YouTube content about Japan life worth a watch

What are you watching or listening to on YouTube while you putter at home or kill time on the train? In the Q&A, some of us bloggers asked about YouTube channels worth watching, especially about lifestyles in Japan. This got me thinking about some channels I subscribe to. Here’s my roundup of my favourites.

Er, listening while cleaning and puttering around the house, image created in Canva

Life Where I’m From, Greg Lam’s view of mostly Japan life, has wholesome content about his Canadian-Japanese family and their explorations of Japan. I like how he gives you a view of the mundane. Some highlights are the video on the realities of cycling in Tokyo, tiny apartments, and middle-class government housing. He answers questions about why Japanese urban life is the way it is. New videos appear about once a month.

Unpacking Japan, hosted by Tobias Bieker, is a podcast with a YouTube channel. Toby interviews foreign residents from all walks of life, asking questions that draw out his guests to provide insights into many industries. His interview with Chinyere about cybersecurity and personal finance is an eye-opener. New videos are posted a few times a month.

Life in Japan’s videos, usually under 20 minutes, reveals the lifestyle of an American family of six (six!). The family hit the 10-year mark in 2024, and many videos chronicle their children’s experience of the Japanese school system.

Where are you, City-Cost? The Japan Experience hasn’t posted a video yet in 2025, but go back for a look at 140 or so honest and insightful videos on their channel.

Which YouTube channels reflect your experience of Japan? Have you got some reccos?