Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Patreon EXCLUSIVE Q&A - #AskAbroad - Send Me YOUR Questions (Patreon)

Published:
2023-10-20 13:20:03
Imported:
2026-06
haven't archived this post yet. have a subscription? use the importer!

Content

Hey guys!
Hope you've had a great week.

Every year we hold an exclusive Q&A just for the folks here on Patreon, and the time has finally come!

Send me your questions about anything; travel, Japanese, chicken, sausages, etc, and I’ll head to the Konbini, grab a large coffee and answer from the brand new studio in Tokyo.

Drop your questions on the comments bellow with #askabroad so I can find them and I'll be back next week in video form, with all the answers you could ever want.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

Chris

Files

Previews only

Comments

Daev Clysdale

アーユーユーチューバー？

LuisDudis

Do you have any plans to visit countries near Japan like in Southeast Asia?

Fiona C

Have you ever considered buying property in Japan? #AskAbroad

Anni S

what’s something you love about living in Tokyo that you didn’t expect before you moved? #askabroad

Amelia

Which season is the best to visit Japan during? #AskAbroad

Tom Barber

If you could recommend one bar in Tokyo which would it be? And the same for Osaka perhaps? Cheers! 🍻

David Parish
>>120241841

Haha! I can just about read kana and was slowly saying that out and finally got it 😂

Dimanor3

Have you ever wondered why Natsuki is better than you and why everyone thinks he should be given your undeserved channel? jk? #askabroad

Hunter D Spackman

As someone who is a JET in Aichi-ken, (the most boring prefecture in all of Japan), what is one underrated thing to do/experience in Aichi to anyone who travels here?

Jori Taina

What is the _SINGLE_ most expensive item you've purchased for your studio #askabroad

Marc

#askabroad I am planing to visit Tokyo for three weeks at the end of may next year. Are there events or festivals i should visit and what is the weather normally like around that time?

thomas maltby

Hey Chris, I'll be staying in Otsu for a couple of days in March. Is there anything in the area that I shouldn't miss out on while I'm there?

Camilla Fontana

Have you ever thought about setting up a show and doing a tour?

James

Are you concerned with the future of monetisation on YouTube? #askabroad

Questant

I'm thinking of cycling long distance in Japan next year, what's the best time of year to do it and is it easier to rent or buy a bike for that kind of trip? #askabroad

Matt

Thanks for all your hard work Chris! For a family's first time in Japan, apart from knowing basic phrases, what is the one (or several) thing/s that are essential to a successful and fulfilling trip? #AskAbroad

Lä.mp4

Where is the long awaited, highly anticipated 'taking it for garnted'!! #askabroad

Joseph Robinson

I’ve been enjoying the RV stream you joined the boys on recently! Are you and Connor planning to do anymore of those in the near future?

divineloss

Have you ever thought about doing a documentary style video on popular media places in Japan. Like places from video games/anime based on real places, maybe how good they look (replicated in media) and more of a history side. I've always liked those videos!

Liam Miles

Will you be doing a meet up in November in Tokyo at all? Would be cool to meet and have a beer with you and the gang if you're around! I'm there for my 30th birthday (arrive on 4th) #askabroad

Stefan

#askabroad how have typhoons affected daily life whenever they happen in Japan? do they? or do people just go on business as usual?

Yash Kapoor

What’s a place in Japan you are still confused about? Something that maybe you just can’t wrap your head around why it exists or how it exists?

Parker Brown

#askabroad How is the craft beer scene in Japan? In America we are spoiled for choice, so when I eventually make it there I would love to check out some smaller breweries!

Liam Miles

Where do you recommend for a good nomihoudai or tabehoudai in Tokyo? #askabroad

Amy W - UK

#askabroad Top 5 places to eat in Asakusa as a solo diner (for the people that hate eating alone in public) 🍣

Alexander Skogberg

Can we meet up in Tokyo on 25 – 28 October so you can sign your book for me? I’m finishing up my four week long trip then and I’ve had my copy of your book with me, all the way from Sweden :D #askabroad

Bent man 666

Have you or are you going to build a network? With all the cross over work you do with Conner and Pete and many others it seems like a good idea. This way you could all get merch and such under one home.

