine. Following this community-wide wake-up call, I go on a morning walk with Pancake before the heat sets in.
For breakfast, we’ve lately been keeping things simple by enjoying natto, fermented soybeans. While this sticky, pungent dish can be an acquired taste for many, it took us a few years to truly appreciate it. Now, it’s a cherished part of our morning, savored with the same enthusiasm we reserve for fine, aged cheeses.
Jesse’s World: The Blacksmith’s Craft
Jesse works at a local blacksmith shop, specializing in Japanese cooking knives. In the video, you’ll see him on his day off. He’s working on a personal project: a specialized chisel for a Japanese carpenter he connected with over on Instagram.
As the first time making such a tool, this has been a long, challenging process.
He’s finally reaching the critical final stages. The video captures the tension of the hardening process. Any mistake could ruin weeks of hard work. It’s crucial to observe the chisel’s heat. This confirms it reaches the optimal temperature for quenching. Following this, tempering brings the metal back to heat. It then gently cools, making the chisel more flexible and less brittle.
Mika’s World: Crafting YouTube Content
For me, mornings involve small household chores. Fortunately, even mundane tasks can become content for my YouTube channel!
Next, I organize my footage for YouTube into Premiere Pro and then begin laying down the video tracks. This initial editing phase is where the story begins to take shape. Completing a video typically takes over a week. I usually have a loose topic in mind for each video. However, I let the raw footage guide the narrative, making it a very organic process.
At this early stage, I also lay down music tracks, selecting pieces that complement the visuals and mood.
Winding Down in the Countryside
In summer, yard work is best done early mornings or late afternoons. Even local farmers avoid the hottest hours, seeking refuge from the intense sun. That’s why I prefer to wait for cooler evening temperatures, often as the sun begins to set, before heading out for much-needed weed-whacking. This strategic timing helps maintain our daily routine and makes the physical labor far more manageable.
Ending the day with a walk and a swim is always a pleasure, especially after hours spent in the shop or in front of the computer screen. It’s our chance to take a much-needed break from our work, immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings, and reflect on the day’s accomplishments and challenges. In my opinion, a perfect end to our everyday life in the Japanese countryside.
Thanks for reading and taking an interest in our day! What’s a ‘must-have’ in your own daily routine? And what else would you love to see from our lives here in the Japanese countryside? Let us know in the comments below!
