Where I Started
My path here didn’t begin with video, but rather in writing and design. After working 3.5 years at a creative marketing agency producing English-language content for overseas visitors to Japan, I moved into an akiya — one of Japan’s abandoned houses. There, I decided to film and share our experience living in rural Japan.
When Did YouTube Fit in?
YouTube began as something small. A creative outlet to practice visual storytelling.
But then, my very first video unexpectedly went viral. Over three million viewers watched my video within a month.
That response made something clear: it wasn’t famous landmarks or polished travel shots that resonated with my audience. They were drawn to the in-between moments — daily life in an old country house, the rhythm of rural communities, and curiosity about how they actually function.
What I Do Now
This became my business today: a storytelling platform rooted in rural Japan.
Now, I not only document seasonal traditions and local customs in my neighborhood but also collaborate with Japanese municipalities to highlight their regions to a curious global audience.
My Client Projects
Explore More
Browse my curated video favorites, learn more about my mission and services, or dive into my written guides on akiya, living in rural Japan, and rural Japan travel guides.
