How I Opened My Own Bar in Kyoto, Japan ⛩️

[@ChrisAbroad]

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Hopefully this won't be the last time we run a bar! It was a ton of fun. I never know where to promote these things but I recommend following on Instagram for the next time we do something like this! Don't miss out: instagram.com/abroadinjapan/ - Now what should we open next? Big thanks to Yasu & Alex at Tokyo Portfolio for making this possible - you can check out their channel in the description box!

[@calitaliarepublic6753]

Can I come?

[@jacobrev6567]

Nice 👍👍👍

[@jellyman-]

open a love hotel

[@seanbumstead1250]

I am Canadian and a few years ago I tried sake for the first time and I love it,now it's the only type of alcohol I drink. So I would love coming to your bar

[@ShadowCat101]

Hey Chris! Great episode today! 1 question, can you make the Abroad in Japan Happi coat available to the masses please?

[@MasakoX]

Missed calling it 'A Bar in Japan'.

[@mura_saki]

Never would've thought I'd see you here lol

[@1stNoBLePuP]

Ha!

[@maciejszymanski2502]

Personally I’d much prefer it to be “Abroad in a Bar”

[@burrzie8446]

Genius. This has to be the top comment.

[@vincentmiller420]

Agreed.

[@buta606]

5:54 props to the person who translated Kakkoii as "Gigachad". That's certainly how I would describe Chris in a silk kimono.

[@kuratse205]

I'm glad I wasnt the only one who noticed that

[@matejmaric3346]

Should've translated it as "affable" imo it fits better

[@Ztsakkeus]

was ghoing to comment about this. Man chris probably translated it him self :DDDD

[@sharlainjapan]

Thanks to everyone who popped by!! 💕Was a lot of fun chatting with you all over a cup of sake (fresh from the sack🥲)

[@stephaniechik6843]

SACK-EH 😂

[@stickgirl.]

Glad the final night group missed the sack discussion!

[@rapthor666]

Wonder if that Suntory Whisky Blend is available around here in Europe. They make some good stuff Those nights seemed lots of fun!

[@sirfizz6518]

The kind of experiences some of you can pull together are just incredible for both you and your viewers (especially those who get to participate in person) 😊

[@sharlainjapan]

@@stephaniechik6843 too good😂😂😂

[@RonathanXP]

Usually, Western creators talk about how difficult it is to get Japanese business owners to work with for their videos, so it was really awesome seeing all of the Japanese people that collaborated with you for this video.

[@NaeniaNightingale]

You can get far from simply knowing the language and showing respect to all those involved. Unfortunately Western creators usually lack both…

[@Polkaknot]

Chris forgot one important thing. Natsuki is a Japanese barman, when the guests drink, he drinks.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Every Good Bar needs a personality like Natsuki Aso !!

[@meandendo]

I am now fully convinced that natsuki is the guy who translates Japanese into English for all the 100 yen shop absolutely adore that man

[@TheAHuman]

Natsuki is one of 3 known individuals who can speak “Elite English”

[@bariumselenided5152]

​@@TheAHumanomfg, just *imagine* that collab

[@panchit0z]

Natsuki strolling down the road in a kimono smoking a cigarette is sending me 😂 Love his energy!

[@ChrisAbroad]

On a scale of 1 to fire hazard....

[@DarknessDust]

with his phone in the kimono too xD

[@ffwast]

@@ChrisAbroad Isn't Natsuki always a fire hazard?

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

​@@ffwast Volcano hazard, especially in A.S.O...

[@ShogunThomsen]

He's a modern day samurai. Instead of a sword he has his clippers that kills hairs!

[@sgtOOX]

Everytime Natsuki shows up it's such an absolute treat, his charisma just bleeds through every scene

[@bigfireaxe5403]

I'm really glad my friends and I managed to snag some tickets to this while we were in Japan. It was a fantastic time!

[@ChrisAbroad]

Thanks for coming along and surviving our bar!🍻

[@Samsquamsh]

Tickets?? Man that really takes away from the homey-ness lol.

