I RENTED a Japanese Convenience Store for a Day 🇯🇵

[@AbroadinJapan]

Seriously guys, a huge thanks to everyone who snapped up a copy of the Abroad in Japan book! I've been humbled by all the amazing reviews and kind words so far and here's hoping I get to meet as many of you as I can on the road over the coming months if the book tour goes ahead! 🍻 🇯🇵 Abroad in Japan Book: linktr.ee/abroadinjapanbook Can't wait to share our epic journey to the summit of Mount Fuji next week featuring Natsuki! (It's also his birthday today so happy birthday Natsuki!)

[@gast321]

Does Abroadmart sell fried chicken?

[@joshyip3437]

chapter 5.

[@Joe-iz7wf]

Hello Chris, I just did a trip to Japan a few days ago and I have to say that your videos have helped me a lot especially through the culture shock and I have grown to love Japan even more after the trip

[@Blake_C137]

I got it last weekend and finished it in 3 days. It was a great read, awesome job Chris. 👍

[@milytoulsonoldaccount9257]

I have never done a author meet and greet, I always get nervous but I'm so excited for Piccadilly!

[@RickLilShore]

You might think that the tied up store clerk is a joke, but we all know Chris is so professional and committed to the craft that he actually kidnapped a worker from a nearby store. Inspiring!

[@AbroadinJapan]

NO CGI. Just pure real visual spectacle.

[@BigFalconar]

I too would have Stockholm syndrome if I was given a copy of his book while being tied up in a freezer or closet.

[@sjtez]

Method acting at its finest

[@andrewwong5455]

Even more interesting is if you look him up, he is the representative of Chris' production company (Sekai Studio) and Alex's company (Blackship Realty) as well

[@gmkgoat]

He’s got a history of this behavior. Remember Dave from Seattle?

[@YY-wr2pl]

I am Japanese. I recently learned about this channel and enjoy this channel. I don't have any British friends. It is said in Japan that British people are always sarcastic. I didn't know what the "sarcasm" was like, but I understood it by watching this channel. Actually, even in Japan, especially in the childhood of men, there is a relationship that fosters friendships while arguing sarcasm and bad things with each other. In England, such a relationship continues among adults, and I thought that the irony method became more clever, so-called "British irony culture".

[@alexcarter8807]

Do not learn English from this guy, though. Just don't. He's not even selling a book, he's selling a "burk" lol.

[@intergalacticspaghetti5213]

How do you speak perfect English and still not understand sarcasm

[@ThaGr1m]

​@@intergalacticspaghetti5213because speaking is one thing, but understanding sarcasm is having an extra subtext into the language, meaning you not only have to recon with another language, but also with a separate meaning to the spoken meaning... Secondly if it's generally not done in his culture why would he have ever needed to learn it? Like in what polite conversation would sarcasm be a thing, it's something done between closer friends, and seeing as he doesn't have english conversation partners it's normal for him to not gain that expirience. In general how is it possible for you to read that comment and come out thinking you should be an arse about it

[@APCLZ]

Chris' sarcasm is quite over the top even for a british person to a point where you often can't tell when he's being genuine and when he isnt.

[@wilburwood8261]

@@ThaGr1m Sarcasm exists in Japan, dont worry. If you tune in to various Japanese KZbin channels, you can observe on many channels there are tons of sarcastic comments. (you probably wont find them on child related channels, or cat/dog channels though)

[@jackchan04]

Chris looks like the kind of guy that walks around a buffet twiddling his fingers saying "Don't mind if I do"

[@JC-hu6wg]

Congrats on getting on the next comments video 😂

[@LordYaskage]

You made me choke on my bagel :(

[@Dorf274]

This is perfect. I 100% agree.

[@laikras]

this was brilliant xD

[@Guadalou2]

This is accurate lol

[@JaimieLeeKearney]

Love that you continue to make long form content in a time where there is so much short form. Thank you for the quality Chris ! 🤍

[@stephaniechik6843]

THIS

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Chris hates short form content, especially Tiktok and shorts, with a Passion.

[@tlidd]

I hate short form content more than anyone I know, so I’m very grateful for Chris

[@Chocolatepain]

Someone listened to the new trash taste!

[@JaimieLeeKearney]

@@Chocolatepain haha yes! But have always felt this way 😁

[@brantdencher8840]

I’ve been in Japan for about a month now and I’m leaving tomorrow. Thanks Chris for being one of the main motivators for coming to this wonderful country. We went from Sapporo to Fukuoka and many places in between. I’ve been to about 15 countries and none of them are like Japan. I’ll keep watching for some more inspiration, it would be a shame to never come back

[@AbroadinJapan]

Second trip to Japan is always the best! As this time you’re more aware of the country and less confused by it all. Definitely come back! But glad you had an amazing time here 🎉

[@elgatofelix8917]

@@AbroadinJapan if you want to try an actually good fizzy / bubbly / effervescent coffee drink, I highly recommend the Manhattan Special which is Italian Espresso Soda. Don't know if it's available in Japan but it's definitely worth a look.

