Memorial

[MonkeyMagic88]

Roger Swan = WINNING !

[jeepgrl16]

i would like to go to WMU. i really want to go to japan to teacher R.I.P rodger! you are my insperation

[Sxrillez]

Rodger Swan was an awesome man. I loved the style of his videos. I could also tell that he was a genuinely nice person. He will be missed.

Happy Birthday Rodger...

R.I.P.

[YoshiMystu002]

Rodger Swan isn't dead!, Just press play and get Inspired to travel all over the world!!!. He's still watching over us!.

[vonkavonka]

Roger was an amazing person. I didn't know him personally but I have been following him on youtube since TokyoSwan and he really inspired me. He was one of the reasons I went back to school. Seeing Roger being so passionate about Japanese Films and just Japanese culture in general, moving away from home away from family and friends to do something that he loved made me reflect on my life. He always seemed very genuine, sweet, and just like a all around good person.

[itzsykez]

rest in peace rodger..In all your videos you seemed like such a happy and wonderful person. You will really be missed. =(

[thejonnyboy1711]

i'll follow in his footsteps

[Nat4Brendan]

Thank you for posting this, it's an extremely touching video.

[sheweegirl79]

It would be a great help to many people especially his friends and family and anyone wishing to visit japan. Make a dvd of all his youtube videos and give the proceeds to his memorial fund. His friends and family should obviously get a copy cause lets face it youtube is based on subscribers and comments and has limitied space so his channel wont be around forever. This way we dont have to lose something so great. It would help alot of people in alot of ways.

[Mrtitmice]

sorry to hear you lost a freind, to be honest it looks like the toughest vlog someone could be tasked to do.,ps:watched Rodgers vids,he seemed like a top guy.

[LittlePinky82]

Aw. RIP Rodger. He was great and I was glad to have enjoyed his channel and known him online. I think it's great with the fund. That's cool about the Japanese horror writer. So neat. And yes I think he has a lot in common with Rodger. Still so unreal about everything. :(

[1314iloveyou]

rip. rodger

thanks for the videos

they were awesome

you worked hard! :)

[DavePerry2012]

Thanks for expressing everything you did in these videos, Kevin. Roger will surely be missed by many.

[benfaysal23]

RIP Rodger!!

[RoninDave]

very apt and touching tribute going to Hearn's grave

[HPPC]

Is this the site of Lafadio Hearn?  Is this the city that Commodore Perry was holed up in when he opened up the country?

[Snowblade17]

Tokycooney if you see this message, I would like to ask a favor of you. If you see any of Rodger's old friends tell them about what happened to Rodger. I really miss Rodger. I can imagine you miss him much more. I hope you read this. And I hope that you feel more happier. Because I know you must be feeling sad.

[ravensharpless]

About a month ago I didn't know anything of Rodger Swan, a few days before he passed away, me and my friend made the decision to move to tokyo, and then a week after; i came to youtube looking for videos on tokyo and then i found the greatest videos ever.

It was only two days after he passed away.

I will go to japan and follow his dream.

[thefatman69dude]

wow he was so young man... but hey he lived a amazing life.

[DustinNami4Ever]

Roger looked so happy in all his videos and he didn't even know what was coming. :(

[RoninDave]

@dustinnami4ever - does anyone know what's coming? The point is to enjoy your life whether you die tomorrow or decades from now. Rodger was happy and at least he was with a friend

[Jehosh27]

@DustinNami4Ever But isn't that part of why he was great? Because every day of his life, Rodger smiled as much as he could. He chased a dream, and actually caught it, and did so smiling. Honestly, he lived more than a lot of people I know. That's why I don't worry about him too much. Because after all, we will see him next time.

[Themadhorse]

What did he die of???!

[alikokos]

pancreatis

[ladylaurajones]

What a wonderful and heartfelt video. My thoughts go out to Roger's family and it is my hope that the fund will fulfill the dreams of another student who wishes to explore Japan and follow their dreams. Here's to all the students who dare to dream, to travel, and to live life to the fullest.

