I've watched a lot of your videos and you seem authentic, nice and hard working. Make sure you monitize your KZread views as a secondary source of income. I'm confident your channel will continue to grow, have a good day.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I hope that KZread would help me

@pammma3878

11 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669 Please make sure your KZread channel is monitized

Idk how I got here but I’m invested in bros story now lol. Hopefully he gets lots of subscribers and the KZread money helps him out in a big way

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks. I hope my KZread would be big enough to cover my debt

@illbet4589

13 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669 don’t give up! Thanks for sharing your life with us. We’re all cheering you on!!! You can do it!

@cookiewithsunglasses6786

13 күн бұрын

​@@askjapan9669keep uploading and we will keep watching ✊❤

@shannons1886

12 күн бұрын

Setup a patreon and post email contact in your video description for sponsors.

I think you shouldn't focus so much on the "28 years to complete my mortgage". You should focus on your beautiful family and creating happy memories. You have a job, and a house that is your own. At least you are not renting and making someone else rich. When the kids have grown, then you can downsize and sell the home. By that time you have equity and you are still ahead of the game. Your life is not about paying off the mortgage.

@ZeonEons

17 сағат бұрын

Kinda is. Without the means to pay or keep up monthly payments he'll lose the house

My wife who is Japanese stopped working after our first child and then hasn't worked for 6 years since. Now she has found a job part-time, I hope it will work out going forward. It's just impossible for most families to survive on a single income, but it's not how her parents lived.

@grumblekin

13 күн бұрын

Your wife had her plan 10 years before she met you. Most Japanese who marry westerners do so because a Japanese man wouldn't put up with it. I have seen dozens of white guys in Japan, trapped in sexless marriages where the kids and wife are one family and the man is on the outside and expected to just feed salary to the wife and kids without anything in return. If you avoided this, you are the rare exception.

@Cha4k

13 күн бұрын

My wife is Japanese and its the same, She wants to be a housewife and do chores all day. Which is fine for now since my income is so high atm but it does cause me some stress.

@mariansue709

13 күн бұрын

@@Cha4kwhy it causes you stressed that she is not working?

@mark9294

13 күн бұрын

@@mariansue709I can tell you why it would cause me stress: total dependence on me and growing resentment - from her toward me (irrational), due to the natural resentment of being dependent on someone else and the ensuing imbalance in the partnership

@BabushkaTwerking

13 күн бұрын

​@Cha4k you won't last buddy. Keep saying yes to everything

Another point of view/ of a daughter; You must have been consistent responsible and provide a harmonious atmosphere for your wife to continue to feel optimistic. Your consistency, communicating concerns in a respectful manner and being responsible as a had of household is honestly worth more than a house. A house is just a home unless there is a family inside. So whether the mortgage takes 28 years or whether there will be a way to repay the mortgage quicker, the monetary value might be in the house but the investment and active value is in the family inside. Another thought, children are the future of any nation. You and you wife are carefully raising up a piece of the future of Japan.

I think once the kids are in school, it's important that the wife works, especially if finances are tight. While her income may not be the same as you, at least the financial responsibility will feel more shared. That's important as well. Gone are the days of a one income household.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

True. I need her help

@amyf.

13 күн бұрын

See if she is willing to watch other children (babysitter)

@giomusah2155

13 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669 how much u make

@coyote_0056

13 күн бұрын

@@amyf.that’s a good idea, she can stay home and still make money. My mom’s friend did that and it helped her family out.

Your wife is very optimistic it’s because she believes in you. I hope you communicate well with her that you need help financially and not just keep it to yourself. You said you are not complaining to her but you need help support coming from her financially. Talk to her openly and communicate it well.

what a gem of a wife you have! it is a wonderful quality to stay positive and make the best of what you have in the face of adversity. we only have one life (apologies to those believing in reincarnation). it is important to live in the present and not stress on what may happen. all the very best to you and your family.

Hey man hope you are doing great,an hour ago your video shows up on my feed i watched quite few of them at once. Sharing your honest thoughts and sharing your struggle makes your videos unique. I am sure many people like me will support you keep creating content show us japan from your view. I will support you by watching your content, i wish i could be of more help to you ❤

Big fan. Keep being you and I respect you for always putting your family first. You have a friend from Yokosuka!

@askjapan9669

10 күн бұрын

Thanks

I like your camera angle. Askjapan will grow make you some additional money you got this brother.

Congratulations on your channel getting so big so fast!

Would love a day in the life video!

Your channel is blowing up my friend keep going

You’re working hard with these youtube videos!! They will help you a little I hope

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

True. I am focusing on my effort to KZread now.

It's ok if wife isn't working with small kids 4 & 8. Really this is quite normal. Maybe when kids are in High School, she can work part-time, but family should come first at this age. Employed, married and having kids is really good situation. Many are fortunate just to be employed these days. Without a job, it's impossible to find a wife and then have kids, so no worries. 28 years for Home Loan isn't terrible. The kids can start working part-time in High School to pay for college and the burden can be eased.

