Teaching in Japan: 5 Useful Tips for Beginners

Teaching in Japan is an amazing experience! Here are some useful tips for anyone coming to teach!
Get learning Japanese today! promos.italki.com/abroad-in-japan
In this video:
- Japan's most popular and important game
- Do you need Japanese to teach in Japan?
- What two things will Japanese people compliment you on the most, regardless of your ability!
- LOTS MORE!

[@philsstudytime2709]

Trick to learning to use chopsticks: 1. Only use chopsticks 2. Starvation will motivate you to improve rapidly 3. You will master chopstick use and enjoy the bonus weight loss Worked for me.

[@CookieiscoolOG]

Hahaha oh my god best advice ever!

[@qualifiedidiots2165]

Everyone thinks Chopsticks are hard at some point. But the way I practised was on chips (french fries for you Americans) They're not too small that they're hard to pick up, but the weight of them can help build those dexterity muscles ;)

[@alexcarter8807]

@@qualifiedidiots2165 It helps to grow up using 'em that's for sure. But they're a great invention.

[@sumvs5992]

I'd rather just invent a device that has little rings on the sides of the chopsticks for a finger, and that a ball bearing connecting them for full flexibility.

[@speedycraft1162]

One time I tried doing it and ultimately failed. Then I just thought "I think it's genetics."

[@dncviorel]

BBC should hire this guy for some of their series.

[@alexcarter8807]

He sounds like that guy in Red Dwarf but he still beats some of the scousers they let on the BBC these days.

[@artymusoke1352]

Jea dude deffs!

[@DougsStream]

Chris, I have to say, your chopstick and Japanese abilities are outstanding! I've never seen someone use chopsticks so well and understand the pen! Your abilities have exceeded the sky of time.

[@pixelga1962]

@Enkiko 6 boligrafo

[@PoisonousPen]

Chris is like a magic.

[@Wonderhoy-er]

Yes indeed, his knowledge of pens go beyond the normal way of human thinking :)

[@ChibiChidorii]

As an exchange student that had classes with ALTs I can tell you that using a bit of Japanese, even if it's broken (sometimes even better if it's broken) will make you more popular with the students because if you happen to say something wrong or funny you'll be seen as the fun silly teacher the kids can joke around with.

[@Beffinee]

These are some really good tips! I'm planning on becoming an ALT after I graduate, this got me really excited for it ^_^

[@hc661]

Beffinee are you real0:)

[@1221kary]

Christian Bryle Why would you ask a girl if she's real? Yeah she's cute but not an mythical creature.

[@Ebonforge]

THEGREATMAX KAAAANNNCHO~~~~~~~ Not quite sure the smile thing is legit though.. maybe a local thing?

[@gimmeheadpeace]

+THEGREATMAX Been living here for 12 years. What you said is not true. 150 years ago yes but not today!

[@ninjajake1225]

THEGREATMAX No problem, you just have to watch your ass better. And as far as I know, that's a very local neighborhood thing...doubt it happens outside of that area.

[@ricekings]

I hear you on the Rock, Paper, Scissors thing! Same here in Korea hahah

[@oliviad4431]

BapMokja omg I didn't think I'd find you here. I love you guys :)

[@DanzQueen]

I'd like a formal review of BrownShit's music by you, lol

[@allycattiny]

to see if he refrains from saying its quite crap

[@jamespointer1]

+allycattiny Maybe they just play brown noise? That would be quite alot of crap

[@helensmith333]

Yeah, but is it really BROWN crap?!

[@allycattiny]

Helen Smith fifty shades of brown shit!

[@alexcarter8807]

@@jamespointer1 This is in fact my ultimate goal on the shakuhachi: To master the brown note.

[@DeaconessiaGaming]

Your content is great! Very informative and your comedy is effective.

[@MarcusAseth]

***** I Apple to a green too. The informativates is really greetings!

[@levoGAMES]

+Frey I personally, find it very British :)

[@DeionSpeaks]

These are some really useful tips. It'll be a few years before I attempt to apply to teach in Japan, so I'm spending that time learning Japanese. Now I'm focused on grammar, which is somewhat of a handful, but I'll press on. I think the thing I'll focus on most in Japan is getting out of my comfort zone. Not a very sociable person, but this is something I want to do. Sure, it'll be weird. Especially since I'm an African American, so I should expect whatever stereotypes and people touching my hair and what size my thing is and all that. But, not too worried about that. I feel that I'd laugh at most of that instead of be offended. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

[@SirBalageG]

Haha that's the kind of person everybody should be! :) I wish you luck!

