Okay, so I’m going to be straight up with you – this is a closed YouTube Channel. They’re done, they’re not posting anymore, and they’ve gone radio silent on their Facebook as well. Their reasoning is solid in my mind: they’re trying to have a kid and don’t want their kid on YouTube.
So that’s a bit sad for us watchers, but the channel is no less wonderful for it!
There are a ton of culture shock videos on this Channel and the adorable love story of Grace and Ryosuke, and I just LOVE watching them. They’re both so charming!
If you’re interested in Japan, the channel has a ton of useful insights. I’ll admit, being from Texas (lived there when I was growing up until 7th grade so all of my earliest clear memories are Texas), that I find Grace hugely relatable. And who doesn’t love a continent-spanning love story?
But what really makes these two shine are the COMIC BOOKS.
Yes. She drew comics based on her experiences and they’re hilarious!
You can find them here, and I highly recommend them. No, I don’t get any kickbacks for recommending them. (Sadly, I haven’t figured out how to do that.) My mom is reading my copies right now and enjoying them immensely. They’re just so genuine and manage to be insightful and kind at the same time.
Grace also has a blog with a lot of the comics on it, although I’ll admit the books were easier to read rather than wading through back posts.
Anyway, you may or may not be aware, but I attempted to major in Japanese, and have been hugely into Japan and it’s culture for almost two decades. I was dropped from the program in fifth semester because my grades weren’t high enough, and this hurt for a very long time. But I’ve since discovered that A.) some years NO ONE graduates from that program and B.) if I had gone to any other college for that major, the work I did in two years at UW would have been what they covered in four and I would have gotten the freakin’ degree!
I had no idea the program was so difficult when I entered it; it was just the closest Japanese language program. I may have inadvertently set my sights too high, but I gave it my all! And I did manage to finish my degree as an East Asian Area Studies major.
I’ll admit my health had a huge impact on my grades, and I was never comfortable enough to be open with the department about the issues I was having. Would that have helped? I don’t know. But I don’t have any hard feelings for the department, and I still love Japan and Japanese language. So this YouTube channel was a perfect fit for me. I think you’ll like it too, even if you aren’t as obsessed as I am!
Do you speak a foreign language? Have you ever visited another country and experienced culture shock? Do you speak Japanese? Tell me about yourself! Inquiring minds want to know! *smile*
I really like your blog and have read every one of them. Have you sent this Blog address to your aunt she might like to smile while reading it. Mom
No, I haven’t. I don’t want to bother her! If you want, you’re free to send it to her though. 🙂