2024, it’s leap year! Do you feel lucky? I feel Lucky to be alive today. I feel Lucky to live in Japan now. Do you feel that way?

I’m Canadian, living in Japan now. I get a lot of people telling me, “I wish I was born in another country.” Or “I wish I weren’t Japanese.” Or “I wish I was born a foreigner.” It surprises me!

Did you know many people from around the world wish they were living in Japan right now? We are so lucky to be living in Japan now.

Did you know the number one desirable vacation destination from Canada is Japan?
Did you know some Hollywood movie stars are buying homes in Japan, like Rachel McAdams and Nicholas Cage?
Did you know just by living in Japan, you are considered to be in the top 1% of financially stable population of the whole world?

If you can eat, have clothes, education, and health care, you’re not just lucky, you’re blessed!

And Japan’s culture, food, history, art, and landscapes are all wonderful. Perfect mix of history, and current technology. Many people enjoy Japan, and Japanese people.

Of course, no country is perfect. I can complain about both Canada and Japan! But that wouldn’t help me in any way. That just makes me feel negative, and why would I do that? Why not just focus on the good things in this country, instead?

So instead of “I wish I wasn’t Japanese or I wish I lived in another country” I hope we can have the healthy thinking of “Japan is a great country, and I’m lucky to be living here.”

You might be wondering, “then why did you leave your country to live in another?” Yes, I still chose to live here in Japan, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like Canada. I love Canada, too! I was born Canadian, and I don’t regret being Canadian. I love being Canadian! I’m proud to be Canadian! Can you say, “I’m proud to be Japanese?” I hope so! I hope we can think, “Japan is a great country, and I’m lucky to be living here.”

I’m so glad it’s safe to raise kids in Japan. I feel lucky that education in Japan is free until university. I’m glad health care is easily available. I’m glad to have friends here. I’m glad to eat sushi here!”

Let’s try to say it, and believe it. “I’m lucky to be living in Japan.”

Let us know, do you feel “lucky” to be living in your country? Maybe that’s a challenge to think of ways you are grateful to live where you are now. But could you find one reason after listening to this week?
Which part stood out to you? What new English phrases did you pick up?