2023: John Louis Chan and Iris Yamashita Move to Portugal

Overview

Around 2023, John Louis Chan (architect) and his wife Iris Yamashita (Academy Award-nominated screenwriter) relocated from Los Angeles, California to the Porto area of Portugal. This represents a significant international move and continues the Chan family’s multi-generational pattern of migration across continents.

Context

Family Context

• John’s parents Jesse Chan and Betty Chan had both passed away in 2022
  • Jesse died August 9, 2022
  • Betty died November 9, 2022
• All four Chan siblings (Rose, Meg, John, Michelle) were established in their careers
• John’s nephew and nieces (Nicholas Loui, Ryan Loui, Samantha Loui) were adults
• End of an era with parents’ passing may have prompted reflection on lifestyle choices

Professional Context

• John: Established architect with Master’s from Cranbrook Academy

  • Architecture work can be done remotely or with European clients
  • European architecture and design scene offers opportunities

• Iris: Successful screenwriter with major Hollywood credits

  • “Letters from Iwo Jima” (2006) - Academy Award nominated
  • Screenwriting is highly portable profession
  • Can work remotely with US film industry

Los Angeles Departure

• John and Iris had been living in Los Angeles area
• Los Angeles had been Chan family hub since ~1990
• High cost of living in LA
• Quality of life considerations

Portugal Destination

Why Porto?

Possible factors (to be confirmed):

• Portugal’s Golden Visa and D7 visa programs attractive to Americans
• Lower cost of living than Los Angeles
• High quality of life
• European lifestyle and culture
• English widely spoken
• Good healthcare system
• Porto specifically: historic city, cultural scene, more relaxed than Lisbon
• International airport for travel to US and Europe
• Growing expatriate community

Porto Area

• Portugal’s second-largest city
• Northwest location along Douro River
• UNESCO World Heritage historic center
• Known for port wine, architecture, cultural scene
• More affordable than Lisbon
• Active expatriate community

Migration Pattern Across Four Generations

This relocation continues a pattern of international migration in the Chan family:

Generation -1 (Great-grandparents)

• Jesse’s father: China → Philippines
• Betty’s father: China → Philippines

Generation 0 (Jesse and Betty)

• Jesse: Philippines → Hong Kong → China → Manila → Taiwan (22 yrs) → Los Angeles (32 yrs)
• Betty: Philippines → Taiwan (22 yrs) → Los Angeles (32 yrs)

Generation 1 (John’s generation)

• Rose: Manila → Taiwan → Los Angeles (ongoing)
• Meg: Manila → Taiwan → USA (location TBD)
• John: Manila → Taiwan → USA → Portugal
• Michelle: Taiwan → USA (location TBD)

Generation 2 (Grandchildren)

• Nicholas, Ryan, Samantha, and 5 cousins: Born in USA

John is the first of his generation to move outside the United States after immigrating.

Significance

Personal

• Major life change in late 50s (John born 1965, ~58 years old in 2023)
• Adventure and lifestyle choice
• Following parents’ deaths, freedom to explore new chapter
• Both have portable careers enabling international living

Family Pattern

• Demonstrates family’s adaptability and willingness to relocate
• Like Jesse and Betty’s moves (Philippines → Taiwan → USA), John embracing international life
• Risk-taking and adventure across generations
• Global mindset spanning four generations

Practical Considerations

• Remote work in creative/professional fields
• International lifestyle
• European cultural access
• Potential tax benefits
• Cost of living optimization
• Quality of life priorities

Current Status (as of 2025)

• John and Iris living in or near Porto, Portugal
• Maintaining connections with extended family in Los Angeles
• Professional work continuing (architecture and screenwriting)
• Details of current life to be documented

Related Events

Before:

• 2022-08-09-Death-Jesse-Chan - Father’s death
• 2022-11-09-Death-Betty-Chan - Mother’s death three months later
• 1990-Relocation-Chan-Family-To-Los-Angeles - Family hub in LA established

Context:

• 1968-Relocation-Chan-Family-Taiwan - Parents’ move to Taiwan (56 years earlier)
• 1990-Relocation-Chan-Family-To-Los-Angeles - Parents’ move to USA (33 years earlier)

Research Questions

• What was the exact timing of the move? (2022? 2023? 2024?)
• What specifically prompted the choice of Portugal?
• Why Porto specifically vs. Lisbon or other cities?
• Did they buy property or rent?
• What visa/residency program did they use?
• What are their current professional activities?
• How often do they return to Los Angeles?
• Have other family members visited them in Portugal?
• Do they plan to stay permanently or is this temporary?
• What was the logistical process of the international move?
• Are they learning Portuguese?
• How has this affected John’s relationship with sisters and extended family?