I got a girlfriend!

He began dating a Japanese woman online in early January; they talk daily and plan a two- week Japan meeting in April. She is eight years older, divorced, and has a nine-year-old daughter; he defers stepfather and long-term questions until they meet. He is not quitting YouTube, but lengthy calls and five night shifts leave only brief filming time.

A new relationship reverses recent loneliness and Japan closure, while he cautiously limits commitment to an in-person test.