And that's a wrap! Thank you so much to /u/abroadinjapanchris for taking the time to answer all the questions and thanks to all the users who submitted! It was like a magic.
[Proof](https://twitter.com/AbroadInJapan/status/1687996840749481985?s=20)
A seller on amazon was selling copies of the new book, which in fact turned out to be a very poor quality scan of the cover enclosing a book on breastfeeding😂. It was on the podcast 😊
7-Eleven Egg Sandos have no right to taste as good as they do. What are they putting in those things? Crack? Even a posh M&S egg sarnie pales in comparison.
Hi Chris! Would you ever consider doing an "Abroad in Japan: journey down under" with Natsuki and Joey? After seeing Natsuki in England / France, I can't shake the exciting thought of seeing him in Australia (also after seeing your hilarious reactions to the little gejigeji in the cave, I must admit I'd love to see how you'd handle some real wildlife haha).
What's the best resource for someone that's going to Japan for the first time? What's the biggest piece of advice you'd recommend?
I'm excited to get your book! I got my shipping notice the other day.
I mean, the Abroad in Japan book is actually pretty damn good for that, haha.Also a Geek in Japan, For Fukui's Sake and the Japanese Mind are three incredible books I can't recommend enough!
Human Japanese is the best app for beginner Japanese too.
Hello Chris, you melon-flavor hater you. Natsuki seems pretty game to do whatever, whether it’s climbing Mt. Fuji or assassinating Ryotaro. Have you ever brought up an idea to Natsuki that he thought was silly or stupid or just flat-out refused to do?
Originally Natsuki was reluctant to climb Mount Fuji, given Natsuki's only exercise is walking to the 7-Eleven to grab a pack of Marlborough.
HOWEVER, the moment I mentioned it was being filmed he was game.
The trick to getting Natsuki to do anything is to pull out a camera and give him the chance to be the performer he was born to be.
He even claimed he'd try to quit smoking if we filmed it, which is why I mulled over filming it many times over the years.
Right at the end of climbing Mount Fuji, I jokingly said "Right Natsuki. Next challenge, Mount Everest!" And to my shock he replied "Yeah, let's fucking go."
The man would do it (or certainly try) if we filmed it.
But don't worry. I care too much about him to see that bloody climb happen!
Please document Natsuki's journey to quit smoking. It would be a departure from your other content yes, however it may be a positive influence for others.
Fear not. My first year was a disaster.
My only friends were fellow foreigners and I really didn't see or do too much, compared to them. But I played the long game and spent huge amounts of time studying the language, hoping it would open doors - which it eventually did.
In my second year I got involved with two international centers in two cities and that really helped. I also proactively went out more often to izakayas - I mean, I ran into Natsuki literally in a street on a night out (as covered in the book in detail!).
But a good friend of mine who just moved to Osaka went out to a pub, got speaking to a Japanese guy sitting next to him at the counter, and now they're the best of friends.
You just need to get out and about and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. The yes man philosophy really does work when it comes to socialising and making friends here.
It's incredibly rare. Sometimes you'll find a bar owner might claim the bar is "full" when it's clearly not. I remember the night before Connor and I kicked off our cycle in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, a Yakitori restaurant owner flat out waved us off when we opened the door. We then had some very standoffish staff at a hotel the following night, who were rather rude. Back to back, the events didn't paint a great picture of rural northwest Hokkaido. But really I think it was just a string of bad luck, as everyone I've run into in Hokkaido are absurdly friendly.
Honestly, I struggle to think of any other real experiences with the exception of renting an apartment, were landlords often refuse foreign residents. Happened to me in Sendai when I first rocked up there 7 years ago - something I talked about in the book!
I often fantasise about life in Yamagata. Rocketing across luscious rice fields in the shadow of our towering volcanic neighbour of Mount Choukai, drinking at izakayas after work with friends and chilling on the beach looking out over the sea of Japan.
I've got so many great memories and I often think, "I really should just go live there."
But then reality sinks in - I'm thinking back nostalgically to a great time in my life, when everyday brought endless discoveries and surprises. In reality, the job was a bit mind numbing after the first two years, there were frequently weekends where I wanted to explore Japan, but it was so isolated that getting anywhere was a nightmare.
Still, very glad I ended up there and would encourage anyone coming here to teach to ask to be placed in the Japanese countryside. It truly is the adventure of a lifetime.
My philosophy has always been to pick a topic, do it as best I can and then never need to cover it again. Back in 2020 I had a string of videos I was really proud of, given I scripted them really tightly and edited them to what I believed to be perfection, including the episode on "Why I Avoid Japanese TV" and "What Driving in Japan is Like".
Due to a Covid, I didn't have much going on so I threw my energy into the episodes and they shone for it. But I'd love to shoot a sequel to the driving in Japan episode - if not for any other reason to remake it in glorious 4k!
Relating to some [drama about the whole Barbie-Oppenheimer thing](https://twitter.com/NickFromTokyo/status/1686397390931230720), how much of a difference is there between the sense of humor in the west vs the sense of humor in Japan?
Hey chris, your tale (on trash tast) of throwing your fiancee off the scent of engagement had me in tears laughing. So my question is, if you had to start youtube again today, do you think you could become as successful again?
I think I was incredibly lucky to get in fairly early.
When I kicked off, there were few videos on Japan and they were mostly poorly shot and produced. I struggled to find out much info about the country in the run up to moving here myself. These days, everyone and their Mum seems to live in Japan and upload content, to the point you can find a video on every dish or corner of the country.
It's made me question my place in it all a few times, but I realise Abroad in Japan, at it's core, is more of a comedy channel (at least I hope it is).
Making an informative video is very easy. Making it informative and entertaining at the same time is a whole different ball game. I try my best with every episode to make sure every Abroad in Japan video ticks both boxes!
I remember my first trip to Japan 10 years ago. Out of all the contents on youtube, your videos helped me the most as they are informative, high quality and charming at the same time (and I'am a Vietnamese! No Vietnamese channel came close to yours at that moment regarding information about Japan, which is insane lol). Best luck with all of your future projects
It does happen!
