Meet AJ Nickleberry

Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Nickleberry.

Hi AJ, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My life in Japan started for the first time back in 2012 when I was active duty in the United States Navy. I was stationed in Okinawa Japan for my first duty station and was there for 2 years. During my time there, I learned the culture & the language and grew to love Japan. During that timeframe, I went to Tokyo with one of my best friends and realized how much of a different world it is in mainland Japan vs Okinawa. So after I got out of the Navy in 2016, I decided to go to college in Tokyo and I’ve pretty much been here ever since.

My journey as a content creator began during the beginning of covid. I was helping one of my best friends with his Twitch channel as a moderator and he kept encouraging me to stream myself. I eventually took his advice since he always leads by example and 5 years later I’m still streaming & own my own merchandise & clothing line.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh the road has been far from smooth. I’ve faced hardships & challenges such as visa issues, shady leadership & discrimination during those times. One thing about me that carries me till this day is that I’m stubborn and I don’t like to give up on things I believe in. I also believe that good luck has been a factor as well as the universe putting me in situations where I was able to talk to the right people when it mattered the most. I’ve also been told by many folks that I have the gift of gab & persuasion so that helps too.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently, I make content on Twitch & I’m getting of making content on Youtube. I also run my own clothing line called AJmyboy and run my own website. I provide merch worldwide but my main audience is in Japan. I also do quality assurance & localization work in the Japanese gaming industry on the side I also dabble in collecting physical retro media with the focus being video games. I’m a diehard Sonic & SEGA fan and when it comes to Sonic, I tend to know more than your average individual.

When it comes to specializing, it depends on what it is. Outside of doing my own thing, I’d say I’m very good at being a liaison and just being persuasive. I’ve gotten friends and clients in contact with people in high and low places when it comes to business or in the gaming industry both in the USA & overseas. I believe this is what sets me apart from others especially considering that I bridge the gap between cultures. Side note: I’ve been told that I’m very funny & entertaining.

What I’m most proud of is being able to start & maintain a life in a different country along with gaining much support. Having someone buy something you made and show it off to their friends or having people recommend your content to others is such a great feeling. I’m very thankful.

How do you define success?
My definition of success is being able to accomplish whatever task it is that you set your mind to and learn how to optimize and improve for a better result next time. Sure you won’t succeed each time but if you can learn from those failures and apply it next time, I’d consider that a win. Most people do the same thing over & over again and end up with the same results. They’re afraid to ask for help or are too prideful to admit that they need help. In order to be truly successful, you must cast aside your pride & fears and ask your help or guidance from someone more experienced in whatever task it is you set out to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ajmyboy.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJmahboi
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ajmahboi

Image Credits
Ron Ross Jr. AKA Paparossi