Shocked by the United States after 30 years abroad

Описание: What happens when I return to the United States after nearly 30 years of living in Japan—and see my home country with fresh eyes?

Hi, I’m Sarah, and in this episode of Expat Life in Japan, I share a very personal story about returning to the U.S. for family and elder-care reasons after decades abroad, including 25 years in Kyoto. I’m a proud American, and this video comes from a place of curiosity, reflection, and care—not criticism.

Coming home was eye-opening in ways I never expected. Some things were challenging, some were surprising, and some reminded me why I love America so much.

In this video, I talk about:
The cost of everyday life in the U.S. and how it compares to Japan
Navigating healthcare and elder care during a stressful time
What long-term expats notice most when they return home
The kindness, generosity, and warmth of everyday Americans
Safety, trust, and how different societies handle them
What living abroad teaches you about your own country

Most of all, I want this channel to be a place for thoughtful, respectful conversation—especially for people over 40 who are thinking about healthcare, retirement, family responsibilities, or even living abroad someday.

I also pose a question I’d truly love your input on:
What does America need right now—and how can we support it, wherever we live?

If you’ve lived abroad, returned home, or are simply reflecting on where you want to be in this stage of life, please share your thoughts in the comments. I read them, and I genuinely value the discussion.

If this kind of honest, experience-based conversation interests you, I’d love for you to subscribe and join our growing community. New videos explore life in Japan, cross-cultural perspectives, healthcare, aging, money, and what really matters as we get older.

Thanks so much for being here. I’m really glad you found this channel—and I hope to see you in the comments.

Enjoy this next!    • Do Japanese People Hate Americans? A Japan...  
Best course for a YouTube channel: https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/co...

If you are interested in moving abroad, this is a great resource!
Retirement: https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/co...