The Hokkaido Police Officer Who Left His Gun in a Convenience Store |

Pick up some delicious chicken, a usb lead or two, and a revolver at your local convenience! Chris and Pete are here to answer all your questions about life in Japan.
Feat. @AbroadinJapan
⭐ PREVIOUS EPISODE:
• Does Chris Want To LEA...
00:00 Chris’ Upcoming Vacation
09:12 Story of the Week: “The Earlobe Murderer”
14:02 Hokkaido Police Leave Gun in a Convenience Store
18:32 Life in Sapporo
20:44 Should You Bring a Suitcase onto a Japanese Train?
23:16 Chris’ Favourite Travel Channel
[e-mail] for all your messages - and remember you can listen to the show in audio form wherever you get your podcasts - shows.acast.com/abroadinjapan

[@cocolarge6285]

If Chris truly wants to do nothing on a holiday I recommend coming to Finland, where all we have is forests and lakes. Also as a bonus if you get recognized nobody would bother you because everyone stays 2 meters away from each other.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Not during the "Crawfish Eat As Much As You Can & Drink As Much Vodka As Possible Feasts". Then people Spewing Crawdad Innards all over one another quite drunkenly !

[@Xcimeister]

He will be slapping mosquitoes in the rain

[@FinUgShiet]

As a Finn I concurr.

[@FinUgShiet]

​@@Xcimeisterlol mosquitoes go into hiding while it rains

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

Dear Charismatic Chris and Poised Pete, I hate to be that guy but I think it’s the first and last time on the internet when I would get to use my knowledge of Microbiology. 2:49 What you called Botulism is actually called the Botulinum toxin, also known by its commercial name Botox, a potent neurotoxin released by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.. It prevents the presynaptic release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, at the neuromuscular junction, thus causing the partial paralysis or even complete atrophy of the muscle fibres. In cosmetic medicine, the Botox is used to paralyse the muscle of the desired location such as the muscle fibres in the face, the gluteus etc. to prevent myofibrils’ natural loss of elasticity which makes an individual look younger. Botulism, on the other hand, is the food intoxication caused by the Botulinum toxin when it ends up in the digestive system through contaminated food and it is one the most fatal cases of food-borne diseases. That’s why it is suggested to not feed babies unprocessed honey. 18:44 And yes Pete you are correct. The Czech Republic did indeed change its name to the simplified ‘Czechia’. The term Czech Republic is still accepted in the English language, but the Czech government prefers to use czechia. Thank you, Sayantan.

[@doel_the_daring]

Pete could easily do entertaining vlog on youtube of his holiday and call it two travellers and one back pack 😂

[@Curiouscrazy]

In Asia big earlobes are seem as a sign of prosperity due to some comparisons to Buddha and his large earlobes. The person writing in probably has big/thick earlobes, but it is a desired thing and he was giving him a compliment. My old aunt to this day remarks whenever she sees someone with large earlobes, saying stuff like wow they are very lucky, they will be very wealthy. Touching them is another level, but it is definitely an Asian cultural thing to marvel at large earlobes.

[@hoodyk7342]

Its crazy how people deform themselves

[@johnkies1189]

Don't listen to Chris Pete, you absolutely need the Steam deck.. 😂😂

[@Xaerin]

Rick steves is so wholesome, the Bob ross of american travellers. Enjoy your holiday Poopy Pete!

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Hee, Hee, Hee ! Yes, he made PBS turn the Camera off before he got wasted somewhere in Rural Bavaria !

[@thelostmessenger]

Rick Steves is certainly a classic

[@dameneko]

He is the most wholesome stoner in the world! Seriously, the dude loves quality herb. He was an early campaigner for marijuana legalization, and IIRC, he enjoys weed with his parents!

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

​@@damenekoIndeed !

[@Twisted_Rose96]

I have botox under my arms!! It's a life saving procedure for anyone who oversweats, painful but SO worth it!

[@ARPelayre]

Chris doing the Rick Steves impersonation had me dying

[@charlesmurphy5644]

23:59 I have enjoyed Rick Steves travel show for the past twenty years, Rick Steves’ Europe! Every Saturday I would watch his show on PBS and Rudy Maxa’s travel show then watch British Sitcoms in the evening. “Are you being served” was my favorite!

[@ASIRIDesigns]

I second this! Rick Steve's Europe is fantastic, watched it for the last 15 years.

