Why I AVOID Eating 7-Eleven Onigiri Rice Balls 🍙 |

From the safety of a London studio, Chris tells Pete why 7-Eleven Onigiri Rice Balls are best avoided.
Feat. ‪@AbroadinJapan‬
[e-mail] for all your messages - and remember you can listen to the show in audio form wherever you get your podcasts - shows.acast.co...

[@ja_u]

20:15 is where the rice balls are talked about

[@shoiku4734]

Thank you.

[@killean2645]

I usually listen to the podcast on my way to work, so unfortunately I can't give these new videos the watchtime they deserve, but I have to say, having a comment section to read other's thoughts on it is a really welcome change. It's something I thoroughly missed in the past hundreds of episodes.

[@CamiloMacaya]

Same, I´ve been giving them a watch after hearing them on my commute, just to see if there is anything worth seeing. But it´s a lot more passive when experiencing it a second time. I´m more focused hearing it on the road, the first time.

[@RandomGeko]

Fun fact: you just learned about Japan from guys that were not in Japan at the time of recording! This is indeed is the best podcast to learn about Japan without being there 🎉❤

[@Frequencydead]

the reason why spherical ice is preferred for spirit forward drinks like whiskey on the rocks or an old-fashioned etc etc is because spherical ice has less surface area in contact with the drink compared to a cube of the same mass thus melting slower and keeping the drink chilled and less diluted for a longer period of time then with a cube of the same mass

[@rosscalhoun3389]

A chronicle of a ton of different summer festivals sounds really interesting. I'd love a video like that.

[@Flowergardengirls]

Not sure if it’s because you’re in the same room together or just by chance, but the laughs and energy in this episode are great!!

[@CromwellDify]

This energy is awesome. However the contact shifting of cameras is giving me a headache. Maybe it's just me. Any chance it can just be side by side?

[@Deadbeatcow]

​@@CromwellDifyI think it's automatic

[@ClumsyHumane]

Been listening for like 2.5 years now, I plan to mainly still listen to audio but it is kinda nice to see a video version of the podcast every now and then

[@sirBrouwer]

I also keep to the audio version. I only come to the video just to see them in the room. for me a podcast should work pure audio based.

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

I just come here to drop my mandatory comment.

[@brewstergallery]

I just love being able to see you guys as well as listen. It was a great idea.

[@seagrid888]

Hi Chris, it's really nice to see your faces in these podcasts! Although I think I'd prefer to see both of you in the same frame, instead of the camera switching back and forth. Cause, podcast is a form of where you guys have a conversation, rather than an interview or any other video. I think it would be easier as well on the editing side, just put both camera perspective side by side for the entire episode, and just put necessary photos/images that you guys are talking about. Please give it a thought!

[@ryutak777]

You're welcome. I've been enjoying the podcast so thank you

[@tioalberto9365]

Recently put a TV in my garage gym, seeing you handsome boys gives me strength 💪

[@TwodeeTwodimensional]

The people who get the breastfeeding version of the book are truly blessed.

[@madsct]

Wishing for a sequel, relating more stories, whimsical or feel-good or cautionary tales, from your time in Japan - friends, travel, business, love it all

[@mixhael9670]

At the Piccadilly book signing I told you about a train through a mountain gorge in Kyoto! It’s called the Sagano scenic train , you wanted me to msg you that haha

[@XzadforSpacefox]

I love this on in the background and still listen to the Pod in the car

[@terryloveuk]

Chris Should have got Conner with his best VA voice to read his book for the audio book version 🤣

[@paularamos15]

Congratulations Chris! Greetings from me and my mom from Uruguay! We all love you here, I hope the signing goes well!

[@Art3mis1990]

My Review of the Book (almost no spoilers) As a long-time viewer of the channel and occasional Patreon supporter, it was obvious that this book was Chris's product, and I found myself listening to his voice in my head as I read the book. Many stories have been mentioned in videos here and there on his channel and on Patreon, but the book fleshes them out beautifully, providing context, and the fact that while reading the book I could visualize what he was writing about thanks to various clips from his videos made the book even more enjoyable. It may be because I've rewatched most videos on his channel more than 5 times each, and a lot of the patron community live streams, but sometimes I found myself wanting the ratio of told vs untold stories to be a little more towards the latter. If you are a long-time viewer, there are still many stories in the book that you haven't heard of, and the ones that you have are given more life and introspection than in the KZbin videos, so it is definitely worth reading. This is a nostalgic book that makes you feel nostalgia for an experience you didn't have, and I found myself tearing up at the airport scene in Sakata. My only hope is that the later years in Chris's life in Japan, which don't feature much in the book, have not been less enjoyable due to the increasing success of his hobby turning into a full-time job. The only thing I would have liked to see added, would be a couple more chapters regarding the more recent years of his life, and get a little more than the big events that I had already heard about on KZbin (e.g., the earthquake, Hyde, and Ken Watanabe). Whether talking about potential shifts in his mindset and purpose, or just smaller recent stories, it would have been a very welcome addition. But I am just a greedy fan that finished the book in two days, a book that I never wanted to end. Thank you for the incredible experience, Chris, I will come back to this book regularly in the future, whenever I need a reminder to escape my daily routine and do something different. I absolutely recommend reading this book not only to fans of the Abroad in Japan channel, but also to people who want to get an idea of what the JET programme is like, what rural life in Japan is like for a foreigner, and most importantly to anyone who hesitates to take on a big adventure. While reading, I was ready for my next adventure, and it prompted me to reflect on what the big moments have been in my own life. It also made me leave my house on a Sunday morning and take the train to a nearby town just to have coffee by the sea, finish the book there, and get a sense of adventure before the weekly routine rolls in tomorrow.