[RafixNFD]

Your a good person. I like the memory video and music.

[tokoman5]

yo cooney i hav watch your videos for the longest time i started during the summer 2 years ago i think i remeber watching one of rodgers clips but i nerver suck to them i kept comin back to you now i see tha rogder died i started to watch his clips but i chould bare to watch him knowing tha he's dead because he looked like u (witout the beard) i see now miss out alittle bit on a great person the i wish u best of luck

[Gimmeaflakeman]

Good.

[dallasINtokyo]

good work Kev...you are a super guy

[PTSnake]

Very inspiring. I, too, would like to know the name of the music you used, it gives off a very "zen" ambient.

Keep up your work kev, you've touched as many lives as he did, keep going for him ;)

[tokyocooney]

Posted the info in the side bar about the band.

[PTSnake]

oops, didn't notice, thanks man ;)

[mrhaider]

I can't say how sorry I am for your loss. He seemed like a really positive and outgoing kind of guy.

RIP Rodger

[MissHannahMinx]

Very pretty and peaceful video. The scholarship foundation is really great.

[weeknightingale]

I remember a video where Rodger visited a grave stone of a famous Japanese horror writer that he admired. Rodger made so many wonderful informative videos. You made a very nice tribute. So fitting and ironic. His videos will go on.

Sending special thoughts to the family.

[Hikosaemon]

Hey man, good of you to do this for Rodger's family, and nice thought for the location.

Peace

[theuglyninja]

thanks for sharing kev

[REChief]

A long time ago, I remember just sort of accidentally finding Rodger's Youtube channel. I started the first one up, and then wound up watching all of the videos he had posted up until that time. After that, truth be told, I sort of forgot about him.

But the second I saw this video, it all came rushing back -- what a great guy he was, and how wonderful and informative and insightful and amusing all of his videos had been. The internet has truly lost someone of great importance.

RIP Rodger Swan

[punkonthis]

Very beautiful video. Thank you for sharing this with us. I think using Clannad's music is very appropriate. Beautiful music for a beautiful soul.

[lonlyarrow]

hey what is the music playing in the background? Do you have a name of the song or a link? Thanks

[HangTheScientologist]

What is the music at the beginning,sir?

[jeffreyangles]

Thank you for making this nice tribute to Rodger. I was Rodger's Jpns prof at WMU and knew him very, very well.

It was a sweet idea to show the grave of Koizumi Yakumo and draw that parallel.

Incidentally, there, in the same Zoshigaya graveyard, there is the grave of another writer of "kaiki" (strange & uncanny) tales, Murayama Kaita. Rodger read Kaita's work with me in an independent study a little over a year ago, and so I thought it sweet to see Zoshigaya in your film.

Thanks again.

[chelokun]

There is no justice to have such wonderful souls cut so tragically short.

[Victoooooooooooooria]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Beautiful video.

[sauvecards]

This guy must have been amazing. Thank you Kevin for showing respect on a website that sometimes shows so little. You are a class act.

[CrappyJokes]

You are a truly wonderful person...

[nickmeahan]

kevin is right, if there was anyone on this earth nice enough and deserving enough to be remembered it was roger, its hard to find someone who is that genuine of a good person, nice to everyone he encountered. -i donated - miss u buddy

[myargonauts]

nice video Kevin. It's great that they set up a fund like this. I'll do my part.

Lots more about Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) can be learned and seen in Matsue in Shimane, in my neck of the woods.

[Blount33Productions]

Very touching video! I wish I could donate but I don't have any money. I haven't had a job for two years. I wish i could but I will have my prayers for him and his family.

Your a good person tokyocooney for doing this.

[3FlowersOnTheMoon]

Thank you for this.

He will be remembered!

[xfredx]

good video kevin. it's hard to lose some one. but all remeber him and Rodger will never be gone. remember the good and the bad cause there all memories.

[darkdemonwithin]

[ I know it doesn't really matter but It's werid my grandparents and mother also have the last name Swan o3o]

[APOKALYPSE34]

Long live Rodger's Memory!