[@Naptime875]

For the options for large luggage in trains you can use the luggage delivery system in Japan. Hotel to and from hotels, airports, stations, and (what I discovered recently) convenience stores

[@catherinebond7474]

This is what we did on a 2 week trip that included travel to Hokkaido, Kyoto, Takayama, and Tokyo.

[@calebchai5599]

Come to Malaysia for a chill holiday! However, you might need to mentally prepared for your waistline to magically increase by the end of your trip :)

[@dameneko]

Safe travels, Pete! Don't be toilet-breaker! And please let us know if your silicone leg sleeves worked!

[@Frag-ile]

Nice hearing about backflowing toilets at the Sakura hotel in(near) Shibuya as I'm staying a couple of days there at the start of my Japan trip in November. Hoping to not have to deal with any raw sewage, the place is cheap though.

[@harleyjo4875]

I’m so glad I listened to the previous episode because the ‘plastic legs’ song was truly traumatizing, even fully knowing what he was talking about, just a little bit less so.

[@millennialchicken]

Being someone who came to the Leeds event, yeah there was more than 200 peeps there. Brilliant event.

[@alexschwalbach8229]

Love Rick Steve's. Not exactly the "Abroad in Japan" version... but, definitely some similarities... just with a different tone 😂

[@rachelruthfrankle3905]

I went to the Leeds book signing for Abroad in Japan book and it was great to see you and Sharla. Looking forward to the audiobook Hope Pete has a great time in Japan.

[@carrerlluna66]

For Pete's sake come to Mallorca!

[@robbson2390]

I think he'd love north Mallorca, maybe around Pollenca but away from like the super touristy bits, theres loads of nice little resort spots by the sea - maybe rent a villa in Cala san Vinçenc

[@DominicanStud101]

Have a good time Pete! I’ll be in Hokkaido if you want to hang out!

[@voyagingmoon2578]

Love the podcast! The ear thing probably had to do with fukumimi. People with large earlobes are considered financially lucky. Mabye ear guy was hoping some of that luck would rub off?

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Oh thank you for answering my question on those Old Wood Block Prints !

[@george46light]

Rick Steves is awesome. Also really good if you just want to chill and feel wholesome.

[@solardrum]

I was the one who sent in that last question. I grew up on Rick Steves back in the day and still watch him on occasion. Awesome to hear from you guys, even though Chris's "South Jersey accent" is horrifying beyond words. Fingers crossed the family and I make it to Japan one day.

[@thetuckcanon]

Have a great holiday Pete!

[@V2designs]

Have a good holiday Pete!

[@codegreen5213]

Love the leeds love! Sad I couldn't get to the signing 😞 hope my hometown treat you well!

[@kv4648]

I need more Chris and pete podcasts. Where to get them?

[@SeanKashmir]

*unbuckles gun holster, pulls out spicy famichiki*

[@intense3295]

Have a good holiday!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

All phones are Sat Nav now Pete, you just download the local map before getting out of cell range. Phone GPS works anywhere in the planet.

[@eepee_eepee]

have a nice holiday Pete

[@kateyb23]

@BlondieinChina , fellow Aussie , makes absolutely awesome content on life in China.. & much like Chris and Pete, Blondie (Amy) is a very affable, laid-back, super informative youtuber! ❤️

[@dynbrn]

Seville is a beautiful city, hot weather still, the food is cheap and delicious and the drinks too! Gorgeous affordable hotels and holiday flats with pools. I loved it the most out of all the places I traveled to in Europe and recommend it to everyone. Incredible city.

[@Jay-ql4gp]

Ok....the song killed it for me.

[@darkclouds27]

Canary Islands. It's beautiful and relaxing. I visited Tenerife during the winter of 2018 with my son and daughter. We hiked Montaña Roja our last night there and watched the most beautiful sunset. The airbnb we stayed at was a quick walk to the ocean and walking distance to eateries and a store if you (Sharla) want to do some cooking.

[@fsen1999]

16:15 When in japan i noticed lots of officers carrying guns- they are just harder to notice because they are small revolvers they carry in a pouch that covers everything up. you can spot them by the lanyard that is attached to the grip at the bottom.

[@Shichman]

Rick Steves and Depeche Mode! Yes!!!

[@gladius4487]

Riga and Latvia in general is great this time of year and is cheap as chips. Defo recommend Chris!

[@st0rmrider]

The Crow is an excellent comic book from James O'Barr from way back (1989)

[@TheAverageGuy12]

Fly ANYWHERE in the Pacific. Warm...all beach, low impact, relaxing holiday.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

You left out New Caledonia in particular.