[@uss_04]

Cant always watch your guys videos but always catch the podcasts during my drive. Keep up the good work

[@oskar4437]

love this podcast, particularly the frequency, in fact i could even go for 3 a week

[@DEVangelis27]

Absolutely love the podcast, I’ve been listening for years. Have you ever considered doing an audio only version of the podcast??

[@Journey22405]

thing with chris's book is ive watched him so much that i can read it in his voice and mannerisms and i think its quite accurate too.

[@tylermcwethy1813]

Need a copy of Abreast in japan

[@neko_dango]

Would absolutely love to watch a series on festivals Chris

[@Empieye]

Just in time for AbroadinUK and almost in time for PeteInJapan!

[@sirBrouwer]

now to get Pete and Pete 2 doing a podcast together. (let's call it; 2 P.s in a pod) or something cheesy.

[@Iliketoeatallday]

Chris should legit let pete wander free for a video on his channel. Pete alone in Japan

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

IReviewsPlanesNow- Japan Airlines.

[@アレックスの部屋-s9h]

speaking of food in izakaya.. I remember my first parttime job in an izakaya I quit after a week without getting paiyed. they literaly had droped food and put in up (3 seconds rool) from the dirty flor and served it.. I hated that job

[@theautumnheat]

Pete's weed face and Chris's singing face are the real selling points of the podcast being on YT now

[@douglaspike5234]

I'm pretty excited for the book. I haven't bought a physical copy yet, but i have pre-ordered the audiobook. 😀

[@silverian]

Good to see Pete and Chris in the same studio! Congrats for Chris as Book got listed as number one.

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

Dear Curvy Chris and Pointy Pete, Although you still haven't officially lifted the 'bear ban' that Chris previously imposed, with the news of Cockroach flavoured onigiri and the story of Lucy the Piñacolada girl, this episode, as always, has been thoroughly entertaining and profoundly informative. And don't worry Pete, the football ramble is just as much of a riveting book as AIJ even though it is not a Sunday Times best-selling work. Thanking you, Sayantan.

[@VanillaCoke1956]

On the topic of rats in Japan (or just in general): in any big city, you can pretty much expect rats either in supermarkets or around restaurants. You may not see them, but they are there. Anything food-related in a huge city will attract them. Take a walk through 3-chome in Shinjuku at like 12 to 1am and you will find yourself a lot of rat friends!

[@VainSick]

I will take rats over roaches everywhere, call me the pied piper.

[@slickzilla12]

Best thing about listening to the pod for awhile is learning who the random lad is that showed up in a few vids and how wonderful his understanding of the world is. JP slander is always appreciated

[@peter.24.7]

I keep looking for your book here in Australian bookstores. It is sold out everywhere I look, Nicely done.

[@auscreeperco_7984]

I got my book from Dymocks Brisbane City :)

[@miikkapulli]

Peacock Pete has one amazing jersey on! I'm more into Sanfrecce Hiroshima but Shimizu S-Pulse has a little spot in my otherwise purple heart. These podcasts are a lifesaver. I love to put this on the background and listen lads talking this and that. Keep up the good work!

[@broisbored]

New studio looks amazing

[@AndyLifeInVideo]

I've been living in Japan for nearly 4 years now and I'm not a city person either. Which is why I'm gonna be moving to the beach!

[@argo12]

I died laughing when Chris was talking about the cockroach following him and Pete does the "Are you KZbinr?" voice, LOL! Great podcast/video guys! Nice to see you were able to get together before Pete's trip to Japan.

[@alb1461]

currently reading your book, i like the way you write. Witty and insightful.

[@CoalMnrsDotr]

I'm so excited to actually see Pete! I listen in the shower and while i get ready for my day. Congratulations guys.

