August 2024 (VOL.202)
Ricardo Suhr
- Home country/state/city： Germany/Lower Saxony/Verden (Aller)
- Occupation： Freelance Tourguide / Photographer
- Duration of living in Japan：Moved to Tokyo in November 2022
- Why do you live in Japan?： Moved to my Japanese wife to start a new life!
- Instagram: @photobagabondo
What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan?
Right now, I try to fullfill my dream work as a photographer!
It was always my big passion to do something creative!
I try to connect to the local photographer scene as much as I can!
Go out and take photos, earn new skills, and find inspiration which Tokyo has a lot!
Where do you live? Why did you choose to live there?
How do you feel to live there?
So, like I said, I moved here to Tokyo last November! My wife is Japanese, so we only
had two options. Live together in Germany or try to start a life together here in Tokyo!
But for me it was easy! Let’s try it in Japan! The job situation right now (for carpenters or
handyman in general) is not the best in Germany! Nobody respects your job, and the wage
is way too low!
One thing everybody needs to know! Living here is completely different from a holiday trip!
There are pros and cons! Not everything is sugoi (super) or kawaii(cute)!
BUT!
But the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones!
Japan is safe and clean, and the people here are friendly and calm!
Of course, it can get crazy and loud, but it feels different! The tradition is still a big part!
I think this is one of the things I love the most! They keep them alive -as good as they can!
What is the distinctive difference between your country’s and Japanese lifestyle?
People here are more calm and i think more positive! In Germany almost erverbody is
complaining about everything, the weather, the money, politics etc.
People in Japan pay more respect to each other. This is a big aspect that western countries
are losing more and more!
What do you miss about your maternal country living in Japan?
BREAD! Good CHEESE!
Oh my good, I am rly German! 🙂
What do you find different about living in Japan over the term compared when you first arrived or come as a tourist?
Everyone will have their own story! For me, it was and definitely is the bureaucracy!
Everything needs its time! And I mean TIME! Even if you could implement something faster and easier.
If there is a rule or a specific procedure, it will not be deviated from!
What do you appreciate most about Japanese culture?
The friendliness. The respect and the maintaining of traditions!
Which places in Japan do you recommend that foreigners see?
It depends on ! Is it your first visit to Japan, and you only have a limited amount of time?
Of course, places like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo are a good choice!
But Japan isn’t just Kyoto or Tokyo!
There are so many beautiful places! Especially in the rural regions!
Explore the Northisland for example, jump into the Shinkansen and explore prefectures like Fukushima, etc.
What I can only advise everyone!
Let yourself drift!
Don’t do what every JVlogger tells you (Starbucks, Harajuku Pancakes, etc.)
Just don’t follow the masses … explore!
What parts of Japanese culture do you recommend that foreign people try to experience?
For me as a big fan of the history of feudal Japan. I can only recommend a YABUSAME event!
Yabusame is a traditional form of Japanese archery practiced on horseback.
The shooter shoots at a wooden target with a special arrow with a “beet-shaped” tip.
Are there any aspects of the Japanese culture or its people that you find bizarre or unique?
For me as a German or European, I would say the peer pressure that I sometimes feel.
Nobody really wants to stand out from the crowd! Of course, and fortunately, there are exceptions!
Especially for me as a big music fan (punk, ska, rockabilly, oi) it’s nice to see how these subcultures are lived out here! You have to look for them, but they exist and are active!
What are your favorite Japanese foods?
Ramen! 100%
Were you hesitant to relocate to Japan?
I would be lying if I said no!
Leaving family and friends behind and starting a new chapter in life is never easy!
After moving to Japan did you have any funny experiences?
Especially here in Tokyo almost every day!
Starting with a grandpa walking his turtle! A group of older ladies who start flirting with you because they are a little drunk. Or the everyday problems you have as a 6.56 ft tall man in Japan!
Would you like to continue to live in Japan for the rest of your life, or you think you will return to your home country? If so why?
I really can not say that right now! You never know what the future will bring!
Writer: Minobu Kondo
Photojournalist in Tokyo, writing for Japanese and American magazines. Publishing an essay “101 of green stories” with the other Japanese artists such as Kosetsu Minami. Languages: Japanese, English and French.
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