Daniel Horner

As someone looking to apply for the JET Programme, what preparation would you recommend beforehand? I was thinking of beginning to learn basic hiragana and katakana since it'll be a year before I apply. Also, is Sapporo a good city to put my "preference?" (Don't really want to live in Tokyo or major cities tbh) Thanks! #AskAbroad

Stephanie Letterson

Visit a Lawson's Natural now that you are in Tokyo. Pretend you have wheat/gluten allergy and show us what you would buy to a lunch. Maybe take Sharla with you for cooking advice ;).

Ilyas

#askabroad Outside of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, what places in Japan should a 2nd or 3rd time visitor go too?

Rachael Smith

#askabroad Hi Chris, aside from sleeping, what is the biggest stretch of time you go without doing something in some way related to your job? Is it hard for you and Sharla to refrain from “shop talk” out with work?

Chris Hunter

We'll be in Tokyo over Christmas and New year. What is your favourite thing to do there during the holiday season? #askabroad P.s. do you and Sharla fancy meeting up for a coffee with me and the wife whilst we're there? We met briefly at the Christmas event in London last year but had to rush off. Coffees are on us! Haha

TheRealGingerBoy

#askabroad Is there any good travel guides or programs you'd recommend to someone who wants to visit Japan? My goal is to take my girlfriend and I one day. Hope all is well Chris!

Mayank Dadheech

#askabroad which kitkat flavour best sums you up? And are I youtuber?

Davi Leichsenring

#askabroad where I can find a good authentic old style Japanese village?

Dorraj

#askabroad I am the worst at coming up with questions like this so here's what popped in my head: what have been some of the best date spots for you and Sharla? Fun bar times in Golden Gai? Or relaxing in the mountains in a tree house sipping coffee? (or hanging out at Natsuki's place ;)

Gannon's Garage

#askabroad have you considered doing a video on the relationship/dynamic of US military/it's personnel and the japanese public?

Caz T

#askabroad Hi Chris, I've heard you mention you're a big Suede fan, I am too, i am seeing them and the manics next year in the UK, and I am just curious what are your top 3 favourite Suede songs?

Seyana

Hi Chris, I will be applying for the JET programme in my third year of university and was wondering about sport in japan. I’m a massive volleyball enjoyer and was hoping to continue playing in Japan. Is volleyball a popular sport in Japan and how accessible are sport/hobby groups to foreigners?

GonicUK

Read your book, it was a great read! My question is simple, do you think you'll ever write another book? Did you leave anything out of the book that you originally wanted to include?

Dylan Knighting

How Japanese do you see yourself? #askabroad

Steve Melnick

#askabroad Have you ever considered becoming a semi-regular guest on PremierTwo's Twitch streams? Your Cyberpunk stream recently was a lot of fun!

Kenneth

#askabroad If you ever slow down on making YouTube videos, have you ever considered opening a tour guide business? I think you're uniquely suited to giving foreign tourists a real taste of Japan compared to "Here's Tokyo tower. Here's Shibuya crossing. Have a nice flight back home” If that ever happens, my wife and I will be first in line! lol

Toby Young

#askabroad in you opinion what is the best month to visit Japan ?

Awkwardly Abby

#askabroad I always see a lot of information on different areas of Tokyo, but not as much on Osaka. Where is your favorite area to stay while you are there?

Kenneth

#askabroad Are there plans for a book signing tour of Canada/US? I got my copy 😁

Chris Hill

I was finally back in Japan after covid back in July and hired a car in Kyushu and then later another up towards Gifu. Why does everyone ignore the speed limits? For a country that Westerners regard as "super polite", the rules go completely out the window on the road. 80kmph in 50 zones, 100kmph in roadworks zones etc...

Chris Hill
>>120245836

Clarification - everyone is incredibly polite. They just speed.... politely.