Hi there thanks again for sharing another piece of your personal journey with us. On the topic of this video, I want to suggest the possibility that your wife is being optimistic because that is the role society (and perhaps even yourself) expected her to perform. As you have mentioned in this video too that her optimism has cheered you up at times. So even if she had negative thoughts she may very well bury them and move on without showing a trace of them. I wonder if the decision for her to quit her job is a mutual decision between you two? I think you can also talk to her openly if you feel financially stressed and bring up the possibility of her going back to work. But I assume she's also occupied with housework and a lot of responsibilties around the two younger ones, so this may mean splitting these chores down the line.

You'll be fine. Your channel is growing.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks

keep doing youtube consistently and you'll definitely be able to make money eventually. there's definitely enough people who are curious about the lives of working class people in japan

Wow incredible how this channel is growing exponentially for a Japanese honest man.. without any editing❤❤❤

I don't plan on ever retiring so I keep my body strong by lifting weights/exercising, and I maintain doing things that I enjoy outside of work hours to make it worth it. If you have a family, spending time with and providing for them makes everything worth it; they're all that really matters in life.

@mollymo6229

13 күн бұрын

You never know…maintaining your body is not what is all required menta health (aka dementia) is also an issue in old age. Have a plan BB

@DC-wo2yb

12 күн бұрын

@@mollymo6229 The entailment of this plan is that life is so difficult that you have to work without retiring, and working out helps that reality. What you're really talking about is the Plan A that doesn't exist for most people in this economy.

@DC-wo2yb

12 күн бұрын

@@mollymo6229 Build a family so they will take care of you. That's the way it's been throughout most of history.

@CR-rm4iy

11 күн бұрын

you might want to work, but the job market might have a different opinion about that, especially during a recession or if they decide to place teenagers on aprentice wages en masse or allow imigration en masse, employers would go with that option

@karlitozwei

11 күн бұрын

Second this. Keeping your body strong and exercising is one key to good health and has trickle effects on mental health. I've never regretted working out and always felt awesome afterwards.

The worst thing to do is allow your wife to work or advise her to work. Let her sole focus be the kids and make sure she gives it her all in this to nurture them especially your daughter. Make sure you spend a lot of your time with your son. Go out with him. Keep video games at a bare minimum. Give up your useless self hobbies now: playing music, playing video games etc. You need to find enjoyment in other things. Men don't have time for such hobbies after having become a husband and father. When you realise the bigger picture youll feel much more satisfied with life.

I think you are doing okay ! Because you have a job that you have been at for 25 years and you have a family and a home and good health very blessed 🙌 yes your side hustle will help you too.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

I hope so. Some day, I will laugh out about these concerns.

also while i do agree with you that you are not depressed as you seem to be very resilient, i'm quite confident that you are severely burnt out and that is most likely the source of your pessimism too (and the connected mid-life crisis) - i myself have experienced similar burnout, so i recognise some of the symptoms. taking time off for yourself might be required and there is no shame in it. if you lose your health, you lose your job and it will be very difficult to get back on top after that. if you need to take some time off, you definitely should and you shouldn't feel ashamed or guilty - we are only human.

I think your wife is optimistic because she loves the kids and needs her life to be more optimistic. They love you! and they like the life you create for them, but they would give that life up to be with you! Your better than you think you are! you created a family that is hard for most people to create. The good thing is that your family won't leave you, and they will be with you until the end. so do the best you can!! Your at the start of these hard times, but hard times always pass. Please do whatever you can to keep this famility together. I've been in this situation my self and I wish I understood what I meant to my beautiful family

Thanks!

@hannahoemcke7746

13 күн бұрын

My name is Mark, Hannah is my daughter

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks Mark. I wish Hannah and you have good days.

Yeah, like others mentioned, when the youngest gets into school, you can ask your wife if she's willing to work part time. You can ask her to contribute any surplus to extra mortgage payments to finish the loan early. I've heard you focus on the mortgage payment, but you might want to shop around on your other bills. Maybe there are savings to be had on insurance and internet/mobile bills?

You are so lucky to have such an optimistic wife. If she thinks the same way you do, imagine she'll complain all the time you'll be so depressed that you wont even be making these videos! You know, you may not believe it but things will work out somehow. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, your experience must tell you whatever believe to true today will look very silly tomorrow. Your worrying doesn't make things better or worse, so what is the point of worrying? On the other hand i think your viewership is coming from you worrying publicly 😅

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Good point. Optimistic wife makes me happy indeed.

@junjae.

13 күн бұрын

easy to be optimistic when she doesn't have to worry about bringing in money. there's a reason why bro comes to the internet to talk about his problems instead of talking to his wife about how they can solve it together.

@giomusah2155

13 күн бұрын

It's not about optimism..It's about margin of error..Her eating udon noodles while her husband is working would be irritating

@giomusah2155

13 күн бұрын

Your interpret it as optimism..But I would see it as a sign of undiluted stupidity and indifference, to her husband emotional needs.