[@user-vv7pz7hf1j]

have a good trip to japan pete

[@fredriklax5377]

If Chris wants a relaxing holiday I'd recommend a spa in rural Sweden, beautiful countryside, good beer, good food, the normal spa activities and even if he gets recognised most Swedes won't just come up and chat.

[@sirBrouwer]

knowing this podcast. everyone and their grandmother knows this podcast in Sweden.

[@rurouniboi]

Couple tips on luggage. Just take it on the train. I've taken a roller and my backpack from Haneda to Shinjuku numerous times. The other economical option is to take a bus. I did that from Hiroshima to the airport. I might try that to Shinjuku next time. The bus was more comfortable than the train. Only costs like 2000 yen. I've done this a couple times. After I check out I ask the hotel if they can store some of my bags for a day or two. I've done that when I did the Shimanami Kaido. Left my bags in Omomichi and went back for them the next day. Also when I had a flight home in the evening I asked the hotel to store my bags for a half day while I enjoy my last day in Japan. One time I could not find a coin locker at all around any of the stations in the Shinjuku area. I burnt through an hour looking for one. I have to say Tokyuu Stay in Shinjuku was very accommodating and let me store my bags there even though I checked out a week before.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Good To Know !

[@lordmetzgermeister]

18:41 FYI Czech republic was never "rebranded" to Czechia. It's just a short form that's been here since Czech republic was created from dissolved Czechoslovakia in 1992. What you were probably thinking is when in 2016 the short form was registered as the official country name in UN and recommended to be used in official contexts.

[@ChantalRussell]

Chris- you should just go to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean! If cost is the biggest factor, go to Dominican Republic or Cuba. If you want good food at the resort, expand the search to Mexico, mainly near Playa Del Carmen or Cancun.

[@elvar5549]

You should definitely come to Iceland. I know you probably don't want to meet a lot of fans, I would just like the thought of you being in the same country as me

[@mopslikvonstein]

reminds me of the Kurosawa movie Stray Dog about a cop trying to track down his stolen gun

[@snekky55]

Everytime my country is mentioned ♥️🇳🇴

[@Namjiook]

Chris, I have the perfect vacation spot for you. Go to the Island of Terschelling in the Netherlands. It has beautiful beaches, quaint towns, delicious food, and stunning architecture. The towns of Midsland, Midsland Zee, and West Terschelling (where the ferry takes you in) are my favourites. The water in the Atlantic side of the island was warm enough for me when I went last year, just a tad bit chilly. Many on the island speak English as it's the Netherlands. There is a nice lighthouse on the Island, a Medieval Church, the ruins of another Medieval Church, Cranberry Fields, A windmill, museums including a museum featuring things found from the sea, a beautiful church and graveyard in Midsland, one of the dramatic tides in Europe on the Wadden Sea Side, and more. You can rent both cars and bikes on the island. The ferry that takes you there is quite pleasant and has a nice restaurant. My favorite restaurant on the island is the Het Oud Hollands restaurant. The island also has WW2 ruins and is great for camping as well. I went to because my ancestors hail from Terschelling (I'm American), and was pleasantly surprised find a lively and beautiful Island. Just take a train to Harlingen and then the ferry to get there (reserve the tickets online for the ferry a few days in advance if you can). Let me know if you check it out. It's a good mix of what I think you want based off the podcast. Nobody will recognize you here, and it's a great spot to relax. Vinland, the island next to it has no card and may also be to your liking.

[@randomaccount-dq1jq]

Chris would probably enjoy a coastal area near, to honor him best American friend Pete, Murica in Spain. Probably enjoy the relaxing on the beaches near Bolnuevo and best of all if they do fall in love with the region a sizable holiday home to have over some of the crew are quite great deals.

[@dynbrn]

I loved Seville and Málaga!!

[@rurouniboi]

Typically I haven't seen guns in Japan. But during the week of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, it almost felt like they brought every officer available to Hiroshima. Miyajima felt like it had more officers than tourists. And I saw a few officers strapped with guns. When will Chris do a video tittled "I spent 24 hours in a Koban in the most dangerous ward in Tokyo". Stay in the one close to Golden Gai and see what drunk locals and mainly tourists get into lol

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Ooo oohh, Yes, and make certain to take Natsuki along as well ! Such would be great fun !

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Japan has some of the worlds most highly regulated gun ownership. Japanese Police have guns to deal with Yakuza & crazies with knives ..

