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Hey folks,

So in this week's vlog I touch on the world of Jvlogging, the ongoing North Korea saga I find myself caught up in, this month's upcoming videos including Natsuki the movie, two unpleasant stories, and cats and Ed Sheeran.

All the people, place and things I mentioned can be here:


Jvloggers Mentioned
→ Joey (Anime Man):https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAn1meMan

→ Emma (Tokidoki traveller): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAKZ2vtm_-hfqeCGTNNbZqA

→ Angela (InternationallyMe):  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_yDyDfu1bpqDNxeobW02Q

Books Mentioned
→ People Who Eat Darkness: http://amzn.to/2wWPWhz

→ Ghosts of the Tsuami: http://amzn.to/2wWTYWS
 
Cat Video

→ Watch it before it gets pulled for copyright infringement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvELIshLFQo

And don't forget to leave your opinions and comments below (particularly on whether I should make the North Korean video)!

Files

Previews only

Jvloggers, North Korea, Ed Sheeran & Cats | Patreon Vlog

This week's news round up from the Abroad in Japan channel.

Comments

Anonymous

I don't think you have to blame your own video for cancelling tourism. The western media is doing a good enough job on it's own lol

Anonymous

This extra "vlogg" is a nice extra perk! And love that it is not soo " vloggy" :) North Korea, well as a Swede i have to say that we get to read and hear about it every day already. Well sure it is from a different perspective coming from some one living in japan . I would watch it ofc but if it is postponing other stuff , i would say go for the other stuff. Great work any way!

Anonymous

It was worth staying up since yesterday to finally see the weekly vlog! Your kitchen looks larger than what would be inside a normal small apartment. Do people in japan drink milk normally?

Anonymous

This was a great vlog :) I agree that you shouldn't feel bad for people deciding to not go to japan.. your video raised attention to the north korea situation; however it's not like you're the one launching the missiles :P Although; it may be worth settling people's fears .. cause i remember not wanting to go to japan in anyway when i was a kid; fearful of earthquakes, volcanoes and all that .. and then your videos showed that actually japan is quite normal! but yeah , i'd say.. make the video.. keep it casual to a degree but not sarcastic on this one occasion (well maybe at the end haha) ;) and keep it short, but i think it'll lye the situation to rest :)

Ben C Brown

You should make an advert parodying the best crazy Japanese advert you've seen! Also as a possible answer to your concerns about a video on Korea, maybe you can make a really quick video, just you talking to the camera fairly earnestly and put it out as a bonus video so you don't need to worry about it detracting from your usual routine or doing the topic a disservice by trying to give it the same casual and funny tone as most of your content. Loving the vlogs Chris! :)

Anonymous

Hey Chris, On the NK video thing, colaborate with Sharla, her (soon to be) husband is South Korean, they made a boarder video not to long ago. Would be interested to get a western view and an South Korean view on the topic. You could have Sharla prepare questions for you both and you both answer and debate a bit maybe?

Anonymous

hi Chris, just wanted to share my opinion for the NK video. I don't think you need to make a new one as your "raw" impression was for me the thing that's made it unique and " shocking" wich make it buzz i guess ? but if you really want to make a video i'd prefer a sarcastic one . I'd rather laugh than cry ;) maybe you could upload it on abroad perspective if you don't want to have twice the same subject on your main channel ? cheers from France :) ps:love your videos keep it going

Anonymous

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein is another great but grim book. It deals a lot with the Yakuza and the events near the end of it left me fuming.

Anonymous

Great vlog, Chris. I think you should do a casual follow up to the NK thing given the circumstances. I wouldn't worry about overdoing the seriousness though. Just speak your mind :-) On a completely unrelated note, did you have any advice on accommodation for a family holiday? We have about 6 adults and one 3 year old going to Japan in 2020 (I know, ages away) and I'm thinking that Airbnb or something would generally be the cheapest yet not completely shit way to go. Have you got any thoughts you could add, please? Thanks!

