The channel introduces itself simply: a Japanese woman posting about how she lives in Russia, getting to know its history, culture and customs, and comparing them with Japan.
Uploads are occasional rather than weekly, and split between Russian life and trips back to Japan.
What you'll find here
- 01Japanese and Russian food side by side
- 02Study and graduating as a Japanese student in Russia
- 03Backstage days during the New Year ballet season
Start here
- From
- Japan
- Lives in
- Moscow
- Films in
- русский
- Topics
- daily life
In her own words: Yumiko answers our questions
I learned the word “gulyat” (to go for a walk) before the word “idti” (to go).
Culture shock
Russians really love to walk around anywhere, without any particular purpose. I actually learned the word “gulyat” (to go for a walk) before the word “idti” (to go). It always surprised me when Russians suggested: “Shall we go for a walk somewhere today?” I would think: “But where exactly are we going, and what will we be doing?”
In my first years in Russia I just couldn't get my head around the idea that you can simply walk somewhere for no reason.
Food
Dessert jelly. As a student in Moscow I once found a Vietnamese jelly, but it still wasn't like the Japanese kind. Japanese jelly is so soft and sweet, and very easy to eat, so you can have it in hot weather or when you're ill. That's probably what I missed most in Russia.
And of the Russian dishes I've come to love, I'd single out herring under a fur coat (selyodka pod shuboy).
Friendship and people
Of course I've noticed a difference here between Japanese and Russians. But I myself try not to get too close to people, so I don't see any big differences in how open people are.
One interesting thing that often happens to me in Russia: older people say things to me in the street, like “Put a hat on, it's cold.” I can't tell whether that's people being overly caring, or whether something about how I look bothers them.
Advice for Japanese moving to Russia
At first, I'd advise stocking up on Japanese groceries and food, because early on it's hard to get used to the local food. Some people might even get stressed by it.
And for women, I'd recommend bringing Japanese cosmetics. Right now it's very hard to find anything of similar quality in Russia, or you'd have to spend an unreasonable amount of money on it.
Answers sent to Two Nations in writing on September 28, 2026, published with permission. Translated from Russian.
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