Table of Contents
- 1. Hamaguchi Aiko Navigates Cultural Differences in Hong Kong
- 2. Embracing Hong Kong Life
- 3. Cultural Exploration and Personal Growth
- 4. overcoming Cultural Barriers
- 5. What are hamaguchi Aiko’s key strategies for navigating cultural adaptation and building a support network in Hong Kong?
- 6. Hamaguchi Aiko on Embracing Hong Kong Culture: An exclusive Archyde Interview
- 7. From Tokyo to Hong Kong: A Cultural journey with Hamaguchi Aiko
- 8. Interview: Hamaguchi Aiko and Eleanor Vance
- 9. Navigating Cultural Differences in Hong Kong
- 10. The Power of Community and Open-Mindedness
- 11. Bridging Cultures Through Visual Storytelling
- 12. A thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers
Since marrying Wu Yekun (Kun Ge) in 2022, Japanese artist hamaguchi Aiko has immersed herself in Hong Kong culture, actively learning Cantonese and sharing her experiences. The couple, who have a pet squirrel dog named “white soup”, showcases their life together. Aiko launched her YouTube channel “Aita/Maguchi” in late 2024, a platform for sharing her life in Hong Kong and connecting with viewers while practicing her Cantonese.
Embracing Hong Kong Life
In a recent video, Aiko documented her routine leading up to an critically important shoot, emphasizing healthy habits. “An or twice a week or two, sometiems running near home, eating well Healthy (healthy).things, so this week want to end adjustment,” she shared, noting that her approach may not suit everyone. Her adventures included visits to local markets, where she admitted to a specific cultural discomfort.
- Street Markets: Aiko confessed that she is “most afraid of seeing the pork stalls to cut pork when he came to Hong Kong,” a sight unfamiliar from her experiences in Japan.
Cultural Exploration and Personal Growth
Beyond grocery shopping, Aiko’s videos feature makeup tutorials and explorations of Hong Kong’s culinary scene, including visits to famous intestine shops in Sham Shui Po and customary tea houses. She has also documented hikes and visits to the Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair, immersing herself in local traditions.
overcoming Cultural Barriers
Aiko has openly discussed the differences between her native culture and her new home, stating, “Though, the support and encouragement of many people, wife, friends, and other people, I can see that the world has never imagined the world, exposed to different cultures and many captivating discoveries.” Her journey highlights the importance of support networks and open-mindedness when navigating new cultural environments.
Aiko’s willingness to embrace new experiences and share her journey offers valuable insights into cultural adaptation. By documenting her life, she provides a relatable perspective on navigating cultural differences and finding joy in new environments.
Check out Aiko’s YouTube channel to follow her journey and learn more about her experiences in Hong Kong. Subscribe for regular updates and a glimpse into her daily life!
Hamaguchi Aiko on Embracing Hong Kong Culture: An exclusive Archyde Interview
From Tokyo to Hong Kong: A Cultural journey with Hamaguchi Aiko
Archyde News recently had the pleasure of speaking with Hamaguchi Aiko, the Japanese artist and YouTuber who has captivated audiences with her videos documenting her life in Hong Kong. Since marrying Wu Yekun and starting her YouTube channel “Aita/Maguchi,” Aiko has offered a unique outlook on cross-cultural living. Our Senior Culture Correspondent, Eleanor Vance, sat down with Aiko to discuss her experiences. Here’s what Aiko had to share:
Interview: Hamaguchi Aiko and Eleanor Vance
Eleanor Vance: Aiko, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with Archyde News. Yoru YouTube channel, “Aita/Maguchi,” has become incredibly popular. What initially inspired you to start documenting your life in Hong Kong?
Hamaguchi Aiko: Thank you for having me! Moving to Hong Kong was such a big change. I wanted to share my experiences, both the exciting discoveries and the challenges, with my friends and family back in Japan.Also, I wanted a fun way to practice my Cantonese! I hope my videos can show how great Hong Kong is.
Eleanor Vance: In one of your videos, you mentioned being initially uncomfortable with the pork stalls in Hong Kong markets. What other cultural differences did you experience during your cultural adaptation, and how did you overcome them?
Hamaguchi Aiko: Oh, the pork stalls! Yes, that was definitely a surprise. But beyond that, I think the biggest difference is just the pace of life. Hong Kong is so fast-paced compared to Tokyo. It took me a while to adjust. Also, Cantonese is quiet difficult to learn (laughs)! I try to be open-minded, ask questions, and not be afraid to make mistakes. My husband, Kun Ge, and my friends have been incredibly supportive during my cultural adaptation.
The Power of Community and Open-Mindedness
Eleanor Vance: You’ve spoken about the importance of having a support network. How has your husband, Wu Yekun, and your friends helped you in navigating your new cultural environment?
Hamaguchi Aiko: Kun Ge is my rock. He’s been my biggest supporter and my best Cantonese tutor! He introduces me to local customs and foods, and patiently explains things. My friends, both Japanese and Hong Kongese, have also been amazing. They’ve shared their own experiences and offered encouragement when I felt overwhelmed. It is incredible.
Bridging Cultures Through Visual Storytelling
Eleanor Vance: Your videos cover a wide range of topics, from makeup tutorials to exploring hidden gems in Sham Shui Po. What do you hope viewers take away from your channel?
Hamaguchi Aiko: I hope my viewers see that embracing new experiences can enrich your life. I want to show the beauty and diversity of Hong Kong culture. Maybe I can inspire others to step outside their comfort zones and explore new things, whether it’s trying a new food, learning a new language, or simply visiting a place they’ve never been before. I also try to include as many cultural adaptation tips as possible.
A thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers
eleanor Vance: Aiko, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone moving to a new country and facing a completely different culture?
Hamaguchi Aiko: Be patient with yourself! There will be good days and bad days, moments of excitement and moments of frustration.Don’t be afraid to ask for help,and remember to celebrate the small victories.And most importantly, keep an open mind and be willing to learn.
Eleanor Vance: thank you so much, Aiko. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. And to our readers, we encourage you to visit Aiko’s YouTube channel, “Aita/Maguchi,” and subscribe for regular updates on her Hong Kong adventures.
What are your experiences with cultural adaptation? Share your thoughts and comments below!