[@ninjajake1225]

Deion S Same here. Pretty shy and puh-retty white (really white) with blond hair, but it's something I want to do in order to gain experience and help grow my confidence speaking in front of a lot of people. Not to mention, making lesson plans can help you become a better organizer for a future job. I think every foreigner deals with stereotypes, and I wish you luck in your pursuit! (and Japanese grammar is definitely tough, I'm at the same point currently).

[@DeionSpeaks]

kill sexpats Not really. More of a regular anime fan here. Most "weebs" don't really have the tendency to learn the language. Even if I was one, what's it to you?

[@celticcultess5919]

+Deion S (Neji Hyuga) Just so you know if you end up being placed on an island.. drunk ladies- usually the elderly- will probably try to touch your junk... just dont let it phase you ;P

[@user-nf3hh8kn5r]

Hey! I'm black british (female tho) and thinking of teaching in Japan when I grow up (preferably after I leave University) and I'm not very social at all too. But Japanese culture and Japanese language is something I've fallen too in love with and I'm just planning to take the curiosity and stereotypical stuff as light-hearted interest too. I mean, they live in a homogenous country so they probably rarely see black people lol

[@Delboy001647363]

Hey Chief. So, over the course of the last three years, did any of your pupils develop in instant and utter loathing of you for no earthly reason and then come up with various wacky and psychopathic schemes to destroy you Great Teacher Onizuka style?

[@AbroadinJapan]

Haha, oh man i wish! But sadly no :-(

[@willred7265]

+Abroadin Japan do you know anyone who's surname is bowler if so then he is my teacher and teaches us Japanese

[@mignonlabuschagne2856]

My friend that taught in Korea gave s student bad marks- cause they did bad, valid reason- and was offered a poisoned cupcake and received a bunch of food spiked with unfavorable medicine. Does that count? not quite teacher Onizuka style though.

[@meylinguzman3235]

I went to Japan this summer and fell in love with this country. So now in 2020 I'm going back to school and see if I can go to teach English in japan. You made it sound very rewarding. Thank you

[@chubbydecidueye9697]

I've decided I want to teach English in Japan. I can't wait for the day I can go and start my new life. It'll be awhile though.

[@Monti_88]

Did you get around to it?

[@FusionKush]

Did you end up going?

[@joeshmo5595]

Did you make it ??

[@sepantajan130]

He/She is not using youtube anymore. He/She is in Japan (jk)

[@aperson3968]

You there yet?

[@kstash3564]

Abroadin Japan I've been following this "series" which covered: - How to prepare and become an ALT - How to become a cool ALT Is it now time for "what to do after the program ends"? I'm interested on being an ALT, but also curious what happens at then end. Are we left hanging and having to return to our country? Also, have you encountered English teachers that are not native English speakers? Thanks.

[@SmearedBlackInk2003]

Have you become an ALT yet?

[@helgivalgeirsson2743]

What up K stash I wanted to ask you if you were a ALT yet?

[@prime8nate]

This is many years later but I’ll answer. Yes you are, in essence, left hanging and have to return in 99% of cases. The JET program deliberately limits how long you can work. I did a maximum 3 years. The vast majority of JETs are sick of being as assistant teacher by that time anyway. If you really love teaching you could get a Master’s Degree and come back to teach at university, for example, but your room for advancement in Japanese education is limited. You could end up a 50 year old with decades of experience and basically have the same seniority and salary as a 25 year old who just got off the plane. Other types of work are pretty rare and even if you could get a job, being part of Japanese work culture is very unappealing to most westerners. Chris making money as a KZbinr and living there is a one in a million type of gig. Visas are tough to come by, Japan doesn’t encourage immigration. Getting married to a Japanese person is the most realistic way to be able to stay indefinitely. Just be careful, the cultural differences in these marriages can be very tough to navigate.

[@ItzRetz]

I would love to teach in Japan, but I'm not sure if I'd be able to cope with living away from family and friends for several years at a time, it would be sick if a friend came with me and also became a teacher or something, that would be the dream.

[@gaijinhakase1575]

Don't let that hold you back! Just try it out, for 2-3 yrs or something, see what you think...you don't want to regret missing an amazing opportunity later, and wonder "why was I so focused on staying at home?" :-)

[@360chrisflip]

Retz I'm the same, but if you explore more without family and just friends, it get much easier to explore on your own :)

[@essennagerry]

You could also try it just for a year. Be careful to get a good contract and then syke your friends up to come do it too, lol. If one decides to do it, congrats on your second year teaching English in Japan, this time with a friend! :) If not, you can just go back home.