@mariansue709

13 күн бұрын

@@junjae.exactly

Great video. Great channel. I’m very bullish on the stock market, if I can maintain my returns I will comfortably retire in 25 years (and not spend the nest egg) to leave for children. No mortgage, if I do eventually buy it will be cash or a 10-20% mortgage.

It would likely be best to have an open discussion about this topic with your wife(in private). And share your perspective aka. how you see the financial situation with her.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Ture. I never had but I should

@Matmat123_5

13 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669i think this is a problem. There is a lack of communication within Japanese couple. They tend to stick to superficial conversations and avoid difficult subjects.

Hey just want to say I really appreciate your content! I'm in a fairly similar circumstance to you, perhaps not as serious, however I lost my job in Media Marketing recently, but luckily I had a second part-time job in Gaming Advertising Sales, it's actually based in Japan (Game8), remote from the UK. While I had a full-time job, I bought a car on finance, made a lot of purchases which must be paid monthly, have car insurance costs etc. I also get paid in Yen, so I also got effected by the economy! I've been looking for work for 7 months now and have been faced with a flurry of rejections. P.S. Please don't gamble, I used to be a gambling addict and it ruined my life, perhaps you have more control over your gambling but 'the house always wins' is true.

Yes it's about teamwork.

When your youngest child starts school, there is no excuse why your wife cant get a part-time job and help. Even if she helps shorten your mortgage from 28 years to 20 years, your life will be much better.

@James-yl3kk

13 күн бұрын

It's true, but she's going to struggle having not worked for 10+ years

@YeeSun

13 күн бұрын

From what I understand, it’s not very common to work as part time in Japan. Since his wife has not worked for 10+ years, it will be a big challenge.

@Yaya-bd7ml

13 күн бұрын

Part time jobs dont do shit

@Yarcofin

13 күн бұрын

@Yaya-bd7ml $15/hr x 20 hrs per week = an extra $15,000 per year. Most mortgages have a clause where you can pay up to an extra 10% per year. If they put that 15k/yr entirely toward their mortgage they can probably pay it off in less than half the time. That's not exactly "nothing"

@Yarcofin

13 күн бұрын

@James-yl3kk I feel like taking time off to raise your kids would be one of the most understandable and respectable reasons possible to an employer. Most likely she's gonna be working retail, not something like being a lawyer or accountant where she forgot important knowledge for the job.

When I had 3 small children I watched other children in My home ( very small home daycare). Helped my husband with our budget.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Big family supports each other, nice.

@amyf.

13 күн бұрын

I advertised locally to help other families in need of a babysitter. While other mothers were at work. Or even when the parents wanted to go out at night. They paid me money to watch their children. Very common in the United States to get paid to watch other parent’s children. You might even work around people that would love to pay your wife to watch their children for a few hours and they would pay her a fee. Going rate here in the United States is $5.75 for a baby per hour.

You could set up a patreon, I'm sure people would be willing to help out considering how good your content is!

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks, I am thinking about that

Hi, I commented in your video that went viral, first i'd like to reiiterate, you're not in a bad situation, you just have things to figure out it is normal to feel overwhelmed because it is a lot of responsibility. And most important, you having this channel is actually a really good sign that in the long term you're going to be okey. So, what i though relevant to comment: My mother hasn't worked since my father retired her and i, being the youngest son, already have 20 and she hasn't and won't work. I'm not saying this for nothing more than you don't need to worry about that, and actually it will probably more useful in this situation to let her worry about everything else so you can focus in your work. As if she cared about the present so that you can care about the future. Either way I'm from Spain, and it is totally understandable to not fit in your culture, remember to compare always opinions with their background. About the next part of the comment, I'm no expert, I'm 20 years old and studying Telecom xdd not Finance or anything. About investing and all that, it is always good to find another source of income since you're not expecting any change in your salary (at least in a video I saw you said that). But I wouldn't consider investing that much, it is risky, and you always know that at the end of the month you'll still be getting those home-loan payments. One thing I've seen a lot is budgeting your rent/mortgage payments as a 25-30, what you currently have is a 18,3% of your income spent in your mortgage. If you could figure out paying more it could shorten it and be debt-free by your retirement at maybe your early 70's (using a fast rule of 3, let's figure you're paying the average mortgage rate in Japan of 3.53% which means 581$ for 28 years, paying a 4% would mean paying around 610$ for 24,7 years) paying 610 in mortgage would mean 30 dollars more or repurposing a 1% of your monthly expenses on it. If you go the other way around (not meaning to you really do this, you already have 2 kids and a wife to support financially), if you can relocate your expenses to really fit that 25-30% on mortgage it would mean something like this: Let's settle for 27,5% and figure that this is a bonus cost, meaning you would be paying an extra 9,2% at the end of the month (3466$ instead of your supposed 3174$). Your mortgage would be 873$ for the next 19,75 years, saving yourself 5 years, probably more because you also wouldn't be paying the interest of the years you would not be paying. Again, I'm not saying this as a "you have to do this", but as "I think it could be beneficial for you to talk with someone about your home loan"

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks, I am not in the critical condition yet but just wanted to prepare the worst crisis happening on our family.

