That's what life is all about, it's a journey of choices and experiences, along with ups and downs and find yourself in the process. I've lived in multiple countries, travelled to many others, changed universities twice to study two completed different fields, worked multiple different jobs. It's best to try new things and have no regrets. The last thing you want to happen is to look back years from now and regret not doing something and wonder what ifs.

Your cinematography looks and feels great. Welcome home

You were brave to even try it .good for you. I’m sure it’s good to be home

Am I the only one confused as to why? I mean, I get it... thing happen, but it would be nice to know a little more of the why? All you did was say "Life didn't go exactly how I thought it would...on surveying my options..." That's confusing. Life never goes the way we think it will. I mean, super specifics aren't necessary, but a general idea would be good, especially for others considering going there. Cost of living? School? Visa/Travel issues? Social issues? Personal relationships? Work? I mean... something would be helpful. I know someone who wants to move to Japan, but is trying to research it. I don't think this would help very much. Are there different challenges living for Americans?

I spent 14 years in Japan. Mixed feelings, definitely a learning experience. Americans have a romanticized view of Japan. It’s never going to change just because one hopes it would. It’s very much stuck in the past, like a version of USA 1965. I’m sure you have many feelings that are impossible to explain to people at home. You’re better off for your adventure, glad you had the experience!

If there's one thing that your parents are good examples about, it's reassessing and pivoting. Life is not a straight line. It is a very curved and loopy line but your progress as an individual hopefully goes straight up.

All the best for you, Elijah! It is very good that you don't regret your stay in Japan. ❤

Welcome back Elijah. I was hoping to hear a little more about why it didn't work out. You were sooooo looking forward to Japanese language class! Your experience can surely help others!

Welcome back Home!your young,so many new experiences and learning about different cultures and making memories,getting close to holidays now and being back with your family is always a plus

Welcome home! I was looking forward to this video to find out why you had returned. I know you were pretty excited about living there and attending Japanese language school. I was hoping though you would elaborate just a wee bit more on your reason(s) for returning. Perhaps words of wisdom can help others seeking to live so far from home.

Welcome home! Anxious to hear what your next adventure in life will bring!

Everything in this video is so beautiful! The creativity behind every shot, scenes cut, colors are impressive. I felt so entertained all along. Thank you for sharing this!

It’s always so nice to see/hear from you. ❤️

Welcome back. And I love that you narrated the first part in Japanese 😊

Good video. ❤ You learned a lot in Japan. Japan will always hold a special place in your heart.

Excited to see what is next Elijah!

Perfect example of life in your twenties. Enjoy it, explore, you're learning how you are...no worries... it's your exploration years.

Such great news. As a mom we just want family close by..lm glad you went as you felt you had to❤

What you experienced is a part of growing and getting to know yourself. Developing talents takes us to new places sometimes. Glad to see you back home.👍😄❤️

some people are happiest as novelty-seekers! it's great to understand yourself and lead with that understanding as you construct a life. best of luck, always! 🙂

This video was beautifully done! Godspeed in your next adventure.

Glad that you are home safely. Only you knows what feels right to you. X

Elijah I couldn’t be happier for you! I’ve watched you grow up mostly on your family’s channel & am a subscriber to yours. I’ve often wondered if you went to Japan to live. Life goes on, we all change, yet everything stays the same. We just evolve, and you my friend have turned out to be a parents dream & they supported your decisions. Wow! You are definitely a role model for all these lost kids in this world! Kudos to you Elijah! I couldn’t be happier for you! You are a living testimony! You owned it boy, you made your life & it only gets better! I look forward to updates in the future! Take care ! You’re a Great Guy with an Awesome Loving Family! Stay True to yourself and you’ll never go wrong! XXOO Lori

Welcome home, glad you got to follow your dreams. Take care

I love the video! I believe it captured the complex feelings of what you've experienced.

Hmmm still don't know why ..but glad you are doing well and had the experience.

I bet mom and dad are glad to have you close again! You have an amazing family!

Yikes, am I ever surprised. Naturally, I’m curious about the reasons you made your decision. Regardless, I’m happy to follow along and wish you the very best with your big plans.!