[@samuelhartley1979]

It sounds amazing but I've never really lived away from family before myself. I fear I'd make some massive mistake and suddenly find myself without back up.

[@dyslexicbatnam1350]

@@essennagerry But there's no guarantee you'll be placed in the same place with your friend. You could end up on the opposite sides of Japan and there would have been no point in bringing them

[@christinahayes7343]

I gotta say that you have really inspired me to get into learning Japanese. I love watching your channel. Stay awesome.

[@jeremiahmcelroy2726]

These videos will never get old, you need your own talk show

[@honeybunbadger]

Now that you're all done teaching, if we get more of you, may we also please have MORE NATSUKI?!?!

[@chloecolorfulx]

Happy to have you back, and even happier to know that you're sticking around!

[@LarlemMagic]

Its going to be real sad to see these videos go away. I was with you from the very start... wait, three years? Oh my god, where has the time gone, what have I even done? All this wasted time, what am I doing with my life. Why am I waiting to do this? My life was is over before it even began!

[@BobbyJoeXForgotenSB]

LarlemMagic he said hes not leaving japan, hes just not going to be a teacher anymore

[@muppo]

He literally just said in the comments thats hes gunna stay in japan and continue to make these vids xp

[@ninjajake1225]

LarlemMagic I can't believe it's been 3 years either. Time really does fly!

[@ninjajake1225]

***** Thankfully! Maybe he'll become a sponsor for Family Mart Chicken.

[@user-nf3hh8kn5r]

^^ hahahahaha

[@mackwright9111]

Thank you so much for making this video! All of your videos about teaching and learning Japanese as well as living in Japan have not only been helpful to me but also inspirational. I hope to be as cool as you someday!!! Please keep making videos!

[@Billieebeee]

First of all, best banner EVER! Just noticed it now, secondly, MAKE MORE VIDEOS PLEEEEAASEEE! I know you must be busy at work, but we miss you when you stay away for weeks at a time! Your sense of humor and videos in general brighten my day! Whenever I watch them, they put a huge smile on my face, not to mention, they are genuinely informative and very useful. I could imagine you being an incredible teacher. You posses the skills and personality to make learning fun! Thanks for being you!

[@roo_turbomoth6829]

THIS IS A PEN! *I lost it, I really did*

[@AndyWJP]

fakusu ja arimasen

[@christopheresquire947]

Andrew Wilkes lmfao

[@isaacb77]

Kore wa.... PEN DESU.

[@chickennoodle2669]

Isaac Batistil la requiem

[@bobjones1872]

I love how your videos are really informative but also entertaining as hell. You never fail to make me laugh!

[@finnon7460]

These videos have really inspired me to teach. I've always wanted to be a teacher and these videos make it clear that teaching English in Japan is a great option! You've changed my life for the better and I am forever grateful for it! :D

[@4N9vxO3WnK]

You have given me a new dream. Thank you for motivating me study English and Japanese even harder.

[@LordCaledonFraszer]

Though I've never been to Japan and I have no practical skill with the language (learning pronunciation from Anime doesn't count), I love Asian food and I'm reasonably good with chopsticks, I have five pairs with cases and rests. So when I finally make it to Japan, at least the compliments I get on chopstick usage will be genuine.

[@monkey134]

Perfect combination of info and humour. Although I am going to be teaching in South Korea as of next year, I am definitely going to end up in Japan at some point. Recently watched the "anki" video and have been so enlightened! Studying linguistics I found the best way to learn language also is via flash cards, but jesus christ, I tried doing it myself and the process of cutting it etc is so frustrating. Keep up the videos. Thanks!

[@garydufton3510]

Loved your videos bud.will miss them if they stop. You really brought to life Japanese culture in an informative entertaining way. Wish I had gone when I was young enough to enjoy the chaos.

[@blakenz712]

I am literally in love with your channel

[@okeehn]

you are the only youtuber that i was with since the beginning. i cant believe how fast time fly's. i hope there are more adventures ahead.

[@matte.309]

Excellent as always. Informative and funny. I chuckled loudly to myself multiple times.

[@artchdeath]

Man I just love your videos, sitting here watching them and all of a sudden the video is already over. Keep up your amazing work!

[@cynthiam8799]

I really enjoy your videos topics, your sense of humor makes all the difference. Awesome channel! Original content and narrative :) Greetings from Mexico!