[@JoelLinus]

@@Samsquamsh It was obviously a Fan Meetup, so nothing wrong with tickets.

[@i_am_cheezpuff]

Ah, my dream of appearing in a Chris Broad video has been fulfilled! The 1 day turnaround trip from Tokyo to Kyoto was definitely worth. Thank you Chris, Sharla, Ian, and Yamada-san for your hospitality throughout the night. The Sake and Nihonshu were absolutely tasty. Also, thanks Chris for indulging me with your famous "Are you KZbinr" re-enactment (10:21) at the end of the night.

[@TsarumanTheWhite]

Bringing Natsuki was a fantastic idea, his energy and humor really added to the place that was already shinning.

[@alexcarter8807]

I was surprised he wasn't there from the start.

[@Sasquatch10]

Natsuki is a treasure.

[@garryferrington811]

He certainly can shin.

[@TokyoPortfolio]

Congratulations -- you made the best bar in Kyoto run by a British KZbinr! Let's do it again soon.

[@juanleon1138]

There must not be any other bar then because this was crap the guy was more of a customer than a bartender. Waste of a good idea

[@Twisted_Rose96]

"That was a magic trick? I thought he was just drunk.." BEST. LINE. EVER. 🤣

[@urbanprojectz]

I was waiting for this line the whole video and it's the last one! LOL

[@Luis-ej4ei]

@@urbanprojectz me too haha

[@first__last]

The real magic trick was making the alcohol disappear.

[@moriah93ohio]

😂😂

[@tanya_thivier9]

I’m just here to say that Natsuki’s English has improved a lot, it’s wholesome how much efforts he’s putting into it. Also your bar simply can’t be complete without his humour.

[@justinlimnardy9407]

It was a really fun time in the bar with a lot of experimental drinking and eating. What a day that night. Thank you Chris for the experience.(By the way it was my first time in a real bar. Made new friends hahaha😂)

[@ChrisAbroad]

Cheers for coming along Justin! Glad to hear you enjoyed our experimental drinking haha

[@Blex_040]

What do you mean by _real_ bar? How did the bars you went to before differ? Were they virtual bars? 😅

[@justinlimnardy9407]

@@Blex_040 never went to a bar so I just assume it felt like a real bar though with a great atmosphere ahha

[@CptFitzgerald]

That was the most beautiful intro segue for Natsuki, and the fact that people didn't absolutely lose their shit when he came out makes me know that they weren't worthy. If I ran into Natsuki at a bar I'd immediately freak out and start singing punk rock and rockabilly songs with him.

[@baleighhaynes7931]

As a Sharla fan, I love that I get to watch more videos that she's in now that she is in Chris' videos more.

[@1JusticeLeagueFan]

A yakitori stand must be opened next! Share that sweet sweet chicken with the world.

[@ChrisAbroad]

I fear Japan's salmonella cases would go through the roof!

[@PaVbrL]

@@ChrisAbroadAll standard part of the Abroad in Japan full experience

[@bobbaird8744]

Maybe offer fresh popcorn for geijin-style snack!

[@kirikurotatsu]

​@@ChrisAbroad 90% of the cases would be Connor 😂

[@MetalJesusRocks]

KINSEY!! So cool she got to hang w/ you Chris. 🤘

[@ChrisAbroad]

She was awesome!

[@KinsZilla]

Hell yeah! It was such a fun and lovely evening, I actually talked to Ian about games most of the night hahahahaha

[@_TheElMan]

​@@KinsZilla I was shocked! My YT universes blending 😂

[@tedweird]

Headline about opening a bar, video absolutely packed with culture and history tangential to the process. This is why we follow

[@makeshifthouse]

Who created you, @@UtterlyTangential , just to write this comment

[@makeshifthouse]

@@UtterlyTangential just waiting for @pure coincidence to appear

[@lootgoblin989]

Hi Chris, I'm not sure if you will see this, but I wanted to say thank you for everything you've done and the content you have produced. I have loved your channel for all these years. Now, to the point of why I am commenting: I have finally done it and booked a trip to Japan for 3 weeks in December. It's really thanks to you and your videos that I finally decided that life is short and it's time to just go. The journey from Ireland to Japan is going to be a long one, but if you're free in December, I would love to buy you a pint. Anyway, I just wanted to leave this here and show you that you do inspire people and your videos are worthwhile all the work you do.