Bee Sanz

Hey Chis! I was looking for something good to read and I think I will go for People Who Eat Darkness. (I love reading). I think you should do the follow up video about Korea/Japan. In my opinion, I think you could be just yourself, nothing too sarcastic, just honest and calm. As you said it;s a serious topic. (Only my opinion)

Chantal Ward

About to the North Korea video... because you said you're the sort of person who doesn't like to drag out a matter, I think you SHOULD do the video. Think about it; it will be a nice closer to this madness, where you address the issue of some people's anxieties (I mean it's dangerous anywhere you go in the world, just in a different way) and simultaneously put the matter to bed. I think the tone should be serious, as well. If you're sarcastic, it actually might drag it out even further with more backlash. I think we can all agree that it would be nice to make a clean break, close the book on the whole thing, and move on. Maybe in the video you can explain to people who have seen the other one that that's your style and you're not a prick. It could seem a little like backpedaling, but it could also clear up the misunderstanding if done right (and I don't think you're the type of guy to pander to the crowds, so it will probably be done right).

Chantal Ward

Aside from all that, loved the vlog as usual. I'm worried about you not giving up coffee, though. It's your life and your decision, but you did say it was for health reasons, so I just hope you'll be alright. And take all the time you need on the Natsuki movie. So long as it gets finished and it's something you can feel proud about with no regrets, that's all that matters. :)

botchpro

I definitely would like a follow-up to your NK video. I also find it amusing how you introduced TheAn1meMan (takes swing, you suck Anime Man). Great video as always, Chris!

Anonymous

Well, I think most of us can relate to the lackluster experience of not growing up to be a buccaneer. At least you're not chained to a cubicle, right? ^_^ Natsuki: The Movie looks so promising! We all appreciate his "aura of golden diamonds," but he obviously can't be a ball of sunshine all the time. Learning about other aspects of someone's life--the difficult, or simply the mundane--adds a beauty to their story, and helps you to appreciate them even more. As his friend, I'm sure you'll do him justice by balancing the humor with everything else.

Sean W Gumm

Always speak your mind the way you want to. That's why your fans presumably love your videos. I enjoy your sarcastic wit. You could be a little serious, but then be done with it.

Anonymous

As for North Korea, if you do decide to make a video, in my humble opinion, it might be in your best interest to show some version of the Chris we get to see here. I don't think you should try to pander to every whiny person on the Internet; as you've already figured out, you need to be true to your voice to stay motivated and make content that you feel is genuine--which makes it worth watching, too. And clearly, people who watch your channel regularly will understand your humor. However, as you mentioned, this is a delicate topic. Sitting down to have a virtual discussion versus capturing your honest reaction in the moment perhaps calls for a different tone. This would have potential to attract a lot of views from people who have no idea what you put on your channel or what your personality is like--nor will they care to find out. Hate comments are just part of YouTube, of course. But, it seems like it might not be worth the effort to get the ball rolling again on this topic if you run the risk of triggering a lot of knee-jerk reactions, when your goal is to reassure viewers and make a point. Not that you'd have to be some stiff anchorman that you aren't, but, you know. Anyway, sorry for the long post. Just my two cents. Good luck in making your decision and looking forward to your next content!

Leo

I think a quick NK video would be good to convey that things are fine. Perhaps instead of serious or sarcastic you could just go for lighthearted? Or perhaps you're the wrong person to convey this message. What about interviewing some people who've lived their whole lives in Japan and therefore have spent it in the shadow of the North Korea situation? Either some of your friends we already know, or some local people about town that you could subtitle for your viewers. It sounds like they don't feel any more threatened by NK now than they have the rest of their lives, and that would be a powerful message -- and one that also might get a lot of attention!

Yang

As for the T-shirt promo (looking forward to getting one myself!), I'd love to see your take on a weird Japanese TV commercial. It doesn't even have to be in English. Vague, I know - but I'd prefer to be surprised with what you come up with.