[@starlalilymoon]

These were very good tips! Thank you! I plan to move to Japan using hopefully the JET program in a few years from now, so it is nice to get as prepared as much as I can before teaching there!

[@Slammer_1970]

I'm rewatching all of your videos again, Chris. I remember you talking about italki in this video and I've been using it since early April of this year to learn Japanese.

[@FentonFerrox]

I hope you continue making videos! I really enjoy your humour!

[@wingbutler]

Thanks Chris. Helped me a lot for online teaching.

[@MyLifeJapanTV]

You've done it again, Chris! That comedic timing!! XD You are feature-film bound, my friend. Mark. My. Words. (three full stops).

[@kingbabba]

Your videos are great, especially this one. I am nowhere near old enough to teach but this will help me in the future. Thanks for the advice.

[@ughIdontwantto]

haha great video! I can't believe I didn't find your channel sooner (but now I can binge watch??? and look forward to more vids). I'm actually about to teach in Japan kinda soon, so this was all SUUPER helpful. I'll definitely be taking your advice on jiko shoukai!

[@noodlepotato132]

Rock solid work! Honestly always enjoy your videos! Keep up the good work :)

[@ssjwes]

Your videos are great! I don't even want to teach in Japan but I still watch these videos. Love your humor, keeps me laughing.

[@binchyaube7885]

Very useful, thanks

[@Dragonsantos]

😊 I'll keep these in mind, thx for the heads up.

[@n1ira]

I'm going to Japan for a year to study and live with a host family. This video helped a lot. Thanks!

[@stargirl7646]

Thank you for the advice!

[@maiwei]

Thanks for the videos. I got a job offer with ECC starting June 7 and am super stoked to see how my adventure turns out.

[@sgtsalazar9757]

Great video Chris. I'm glad that i just saw in the comments that you are not planning to leave. I love your entertaining videos about japan, so keep on making them ! :)

[@mikleman996]

so next time im doing business in Tokyo, eveytime they ask me a question im going to wave my arms and shout JANKEN!!!

[@vernekarakshay]

Your videos have always been entertaining and inspiring .. Keep up the good work :)

[@pehodimitrov9836]

Thank you for this video!

[@cherriedpie]

Love your sense of humour!

[@pozzo6828]

So, now comes the travel vlog genre. Excited! Gimme.

[@frozezone9]

Each video I'm reminded why this is my favorite youtube channel.

[@andreas4694]

Another awesome delivery Chris! Glad to hear you will be continuing with youtube even after you finish your teaching contract! I have always wanted to visit Japan and your videos have motivated me to get of my arse and go! Going in October to Tokyo with a couple of friends (one of whom is thinking of applying for the Jet program!) and I was wondering if you could divulge your knowledge on how to survive in Tokyo as a tourist...any helpful apps we should download prior to our arrival? any tourist attractions we should avoid? Is public wifi commonplace or will we be relying on 3G to translate/navigate/book/communicate (and in the process, go broke due to roaming charges)? Once again thank you for your videos, they have been a massive source of entertainment since this channel's inception. Take care!

[@starr99]

Fun, funny & informative, thanks!

[@bulblast89]

I liked how you talked a little bit about the pros and cons to language immersion. Thats always something that kind of frightened me.

[@TheNaoiko]

The subtitles on this one are...amazing.

[@Oisilky]

Your channel in particular has made me want to teach English in Japan, so in like two years maybe I'll start a KZbin channel like everyone else about my experiences in Japan.

[@archieologic]

Thanks for the tips!im moving to Gifu in august. Good to know this.

[@Wdcrabby]

very insightful

[@Pachuquismo]

yes! finally! a video from my favorite youtuber.

[@BigTonyPhoenix]

I am really considering teaching English in Japan thanks to you!

[@sadam666666]

Thank you Chris!

[@zgravity00]

"Rewarding... innit" Love that!

[@johnfire100]

i really like these, its fun watching your videos. interesting to compare what your life is like to mine in Germany

[@HabenAmbessa]

great advice! I plan on becoming an ALT there so this was very useful and funny as usual :)

[@Pogue4]

Really enjoy your Vids...

[@ninjajake1225]

As an aspiring JET, I look forward to the opportunities AND the challenges! While I love Japan and would love to live there, one of my biggest reasons for pursuing it is to gain experience and confidence in speaking, writing, organizing, etc etc as well as improving my social circle and become more outspoken. The beer's on me Chris if we ever randomly meet in an Izakaya!

