2年半本当にありがとうございました！楽しかった！また次のポッドキャストで会いましょう！
Hello everyone, and welcome to the final episode of this podcast! As we close out this journey together, I want to take this opportunity to reflect and share my plans for the upcoming year. At the end of the year, I find it so meaningful to make plans and set goals, as it gives direction and motivation for the future. For 2025, I’ve set three main goals, and I’d love to share them with you today.
Goal 1: Improving My English
My first goal is to become more comfortable speaking English in both social and professional settings. While I feel confident speaking English at my workplace, that comfort comes from being familiar with the people I work with. My challenge now is to prepare myself for "first-time settings," where I meet new people and communicate effectively right away.
Here’s my plan:
Taking a Learning Course: To expand my vocabulary and discussion skills, I’m planning to take a home-brewing course. I’m currently passionate about this topic, and it’ll provide a great opportunity to meet others and practice discussing something I’m excited about.
Consistent Comprehensive Study: I’ll continue my study habits from 2024 but add some improvements. This includes:
Speaking lessons twice a week.
Reading one book a month.
Listening to podcasts for two hours during work.
Practicing shadowing for 30 minutes every morning.
Watching one movie every weekend.
Starting an English Podcast: In January, I’ll launch a new podcast where I’ll speak only in English. This will simulate a social setting and help me practice communication in a more spontaneous way.
Goal 2: Building Another Income Stream
My second goal is to build another income stream targeting the Japanese market. Currently, I have a side job with a Japanese company, but I’d like to grow this and ideally double my income by the end of 2025.
In the long term, my career vision is to create a stable online income that allows me to work anywhere, anytime, and for anyone I choose. To support this goal, I recently enrolled in an SNS marketing course in Japanese. This will not only benefit my current remote side job but also contribute to my plans for a small business in Canada aimed at the Japanese market.
Goal 3: Staying Mentally and Physically Healthy
Last but not least, my most important goal is to prioritize my mental and physical health.
Physical Health: In 2024, I ran 5 to 10 kilometers three times a week and did CrossFit twice a week. However, I’ve grown a bit bored with this routine, so in 2025, I’ll explore new activities that excite me and keep me active.
Mental Health: To maintain a positive mindset, I’ll aim for no arguments with my family throughout the year. I’ll also allow myself to relax and de-stress by watching Japanese comedy, which always lifts my spirits.
One exciting update I’d like to share: I’ve built meaningful friendships in Canada! In 2024, I used Bumble for friends and connected with two wonderful women—one from Korea and one local. Along with another close friend here and my two friends in Japan, I feel like I have a solid support system. In 2025, I plan to deepen these bonds and cherish the friendships I’ve built.
That’s it for my 2025 goals, and with that, this podcast comes to an end. I know the latest episodes have been quite personal, and I hope you didn’t find them too boring. I felt the need to share these thoughts with you as part of my journey.
To all my listeners, thank you so much for being part of this experience. Your support has meant the world to me. I wish you all a happy and fulfilling New Year, and who knows—maybe we’ll meet again in my video podcast soon. Take care, and goodbye for now!
伝われっ…！！！
Today, I want to dive into the topic of language learning, something that has been a significant part of my life for the past three years. As someone learning English as a second language, I’ve faced many challenges, and one of the hardest has been keeping my motivation alive.
Motivation in language learning can be tough to sustain, especially if you’re someone without many hobbies or specific interests. We’ve often heard that learning a language should be a means to achieve a goal. Setting a goal can be also challenging unless there is an external motivation—like passing an English exam or attending a business meeting with a foreign company—if you are filled with curiosity, learning motivation can be more pure and authentic, such as reading books, having conversations with various people, or playing sports. That is most beautiful triggers to start learning a language.
I’ve spent a lot of time wondering about my own motivation. My English isn’t perfect, but then again, perfection isn’t necessary to lead a life. I’m not preparing for an entrance exam or a job interview, so what is the purpose of learning English for me? Do I need to cultivate hobbies or interests to keep going? These questions lingered in my mind for quite some time.