[@Big-Wonka]

Do you get more money if I watch here or listen on Spotify? I've listened for like 4 years, but I'll watch here instead if you get a little extra cheddar.

[@excitedbag3852]

Think they get more on here per view but it’s interesting listening to one and watching the other I have to admit

[@Big-Wonka]

​@@excitedbag3852Spotify is good for when I'm driving. But hanging out at home I like it here.

[@noobregular2640]

Just watch on both ❤

[@Fattipotato79]

​@@noobregular2640💀

[@arunshankar6693]

​@@excitedbag3852getting both to sync will be hard, won't it?

[@rachelruthfrankle3905]

Looking forward for the audiobook and hope you enjoy your time back in the UK

[@hunkyiankoh]

Thanks for the quick upload time! I don't much listen to the video version because it's uploaded 2 days later but now I have no excuse

[@searlecom1]

Festivals, you missed the famous Kanamara Matsuri Festival in Kawasaki, "Festival of the Steel Phallus"!

[@fly33boxer]

Love these podcasts, this is my source of the news.

[@hansreinhart1637]

This video pops up 3 days before I go to Japan the topic seems interesting😄

[@natalian.1320]

Next book: "The next 10 years in Japan" 😄😉😃👍

[@kookurikapooh]

How peripatetic of Mr. Affable to be back home with Pete for this podcast.

[@ThorPalsson]

Absolutly love this podcast These guys will keep it going till 2042

[@CheshireCrab]

What...What's going to happen in 2042?

[@ThorPalsson]

technological singularity - We all become cyborgs@@CheshireCrab

[@ItsBAndBees]

Speaking of festivals, I would LOVE to see if Chris can find a town that does the new years Namahage tradition!! I love it, we did a little version of our own to scare our kids into behaving for the upcoming year and honestly way better results than Santa 👀

[@ItsBAndBees]

Dear Chris, thank you for your continued normalizing and educating on breastfeeding. Your mum friends appreciate you 👍

[@stevenwhoward87]

The rice ball story is horrifying. When we were in Tokyo in 2017 my wife and I stayed at the Tokyo Grand Hotel and every morning, before taking the train to our destination for each day we'd stop by 7-Eleven, get an Onigiri Rice Ball and coffee in one of those pre-packaged cups or from the outside vending machine (I've scoured many US Asian markets to no avail to get the same milk-coffee they had there). Now we have a kit and occasionally make them ourselves at home which honestly- if done right- is just the same if not better. What is one Japanese food you've found yourself, if any, enjoying more homemade (including by friends as we're all aware of your cooking skills Chris haha) than food from a store or restaurant? A stand out for us has been okonomiyaki- I know there are great spots to have it in Tokyo, but we unfortunately didn't enjoy that as much as having it made by friends and ourselves.

[@jenniferdhingra2813]

The speakeasy is called Bar Nayuta! Bit difficult to find even with google maps, but the drinks are banging! 🍹🍸

[@TlatoaniItzcoatl]

The video version audio is good. On the audio version for this episode Chris’s mic sounded like his levels were turned all the way up.

[@Mygel2]

Sounds like Bar Nayuta ...... visited it in March '23 and it was bloody brilliant. Tell them what spirits and flavours you like and they whip up a fabulous cocktail. A great experience, highly recommended. Loved the onigiri's .... would 'risk it for a biscuit' even after the cockroach story 😂 Love the podcast chaps xxx

[@TeiuExploreJapan]

I always wanted to eat those 1kg Onigiri. Now, I'll think twice. 😅 Thanks for the great content, wish you the very best!

[@fischmanno]

Congratulations on the book. You're an inspiration to all.

[@alexschwalbach8229]

Pre ordered the audio book weeks ago... no pressure Chris!

[@kito-]

One week till the book signing in Nottingham

[@Polkaknot]

If you can't write a sequel Chris, you could always try your hand at fiction. Maybe a story about a girl living in her auntie and uncles attic, where a strange man turns up saying she is an alien or something.

[@Laura_Darkspear]

It’s funny, after all these years of listening to the podcast through the podcast app I always thought it would be awesome to see a live video recording… and it is! The funny part is I still usually listen at bedtime with the phone face down on the side table while the video plays. 😅 Still love the option of watching the antics.

[@slmsmanutd]

I remember the first time I saw Pete in a video after listening to the podcast for awhile. He turned out to look exactly like how I imagined!!! 😊

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Finding something seriously wrong with Japanese food is VERY unusual. The image of Chris peering through a door peephole at a cockroach waiting outside for him is HILARIOUS.....

[@vspence2]

I love that my favorite mixed drink is the same as Chris’s: Moscow mule. You can’t go wrong with ginger beer, lime and vodka. And I love the copper mug it’s usually served in. If you’ve never had one, I highly recommend giving it a try.