[@DaveTrippin]

solid advice

[@stressfree13]

Hahaha the bit about the compliments was so funny. I always look forward to your videos. Excellent stuff here my friend.

[@AlyssaTaylor9]

Been watching you for a while and have thoroughly enjoyed every second. Best of luck in your future endeavors! But also, I'd really like to teach English there after I get my degree, however I'm fairly nervous about passing the whole application process. Could you make a video with tips on how to actually land a teaching job in Japan?

[@_FabulousNat]

I always enjoy your videos! I believe that your tips can be applied to Korea as well. I've realized so many similarities between your experience in Japan and mine in Korea....Especially the Rock Paper Scissors....here its called "Kai Bai BO" and its used for EVERYTHING!!

[@gaijinhakase1575]

Great video! Good advice, and funny as always :-D Can't wait to see what videos you'll give us next, and good luck on your next venture! Don't forget, we need to meet up for drinks after I get settled in Tokyo next month~ (I'll send you an email or something later this year to see what you're up to). Cheers from USA

[@queencelestyna]

As to janken, even my university students do it. When I put them into groups, and especially if they have to decide who will speak first in a group activity, that's how they decide teams and who will speak first. I've just learned to build time for that into my lessons.

[@punkthatissmart]

Great video

[@lm3755]

Oh my god Chris, you are the most hilarious youtuber ever. I really love your videos and I wanted to say that even if you don't teach in Japan anymore, please keep on making videos. Even if the channel's name "abroad in Japan" becomes akwardly misguiding with time, just please make more of these brilliant videos. Your sense of humor, and how you express it through videos is just so brilliant. Like, I could go on all day about how awsome this channel is.

[@sophiadittmar1505]

LOL I love your videos. Very helpful too

[@celticcultess5919]

Holy wow!! this is Brill!!! I've now been working as an ALT in japan for 6 mounths, snd i can relate to this sooo well... especially Janken- (people Janken is LAW!!. also im just about to begin binge learning japanese as im craving the "A whole new wooorld" *who read this as alladin ;) * experience. Wish me luck man and Thanks! - Alt in Okinawa.

[@neuromono]

I'll definitely want to teach abroad in Japan, it sound quite fun and rewarding.

[@JessieCarty]

Great tips for anyone teaching anywhere really. :)

[@RogrM6]

janken! love it. Can I super like this? this was a perfect overview.

[@jelle-japaneseandenglishla2500]

Hello!Thank you for introducing "italki".

[@Txmj122]

Finally a new video! It's been so long

[@AnkaBananka111]

The compliment part is so true! I was complimented by the cashier in Mc'donalds for pointing at what I want and saying "kore wa onegaishimasu".

[@polinh1]

Hi Chris! I am a follower of the video. Great videos(full of humour) XD:) Idea for the next video: What my next occupation entailed etc. I am also quite curious about japan movie theatres. Would you mind showing them? Thanks

[@TehWilko]

Please make more frequent videos!!!

[@ninaquas_7401]

I hope you don't stop making videos even if you leave Japan, Youre like the funniest youtuber everrr!

[@jtgonzales-ri8yh]

Are you still going to uplopad the UK trip?

[@purplechickon]

Those chopstick skills! That part had me rollin. Haha. Can't wait to see your next adventure!

[@kynnykokoro2080]

Aaaa!!!! I've been waiting for another video.

[@FFfan5]

that voldemort close up makes me laugh everytime. love this video

[@Andreew656]

Your videos are funny as hell. I thought I was a funny guy until I discovered your channel. Now i mostly feel my humor is shit, thanks for that ! I really needed to feel insecure about myself

[@BigHeroSixy]

Love the channel dude. Watched the majority of your videos over the last few days as I'm currently a teacher in the U.S. looking to do JET. Rapport was always a big deal for me in my classes so I'm glad you mentioned it. What do you do now unless that's too personal so that you are able to stay in Japan?

[@kjell3198]

"Probably the best job in the world... After fried chicken inspector" Hahahah

[@egofluff8897]

2021 guy here: awesome video as always

[@DarkEpicPheonix]

Chris - I'm not sure exactly what it is, the mostly-dead pan deliveries, the dryness, or the way you speak with the mouth like pitbull - but I fucking love your sense of humor.

[@blankfoot2010]

That was a good video.

[@kricku]

100 000 people?! Rural town?! GODDAMNIT!

[@ImonacloudYGO]

i would love to see a video that touches more onto the entertainment side f japan. television, movie theatres and plays/operas , etc... also i would love to hear about akihabara!!!!