Recently, I’ve started to uncover the answer. It turns out that my motivation isn’t tied to hobbies or specific interests. Instead, it stems from something fundamental: my need for self-expression. And let me clarify, not everyone feels this impulse. Some people don’t feel the need to express themselves deeply, and that’s perfectly okay. Let’s call them Group A. Then there’s Group B—people like me—who feel a strong desire to express themselves to make life easier or more comfortable. Today, I want to speak directly to Group B.
Throughout history, humans have developed countless ways to express themselves. From art, music, and fashion to cooking, dancing, and photography, the avenues are endless. For me, the most meaningful forms of self-expression have always been writing and speaking. When I think back to my childhood, I remember I loved writing letters to friends during class and creating a monthly newspaper for my classmates. I loved watching Japanese comedy and crafting stories through my words. Even in my professional life in Japan, writing proposals and delivering presentations were central to my work.
Connecting these dots, it’s clear that writing and speaking are not just skills but fundamental parts of who I am. They’re my most intense desires and sources of fulfillment. This realization was a breakthrough for me.
That means, As long as I feel incomplete or limited in expressing myself in English, I’ll continue learning. For me, it’s not about finding external motivations like hobbies; it’s about refining my ability to convey thoughts and ideas. The joy of discovering a more interesting way to say something or being moved by someone else’s words is enough to keep me going.
This journey of self-expression through language has been breathtaking and, in many ways, surprising. Realizing that my motivation lies in something so intrinsic has brought me clarity and peace.
If you’re in Group B, like me, and sometimes feel the need to express yourself, I hope this episode resonates with you. Language learning isn’t just about practical goals; it’s also about finding ways to connect with yourself and the world. Thank you for joining me today. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to share your experiences with language learning and what motivates you.
Until next time, keep learning and keep expressing yourself. Bye for now!
人生で2年半も何かを続けれたことあるかのう？
Today’s episode is going to be a little different, a little bittersweet, and, hopefully, very exciting. It’s been three years since I arrived in Canada, and I want to take a moment to reflect on this journey with you.
When I first came to Canada, I felt like a stranger in every way. I had zero English skills when I started college here, and I was completely overwhelmed by how talented and capable my classmates were. Competing with them? That felt impossible.
Somehow, I managed to graduate, but then came the next challenge: finding a job. I applied to 163 companies during my first year here. Can you imagine? 163. Even then, I got laid off twice because my communication skills weren’t enough. There were moments when I thought about going back to Japan, but I couldn’t let myself leave without achieving something.
So, I stayed. I extended my visa and pushed forward. In my second year, I finally landed my current job as an administrative assistant—but not before applying to a total of 630 jobs in those two years. To make ends meet, I kept my restaurant job while trying to survive the ups and downs.
Even with all that effort, I felt like I hadn’t accomplished enough—nothing I could confidently bring back to Japan as a success story. That’s when I decided to aim for permanent residency. I knew I needed more time, not just to build a life but to convince myself that I belong here.
This year, my third in Canada, feels like the real beginning of my life here. With a two-year work permit, I finally feel like I have stability. For the first time, I’m not just surviving—I’m starting to build something meaningful. It feels like I’m standing at the starting line of a race I’m ready to run.
And that brings me to this podcast. This has been such an important space for me, a way to share my thoughts and grow my English skills. Since August 8, 2022—almost two and a half years—I’ve been creating episodes for this small but dedicated audience. I’m so grateful to each of you who has listened, supported, and shared this journey with me.
But today, I have an announcement: I’ve decided it’s time to close this chapter. This podcast has been amazing, but as I begin a new phase in my life, I want to start something fresh.
Starting in January, I’ll launch a new video podcast. It’ll be in English only—no scripts, no Japanese versions. This will be a big step for me, a way to push myself even further into the world, no excuses. It’s a little scary, but it feels like the right move.