[@alaner1383]

I'm opening the package the book arrived in as I'm listening to this, cheers lads.

[@portland-182]

Now the book is a success, and you are not keen doing another one, take the lazy route and do a redux version with a photo insert, and perhaps a sticker on the front 'Soon to be a Major Motion Picture'. The obvious one is Chris Broad's Travel Guide to Japan, where you adapt your existing research from your KZbin channel

[@sabsy3892]

IMO: If in doubt order an Gin&tonic

[@PatPat0512]

It's nice (and kinda weird) to finally see the video version, after listening to the podcast for like 2 years.

[@prancingppony]

Pete pretending to be the cockroach "are you youtuber?" Made me die laughing 😂

[@thelostmessenger]

22:29 X D

[@zoltan_nikon]

A couple of years ago I found a worm inside of a chocolate packaging. Yummy...

[@AroundWayOther]

literally just finished the prev ep naisu

[@Brummieboy]

Pete broke the Stevie Ray golden rule , no liquids in the podcast studio 😂

[@davidwatson22]

Well done on the book sales Chris'

[@sonic6020]

What a beautiful S-Pulse shirt. Amazing

[@osakaboyy]

When's the book coming out in Canada?

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Cockroaches - Lived in southern Japan in the 80s, and cockroaches were plentiful. Perhaps in the northern areas they are less common.

[@falxyevingod5052]

xD damn nice show

[@bucksdiaryfan]

I love how British people ask you to confirm what they just said -- "Its a bloody good book, isn't it?" "There's nothing more to write, is there?"

[@edwardfletcher7790]

"And that's why you should always travel with a pineapple🍍".... LMAO

[@CamiloMacaya]

OK, very worth it seeing Pete´s face when speaking about weed xD This makes the Podcast Videos worth it 🙌

[@senrioflove]

Pete sounded like he was going to say "you can't eat rats" when Chris said he saw more rats than cockroaches in Japan and I had a weird thought train

[@texasburbs4380]

Congrats on the best-selling book!!!!

[@chongerwin]

Congratulations Chris!!

[@RealistReviewer]

Congrats to chapter title Mr Dick, Sunday times best selling author. 🥳

[@Grimlock-ry8fg]

Good to see Pete - one of them, anyway - back with Chris again!

[@shanidar]

I would like very much to see a series of Japanese festival videos.

[@theone1-hb7ku]

i want to see pete famous car

[@IH84reez]

Chris new book titty abroad : discovering breastfeeding around the world

[@ItsBAndBees]

The universe opened this door for him… he loves to travel and doesn’t know what to do as a sequel book… breastfeeding techniques and culture is in fact different all over the world and as an American woman that BF both my kids, I would unironically enjoy a book like that 😂

[@filipdulak]

I prepared something for you my Man. Can i send it to you somewhere?

[@georgebenta3435]

I have always wondered why Chris does not make videos about Japanese festivals.

[@DoublexCoke]

Great podcast, had a good chuckle with the shitting on weed, then going about fantastic cocktails for several minutes before news lol.

[@Mic_Mike]

I really liked the book. Can't wait for "20 years in the land of the rising sun". I'm in no hurry...

[@hueymcduck]

Love you guys. Awesome podcast.

[@Genyuro]

Ohh yeah? you read all your comments Chris? well, read THIS! D:

[@bucksdiaryfan]

I noticed his British accent got 30 times thicker with the home journey hahaha... cheers!

[@p4ttl344]

lmfao, I was reading the reviews and did see the "there's blood on my book!" review, didn't put me off I'll buy it lol

[@TheRealPaul_Morphy]

I hope you start writing a points list so you can start reaching the one hour, to one hour thirty minutes range. I think that's going to the biggest hurdle to overcome

[@TheRealPaul_Morphy]

Also don't fall into the trap of writing an itinerary for the entire podcast, that can kill the natural conversation angle of the podcast. Tangents are the breath of the podcast, but being able to continually talk about entertaining topics is what separates just-another-podcast from the this-is-something-special type of podcasts

[@SalsaKetchup]

All the talk of cocktails had me thinking 🧐 of a little bar in Shibuya that runs open mic nights (mainly rock) and they have a cocktail list that is all famous rock/punk ect musicians e.g. a Jimmie Hendrix is served in a manhatern glass and has a shimmering purple haze colour, where as a Jonny Rotton is in a plain tumbler looks vaguely gray/yellow but tasets strong and like Anarchy has been let loose 🤘

[@tobytroubs]

Loving the book so far

[@ordinaryguy9455]

And there I was, waiting for Barry Chopsticks to tweet about the vending machine in UK that never came. Now I know why.

[@n1hondude]

Chris, would you like to buy an AKIYA in Japan?