Trading Sushi for Sarmale: A Japanese-Romanian Love Story - Video

What happens when a Japanese expat leaves behind the intense work culture of Tokyo to build a new life in Bucharest, Romania? In episode 65 of Whereabouts Tales, we explore a fascinating story of reverse culture shock, cultural identity, and the realities of moving abroad. Miyu, raised between the UK and rural Japan, and Valentin, a Romanian native who sought escape through Flamenco in Spain, share their unpredictable journey.
We dive deep into the stark realities of Japanese workplace hierarchies, the hidden gems of Romanian hospitality, and the universal challenges of navigating cultural differences. Whether you are curious about daily life in Romania, the expat experience in Eastern Europe, or the stark culinary contrasts between Japanese and Romanian food (trading sushi for sarmale!), this episode delivers profound insights into what it truly means to find a home outside your native culture. Join us as we unpack this Japanese-Romanian love story forged in a Spanish Flamenco club, and discover why sometimes the most unexpected geographic moves bring us exactly where we need to be.

Connect with Miyu & Valentin:
As promised in the episode, check out their journey through the eyes of someone from the other side of the world:
YouTube Channels: @casa_miyu & @valen3rd
The 0% Romanian DNA Test Episode: https://youtu.be/liAG_dXAoqA?si=CbKcR7jZhJdrIvMZ
Instagram accounts: https://www.instagram.com/casa_miyu/ & https://www.instagram.com/valen3rd/
Produced with Riverside:
This episode was recorded in studio quality using Riverside. If you want to start recording your own high-fidelity remote interviews, use my affiliate link here: https://riverside.sjv.io/QYP9A9
Timestamps:
0:00 - Teaser & Host Intro
1:45 - Growing Up Between the UK and Rural Japan
8:45 - Finding Flamenco in Spain
15:20 - How Miyu and Valentin Met
27:25 - A Family Crisis and the Sudden Move to Bucharest
40:11 - Reverse Culture Shock: First Impressions of Romania
49:50 - The Dark Side of Japanese Work Culture
55:40 - Food Wars: Sushi vs. Sarmale & Romanian Hospitality
1:04:50 - Navigating Cultural Differences in a Marriage
1:25:30 - Book Recommendations & Final Thoughts