Hello. Randomly popped up in feed. Very nice edit and enjoyed a glimpse of your storytelling. I get privacy. A small observation: a You Tube channel and subscribers to support it, hinges on a two way relationship. You might simply say that personal reasons mean you cannot remain in Japan. People will naturally be curious, especially when your online presence and brand is your life. It sounds as if a relationship(s); work situation; finances and/or immigration are an issue. No one is saying share your life online. However, one foot in and one foot out, suggests a lack of clarity on what your channel is.

Thanks for the vid, Elijah. So good to see your smiling face.

Wow video/editing skills so artistic. Impressed. Life is all about moving like water around the rocks of life. Looking forward to more content as you can. Blessings.

I’m glad to see you back with in family reach. 😉 ❤️🇨🇦

Life is all about experience and growth. You had both in Japan. I'll miss the videos of you and Kai exploring Japan. But you'll have more experiences with whatever changes come your way. Be blessed always

Sometimes the thing we thought we really wanted, isn't what we thought it would be or it doesn't work out. You can always go back in a different phase of life or just visit. You are still so young! Welcome back!

All the best. Treasure the memory and move forward

This vlog/film is amazing! You are so talented.

I just watched another KZfaqr who is in Japan this week, the people seemed very kind to him and were willing to show him around Japan when he was lost….they were 2 young students…took him to the market and introduced him to many of the foods…. And spent the entire day with him showing him around . Glad you got to go to Japan knowing that was your life’s goal….You are one brave young man…,continue your journey no matter we’re it takes you in life I will be watching… continue blessings!

Hi Elijah, My one and only child ( a son-aged 37) loves Japan and has told me that he wants to live there (permanently). So far… that has not happened for him. I hope it happens for him. I am not too thrilled if it is permanent because then I will not see him much because I am retired now and am on a very small monthly budget. I am curious why you decided to return to the states? Elizabeth Clark Goodrich, Texas USA

Congratulations on fulfilling one of your dreams. It was a journey that will always be in your heart.

This video was created beautifully. Welcome home :)

It sounds like you had a great learning experience. Later in your life you will see how your time in Japan was important in the thread of your life. You are lucky to have the parents that you do to come home to. I am a retired American who has now spent six years living in the Netherlands and have struggled to speak a passable Dutch. I was impessed with your Japanese!

That pic though... curious what's to come 👀. Congrats on your next journey :)

Well, you are a fabulous human being! Your creativity re video and the second language are big feathers in your cap!!

You're allowed to change your mind! So glad you got to fulfill your dream!

Nice to see you back home 😊

Loved the covert hint…although it’s too tiny on my phone to give much help. 😁. Your grand adventure is fun to follow.

Welcome home Elijah! I lived in Tokyo for a year in 2015, it was very different and I came to love it but it's not the US, I was glad to come home but it's definitely a top contender for visiting!

Wlcm back 🤩🎥

You fallowed with the intention of building a life for yourself and just because things didn’t turn out the way you intended doesn’t mean at all you failed. Life changes and you have to make decisions best for yourself. Good luck with your future journey 😊

Welcome back Elijah!

I can understand the filming comment as Japan is private. Sadly, here in the US, people don’t respect the privacy aspect when is comes to media content, socials & sharing.

You are a great film maker. 👍

I’m glad you enjoyed your time there.

Very nice video ! God has a great plan 4 u ! Don't worry about that !

Beautiful made video ! Good luck !

Welcome, as a Mom who many years ago, had a son return home from, yes, Japan, I am happy you are back with family. All the best to you in the future.

🙂 Good to try new things. Will lke to hear of your plans. Best wishes.

I kind of had a feeling you were lonely actually.

Sometimes you have to get something out of your system and you took that big journey by getting this out of your system, trying it I think it’s amazing

My grand daughter is 23 and is serving in the Peace Corp in Africa. Talk about an education!!! It’s certainly been a learning experience is so many ways. I believe she will value her life here in America even more as a result

Welcome home 😀

Only YOU know what is right for YOU! Follow YOUR Dreams!

Beautifully done video, compilation of images. I saw the secret hidden photo! Though, no idea what the hint refers to. All I can think of is your family went on a hike once like a year ago with a place with an arch like that, but not sure if it is the same rock arch. I lived in Switzerland married 2yrs and I KNOW EXACTLY what you mean about the freedom here in America. That is why we moved from Switzerland earlier than expected. We had plans to stay 5 yrs, I was done after a few months. Ha. But it took awhile to get my husband his Visa/Greencard stuff sorted out. Anyway, I get it. I couldn't just go do the things I wanted to do, it was so limiting there.

