Culture Shock to Confidence: How I Stay Wildly Motivated Living in Japan Alone

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Finding Motivation in Japan: A Journey of Balance and Growth

Some days, I’m bursting with energy and motivation. Other days, I can barely get out of bed. But I’ve learned to embrace both. Living in Japan has taught me that motivation isn’t something to force—it’s something that ebbs and flows naturally. In this story, I’ll share how I stay motivated, why it’s okay to take breaks, and how small changes can spark big shifts. Maybe you’ll see a bit of yourself in my journey.

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A New Role and a Nervous Speech

Recently, I was nominated to be a public safety officer for the Wakayama Police Board—an unexpected honor that filled me with excitement and pride. As the only foreigner among the 12 nominees in our community, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to the place I now call home. But when I learned I’d have to give a speech in Japanese at the formal induction, my excitement turned to nerves.

On the day of the induction, we arrived at the Wakayama Police Station and were whisked onto a bus to a detention center. Cameras and phones weren’t allowed, so I couldn’t film the experience. We were shown the inner workings of the facility, given insights into local crime trends, and briefed on the measures being taken to address them. As the chief of police began his speech, my heart raced—I knew my turn to speak was coming. Thankfully, the speech went smoothly, and I was officially inducted as a public safety officer. The experience has fueled my motivation to study Japanese, especially for formal settings, as I want to communicate clearly and confidently in this voluntary role.

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Staying Active in Wakayama’s Changing Landscape

Living in Wakayama, I find motivation in the world around me. Millie, my furry companion, and I often go for walks, especially now during rice planting season. The fields, once bare, are now flooded with water from the mountains, transforming into vibrant green patches. In just three months, from early June to early September, these fields will yield a rice crop—a reminder of how quickly things can change. The ever-shifting landscape, from blooming flowers to newly planted rice, keeps my walks engaging and inspires me to stay active.

Exercise is a big part of my motivation, but I’m also focusing on my diet. I’ve been trying to follow the Okinawan principle of eating until I’m 80% full, but I wanted to take it a step further. So, I visited my favorite electronics store, Yama Dadeni, to explore healthier cooking options. After a long chat with a helpful sales assistant, I discovered a world of multi-function ovens that bake, air fry, microwave, and even steam. I ended up buying a mid-range oven with all these features, and I’m thrilled to experiment with healthier recipes.

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Healthy Eating and Local Markets

At a local market, my friend Natsumi and I picked up fresh produce, including zucchinis for just 100 yen—a steal for locally grown veggies in Japan. I’m making a conscious effort to eat healthier after gaining a few kilos over the winter. My new oven has sparked a wave of culinary creativity, and I’m focusing on high-protein meals like a zucchini slice, which I made with eggs, parmesan, and a dash of cream. I added a Japanese twist with low-calorie Japanese mayo and a spicy chili sauce for extra flavor.

I’m not following a strict diet—just making small, sustainable changes. The oven has opened up new possibilities, replacing my old toaster oven that was only good for toast. If you have healthy air fryer, steamer, or oven recipes, I’d love to hear them!

Studying with Flexibility

Natsumi and I are both highly motivated to keep up with our studies, though we’re working on different things. Instead of heading to our usual co-working space, we visited the Wakayama City Library. By chance, there was a lively flea market out front, and we spent 15-20 minutes exploring before settling down to study. Those moments of wandering and soaking in the atmosphere reminded me that learning doesn’t always mean textbooks or flashcards. Sometimes, it’s about engaging with the world and giving yourself space to recharge.

Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Motivation

I used to push myself to stay productive even when I wasn’t feeling it, but now I see low-motivation days as signals, not failures. Maybe I’m tired, or maybe I need a break. For example, I often leave dishes in the sink or laundry unfolded because I don’t feel like doing them—and that’s okay. I’ve learned to wait for the spark of motivation rather than forcing it. Right now, my drive to study Japanese comes from wanting to speak confidently at public safety meetings. Understanding why I want to do something makes all the difference.

Living in Japan has shown me that motivation isn’t something you chase—it finds you when you listen to your needs. Whether it’s studying, exercising, or eating better, small steps can lead to big changes. And when motivation feels low, I trust it’ll return when the time is right.

A Milestone and a Celebration

Recently, I hit 100,000 subscribers on my channel—a milestone I’d visualized and worked toward for so long. To celebrate, I hosted a live Q&A, though I was nervous about going live. An hour before, I took a twilight walk to clear my head and stopped by a convenience store for supplies. In the end, I didn’t buy anything—I had healthy food and a yogurt-like drink called cowpiss at home, which I mixed with soda water for my “afterparty.” The live went smoothly, and I was thrilled to connect with my community.

During the Q&A, I announced channel memberships with three tiers, offering perks like postcards, letters, and gaming pins for top-tier members. We’ll even have live game nights to learn hiragana, katakana, and Japanese words together. Whether you join or not, I’m just grateful you’re here, sharing this journey with Millie and me.

Final Thoughts

Finding motivation is about being kind to yourself and trusting the process. Some days, you’ll feel unstoppable; others, you’ll need rest. Both are part of growth. From my new role as a public safety officer to healthier cooking and studying with Natsumi, I’m learning to embrace the highs and lows. Thanks for being part of this journey—Millie and I are so grateful. Here’s to finding motivation, one small step at a time.

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