27/07/2026
Two years ago I landed in Tokyo with a few suitcases, a work visa, and absolutely no idea what my life here would become.
I’ve gained far more than I ever expected.
I’ve built a career I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve made friendships that feel like family. I’ve found mountains, climbing gyms, cafés and corners of this city that now feel like home.
But it hasn’t always been easy. There were days where everything felt hard. Missing family. Learning a new language. Building a community from scratch. Wondering if I’d ever truly belong here.
Looking back now, I realise the hardest parts were also the ones that changed me the most.
Japan has made me more resilient, more curious, and more grateful than I ever was before.
And I want to say the biggest thank you to everyone who supported me through this, to all my new friends, new community. My friends and family back in London who put up with me being terrible with my phone. I love you all.
If you’re living abroad too, I hope you’re giving yourself more credit than you probably do.
And if you’re thinking about taking the leap one day...
Do it.
It will most definitely change your life.