[@SirJebusHRM]

I for one vote for this guy as the avatar of all the viewers and I think Chris should have a drink with him, representing all of us.

[@macmanj2]

Currently over from Ireland myself. Japan will blow your mind! Enjoy

[@lootgoblin989]

@@macmanj2 awesome! Enjoy the trip! Are you staying in hostels, hotels or Airbnb's?

[@mladensimovic7242]

Well i am aslo coming soon in august and we said it would be folun to see him. By the way upvote this guy for all of us. :D

[@macmanj2]

@@lootgoblin989 sorry, only seeing this now. We stayed in hotels . In Tokyo at the beginning we stayed in Hotel Wing International Premium Tokyo Yotsuya and when we returned we stayed in Hotel Wing International Premium Shibuya. Both were great locations close to interesting places, SUPER CLOSE to metro and train access (which saves you so much time) and really good breakfasts (local options and additionally omlettes and French toast!) to set you up for the day! The rooms were small but that appears to be a Tokyo thing and you'll likely not be in the hotel for anything other than breakfast as there is just so much to see and do. The hotels outside of Tokyo all appeared to be much bigger and better value.

[@biolizard131]

I feel like the two most recent videos here are by far good enough to be main channel uploads. I know maybe you want to keep main channel for Japan travel/info related content but I think fun activities/events/experiments like this can fit alongside those videos just as well.

[@biolizard131]

Also Kinsey from MetalJesusRocks at 10:32!

[@orionriley5154]

@@biolizard131 I thought I recognised her!

[@IsaVarg]

I didn't even notice this wasn't the main channel until I saw your comment... T_T

[@ashez2ashes]

@@IsaVarg Me neither. I just subscribed. I didn't realize I was missing stuff.

[@shaytheswift_4327]

The chemistry between the whole Abroad in Japan cast never fails to both entertain and put a smile on my face.

[@bryanturanganT]

Always love seeing both you and Natsuki together in your videoes! They're always so much fun 🥰

[@ChrisAbroad]

Agreed! I live vicariously through Natsuki most of the time, haha. We'll be seeing a lot more of him this year to celebrate his 50th!

[@E-A-Z-Y]

@@ChrisAbroad now that is what I want to hear!!

[@Even-Steven]

A - S - O! Natsuki impersonating Chris bouncing down the bar escorting Sharla had me 😂 He's the best.

[@circomnia9984]

I genuinely thought they called him Aso, because of the way he acts. In my neck of the woods, Aso is just short for anti-social. Imagine my surprise that it's actually his surname.

[@Coplanersirtax9]

@@circomnia9984 natsuki is the total opposite of anti-social lmfao

[@circomnia9984]

@@Coplanersirtax9 Yea I know, but he always plays the part of a bad guy, like he's a hitman, or some gangsta or something, so I thought that's why they call him aso. I get that he's a nice guy irl.

[@Panjangl]

12:10 We’ve come full circle, from meeting each other half drunk on the street coming home from the bar to actually running one

[@CHEFPKR]

Chris trolling Natsuki with the senbei was what good friends do to each other.

[@ViciousEmperor]

You've gotten far, Mr.Broad. We don't know eachother, but i can't help but to feel a sense of pride, from the beginning, to this. Congratulations, you crazy Brit. Greetings from your ancient plunderers of the north.

[@kazkajiya]

Chris, Sharla, and Natsuki, what an absolutely fantastic trio for a fun project like this. Alex, Paul and Ian doing a great job "behind the scenes" on top of that, and you've got a video that produces a homely feeling of friends hanging out - with yourself being right there in the middle of it. All of you are an absolute inspiration for my future, as I plan on travelling to Japan hopefully within this year or the next . Cheers to you all, and to a bright and fun future!

[@himredits1198]

Thanks for the drink Chris, it was nice to meet you!