So, this might be the second-to-last episode for this channel. I’ll release one final episode to wrap things up before transitioning to the new project. I hope you’ll follow me there and be part of this exciting new journey.
Thank you so much for being part of this podcast since the beginning. It’s been a transformative experience, and I’m so glad I’ve had this chance to connect with you all. Let’s step forward together into the next adventure.
あいつこんな簡単そうなのになんであんなに旨いんだ
So, here’s the situation: I’m back in Canada after spending some much-needed time in Japan. It was a whirlwind trip filled with family, unexpected challenges, and reflections. But now that I’m back, My husband is heading to Japan just as I return. It’s not just a short trip—his timeline for coming back is completely up in the air. He’s waiting on a positive assessment of his sponsoring company from the Canadian government. If you’ve ever dealt with government processes, you know how painfully slow they can be. No updates, no timelines—just an endless wait. It’s tough, especially because I went through the same thing not too long ago.
So, this holiday season, I’ll be flying solo. Now, spending the holidays alone doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. I’ve decided to make the most of this time by diving into something I’ve always wanted to try—home brewing! Yes, I’m making my own beer at home, and I couldn’t be more excited.
For those who don’t know, home brewing is illegal in Japan, so this is one of those cool opportunities that living in Canada has opened up for me. It’s like a little rebellious dream come true. I’ve already invested in a starter kit—it set me back $149, but I know it’s worth every penny.
If you’re curious about home brewing, here’s a quick overview. First, you’ll need some basic equipment:
A fermentation vessel—think of it as the magical container where your beer transforms.
An airlock, which keeps the beer safe while letting gases escape.
A large pot for boiling your ingredients.
Bottles for storing your masterpiece once it’s ready.
When it comes to ingredients, you’ll need:
Malt extract for the body of your beer.
Hops for that bitterness and aroma.
Yeast to work its magic.
Good-quality water, because beer is mostly water, after all!
Next, I am going to talk about the process. The process itself is pretty straightforward. You start by creating something called wort, a sugary liquid made from malt extract. You boil it, add hops at different stages to build flavor, and then cool it down. Once it’s cool, you transfer it to your fermentation vessel, add yeast, and wait.
Fermentation takes about one to two weeks. After that, you bottle your beer, add a bit of sugar for carbonation, and let it sit for another couple of weeks. And then—it’s time to taste your very own beer!
So, that’s my winter plan—making beer and making the best of it. If you’ve ever brewed beer at home, I’d love to hear your tips or stories. And if you’re thinking about trying it, let’s learn together!
Thanks for tuning in to this episode. Until next time, take care and cheers to new beginnings!
嵐とか当時の浜崎あゆみとかそういう感覚やね
Recently, I’ve been trying to read more news articles to feel more connected to life in Canada, and oh boy, I stumbled upon a wild one. So here’s the news: Taylor Swift is performing at BC Place on December 6, 7, and 8, and the demand for tickets is through the roof. According to Daily Hive, resale prices are absolutely staggering. The cheapest solo seat on StubHub is going for $2,734 in Section 435 — a spot so high up you’d probably need binoculars to see Taylor clearly.
Now, if you want to get a prime spot on the floor with a “clear view,” it’ll cost you $16,788 per ticket in Section FLR-B8. Yes, you heard that right: $16,788! That’s apparently equivalent to six months of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver, based on the latest Zumper stats.
Here’s the thing. I love Taylor Swift casually — I’ve watched her Netflix movie and sing her songs in the car. But when I heard about these prices, I thought, this is something I could never afford in my life, never in the future, too. Then, I did the math. For me, $16,788 isn’t just six months’ rent; it’s 10.5 months for us poor immigrants!
So, naturally, I started wondering: How much are people in Vancouver spending on rent? Do they really have this kind of disposable income for a concert?