Kimnyan

#askabroad You do a lot of traveling, is there anywhere that you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t been yet? Also is there anywhere in Canada you would like to visit but haven’t yet? (I’m a Canadian I had to ask haha)

Michael Carr

#askabroad The abroad in Japan cinematic universe is hunting you aka people you have made videos with. Choose three to protect you from the rest.

Tobiii

#askabroad Hey Chris my question is what is your favorite bond actor? Also i wanna say thank you for the videos always love to watch them and the effort you put in. I lived for 2 years in japan and i also met you one time in a pub in Shibuya and I need to say you are a really nice down to earth guy stay healthy and thanks for the videos I watch you already a long time and it's nice to see that you are still doing videos with such a awesome quality =) greetings Tobi

Elijah S

#askabroad Who do you want to collab with that you haven't had the chance to yet?

HighTide

#askabroad hey fellow 'Chris', have a group of friends who all changed their minds about wanting to join me on a trip to Japan (they originally said no until they saw the Tokyo olympics). Now I have 4 who want to tag along with me, but am worried that will be too large of a group to go to some of the smaller ramen shops and bars along the way. What do you think is the max amount for a group visiting and eating their way through Japan? Cheers from America

Jackson Kachur

#askabroad hey Chris! I was curious if you are going to do a 21 day itinerary at some point? The reason I ask is because, you guessed it, I’ll be going to Japan for 21 days in late October 2024!

Airi Beltran

#askabroad hi Chris! Me and my partner are going to Japan in a couple of weeks and will try out various restaurants. Have you ever had an experience where you couldn't finish the food? Is it rude to leave the restaurant with an unfinished meal (I'm thinking especially for a kaiseki dinner). If so, do restaurants pack the leftover food for you? Thanks for all your cool content :)

Jackson Kachur

#askabroad hey Chris! I was curious what’s the best way for getting cell service when visiting Japan. Should I unlock my iPhone to be able to buy a SIM card in Japan for service? Or are there some better options? Thanks!

Ted Ledbetter

#askabroad Hey Chris! My wife and I have been to Japan a few times before but never considered climbing Fuji... until your recent video inspired us. Now we have a goal that next summer we want to climb to the top like you and Natsuki did. Anything we need to start doing now? Also things like do we need a guide or can we do it alone? How about booking the shelters? Any advice would be awesome!

Jenny D

Who would plan the best stag do? Ryotaro, Natsuki or Connor….?

Kyle Tobin

#askabroad Hey Chris, hope you are well! Any plans to visit Aichi at some point in the near future? Meiji-mura and the Ghibli park seem like decent subjects for videos, and between the phenomenal and somewhat unique fall colors (we have a significant amount of shikizakura trees, cherry blossoms that bloom in spring and fall) and the WRC rally Japan event in about a month there is no shortage of side trips to make. Also Nagoya's iconic dish is chicken wings, which surely should give it that extra edge to convince you to visit sometime.

Viktor Hubert

#askabroad Reading your book I was reminded of a curious phenomenon where Japanese people of all ages routinely poked your stomach, basically saying that you better watch your weight. have you ever had the chance to participate in this custom with a Japanese person? if so, did you take that chance, and how did it go? if not, why not? what stopped you? reading the book I got the impression that it was a bit of a source of annoyance if nothing more, and wondered if your ever wanted to repay the favour :)

Agnieszka Hazubska

What’s your current plan on how much longer you’ll be living in Japan?

Jaziem

#askabroad I'm in the process of planning my trip to Japan. Now I'm a bit of retro gamer and looking for places to go in that vein. I know there's options like Book Off and Super Potato in Tokyo but do you have any other recommendations? (P.s.: Loving the audio book 😁)

Melon

#askabroad Hi Chris, hope you're doing well. It's been a dream of mine to live in Japan, and I want to try to get a scholarship to do my master's there. However, I have a chronic illness (SLE) and take more than a thousand euros worth of medication per month. So I'd like to know: How does health insurance work in Japan? Is there something like a maximum amount that you have to pay yourself? How difficult do you think it would be to find a good doctor?

