Japan, a Long-Held Dream — Overwhelmed by Incredible “Convenience” and the Sheer Number of People
――To start, what brought you to Japan, and what were your first impressions when you began living here?
“I had dreamed of living in Japan ever since my university days. The beautiful countryside, refined traditional arts, and futuristic cityscapes—all the images of Japan I saw in books and videos fascinated me. I felt a strong desire to one day see it all with my own eyes and experience it for myself, and that longing is what finally brought me here.
Once I actually settled in, what surprised me most was just how convenient everything was. You can get a warm meal at any hour thanks to 24-hour restaurants and convenience stores, and with trains or buses, it’s incredibly easy to reach mountains or quiet temples just outside the city. This level of ‘freedom to move around’ really impressed me.
At the same time, I was also overwhelmed by the number of people in Tokyo. (laughs) I spent most of my life in Toronto, which is also a big city, but even so, the crowds in Tokyo are on a completely different level. It’s lively in a good way, and you can really feel the city’s energy.”
Language Was the Key — Finding My Place Through Hobby Communities
―― Did you face any difficulties before you got used to life in Japan?
“To be honest, when I first arrived, my Japanese wasn’t very good, so communicating and making friends was a bit challenging. But things changed once I started attending a Japanese language school.
As my Japanese improved, I began wanting to see more of the world around me, so I started joining local meetups and hobby groups. Learning the language felt like opening a ‘new door to Japan’—it made everything feel more accessible.”」
――What do you actually do to build connections with people?
“I’m interested in design and technology, so I actively join communities related to those passions—like design meetups or groups exploring new AI tools. I also volunteer at art events in Tokyo.
Rather than connecting only through drinking parties, I’ve found that meeting people through activities where we ‘learn and work together’ naturally leads to deeper friendships. Connecting with creative people who share the same interests has made my life in Tokyo so much richer.”
Why I Chose the Seibu Line — The Perfect Balance of City Energy and Quiet Living
――Why did you choose Shiina-machi on the Seibu Line?
“I was looking for a place that wasn’t right in the middle of the city’s noise, but still had quick access to the center. Somewhere where I could get to major hubs like Ikebukuro or Shinjuku with ease, yet come home to a quiet, relaxing environment. The Seibu Line offered the perfect balance of both.
You can enjoy the excitement of city life while still having space for your own calm, unhurried time. Being able to enjoy both worlds at once is what I consider the biggest charm of this area.”
Close to the Nakano–Koenji Culture: he Comfort of Living in Higashi-Nagasaki and Shiina-machi
―― Among the Seibu Line neighborhoods, what made you choose the Higashi-Nagasaki and Shiina-machi area?
“When I visited Japan in 2019, I really fell in love with the subculture and artsy atmosphere of places like Nakano and Koenji. So when I started looking for a place to live, I knew I wanted to be somewhere close to that area.
The Higashi-Nagasaki and Shiina-machi neighborhood ended up being exactly what I was hoping for. I can get to Nakano or Koenji quickly by bike or bus, and it takes less than five minutes by train to reach Ikebukuro on the Seibu Line. Despite being so accessible, the neighborhood itself is a very quiet residential area.”
――And now that you actually live near Shiina-machi Station, how do you find it?
“It’s wonderful—there’s really no other word for it. It has a very local, down-to-earth feel and is incredibly convenient for daily life. It’s quiet enough that I can enjoy peaceful walks without worrying about noise, yet it’s not so rural that it becomes inconvenient.
Around the station, you’ll find supermarkets, cafés, and all the major chain stores, so you can get everything you need for everyday living. It’s a neighborhood with a perfect balance of calm and convenience.”
A Local Favorite by the Station — The Charm of “Nanten,” a Stand-Up Udon Spot
―― Do you have any favorite places around the station?
“Yes! I absolutely love Nanten, the stand-up udon shop right in front of Shiina-machi Station. The food is delicious, it’s served quickly, and the prices are very reasonable.
On busy mornings or after work, you’ll often see people lining up, grabbing a steaming bowl, and sitting on the benches across the street to eat. That scene feels so local and full of character. Of course the food is great, but what I really love is the unpretentious, down-to-earth atmosphere of the whole neighborhood.”
For Anyone About to Begin a New Life in Japan
To close the interview, he shared what makes this neighborhood so special for anyone thinking about starting a new life in Japan.
“The area where I live is quiet and calm, but never dull—that’s what I love most about it. There are plenty of charming, independently run cafés and izakayas, and the neighborhood has a warm, lively feel that’s unique to this community.
It’s also incredibly convenient. You can get to major Tokyo hubs like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Nakano in no time, and there are parks with lots of greenery nearby—perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Comfort, community, and convenience. This neighborhood balances all three so well that I’m sure anyone could start a life in Tokyo that truly feels their own.”