Just to make you feel better, I'm in Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦. Our variable interest rate is 6% and my mortgage payment interest alone is over $1000. 😅

your English vocabulary is very extensive, good stuff

Ive watched a few of your videos and I'd like to give you advice but im not very smart or experienced. but I still wanted to say that I hope the best for you and I hope it all works out for you. そして、 英語上手ですね

Maybe your wife can work after your youngest gets a few years older. I’m sure it is wonderful she is able to be with them now💕

well i dont have much experience. But if it is tight with money (maybe when the kids start school) there isnt really a choice. If you both are happy its fine :) Maybe now since a lot of people has found your channel and ur a really nice guy, maybe you can start earning from youtube too!

If she is able to work part-time that could be a start. Optimism to me can be dependent on my energy levels current state of mind. Keeping strong and exercising helps to mitigate a negative mindset not to mention the release of endorphins on a regular basis from regular exercise. Your channel is growing so things are looking up for you.

also I'm watching all the ads to help

You could actually start selling merch! I'm sure people would buy t-shirts with a picture of you holding up the whiteboard or something like that. You have lots of potential for branding yourself. Let me know if you want tips on how to do it :)

@askjapan9669

12 күн бұрын

Ok, I will make some goods

@_aicitel

12 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669Why don’t you sell your toys and old games? These days they are hard to find in some countries, you’d be making a lot of money

New upload lets go!

hat looks amazing on you

Please tell us how you learned English. It is so smooth and lightly accented for someone living in Japan. My immigrant parents had such a heavy accent even decades after immigration.

Certain things perpetually got in the way of my life and now I’m stuck with nothing and can’t seem to make it better, my family is shying away from any accountability and I feel very alone in life

Hello Sir. This was a very good video, and I wish you the best with your plans. I've found that exercising and improving physical health really helps relieve stress. It boosts your mood and energy levels, making daily life so much better. Plus, it can change your mindset, making you feel more confident and positive. Give it a try - you might love the results.

@askjapan9669

12 күн бұрын

Thanks

Keep up the videos, you will improve financially over time. You are dealing with a lot of stress, try to meditate on your situation. Dealing with similar situation here but trying to find decent work. The problems in America is low paying jobs you can't survive on, which takes more jobs, then you lose family time. You should try to save a little money to open a side hustle / business that provides food services etc. Everyone has to eat right, then you could make more money and pay things off earlier. Do not quit your job though try to earn more KZread money make more channels and videos etc.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks

I am soon to be retired from a nursing career and I have side hobbies that don't make much money but every little bit helps. I appreciate you honesty and it shows cultural aspects about Japan that some Americans don't understand. Would your wife help build your channel as a new income source!

@askjapan9669

12 күн бұрын

Good for you

You are becoming famous youtuber to the civilized world!! Women don't understand the stress of carrying the world on your shoulders, they don't feel the weight of that world. You are being a very practical man - kudos.

@anewcreature7

13 күн бұрын

don't 'understand' or don't want to, because they feel like it's the 'man's duty'? It makes sense 50 years ago, now you need both to work in most places just to be able to have the basic needs covered. It's sad, really.

@user-fb3yf2xb2z

13 күн бұрын

@@anewcreature7 Its true in so many parts of the world these days. No so a generation ago, I think? Keep doing what you are doing - you are well respected from here.

@anewcreature7

13 күн бұрын

@@user-fb3yf2xb2z yes, decades ago a man's average salary can support a wife and 2 kids, buy a car and have a home. May God bless you 🙂

@stressedpanda7205

13 күн бұрын

"Women don't understand the stress of carrying the world on your shoulders" 😅 try running that past your mother next time you see her.

@backupaccount2394

13 күн бұрын

bro Japan is part of the civilised world 💀

Could it be that your wife is optimistic because she knows something you don't know? Anyway, I hope your KZread channel keeps growing and growing, you're doing great. Keep it up!

@askjapan9669

12 күн бұрын

Wow

My friend would like to give you a tip or suggestion. I don't know if this is applicable in Japan, but it generally is (it's possible here in Brazil). There is something called amortization. If you have 28 years left to pay your mortgage, you could pay off this debt if you can bring forward the last monthly payments in recent years in a decreasing manner. Here in my country, people contract debts for 35 years, but if they organize themselves to pay in addition to the bill for the month in advance in that current month, then they have what is called interest amortization. In other words, compound interest can reduce these years so that a 35-year debt can sometimes be paid off in five years or less due to prepayments. Check if this is possible with your mortgage! Be optimist! I wish you light and luck!

Either you figure out a way to make more money, or your wife works again and you stay in your current home, or you get a cheaper house in the area. You can also do both. A cheaper house with a wife that works part time when the kids are at school, but comes home when they are home will probably be the best scenario.

