Akidearest Talks About Living in Japan & Creating Content

At Sakuraco, we’re always inspired by creators who share their experiences with Japan in personal and meaningful ways. Today, we’re excited to feature Akidearest, a creator known for blending anime, internet culture, travel, and everyday life in Japan with honesty, humor, and relatable storytelling In this interview, she reflects on her creative journey, life in Japan, evolving internet culture, and the little moments that continue to keep her inspired both online and offline.

Akidearest’s Creator Journey & YouTube Life

Starting the Akidearest Channel

Q: When and how did you first start your YouTube channel?

I was around Youtube since its beginning, but created the akidearest channel late 2014. It became a full time job around the middle of 2015.

Memorable Filming Experiences

Q: You’ve covered so many different topics and experiences over the years — what are some of your most memorable filming experiences?

Definitely the ones where I was ghost hunting or looking for locations of true crime. Every time I went to one of those places, I always felt uneasy. It’s like I felt the history of what happened. I wanted to show people that true crime wasn’t a ghost story. It was something real and serious. And I think people understood  that. 

Changes in Content Creation

Q: You’ve been creating content for over a decade now. From your perspective, what has changed the most about internet culture and content creation?

Short-form content has definitely been dominating more than long-form content. The good part I’ve seen with reels is the engagement and how more relaxed and easier it is to make. The bad part is that, as a YouTuber, it’s hard to get people hooked on long-form content when someone can just condense it into a reel or TikTok. It’s a good challenge because I’ve taken on new skills, making reels, and now have to try harder on YouTube. It’s never boring these days.

Staying Creative After a Decade

Q: How do you stay creative and motivated after making content for so many years?

It’s a few different ways I keep my mind busy. I write down all my ideas in a document or a notebook, or I’ll look online on what’s trending, or I’ll find something I think is interesting and just go for it. I just share what I love and what I like to say. Honestly, I always have something to say, lol.

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Akidearest on Life in Japan & Personal Experiences

Moving to Japan

Q: How did your journey to living in Japan begin? Was it always something you imagined for yourself?

I have always loved Japanese and, more broadly, Asian culture since I was a kid. Everything I consumed and was interested in always went back to Asia. My morals aligned a lot with Asian philosophy. Growing up, I felt so connected visiting my family in the Philippines, and even just a layover in Japan made me feel like I was in the right place.

My hobbies, in particular, were very attached to Japan. Cosplay, anime, and video games all became windows into learning more about the country and its culture, and I was hooked. That’s how a lot of Westerners get into Japan too, to be honest.

Fast forward to YouTube, I started by talking about anime. Just like me, many viewers wanted to learn more about Japan, which is now what my content has evolved into. Now I’m engaged to my fiancé, who shares the same job, interests, and love for Japan. Today, I’m living the life I always hoped for, and I’m super grateful for it.

Expectations vs Reality

Q: Before moving to Japan, what did you expect life there to be like — and what surprised you the most after actually living there?

Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. There’s too much to list. No matter how much media you consume, going to the actual country will always be a way different experience. I guess if I had to be specific, I think the concept of “空気を読む” (reading the air) has been a language I’ve had to learn that is just as important as learning Japanese itself. 

Everyday Things About Japan

Q: Are there any small everyday things in Japan that you’ve grown to appreciate more over time?

I like how much people take care of their community- like not trashing the streets, not stealing things, and everyone takes care of their things no matter how small. I remember a high school girl ran up to me just to give back a single yen coin that fell out of my pocket. Japanese people don’t put anything to waste. 

Public Life vs Private Life

Q: You’ve shared parts of your life in Japan online for many years now. How do you balance private life and public life as a creator?

Luckily that’s never been an issue for me, because I don’t think about making everything into content. Not every little thing I do or experience needs to be monetized. I have a lot of hobbies I just do for myself. Sometimes I’ll share it in an instagram story or maybe a reel.

But I enjoy my hobbies as a way to get away from social media. Like Japanese school- I went in to learn the language. I did eventually make a few videos talking about my experience, but I didn’t enroll strictly for the purpose of making a video. I went in because I needed to learn the language so I can live my life in Japan easier. 