[@mandeep3.14]

It must’ve been awesome. I’ve been thinking about that recently too but it’s a bit too expensive atm. Hopefully in the near future 🤞🏼.

[@senpaik_]

Chris renting a whole building just to answer Q&As is a real power move.

[@RocKM001]

Correction.... renting a whole building to promote his book *and* do QnA! True Power Move there! :D

[@MrAlkyd]

I feel scammed

[@alottalogic]

Chris didn't rent it, this is his actual job, lol

[@doel89]

I thought i recognized the store... time stop

[@helvete983]

Shigeru Miyamoto is not often recognised by Japanese people because he is very behind the scenes in his work, he said in an interview it is mainly foreign tourists who recognise him due to his photo being more widespread in Western media.

[@taylurjack]

The part where you hired the actor to act out the conversation was brilliant. And the bloopers made it even better. More of that please

[@DavidCruickshank]

He's actually the representative of Chris' production company (Sekai Studio)

[@veronikarogatskaja3731]

The quick glimpses of Connor, Ryotaro, Garnt, Natsuki and Sharla- amazing, feels like the Endgame moment!😁 Joey making Australian noises in the shower- priceless😂

[@hurricaneb6243]

Me: That convenience store looks awfully familiar Chris: This is a fake set Me: Oh... Oh no

[@ronweasley9001]

Definitely definitely. Hahahaha

[@mrchom]

Next up will be a video on a sun lounger sat by “that pool”.

[@ohredhk]

@@mrchom I would have recognize "that pool" immediately.

[@martywithceleste4444]

Mostly used for Japanese porn!

[@mrchom]

@@ohredhk Much like I recognise the back side of those fridges...definitely somewhere that's appeared a few times in..."spicy" Japanese films.

[@joshuac2991]

As soon as Chris mentioned that the "bed room" stage could have been used for more salacious materials I realized that wait... i've seen that convenience store before... OOOh boy.

[@5H4D0W_60D]

*_Sauce?_*

[@kelvinw.1384]

Lmao...so did I like 10 mins in...I was like who would use that set....then I was like.......oh...I've seen that film.

[@Enrix]

@@5H4D0W_60Djust google whatever it is you’re looking for with “convenience store” or “part timer” added. there is lots of sauce indeed

[@pissum420]

What are you talking about

[@andris9509]

JAV 😂

[@sakuranippon4434]

Started reading your book today Chris after waiting days for it to come. Am at Chapter 10 and so far having a blast. Great idea to write a book. It’s definitely something I would pay to read 👏🎉🍾

[@thepab3072]

The principal interview killed me 😂 glad you showed the bloopers cause it shows that there was no way you guys did it in one take. You could do a KZbin sitcom with all your experiences in Japan, it would be great 😅 Going to buy your book soon, can't wait to read it.

[@YouTube]

obsessed with this video idea 🇯🇵

[@mutingp]

youtube real?

[@PleatGFX]

how does youtube have no clout 💀💀💀💀

[@chralamahal]

KZbin with 14 likes KEKW

[@Squalldane]

Your book has been full of comedy and extremely addicting, I literally cannot put it down - and I don’t read books at all. You’ve turned me into a bookworm. Kudos and good luck hitting that Sunday Times Best Seller status, very well deserved if so!

[@JokeswithMitochondria]

i can't wait to buy it

[@Listenimtooshyalright]

@@JokeswithMitochondria i was curious about ur username so clicked on ur profile. Wasnt disappointed lol

[@MrNajibrazak]

ok i am sold

[@englishatheart]

"Literally"? Really? You may want to go to the hospital and do something about that. Can't imagine wiping your ass will be easy otherwise.

[@Paxindica96]

Im interested in that chapter 5 "mr dicks", heard it on the podcast lol

[@FeyFen]

Honestly, Chris, lot's of respect on how much work you even put into a Q and A, were others would just have set down somewhere in their livingroom or on a park bench or something and read out questions to answer, your rented out a filmset and filmed some scenes. Your love for video/film creation always really shows.

[@atmaweapon2803]

Miyamoto popping out of a pipe broke me. 😂 Thanks for all the laughs and amazing content, always.

[@AbroadinJapan]

Keep an eye out while wandering passed the pipes of Kyoto station!

[@milquetoastmotorcyclist9800]

@@AbroadinJapan Passed? 🤣

[@Bluejay9107]

Being a corporate slave with no way to travel to Japan without getting kicked off the company, I'm very excited when you post your travel videos, Chris! You shared all the unique spots and information unlike other channels, you have your own style too! Thank you for all of that. Here's to another 10 years 🎉

[@lordblazer]

you don't get PTO my dude?

