I TOOK A RIDE
Happy New Year.
In 2022 I saved up all my money to go to Akita with one goal in mind - move to Japan.
This video is a small sample of many photos and videos I took on my iPhone during my journey in 2023.
Thank you Caroline Rose for creating this song. This video wouldn’t be the same without it.
2023 TIMELINE
1/23/23 - Fly to Japan
1/25/23 - Fly to Osaka
2/1/23 - Drive to Yamanashi
2/8/23 - Arrive in Akita
3/11/23 - Drive back to Tokyo
3/15/23 - Fly back to LA
3/23/23 - Call Dad
3/31/23 - Fly to St Louis, MO
4/2/23 - Mom has a heart attack - Drive to KC
5/6/23 - Celebrate Mom’s 70th Birthday in the hospital (last time I see my Uncle Paul)
5/13/23 - Mom Comes home from the hospital
6/11/23 - I visit the Nelson Art Museum where the swallows circle me
6/12/23 - Return to LA
6/24/23 - DP 2nd Unit for Marco Fargnoli on Good Trouble
7/13/23 - Procedures at the Immigration Bureau are completed in Japan
7/8/23 - Japanese Heritage night at Dodger Stadium - Angels vs. Dodgers
7/19/23 - Discover Alf Channel
8/13/23 - Fly to TN to see my dad for the first time in 17 years
8/16/23 - Fly Back to LA and receive Official Paperwork from Japan
8/17/23 - Submit Visa Paperwork to LA Consulate
8/23/23 - Visa arrives in the mail
8/30/23 - Fly to Japan
9/1/23 - Arrive in Kazuno
9/30/23 - Celebrate my 38th Birthday in Akita
10/19/23 - Fly to Osaka for Hanshin Tigers documentary with James Payne
11/5/23 - The Hanshin Tigers win the Japan Series for the first time since 1985 (38 years ago…)
11/20/23 - My only uncle passes away after his 14-year battle with cancer.
12/8/23 - I get to sleep in my house in Japan for the first time
12/25/23 - First-ever Christmas in Japan
12/31/23 - First-ever New Year’s Celebration in Japan