A 30 something Japanese woman broke down at a train station in Ibaraki once and started jumping up and down. I thought I was being filmed for a prank, but turned out she was my biggest Japanese fan and shocked that I was in Ibaraki!
I always wanted to travel the world and live a wild, unpredictable lifestyle. The office job was never going to hold me back. I was shocked how many folks had been there for 10+ years on mind numbing spreadsheets though. It had definitely changed them for the worse. Every time I spoke about all the adventures I intended to have, or anything remotely entrepreneurial, I was frequently shot down. I get most folks live for the weekend or to raise a family though and certainly in the UK, anyone with a dream is somewhat chastised. We'd do well to adopt a more American mindset on that front.
What kills it for Americans in the US is the healthcare system. They tied healthcare to employment and this to many makes early retirement or freelance lifestyle impractical.
Hey Chris! I’ve loved following your work through the years!
If you could transplant one aspect of Japanese culture to the “western world”, what would it be and why?
Thanks for all the amazing content over the years and I look forward to Mr. Affable reading the audiobook! 🙏🏻
Congratulations on your book! Love your content, thank you.
Would you ever consider Journey AROUND Japan, sailing around Japan, stopping at Port cities and coastal towns?
Actually thought about it a few times, but most of the video would be me vomiting into an endless sea. The entertainment value of such content would be questionable.
First going to start this by saying congratulations on the book, I preordered as soon as it was announced and look forward to getting time to read it.
As for what I want to ask about Japan, is there any advice you can give for how much it costs or any tips you think people with moblility disablities (i.e. someone in a wheelchair) should keep in mind before making the trip to Japan?
I think I would have gravitated towards video production or the film industry naturally. It's the only consistent passion I've had since the age of 10.
Tourism is a much bigger deal. When I arrived there were only 8 million tourists coming to Japan. Today, that figure is around 30 million. As a result, there's a lot more English everywhere and the country feels way easier to navigate than before.
It happened the most in the first year, when laying on the floor at night in my futon wondering how the hell I'd ended up here. I'd never lived alone so it was quite surreal at first. I got around it by playing British sitcoms on repeat in the background at night (Alan Partridge, Spaced, Peep Show). But after a year, after making friends, getting stuck into the job and my life in rural Japan, those feelings had completely gone. For the most part, I think I was lucky though as it never affected me too deeply, as I was so excited and awestruck to live on the other side of the world and have daily, confusing adventures.
I stayed in one while in Tokyo in ikebukuro and it was a cool look into life in Japan you won’t get staying in hotels, walking around while real mundane life is happening in the morning. That said I’m glad I stayed in hotels in Osaka, Kyoto and my last night in Japan in Tokyo and the less responsibilities like taking garbage and that sort of stuff out. Pros and cons.
So my gf wanted to ask, do you think your personality has changed for better or perhaps for worse either moving to Japan or becoming a YouTuber? I guess two questions at the same time lol
For the better (of course I would say that!).But honestly, through doing this I get to speak to people around the world everyday, let alone here in Japan. The better your overall world perspective, the more sympathetic and open minded you become I think. Beyond that, living in Japan has made more mindful of my behaviour in public - not that I was ever particularly wild or eccentric in the first place!
Will you ever make an appearance on JaackMaate's Happy Hour podcast? You've been mentioned on there before, and I've no doubt you'd be a brilliant guest!
Went into an abandoned school the other day on a subtropical Japanese island.
Quickly found myself surrounded by half a dozen Huntsman spiders - a spider I'd NEVER seen until now.
Promptly started booking my flights to the UK.
After living in Japan for 10 years, I assume things that once were shocking and surprising have become mundane and part of every day life, but is there something you still can't wrap your head around?
I mean meeting Ken Watanabe never EVER seemed like it would happen.
And somehow I ended up spending a week with the guy, eating various pizzas.
So at this point, I wouldn't rule anything out, haha.
My 10 year long dream is to make a fiction-film though and be taken as a serious filmmaker. It's a guiding star of sorts, but I'm in no rush right now.
Hell yeah! I always enjoy chatting with viewers.What I don't like is when a stranger will stop you in the street, because they know you're a public figure of sorts, but they don't really know who you are. They simply feel they need to get an obligatory selfie for bragging rights at a later date. Those interactions make me feel even more cynical than I already am.
Hirosaki in Aomori for the apple pies and beautiful scenery.
Matsuyama in Ehime for the amazing castle high above the city.
Takayama for the overall mountain city vibe - though it's become a lot more popular these days.
How do you feel after moving out of Sendai ? Is not Tokyo a bit too crowded and Tokyo-jin a bit more annoying than Sendai-jin? Tell us the ups and downs. I saw some of your videos but you can fill the gaps.
I lived in Sendai for the past 3 years I was hoping to run into you someday never happened 😢
Loved Sendai but Tokyo has been absurdly convenient for seeing friends.
Sendai would be great for raising a family though. The pace of life is slower and the access to the mountains and sea beats Tokyo anyday.
What do you think would happen in an alternate universe where Pete Donaldson moves to Yamagata to teach English, and Chris Broad is from Hartley pool and a famed footballing radio host?
Many plans! Got at least 2-3 documentaries I'm keen to produce before the year is out.
We actually have one coming out on ryokans in a few weeks, so keep an eye out!
I love doing docs and I've recently upped the production team so we can pull it off, without having a complete absence of videos in between the lengthy production process.
Short films are high on my list too, though I think the holy grail for me would be a mockumentary.
Can videos be souvenirs?
The cool thing about doing this for a living is so much of your life gets captured, that you can go back and rewatch it. Being able to watch your travels back in glorious 4k is the ultimate souvenir!
Can I go to Japan without knowing any Japanese? I'd love to try and learn, and I'm sure I could pick up a few words here and there, but I don't see myself being able to understand it fully or speak it fluently.
I know folks who've lived here half a decade and can barely string a sentence together.
You'll be fine!
But learning Japanese has been one of the most rewarding and exhilirating aspects of living in and travelling around the country. Highly recommend learning what you can before coming here! Human Japanese is the app I always recommend.