[@Bluejay9107]

Technically I have 12 PTO days, but the company can limit how many I can use freely. I can only take 2 days in a row, so ... 😅

[@dercrokk]

save money, quit your job and visit it . then look for a new position when back

[@Noobzlikeu]

@@Bluejay9107 You should quit that job as soon as you can. Just from that, it sounds like an EXTREMELY toxic workplace/employer. Almost like one of those "black companies" that Chris has talked about in a few past videos.

[@AlinaTheGoblin]

I'm over 50 pages in and whipping through the book quickly! Your book has more of a voice and personality than the classic "KZbinr-wrote-a-book" stereotypes. I will genuinely recommend this to my friends, it's a real treat, Chris, you should be proud of yourself. Hope you write more in the future! While I won't be able to go to Japan anytime soon (not until they have safer gluten-free options, damn my intolerance), I'll be living vicariously through your adventures with Sharla, Connor, Joey, Natsuki, and all the rest. Cheers! (manifesting the chance that your book tour comes to Chicago!)

[@Kitsune2009]

My Mother, who knows nothing about you, saw your book on the table yesterday. She thought the cover was beautiful and is now interested in reading it! Congrats on all your success 😊❤️

[@marks150]

There's an adult film starring Amiri Saito called 絶対的鉄板シチュエーション21 that features her doing her thing in that bar, the '70s bedroom, and the convenience store. My friend told me he recognized the rooms.

[@spencerajau]

I wondered why the convenient store seemed awfully familiar. My friend once told me about a certain ‘time freeze’ video which took place there.

[@roxanam.3216]

I really liked how you combined a Q&A with a place review. You also keep reminding me how much an entertaining opening makes the whole video so much better. Can't wait to buy and read your book!

[@ghostnote5205]

Can't wait to read the book, once it's finally showing up on my doorstep, which is hopefully going to be saturday (I preordered it more or less the second it had been announced - absolute no-brainer - but apparently it takes ages to get to Germany 😅) You were talking about your videos and how you feel like you sometimes don't know how many more you can make. As someone who has been watching (and rewatching over and over and over) your videos for almost as many years as you make them, let me tell you this: It doesn't always need to be the "big" or unusual content. As much as I am in awe of your big productions (e.g. documentaries or videos with big celebrities, etc.), the videos where you sit in your apartment, reading out funny japanglish, talk about japanese life and culture, or where you explore some place in detail (like the "Things to do around Tokyo Station" or the Asakusa video with Ryotaro, or the one about Pachinko... horrible game, genuinely wonderful video, bugger the Ebis Cafe seems to have closed down...) are among the ones I rewatch the most. And to be quite frank, just watching you hang out and do the most mundane things, like eating stuff, or trying to win a monkey from a crane game machine (e.g. a lot of the videos you do with the Trash Taste guys, Natsuki and Ryotaro) has a quality that is far above what I've seen elsewhere and I highly enjoy watching these videos. There is a dynamic in you and the people around you that is unmatched by any other content creator(s). I know that it may be hard to see where you can or want to go next and what to do. But I encourage you to keep going, as you yourself say, to find that unique angle from which to let us have an insight to Japan (and by all means, I think you have already "found" that angle. It's you yourself and the people around you). I know there is still plenty of places to explore and things to do and talk about. Even if it's places and things that have been covered before, I'd love to see them from your angle and perspective, in the top notch production quality of your videos. Keep up the great work 😁

[@kourtneyespinoza1091]

Wow 10 year’s Chris!!! I’ve been watching you since I was 13 with the hopes of learning Japanese and visiting Japan. I’m now 21, and have finished my minor in Japanese and am planning on teaching English in Japan. Thanks for providing quality content!

[@AusJapan]

As an Australian guy, I feel like 沈黙 (the silence) is just as important in Australia, especially among friends. Nobody's got the time or the energy to talk constantly, so we tend to search out friends that we're capable of sitting in silence with without it being awkward, and still having a good time. Being with people where the pressure is on to continually converse is draining.

[@undergroundbass946fm]

I feel the same thing in the UK exists to be honest. If I can't spend time in silence with a colleague / mate then I feel uncomfortable.

[@shutdahellup69420]

i feel like he was talking about a different kinda silence here, i "think" its different from the comfortable silence with your buddies.

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

I think buddy silence is what they call Hara, the mutual understanding silence of 'the belly' or just plain gut instinct.

[@Nanteous]

I'm currently halfway through your book, and have just put it down for the night when I saw you'd uploaded! I just wanted to say I'm so grateful you made the book it's absolutely brilliant! To anybody considering getting the book, please do because it's genuinely fantastic

[@sakuranippon4434]

Yep. It absolutely is. I have it here sitting beside me and would be still reading had Chris not decided to upload.