I love watching videos of Asian mothers, they are so diligent! would your wife consider having a KZread channel? kisses from Brazil

in the west, you can always re-mortgage, to extend it further once the kids start working - they will be on the mortgage and pay of the remaining balance, something you could groom them for from the begining. And if they will want to move, then you will downsize, or reverse mortgage the property - the option where you get monthly payments for the bank to take over the ownership of the house once you die

I bought a very cheap and very small house in a semi-bad area and paid it off. I did move and got another house now I have a mortgage again. Part of me wishes I would have stayed in the paid off house. I'm not sure I have the best answer for you, we can't give up.

I don't think it's a gender thing. I feel like it's more of a personality thing. It's good that at least one of you is optimistic.

@shannons1886

12 күн бұрын

Yes, I think it is experiences growing up. I'm much more optimistic than my wife. I had a harder life than her growing up, today is so much better for me than back then, so I am always positive for small things that come up that upset her are not a big deal to me.

@y-yyy

11 күн бұрын

Exactly. It's weird to me that people are making everything about gender differences. Yes, of course there are some differences, but we're really much more similar than we are different, in the end of the day we're all humans with a huge variety of personalities and a wide array of things besides just one hormone shaping us into who we are.

Marriage should be open meaning worries should be shared and challenged together. I think it's easier to be optimistic about future if you're happy in your current situation. In my eyes this means that you have done a good job which means your wife is happy and can feel optimistic about the future. However the reality is that her happiness comes with the price of your unhappiness. And when you're not happy yourself it's more likely you feel pessimistic about the future. Now some people can decide that they don't need to be happy all the time if they can protect someone elses happiness. That's fine. But in this case if you simply cannot afford your current situation with your current income I think you definitely need to talk about it with your wife. If she doesn't want to go working then selling house and moving somewhere where it's cheaper becomes a necessity. You cannot do more than what you're able to. It's very simple. These kind of situations are the true test to every relationship. I hope yours is strong and you prevail with this. In any case you shouldn't leave things down to luck.

I think you're on a great trajectory now with KZread and monetisation. You also look at least 10 years younger if not 15.

So your wife's family helped you with the big down payment for the house in order to trade for changing your name to her family name, and to give their daughter a stable household by not letting her work. If you force her to work you're worried her family will get upset since they gave you the money. But basically this arrangement is becoming too big a burden on you correct? The possible solutions is 1. Make a big life change like renting again or moving to a cheaper location (upset In-laws). 2. Tell her to work anyway and deal with upsetting the in laws again 3. You find a higher paying job and or get a side job (happier in-laws and wife but more stressful for you). 4. Ask your mom for help since she has a pension and she's no longer needs excess spending money. 5. Is more psychological. Just do not care about paying off your mortgage loan and sell your house when you're too tired and want to retire. Then move elsewhere cheaper. After you Mom and in-laws pass away they will leave you inheritance and you can either pay off the home with that or buy a different home cash. That might be why your wife is optimistic she knows maybe she'll inherit money and property from her parents later it's just that you don't know how much they have to pass to her but she does.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Yes, her parents helped us our down payment so, I can't blame them at all.

@alhkcblack9617

13 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669 not blame them but just know your story is a common one in Asian family's. I had a Taiwanese CO worker that was in your exact same situation. After several years he got promoted. The wife was never worried and optimistic and stay at home with the kids. Her family has money so she knows no matter what later she'll be fine. She doesn't care what happens to the husband because in Asian culture it's his duty to work hard anyway so he suffers and talks to me for stress relief. Ultimately he's fine too as long as he sticks with his wife because they will inherit half the money eventually. For now he is trapped like you. I'm just saying step back and see it in the big picture and you'll be ok. If you let your stress break you and you divorce, the family will suffer but you'll be free. That's up to you. I say just look at the long term and if her family has money you all will be fine

Hello, I've been following your journey and appreciate your openness about the challenges you face. As a fellow human seeking peace and guidance, I wanted to share something that has provided me with comfort and direction: Islam. It offers a comprehensive way of life and profound answers to many of life's questions. I believe exploring Islam could offer you the solace and clarity you seek, especially in these trying times. It emphasizes the importance of family, compassion, and community, which might resonate with your current situation. Wishing you strength and peace on your journey. Stay strong brother.

My man here saving lives

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

wow

Thanks for another really interesting video. You’re a good man. I have been watching some stuff about ‘retiring in place.’ And some of the Chinese ones on ‘lying flat.’ Both very interesting and I do tell my girlfriend who I live with and is 12 years younger than me, to do as little as possible at work (she’s a teacher). And also to retire as young as she can. After dossing at work (30 years in the infantry, and ten years in Diplomacy), I retired at 55. When both in the military and as a civil servant I use to just finish early at 3pm every day (when I wasn’t on deployment to some war zone) and I’d just go back to my barracks and go to sleep for a couple of hours before hitting the bars and trawling for women., I did the same as a diplomat overseas. Indeed i was in a job where no one really managed me so often wouldn’t even bother turning up. I have spent my entire life womanising and drinking tbh and really enjoyed it. Government jobs always pay crazy index linked pensions which just keep going up and up. So look at switching to a Government job if you can. You might earn less but the pension makes it more than worth it. Especially given the longevity in Japan. Don’t sell your house, just spread the loan out longer and send your wife to work. Oh and start going out drinking, it’s fun, you meet people and socialise. Having worked overseas most of my life I have enjoyed the drinking community most tbh. Drink, laugh, and keep fit, you need your health to enjoy your old age (I’m 62).