And here’s where it gets even funnier. One of my friends actually managed to score a premium ticket. When she told me, I’ll admit, I was jealous. But then I looked up the prices, and my jealousy quickly turned into shock. I can’t help but think about what else you could do with that money. A vacation? A down payment?
For me, just to earn $16,788, I need to work 5months and fully invest her concert. Very sad to talk about this. If I had this money, I am most likely able to spend around 2 weeks in Europe, pay tuition for the university and take course or wait, probably I will buy a car! that is most ideal way of spending that money.
Anyway, I was too shocked to think of the dream money for now. so maybe just listen to her music and sleep.
Until next time, stay curious, stay Canadian, and keep those budgets balanced.
昔うちの犬で犬ぞりしようとしたなあー
After a couple of weeks of being busy sorting out my work permit and dealing with some health issues, the gorgeous autumn leaves reminded me that the season is shifting. Now, winter has really set in—days are darker, with sunsets around 5 pm, and rain feels almost constant. Winter’s definitely here.
Today, I want to talk about some classic Canadian winter experiences, inspired by an article I came across on Daily Hive titled "10 Bucket-List Canadian Winter Experiences You Have to Try Once in Your Life." There are ten recommendations in total, but I’m going to share my top picks—the ones that really caught my interest.
1. Seeing Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba
This one intrigued me the most. The town of Churchill, situated on the western shores of Hudson Bay, is known as the "polar bear capital of the world." I’m not one to spend hundreds on animal tours, but seeing polar bears out in the wild could be an exception. You can take a multi-day tour with Frontiers North Adventures, where guides take you around the area, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights in winter. Churchill feels like one of those rare, untouched spots—seeing polar bears there would be unforgettable.
2. Dog Sledding in Saskatchewan
Dog sledding is probably the most exciting thing on the list for me. Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan has stunning winter landscapes, and the idea of gliding through the boreal forests and shimmering lakes with a sled team from Sundogs Sled Excursions is thrilling. I actually attempted dog sledding once with my dog back home, but it didn’t go as planned—let’s just say my dog wasn’t cut out for it! So, doing it properly with trained sled dogs has been a bit of a dream, and Canada in winter might be the perfect place to finally make that happen.
3. Ice Fishing for Oysters in Prince Edward Island
This one is fascinating—ice fishing for oysters on the Brudenell River with Tranquility Cove Adventures. I’ve never tried raw oysters before, even in Japan, but I’m curious. Apparently, oysters are plumper and juicier in winter as they store up for hibernation. It’s a new experience, and while I’m more drawn to physically engaging activities, the idea of fishing for oysters through the ice sounds pretty fun and different.
4. Drinking Icewine in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Ending with an experience that involves some good Canadian alcohol! Drinking icewine in Niagara-on-the-Lake sounds ideal. I’ve heard a lot about icewine—a sweet wine made from grapes that freeze on the vine in the dead of winter. It’s not just a drink; it’s like tasting a piece of winter itself. This is definitely something I’d love to do and could see myself actually planning for.
That’s a wrap on some of the most intriguing Canadian winter experiences I’d like to try this season. Whether you’re living here in Canada or planning a visit, there’s a lot to explore during the winter—things that make this season less about the cold and more about creating memories. Let me know if you have any suggestions or want to share your favorite Canadian winter activities.
あしたからシャバに戻ります！
There were new findings of my personality founded during the stay in Japan. Today I would like to summarize my trip and findings. Let me dive into it. No.1, a side of being an extravert. I found myself to be an extrovert and turn into a people’s person in Japan. Staying in Japan for over a month brought out a side of me that’s usually quieter in Canada. I was constantly wanting to talk to people! In Canada, I rarely have the urge to strike up conversations, but in Japan, I felt drawn to everyone—sometimes even strangers. I wanted to chat with anyone, whether it was an older man enjoying a drink nearby or families who had just moved to my neighborhood. I even considered knocking on a new neighbor’s door with a six-pack of beer just to introduce myself and say, “Hi! I live nearby. Would you like to share a drink? How are you adjusting to life in Aomori?” (Thankfully, my parents stopped me from that one.)