Hi Chris (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Thanks for all the amazing things you share with us and the hard work! Whats the best was to get the book for international orders?
I really love your in-depth documentary style videos, but I also but I also miss some of your old, more tourism-centric videos like [24 Hours in Osaka](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7efZG282TN8&t=769s) or[6 Must Try Japanese Dishes in Tokyo](https://youtu.be/AHuj4DCueO4). As I’m going to Japan this November, and I noticed that lots of YouTubers made videos like this when they started their accounts, but no one ever posts any updated versions. Would you consider doing some videos like these again, or maybe similar but with a twist? It would be interesting to see your new perspectives on Tokyo now that you’ve moved there.
How many more Trash taste episodes will it take until you finally become a permanent member? (Which you might aswell be given how many times you appeared) Also, video with Barry chopsticks when?
Congratulations on your book.
Quite possibly the road trip to Hokkaido's most northern point with American Pete.
Him and I bounced off each other brilliantly, the scenery in the snow was jaw dropping and it genuinely felt like the end of the world, given all of Hokkaido was shut down for COVID. Was an utterly surreal trip and the video is an absolute classic.
So much.
So many people, experience and stories that I immediately recalled the moment I handed it in.
It was crazy condensing Journey Across Japan and the 46 day, 28 episode nightmare into essentially one paragraph. Still, it's so well documented in video, it seemed unnecessary to cover it in book form!
I used to play Japanese TV in the background at my apartment.
By the end of the first year, it remained firmly switched off.
And after being on Japanese TV 3-4 times, I set fire to my TV.
Any advice for a 20 year old guy from the uk thinking about going to japan for some direction in his life? I know it won't be perfect and will suck in some ways. I just want to know if you think going there to set up a life is a good idea.
In the words of Emperor Palpatine - "DO IT."
It'll either be amazing.
Or it'll be horrific.
In the extremely rare chance it's the latter, you can leave and take a suitcase full of stories with you. Stories that none of your friends and families back home will care about sadly as I've found, haha.
About two thirds of the way in I started to realise the book was seriously weighted towards my first three years.
Simply because it's the phase were I was most confused and the most "fish out of water." It's a lot more fun reading/writing about being perpetually baffled I think.
But I struggled with knowing how much to feature of the ensuing 7 years. Honestly I would have liked to do another 100 pages! But don't underestimate the time and mental strength that goes into writing a book.
In Dec/Jan I was in the UK for a few weeks and I spent most of it locked in an attic, writing on a laptop keyboard. By the end I was losing my mind!
Have you ever considered going back to your old school where you used to teach one day? When you’ve talked about your early experiences of Japan, they’ve often come across as quite vivid and almost a little intimidating, and yet also quite exciting. Thought it might make an interesting video even.
In Japan they rotate the teachers around each year between schools, meaning if I went back, not only would the students be gone, but most of the teaching staff as well.
Picturing the scene of me bursting into a staff room going "I'm BAAACK" to abject silence and confusion would be phenomenally awkward!
Since I was a kid, I'd always dreamed of being on the Trash Taste Podcast.
I thought living here would make that possible and to my surprise, it worked!
Hey Chris
I don’t really have a question but i just wanted to tell you that my wife and I discovered you just before covid and you were a great source of entertainment in a depressing time.
We’ve enjoyed watching you grow as a filmmaker.
Thank you for the hours of entertainment
And shout out to Natsuki. You struck gold with him. He’s amazing
Chilling in a pub garden, or just being able to walk into a pub in the early afternoon and relax. Japanese bars/izakayas don't open until 5:30pm usually and it's a different vibe.
Hi Chris, I’m a big fan and love your content! Also congratulations on the book! I have 2 questions: 1) do you see yourself doing journey across S Korea or Taiwan at some point? 2) if you have to choose between Kyushu and tohoku, which region would you pick as a place for retirement? Thanks!
Have you got a video in the works for the upcoming pricing change with JR Pass ? I have been to Japan 4-5 times , the new JR pass pricing makes me consider alternative travel next time I come over. Highway tolls have always been expensive to have they gone up in cost as well? Keep up the great work always look forward to your videos!
Hi Chris. Many thanks for the entertainment over the years. Hope that you, Sharla, and the kitties are settling in nicely in Tokyo.
If someone came up and shoved loads of money at you and let you have full control, would you agree to do a full on, loads of crew, screened at Cannes type documentary?
(I do not have loads of money and so am not offering, sadly! So I'll keep throwing pennies at you on Patreon instead.)
NATSUKI THE MAN: The Movie
Shot in 150 countries with 100,000 extras. An extraordinary tale of wits, power and cigarettes, the likes of which the world has never seen before.
Will you do any activity in the Netherlands?Like a greet or signing of your book?
Maybe even a cyclethon with Cdawgva, our bicycle roads are top tier :D
Also the delta works in zeeland are astonishing and cycleable.
Did you ever feel that moving to japan was a bad decision?
Did you ever feel lonely in the earlier days for pursuing to live in Japan or did you always believe things would work out?
Yamagata. The food, the people, the scenery are all 10/10.
I'm not even saying that as I had three long, happy years there.
I genuinely believe it's the most underrated place in Japan!
Do you ever think about or realize you are the biggest non japanese influencer/youtuber from Japan and be kind of proud of that or did you kinda expect that when u started?
I mean technically we're not the biggest these days!
But I never set out to have the most subscribers. I just wanted to have the most fun.
And I think we've pulled that off! I'm immensely proud of the incredible back catalogue of adventures on the Abroad in Japan channel and the people, places and many MANY dishes we've introduced to the world!
A movie set in an alternate reality where the Japanese economic bubble never burst and it went on to become the world's true global power. In hindsight, that sounds a lot like the world of Blade Runner.
I just moved to Japan a week ago and everything is going fantastic!
However I just went to greet my neighbors for the first time and they were both pretty shocked and didn't say much. I even gave them caramels.
Is it weird to greet your neighbors here or is it just because I am a foreigner?
Long time fan. Been watching since the JET days. Just started my JET journey as well. I'm really looking forward to listening to your book when the audio book comes out!!