[@M-E-l6q]

I really want to commend you for your more recent strings of videos. You're really right when you say that a lot of videos about expats living in Japan are very similar, and I think that's a lot to do with resourcing. You're one of the most well known, if not THE most well known KZbinr in your genre, and it comes off as very responsible for you to break the mold. Simply put, most people who would be starting a channel or have a smaller channel trying to do what you do won't have the resources that you do to allow them to rent a convenience store for a day, run a bar for a night, stay in a super luxury hotel room (even if it was free for their publicity), or be able to just roam across Japan for a few weeks. Those are the folks that are going to benefit most from the types of videos you made way back in the day when you first started since they won't have a KZbin giant like yourself overshadowing them. To me it shows that you not only have respect for your audience not to rehash topics unnecessarily but that you have respect for fellow KZbinrs in your own wheelhouse. Thank you for doing things right, Chris.

[@dogtoothart217]

Hi Chris, Just ordered a copy of your book which I can't wait to read. As an Art Teacher at an inner-city school in London, these videos are always a welcome break from a job I absolutely love, but one that can often be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Having lived in Hokkaido in 2019-20, I loved my time there, but had to come home early due to Covid, so I'm always looking for a chance to come back to Japan in the years ahead. The content is incredible, the film references unstoppable, and the humour sometimes very layered but so witty. All the other wonderful people who feature on your channel, seem to wear their heart on their sleeve, be a little cynical here + there, and have no personal agenda. Keep doing what you're doing, it's done a lot for me, as I'm sure it has for others. Best, Andrew

[@TheSecretMapofAsia]

Great comment. I was lucky enough to keep on working in Japan during the pandemic but came home because the restrictions meant it was too long to see family and friends. I’m back now after 2 1/2 years watching this vid from a dining Family Mart in Kyoto.

[@Piano_Board]

That's a nice story!

[@kennyfresquez7019]

That interview with the principal kind of reminds me of the interview I was given at my current job: "Why did you come here?" I responded with "I don't know, you called me." Got the job, and now I'm one of four "house" leaders in the school. It's not always about giving the BEST answer. It's about giving the RIGHT answer.

[@RadenWA]

Congratulations on getting a job in Hogwarts!

[@curious.maddie]

you're a wizard? 🥹✨

[@Fireprincess161]

The Journey Across Japan vids are the highlight of this channel tbh. I love the people joining and Chris showing us what he's seen. It's an annual joy to watch with my partner.

[@FartJiggly]

They are, they're so high quality and funny and everything.

[@FamousFennec]

Was funny watching the recreation of meeting the principal after reading it in the book. Been really enjoying it, the book has all your wit and humour got me excited to read more :)

[@hakz07]

that silence thing you mentioned sounds like a godsend, don't have to worry about too much small talk

[@HerkusM]

Hey Chris, I just wanted to say thank you and Sharla so much for coming out to Piccadilly to sign your book it was so great to meet you after years of watching you both on KZbin. I hope I get to see you both again one day if I manage to get into UTokyo. Thank you again for everything and keep the amazing work up both of you :)

[@mandeep3.14]

:0

[@nachocabo4221]

Its incredible that every time he uploads a new video I convince myself more and more that I actually wanna move to japan

[@LunguA]

Chris, I just want to thank you for bringing us quality content in the past 10 years! Cheers and keep doing what you do best.

[@ojrmk1]

What he does second best. If he kept doing what he does best he'd be dead of a fried chicken induced combination heart attack, stroke and impacted bowel within a month. :D

[@V0r4xiz]

Still my most favorite content on the internet. Been watching for god knows how many years and I still get excited when I get that notification just like the first time. There's something about your narration style, commentary, camera direction and general cinematography - for the lack of a better word - that just always nails it. Especially before the backdrop of Japan which is and always was the initial reason I started watching you. AIJ has been an integral part of my YT content palette and I like it that way. Thank you for years of entertainment and cheers to many more.

[@goldenpeninsula]

One criticism I have about this book is that it has no pictures! Some photos of those years would be very helpful in giving faces to those names.