[AndyGarcia82]

Thank you for your wonderful video. I will be moving to Tokyo later in the year. I plan to continue my vlog there and I wish to document my new life in Japan, a country I have always loved but never dreamed it would be possible to live in.

Since my boyfriend is currently stationed in Tokyo, I will be joining him hopefully very soon. I look forward to living three years in Japan and I hope to one day meet you and other Japan Vloggers in youtube.

Once again, thanks and see ya soon!

[NichiBeiTrader]

Well said Kevin. A tragic loss, but one that should be celebrated. And his ultimate legacy will be the positive influence he has on others through his videos and the Memorial Fund.

[g0rth0r]

Beautiful video, simply beautiful.

[coldplay180]

ilykevincooney

[Quatra05]

Kevin...Well Said.

[geusetelli]

Thanks a lot Kevin, Rodger will be remembered.

I too love Japan, and i will be in the line of Japan-curious foreigners who will live there about two years from now.

I just hope that i will be able to live a life like Rodger did!

[UbiquitousGeek]

That was a very fitting video, Kevin.  Sorry I wasn't able to make it to the BlogTV show last night. I think the fund is a wonderful idea and I willy try to give what I can. The whole thing renews my own dream of traveling abroad. I think all of the "J-vloggers" should get together and do a single video to promote this idea and post it on your channels.

[wachmekillu]

Well done kevin, you seem to have done him justice. From what i have gathered, he was an amazing and influential person. Whatever life after death holds, I hope the best for him and those left behind.

[TokyoAro]

How long will the memorial fund be going on for? Because im getting a job and ide like to donate :)

[TokyoNerd]

This was a very nicely done, and a very tasteful video.

[Crazy4LifeFreak13]

i too love Japan,and i hope Rodger R.I.P's though i didn't even now who he was...

[romeoteknik]

Nice job Kev, you truly are class.

[halfacat1]

rodger's awesome!

[8787Gladiator]

Will definitely donate. Rest In Peace Rodger. Thank you Kevin and keep it mellow and nice, like Rodger did.

[guavahaze]

RIP

[gollyful]

Even if I didn't know Roger I will always remember him as someone who lived his life to the fullest and had a great positive energy. Thank you Roger for sharing your life with us in your videos, and you too Kevin.. and thanks for sharing your thoughts about him.

[XtremeAnimeFox]

R.I.P roger! We will miss you! keep well Cooney.

[PipsyPops]

I was so sad when Rodger passed away and now my grandmother has died too

isn't life something?

[lord123j]

i will donate to this! not a problem

[sanne1237]

I think it´s a great Idea and that this fund will make a lot of people happy be because they now can also follow rodger, with is pasion for Japan...

[JoeCubicle]

Good job Kevin.

[JimboniusIV]

Did not know Rodger. Watched your video tribute last week. Watched some of his videos. Became sad. Watched your new tribute now. Donated.

What was the 19th century Irish-born guy's name? Akimo Koizumi? I doubt that, as Google tries to correct me...

[harryhawk5]

I donate now. thank you Kevin and Jeffrey.

[FatesWishes]

To tell you the truth my stomach sunk when you said "this will be the last time....."

but besides the point...

We will all miss Rodger.

I will most definitely make it to Japan and reach my dreams. I love Japan and im sure Rodger did just as much if not a bit more and I feel that is enough to know he would have been a great person to know, just by the few videos I have seen of his he was a great and loving person.

We will all miss you Rodger

R.I.P Rodger Swan.

[syaoran27]

im planning to donate asap.

[LozRyu]

great vid, you and Swan are by far my favourite jvloggers, i think mainly because of the effort you both go to, to record outside of your house and show everyone the sights of Japan and how informative the videos are. Rest in Peace Swan and keep well Cooney

[elsamuraiguapo]

Indeed cooney and swan's vlogging styles were very similar, which is why they are both my favorite as well.

[flyboysky]

Great and touching video. I support this fund 100% and will deffinatly donate to it.