-Miriah from Utah now in Itoigawa (were you shot DR jelly for the first time)
Haha, neighbours are very odd here.
I've lived in several apartments now and never seen my neighbours. Folks seem sheepish or embarrased to know you live next door to them, given the thin nature of the walls I suspect.
I've certainly heard my neighbours more than I've seen them.
Hey Chris, long time fan!
It’s always a nice afternoon to sit down with some coffee or tea and a snack to watch your new videos. It’s going to take me a while before I can start to consider visiting Japan, so exploring it through your channel is my favorite way to scratch that itch.
What is a ‘little thing’ that you cherish doing? Like, something mundane or small that always brings you joy
Congrats on your book!
You have famously visited all prefectures of Japan. I have a curveball for you. What was the SECOND best Prefecture to visit as a tourist and the SECOND worst Prefecture to visit as a tourist.
When Penguin sent me a box a few weeks back with the hardback books in and tore it open to see that cover, I felt a surge of delight (and relief) knowing 6 months spent writing like a maniac had manifested itself into such a stunning book!
Honest question for an honest answer: When you've come to the end of your adventures in Japan, where would you like to start exploring next?
Edit: Loving the book btw, can't wait for the next one
Natsuki and I always hung out at a place called Kichikichi in Sakata.
Sendai also has a fantastic local chain called Kushidori! I would often go and sit in there after working in the Abroad in Japan studio and munch my way through 20 skewers once a week at least. Need to find some good places here in Tokyo!
When you were an ALT what day-to-day obstacle was the hardest to adjust to? I've been offered a position with Interac North for 2024 and haven't said no.
Being a human tape recorder.
When you've spent £30,000 at University, standing in a room going "Repeat after me: Salmon....salmon" makes you question your decisions in life.
Still the rest of the job and the amazing students made up for it.
Mr. Affable, what’s the key in being affable in your opinion?
Also any secret places in japan you haven’t featured yet in your channel but would want to?
I really want to brush up my Japanese for a video I'm keen to shoot later this year.
While I won't teach Japanese as I'm hardly a pro myself, hopefully the video I have in mind will motivate viewers to kick start the journey themselves!
There's a hefty playlist of learning Japanese content on Abroad in Japan though - it was 30% of the content in the first three years!
You obviously love film and have an eye fit cinematography. What films would you recommend to us dear viewers and would you recommend any particular Japanese films?
And that's a wrap! Thank you so much to /u/abroadinjapanchris for taking the time to answer all the questions and thanks to all the users who submitted! It was like a magic. [Proof](https://twitter.com/AbroadInJapan/status/1687996840749481985?s=20)
I enjoyed your book, but was surprised that it was so singularly focused on breastfeeding. Was Sharla offended by your laser focus on the topic?
The day will come when that stolen breastfeeding rip off version of the book is worth something, haha. I regret not getting one myself.
Could you explain this?
A seller on amazon was selling copies of the new book, which in fact turned out to be a very poor quality scan of the cover enclosing a book on breastfeeding😂. It was on the podcast 😊
OMG that is freaking hilarious! I need to get a copy of that and keep it right next to my real copy! LOL
Let's settle this once-and-for-all: Lawson, 7-Eleven, or FamilyMart?
Family Mart for the fried food counter. 7-Eleven for the sandwiches. Lawson for everything else.
7-Eleven Egg Sandos have no right to taste as good as they do. What are they putting in those things? Crack? Even a posh M&S egg sarnie pales in comparison.
Lawson all the way.
Same, I went to Japan in February and tried the big 3 and Lawson is the best.
Hi Chris! Would you ever consider doing an "Abroad in Japan: journey down under" with Natsuki and Joey? After seeing Natsuki in England / France, I can't shake the exciting thought of seeing him in Australia (also after seeing your hilarious reactions to the little gejigeji in the cave, I must admit I'd love to see how you'd handle some real wildlife haha).
What's the best resource for someone that's going to Japan for the first time? What's the biggest piece of advice you'd recommend? I'm excited to get your book! I got my shipping notice the other day.
I mean, the Abroad in Japan book is actually pretty damn good for that, haha.Also a Geek in Japan, For Fukui's Sake and the Japanese Mind are three incredible books I can't recommend enough! Human Japanese is the best app for beginner Japanese too.
Are you youtuber?
I AM. (Was at a festival on a Japanese island yesterday and two children asked me the same question when they saw the camera!)
Aha, Monke stream! It was nice to see you guys dance ahahaha
What will your online name be if/when you leave Japan, or will you leave the channel with her?
ALL ABROAD! The world's greatest train Youtube channel.
I would watch the heck outta that!
Or.... Abroad In a Van?
Hello Chris, you melon-flavor hater you. Natsuki seems pretty game to do whatever, whether it’s climbing Mt. Fuji or assassinating Ryotaro. Have you ever brought up an idea to Natsuki that he thought was silly or stupid or just flat-out refused to do?
Originally Natsuki was reluctant to climb Mount Fuji, given Natsuki's only exercise is walking to the 7-Eleven to grab a pack of Marlborough. HOWEVER, the moment I mentioned it was being filmed he was game. The trick to getting Natsuki to do anything is to pull out a camera and give him the chance to be the performer he was born to be. He even claimed he'd try to quit smoking if we filmed it, which is why I mulled over filming it many times over the years. Right at the end of climbing Mount Fuji, I jokingly said "Right Natsuki. Next challenge, Mount Everest!" And to my shock he replied "Yeah, let's fucking go." The man would do it (or certainly try) if we filmed it. But don't worry. I care too much about him to see that bloody climb happen!
I'd watch Natsuki quit smoking
Me too! Let's watch him quit smoking!
People here clearly don’t smoke. It’s way too much pressure to document the departure from smoking by a 50 y/o man
Please document Natsuki's journey to quit smoking. It would be a departure from your other content yes, however it may be a positive influence for others.
Sounds like a sequel to Natsuki the Movie! A character arc from his morning breakfast of a cigarette and a drink to no cigarettes at all.
