Why This Singaporean Family Lives Six Months A Year In Japan | Singapore Hour

Isle of Dreams: A Life in Okayama, Japan

Key Concepts:

• Bicultural Living: Balancing life between Singapore and Japan, specifically Okayama.
• Intentional Community Building: Actively fostering connections with locals and expats.
• Creative Space & Hospitality: Creating a home environment that encourages artistic expression and welcomes guests.
• Rural Japanese Life: Experiencing the peacefulness and agricultural richness of Okayama Prefecture.
• Renovation & DIY: The process of restoring and customizing a traditional Japanese home.

1. Introduction & Relocation to Okayama

Sean and Ashley, an architectural designer/art fabricator and a freelance television producer respectively, relocated from Singapore to Okayama, Japan two years ago with their four-year-old daughter, Luna. The move, costing S$89,000, was driven by a desire to expose Luna to different cultures and maintain a bicultural upbringing, with a plan to split their time between the two countries for the next several years until Luna begins primary school. They chose Okayama for its peaceful atmosphere, its balance between rural space and city accessibility (a 20-minute drive to the main city), and its status as the “land of sunshine” and a farming region. Ashley initially preferred a more urban setting, but the house’s location bridged both their preferences.

2. The House & Initial Renovation

The house, built in 1958, was originally the second residence of a company president in Okayama City and had been unoccupied for 14-15 years. Sean and Ashley, leveraging their professional backgrounds in design and media, immediately visualized its potential. They prioritized self-directed internal renovations, with Sean crafting custom furniture like a wardrobe tailored to Ashley’s height. A key aspect of their approach was opening the house to friends, particularly artistic individuals from Singapore, offering them free rein to create artwork within the space without pressure for perfection. As Ashley stated, “As long as you enjoy what you’re doing while you’re doing it, you are free to daydream in any space of the house here.” This philosophy extended to their renovation work, embracing a “if you made it, you can fix it” attitude.

3. Fostering a Creative Community

The couple intentionally cultivated a welcoming environment for artists. Lynette, a friend on sabbatical, exemplifies this, having stayed twice to create art. The house became a space where artistic experimentation was encouraged, removing the fear of failure often present in more structured environments. Sean emphasized the importance of “just trying things out, just for the fun of it to see if things work.” This open-door policy transformed the house into what some friends affectionately call a “himitsukichi” – a secret base.

4. Local Integration & Community Connections

A significant aspect of their integration into Okayama was through their local coffee shop, Maruyama, and its owner. He acted as a bridge, introducing them to other residents and fostering a sense of community. They frequent the shop, enjoying specialty drinks like the “Maruyama Red Bull” (honey lemon soda with espresso). They also regularly visit the local farmer’s association (JA) market, where they can purchase fresh, seasonal produce at incredibly affordable prices – a box of strawberries costing only 1,600 yen. Sean and Ashley actively invite Japanese neighbors into their home, recognizing that this is not a common practice in Japanese culture due to a general preference for privacy.

5. The Farmers’ Market & Local Produce

The farmer’s market is a regular destination, providing access to incredibly fresh and affordable produce. They highlighted the quality of strawberries, noting the importance of smell to assess freshness. Ashley’s delight at finding small chili plants reflects her Singaporean background and appreciation for familiar flavors. Their connection to local farmers extends to receiving delicacies like wild boar, sourced from a neighbor’s 87-year-old hunter father. Sean and Ashley’s cooking, a shared passion (they met on a cooking show), further facilitates community building through shared meals. They prepared a wild boar ragu with homemade noodles for visiting friends.

6. Cultural Exchange & Hospitality

Sean and Ashley actively seek to bridge cultural gaps, inviting both Japanese and expat friends into their home. Kamo-kun, a local born and raised in Maruyama, helps facilitate this exchange, introducing them to Japanese traditions. They recognize that their home is becoming a community hub, offering a space for connection and shared experiences. As Kamo-kun stated, “We don’t have many foreign guests from overseas in Okayama, so far. But Sean has all the friends from overseas and I can introduce the beauty of the Japanese tradition.” This reciprocal exchange is mutually beneficial, with locals expressing surprise and inspiration at the couple’s openness and hospitality.

7. Renovation Project: The Cabin

Sean is currently undertaking a long-term DIY project – building a cabin from the ground up. This project, spanning six months, embodies their hands-on approach and willingness to learn new skills. The emphasis is on the process rather than achieving perfection, reflecting their overall philosophy of embracing experimentation and learning from mistakes.

8. A Chapter in Life & Core Memories

Sean views their time in Okayama as a chapter in a larger life story, emphasizing the importance of creating “core memories” while they are there. The video concludes with a heartwarming scene of Luna enjoying a gift, highlighting the joy and fulfillment they find in their bicultural life and the connections they have forged in their “Isle of Dreams.”

Technical Terms:

• JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives): Farmers’ associations in Japan that support farmers by providing marketing and distribution channels.
• Himitsukichi (秘密基地): Japanese term meaning "secret base," used affectionately to describe the house's welcoming and safe atmosphere.
• Ragu: A meat-based sauce, typically served with pasta. In this case, a wild boar ragu.

Notable Quote:

“As long as you enjoy what you’re doing while you’re doing it, you are free to daydream in any space of the house here.” – Ashley, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom and enjoyment.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

This video portrays a deliberate and enriching lifestyle choice – a move to rural Japan driven by a desire for cultural immersion, creative freedom, and community building. Sean and Ashley have successfully created a welcoming and inspiring home that serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering connections with both locals and expats. Their willingness to embrace DIY projects, open their doors to others, and prioritize experiences over perfection exemplifies a fulfilling and intentional way of life. The video highlights the potential for creating a vibrant community even in a relatively undiscovered corner of Japan.