Meeting Joey

Q: How did you and Joey first meet?

I saw Joey playing a game I liked and thought he was funny and messaged him on Youtube DM’s when that was a thing lol. I can’t say exactly what that message was but let’s just say it made him laugh enough that he wanted to have my skype immediately. We were friends for like a year or so and when we met in person, we got together. We were long distance for like 2 or so years before I moved to Japan. He’s helped me the most in this journey. And for that, I’m very grateful for him.

A Cozy Day Offline

Q: When you’re completely offline and away from content creation, what does your ideal cozy day look like?

I’m either playing video games, going to the gym, or out with friends. Sometimes on a clear day, I just go out and walk around. I love Japanese weather so much that it’s hard not to want to go out and just bask in it.

Motivation & Advice

Q: What keeps you excited about creating content today?

Well, honestly, I’m not always excited. I think like any job, it depends on the day. I’m excited for certain videos where I’m challenged. But when it’s just a simple video sitting in front of a camera, it’s more routine and part of the job. But if it’s a bigger project, of course I’m excited to make it and to see how my audience will react.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring creators, what would it be?

Don’t put your self worth into your work. And don’t compare yourself. Otherwise this job won’t be fun. 

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Akidearest’s Favorite Anime & Fun Questions

Q: What’s your all-time favorite anime, and why does it still stand out to you?

It’s a tie between Fooly Cooly and Death Note. Fooly Cooly is a little more niche while Death Note is basically in the hall of fame. I literally can’t think of a single issue with Death Note other than its remakes. I think it’s just so different from typical anime tropes and anyone can get into it. I was 14 when I first watched it, and I don’t think an anime has ever kept me engaged enough as that one. And Fooly Cooly to me was just vibes and amazing art and music. It was so chaotic and beautiful but honestly difficult to explain the story to anyone.

Q: Japan has so many unique regions and local cultures — is there a prefecture you’re especially interested in visiting next?

I haven’t seen northern Hokkaido yet. Especially in winter. I’m a little intimidated, but I feel I need to experience it at least once.

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Japanese Snacks & Sakuraco

Favorite Japanese Drinks

Q: What’s a Japanese snack or drink that completely changed your opinion after moving to Japan?

Melon soda hits differently when you’re dying in humidity.

Seasonal Japanese Flavors

Q: Japan’s food culture changes so much with the seasons. Do you have a favorite season for Japanese snacks or flavors?

Summer is always my favorite because suika (watermelon) comes out as gummies, ice cream, etc. And as I’ve said, melons just hit differently when you’re dying in the heat.

Regional Snacks and Culture

Q: One thing people love about Sakuraco is discovering regional and seasonal snacks from across Japan. Do you think local snacks and traditional flavors can tell a deeper story about Japanese culture?

It definitely can especially if it’s a flavor or ingredient you don’t come across very often. I think one thing I love about Japanese cuisine is how experimental they are. One day you can walk into a conbini and suddenly see the craziest ideas. I think the last one I saw was a mayonnaise drink.

A Memorable Sakuraco Snack

Q: From the Sakuraco boxes you’ve tried, was there a snack that especially stood out to you — whether because of its flavor, story, or the memories it brought back?

Yes, there was a pineapple cake a long time ago that I think about every now and then. I have no idea where to find it, and honestly I hope the staff member responsible for publishing this article remembers what it was and can send me a box some time. It’s summer now, so pineapple sounds really good. Please bring that back!

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Through more than a decade of content creation, Akidearest has shared Japan with audiences around the world through curiosity, humor, and genuine personal experiences. Whether discussing anime, internet culture, or everyday life in Japan, Akidearest’s content reminds us that some of the most meaningful discoveries often come from unexpected moments.

A big thank you to Akidearest for taking the time to share her thoughts and experiences with us. Just as her stories offer a personal window into Japan, food can be another meaningful way to connect with its culture, traditions, and regional diversity. For those looking to experience Japan through seasonal flavors and local craftsmanship, Sakuraco offers a curated selection of authentic Japanese snacks and artisanal treats sourced directly from makers across the country. Thank you for reading, and we hope this interview has inspired you to discover something new about Japan.