Patrick Murray

Two quick questions for #AskAbroad: Since we in the states know that X (Formerly known as Twitter) is going to shit, many are leaving the platform for other places. I know Twitter has been popular in Japan, are people there having conversations about jumping ship? As an aside I can spare a couple of http://bluesky.app invites if you want to try it. Also I'm planning to make 2 trips to Japan. Each trip being 2 weeks. One will coincide with the Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the other is TBD. I was thinking either late Spring or early Fall. Would you have a preference?

Dean Scott

If Sting turned up in Tokyo and said, “entertain me for a day!” Where would you take an Englishman in Japan.🤔

JBS

#AskAbroad I’ll be returning to Japan for the first time in four years this coming January and for the first time will be visiting Tohoku, including Sendai. Are there any fun winter-specific things to do or see in Sendai?

Fluffyspark7

#askabroad hello Chris! For a while now, I’ve wanted to try my hand at living in Japan, any way possible. Looking through my options, it seems that the JET program won’t be possible for me. Are there any other options to live in Japan that aren’t the JET program?

Torben

#askabroad Do you have any bigger projects planned like the next Journey Across Japan or maybe something completely different? Anything we can look forward to?

Tom

#AskAbroad Have you ever thought about buying a holiday house in the country side of Japan to escape the busy city life?

Luke Beaman

I'd echo other comments for a longer itinerary of 3 weeks and cool places that are easy to get to from Tokyo or Kyoto (I've been before and visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Osaka - typical tourist places I suppose but really enjoyed it and plan to stay between Tokyo and Kyoto next autumn)

Marilyn Goldsbury

Would you ever consider opening a cider bar in Japan? Or even try your hand at owning and operating an orchard/winery?

Jamie Tuckett

#askabroad If you could do an episode on a country other than Japan or the UK, where would it be? Abroad in Korea? Thailand? Venezuela??

Johanne Almoza

#askabroqd (question from my brother in law in the US) your Americans fans are feeling jealous of the book tour in UK. What are the concrete plans for a US meet up?

Johanne Almoza

My question #askabroad when I watch content on Korea, Taiwan or Thailand I’m often left wanting to see how you would tackle a different country. Will 2024 be the year that you branch out of Japan only content? Please please lol

Stephen Baxter

You'll probably be familiar with the Carlos Ghosn /Nissan case. It has been said that the conviction rate in Japanese courts is 99%. Do you have any concerns about your freedom in Japan? #askabroad

Stephen Baxter

These days what is the work/life balance like for Japanese workers? #askabroad

Hayley Khan

#ask abroad do you think you will ever write a second book? I enjoyed it so much I purchased it in both forms! You have a true talent in retelling stories!

Stephen Baxter

Have you visited any manufacturing facilities in Japan and if not would you consider doing so? #askabroad

Stefan Nordendal

#askabroad where is Ryo, why isn't he in your videos? All good? I noticed he published a video in studio Ghibili, I hoped you would be joining him. I have been watching your videos since 2017 I think, love watching them, especially the longer content. But often I don't have time and put it on watch later. Does this affect you in a negative way for being exposed too slowly?

Benjamin W

Are there people you know who were initially excited to move to Japan but moved back after not too long? What was the reason? #askabroad

Taka Edakumi

#askabroad My family makes a tradition out of gathering around the television to watch your new videos as they come out! That being said, of all that we have seen, we noticed that you’ve come across some pretty horrific scenes involving squat toilets. It left us with many questions surrounding the mystery of their continued use and especially their origins in Japan. Will you ever cover this important information?

Betsy Nelson

Would you ever consider having a group of your Patrons meet up in Japan and go on a Wacky Weekend?

Miwa

To mr abroad. After a long night of drinking I bring you this question. What is your all time favorite drink? Mine is probably rum and coke.(I know not very… exciting but it’s good). I hope you have an amazing day!