[japanandtheworld]

Thanks.

[crimsonigloo]

...so touching... It's a superb idea [x]

[TheCJModule]

*CRYS*

[MageThief]

Great video Kevin

[StillSimplyMeSue]

He was one of the first people whos jland videos i saw:(im sad and speechless..

[junkienet]

5 Stars

[Seebr115]

I won't forget you Rodger. You left an indelible mark in this world.

[ArcaneWaif]

He has touched us all; I've cried for Rodger and I've never even met him. At least something positive and beneficial to others can come from this.

[iPsychoKitteh]

Rest In Peace Rodger...

On a side note I wanted to tell you that I love how you're wearing casual sneakers and a suit. :D

[fadecy]

He's dressed like doctor who =D

[justsomemadman]

great vid

he will live on as one of my many inspirations to go to japan

[swedcrow]

It was a beautiful video and it is a beautiful way of remembering him with this fund, and since it is also my dream to come to japan and study the idea touched me the more, of course i will donate to this fund.

[nzmarcgray]

Thanks Kevinn, the memorial fund is a good way to show respect for Rodger.

[MicknFumi]

Damn...I'm speachless...RIP Rodger.

[klynik]

Thats an awesome idea! Im sure Rodger would fully approve and support it.

[anthritVlog]

Thank you for uploading this video ... it helps ... but never can bring back Rodger.

[kichan]

That's a very sweet thing to do. Both you, and his family with WMU. It'll help get more Rodger's to Japan. I don't live too far from the school.

[Ido013]

Sweet way of doing that video, never thought you could throw one memorial and touch two important people! Great thinking!

Qu'il reste en paix.

[Eyobe1]

such a great way to remember him, thank you cooney, and the Swan family,

Even if those who are touched by the Memorial Fund can experience only half of what Rodger did, they will have an unbelievable experience forever to remember

[dorkykaya]

I've downloaded Rodger's "Tokyo Swan" & "Iwate Swan" series. And I'm currently downloading his horror reviews. Just in case YouTube decides to delete off his account.

[MrJingjong]

Thanks for posting this. There's always good in celebrating the lives of people we lost.

[acatinny]

It is a beautiful & touching tribute to rodgerswan to visit the grave of Koizumi Yakumo. And it is true he loved Japanese horror stories just like Yakumo did. Tough still so hard to swallow his passing, we learn about what the life is about and how it cycles when something like this happens. As unfair as it seems to be, we still live on and still remembering him. Thanks rodgerswan for your beautiful memories.

[cisum589]

excellent example of that but as an example himself, Rodger (from what I saw from all his videos) kept one foot outside of his comfort zone at all times. He lived an amazing life, I hope his fund gives people the opportunity to do the same.

Kevin, this is how your video made me feel. I would've loved to have had an opportunity to meet Rodger...someday...but now that can't happen. I lament that fact, but I'm positive that he would be happy with what you and his family have done for him.

[cisum589]

The memorial is an amazing idea. I, myself, am currently in the process of coming to Japan as a student, so regrettably I do not have the funds right now to contribute. At the first opportunity, I will do what I can.

I'm reading a book right now written by Will Ferguson. He wrote about his time in Japan hitchhiking while following the Sakura Zenzen, and he illuminates a bit on the meaning of the sakura--that youth, and all things regarding, is fleeting. I think what happened to is an

[tonieboo0013]

I think a Memorial Fund for students just like himself would have made Rodger extremely happy, and that his loved ones have come up with a great concept. I hope those who access the funds will love their experiences in Japan just as much as Rodger did.

Thanks for being the overall Youtube figurehead during Rodger's passing. It seemed like you two were close. And you're right, this isn't a sad video. This will be a new beginning for many others, which is to be celebrated.

[AznGrlKimmy]

I want to cry, seriously. The thing about these youtube videos, and the internet in general, is that you feel like you know someone without ever really knowing them. Although I would have wanted to meet Swan in person, his numerous videos have forged a deep enough connection where I am truly saddened by his death. He would have been a huge supporter of this Memorial Fund.

