Life Where I’m From: A Comprehensive Guide to Life in Japan and Beyond

Life Where I’m From is a YouTube channel that explores what life is like in various parts of the world, with a focus on Japan. Founded in 2015, the channel has accumulated a substantial following and over 2 billion video views. As of now, the channel boasts a subscriber count of 1.73 million enthusiasts eager to learn more about Japan and its unique culture.

Channel Description

“Life Where I’m From“ is your go-to destination for all things Japanese. The channel’s tagline, “Making videos about what life is like around the world… but mostly Japan,” accurately reflects its content. Whether you’re interested in Japanese food, culture, lifestyle, or all of the above, LWIF has it covered. The channel aims to provide an inside look at the everyday life of Japanese people, from city dwellers to rural residents, and visitors from around the world.

Channel Topics

Life Where I’m From’s content focuses on various aspects of life in Japan, including:

Lifestyle & Food: Many of the channel’s videos cover the nuances of Japanese culture, lifestyle, and cuisine, making LWIF a must-watch for foodies and Japan enthusiasts alike.
People & Blogs: With a wide variety of video categories, LWIF’s approachable and engaging content resonates with viewers, earning it a spot in the People & Blogs category.

Highlights

This channel has produced numerous insightful and entertaining videos over the years, with some standout highlights:

lwif Life Where I’m From Japan Documentary (1st ); In this comprehensive and highly-rated Japan documentary series, the LWIF team delves into various aspects of Japanese life, from dining to education, work, and more.
Living in Rural Japan: Experience CM and Travel Guide; It’s a fascinating video that sheds light on what it’s like to live in Japan’s countryside, showcasing the stunning landscapes and quaint villages.
Japan Channel Guide; For those new to LWIF or Japan, this video serves as an excellent introduction to the channel’s vast range of content.
LWIF’s Japan Hotel Guide; This video tour offers viewers an in-depth look at various Japanese hotel options, from budget-friendly ryokan to luxurious stays in the capital city.
What Japanese REALLY Eat for Dinner (Updated); This popular video highlights the meals姚both traditional and innovative姚that make up a typical Japanese dinner.

Popular Titles and Views

The channel’s most popular titles and views showcase the wide array of engaging content available to viewers. A few of Life Where I’m From’s most popular titles and corresponding views include:

What Owning a Ramen Restaurant in Japan is Like: 197.32 million views
Kyushoku: The Making of a Japanese School Lunch: 110.34 million views
What a Japanese Childcare Centre is Like: 96.34 million views
Why Japan’s Homeless are Different from North America’s (Part 1): 75.23 million views
What Rich Neighbourhoods in Tokyo are Like: 72.91 million views These impressive figures highlight not just the channel’s popularity, but also the high demand for its captivating content about Japan and its unique culture.

Fact Boxes

Life Where I’m From’s YouTube channel is registered in Japan and is primarily English-speaking (Country: JP, Language: en). The channel was founded on April 13, 2015, and has been a source of comprehensive information about various aspects of life in Japan ever since.

Video Highlights

Life Where I’m From covers a wide range of topics, many of which have garnered over a million views. Some of the channel’s most popular videos include:

“What Owning a Ramen Restaurant in Japan is Like” has 19.7 million views, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of owning a ramen restaurant in Japan.
“Kyushoku: The Making of a Japanese School Lunch” has 11.03 million views, giving viewers a glimpse into the intricate process of making school lunches in Japan.
“What a Japanese Childcare Centre is Like” has 9.63 million views, showcasing the culture and practices of Japanese daycare centers.
“Why Japan’s Homeless are Different from North America’s (Part 1)” has 7.52 million viewers, lupers on the unique aspects of homelessness in Japan compared to North America.
“What Rich Neighbourhoods in Tokyo are Like” has 7.29 million views, revealing the luxury and lifestyles of Tokyo’s wealthier residents.
“How a Japanese Family Sushi Restaurant Gets You to Buy, Buy, Buy!” has 6.88 million views, demonstrating the marketing techniques and strategies used by family sushi restaurants in Japan.
“What Japanese Frozen Meals Are Like” has 6.70 million views, exploring the types of frozen food available in Japan.
“Can You Feed Yourself in Japan With No Japanese?” has 5.95 million views, answering the question of whether it’s possible to order food in Japan without speaking Japanese.
“Making a Bento Picnic Lunch in Japan” has 4.94 million views, providing an in-depth look at the preparation of traditional Japanese bento lunches.
“Living in Traditional Japanese Townhouses: Kyo-machiya” has 4.85 million views, showcasing the unique charm of traditional Japanese townhouses in Kyoto.
“Life in the Philippines pt 1 | A Foreigner’s Perspective” has 4.71 million views, offering a foreigner’s perspective on life in the Philippines.
“What a Japanese Family Restaurant is Like” has 4.67 million views, demonstrating the atmosphere and offerings of family restaurants in Japan.
“Brand New Japanese House Tour” has 4.53 million views, taking viewers on a tour of a newly-built Japanese house.
“What Japanese Dinner is Like (Nabe)” has 4.50 million views, highlighting the cultural significance of Japanese hot pot dinners.
“How Japan Keeps Clean” has 4.24 million views, examining the unique cleanliness practices of Japan.
“How an Average Family in Tokyo Can Buy a New Home” has 4.18 million views, offering insights into the Japanese real estate market and the home-buying process for average families.
“What it’s Like Working In Japan | “Short” Version” has 3.47 million viewers, llering on the work culture and expectations in Japan.
“The Rules that Rule Japan” has 3.35 million views, delving into the strict rules and regulations that govern Japanese society.
“What a Japanese Apartment is Like” has 3.28 million views, showcasing the layout and amenities of a typical Japanese apartment.
“What a Typical Tokyo Neighbourhood is Like” has 3.11 million views, taking a tour of an average residential area in Tokyo.
“How Japanese Knives are Made” has 3.08 million views, exploring the intricate process of creating traditional Japanese kitchen knives.
“Being Muslim in Japan” has 2.96 million viewers, focusing on the experiences of Muslim communities in Japan.
“Japanese street gutters are NOT this clean” has 2.75 million views, debunking the myth of exceptionally clean Japanese streets.
“Japanese Quality of Life: My Family’s Experience in Tokyo” has 2.63 million views, sharing the personal experiences of a family living in Tokyo.
“What an Indoor Japanese BBQ is Like” has 2.56 million views, demonstrating the popularity and enjoyment of indoor barbecues in Japan.
“How Tokyo’s Subway Keeps On-time, Clean, and Safe” has 2.33 million views, revealing the secrets behind Tokyo’s efficient subway system.
“A Guide to Your First Hour in Tokyo, Japan” has 2.25 million views, providing practical advice on navigating Tokyo as a first-time visitor.
“Life in the Philippines pt 2 | Homes, Family & Work” has 2.1 million views, continuing the exploration of life in the Philippines.
“Shopping at a Big Japanese Mall” has 1.9 million views, showcasing the wide selection of products and entertainment options in Japanese shopping malls.
“First Time in South Korea (Seoul)” has 1.88 million views, sharing the experiences of visiting Seoul as a tourist.
“What a Japanese House Party is Like” has 1.85 million views, offering insights into the Japanese house party culture.
“What Driving in Japan is Like” has 1.81 million views, discussing the challenges and benefits of driving in Japanese traffic.
“Japanese Public Bathing Explained” has 1.78 million viewers, clarifying the customs and etiquette of Japanese public baths.