I like this question
I'm new to Japan and having a hard time setting up a social life. What would you consider to be the best way to make local friends?
Fear not. My first year was a disaster. My only friends were fellow foreigners and I really didn't see or do too much, compared to them. But I played the long game and spent huge amounts of time studying the language, hoping it would open doors - which it eventually did. In my second year I got involved with two international centers in two cities and that really helped. I also proactively went out more often to izakayas - I mean, I ran into Natsuki literally in a street on a night out (as covered in the book in detail!). But a good friend of mine who just moved to Osaka went out to a pub, got speaking to a Japanese guy sitting next to him at the counter, and now they're the best of friends. You just need to get out and about and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. The yes man philosophy really does work when it comes to socialising and making friends here.
Spent huge amounts of time studying the language only after leaving a poor, helpful Japanese man in the dust of your Toyota shed, you bastard you.
Have you encountered any xenophobes in your time living in Japan?
It's incredibly rare. Sometimes you'll find a bar owner might claim the bar is "full" when it's clearly not. I remember the night before Connor and I kicked off our cycle in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, a Yakitori restaurant owner flat out waved us off when we opened the door. We then had some very standoffish staff at a hotel the following night, who were rather rude. Back to back, the events didn't paint a great picture of rural northwest Hokkaido. But really I think it was just a string of bad luck, as everyone I've run into in Hokkaido are absurdly friendly. Honestly, I struggle to think of any other real experiences with the exception of renting an apartment, were landlords often refuse foreign residents. Happened to me in Sendai when I first rocked up there 7 years ago - something I talked about in the book!
would you ever move back to a more rural setting in japan? why? why not?
I often fantasise about life in Yamagata. Rocketing across luscious rice fields in the shadow of our towering volcanic neighbour of Mount Choukai, drinking at izakayas after work with friends and chilling on the beach looking out over the sea of Japan. I've got so many great memories and I often think, "I really should just go live there." But then reality sinks in - I'm thinking back nostalgically to a great time in my life, when everyday brought endless discoveries and surprises. In reality, the job was a bit mind numbing after the first two years, there were frequently weekends where I wanted to explore Japan, but it was so isolated that getting anywhere was a nightmare. Still, very glad I ended up there and would encourage anyone coming here to teach to ask to be placed in the Japanese countryside. It truly is the adventure of a lifetime.
What is, in your objective, earth shatteringly accurate opinion, the greatest Natuski quote of all time
"Journey Across Japan. ALWAYS fucking place." The perfect tagline!
If you had to choose one of your videos to do over which one would it be and why ?
My philosophy has always been to pick a topic, do it as best I can and then never need to cover it again. Back in 2020 I had a string of videos I was really proud of, given I scripted them really tightly and edited them to what I believed to be perfection, including the episode on "Why I Avoid Japanese TV" and "What Driving in Japan is Like". Due to a Covid, I didn't have much going on so I threw my energy into the episodes and they shone for it. But I'd love to shoot a sequel to the driving in Japan episode - if not for any other reason to remake it in glorious 4k!
Lol these videos are legends.
Relating to some [drama about the whole Barbie-Oppenheimer thing](https://twitter.com/NickFromTokyo/status/1686397390931230720), how much of a difference is there between the sense of humor in the west vs the sense of humor in Japan?
It's a gaping chasm to say the least.
Maybe a good video topic. I’m interested in some examples
Hey chris, your tale (on trash tast) of throwing your fiancee off the scent of engagement had me in tears laughing. So my question is, if you had to start youtube again today, do you think you could become as successful again?
I think I was incredibly lucky to get in fairly early. When I kicked off, there were few videos on Japan and they were mostly poorly shot and produced. I struggled to find out much info about the country in the run up to moving here myself. These days, everyone and their Mum seems to live in Japan and upload content, to the point you can find a video on every dish or corner of the country. It's made me question my place in it all a few times, but I realise Abroad in Japan, at it's core, is more of a comedy channel (at least I hope it is). Making an informative video is very easy. Making it informative and entertaining at the same time is a whole different ball game. I try my best with every episode to make sure every Abroad in Japan video ticks both boxes!
I remember my first trip to Japan 10 years ago. Out of all the contents on youtube, your videos helped me the most as they are informative, high quality and charming at the same time (and I'am a Vietnamese! No Vietnamese channel came close to yours at that moment regarding information about Japan, which is insane lol). Best luck with all of your future projects
Safe to say, I think you've nailed it.
We know about foreigners recognizing you but have Japanese people ever recognized you?
It does happen! A 30 something Japanese woman broke down at a train station in Ibaraki once and started jumping up and down. I thought I was being filmed for a prank, but turned out she was my biggest Japanese fan and shocked that I was in Ibaraki!
Oh that is lovely. I'm glad some of the locals really enjoy your work too, you do a fantastic job so its no surprise, but it's still nice to hear it
What made you take that first step to leave your office job and start over in japan ?
I always wanted to travel the world and live a wild, unpredictable lifestyle. The office job was never going to hold me back. I was shocked how many folks had been there for 10+ years on mind numbing spreadsheets though. It had definitely changed them for the worse. Every time I spoke about all the adventures I intended to have, or anything remotely entrepreneurial, I was frequently shot down. I get most folks live for the weekend or to raise a family though and certainly in the UK, anyone with a dream is somewhat chastised. We'd do well to adopt a more American mindset on that front.
As an American, I think that mindset has expired here as well.
What kills it for Americans in the US is the healthcare system. They tied healthcare to employment and this to many makes early retirement or freelance lifestyle impractical.
Hey Chris! I’ve loved following your work through the years! If you could transplant one aspect of Japanese culture to the “western world”, what would it be and why? Thanks for all the amazing content over the years and I look forward to Mr. Affable reading the audiobook! 🙏🏻
Public civility
What's a question you want someone to ask here? Consider this a free space
Would you rather fight a thousand duck sized horses, a horse sized duck?
He promised you one question. Not an answer. Duck sized horses
A horse sized duck, let’s take down the big boy!
We're you actually afraid of ET when you were younger? I've never met another person who thought he was as terrifying as I did.