[@ShinzoShi]

Im moving to japan in 3-4 years from now and your youtube videos really helped me to know more about japan from the dangers to pretty much knowing your experiences showing me what not to do reaally helps more than you think

[@soundtravels4348]

As someone from Christchurch New Zealand I really relate to the whole earthquake thing, I will say, please make sure you're prepared. You and Sharla really do need to make sure you have supplies in case a really bad earthquakes hits, I have one now and I wish I'd had one in 2011

[@ZeroX252]

I think your initial highlight with the "recycled" video ideas for most Japanese KZbinrs is very true - and you also pointed out the fix. Sure, you're going to have some repeat videos (hell, you could probably do a "most expensive hotel room in" every city for all of Japan) but your channel is about being ABROAD in Japan, and that ties in really well with your point about travel. You've been showing off stuff that usually doesn't get highlighted. And personally, I think you should keep that up because it's the best content you have and it's the best Japan travel content on the internet. I'd like to see what fun quirky weird stuff you can find to do, and the interesting places you can find to go. I am just one little ole person though, and your personal desires and vision for your KZbin channel are more important, after all ;-)

[@seregruin]

How about a video on how to get to those remote places, when not using a rental car? That is going to be a real Japanese experience 😂

[@jeannerivers4543]

Cant believe its been 10 years, I've been following since the beginning. Your next BIG Japanese adventure should be getting on the next season of Takeshi's Castle. Get a team together, and beat the castle.

[@RMJ1984]

He should make his own Chris's castle with blackjack and....

[@manasaku6762]

As a Japanese living in the US (especially in NY), the speed of conversation is sometimes waaay too fast. As a normal japanese, I tend to have silent moments and everytime that happens, people either look super awkward or start talking lightning fast to fill out the pause. I feel the wind on my face lol

[@sct4040]

I would have quiet moments, and my bf at the time always felt he had to fill in by talking. Until, I told him quiet is nice.

[@Bergkatse2]

The silence thing still gives me the chills. I was asked to host a scientific discussion group at a University and I was trying to engage the audience and was more or less met with radio silence from the Japanese audience. Over the course of 30 mins I got more and more flustered then made the mistake of singling someone out from the audience I chatted too earlier. He look like he wanted the floor to swallow him. I then lost my temper a wee bit and slammed down my notes and wrapped the meeting up 40 mins early. As soon as I closed the meeting I had a line of Japaneses scientists wanting to discuss their work with me. I managed to compose myself but I very pointedly kept saying “it would have been nice if you had brought that up during the meeting”. Luckily a night of drinks and karaoke had everyone back on good vibes.

[@ville.rachael.jukarainen]

Wait! There’s an audiobook too!? Are you the narrator? If so, that’s a beast of work in itself - and amazing. I mean this in a non-creepy way: you’ve got a great voice so that would be awesome to listen to, especially on a roadtrip. :)

[@RocKM001]

I believe so. He briefly mentioned about going to a studio in UK to do the recording for it around September in a recent Trash Taste episode. Hence the audiobook won't be out until September

[@dykam]

​@@RocKM001Ah, that explains why he's also in the UK for signing books.

[@CheyenneLansdowne]

Thank you Chris bringing us a piece of Japan for the past decade! Just finished your book and it’s definitely a best seller

[@luxintelligentia4632]

Thank you Chris for everything you do for the community and for us the viewers!

[@Twotowers22]

I'm halfway through the Abroad in Japan book and it is a nostalgia trip from being on the JET Program! It makes me miss Japan and it's wackiness and the day to day life so much!

[@suzunyan00]

How nice of Chris to encourage his viewers to meet Connor in Sangenjaya! Also, that Ryotaro jumpscare was very scary, please give a warning beforehand from the next time. Congratulations on the book release and 10 years in Japan, man! Your videos always make my day. 🤍

[@dearbhlatoland9210]

My copy of your book just arrived!! And I can't wait to read it while travelling on holidays! 🌟

[@ravi_s]

Always eagerly looking forward to these long form videos. The amount of effort that goes into them are above and beyond, and it always has me coming back for more 😄

[@mikaears6787]

Bought the ebook kindle version of the book! Very excited to read it! You're my favorite KZbin account for showing us your experience in Japan without ever taking yourself so seriously it becomes ridiculous.

[@george46light]

What I like about your channel is that it is so much more than showing some stuff in Japan. It's the whole combination of you, the people around you, with Japan definitely being important, sometimes on the foreground, sometimes as an afterthought. Or something like that.

[@Blottski]

That Konbini sound lives in my head RENT FREE, honestly.

[@MisterJtheGamer]

I honestly would like to see more of the small and hidden type of shops that are in Japan.

[@amdaria2489]

I just got your book in the mail today🎉🎉🎉 the cover is beautiful and I can't wait to dive in!!

[@ともこともこ-k3r]

'Tokyo sea life Park' is a recommended spot that is not well known to foreign tourists. Located 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station (get off at the station just before Tokyo Disneyland), it has an aquarium with tuna and penguins, Japan's second largest Ferris wheel, cherry blossam lawn square, and a free price zoo. Great park, but mostly locals, not many foreign tourists. People who go to Tokyo Disneyland may want to stop by. 🤗 Tokyo sea life Park is also the starting point of the 🚴Edo river cycling road (Total length 64km), and if you go north, it will lead to the Tone river cycling road (Total length 170km), the longest cycling road in Japan. Sekiyado Castle is located at the confluence of the Edo River and the Tone River, so that is the landmark. If you go north on the Tone rive Cycling Road, you will also be connected to the Watase Reservoir (It is famous for its heart-shaped pond and has become a date spot) Cycling Road, which has a circumference of about 40km.