“Who are Japan’s Homeless? (Part 2)” has 1.77 million views, continuing the exploration of Japan’s homeless population.
“Japan’s Housing for the Middle Class” has 1.58 million views, addressing the housing market and living conditions for Japan’s middle class.
“What Dinner at a Japanese 7-Eleven is Like” has 1.5 million views, demonstrating the wide range of meal options available at Japanese convenience stores.
“Why My Family’s Cost of Living is Cheaper in Tokyo” has 1.44 million viewers, offering a personal perspective on the cost of living in Japan’s capital city.
“How We Furnished Our New Japanese Home” has 1.42 million views, showcasing the process of decorating a home in Japan.
“What a Japanese Nursing Home is Like” has 1.4 million views, providing a glimpse into the world of nursing homes in Japan.
“私のラーメン屋 My Ramen Shop Skit” has 1.30 million views, sharing a humorous skit about a Japanese ramen shop.
“Japanese vs. American Hamburger (ハンバーグ vs. ハンバーガー)” has 1.28 million views, comparing American and Japanese-style hamburgers.
“Let’s Talk About Weird Japan” has 1.26 million viewers, sparking a candid conversation about the oddities of Japanese culture.
“Are Japanese Homes Really Worthless After 30 Years?” has 1.25 million views, addressing the controversial belief that Japanese homes depreciate rapidly.
“Why I Still Suck at Japanese After Living in Japan for 5 Years” has 1.17 million views, shedding light on the difficulties of learning the Japanese language.
“Housing Japan’s Homeless (Part 3)” has 1.17 million views, looking into the challenges of housing the homeless population in Japan.
“How Japanese Green Tea is Made” has 1.15 million views, demonstrating the intricate process of growing and processing Japanese green tea.
“Elementary School Rules in Japan (Subtitles Available)” has 1.15 million views, exploring the expectations and regulations in Japanese elementary schools.
“Why Foreigners Have Difficulty Renting in Japan” has 1.14 million viewers, addressing the unique challenges faced by foreigners when renting property in Japan.
“What a Family-Owned Ryokan is Like (Traditional Japanese Inn & Hot Springs)” has 1.13 million views, showcasing the warmth and charm of family-owned Japanese inns.
“Where to Stay in Japan | Hotel, Ryokan, Capsule, AirBNB, Guest House, Hostel…” has 1.11 million views, offering a comprehensive guide to accommodation options in Japan.
“What Commuting in Philippines’ Capital (Manila) is Like” has 1.09 million views, exploring the daily commute in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.
“Japan: Where Gods Aren’t Gods and Worshipers Aren’t Religious (Shinto Explained)” has 1.04 million viewers, offering an in-depth explanation of Shinto beliefs and practices in Japan.
“Fashion “Rules” for Japanese Women” has 1.02 million views, discussing the cultural norms and guidelines for women’s fashion in Japan.
“Tokyo by Bike” has 1.01 million views, showing off the experiences of bicycle commuting and touring in Tokyo.
“Making Soba: Japan’s Everyday, Special Occasion Noodle” has 1.01 million viewers, exploring the process of making soba noodles, a traditional Japanese delicacy.
“Japan’s Deer Problem” has 996,477 views, discussing the overpopulation issue of deer in Japanese urban areas.
“Pros and Cons of Life Outside Tokyo | Rural Japan” has 984,413 views, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of living in rural Japan.
“How You Get Ready for Christmas in England and Japan” has 974,476 views, demonstrating the cultural contrasts between Christmas celebrations in England and Japan.
“Old School Japanese Noodle Delivery With Real Dishes” has 971,614 views, showcasing the unique Japanese tradition of noodle delivery using authentic dishware.
“What a Japanese Summer BBQ is Like” has 959,751 views, sharing the experiences of hosting and attending a traditional Japanese summer barbecue.
“Old Japanese Apartment vs. New House” has 933,756 views, comparing the accommodations differences between older apartments and contemporary houses in Japan.
“Why Kyoto Prohibits Bright Colours” has 931,676 views, exploring the historical and cultural reasons behind Kyoto’s restrictions on vibrant colors.
“Have You Tried Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Cutlets)?” has 920,087 views, introducing viewers to the popular Japanese dish of breaded and fried pork cutlets.
“Is It Worth It Owning a Ramen Shop in Japan?” has 918,504 views, addressing the financial and lifestyle considerations of owning a ramen restaurant.