Really nice images.. very cinematic… curious about your setup please

Life plans are not set in stone. Enjoy your journey!

The “hint” is a photo of Natural Bridge which is close to Southern Virginia University! Even though it looks like you’re filming on the campus of Davidson College my guess is you’ll be off to Virginia next!

What didn't go well there?

What happened to that wonderful business you set up? It seemed rock solid.

50 year old mom here dropping in the comments to say that your videos are VERY quality!! I definitely see successful producer in your potential line up!!!

Loved the intro very professional and beautifully filmed, just like a movie. Please keep up your Japanese language it sounds beautiful. You have matured so much definitely a worth while project and life experience.

Don’t beat yourself up over making a decision to leave Japan. There was a reason in your heart that it wasn’t meant to be right now and you’re following that. Welcome back home and good luck in your future endeavors.

Wishing you better clarity with your plans and dreams so the universe can align itself to get you to where you need to be. I think you’re growing up to be very self-aware. Trust in the choices you make, the journey you’re making, the person you are becoming.

Follow your ❤...welcome back!

We don't need to know why, We are here for you.❤ I hope your steps ahead are better. Praying that God will continually reveal new things for you.

My best guess: Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia (peep the pic of a bridge from the Natural Bridge State Park Blue Ridge Trailhead), where Andrew was looking at going

Your Japanese is amazing. I feel you should look into becoming a translator or diplomat, whatever those steps need to be. Also living in another country is very hard and lonely, I am proud you pushed yourself to fulfill your dream and tried it. That is not a failure, you are smart to know yourself and not stay and feel unhappy.. Better to move on to the next thing. You can always go back. But loneliness is the beginning of depression that can become a larger issue. Be strong in your convictions, never let others doubt your reasons!😊❤

This video made me think of the quote saying ‘No matter where you go, there you are.’

Dude I really think you should go to film school!

🙋‍♀️❤️. Experience! A great teacher!

Sometimes committing yourself so hard to one dream stops you from finding others or discovering that your dream has changed.

Life is a journey we all change course when necessary. You went and you learned good job in knowing when to turn back home. ... That being said I haven't popped over to your channel in a long time can I just wow your video editing and how much you've grown up is amazing! ( I loosely watch your parents channel. Seriously though the angles on this were epic.)

My daughter has been living in Japan for the past three and a half years, but she will be returning to the UK in March. Although she enjoyed her time in Japan, she also has felt a strong desire to return home the past year . Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes things happen for a reason. It may be that later in life, you will understand why. Elijah, you are an amazing young man with your whole life ahead of you. Just like in a movie, the protagonist faces many challenges and obstacles, but they always find a way to overcome them. You too will find your way and emerge victorious . Best of luck in this next chapter of your life; it sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun!"

welcome back girliepop

You are young, you will figure it out. Glad you are back with your family and friends.

went away a boy, came back a man.

Hi Elijah, maybe next 'trip' can be Europe.There are many intersting places to live or study UNI, some of them for free when u learn language.

I know what you mean about the "free feeling," I lived in Canada for 7 years and never felt free. It could be because I knew my citizenship didn't allow me to stay, or it could be the culture there compared to the US, but the US definitely has a free-feeling that other countries do not seem to have. May we always be appreciative of it, and keep it, amen.

You have to keep up your Japanese, learning a language is *NEVER* a waste of experience! Especially ones that are far from your own!

Anyone notice the hint at 3:08? Where is that?

Hi Elija . It’s very hard to reside in another country , it’s great to experience but home is always where the heart is and the USA is the best country on earth , well it is as far as I am concerned !!! ❤❤❤❤

You’re young and making your own way … this is your journey…. keep going….. enjoy every second of it….. when you find your place in life…. go for it….. live life!

How old are you now Elijah?

Life is full of adventures. Always changing, and it is ok. P

i can totally see you going into hollywood film making

ooh nice hint .. I subscribed to find out more 👀

Onward.

This is very inspiring.

Good video sir

Something in Virginia, perhaps? Welcome home. 🙂

There's this. Hm. Lets call it notion ive witnessed both in my personal life as well as online were ppl (especially from the usa) move somewhere - specifically a diffrent country often a diffrent continent and after a short period of time are all "oh its not whar i imagined" and immediate leave. As if adjusting to a new culture is something that happens that quickly. It takes time. Well over half a year.