[@Haph3us]

I've been seriously considering a move to Japan for a while, and after visiting earlier this year I've decided to go for it. Your videos and honesty have been a big influence in my decision to work hard to get there as well. Thank you for the amazing content Chris

[@mandeep3.14]

Ganbare ✊🏼 livin the dream

[@MaximSupernov]

Where are you from, btw?

[@InterviewingJapan]

God bless you Chris for being a positive ambassador of Japan's gaijin community.

[@ferrerror]

Would love to see some different videos of you exploring and experiencing Japan whilst speaking Japanese with locals etc. all subtitled

[@Sir_Void_Eater]

Didn't finish watching yet, but i have to say thank you for all of your amazing content. I have planned my trip to japan since November 2019 and I'll finally go this September, a lot of the places and activities I'll do will be from or inspired by you chris, so again thank you so much and here's a cheer for ten more years 🎉

[@tigershark2328]

I've purchased your book and I'm hoping to start reading it soon! The chapter titles are freaking hilarious!!!

[@briancarson9418]

Chris, thank you so much for another great video! This channel has really helped deepen my interest in Japan and Japanese culture. I am even taking Japanese lessons! Similar to what you said in the video, I feel that with me studying more about Japanese culture has really made me stop and look at life, how I present myself and think about what truly matters. You and your channel have really helped me move in a better direction and I thank you for that! I can't wait to come to Japan with my wife and see all of the amazing things I have seen in these videos in person! Oh, and my copy of your book was just delivered today! I am very excited to read it!

[@ManyInterestsLittleTime]

To me, videos of Japan don't need a gimmick to get views as much as great cinematography and interesting locations. So, more travel vlogs! Everywhere! Personally, I like living vicariously through other people's travels because I'm currently working my a** off for the first vacation of my life to be something memorable, like traveling abroad. All of these videos make me happy to be on this planet and also give me a sense of humanity when my gov job makes me feel like I'm not doing enough. Thank you.

[@ricotrial]

Wishing you the best on your first vacation.

[@MorganFGO]

I was debating to buy the book but as soon as I saw your hard work and witty comedy with this video I immediately made a purchase. I can't wait to receive this Saturday!

[@thomasbecker9676]

You should ask Sydney if she recognizes any of those sets from her research.

[@MrMBinder]

As a recent subscriber, I've really enjoyed watching a bunch of your "older" videos - most notably the more serious stuff like the documentaries about the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Keep up the good work. 10 years? It's wild to think about. It's been about 10 years since I decided to give up on getting a university degree in Japanese Studies because I ended up having no idea on how to turn that skill into money in the long run. The country and culture still fascinate me deeply, and I'm going to book a trip at some point in the future to visit again for sure. I'd love to live in Japan, but I fear my only real marketable skill (machinist, CNC programmer) would most likely result in horrible work hours and mediocre pay.

[@MrNajibrazak]

10 years is just a wink of an eye. i remember subbing when he was still a freshie, the video about the hawk which woke him up every morning. pretty much the time u just got internet service. strangely it feels like just 3 years tops but its 10.

[@Riku-Leela]

I can see your love for making short films through this video, alot of great skits, love to see more like this

[@topper8321]

I like how Chris thinks that only one room was used and that room was probably used only for makeup

[@さゆぬ-x7i]

22:20 People seem to love this “They even have a word for it!” story but it’s just that in Japanese there is a simple way to construct compound words that mean “die from ...” or “... to death”. _Shōshi_ means “burn to death”, _dekishi_ means “drown to death”, _jikoshi_ means “die in an accident” and in the same vein _karōshi_ means “overwork to death”. And this “overwork” part (karō) is also a simple compound of ka‐ (over‐) and rō (labour/fatigue). It’s not that special that “there is a word for it”. Edit: What I wanted to point out is, there is a general tendency in Japanese where concepts that fit the format “to die from ...” are often made into compound words using ‐shi, making the existence of such words less special - not just that “you can join words together.” Other examples include _asshi_ (be crushed to death), _katsurakushi_ (slip and slide down to death), _tōshi_ (freeze to death), _funshi_ (die of too much rage), _shikketsushi_ (die of blood loss) and also creative ones like _moeshi_ (die of too much cuteness). Of course there have been enough real world occurrences of karōshi that solidified the word, but in this linguistic environment the mere existence of a word doesn’t tell much about how often the way of dying actually occurs.