@arthursondheim2255

12 күн бұрын

Lots of people have that indexed-pension idea but the rubber is hitting the road for the U.S. Even by the US government's CBO figures Uncle Spam will only be able to pay out 74% of benefits for Social Security by 2033. The USD's purchasing power is headed for a haircut of 30-40% at a minimum and could turn into a Weimar Republic rout. Piling on $1Trillion every hundred days now, America has a payday loan cycle on it's hands. And the U.S. is long overdue for a recession, when people will demand the government spend more. Plus, in my 50 years on this planet, I have never seen this level of dysfunction, and unrest against the government, and against each other, in America. Wait until the welfare hoi polloi, vets, and seniors entitlements get inflated out of existence.

@aidjunkie5335

12 күн бұрын

@@arthursondheim2255 Good points. Certainly interesting times ahead.

optimistic = denial pessimistic = realistic ... (in many cases)

@bestblob

12 күн бұрын

So true unfortunately

@foozito

11 күн бұрын

negativity it's not always more realistic, its just a negative interpretation, not a truth

I'm in almost the same situation as you (49yo, 27 years left on mortgage, wife doesn't work). Right now I make enough that we can still save, but if inflation and prices don't relax soon, I will quickly become much more pessimistic. Even if she got a part-time or low paying job, all that income could go into investing/savings, and would be a huge security for the family. Good luck, sir! 頑張って!

@amyf.

13 күн бұрын

Can your wife babysit other children during the day?

@Matmat123_5

13 күн бұрын

Hopefully if inflation continues to go up your salary will go up as well to compensate.

@svalbard01

13 күн бұрын

@@Matmat123_5 It has, but at a slower rate. Only 5.5% over the past 2 years.

if you can't trim any more expenses than you will need to work a part time job, night job, overtime any extra source of income. people say start a business that would be dependent on your unique skill set to offer a marketplace a service for people to give you money for. but in the mean time you would need to work more hours.

optimisim and realism are not opposites, in the sense that you can be realistic about what's happening with your finances, but live with a hope that it will turn better. pessimism and optimism are just outlooks about the future and pessimistic people tend to think 'it will go badly and if it doesn't i will just be pleasantly surprised', but it's actually very unhealthy to live like that. i struggle with pessimism in myself too, but i would much prefer to be optimistic because it puts less stress on you mentally. there's no gurantee we won't die in an accident, nuclear war, natural disaster, or that a financial crisis or a new virus will not completely change the current economic landscape, so it's pointless thinking too far into the future with pessimism. if we die, well that was it, but if we don't we might as well hope for the best.

@_vindicator_

12 күн бұрын

although i would add, that optimism shouldn't be delusion - if there are signs about something being wrong in the present (e.g. factually you don't have enough money) and someone is ignoring that fact, that's not optimism, because it's factually false. that's delusion or ignorance.

I don't know much about Japanese working culture, but having your wife working, even part-time would completely change your life. Would it be feasible for her to make enough money per month to cover the mortgage? That would put your family in a healthy surplus every month. In the meantime, keep your head up - you're doing great!

Japan is quite old fashioned in that sense. My Japanese wife quit her job when we married, she took good care of everything in the house and our child of course... I know in many cases the wife will also manage the finances too.. ... I heard in Japan there is a high number of silver divorce, IE. When the man retirees he is always at home, and the wife really is not used to that...

What's your thought about Ken Honda's philosophy and teaching?

Keep making KZread videos it makes good money!

@askjapan9669

12 күн бұрын

Thanks

If people ask why your wife isn't working, its because they come from a country where full time wife/mother is not normal anymore. You should be thankful you still live in a culture that values raising children with a full time parent. Just look to how American society is falling apart when children are raised in daycares. They don't know genders anymore, they are having depression at very young age, mental issues are increasing every year. So be thankful that you can survive on your salary and provide your children with an optimistic future of good mental and physical health. I notice that you're feeling a high amount of pressure because of the 28 year home loan. Just remember to take life one day at a time and don't overwhelm yourself

@Ana-jf1ch

13 күн бұрын

It is impossible in most ocidental countries to live with just one income. In here single mothers or fathers need to have two jobs sometimes, quite sad.

@Yarcofin

13 күн бұрын

Is his culture really that much better when their young people are avoiding dating to the point their birth rate is about to collapse and their people will go extinct? He said a few videos ago that over 75% of people in Japan will be over 50 by 2030

@ianwilkinson7889

13 күн бұрын

After 28 yrs the house will be ready to be torn down. Only the land value will remain. That's the sad reality for most Japanese.

@Ragehard100

13 күн бұрын

@deejay_USA his trolling you all,not matter what solutions you give this guy,he will just complain about his life and how he has things so bad. His only intention is to make money from KZread,his NOT genuine at all and yes his wife should work as most wives do work these days in modern Japan,just like most women have to work in the western world. Remember,this guy knows exactly what he is doing,his a deceitful troll just hoping to gain sympathy,money and subs.

