Interviewee: AJ Henry
⏰ 8 min.
The other day, I had a great chat with my long-standing good friend AJ Henry, who’s been living in Japan for some time now. He was gracious enough with his time to do an interview where I questioned him about his time abroad, things to do in Japan, as well as his own personal journey. If you’ve ever longed to visit Japan, AJ’s firsthand experiences may be just what you need to kick start that adventure and gain some valuable insights.
Whether you’re a culture buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, there’s something in this interview every type of traveler can learn from. It was really interesting to learn things that I hadn’t known before! I hope his story inspires you in some way. Join the conversation by sharing your own Japan travel aspirations or asking AJ questions in the comments below!
The Interview
Would you mind briefly introducing yourself and sharing a little bit about your background?
I’m Anthony Harold Henry Jr., and I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York. Spent my early years there until around age eight. My family then moved to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where I attended Stroudsburg Intermediate School. I was around 10 or 11 when I got into cooking, alongside my interests in basketball and engineering.
I went to two high schools—one for electronic engineering and another regular one. Dabbled in college briefly. Worked at a bakery and a three-diamond hotel. Now, I’m serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Ronald Reagan as a second-class petty officer.
What inspired you to differ from finishing out school and getting a degree?
I noticed that most people who have gotten a degree don’t have jobs in the field they finished in. I see that the job market I’d like to get into is competitive and figured by joining the military, I’d have a better position to get into it later, especially since the military pays for your college and education. So, in my eyes it’s like this; I get a steady check, and it provides stability. I know on the first and fifteenth that I will be getting paid; I know that my medical and dental are covered and that I have life insurance. I know that I’ll be able to travel and see the whole world, and that’s what I’ve been doing for the last couple of years.
So it was a good decision for me, but I won’t say it’s for everybody. If you have the chance to finish, do that. And then find your own path. This, luckily, just worked out for me.
What did you see originally see yourself doing before going to school?
So I was gonna go to school for robotic engineering, I have a knack for building things. And once I started school, I also learned that I like to work on code and other things like that. Yes, it was a struggle at the beginning, but once I actually understood it, I enjoyed it. I love working with my hands, so I know I can take apart and rebuild anything that’s mechanical. So I saw myself as being a robotic engineer and trying to help the world in that aspect.
Since you’ve been in Japan, have you been able to pick up a lot of the language?
While living in Japan for the last four years, I picked up on some Japanese. I’m around more English-speaking people around the base. The younger generation’s English is not fluent, to a certain degree, depending on who you’re talking to. They do attempt to speak English to accommodate you, but it’s not going to be the best most of the time. So, if I needed to travel, I could get their attention. Otherwise, I could use Google Translate to conversate.
But yes, I do know a handful of words that can help me with a small conversation to get around, order food, or buy clothes.
Can you narrate a memorable experience or adventure that you had during your time in Japan?
All right. So me and my two friends went up to this place called Nagano. It’s in an area in Japan where it snows a lot. We rented out a nice cabin in the woods. It had a giant stone tub thing- like a hot tub, but deeper, not sure what you’d call it. So we hiked the mountain nearby. Once we neared the top we saw these *wild snow monkeys. We were able to walk around, chill with them and just enjoy a good vibe with them.
The following morning we discovered that the snow monkeys were in our area too. So when we walked outside they were either chilling in a tree, or just running around playing on the floor. We found that really fascinating.
*Around 150 Japanese macaques inhabit the mountain valleys within the Jigokudani Yaen-koen monkey park, located in Yamanouchi, Nagano prefecture, Japan. These creatures, also referred to as snow monkeys, have gained fame for their winter tradition of lounging and staying cozy in the natural hot springs.
Were there any encounters with locals that left a lasting impression?
Yeah, I currently do have some good friends that live in Japan. I can say that Japanese people are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. The way they treat you without even knowing you is wonderful. I would love to stay longer. Japanese people hold respect pretty well. They don’t do anything to portray negativity.
For example; In America we have corner stores, but out here in Japan they have a Family Mart or a Lawson’s and other little convenience stores. And there’s this one older male, who every time I go into the store he works at gets excited and we always have a little conversation before I go on my way. On certain days, he’ll even give me extra food because he can. He’s just a really positive person.
How has traveling out of your hometown in general helped you develop as a person?
Every country that I’ve traveled to with or without the Navy has shown me that the world is better than you may think. Going to see South Korea, going to see Vietnam, and going to see the Philippines…. People might call them “third world” countries but they’re wrong. If you actually go to these countries, you’ll see there are people living their lives just like us.
There are people struggling in America and there are people struggling in the Philippines, but they know how to get what they need. It’s just different. And yes, different governments, and different prices in one country, hold more weight than the other, and I get that.
If you go to the Philippines to have fun, you’re gonna have fun regardless. I had the most fun in Vietnam. And people have this bad image of Vietnam, but it’s a beautiful country with beautiful beaches and a lot to do. The food is immaculate. I recommend everybody to travel outside the country, even if you’re afraid, and I promise you- you’re gonna have a good experience. I learned that if you open up your mindset, you enjoy life a lot more.
How did Japan specifically change or influence you on a personal level?
It showed me that there’s good in the world, and if people worked together as a community, everything could be a lot better. Even young kids, at four or five years old, can go out on their own, walk to school, use public transport, even run errands for their families. And it’s not like they’re alone, the whole community helps them. If a kid is walking around by themselves, and asks for help, or is wearing a *yellow hat, somebody will help them. People will make sure they get to school or that they get on the right train or bus.