Anonymous

Yeah I think you should make a follow-up video to clarify that the situation in Japan isn't unsafe, short and sweet, and link it in a super obnoxious way on your original NK video, so that as many people as possible see it. Because most people who've seen it are not part of the typical audience and won't be going on other jvloggers' channels to get clarifications. But they'll probably remember you. Now that you say it, I can see how some people might've misunderstood and jumped to conclusions about the Japanese situation, even though it would've never crossed my mind in the first place.

Anonymous

Here's an idea... Instead of making your own vid about NK, just show your TV interview video. Much easier and you don't have to waste your energy and time repeating yourself.

Anonymous

Definitely do at least one more video on NK. It's an ongoing, current, and important issue. You can be your own sincere self, whether that means in a slightly pissed off, sarcastic mood (as you genuinely were in the first one), or in a heartfelt way, as it seems you'll be doing in the Natsuki movie. Particularly as everyone in the West is kind of freaking out, it'll be nice to get a perspective from Japan, and how the vibe is there.

Anonymous

About your merch, why not make the ad in a cheesy early 90s style? I thought it'd suit it (and you) well, and would probably appeal to the target audience, but then again maybe a greater style dissonance between the merch and the ad would be interesting (like the super-high-tech Apple style).

Anonymous

North Korea. Do it <3

Anonymous

Hey Chris! Regarding the NK video... well if you can provide us and your audience good informations about the situation and so on I would be glad to watch the video. But if you just repeat things I can find online as well... nahhh... then cut it out. But an other user wrote you can post the interview. This might me a really good idea to focus on other videos.

Laura Beaumont

Seeing Natsuki's cat wearing a slightly ill fitting sweater made me smile. Definitely don't feel rushed over the movie!! Take your time and make it how you see fit. We're all going to love it, I just know. 😃 Also can't wait for the merchandise! My work bonus and birthday are coming up so I know what I'm splurging on. 👍

Anonymous

I think a video on the North Korea situation could be really interesting and informative, particularly to gain insight into how Japan and the inhabitants reacted and how everything feels now. But I do imagine it would be quite a serious video, and challenging to get the balance right in terms of tone. Thanks again for the great content, excited to see everything you've got in the works, particularly the Natsuki movie!

Anonymous

I can't believe that while I actually already 'Exceed the Sky of Time', I just increased my commitment by 50%! Wowsers!! I just post this here to annoy you with the term "Wowsers!!" actually... - I am sure, ahem, that you appreciate that. ;) On the topic though, I think that I would enjoy another video on the North Korea situation. I don't have the insight into the situation over there here in Germany, so a bit of insight into how this feels for you (and everyone else) would be interesting. Though generally, I think this is tricky. You don't want to become the 'North Korea Guy'. I realize this got a lot of attention, and a follow up would definitely be interesting... But how much do you want to go into something that will fade (as I hope it will!!), in comparison to engaging on the myriads of other things that are interesting about Japan? Ok, I understand I just reflect your yes-or-no here, so I say: Do one really good follow up, and then be done with it! If it doesn't turn out to be be good, skip it! Super great advice, I know, since that is what you always do anyways... ;-)

Anonymous

I'm glad to hear about the tone shift for Natsuki the Movie. I'm looking forward to it even more, especially since 山形and東北 in general are so far off of most people's radar. As for a NK video, you don't owe anyone any further explanation, so if you are hesitant then don't. But if it's something you want to do then do it.

Rick Ole

I think a nk video is a good idea, help Americans understand that any trump military action will likely result in millions of Asian deaths, a truly moronic idea!,

Anonymous

I think if you made a video about korea, it would attract some un needed or un wanted attention.

Anonymous

NK. Because there are bears in the woods... And a fat Un in Pyongyang ... And a stupid, random missile flying over Oomori.... And a dragon in Tokyo...

Anonymous

we need a t shirt saying: Baah to stupid random missiles -- Back to sleep!

Anonymous

Hey mate, I reckon a 'follow-up' video - though it wouldn't really be that - on the North Korea thing is a worthy topic for a video. Though, as you've suggested, it might be better to do it straight faced and pretty matter-of-fact, just to get the word out that Japan is unlikely to end tomorrow, and also ensure you don't offend any more first-time viewers - cos you'll have plenty more of those for such a video. It would probably give you a nice forum too to moderate some of the negative reaction that you got from the first video from peeps who aren't familiar with your style. I know you like to move on from a topic quickly but, in fairness, you haven't really dealt with this one, yet :P Thanks so much for your awesome work! Enjoying the vlogs!!