[@ChrisAbroad]

Thanks so much for coming along! 🍻

[@echo1eyesonly13]

The people who got to meet Chris, Sharla, and Natsuki all together are so lucky.

[@TheMadman5000]

29,000 bars?! Holy cow I knew Tokyo was big but jeez that says really put it into perspective for me

[@alanwong9348]

Yes but most of them are very tiny and not really the same size compared to a normal pub or bar.

[@PointReflex]

You need that amount not just for Tourist sake, but because Tokyo is the capital of the "Salary System" (or "SS" for the friends) and those people need a place to take a shot in order to live for another week. Otherwise those millions of workers would reach their Capsule Hotels with their hands shaking out of stress and die of a heart attack at 25.

[@Bardakus]

One hell of a bar crawl

[@Blex_040]

You have to keep in mind, that: a) Going to a bar after work is an obligatory part of Japanese work culture b) Japan, and especially Tokyo, has lots of themed bars, so drinking is often times not the main attraction c) Japanese homes are in most cases either multi-generation houses or tiny apartments, so it's difficult to invite guests over to drink Then it makes more sense why Tokyo has so many bars (though the number is still incredibly high)

[@aoitamashii]

A lot of them are literal holes in the ground/wall with seats for 6-10 people tops.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I didn't even realize at first that this wasn't an Abroad in Japan video but was on the second channel, because it really fits so well into the content there and was very well executed. Never heard of a pop-up bar, similar to the pop-up/themed cafe's, but that's a nice concept to interact with people for a few days without the stress of doing it every single day 😅. I'd have loved to visit the tea portion of the bar (I don't drink alcohol. Yes, I am an utter bore 😂).

[@aoitamashii]

Yeah, I was really struck by how prolific the whole "pop-up store" concept was in Tokyo a few weeks ago. Because of covid quarantines, I hadn't been there in about 5 years, and I don't remember that really being a thing back then. They were absolutely everywhere in Akiba now though.

[@jacobrev6567]

Chris and Natsuki are having fun making this video actually

[@tygove906]

This should be on the main channel. This video was fantastic.

[@teruphoto]

I know many of these buildings look alike, but I'm pretty sure I walked past this place back in 2019. Never would have guessed that 4 years later it would be A Bar In Japan.

[@vampiiroseee]

Natsuki is a national treasure, i get so giddy and happy whenever i see him. Hes such a shining light, a ball of wonder. Meeting him is on my bucket list. 😂

[@ANoBaka]

It was really fun to be there! Thanks for hosting! A pity I forgot my magnet though :(

[@ChrisAbroad]

Damn not the Dr Jelly magnet! Nevertheless thanks for coming along Miku! Glad you had fun 🍻

[@sharlainjapan]

If I can find one lying around our house I’ll send you one! Send me an email with your address 🩷 [e-mail]

[@paulboucher1815]

Seeing Kinsey, from MetalJesusRocks fame, in an Abroad in Japan video is not the crossover I was expecting. Glad to see her move to Japan went well

[@Tiger351]

Thank you, I thought I recognised her.

[@seanconnolly4069]

Hahaha. I actually gave her my ticket because I couldn't go. So happy it got used and not wasted. :)

[@SkinnyBlackout]

I was like "wait a minute, I think I saw her at MetalJesus!" hahaha

[@Mrpartyallnight101]

No wonder she looked familier!

[@TheShinyShow]

Knew I recognised her!

[@HD32PLAY]

"No drinking, only making... Oh very sad" 🤣 I LOVE NATSUKI !!!

[@katarina1338]

I love Natsuki, he is such a show man! He brings so much laughter and is so naturally friendly to everyone!

[@archeosr85]

Natsuki has amazing main character energy in every single video

[@jackgray1402]

Natsuki should open a bar of his own! I believe he would be incredibly popular, not only with fans, but everyone in general.

[@stickgirl.]