[@leetri]

You can easily construct compound words in other languages too. The Swedish word for "death by overworking" would be "överarbetningsdöd", and yet that's not a concept here because we don't work ourselves to death like they do in Japan.

[@さゆぬ-x7i]

​@@leetri So do you usually use compound words in Swedish for concepts like “die in an accident” (jikoshi), “fall to death” (tenrakushi), “burn to death” (shōshi) or “suffocate to death” (chissokushi) as opposed to it? If not, then probably this “...död” construction is just not as linguistically productive as in Japanese. (Regardless, good for you, Sweden!)

[@UkjACk300]

Yeah, we have that in German as well. We can also say Überarbeitungstod and, yet, it is not a thing or a concept here in everyday life. Just because a language is able to 'make' a word, doesn't make it important or a word people use to describe things (= a concept). If it was common to die due to overwork here, then Übersrbeitungstod would probably be a "there is a word for that"-thing as well as in Sweden. Maybe a similar thing would be the German Schadenfreude which English speaking people love. It means to be happy about someone else's misfortune and is made out of Schaden (damage) and Freude (happiness). You could say damage happiness ... but who would say that. Dven if it would make sense, it may not be the same or an established word/concept. But, eh, yeah, we have a word for that :D

[@さゆぬ-x7i]

@@UkjACk300 Let me ask you the same question as above... Do you usually use that “...tod” construction for other “established” ways of dying? For example, dying in a traffic accident (kōtsūjikoshi) is a known concept in Germany, right? (This discussion does not downplay the fact that karōshi indeed happens in Japan, of course. The company I work for is safe, though.)

[@UkjACk300]

Yes and no. When we refer to someone dying in a traffic accident, we say that someone died in a traffic accident. However, we do say Verkehrstote as in "traffic dead" (but dead as in "many dead people" not deaths). We ONLY use this when describing a traffic accident in the news or in statistics, not in every day life. So, this discussion, at least the way I meant it, is: Just because a language can create or recreate a word, doesn't make it a concept or special, the context and concept does, as well as cultural meaning. The same as in Schadenfreude. On a linguistic level, you can recreate that word in almost any language, I am sure of that. But culturally that concept does not exist in many languages. The feeling, yes, but not the specific word for it and that you actually use it. Now the question is: Is the word in the video a Japanese word creation with a concept that is specific to Japan ("they have a word for that")? I would say, yes. While I can recreate that word in German as in Überarbeitungstod, it just isn't a phenomenon here, it is nothing that we would GIVE a word to. We would probably say "people who died of too much work" but even then it doesn't really exist while burn out and stress does. The second question is: Is the word used in every day life in Japan? I don't know that but it would be important for the discussion :)

[@left4dead2ification]

I got the book Monday and I've read the first two chapters and already I'm enjoying it so I can't wait to read it all but congratulations on the release of the book 🎉

[@guptacorp]

Very happy birthday to Natsuki! This year we'd LOVE to see Natsuki the Movie 2, where Natsuki becomes strong and healthy, quits smoking, and performs live music, releasing new songs! 😁✌️

[@TNGxBerzerker]

Looking forward to more travel videos Chris! I have learned so much about the 'real' Japan through these videos.

[@Vs3Walker]

This is why your one of my favorite youtubers and such an inspiration. I love the way you make a simple Q&A from just sitting and answering questions to showing visuals of what your talking about, your epic personality and especially how you capture the audience every step of the way, making sure we don't wanna miss a second with quirky comments, clever editing and great jokes (not to forget kidnapped store clerks, whats your best tip for doing that in a western country?). Great video like always. Can't wait for the Mt. Fuji climb :DD Also, Happy Birthday Natsuki!!! :D

[@telewellgold3992]

Greetings from Finland Chris, or more preferably, Mr. Affable! Another video packed with information and so many little details, it really shows the dedication you put into making these. Congrats on your 10th anniversary living in Japan and on the release of your new book! 🎉 After following your travels for quite some time now it actually temptates me to get a copy. Keep up the great work for the next decade to come as well! 💪🏼

[@dameneko]

Coffee soda drinker here. It's been a thing for Italian-Americans for quite some time. However, it's made with espresso, which I think probably has a grounding effect on the taste. It's super-refreshing in the summertime!! Manhattan Special is the brand.

[@hadoo1973]

Manhattan Special is the best. I've never known a non Italian American to drink it. Never seen it outside NYC

[@deez9318]

One of the craziest things I think I even reacted to out loud in your book was the bonenkai party. After all that socializing and getting comfortable with each other they still ignored you the very next week. I understand alcohol will make you laxed and friendly but to flat out act as if nothing happened is flabbergasting. Really enjoying it so far Chris

[@knowledge_leaf]

Chinmoku seems like a really neat practice. Taking socially agreed upon time to reflect and consider on the conversation just had, is something I wish was more of a thing in the West. Both for myself and for other people that don't think about what they say.

