Angel Ndubuisi, photo courtesy of FunTimes Magazine.
Most Nigerians know how December usually goes: Detty December plans, family gatherings, and last‑minute shopping in crowded markets. But for Angel Ndubuisi, December 24, 2025, was not about Christmas rice. It was the day she left Nigeria to begin a new life in Japan. Her journey captures the emotional rollercoaster many young Nigerians face when migration becomes real.
Angel opens up about leaving Nigeria on a dependent visa, the anxiety of a delayed Certificate of Eligibility, what it felt like to be the only one who looked like her in class, and the small, unexpected kindnesses from her teachers and classmates that made Japan start to feel less foreign.
What was life like in Nigeria before you migrated, and what inspired the move to Japan?
Before moving to Japan, I was living in Nigeria with my family and attending school. Life was familiar, and I was surrounded by friends, relatives, and the culture I had grown up with. I enjoyed spending time with the people around me, and I was used to the Nigerian way of life, from the food to the daily routines. Although life had its challenges, Nigeria will always be home to me because it shaped who I am.
Moving to Japan was a major turning point in my life. It was an opportunity to experience a completely different culture, continue my education, and broaden my perspective. I knew that adapting to a new country would not be easy, especially because of the language and cultural differences, but I was also excited about the chance to learn, grow, and challenge myself. Even though leaving Nigeria meant saying goodbye to many people and places I loved, I looked forward to building a new life and making the most of the opportunities Japan had to offer.
What route or pathway did you come through, and how difficult was that process?
I moved to Japan with my family on a dependent visa because my father was already living here. Overall, the process was okay, though a few moments made us anxious. Our Certificate of Eligibility was issued quite late, and for a while, we were afraid it might not come at all. My family prayed a lot during that period, hoping everything would work out. Another challenge was attending our visa interviews. My brother and I were scheduled for one day, while my mother and sister had theirs the following day. Since the interview location was far from where we lived, arranging transportation on two separate days was a bit inconvenient. Thankfully, everything went well in the end, and I believe God guided us through the entire process.
What were your first few weeks in Japan like?
When I first arrived in Japan, I felt very happy and excited because I never expected that I would be able to travel out of Nigeria so soon. Before moving, I did not do much research because I thought I still had more time. However, I already knew that Japan was a very clean country and that people respected rules and manners. I also tried to learn about Japanese customs, including what is considered bad manners, so I could adapt better to my new environment.
The language barrier was one of the biggest challenges I faced. During my first week, I could not even say simple greetings like “good morning” in Japanese, which made communication difficult. However, through constant practice and learning, I have improved and can now understand more Japanese and communicate better than when I first arrived.
Starting school was one of the most difficult parts of my adjustment. Moving into a new education system and being placed in a lower level than where I was previously was emotionally challenging. However, I gradually accepted the situation, adapted, and focused on improving myself and learning Japanese. One of the things that surprised me the most was the cultural differences, especially in schools. I was amazed by the respect students showed their teachers, such as bowing at the beginning and end of lessons. This was different from what I was used to in Nigeria, and it showed me how much respect is valued in Japanese culture.
Overall, my first few weeks in Japan were a mix of excitement, challenges, and new experiences. They helped me become more adaptable and open-minded as I continued my journey in a new country.
Starting school in a new country can be difficult. What was your experience like?
Before coming to Japan, I had seen the country mostly through movies and media, so I was curious about what real life would be like. When I arrived at school, I discovered that I was the only Black and foreign student at the time, which made the experience challenging. Later, another foreign student joined the school, which made me feel less alone.
Understanding lessons was difficult at first, as people often speak quickly. However, my classmates were supportive. Although I’m not close to everyone in my class, I have a few genuine friends who have been kind to me. Whenever I need help, there is always someone willing to support me.
My teachers have also helped me a lot. For example, my science teacher still gives me tests in English because he understands that taking them entirely in Japanese would be very difficult for me. My math teacher prepares English materials from the textbook for me every week, which helps me follow the lessons better. These small acts of kindness made me feel welcomed and encouraged me to keep trying.