Lovely meeting you guys! Go Van Gang 🥰

[@ThisWillCharacter]

It’s sad that this was temporary. Chris’ channel is what’s inspired me to visit japan and I finally have a plan to go next year. One of my goals while over there is to buy him a drink to say thanks

[@あそうまつき]

I've been waiting for an event like this too~ Thank you for enjoying the project! Let's do it again Sake lovers Abroad in Japan

[@Dikucow]

Probably your best video yet! Loved the unique idea

[@tigershark2328]

"We'll see you very soon, right back here, on Abroad in Japan" Love to see years of muscle memory kick in, leading to the outro for the main channel!

[@KinsZilla]

Thank you so much for the amazing night! It was such a blast!!

[@Dajhaniel]

Seeing you here felt like a surreal crossover. Amazing!

[@SpartanOfLuxon]

I've been so proud of you Chris. You look great and much happier with the weight loss, Sharla looks phenomenal and you both are so good together.

[@deoxxys]

Natsuki brings great energy to the bar 🎉

[@sectionya]

This was such a huge project and the video was so well made im surprised this isnt on the main channel!

[@Nebulacore98]

Great to see Natsuki back in a video! Love the bar idea coming to fruition and in a traditional place-Kyoto! Can't wait to see what's next!

[@ChelseaReee]

I love how Natsuki has become this uber-celebrity in the Abroad in Japan universe!

[@PaulFJStam]

This one of my favorite Abroad In Japan videos ever!!! The vibes are just so good and the cinematography is actually amazing!❤

[@seanconnolly4069]

Argh. I had a ticket for the very last night, but my mom had a heart attack and needed emergency triple bypass surgery so I had to cancel my Japan trip. I was happy I was able to give my ticket to another person (a prominent KZbinr even! hah!) but super bummer I couldn't make it. Fortunately my moms doing well in her recovery and I can't wait to get back there. Cheers!

[@gelfie2208]

hey man, good luck to your mum. Speaking personally, mum definitely beats Chris.

[@arikarintekarinki2440]

Your mate Natsuki is a sweet heart of a guy. Love his energy that he brings, makes me smile even if it's only for a little while. 😊😊😊

[@rapthor666]

Next level fan meeting? Seemed tons of fun guys! Even got 'Uncle Ian' from the Van Gang Might even trick Nic, Pete or, dare i say, Ryotaro into working for you...but that's probably already in some thought process 'in the works'. Alex did it again, that location looked amazing

[@cristianjimenez3657]

Finally, feels like ages ago hearing you talk about opening this on the podcast. It looks like it lived up to all the fun expectations I imagined it would be.

[@talonjansen8926]

This felt surprisingly... wholesome!?

[@forshizzlemywizzle]

Seeing Natsuki is so heartwarming. I love that man.

[@WICKEDMAN85]

Natsuki the National gift of Japan that keeps on giving so much pleasure and entertainment to the Aboard In Japan family!

[@lexicintron6702]

The editing has become more and more refined - The clean transitions and detailing really enhance Chris’ great story telling, and keeps it very engaging. I’m so impressed! And look forward to more ❤ Congrats on your engagement & health/physical achievements.

[@I_am_Lauren]

I would be so stoked if Natsuki popped out of a bar! haha He needs to pop out of a birthday cake next.

[@Christian-xf5ke]

This was so much fun. I would have absolutely loved to attend this event. Natsuki is such a great host. I would have been screaming when he came out, that crowd needed more energy!

[@LinariaFreeze]

This being uploaded when I'm going to Kyoto tomorrow. Sad to have missed the event, but excited nonetheless. This looks like so much fun!

[@kristophernash3626]

Your vids are always so fun and informative. And seeing you run a legit, if brief, bar was entertaining. And I don't think I've said it before, but you found a keeper in Sharla. I wish you both a happy and adventurous life together.

[@lummoxicide1502]

I love when Natsuki is around...a real dynamic duo

[@WIImotionmasher]

This video is just Connor flexing how many cool people he knows or has connections with. Emperor's kimono man, Tea ceremony man, cool KZbinrs and lots of fans

[@Hazdanz]

That ending had strong The Office vibes.