[@Tyche-Love]

There is a gun culture there its mainly just skeet shooting and hunting but it does exist. My friends here all make fun of me because my only trip abroad anywhere the first thing my redneck ass managed to find was the local shooting club in a country known to be very anti gun. The guys at the club were super excited to talk about all the different platforms that we use here in America and how we use them. There was a guy who thought we used .50 bmg to hunt and I had to explain the point behind hog "hunting" has very little to do with meat.

[@rudy5360]

Chris Budapest is a beautiful spot

[@chrisylockhart]

We had a Japanese exchange student at my high school, the only exchange student I think we ever had, and she stayed at my friend’s place. She refused to learn any English, threw tantrums, didn’t bathe, didn’t even understand how to use appliances! Almost started a fire with a toaster. I am pretty sure Japan must have appliances! And tried to kill a cat! She could of been from any country in the world, but there was something wrong with her.

[@quashmonkey]

Come to New Zealand for a holiday

[@Harminder1]

I would suggest Cardiff as you can take a coach to get their and it's very cheap from London to cardiff by national express it you'd cost you roughly £16 if your lucky . You can also do a day trip From Hammersmith a coach leaves tues - thurs 8.50 am and you arrive their 12pm . You can then take the 7.15 coach back and be back in London 10:30pm

[@doel_the_daring]

Chris go to Belgium and pick a fishing city like DOEL 🎣 Its half abandoned jam packed with street art but its also very quiet plus its on my bucket list to go there lol.

[@sirBrouwer]

that would be Old Doel. however if he just want to relax not really some place to go. the weather will likely go colder now pretty fast. During the summer it would work in combination with a stay at a holiday park.

[@jensebu78]

I might be wrong but i read that tattoos are allowed in Onsens which are from the government. Like in Kusatsu. I remember a situation were a Yakuza took a bath with me and my family (mixed bath). He was there with his two sons. They asked about every single thing which they did. And he answered in very Yakuza manner... with saying things like "mmmhhh..." and similar things. Google it up, maybe it's really true and makes things easier!

[@zenosity3804]

Hello all! It’s James the Earlobe Man! Just stopping by to clarify on those follow-up questions. To my knowledge I was the only person who received such attention from Takeshi. I read the other comments about large earlobes being a sign of financial luck and have decided I’m just going to believe that is the reason as opposed to being targeted by a serial killer. Also, Pete, if you want to see these apparently magnificent earlobes I’ll have to charge you. Hope this adds the context y’all were looking for. Cheers!

[@arichan6423]

as a resident of japan, i empathize and also get annoyed at other foreigners with luggage lol. Don’t get on the train during rush hour a don’t block the door, and you’ll be fine.

[@alisaarim3989]

How about going to Maldives?

[@neubro1448]

I wonder how often this happens. 3-year old Sora News article states the increasing incidents among police officers leaving behind their gear in restrooms. Inside the Narita Airport employee restroom, a 7-Eleven restroom in Okazaki, even a lieutenant in Machida, a sergeant in the train station women's room in Aioi.

[@doel_the_daring]

Best youtuber for Korea would be KING KOGI when she was there and Jimmy Kim both are in Japan doing videos NOW but both originally did Korea and you will get suggestions in the algorithm from watching them. Also pretty sure Cory May did some Korean youtube videos. I hope this helps the person asking for an Abroad in Japan - Korean version King Kogi when she cohosted EAT YOUR KIMCHI 🤘

[@eepee_eepee]

I LOVE RICK STEVES

[@Gabe..]

rick steves is from my home town lol

[@lordjazoijua94]

Visit Malta.

[@Dan-jh2vr]

Lol silicon legs if they come off it will be like a used Condon floating in the jacuzzi.

[@sleepingbackbone7581]

Takeshi is a trekkie and Ferengi fan.😂

[@rnmommypants4216]

Also, I can attest to trying your damnedest to get out of Barstow. The thing about leaving, though, is that you usually go back for family. (This is our second time moving out of state...it didn't take the first time, lol.)

[@brunoallen7367]

Go to Guam its like Hawaii but cheaper and closer to you

[@Sky_amanogawa]

Croatia is also nice for holidays

[@WillWilsonthesafetyguy]

Welp, I now have my new greeting thanks to Takeshi!

[@SherrifOfNottingham]

The "pole" is called a "Mancatcher" which is actually a pretty effective tool at restraining people... doesn't really work in America where the police and criminals are in an arms race.

[@ComradeFer]

Chris would love México, especially since he’s talked about liking the Spanish language

[@V2designs]

bald and bankrupt is one of my new favorite travel vloger.

