Transcription
Hello, it's Sayuri. 2020 is ending soon, isn't it? A lot has happened this year. Personally, a lot has happened too.
I returned to Japan in December of last year, 2019. Before that, I was in New Zealand and Australia. Before that, I was in Japan, then in Canada, moving around to various places. Then, due to the big event this year, I ended up living in one place for over a year. To be honest, staying in one place, being in one place, was quite scary for me. But, yes, in the new share house, I met the landlord and my roommates, and they welcomed me so warmly. I've been able to spend enjoyable times. I am truly grateful.
It's been a year since I returned to Japan, and I'd like to talk about the changes that have happened in this past year. First of all, I've become mentally stable. I didn't have a fixed place to live, as I was always traveling. Also, I was constantly worried about things like my VISA, and now that's gone. I can live in Japan with peace of mind, and I've become mentally calm.
I also started YouTube and communicate with various people. On italki, I sent many messages to male teachers. The reason is that I wanted them to cooperate with the videos I'm currently making, which are conversation videos with men. There were many teachers who cooperated, and I also have friends and former colleagues. I am truly, truly grateful.
What else happened? After returning to Japan, I'm no longer a minimalist, and I've started eating meat. This isn't about whether it's good or bad, it's just a change. So, why am I no longer a minimalist? It's because I'm living in one place. When you live in a fixed place, you start wanting various things. It's the same with futons, and it's the same with books. I've come to own various things. (Before, I lived with just two suitcases.) And, what is that... it's something really good for me. Instead of owning too much, I no longer have to think, "Oh, I have to move again soon, so it's better not to buy this." That's a good thing.
Also, as for starting to eat meat, there isn't a particular reason. When I was in Canada, meat was sold in large packages, so I didn't really feel like cooking. But when I returned to Japan, it's sold in small packs, and when I eat out, there aren't many other choices, so I started eating meat. Even now, I still prefer fish to meat, but yes, that's how it is.
Also, yes, I think many people spent a lot of time at home due to the pandemic. So, I think it's really good that we were able to connect through YouTube and italki lessons. Everyone studies so diligently. That makes me think, "I should teach hard too," and I'm getting a lot of motivation, even now. But honestly, my English has really... what should I say... gotten worse. Is that a good thing? Your Japanese is getting better, and my English is getting worse. I think I probably need to make more time to study my own English next year. But I'm truly happy that your Japanese is improving. Some people have started with GENKI 1 for beginner Japanese textbooks and have already finished up to 2. People who couldn't read hiragana or katakana at all can now have daily conversations. In this past year, within a year, I think it's truly amazing. Sorry for saying "amazing" so much. ("Amazing" is a convenient word, but let's not overuse it!) Yes, but I'm truly moved. And, what was it? Ah, yes, about being a minimalist. I bought a bicycle, and I often go cycling. I also made a video about my bicycle, which is this video. In October, I went to a place called "Shimanami Kaido" and cycled about 70 kilometers in one day. Before that, I also cycled to the neighboring prefecture, Ehime. In terms of distance, it was probably about 300 kilometers. I also did a lot of mountain climbing. I climbed the highest mountain in Shikoku. I injured my knee there, but my current life, my life in Shikoku, is very calm and peaceful, and it's good.
But I always want to challenge myself, or rather, I always want to do new things. So, perhaps when the COVID situation calms down, around summer, I think I will move to a different place again. When I move again, I'll make a video then. But I'm confident that I can live anywhere, so I'm really looking forward to new lives, new places, new people, and meeting friends.
Yes, this year couldn't be called "the best year," but I'm somehow surviving. So, I hope you all don't lose hope and let's keep living next year too. And I'd be happy if you continue to study Japanese, and yes, I'd be happy if you watch my videos. I truly hope that 2021 will be a better year than this year.
Yes, I think 2020 was a year to be grateful to the people around me, as much as it was difficult. I think it was a year to truly realize the importance of the people around me. After all, I can't live alone, so it's really good that I could connect with my family, my students, and those who watch my YouTube videos. Even though I'm like this, please continue to support me next year.
"Well then, thank you for watching." "Byebye!"