Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
A Singaporean family moved to Toyama, Japan, and invested their savings into opening a hotel. But after building their new life there, Ray’s visa application was rejected - forcing him to return to Singapore while the future of his family and business remains uncertain.
I met Ray to understand what really happened: why he left Singapore, why he chose to open a hotel in Japan, what went wrong with his visa application, and whether his dream of living in Japan is now over.
This is not simply a story about Japan becoming “anti-foreigner.” Japan has the right to ensure that foreign-owned businesses are genuine and viable. But when someone has already invested money, relocated their family and built a business, unclear or changing immigration requirements can have devastating consequences.
Was Ray simply unlucky, or was his plan fundamentally underprepared? And knowing everything he knows now, would he still do it again?
This video is not legal or immigration advice. Anyone considering moving to Japan should consult a qualified immigration professional about their own circumstances.
Go support his hotel! hoorayhotels.com
Chapters
0:00 His Japan Visa Was Rejected
0:34 Ordered to Leave Japan in 30 Days
1:26 From an Osaka Shop to a Toyama Hotel
3:38 Japan’s New S$250,000 Visa Requirement
4:37 Why He Moved His Family to Japan
8:25 The One Condition His Wife Set
9:20 Owning a Hotel He Cannot Live In
12:20 Japan vs Singapore: The Culture Shock
13:47 Would He Recommend Moving to Japan?
14:59 What He Still Loves About Japan
16:49 The Benefits Japan Gives Foreigners
17:46 Why His Visa Was Really Rejected
19:24 Was Japan’s Decision Unfair?
20:35 Is His Japan Dream Over?
21:56 Connecting Singapore and Toyama
23:02 Support Hooray Toyama
🍶 Shop delicious & RARE Sake from Japan at Sake Ichiba! https://linktr.ee/ghibojisan
Looking for an app that can save you some cash? Download Singapore Airline's Kris+ and use my referral code S602586 and we will both receive a $5 sign-up bonus upon completing your first transaction! krisplus.app.link/Ghib
Follow my adventure!
👤Facebook facebook.com/ghibojisan
📸Instagram instagram.com/ghibli_ojisan
♪ Tiktok vt.tiktok.com/ZSJn5LFhK
🐦Twitter twitter.com/ghibli_ojisan
👕Ghib Ojisan Merchandise（アパレル）:
SE Asia | ghib-ojisan.secure-decoration.com/shop/category/T-Shirt?c=2731898
Japan | suzuri.jp/ghib-ojisan
Business Enquiries
✉️ghib.ojisan@gmail.com
You are welcome to send fan mails but I may not be able to respond to all of them. But I immensely appreciate your support. Thank you!
#Singapore
A Singaporean family moved to Toyama, Japan, and invested their savings into opening a hotel. But after building their new life there, Ray’s visa application was rejected - forcing him to return to Singapore while the future of his family and business remains uncertain.
I met Ray to understand what really happened: why he left Singapore, why he chose to open a hotel in Japan, what went wrong with his visa application, and whether his dream of living in Japan is now over.
This is not simply a story about Japan becoming “anti-foreigner.” Japan has the right to ensure that foreign-owned businesses are genuine and viable. But when someone has already invested money, relocated their family and built a business, unclear or changing immigration requirements can have devastating consequences.
Was Ray simply unlucky, or was his plan fundamentally underprepared? And knowing everything he knows now, would he still do it again?
This video is not legal or immigration advice. Anyone considering moving to Japan should consult a qualified immigration professional about their own circumstances.
Go support his hotel! hoorayhotels.com
Chapters
0:00 His Japan Visa Was Rejected
0:34 Ordered to Leave Japan in 30 Days
1:26 From an Osaka Shop to a Toyama Hotel
3:38 Japan’s New S$250,000 Visa Requirement
4:37 Why He Moved His Family to Japan
8:25 The One Condition His Wife Set
9:20 Owning a Hotel He Cannot Live In
12:20 Japan vs Singapore: The Culture Shock
13:47 Would He Recommend Moving to Japan?
14:59 What He Still Loves About Japan
16:49 The Benefits Japan Gives Foreigners
17:46 Why His Visa Was Really Rejected
19:24 Was Japan’s Decision Unfair?
20:35 Is His Japan Dream Over?
21:56 Connecting Singapore and Toyama
23:02 Support Hooray Toyama
🍶 Shop delicious & RARE Sake from Japan at Sake Ichiba! https://linktr.ee/ghibojisan
Looking for an app that can save you some cash? Download Singapore Airline's Kris+ and use my referral code S602586 and we will both receive a $5 sign-up bonus upon completing your first transaction! krisplus.app.link/Ghib
Follow my adventure!
👤Facebook facebook.com/ghibojisan
📸Instagram instagram.com/ghibli_ojisan
♪ Tiktok vt.tiktok.com/ZSJn5LFhK
🐦Twitter twitter.com/ghibli_ojisan
👕Ghib Ojisan Merchandise（アパレル）:
SE Asia | ghib-ojisan.secure-decoration.com/shop/category/T-Shirt?c=2731898
Japan | suzuri.jp/ghib-ojisan
Business Enquiries
✉️ghib.ojisan@gmail.com
You are welcome to send fan mails but I may not be able to respond to all of them. But I immensely appreciate your support. Thank you!
#Singapore