[@djshinra]

Great to finally see the video. Looked like a lot of fun. Great to see 2/3rds of the Van gang and Natsuki! Woo

[@dannyb016]

This was brilliant, love the effort. Saw Ian serving up those fish things though... poor people! 😂 One thing I loved about the few nights we spent in Kyoto was some of the bars and restaurants, some really cool little places. Definitely should get Pete involved if you do another bar opening. Having watched his stream in Premier1 and other bars the other night, he's made for it. You'd have to get him to play dice with the guests though, he sucks at it so he'll be extra drunk 🤪

[@jake4379]

Chris, I am stationed at Misawa airbase up in misawa city and I’ll have been in japan for a year in august. I’ve just found your Channel and I want to thank you for showing me there’s more to japan when what I’ve seen. I’ve been to Tokyo 3 times and it’s been incredible but your channel has shown me that there is so much more to explore in this country. Something I was lacking. Thank you for resparking that adventurous feeling inside me.

[@anactualsandwich]

This has been your best video yet.

[@hollow7776]

This has to be your best video in a while, really loved everything about it! Especially Natsuki!

[@HailHydra27]

How on earth is this not a main channel video? This was awesome

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Oh Chris, you made me laugh beautifully and deeply. Thank You Again ! Much appreciated!

[@kaydesign]

Natski was Rocking the kimono. The pack of cigarettes and phone really completed the outfit 🇯🇵❤

[@guptacorp]

Looks like loads of Fun! Rizzataro was missed though, as well as one of the 2 Pete's. Yes, pick your Pete, guaranteed to liven up any party 🥳

[@harrypoter6591]

man ive been watching you for years & i gotta saynatsuki is just something else. he is just ,cant put it in words

[@WhirlpoolMaelstrom]

Seeing Kinsey, from MetalJesusRocks fame, in an Abroad in Japan. Mindblown, glad to see she is doing well.

[@fhinnes]

You've outdone yourself again, good sir! I'm so glad to have English as one of my languages so I can enjoy your great content!!!

[@elina9888]

chris and natsuki seem like perfect duo to open an actual bar

[@chillaxter13]

Ngl, Natsuki would be an amazing bartender... The fun would never stop

[@asukaseto]

Natsuki mocking Chris' walk with his girl LMAO he did Chris so dirty 😭

[@mjimeneznyc]

Natsuki is always great. This was a fun idea, keep it rolling Chris, fun video.

[@hollybrennan7128]

Would love to come and meet you, Sharla and everyone if I one day get to go to Japan. You're all such a fun group and I hope you and Sharla had a great birthday! :D

[@nomadiclapse]

Loved the 'Yojimbo' shot at 11:44 of Natsuki walking down the old street. Perfect!

[@godzillaguy]

Loved seeing Sharla chuckle in the background when Chris says "Taste the Sack, it's great!"🤣

[@catherinelam9381]

U never fail to surprise us, Chris, great work! Can't wait to see what's up ur sleeve next time

[@jaclynconti6461]

I never had to muffle my laughter so hard at work before while watching a video more than this one XDDDDD

[@luisfernandomurillo3631]

So happy to hear about your bar, Chris! I'm moving to Osaka in August and will certainly look forward to meeting you and Natsuki one day in nearby Kyoto! Wonderful channel!

[@antzerobooks]

i'd like to imagine that natsuki was tricked to some drinks but got sucked into overwork as a bartender instead

[@falvalisious]

I do love coming back to this channel every now and again, i have missed you Mr Big-face

[@eaglenebula2172]

Big shoutout to Chris for -opening- building a bar for 1 day and closing it right after just for this ep 👏🏻🗿

[@angelogonzalez1581]

Love Sharla in the background smirking and eating snacks!!!

[@TheHermesLP]

Goddamn, I love Natsuki. His face when he learned he had to work there, like "Work? Again with this motherf...". XD

[@midnightseahorse]

Amazing. What a creative way to share an experience. I really enjoyed watching this.

[@downrightweird0925]

Man giving Natsuki the title of "The Aso" is hilarious, because in the Philippines Aso means dog so Natsuki is THE DOG