Matthew Thompson

#askabroad Hey Chris, firstly I'm heading to Japan with a buddy of mine on November 13th for the first time and I'm so excited. My question, we are coming to Japan again in April for 3 weeks and I'm bringing the family. Both of my boys (5 and 7) have ADHD and are very loud and 'spicy'. Would this been an issue or are Japanese folks pretty understanding? Cheers Matt from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Henrik Åstrand

#askabroad Japanes seams to be a really hard language to learn. How long did it take for you to at least feal fluent (or at least half deasent) in Japanes?

BaBorrow

#askabroad When will you and Garnt finally make a video together?

rochelleechidna

#askabroad Super important question, if not THE most important - did you watch the reboot of Takeshi’s Castle earlier this year??

Malinda Williamson

#askabroad have you ever been judged by a Japanese person to the point where they said something to you about it? For example, sir you cannot do this or that or you cannot go in here? Was it a valid reason or something out of your control?

Hayley Smith

#askabroad we finally rebooked out cancelled 2020 trip for may 2024. 3 questions. We want to bring a drone (Dji mini 4 pro) will we have any issues flying it there? Also on the podcast you recommended booked restaurants 2 days in advanced. Will there be places to walk in to on the day if we haven’t planned where we will be at the time? How easy is is it to get vegetarian food now?

Nikqueta

Would you ever consider living in or taking an extended vacation in Canada at some point? We have some amazing scenery like the Rocky Mountains, and it’s nice to show people that we’re not just a frozen tundra! #askabroad

Veronica Wiser

#askabroad would your studio ever be open to the public? To visit and maybe meet you? Like you did the bar night in Kyoto but at your studio instead

Astor Reinhardt

#askabroad What are your thoughts on the Tokyo Lens/Norm drama coming out and/or thoughts about Youtubers acting one way on camera and another in real life? I mean to some degree I get that Youtubers have to act/put on a show, but the way Norm is like completely fake is...quite shocking and saddening.

Justyna

#askabroad Are you planning to film any videos with Dogen?

Don Murray

Planning on going to Japan mid March 2024. I was going to run the Tokyo Marathon but the registration is closed now. I am leaning towards visiting Shizuoka and making my way to Kyushu. I already did the Shimanami Kaido. What is another good physical activety to do in the Spring time?

Sean Francis

#askabroad tell us the story of the moment you came up with the genius name “Abroad in Japan”

Saad Ehsan

Are you dropping a video on the cyclethons? #askabroad

William A

#askabroad when are you doing the series "Taken for Garnted"?

Lexi

#askabroad Hi Chris, I noticed you have been posting amazing shots of Japan on Instagram and even have a print for sale on Artedly. Will there be more prints available for sale and will you have a photograhy exhibition in the future? 📸

Lisa Pond

#askabroad こんにちは、クリスさん. How are you finding Tokyo-life compared to Sendai-life? I’ve been to Sendai twice now, one time hiring a car and driving to Yamadera, Tendo and Ginzan Onsen. The entire area is stunning and far more relaxed than Tokyo. And green! Lisa from Woori Yallock, Australia 🙂

Nathan Zee

#askabroad. I love music, and from your videos, I can tell you're a music lover too. Where do you go to shop for music (vinyl, CDs) aside from Tower Records in Shibuya (which I love). I would love to patronize more eclectic music stores. Keep up the good work! Nathan from Honolulu

Brian Coremans

#askabroad Now the JP rail pass has increased in price drastically, is it still the best way to travel through Japan? Is there a better/cheaper solution? Or is de JP rail pass still the best?

Kent C. Strait

#askabroad Your videos have some of the highest quality edits of any YouTuber I've seen. Do you edit your videos yourself, or does someone else edit the videos for you? If you do edit them yourself, what software do you use?

wowewo

#askabroad Next year I’ll be visiting Etajima because my grandma was born there, are there any destinations or places in that area that I should visit. (This will also be my first time going to Japan)

Acrosicious

#askabroad when studying or working in Japan, do they expect you to be as "japanese" working as the stereotype dictates? E.g. is it frowned upon using all your paid days off or arriving just on time.

Acrosicious

#askabroad What's the best way to find you and shake your hand 😄

Matt Switzer

#askabroad Would you be willing to do a book signing for those of us already living in Japan? I’d really like to increase the affability rating of my copy.