[@katemostreicher]

I didn’t think poop in Japan carried.. and now it’s clear that they shouldn’t lol

[@natalian.1320]

Gibraltar 😎👍

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Should we all break info a Chorus of Rue Brittania for this one !?...... Hee, Hee, Hee !

[@natalian.1320]

@@nicholausbuthmann1421 "Rule", not a street in France.

[@coreymillar96]

gold coast/surfers paradise australia

[@ned993]

You should visit Belgium, it's pretty chill here and there's a lot of nature

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Indeed I agree ! No listening to that old Jeremy Clarkson Episode of "Meeting The Neighbor's" where he claimed Belgium was the most boring European Country !

[@emptywig]

Rick Steves is awesome! Smokes weed, too.

[@ItsBAndBees]

I’m really gonna need an update from James… maybe earlobe guy was crushing on him?? The gun on the bathroom thing is WILD 😂 I’m in a big gun toting area of the US, however I still feel uneasy ever seeing one, I think we’re supposed to be serious around them, they’re not toys. I only trust people I know personally, and luckily most people take the safety aspect pretty seriously. However if a cop had left his duty belt in a bathroom it would have been stolen so damn fast!!

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Indeed. Oh and I have no problem with Hunting Arms. Obviously Military ASSAULT RIFLES are not made for Hunting anything other than other Human Beings !

[@jokerman9623]

​@@nicholausbuthmann1421lmao

[@radootoorcan]

Go to Moldova, Chris.

[@anantadharmaparayanat5448]

hey here's a bright idea, you should invite some guest in your podcast, i dunno maybe one welshman, one thai and one australian will suffice

[@Ishyona]

New Zealand could be a good place to relax. The people there can't be bothered getting dressed half the time, let alone pronouncing vowels. Nothing but beaches, bbqs, and nature, and everywhere sells cheese for dessert.

[@girlfriendg]

omg nothing is scarier and more dangerous than stopping your body from being able to sweat in 30C weather lol literally how u die from heat exhaustion, sweat is how your body cools itself off!!!

[@healsyeah]

15:25 wtf 7-11 is he going to!?

[@MrFfrenchh]

Indonesia borneo Indonesia is affordable and they cook good chicken

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Don't forget seeing those wonderful "Orangutans & Proboscus Monkeys" now. Oh and being a Majority Muslim Country you should by habit always try The Lamb !

[@cptnlou6328]

I have hyperhydrosis and it's had a huge impact on me, I can only wear black clothes haha, so imma get my pitts done

[@TashapeshapeTah]

Faroe Islandss!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@myromm]

Hey, I think your white balance must be off, of your camera settings, I dont know. But your bitrate in this upload is showing

[@FindecanorNotGmail]

Ordinary policemen forgetting their guns in bathrooms happens too often, unfortunately. However, a US president's bodyguard ("Secret Service") once forgot a gun in a restaurant bathroom here in Stockholm, Sweden. Those get very special permission to carry guns in a foreign jurisdiction, and should have been the best of the best ...

[@rnmommypants4216]

I'm in the states and ppl are weird about touching here, too. I actually had one of my bosses, another nurse, pat my tummy and ask when I was due. I was not pregnant. I said, "Never again, if I can help it. Just fat." I saw her die inside and it brought me such joy😂😂😂

[@seanw4148]

Azores?

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Part of me has to hold his tongue & typing so to not go full "Don Rickles" on y'all !.....THE AZORES is basically Europe's version of Hawaii owned and run by Portugal way out in the Atlantic. It's the OG reason one could fly between Europe to North & South America. Hence why Hitler wanted it and Britain had to dust off an 800 Year Old Plus Treaty to build an RAF Field there during WW II. Said now almost 900 Year Old Treaty is why the U.S. has said Air Base there now.

[@lio_lona]

As someone whos from Serbia, i really wanna know why's Chris so against visiting Serbia?? 😅

[@willionaire77]

I don't think he's against visiting Serbia as such. I think he meant he didn't want to go somewhere where you usually go and do stuff (like sightseing). He's looking more for a chill-out trip - probably with beaches and such. We don't have much beaches in serbia 😉

[@LA6NPA]

Benidorm!

[@CeleryBuster]

Fun fact botox is made from the same stuff in botulism, it's literally paralyzing your face muscles. So pete was kinda right about that lol

[@johnwilson2362]

Krakow... definitely Krakow...

[@Polkaknot]

Well that's not very convenient is it

[@rechnin6680]

Isle of Skye

[@majedali3796]

go to Albina

[@deltasource56]

lol everyone leaves their gun in the toilet.