[darkwulf147]

Before my trip to Japan in 2008 I did Youtube 'research' discovering people like tokyocooney, gimmeabreakman, tkyosam, and tokyoswan. Today, just on a whim I decided to check out what was going on in Japan and discover that one youtuber I viewed has passed. Young as he was, at least he achieved his dream of returning to Japan. RIP Mr. Swan.

[7coolguy7]

rest in peace rodger

[ShinAkuma21]

is that really his tombstone???

[crazychilidog]

It's tragic when you lose someone that you love. But to do this, to make what was Rodger's goal in life a goal for others to complete, Is the most amazing thing a man could ever do to remember someone beyond the grave.

Cooney, you're an amazing man. And I thank you for doing what you've done. Not only in remembering your dear friend Rodger, but in making memories for others who want to study Japan.

[HawkBasham]

@crazychilidog Seconded @ all of that.

[akasaart]

if you are in touch with his family, you should suggest that they periodically log into his account so that his videos are not deleted

we can't let his material go the way of theboringdispatcher

his videos are his legacy, and they should remain a permanent piece of what YouTube is

[OberonProductions]

I didn't even realize that he was a Western Michigan University student. I live about three hours away from WMU. This was a very touching post Kevin. I'm sure Rodger would be honored.

[StarDr0ps]

I feel so sorry for his friends and family. I can't image the pain they must be going through right now. He will be greatly missed as I miss him already. Thanks for making this Kevin.

[SosToradora]

That is a nice idea as I am a student not with WMU but am working towards moving to Japan. It will help many.

[spinja446]

Wow, this is very nice of you. Rodger would be proud!. Rest in peace buddy.

[alienboya]

Kevin again that was great of you to do this for Rodger, his final resting place is very nice and a very nice stone they got for him. R.I.P. we miss you Rodger alot.

[theoneandonlyshadow]

you are a great friend to Rodger. i wish i would had the chance to have meet him in person i remember the first time i talk to him he was so nice to me and gave me great advice about studying aboard i have allready started to talk to my collage that im going to be going to about studying aboard and i use the great adice that Rodger have gave me. Thank you Rodger :)

[TkyoSam]

Thanks kev.

[kansaiPJ]

Very thoughtfully done video.

He will be missed...

[boamortecastro]

the link is not working for me :(

[WEAREPLAGUED]

wow, WMU is so close to home for me. i knew rodger was from michigan, but i didn't know if he had lived close to me or not. that's such a cool idea for a fund, makes me wanna apply to western!

[thebigfooty]

R.I.P Swan, Say hi to my buddy Noah J up in the heaven land, He'll show ya the ropes.

[Shidira]

Thanks Kevin for these videos. Times like these make everyone more appreciative of who they have around them and make everyone realize that anyone can be gone in the blink of an eye. I just want to say that, like Rodger, you also have made a big influence in my life and I appreciate you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for us. Rodger will never be forgotten, just as you won't be either. Thank you Kevin and thank you Rodger.

[fabitapunk]

i can't imagine to be in that situation =S

[IIRocKnRoLLaII]

sorry for your loss, lovely memorial video.

[MGOotaku]

I will deffinatly visit his memorial next summer I go there.

Coony will you send me a PM of his place/memorial?

[mystarave]

Hey Kevin, thanks for making these videos. Deeply sorry for your loss. They serve to show us to look at the bigger picture in life and to see what really is important in life. Although I didnt know Rodger, his story still brings a tear to my eye.

Missing Tokyo,

Paul

[RaveSnoreThrong]

way to be a heartless bastard.

[TkyoSam]

how was he?

[RaveSnoreThrong]

@Tkyosam, I was responding to

xxxFaustusxxx, telling him he was a heartless bastard for his comment.

[TkyoSam]

what did he write?

[RaveSnoreThrong]

@TkyoSam idk since it's been marked spam and 10 negative ratings, but something along the lines of "less emo cooney and more tokyocooney"