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Afar and Abroad

Episode 13: Why Living in Japan Is Harder Than Tourists Expect

Recorded in Osaka, Japan 2026-04-23

In this episode of Afar & Abroad, Simon shares what it's really like to spend a full year living in Japan on a working holiday visa. From intensive Japanese language school and performing cello in a Japanese orchestra to working on farms through WWOOFing and navigating cultural misunderstandings, this conversation explores the deeper emotional and social realities of life abroad.

We talk about loneliness, resilience, language learning, Osaka share houses, Japanese indirect communication, and why hobbies and community are essential for building a real life overseas.

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Afar and Abroad

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