@Ana-jf1ch

13 күн бұрын

@@Yarcofin when they get married usually the wife's stop working. There are many documentaries here where young people say they can't do that, money is tight and they rather be alone. People are also tired of being slaves to capitalism and work, many rather enjoy life than getting married and have bills.

Don't sell the house keep doing KZread videos and you will get big income

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

I don't want to sell but if i have to I should

Can you refinance into interest only loan? Meaning no principal payment? That would reduce the payment a lot with no principal. We have a lot of those loans in the US. You'll never pay off your loan unless you choose to make extra payments, but at least it gives you a lot of time to increase finances and develop the KZread channel. After you hit it big , you can just pay it all off in one lump sum:)

It is okay. My father is 70+ years and he is still working (on his last real estate) while being on retirement. It is possible to pay off the debts, bro. Keep on doing

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

Thanks for your comment. Stay healthy would be priority.

Have your wife work once your kids are in school specifically a day job. Having dinners as a family are very important. Money seems to be the biggest stressor so try maxing out KZread as much as you can with ad revenue and monetization. Make sure to visit your mom as often as you can as well!

What a smart funny guy, in every video repeats himself. I hope his memory is okay.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

I guess I am OK, maybe not.

Hi thank you for your video i love you PLEASE don't think i am weird

you are doing a great job! with what you are able to do ; it's really just greedy, selfish, and crazy people that hoard money and don't want to create and make opportunities for the "working/serving class" - classism is still a major problem, back thousands years to today. good luck :D to both of us >w

1. Get an interest only mortgage: think of the interest payments as rent and invest the difference in a low cost index tracker. 2. When you get to retirement sell it and downsize then. 3. Your wife needs to work. This is the 21st century and you should be in an equal partnership. You need to have a tough conversation with her about your shared financial situation.

Search on how to do affiliate marketing for your channel. KZreadrs are making a lot of money this way. I have seen several of your videos were you are showing us different products that is all potential income.

Women aren’t really more optimistic than men in my opinion. They’re actually more realistic and pessimistic. She’s more than likely stressed as well and she’s just pretending to be optimistic because she feels guilty you are the financial bread winner.

Ignore the people telling you to look into Bitcoin. They don't have your best interests in mind. No reason for her to not get a part time job if she's willing.

@anewcreature7

13 күн бұрын

Just because you're too lazy to look into it yourself or don't understand it, don't stop others from learning it. I don't blame you though, I was in your shoes a few years ago, I brushed it off without researching it myself. There's nothing wrong with studying and then make your own judgment call. If you don't like it, that's fine, but don't stop others, bitcoin has helped a lot of people.

@jw841

13 күн бұрын

​@@anewcreature7If you got into bitcoin before 2015 then you have done well. But as of today I know far far more people who have lost on bitcoin than have gained. Some have lost alot in the last year. But those that invested in gold 10 years ago are doing pretty well today. The problem with bitcoin is it's too speculative for most people. Some will win big most will loose big.

@Yarcofin

13 күн бұрын

100% agree and I'm someone who has most of my net worth in crypto currently. I'm just waiting for it to go up one more time so I can sell and be done with it. It was a mistake.

@anewcreature7

13 күн бұрын

@@Yarcofin Yup, I feel you. There's Bitcoin and there's crypto. I was in crypto too. The mistake most make is thinking that it's all the same.

@TumpalManurung

13 күн бұрын

Y'all sound like sales bots now.

I posted a comment a few weeks ago. You keep saying that the interest rate will go up. But the part of your monthly payment that is interest is small, maybe $90? This is on a loan payment of $580. If the interest doubles, your loan will not double. You will maybe pay another $90 on the $580, so maybe $670. You can always keep your house and pay on it until your children are grown, and then "downsize" to a smaller home later. (We in America call it downsizing when you sell a house and buy a smaller or cheaper house.) If you didn't pay a mortgage, you would have to pay rent anyway . . .

How much is your total mortgage? If it's 28 years then how much is the total?

If you sell your home, assuming you have a fixed mortgage rate, you will forever be a slave to renting. And here is a hint, rents aren't going down. Better to lock in your home and be relieved of that stress. Unless you can downsize and still make the move and cost of selling and buying and make it work.

Didnt ikigai come from Japan? Ikigai where you learn your purpose and passion and skills and combine them into a way to get paid and live happy as it’s what you love

Are you on fixed rate or variable rate mortgage? You are wise to seek change. That is a big step from apathy.

Hi! viewer from Mongolia! make video about how did u learn to speak english very well

I wonder if there is something that you are able to share on your channel about Japan that many people don't know about that could help bring money to your family that could help pay off your mortgage sooner than expected. This would require more time on your channel with editing, but I do wonder if there are things in Japan that would interest your audience that ad money can help you with. Could help the burden of paying for your home.