I feel like if all the cultures in America just got together with their own communities and focused on each other without trying to tear down anyone else, America could change for the better and heal itself. Of course, nowhere is perfect, but I personally don’t see any Japanese people not helping Japanese people. They build each other up.
I enjoy seeing people help people because it’s not it’s not as common in America. You can walk past a homeless person and not bat an eye, but out here they will always give them food and help out. You can start from scratch, get a job and an apartment and not be alone.
*In Japan, the younger kids wear bright yellow hats to be easily recognized in traffic, and so that adults know to help them with whatever they need.
What was the best meal that you had in Japan and from where?
I have a few. So when it comes to Ramen, there’s this place called Orange Door. It’s in Yokosuka on blue street. The broth, the actual ramen bean sprouts and everything. It all tastes so good! They just do it right. But if I’m looking for more of a dining setting, there’s this place in Yokohama called Bistro. They have a very, very good beef stew. As soon as the stew comes out, it’s still boiling and bubbling a little bit. You take the fork, you cut through the beef, and it rips apart instantly. It comes with potatoes with a demi-glace sauce that pairs very well with it.
There’s this other place in the same mall, the Queen Bridge mall i believe… in Yokohama just a few feet away from Bistro. I don’t recall the name, but they have this dish with lamb that just melts off the bone and it’s so good. I’ve also eaten whale before at a pop-up shop I went to in Tokyo. That one definitely caught me off guard, but it actually tastes pretty good. I would eat it again if I could find it.
Anything else?
There’s just so many meals I’ve had that I can say are amazing. There’s this place called Pepper Lunch where they bring you the food on a hot plate and you have to finish cooking it and add the sauces and seasonings and everything yourself, and it’s just all on you; and it’s good… like really good. There’s also Midtown Barbecue in Yokohama, and Soul Food House in Tokyo.
There’s so many choices and good food out here, you just have to go find it and experience it. If you travel, get out of your comfort zone, don’t just go for the chicken tenders and burgers. You’ve got to say to yourself “Alright let me try something new. I’ll try it and then if I don’t like it I can get something else and go from there.”
Looking back, what do you appreciate the most about this adventure?
The people. The people are the reason that I’ve gotten this far in the military. My chain of command and my friends. I can’t say that every experience has been pleasant, but the people that I still talk to are the ones that have had a very big impact on my life. They’ve helped my mental game stay strong. They’ve helped my work ethic stay on point. They’ve made it so that my career is on the right path, just by being there.
There are people that don’t understand that they’ve done so much for me without even knowing it. And I should tell them that I appreciate them more. I feel like they already know but I don’t say it often enough.
How has this travel experience shaped your perspective on life?
It makes me want to go see the rest of the world. It makes me want to go see the places that the world deems “bad.” I want to go to see the beauty in it all. I would love to go see the Middle East once everything has calmed down. I would love to go to Europe. I would love to go to Africa. I would also love to go to South America or the islands. When I come back to the States, I’m definitely going to travel to Canada. I’m definitely going to go to Mexico and the Virgin Islands to experience the culture. Because of what I’ve experienced so far, I feel like I’m going to be fine wherever I go, as long as I follow the rules of the country.
I also enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. I see that not many people ask about other people’s stories often. But once you experience that, you see this glimpse of happiness that they finally got to tell their story to somebody, and I enjoy that, so I would love to go around and experience that a lot more.
What are your top 3 destinations you’d like to explore?
When it comes to Europe, I definitely want to see Italy. When it comes to Africa, I would love to go see Nigeria or South Africa. When it comes to South America, I’d want to see Rio de Janeiro in Brazil; or Colombia. I need to see Jamaica. I got friends out there that I would love to go see again. I want to go to the Dominican Republic. I want to go to Puerto Rico. I want to go everywhere we’re allowed to go!
I just want to travel.
Ideally, when I get back to the states I’d like to travel every two to three months.
Are there any other things to do in Japan that you want to let people know about?
So, in Tokyo, you have this place called Team Labs, where it’s all interactive. I can say if you don’t have the best feet, I would not recommend, because in one of the attractions, you have to take off your shoes and socks and your feet will be in water for a good amount of time. But the place is stunning.
In Yokohama, you have the giant moving Gundam if you’re into that. It’s pretty cool. As far as nightlife goes, you’ve got 1 Oak, that’s where most artists perform. And there are also hidden temples, statues, and beautiful monuments of these Godly figures that are just stunning.
Last question, what advice would you give to someone planning a trip to Japan that’s never been there before?
Honestly, it all depends on who you are and what you’re looking for. If you’re into anime, go to Akihabara. If you like shopping or bar hopping, go to Shibuya, Harajuku, or Ginza.
History and culture your thing? Visit the palace in main Tokyo. For animal lovers, Nara is a must-visit, with its deer park, and the north has places where you can see the snow monkeys. There are also interactive animal cafes where you can pet cats and dogs.
There are things to do in Japan you won’t find in America, so come with an open mind, ready to learn and experience new things. Life in Japan is peaceful and loving, so enjoy yourself, try new foods, and embrace new experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my conversation with AJ has been eye-opening and inspiring. His experiences living in Japan have shed light on the richness of culture and the warmth of its people. From exploring hidden gems to savoring mouthwatering dishes, AJ’s journey shows us that the best adventures are often found off the beaten path.
I believe experience and wisdom are more valuable than research and information, and I hope AJ’s story inspired you in some way. If you have a travel tale to share, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue to explore the world together, one story at a time. Feel free to also share any similar experiences you’ve had, things to do in Japan, or travel tips related to the destination for our readers in the comments. Safe travels!
With love,
Serena
Find AJ on Instagram here!