Anonymous

I really enjoyed watching this vlog! The fact that you put so much effort and enthusiasm into these videos that are only for us is amazing, and it is really nice to see this slightly different side of you. Keep making things like a magic!

Zack Cain

Chris, it might be a unique position you're in to interview Japanese people on what they think about the North Korea situation. So video would be your explanation, funny shit, interviewing japanese people. That'd be great :)

JBS

Considering NK said they would "sink Japan" and "reduce the USA to ash" I'd suggest making a serious video on the NK situation in Japan and why we shouldn't keep us from visiting.

JBS

Sharla's husband is rather averse to being on camera, so I don't know how well that would work.

JBS

2020? For the Olympics? That's going to drive up prices significantly more than usual.

JBS

As for Natsuki the Movie, take as much time as you need. He is a very important person to you, and I know you want to do him justice.

Anonymous

In many ways we don't really know Natsuki at all so I can see why you would want to do him justice. No rush mate; it'll be worth the wait I'm sure!

Anonymous

North Korea: well you know how the media works for sure... I think a follow up would be a good idea, at least to help folks feel less spooked at the prospect of travelling there. I intend to set foot in Japan for the first time next February for a winter wildlife trip (plus cultural introduction), and it is in the back of my mind, even if it doesn't necessarily impel me to cancel my plans; unless of course an actual bloody nuclear war seems imminent...

Anonymous

Advert Idea: How about a rip off of that hellbent irritating Karlie Kloss website builder that reminds me why I don't get any web dev work anymore... "Hey guys, I'm Karlie Toss and I just built my own website"

Anonymous

I think a follow up is a good idea. No matter what you decide, remember that people stick around because of YOU. Not because you can do things for people, or make them feel good about life; it's literally because we are YOUR fans. Just be yourself, trust your heart, and the new subscribers will fall in rank.

JBS

The media is going to latch onto the North Korea sensationalism, as apparently they launched another missile over Japan. I'm supposed to visit Japan next spring, and every incident makes me temporarily nervous about my trip. I'm certainly reassured to see most J-vloggers (I cringed too just typing that) carrying on with their day to day lives and not panicking or making plans to return to their countries of origin.

Anonymous

I hoped to run into you the two weeks I was in Japan this year. Would loved to say hello and fangirl a bit :) looking forward to the merchandise shop. To late to say anything about a follow up. I liked your first video about it, with your usual sarcasm but I was afraid to hear the news today :/ I would be interested in the thoughts of people living in Japan, just like you.

Sophie Counsil

Now that you have brought up more of your thoughts on how you want to present Natsuki The Movie, I honestly want to watch it more. You have been my favorite YouTube channel for years, and your humor has a lot to do with it. But the information you also get across with that humor plays a huge part of it. I am really excited to see a full documentary done by you.

Anonymous

What were the events that caused the Jvlogger community to implode? Someone please enlighten me!

Alexander

I think we need another content megapost :)

Yovanny Montelongo

For the merch commercial, the old vhs style you went with on the akihabara video would get me the merch a lot sooner than i expected to, and i was already planning on getting some really early.

Anonymous

I think you should make the north korea video information is always better then none. Maybe do both the sarcasm and real time things but underline the real more maybe? Plus Id like to hear your opinion tbh

Anonymous

Thanks for the book recommendations. Have you read 'Tokyo Vice'? Also, when will the video about the best views in Tokyo be released?

fixxnfoxy

I could be wrong but I suspect he's referencing the kanadajin3 drama involving sockpuppets. Basically a jvlogger was friends with a bunch of other jvloggers and was making sockpuppet accounts to talk shit and potentially harm their ability to make a living from youtube.

Anonymous

Aussie, Aussie, Kiwi... Are we forming The Commonwealth Japan Vlog Squad?