[@fizzybee3894]

I can't wait for the audiobook! Congrats on your book finally coming out!

[@Robrono]

I've been waiting for this since the Trash Taste episode!

[@Mikaze-Kun]

Same here

[@danielvolpin2001]

Congrats on the book release! Can’t wait to read it 😄

[@NeonIceyy]

Was gonna say, that office space looked a little too much like one of the sets in a Yakuza game where you beat up a shady scam artist in a substory. 29:43 also that music synch was perfect. Really loved how you used the sets for some of the stories you wanted to tell. Your cinematography is always next level!

[@LandoHitman]

The cinematic art on display in each of these videos is truly amazing. Crazy underrated.

[@seanfitzgerald9815]

You should seriously start a Japanese travel company. Have the company do tours the way you’d do an aboard series. It could do amazingly well if done right. And of course if you did I’d I’ll take a free trip for the idea thanks lol.

[@sampan04]

Every night before bed, I read your book, it is quite inspiring and I hope to one day experience Japan in an equally funny way.

[@megantkociolek]

More videos of you and Sharla traveling would be amazing.

[@hajimen7559]

Awesome video Chris!! 9:56, I'm not Japanese, but I tend to do this at times 11:04 the average anime plot 16:00 Chris who teaches English..... 17:07 Looks stellar~ 18:20 the math teacher watching Chris show 4 fingers while saying 5th.... 21:47 that's a nice way of life 28:34 I think this entire building might be a set for certain activities..

[@IAmMadMattDog]

Natsukis "Go Fuck Yourself" remains one of the most iconic things to come out of this channel

[@FreshAirGamer]

This video was so entertaining on so many levels. Fantastic edits as well. I love how all the little jokes are snuck in before the cuts.

[@NoFuqinIdea]

About the Xenophobia Issue: I think it is being overemphasized online but after how the japanese Govt (any many of it's voters) acted during the Pandemic, I think we also can't pretend that it couldn't use a little bit of improvement. It seems like xenophobia for the most part is institutional in Japan because so far I only had one direct confrontation with someone openly belittleling me for being a foreigner in the 9 months in total I spent in Japan, so it's not anywhere near as bad as some people make it out to be (And not worse than what foreigners in european countries have to go through). I still haven't gotten quite used to being stared at all the time though.

[@Noobzlikeu]

I felt this as well when I visited a while back. Hell, I had people randomly come up to me on the street and strike up conversations with me a few times. I even got asked by an elementary school teacher who was out on a field trip with his class to help with their English assignment. There's certainly xenophobia there, but the vast majority of Japanese are actually more curious about foreigners than anything else.

[@EximiusDux]

Great video. It's a bit of everything. All of Abroad in Japan's signature subjects condensed into one very high quality video. Seriously, the image quality on this video is insane. The travel video, the standard vlog, reading bad comments, Sharmeleon, Cdawg, jokes. All in one.

[@dark_knight109]

So, this video was my first introduction to "chinmoku" - thank you for explaining that, I'd never heard that word before, and it just lifted an invisible weight off my shoulders. I'm a martial artist and on my last visit to Japan, I was worried for much the same reasons you were - oftentimes during training with my Sensei, there would be long pauses in the conversation and I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to be filling them or if there was an expectation of me during them. It's good to know this is a normal part of Japanese conversation.

[@NoTengoDinero69]

I lost my phone about a month ago and it took me a while to buy a new one with some complications. I saw that Abroad in Japan had upped four new vids in that time away from the internet and saved them all for when I could access my YT again. Excited the most for this one. Much love from America!

[@ethanstayer262]

Coming back to this video 8 months after I watched it when I came out I think this has become one of my favorites. As you said people who make videos in Japan don’t do things like this and you had a funny/dramatic storyline in the background. It is awesome to see the juxtaposition of comedy with drama presented with your “affable” mannerisms while also getting serious when needed to!!

[@themiddleman5763]

Here's to another 10 years of cycling events and quirky challenges!

[@just-in-japan]

It's funny because I literally met with the Principal at my school yesterday under the same circumstances lol. It wasn't quite as awkward but I definitely get what you mean.

[@IHeart16Bit]

Im sure I've seen this exact set in JA- uh, i mean, documentaries about Japanese convenience stores.

[@Polkaknot]

Bought your book, arrived today! Thanks for dedicating it to us, very cool! Much love my dude!

[@badspeller101]

I love this channel. Such great production value

[@MOYAHORROR]

Holy shit! I didn’t know chinmoku was a thing!! As a Finn in Japan, I thought it’s important to keep the conversation flowing here. Thank god, in Finland we also just sit silently at times. This is mind blowing