Xenin

#askabroad Would you be willing to turn "Taken for Garnted" into a cycle or a walk across Western Japan? to improve your fitness as well as content?

JSP671

#askabroad When are you coming to Guam to do a video here? It's a short 4 hour flight from Narita.

AndyJapandy

#askabroad Do you have any interest in covering subcultures here in Japan? For example, there's a major surfing scene in Kanagawa and other parts of Japan that I don't see covered much at all on YouTube.

@MalaikaWolf

#askabroad How about a video about the more extreme things to do in Japan? Like go-karting, scuba diving, drifting, skiiing, etc. all in one Top10ish video.

Calum Moffat

#askabroad Mr Affable, has there been any video that you've made over the years and look at now and think about re-doing? E.g. you were rushed, weather was bad, missed something you found out later etc.

Mic Mike

#askabroad Have you ever considered launching your own fried-chicken brand in Japan ?

Tricky

#askabroad After seeing you bike the breathtaking Shimanami Kaido, I was wondering is there any other scenic biking routes in Japan that you still want to attempt or recommend for people to check out

Tyler Pannell

#askabroad I literally landed in Fukuoka an hour ago and was listening to your audiobook on the flight here. While sitting in Hakata station I was wondering; since Roy gifted you his Toyota, what happened to the Nissan?

Nicholas Menghini

#askabroad Do you have any dating advice you haven't already mentioned in your book? Something a non-Japanese person wouldn't expect for instance? Excellent stories in your book by the way! Great to hear all those additional details on the quick versions of these stories you've told in the past!

James Hutton

#Askabroad Hi Chris, I love your content; it makes me happy. When comparing Japanese collectivism to English individuality, do you feel there are traits Westerners would benefit from adopting from Japanese culture, or vice versa?

Jae Birb

#askabroad Me and a friend are travelling from Sapporo to Koriyama around 28th Dec, but we heard the Shinkansens get extremely busy around this time as holidays start. But would this only be for the Northbound trains away from Tokyo? Or are southbound trains packed as well? Thanks, Jae from New Zealand. :)

Stephanie R.

#askabroad Hi Chris! Will you be making that Christmas themed video this year with your friends?

AnitaLilly

#askabroad Hiyo Chris, have you thought what other countries you would like to visit?

Cesar S.

#askabroad Hey Chris! I am finally traveling to Japan for the first time with my family in December for 3 weeks. Wanted to ask for recomendations of places to get snow but not in Hokkaido, I have Nagano in mind. Finally, what would be your top 3 places to visit in December in the Honshu area? Thanks and keep up the great work!

Devin Carter

#askabroad Hi Chris! Are you going to do another event in London this year? ☺️ also congrats on the book! Listening to the audiobook now!

Ken Shannon

#askabroad Hi Chris! My wife is half Japanese and over the years I’ve learned a lot of vocabulary and my sentences are not too bad. I wanted to improve my Japanese by signing up for the N5 exam next year. Is there any books you recommend that would help prepare for the exam?

A Faloona

#askabroad Would you consider hiking the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage/henro michi?

Craig McCormick

#askabroad what’s a subject that you’re super passionate about, but no one ever asks about it?

Jonathan Margi

#askabroad - how long do you expect to stay in Japan? Is it your forever home or do you plan on exploring more of the world?

Kieshan Verheijden

#askabroad Hey Chris! So, what are your (top 3) favorite and least favorite prefectures in Japan? And is there one you still like to explore more?

Kaishi

#askabroad how much time do you spend for your content (videos, podcast etc.) usually per day?

Manuel Hoffmann

#askabroad Myself and a few others from the Abroad in Japan Discord will be in Japan this November. Please give us your best recommendation for a restaurant in the Tokyo area to use for our offline meetup :)

Seb Watson

#askabroad - I’m studying Japanese at university and doing a year abroad next year - do you have any suggestions for unis or cities to study in?

Esteban Gaete Flores

#askabroad do you have a new milestone for the next 10 years of Abroad in Japan?