It wasn’t only Japanese people I wanted to connect with—I was eager to talk to foreigners, too. One day, I saw a tourist translating a menu, and I excitedly told him in English, “Feel free to ask me anything! I speak English!” He politely declined, and I probably came off as a bit overbearing. This whole experience made me realize I might be fonder of Japan and the people there than I had ever acknowledged.
No.2, Appreciating Family and the Little Things
Spending so much time at home with family also made me appreciate just how lucky I am to have them. Like I said living with my parents was hard and tired but this extended stay would have been a lot tougher without my mom’s support. I've always been pretty independent, but my mom was willing to join me for everything, from biking around town to playing ping-pong at the local community center, even going to the arcade for medal games. There’s something special about sharing these little activities with someone you love. My husband was also just a call away whenever I needed to talk. It’s incredible to have someone who’ll listen to your thoughts, even about the smallest moments.
Family is a huge gift, and this visit reminded me of just how much they mean to me.
No. 3: Cherishing Old and New Friendships
This extended stay gave me a chance to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in a while. I reached out to everyone I wanted to meet, both in Tokyo and back in my hometown of Aomori, and managed to see each one. Attending a junior high classmate’s funeral was a sobering reminder that we should never put off meeting the people we care about. Each time we shared laughs, swapped stories, and said, “See you next year,” I felt grateful for that moment. Living abroad has made these friendships all the more precious to me.
I’ve also come to cherish the people I feel truly comfortable around—the kind who feel like they’re with me, even if we’re miles apart. It’s a blessing to have friends I can call anytime without hesitation.
That’s all for today’s episode. This return to Japan feels like the end of one chapter in my life. I’m heading back to Canada with a renewed two-year work permit and the goal of pursuing permanent residency. Starting up my career again feels daunting, especially as I get older, but I’m determined to make the most of these next steps.
These are lessons I’m carrying with me as I move forward, and I’m grateful to have you along for the ride. Let’s keep embracing every chapter in life together.
来週カナダ帰国！
I’m recording this with just one week left of my long, unexpected stay here in Japan. It feels surreal to think that in just a few days, I’ll be back in Canada, finally ending what has felt like an indefinite pause on my usual life.
As of today, I have everything I need to go back. All the paperwork, the approvals, the plans—they’re all finally in place. But the last few weeks here have been, in many ways, unlike any time I’ve spent in Japan before. For one thing, I’m realizing I’ve done just about everything I could think of, and my budget for anything extra is officially gone!
And oddly enough, I’m even a little tired of eating the high-quality Japanese food I once craved so much. It’s strange to say that out loud! Back in Canada, I’d spend so much more on food that doesn’t come close to this standard, and yet… I think I’ve reached my fill.
But that’s not the only feeling I’m sitting with. I’ve spent the last few weeks not really knowing if I’d be able to return to Canada at all. There was this uncertain period where I had to be ready for any outcome—even the possibility of staying here for several more months. I had prepared myself, at least mentally, for that. And now, as I’m about to go back, it’s almost strange that everything is falling back into place.
There’s a part of me that feels relieved and secure, knowing I’ll be returning to my regular job and daily routine. But at the same time, there’s a slight disappointment in knowing that I’ll be back to working for the same company, picking up right where I left off. I think I may have been a little too ready to accept any new direction that came my way.
Another thing on my mind is the journey I’ve been on during this extended stay here. I haven’t quite had the time to sit down and summarize it, to make sense of all the thoughts and moments that came up during my time here. I need to make a plan, too, for what comes next. But right now, my mind is preoccupied with something else.
