Cathy & Ron's Leap: Moving Family from Nova Scotia to Shizuoka

Cathy & Ron's Leap: Moving Family from Nova Scotia to Shizuoka

From Buying a House in Japan by AkiyaMart Productions

February 27, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 121

About this episode

Cathy and Ron Stockermans share their family's journey of moving from Nova Scotia to Shizuoka and its impact on their lives.

21 years ago, Cathy and Ron Stockermans were inspired to take their family on an adventure abroad.. After Cathy was offered a job at a high school in Shizuoka, they, and their three sons, took the leap of faith that changed their lives. 21 years later, they sit down with Take and, one of their sons, Joey, to discuss that decision, how it shaped their lives, and how it led Joey to where he is today. From adjusting to a new culture, to inspiring Joey to stay in Japan for university, to Ron and Cathy's subsequent 15 year world journey; it all started with that decision to seek adventure. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/akiyamart] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@AkiyaMa]! Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com/]. Hosts are Take Kurosawa and Joey Stockermans. The AkiyaMart Production Team is Carlos G., Devin S., and Lukas F. Chapters: 00:00 Milk Mixup in Japan 00:52 Meet Joey's Parents 03:51 Why We Moved Abroad 08:19 Family Decision and Planning 10:02 Arriving in Numazu 13:52 First Morning Food Hunt 16:46 Trash Rules Culture Shock 18:30 Adapting to Work and School 22:14 Safety…

People in this episode

Host: Take Kurosawa

Guests: Cathy Stockermans, Ron Stockermans, Joey Stockermans

Topics covered

  • family relocation
  • cultural adaptation
  • education in Japan
  • life in Japan
  • international experience

Keywords

  • family adventure
  • Japan
  • cultural shock
  • education
  • international living

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AkiyaMart Productions

Places: Shizuoka, Nova Scotia, Numazu

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