Duane Takamine

Thanks for all your great content & book to keep us entertained & enlightened. Three questions: 1) Is there going to be a video of the Kyushu cycle trip? 2) Why do restaurants in Japan give those tiny waxy napkins that don’’t clean when you wipe your mouth with them? 3) Are there any good foot onsen places in Tokyo, including cafes or restaurants, where you can soak after a long day of walking? Thanks!

Nate Gavin

#askabroad how are you prepared if there is a megaquake? It's an unpalatable subject but would be curious to know what your plan is as a long-time Japanese resident

Rachel Ledbetter

#askabroad How do you stay current with software updates and new editing tools? Are there any Youtubers you follow that put out great tutorials or overviews? I've been a video editor for about 15 years and feel there's always something new coming out, and don't want to fall behind.

Katie Ruiz-Leon

#AskAbroad my husband and I are planning a trip to Japan in October 2024. We’re both inexperienced travelers so we’re looking at doing a tour. Is there a company you would recommend? Or do you have other recommendations to help us plan a big (and most likely) once in a lifetime trip?

Chelsea Anderson

こんにちは　^_^ #AskAbroad Hi Chris! Not really a question, just a thank you I suppose. I booked my Japan trip on the 28th of March this year (to go in August), I was super excited. We’d been talking about going for a year, and we’d finally took the plunge and finalised everything. On the 30th of March, I found out I may be made redundant and was put on special leave. On the 6th of April, we lost our family dog. On the 19th of April, I was made redundant. On the 25th of April, my grandma (who had basically played the role of ‘dad’ my whole life) passed away. I didn’t think I could get through it all, let alone make it to Japan not having a job, but your videos made me determined to make the trip happen no matter what. I’m happy to report I did make it to Japan in August (my first flight in over 12 years), and spent 9 amazing days in Tokyo. My gran was so excited that I was travelling to the other side of the world (although we booked in March, so although I was still heartbroken I knew she’d be proud that I’d made the journey. I still struggle with everything that happened in April, but I do have a job now (better than my previous!) and I’m already planning my next trip east where I plan to explore more of Japan. Your videos continue to cheer me up when I’m feeling down, and are playing a huge part in making my itinerary (Osaka and Sapporo are on my list for sure!) On the off-chance you’ve read this far, I guess I will include a question! How does getting citizenship or permanent residency work in Japan? I know in the UK after being here a while you can get “indefinite leave to remain” where you don’t needs visas, so I just wondered if Japan has something similar? You’ve been there so long now surely you’d qualify! またね！ Chelsea 😊

IzákHraje

#AskAbroad Hello Chris I am from Czech Republic and I would like to move to Sapporo. Do you think it's a good choice of city? I've been researching a lot of things about Japan (language, culture, etc.) for the past 7 years, and it seems like the right choice, but I'd like to hear your opinion. Thanks for the reply and keep up the good work. Lukas

Ben K

#AskAbroad Hello Chris, I'm an avid biker and really want to visit at some point and cycle around Japan (especially the Shimanami Kaido), but I would like to bring my own bicycle... (I'm sure you understand renting a bike vs having your own that's set up properly.) I think I remember you saying if you buy a bicycle in Japan you have to register it with the police, do you have to do the same if you were to bring your own from overseas? Thank you for all the videos! -Ben

C H

#askabroad Greetings from one British Chris to another! Back in 2009 I visited a friend who was teaching English in Tokyo. On my first night there my teaching friend and a number of his fellow teachers and students (he was at an adult conversational school, poor bastard) took me out for what has probably been one of the greatest meals of my life; a 6-course set meal and 2 hours of drinking at an Izakaya, for the modest price of 3000 yen. Needless to say, myself and the other teachers, a mixture of Brits, Aussies, and Americans, extracted full value from the 2 hours of beer, whilst the locals ducked-out one-by-one, somewhat red in the face. My friend mentioned to me that this kind of meal rarely happens, as these course deals and drinks are only available to Japanese, and that his students had to book it. I get that the Japanese tend to offer favourable terms to their own, however, I was wondering, how could I go about booking such a deal? I am looking to go back to Japan with some other friends next year and would love to share this experience with them. Sadly my teaching friend has left, the 2011 quake literally and figeratively shook him up, as has many of his colleagues, so I can't ask him. Would the best bet to book one of these meals be to ask the hotel reception? Are these deals available online? Would we still get refused if we managed to book, only to have a bunch of foreigners turn up? Even if we pinky-promise we won't drink *all* the beer? Thanks, and Thanks for the great content, keep up the good work Chris - A bloke in his 30's from the South of England. Probably not as affable.