Just a few minutes ago, something unexpected happened—I ran into an old classmate from junior high. I stopped by a café, and there he was, standing behind the counter. I learned that one of our classmates recently passed away, someone we had shared so many memories with. Tonight, there will be a funeral. It’s hard to process that such a young person, someone in their 30s, has been through such a challenging time with their family, fighting a disease that ultimately took their life. I’ll be going to the funeral tonight to say goodbye.
And that’s not the only farewell I’m preparing for. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my grandmother, who’s in the hospital. Her health is fragile now; she hardly speaks or wakes up much these days. Being with her has stirred a lot of emotions, and I can’t help but think these could be my last moments with her.
It’s a strange blend of feelings: the relief of returning to Canada, the sorrow of saying goodbye to old friends and family, and the sense of a chapter closing. This time in Japan has turned out to be so much more than a "visit" or a “vacation”—it’s been a time of reflection, of farewells, and of recognizing the passage of time in a very real way.
歳をとってみる地元ってなんか違うよね
I’m sharing something personal, a reflection on my time spent back in my hometown over the last two weeks.
You see, when I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to leave my hometown. It's a small, rural place with very few forms of entertainment—no movie theaters, no amusement parks, not even a big shopping complex. I saw it as a place without opportunity, without excitement, and honestly, without much of a future for me. I had dreams, and this little town didn’t seem to fit with those dreams at all. I wanted to see myself in a bigger world, one filled with possibilities.
So, I made it out. I went to university near Tokyo, 10 hours away by car. That felt like the real start of my dreams. Every time I came back home during the holidays, I couldn’t help but feel lucky that I had escaped. My friends and family, still living in what I thought was a boring town, seemed stuck in their lives. And while I didn’t look down on them exactly, I was sorry for them in a way, as if they were missing out on the kind of life I was now living. I felt I had so many more options for my future, more excitement in my career and life path.
But something shifted this time when I came back, now visiting from Canada. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve come to appreciate my hometown in ways I never did before.
I started noticing the little things that make this place feel secure and comforting—things I didn’t realize I would value. Like, the grocery stores have sliced meat at such reasonable prices. And if I need to see a doctor, I don’t have to wait weeks to get an appointment. Even though I might have to wait an hour, I can still see a doctor, and I don’t even need it to be my family doctor. That’s something I don’t get in Canada.
I’ve also come to appreciate how easy and stress-free it is to communicate with people here. There’s no fear or anxiety about how I’m going to express myself. And speaking of fear, I don’t see people on the streets struggling with addiction, and I can buy affordable clothes within a 30-minute drive. These things make life here feel so… convenient, and secure in a way that I didn’t really notice before.
But beyond the practical things, I’ve realized that being in a rural town doesn’t make life any less valuable or comfortable. I used to think that the place you live determines how successful or fulfilled you are. But now I see that I can feel secure, hopeful, and comfortable even in this small town. It’s more about how I feel internally than where I am.
And believe me, living with my parents again is still stressful at times. Their personalities, their attitudes toward me, they haven’t really changed since I was young. Back then, I was so eager to be independent, to be free from their influence. But now, I’m more patient with them. Even though I sometimes need a break from them, I’m better at handling it.
One other thing that’s surprised me: I actually feel more comfortable speaking English here than I do in Canada. When I speak English here, people treat me like I’m special, talented, even though I know it’s not talent—it’s effort. But their admiration makes me feel proud of myself, and that’s something I didn’t expect.
So, here I am, no longer feeling sorry for the people living in this town. Instead, I see that I could live here, just like them, and still have hope. I could accomplish anything from here if I wanted to. But the funny thing is, I’m also okay with not accomplishing anything at all.
I don’t know if this feeling comes from mental growth, or if it’s some form of accepting life as it is. Maybe it’s both. But I’m okay with it. I’m okay with this peace.
So, that’s where I am right now. Thank you for listening to this personal reflection. I’d love to hear from you—have you ever had a similar shift in perspective about your hometown or a place you once felt disconnected from? Let me know your thoughts.
実家は青森県のチャーリーです！
