Additional Coverage:
- He moved from Vancouver to Japan to teach English. 20 years later, he’s built a life there — and a family home in the countryside. (newsbreak.com)
Jordan, a 48-year-old originally from Vancouver, Canada, has been a resident of Japan for over two decades. Initially moving there to teach English, his initial short-term plan extended indefinitely after he fell in love and married a Japanese woman he met back in Vancouver. Today, Jordan and his family enjoy a peaceful life in the Mie Prefecture countryside, a location that combines the tranquility of rural life with access to urban amenities thanks to Japan’s efficient railway system.
Over twenty years ago, Jordan was drawn to Japan by curiosity about Asia, fueled by Vancouver’s significant Asian community and his personal connections with Japanese people he met in Canada. After teaching English in Japan for a few years, his personal relationships deepened his ties to the country, leading him to settle down there.
Jordan and his family originally lived in an outdated house built in the 1980s, which they bought because it was near his wife’s family home. After dealing with the home’s poor design and construction for a decade, they consulted about renovating it but were advised against it due to its unsuitability for earthquake safety and other modern standards. Instead, they decided to demolish it and construct a new home in its place.
The construction of their new home was a significant project that involved a local building company known for its quality work and use of local materials. Jordan was deeply involved in the design process, ensuring that the house met his family’s needs and aesthetics. The family temporarily moved in with his in-laws during the construction, which added emotional weight to the experience, particularly because of the many memories tied to their old home.
The new two-story home features a thoughtful layout maximizing the beautiful views of the surrounding rice fields and mountains. The main living areas, including the kitchen and living room, are located on the second floor, enhancing the home’s connection to its picturesque setting.
Jordan’s journey from a temporary English teacher to a permanent resident in Japan underscores his deep integration into the local culture and community, marked by a profound appreciation for the Japanese ethos of community and hard work. Now, Jordan not only cherishes his life in Japan but also shares his experiences through a YouTube channel, rekindling his appreciation for the country’s unique charm. Despite living in the countryside, the accessibility of high-speed trains allows him to enjoy both the calm of rural life and the excitement of city life whenever he chooses.