Michael Sunseri

#askabroad hello Chris, I have 2 family members coming with me on my next trip to Japan. One is fascinated by mechanical marvels and trains and the other is interested mainly in the food of Japan. Any suggestions on where I could take them in Tokyo?

Christopher Kavanagh

Chris, you mentioned a few months back that you were interested in having discussions that took you a little out of your comfort zone (while still relating to things you know about). I got the impression that it related to discussing opinions about cultural topics or reflections on the dynamics of content/creator ecosystems. Hypothetically if someone wanted to interview you about such stuff on their podcast how would they go about convincing you to do it? 😉

Glen Tong

How much does Natsuki charge for haircuts?

Stevon Green

Good day, Sir. I am visiting Japan in December and could use some tips on the weather and good places for yakitori. Also, could you help point me in the right direction for an excellent guide to the Tsukiji and Toyosu markets? Also looking for great places to grab drinks and yakitori late night in Osaka and Tokyo.

Matt Rutter

#askabroad What has been the toughest journey? Losing weight and getting fit? Or learning the Japanese language?

Tom Kay

Hi Chris #askabroad First I wanted to thank you for inspiring me to ride the length of Japan. Originally my planned trip for 2020 was killed off by the pandemic and after discovering your channel during lockdown (and the Following the Arrows Soya to Sata blog), I thought, why not cycle 3500km across Japan. Also, I am not a cyclist. Even after getting long covid, an inflamed nerve in my neck, and a ‘superficial’ slipped disc in my lumbar spine, which forced me to the delay the trip three times, I did the physical rehab and eventually went. I’m now in Niigata and about to set off to Sado Island for two days, with another seven weeks to go. It’s been an amazing trip so far, even when faced with some of the more challenging elements that you brought up in your videos like rain, GPS steering you onto roads that don’t exist, abandoned tunnels, trucks, people from religious orders trying to recruit me (I think I met the same lady you did just outside of Murakami), even a salon owner in Sakata who said your book was shit. There are many questions I could ask but I’ll stick too, are they any roads or parts of the route you took to really avoid? I faced gale force winds on my third day and since then I can’t get the mental image of becoming one with the underside of a truck out of my head (like Tetsuo the Iron Man but less fun) and would like to avoid any such possibilities again. I really loved stopping by Yura after Sakata. The shrine on the island up the incredibly steep steps and the hotel I stayed in that resembled the decor of The Overlook Hotel, but with a stuffed panda at a self playing piano. Any other small quirky towns on route you’d recommended? Thanks again (although I should really save this for when I reach Cape Sata) and if you ever need production support in the U.K. I’ve worked in tv, film and commercials for 20 years (VFX, AD, Production and development) and would be happy to help. Thanks Tom P.S - sorry, one more question. What are some of your other favourite films outside of Blade Runner?

Salvatore

What are some other work opportunities besides the jet program/english teaching that you'd reccommed to someone wanting to relocate to japan?

Andrew Lee

Hi Chris! Just wanted to ask why the Japanese use so much packaging in everything?

Brea McHoul

Hi Chris :) what is your favorite Sakura inspired sweet in Japan? Also how true is it that sweets aren't as "sweet" as they in places like UK and America? #askabroad

Tom Kay
>>120687039

And now having been on one and tried steering the thing, I think you could get some entertainment value in getting Connor, Pete, Natsuki and any one else who isn’t afraid of falling into water over to Sado Island to have a ‘tub boat’ race.