unexpected move
One of the most famous figures connected to Escape from Tarkov, the Russian publisher Andrey Dunduk Lapotsky, surprised fans by revealing a move from Russia to Japan. The blogger explained the choice as a chance to experience another country and to encounter different ways of life.
He described a long-held wish to go somewhere new, to learn how others live, what they eat, and how everyday life unfolds elsewhere. He admitted there was an early hesitation and that friends often carried the load, leaving him time to reflect on the idea before taking action.
For Dunduk, visiting a country with a high standard of living and distinct customs mattered more than simply changing scenery. He noted that Serbia would not satisfy his curiosity because it would feel too similar to his homeland, and he wanted something truly different.
The streamer credited a friend named Artem with encouraging the move to Japan and acknowledged that he could not handle the bureaucratic steps on his own. He said the plan could be managed smoothly only with support from a trusted ally who understood the process.
“The plan to go to Japan came together when the timing felt right, and it allowed me to keep broadcasting for my Tarkov audience while settling the next steps,” Lapotsky explained. He also reflected on Moscow’s quality of life and admitted he doubted the necessity of acting without learning another language. He allowed himself a three month window to reconsider, acknowledging that such doubts did arise.
From his perspective, traveling to Japan as a short tourist would be financially impractical. Flights and hotel costs alone would be significant. He estimated one-way tickets around ninety thousand rubles and a modest two-week hotel at about one hundred twelve thousand rubles. He felt a longer stay would be needed to truly understand the country rather than merely visit as a tourist.
This marked his first major experience living outside Russia, and so far he has welcomed the change in scenery. If a more compelling opportunity appears and the financials align, the plan includes continuing studies and living abroad. Beginning in April, he planned to study at a language school after spending three months working remotely and regaining the needed momentum.
New house
In a recent YouTube update, Dunduk showcased his Tokyo dwelling, which viewers described as more cottage-like than an apartment. The space is compact, featuring a small table, a tiny kitchen, a bed, and a closet. He noted that housing in Tokyo is expensive and space is limited, with noticeable sound insulation issues. He joked about living on two levels, the ground floor and the basement, hoping his Tarkov fans would still hear him despite the layout.
The choice of location was driven by proximity to a language school and overall affordability. He admitted that renting in Tokyo presents challenges beyond money, including strict tenant requirements that can complicate the process.
“The cottage size is less of a concern than the lack of soundproofing. I hear every car, every drop of rain, and even the occasional knock on the door. It means the whole neighborhood hears when I speak Russian about Tarkov in its powerful native tongue,” he explained. He mentioned needing to purchase furniture since many rentals in Japan come unfurnished, turning the space into a fully livable home. The setup includes the essentials: air conditioning, a kitchen, a bathroom, and storage space, with the plan to adapt as needed.
Lapotsky compared the new place to a familiar memory from Balashikha, noting that the basement lacks windows while recalling a previous window view of a similar structure. He also observed that Japan still uses devices that are nearly obsolete in Russia, such as a portable fax machine carried by an electrician who uses it to receive company communications.
hasty decision
Not everyone welcomed the change. Some critics argued that the move was rushed and driven more by a friend than by a clear personal goal. A few predicted a return to Russia within months, a view echoed by well-known Russian blogger Ilya Davydov, known online as Maddison, among others.
“Japan appears to be a good place, but living in a basement is not ideal. A tourist approach might be smarter in the early stages”, Maddison commented, suggesting that the Tokyo setup looked more like a workspace converted into living space. He described small storage spaces as makeshift cabinets. He cautioned that Dunduk’s decision could be hard to understand from the outside, yet acknowledged it as a dream some people chase even if it seems unusual.
Despite mixed opinions, the overall sentiment was that resilience matters. The focus, according to Maddison, is to avoid regret and not rush back after a final decision. The blogger emphasized that no formal notice was given before moving, acknowledging the visa process could be unpredictable but rare exceptions do occur, even with language school confirmations.
Dunduk offered his own perspective on possible judgments from fellow broadcasters. He stressed that his ties with Russia remained intact and that this move did not sever those connections. When pressed about a potential quick return, he stated firmly that he would come back when the time is right. He insisted there was no grand reveal or public countdown, since unexpected obstacles could derail plans at any stage of the visa process.
Regarding day-to-day life in Japan, Dunduk did not paint a perfect picture. He warned that subway travel can feel disorienting with endless corridors and stairs, taxis can be expensive, and some practical realities require adjustment. He learned early that the home he rented could be precarious in a flood, underscoring the importance of understanding local regulations and procedures, which can be time consuming and demanding for newcomers. The experience highlighted ongoing differences in public services and bureaucratic systems compared with Russia.
As for his online presence, Dunduk has built a following of more than 112,500 on the Twitch platform. He has paused streaming on the American service for several months due to monetization challenges faced by creators from Russia. He has since shifted to a Chinese equivalent platform, gaining more than 24 thousand subscribers there. The story remains a talking point across the gaming and streaming communities, with fans watching closely to see how the move unfolds and whether the new environment enhances his broadcasts.