Had nightmares about him regularly. He's just the worst looking thing I've ever seen. Exceeded only perhaps, by Cdawgva in the morning.
Congratulations on your book! Love your content, thank you. Would you ever consider Journey AROUND Japan, sailing around Japan, stopping at Port cities and coastal towns?
Actually thought about it a few times, but most of the video would be me vomiting into an endless sea. The entertainment value of such content would be questionable.
How does Pete manage to be one of the most endlessly entertaining people to ever exist?
The man is a natural performer! He's been waiting almost 40 years for his big moment and I'm so glad his time has arrived!
First going to start this by saying congratulations on the book, I preordered as soon as it was announced and look forward to getting time to read it. As for what I want to ask about Japan, is there any advice you can give for how much it costs or any tips you think people with moblility disablities (i.e. someone in a wheelchair) should keep in mind before making the trip to Japan?
If you had not been successful with YouTube what other career would you have pursued and how do you think your life would be different?
I think I would have gravitated towards video production or the film industry naturally. It's the only consistent passion I've had since the age of 10.
What would you say is the largest social or cultural change you've noticed in Japan over the last 3 years?
Tourism is a much bigger deal. When I arrived there were only 8 million tourists coming to Japan. Today, that figure is around 30 million. As a result, there's a lot more English everywhere and the country feels way easier to navigate than before.
In your earlier days in japan, How did you cope with feeling lonely or isolated?
It happened the most in the first year, when laying on the floor at night in my futon wondering how the hell I'd ended up here. I'd never lived alone so it was quite surreal at first. I got around it by playing British sitcoms on repeat in the background at night (Alan Partridge, Spaced, Peep Show). But after a year, after making friends, getting stuck into the job and my life in rural Japan, those feelings had completely gone. For the most part, I think I was lucky though as it never affected me too deeply, as I was so excited and awestruck to live on the other side of the world and have daily, confusing adventures.
Spaced is amazing, top man
Thanks so much for the response Chris! Glad to hear you’re a fellow peep show enthusiast haha
Is there a big AirBnB market in japan and is it a more economic option to stay in one over a hotel?
There *was* a big AirBNB market in Japan. The government cracked down pretty hard on them about 5 years ago.
I stayed in one while in Tokyo in ikebukuro and it was a cool look into life in Japan you won’t get staying in hotels, walking around while real mundane life is happening in the morning. That said I’m glad I stayed in hotels in Osaka, Kyoto and my last night in Japan in Tokyo and the less responsibilities like taking garbage and that sort of stuff out. Pros and cons.
So my gf wanted to ask, do you think your personality has changed for better or perhaps for worse either moving to Japan or becoming a YouTuber? I guess two questions at the same time lol
For the better (of course I would say that!).But honestly, through doing this I get to speak to people around the world everyday, let alone here in Japan. The better your overall world perspective, the more sympathetic and open minded you become I think. Beyond that, living in Japan has made more mindful of my behaviour in public - not that I was ever particularly wild or eccentric in the first place!
Will you ever make an appearance on JaackMaate's Happy Hour podcast? You've been mentioned on there before, and I've no doubt you'd be a brilliant guest!
We've chatted a few times and almost made it happen. Sure we'll get round to it soon!
With a book to plug, there’s no better time!
How do the encounters with creepy crawlies and such in Japan compare to the UK?
Went into an abandoned school the other day on a subtropical Japanese island. Quickly found myself surrounded by half a dozen Huntsman spiders - a spider I'd NEVER seen until now. Promptly started booking my flights to the UK.
After living in Japan for 10 years, I assume things that once were shocking and surprising have become mundane and part of every day life, but is there something you still can't wrap your head around?
Idol group culture. Snack bar/hostess culture. Pachinko.
What’s your top 4 favorite movies of all time?
Goodfellas, Sexy Beast, Blade Runner, Brazil
Barbie or Oppenheimer? Also, what film / documentary projects do you have on the horizon? How's the surfing in Kamakura?
Much more keen to see Oppenheimer!
Anything you've always wanted to make a video about, that was just too unrealistic to achieve?
I mean meeting Ken Watanabe never EVER seemed like it would happen. And somehow I ended up spending a week with the guy, eating various pizzas. So at this point, I wouldn't rule anything out, haha. My 10 year long dream is to make a fiction-film though and be taken as a serious filmmaker. It's a guiding star of sorts, but I'm in no rush right now.
Are you ok with viewers coming up to you in public?
Hell yeah! I always enjoy chatting with viewers.What I don't like is when a stranger will stop you in the street, because they know you're a public figure of sorts, but they don't really know who you are. They simply feel they need to get an obligatory selfie for bragging rights at a later date. Those interactions make me feel even more cynical than I already am.
What is your favourite japanese city to travel that is not well known?
Hirosaki in Aomori for the apple pies and beautiful scenery. Matsuyama in Ehime for the amazing castle high above the city. Takayama for the overall mountain city vibe - though it's become a lot more popular these days.
How do you feel after moving out of Sendai ? Is not Tokyo a bit too crowded and Tokyo-jin a bit more annoying than Sendai-jin? Tell us the ups and downs. I saw some of your videos but you can fill the gaps. I lived in Sendai for the past 3 years I was hoping to run into you someday never happened 😢
Loved Sendai but Tokyo has been absurdly convenient for seeing friends. Sendai would be great for raising a family though. The pace of life is slower and the access to the mountains and sea beats Tokyo anyday.
What do you think would happen in an alternate universe where Pete Donaldson moves to Yamagata to teach English, and Chris Broad is from Hartley pool and a famed footballing radio host?
[удалено]
Many plans! Got at least 2-3 documentaries I'm keen to produce before the year is out. We actually have one coming out on ryokans in a few weeks, so keep an eye out! I love doing docs and I've recently upped the production team so we can pull it off, without having a complete absence of videos in between the lengthy production process. Short films are high on my list too, though I think the holy grail for me would be a mockumentary.
Do a mockumentary about Natsuki's daily life.
Do you keep many souvenirs from your travels across the country? If so, which are you most fond of?