“What Happens to Garbage in Japan” has 892,487 views, describing how Japan manages and disposes of its waste.
“Hakone: Where you ride in, look at, and soak in a lot of stuff” has 875,882 views, exploring the popular Japanese tourist destination of Hakone.
“Getting Ready for Japanese Elementary School” has 838,210 views, detailing the required supplies and preparations for the start of elementary school in Japan.
“Trying to Eat ALL of Japan’s Frozen Treats” has 810,292 views, attempting to sample a wide variety of Japanese ice cream and desserts.
“Doing Laundry in Japan” has 779,291 views, explaining the unique laundry practices and appliances typically found in Japanese households.
“Is it Possible to Become Japanese?” has 751,868, highlighting the options and challenges related to acquiring Japanese citizenship through naturalization.
“Will this plan to revitalize a Japanese tea town work?” has 746,863 views, discussing a proposed revival strategy for a Japanese tea farming community.
“What Japanese REALLY Eat for Breakfast” has 740,769 views, demonstrating the common dishes and cultural preferences for Japanese breakfasts.
“First Time Visiting Japan: Expectations vs. Reality” has 675,788 views, contrasting the imagined experiences of visiting Japan with actual first-time impressions.
“How to Survive Ordering and Eating at a Japanese Restaurant” has 671,054 views, providing advice on navigating the etiquette and customs of Japanese dining.
“Sweets and Toy Shopping in Japan w/ Internationally Me” has 655,252 views, showcasing the shopping for toys and sweets popular in Japan.
“How Japan’s North is Like Canada… But Not” has 644,558 views, drawing on similarities and differences between Japan’s northern regions and Canada.
“Answering Your Top Questions About Our Life in Japan - 100th Video Special!” has 633,361 views, addressing viewer inquiries regarding living in Japan.
“What the Richest Vacation Town in Japan is Like” has 616,916 views, exploring the luxurious sights and attractions of Japan’s wealthiest holiday destination.
“Japanese Kitchen Tour” has 609,237 views, providing a detailed walkthrough of a typical Japanese kitchen setup.
“Why Japan Isn’t Cutting Down Enough of its Trees” has 606,443 views, discussing the environmental and economic factors behind Japan’s forest conservation efforts.
“Eating Our Way Through Asakusa, Tokyo” has 588,491 views, showcasing the food exploration in Asakusa, a popular area in Tokyo known for its street food.
“Eating Take Out Ramen in Japan” has 574,782 views, enjoying ramen from Japanese take-out restaurants and acquainting viewers with this popular dining option.
“What a Very Old Japanese House is Like” has 572,844 views, taking viewers through the architecture and historical elements of a classic Japanese home.
“Why Japan Looks the Way it Does: Zoning” has 551,997 views, delving into the role of zoning laws in shaping Japan’s urban landscapes.
“What a Japanese Neighbourhood Bar is Like” has 541,637 views, portraying the warm and casual atmosphere of Japanese neighborhood bars.
“What Camping in Japan is Like (Eating Lots of Food)” has 512,324 views, illustrating the culinary experiences, preparation, and enjoyment associated with Japanese camping.
“Japanese Food Tech for Single People” has 506,725 views, showcasing innovations in food technology tailored for individuals living alone in Japan.
“A Pop-Up Japanese Cafe With Robot Servers Remotely Controlled by People With Disabilities” has 491,728 views, highlighting a unique cafe where robots controlled by remote operators with disabilities serve customers.
“Escaping Tokyo with the Family” has 476,253 views, sharing a family’s experiences as they leave Tokyo for a rural region, exploring the natural and cultural attractions of Kochi.
“21 Questions for Life Where I’m From” has 468,933 views, answering common queries related to living in Japan and experiences documented on Life Where I’m From.
“Is Taiwan’s Battery Swap Tech the Future of EVs?” has 466,152 views, discussing Taiwan’s innovative battery swapping technology and its potential implications for electric vehicles worldwide.
“What Owning a Japanese Public Bath is Like” has 460,530 views, covering the experience, challenges, and rewards of owning and operating a traditional Japanese sento (public bath).
“City of Concrete | Okinawa, Japan” has 459,284 views, exploring the architectural style of Brutalism visible in Okinawa’s cityscape.
“Making Cloth from Tree Bark with Ainu in Japan” has 446,481 views, showing the culturally significant process by