At the beginning, I found school lonely and felt like some people were not talking to me as much as before. However, I later realized that many of my classmates had already been friends since elementary school, so it was not because they disliked me. I learned to be comfortable on my own, open up more, and gradually connect with people. Now, compared to when I first started, school has become a much better experience. I have learned to adapt, be more confident, and appreciate the people around me.
How would you describe student life in Japan compared to Nigeria?
Student life in Japan is very different from what I was used to in Nigeria. The biggest differences I noticed were the organization, discipline, and respect. The relationship between students and teachers is also different. Here, students are encouraged to ask questions because everyone can learn from them. The learning style is also more practical. Experiments and examples are used to help students understand concepts better.
Apart from studying, what activities do you get up to?
I enjoy creating content on TikTok, where I share my experiences of living in Japan and help others understand what life here is really like. I believe it is important for people to know more about Japan before moving here. I also enjoy spending time with friends, exploring Japanese culture, learning about traditions like the kimono, and singing in my free time.
What Nigerian habit can you never give up, and what Japanese habit have you completely embraced?
No matter how long I live here, I can never give up my love for spicy food, listening to Afrobeats daily, and my strong mindset of faith and optimism. On the flip side, living in Japan has made me strict about punctuality, quiet on public transport, meticulous about trash sorting, and bowing a second nature to me.
How do you stay connected to your Nigerian culture while living abroad?
I do so mostly through music, scrolling through TikTok for the latest Afrobeats trends and constantly playing my uncle Eneez’s songs, since he’s a musician. Beyond that, it’s just about carrying that inherent Nigerian spirit and drive with me everywhere I go; it keeps me grounded no matter where I am.
What has been the hardest part of living in Japan?
Honestly, the hardest part is just how different everything is from back home. I miss my family and friends like crazy, and I miss real Nigerian food. The language barrier makes things tough, too. I don’t have local friends who speak English, and since my Japanese isn’t great yet, simple daily interactions can feel like a challenge. Japan is extremely organized and civilized, which is great, but adapting to a completely different rhythm of life takes a lot out of you.
Have you ever experienced loneliness or homesickness, discrimination, or felt misunderstood because you are African?
Yeah, I definitely deal with loneliness and homesickness from time to time, being so far from home, that’s almost unavoidable. As for discrimination, it is not something I experience heavily, but there are moments where I feel misunderstood simply because people are not familiar with African culture or seeing a Black woman. That said, overall, Japan is actually very friendly toward Black girls, so it is usually more about a lack of exposure than outright bad intent.
How do Japanese people respond to you, your appearance, your accent, your Nigerianness?
Honestly, a lot of Japanese people actually love my Nigerianness. They are super curious and usually really friendly. I have had sweet moments, like a woman stopping me on the street just to admire my hair. Most people are just genuinely interested and want to make friends. I really love how welcoming and kind Japanese people can be when you interact with them.
What are your favorite and least favorite things about living in Japan?
My favorite things are definitely the safety and how convenient everything is. You have convenience stores on practically every corner, and the public transportation system is top-tier. My least favorite part is the language barrier and the food situation. There aren’t many Nigerian food options around, and when you do manage to find ingredients or restaurants, they are usually super expensive.
Many Nigerians are considering leaving in search of better opportunities. Based on your experience, what would you like them to know before making that decision?
Moving to another country can be a great opportunity, but people should understand that it comes with both advantages and challenges. Before deciding to leave Nigeria, I would encourage people to conduct thorough research on the country they plan to move to, including its culture, language, cost of living, and lifestyle.
From my experience in Japan, adapting to a new environment requires patience, determination, and an open mind. Things may not always be easy at the beginning, but with hard work and a willingness to learn, it is possible to adjust and grow. I would also advise Nigerians moving abroad to be mentally and emotionally prepared. Sometimes, people may face misunderstandings or negative comments because of their background, but it is important not to let those experiences define you. Instead, use them as motivation to grow and show the positive qualities of Nigerians.
Most importantly, always represent Nigeria well through your attitude, respect, and actions. The way we behave abroad can influence how others see our country. Respect yourself, stay confident, and remember that you are carrying a part of Nigeria with you wherever you go.