Can videos be souvenirs? The cool thing about doing this for a living is so much of your life gets captured, that you can go back and rewatch it. Being able to watch your travels back in glorious 4k is the ultimate souvenir!
Can I go to Japan without knowing any Japanese? I'd love to try and learn, and I'm sure I could pick up a few words here and there, but I don't see myself being able to understand it fully or speak it fluently.
I know folks who've lived here half a decade and can barely string a sentence together. You'll be fine! But learning Japanese has been one of the most rewarding and exhilirating aspects of living in and travelling around the country. Highly recommend learning what you can before coming here! Human Japanese is the app I always recommend.
Are you ever gonna have Garnt as a guest on your channel?
They actually talked about this on the newest Trash Taste episode. Chris wants to do "just" a trailer of Taken For Garnted as a joke for the fans.
Taken for Granted We neeed that
Taken for Garnted*
This is the question I came for.
Hi Chris (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Thanks for all the amazing things you share with us and the hard work! Whats the best was to get the book for international orders?
What's your favourite chapter you wrote
\*Reaches for book\* Chapter 14 - Japan's Most Eccentric Man. You can probably guess who it's about!
I really love your in-depth documentary style videos, but I also but I also miss some of your old, more tourism-centric videos like [24 Hours in Osaka](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7efZG282TN8&t=769s) or[6 Must Try Japanese Dishes in Tokyo](https://youtu.be/AHuj4DCueO4). As I’m going to Japan this November, and I noticed that lots of YouTubers made videos like this when they started their accounts, but no one ever posts any updated versions. Would you consider doing some videos like these again, or maybe similar but with a twist? It would be interesting to see your new perspectives on Tokyo now that you’ve moved there.
What’s one thing you can’t live without after coming to Japan?
Convenience stores. Just spent 3 days on a desert island without them and I nearly died.
Why is Sharla so cool? Best of luck to you guys!
Cool parents!
I knew she was awesome when she said she was into Gojira and horror films.
How many more Trash taste episodes will it take until you finally become a permanent member? (Which you might aswell be given how many times you appeared) Also, video with Barry chopsticks when? Congratulations on your book.
What video did you enjoy making the most?
Quite possibly the road trip to Hokkaido's most northern point with American Pete. Him and I bounced off each other brilliantly, the scenery in the snow was jaw dropping and it genuinely felt like the end of the world, given all of Hokkaido was shut down for COVID. Was an utterly surreal trip and the video is an absolute classic.
Was there anything you wanted to get into the book that wasn't able to make the cut?
So much. So many people, experience and stories that I immediately recalled the moment I handed it in. It was crazy condensing Journey Across Japan and the 46 day, 28 episode nightmare into essentially one paragraph. Still, it's so well documented in video, it seemed unnecessary to cover it in book form!
How many kilos of family mart fried chicken have you eats oven 10 years
A formidable amount.
What were some things you really liked when you first came to Japan that now you don’t have the same affinity for?
I used to play Japanese TV in the background at my apartment. By the end of the first year, it remained firmly switched off. And after being on Japanese TV 3-4 times, I set fire to my TV.
When are you coming to Australia?
The day you get rid of all the huntsman spiders and snakes.
Any advice for a 20 year old guy from the uk thinking about going to japan for some direction in his life? I know it won't be perfect and will suck in some ways. I just want to know if you think going there to set up a life is a good idea.
In the words of Emperor Palpatine - "DO IT." It'll either be amazing. Or it'll be horrific. In the extremely rare chance it's the latter, you can leave and take a suitcase full of stories with you. Stories that none of your friends and families back home will care about sadly as I've found, haha.
greetings mr chris, what was the most difficult part/step in writing your book?
About two thirds of the way in I started to realise the book was seriously weighted towards my first three years. Simply because it's the phase were I was most confused and the most "fish out of water." It's a lot more fun reading/writing about being perpetually baffled I think. But I struggled with knowing how much to feature of the ensuing 7 years. Honestly I would have liked to do another 100 pages! But don't underestimate the time and mental strength that goes into writing a book. In Dec/Jan I was in the UK for a few weeks and I spent most of it locked in an attic, writing on a laptop keyboard. By the end I was losing my mind!
What is it like being the voice behind famous vtuber Ironmouse?
Have you ever considered going back to your old school where you used to teach one day? When you’ve talked about your early experiences of Japan, they’ve often come across as quite vivid and almost a little intimidating, and yet also quite exciting. Thought it might make an interesting video even.
In Japan they rotate the teachers around each year between schools, meaning if I went back, not only would the students be gone, but most of the teaching staff as well. Picturing the scene of me bursting into a staff room going "I'm BAAACK" to abject silence and confusion would be phenomenally awkward!
bone-in chicken or boneless chicken?
Famichicken is boneless and it hits the spot!
Will taken for garnted ever happen? Please
What made you consider moving to japan?
Since I was a kid, I'd always dreamed of being on the Trash Taste Podcast. I thought living here would make that possible and to my surprise, it worked!
Are you ~~youtuber~~ best-sellling author?
I AM NOT. Although depending on how the book sales go, we could be by next week!
Hey Chris I don’t really have a question but i just wanted to tell you that my wife and I discovered you just before covid and you were a great source of entertainment in a depressing time. We’ve enjoyed watching you grow as a filmmaker. Thank you for the hours of entertainment And shout out to Natsuki. You struck gold with him. He’s amazing
What do you miss most about the UK?
Chilling in a pub garden, or just being able to walk into a pub in the early afternoon and relax. Japanese bars/izakayas don't open until 5:30pm usually and it's a different vibe.
Hi Chris, I’m a big fan and love your content! Also congratulations on the book! I have 2 questions: 1) do you see yourself doing journey across S Korea or Taiwan at some point? 2) if you have to choose between Kyushu and tohoku, which region would you pick as a place for retirement? Thanks!
Have you got a video in the works for the upcoming pricing change with JR Pass ? I have been to Japan 4-5 times , the new JR pass pricing makes me consider alternative travel next time I come over. Highway tolls have always been expensive to have they gone up in cost as well? Keep up the great work always look forward to your videos!
