This post is more than two years overdue. In April 2023, I left behind my life in Japan and moved back to Australia, settling in Brisbane where my parents had relocated from Melbourne. I was lucky to live with them and my youngest brother while I got back on my feet, which was a grounding start to what would become an unexpectedly emotional journey.
Coming Home To Australia
Moving back to Australia wasn’t an easy decision. I absolutely loved my time living in Japan. But with my ALT work contract coming to an end and four years away from my family, it felt like the right time to re-establish myself at home.
I worried it might be difficult to find work, but thankfully that turned out to be a non-issue. I had a job lined up before I even arrived. I’m now working as a Travel Consultant, creating personalised trips to Japan, which is the perfect way to stay connected to a country I love.
When I imagined returning, I saw a life filled with time spent with my family across Brisbane, Sydney and Victoria. I envisioned a triumphant homecoming, going from strength to strength. I was determined to maintain my Japanese studies, keep up with hobbies, and explore.
But reality hit differently. Moving countries is hard. Reverse culture shock is real. And nothing could have prepared me for the emotional turmoil I’d face.
Grief and Grace
Just one month after returning, my grandmother collapsed and was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma. My travel plans became trips to visit her every few weeks. I’m so grateful I had that opportunity, something that wouldn’t have been possible if I were still in Japan.
These are some beautiful photos taken of my final visit to see my grandmother and I’ll cherish them forever.
That was the last time I saw her before she passed away in August. Her death hit me harder than I expected. Grief became an undercurrent to everyday. Someone once told me grief is like waves, sometimes gentle and sometimes crashing with no warning. That’s been true for me.
In her passing, I felt like I lost my sense of self. Everything I loved, especially knitting, reminded me of her. It took almost a year before I could touch my knitting needles without tears. So many of our conversations were about yarn, patterns, colour choices. The memories were beautiful, but they hurt. This year, I finally picked up my needles and hook again, and made some crochet bunnies and a baby blanket for a friend.
Another Loss
I wish that had been the only loss. In 2024, my uncle was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He passed away in January 2025. I took a photo of him and my grandmother together in 2023. Though I grieve deeply, there’s solace in knowing they’re reunited. A bittersweet peace that is heartbreaking, yet comforting
A New Chapter
The last two years have woven together endings and beginnings, bringing me closer to beloved family and introducing beautiful new friendships.
Work-wise, things have blossomed. I was nominated for the Women In Travel Rising Star Award. I didn’t win, but making the finals was a huge honour. I’ve since been promoted to Senior Travel Consultant and have hit new personal bests.
I cherish my time with family. Weekly catch-ups with my parents and youngest brother Alaric, holidays with my Nan and Pop, and visits to Sydney with extended family keep me grounded.
Slowly, I’ve returned to my creative self enjoying time knitting, crochet, sewing and puzzles. My home is filled with thriving indoor plants. I feel like I’m finally stepping into this new chapter of life.
Looking Ahead
While I’m not living in Japan now, I carry it with me always and I’ll return. In the meantime, I have plenty to share from my years there and from my time in Australia.
I plan to write more consistently about craft, life, travel, and the little things that make it all meaningful. Thanks for reading. I hope you’ll stick around for what’s to come.
In the meantime, feel free to check out my post on knitting Frog and Toad or the Shibazakura and Tulips in Hokkaido!