I am confused why it's such a big deal that you pay off your mortgage? What exactly is the concern here? Maybe this is my ignorance of Japan and how mortgages work there but my assumption is that you purchased your home as an investment that is growing in value? So you are getting more equity as you continue to pay down your mortgage. Your child is going to inherit an asset that will be valuable, just as long as it's not over leveraged you should be fine. Or perhaps it's because Japan's economy is striking so it's unlikely that your property will continue to accumulate value? I don't know, it doesn't seem like it's really that big of a concern to me.

@_aicitel

13 күн бұрын

I think if they don’t pay they lose the house?

@FaridJaafar

13 күн бұрын

I think the monthly mortgage payments eats a large chunk of his monthly income and so reduce funds for other purposes. Hopefully his youtube channel will be another source of income for him.

@gerardus03

13 күн бұрын

I mean, I think he's better off paying it early on, so he can retire with the house paid for. His children won't be living with him forever, and I don't think it is a good idea to go into retirement with a mortgage. And if you're only paying the interest, why not going into paying rent and saving them the money they already placed into the mortgage. Or maybe I'm missing part of the Japanese culture, and they really expect to be 75 and living with their two 29 and 33 y.o. children. Sorry for my bad English, I don't want to seem angry xdd

@Matmat123_5

13 күн бұрын

Japan is totally different. House depreciate are worthless after 40 years and are then torn down and a new one built. Houses in Japan is not an investment but an expense. Only land could have value but with the fall of population it is far to be the case everywhere.

@grumblekin

13 күн бұрын

This is the usual Western response: "I don't know anything about Japan and can't bother take 5 seconds to Google it, but here's my advice anyways!" Japanese homes LOSE value over their lifespans. A wooden house like he bought will be worth 0 yen after 25 years. The tiny bit of land may appreciate and often does, but the structure itself depreciates over time until it reaches its estimated lifespan limit (judged based on quakes, typhoons, etc.). He will be paying for a home that's worth nothing for the last 3 years of his mortgage. Paying off his home is not really a problem. If he dies early, insurance will pay off the house and the wife/kids will be able to live for free. So he's just upset that he will either have to die or work until he's old and frail to pay it off. He saddled himself with a huge financial drain and it was a mistake. This is venting, which is what Japanese do: we cannot escape and we must comply, but we are allowed to complain as much as we want, as long as we comply.

I hope you finish before me as my mortgage is until I am 81 as injury caused me to go backwards and cannot afford to live there so rent as well. Fun times and at least I am not homeless as so many people are and in Japan so many single people and wonder which life would be more rewarding

@askjapan9669

7 күн бұрын

Wow. Just wow

It seems that you are your wife balance each other well. A couple which both people are negative- tiring. A couple that are both positive- often unbearable... I think the key point here is that your home loan repayment is probably the same (if not cheaper) than the rent that you would. So, especially as you are older, you are doing a wonderful thing by leaving something for your wife and children.

As a woman with kids, I want to say that women are usually more optimistic because they have a shorter time horizon in planning. I’ve now been a serious investor for 4 years and what I used to see as positive, does not seem so anymore, even though my financial situation improved tremendously. I now know and see what I didn’t know and didn’t see:)

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again- you need to find a remote job and move to an area where it’s a lot cheaper and you can pay for a house in cash. Problem solved. Keep your head up boss man. PS-I know the above is easier said than done; but it at least has to be discussed. Also, I’m pulling for you to do KZread full time and not even need a job!:)

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

I agree with you but many Japanease companies have changed their guideline forcing empoyees to come to their offices more often, too bad.

I found your channel just today. Definitely the most interesting content I’ve watched on this platform, I’m from the United States and learning about life in Japan through your stories is very interesting. Have you monetized your youtube channel yet? Earning some USD from AdSense could be a good way to relieve some stress. I genuinely wish you the best sir 🙏

年下でも感情は同じです。しかし、未来を予測することはできない。改善はいつも可能ですね。どうぞお元気で。

I would recommend you to make an appointment with your bank to ask what they think about changing your mortgage from variable to fixed rate. It is now unlikely that the BoJ will stop at 0.25 % to 0.5% like some believe. I would not be surprised to see rates at 2 % within 18 months. Long term rate on which interest for fixed mortgage are based are now 0.97 % and rising fast. Please ask your bank what they think.

@askjapan9669

13 күн бұрын

That's right. I should consult my banker for our futre plan.

@arthursondheim2255

12 күн бұрын

If they want to control inflation, the BOJ needs to increase interest rates.

@Matmat123_5

12 күн бұрын

@@askjapan9669when I bought my mansion in Tokyo in 2003 fixed rate was 3%. Inflation was 0%. So real rates were + 3%. Now inflation is 3.5 % and fixed 30 years 1.4 % which means - 2.1% negative real rates. So even now it is super advantageous to borrow at fixed rate compared to what happened in the past. Abenomics which totally distorted the market is now dead (too many negative side effects). Something different is coming whit significantly higher rates. I guess you variable rate is around 0.5%. I will not be surprised to see it at 2.5% within 18 months. I know if you switch to fix rate now your payment will increase in the short run. But if you look in the longer term I think fixed is better at this stage.