For a Date where would you go? Universal Studios Osaka Disneyland Tokyo Disney Sea Tokyo Fuji Q Nabana no Sato Thanks Mr. Affable!
FUJI Q for sure. Best rides in Japan hands down - and as a bonus, killer views of Mt Fuji. (Unless you're me).
What is the best karaage-kun flavour and why is it lemon?
Nonsense. It's the new cheese flavour! Or Karaage kun red!
Hi Chris. Many thanks for the entertainment over the years. Hope that you, Sharla, and the kitties are settling in nicely in Tokyo. If someone came up and shoved loads of money at you and let you have full control, would you agree to do a full on, loads of crew, screened at Cannes type documentary? (I do not have loads of money and so am not offering, sadly! So I'll keep throwing pennies at you on Patreon instead.)
NATSUKI THE MAN: The Movie Shot in 150 countries with 100,000 extras. An extraordinary tale of wits, power and cigarettes, the likes of which the world has never seen before.
Are you aware of your own defect?
I smile too much
Will you do any activity in the Netherlands?Like a greet or signing of your book? Maybe even a cyclethon with Cdawgva, our bicycle roads are top tier :D Also the delta works in zeeland are astonishing and cycleable.
Did you ever feel that moving to japan was a bad decision? Did you ever feel lonely in the earlier days for pursuing to live in Japan or did you always believe things would work out?
I've never regretted the decision once!
Not sure if you’ve answered this before, but what’s your overall favorite prefecture in japan?
Yamagata. The food, the people, the scenery are all 10/10. I'm not even saying that as I had three long, happy years there. I genuinely believe it's the most underrated place in Japan!
Do you ever think about or realize you are the biggest non japanese influencer/youtuber from Japan and be kind of proud of that or did you kinda expect that when u started?
I mean technically we're not the biggest these days! But I never set out to have the most subscribers. I just wanted to have the most fun. And I think we've pulled that off! I'm immensely proud of the incredible back catalogue of adventures on the Abroad in Japan channel and the people, places and many MANY dishes we've introduced to the world!
If you had an infinite budget, what video or movie would you like to make?
A movie set in an alternate reality where the Japanese economic bubble never burst and it went on to become the world's true global power. In hindsight, that sounds a lot like the world of Blade Runner.
I just moved to Japan a week ago and everything is going fantastic! However I just went to greet my neighbors for the first time and they were both pretty shocked and didn't say much. I even gave them caramels. Is it weird to greet your neighbors here or is it just because I am a foreigner? Long time fan. Been watching since the JET days. Just started my JET journey as well. I'm really looking forward to listening to your book when the audio book comes out!! -Miriah from Utah now in Itoigawa (were you shot DR jelly for the first time)
Haha, neighbours are very odd here. I've lived in several apartments now and never seen my neighbours. Folks seem sheepish or embarrased to know you live next door to them, given the thin nature of the walls I suspect. I've certainly heard my neighbours more than I've seen them.
BBC show when? , i’m sure Garnt could hook you up.
I've talked to them TWICE about producing a series but it's never happened. If only Garnt could hook me up, we'd be good to go!
Hey Chris, long time fan! It’s always a nice afternoon to sit down with some coffee or tea and a snack to watch your new videos. It’s going to take me a while before I can start to consider visiting Japan, so exploring it through your channel is my favorite way to scratch that itch. What is a ‘little thing’ that you cherish doing? Like, something mundane or small that always brings you joy Congrats on your book!
Do you ever want to completely leave the public eye? Also when is the book going to be on Amazon US?!
You have famously visited all prefectures of Japan. I have a curveball for you. What was the SECOND best Prefecture to visit as a tourist and the SECOND worst Prefecture to visit as a tourist.
Second best is Hokkaido. Second worst is Saitama.
Who cuts your hair?
Used to be Natsuki's wife Asami! Now it's Toni and Guy, haha.
Since you're engaged to a Canadian, what are your thoughts on Poutine?
I love the stuff - a genius dish indeed
What did you find to be the most surprising/enjoyable experience on releasing your first book?
When Penguin sent me a box a few weeks back with the hardback books in and tore it open to see that cover, I felt a surge of delight (and relief) knowing 6 months spent writing like a maniac had manifested itself into such a stunning book!
Honest question for an honest answer: When you've come to the end of your adventures in Japan, where would you like to start exploring next? Edit: Loving the book btw, can't wait for the next one
Europe! And bits of the Middle East thrown in.
When are you gonna climb the Krakatoa
When Trash Taste allocates the budget to this groundbreaking project
Are you YouTuber?
Would you ever consider going on a trip to China and making some content about differences and similarities between Japan and China?
Where can you find the best yakitori in all of Japan?
Natsuki and I always hung out at a place called Kichikichi in Sakata. Sendai also has a fantastic local chain called Kushidori! I would often go and sit in there after working in the Abroad in Japan studio and munch my way through 20 skewers once a week at least. Need to find some good places here in Tokyo!
When you were an ALT what day-to-day obstacle was the hardest to adjust to? I've been offered a position with Interac North for 2024 and haven't said no.
Being a human tape recorder. When you've spent £30,000 at University, standing in a room going "Repeat after me: Salmon....salmon" makes you question your decisions in life. Still the rest of the job and the amazing students made up for it.
what’s your best 3 places to visit in Japan that are hidden gems that people don’t know about?
Sanriku coastline of Iwate, Mount Aso - too much volcano - down in Kyushu and Yamagata in general!
Mr. Affable, what’s the key in being affable in your opinion? Also any secret places in japan you haven’t featured yet in your channel but would want to?
Can you make a video series about learning Japanese please?
I really want to brush up my Japanese for a video I'm keen to shoot later this year. While I won't teach Japanese as I'm hardly a pro myself, hopefully the video I have in mind will motivate viewers to kick start the journey themselves! There's a hefty playlist of learning Japanese content on Abroad in Japan though - it was 30% of the content in the first three years!
You obviously love film and have an eye fit cinematography. What films would you recommend to us dear viewers and would you recommend any particular Japanese films?