I dunno man, it might go down better than you think. I've met a few Japanese tourists and they say I should visit Japan. I tell them they'll find me rude and they say "We have rude people in Japan!". They may struggle with sarcasm (I think they struggle less than we are led to beleive) but they (as far as I can tell) love irony. Which aint too far from sarcasm really. There's a Comedian called Yuriko Kotani who talks about it a lot. She loves sarcasm.
Chris didn't actually meet Natsuki at a barbershop. Natsuki owns a barbershop, yes, but they ran into one another on a street at night in Yamagata and became friends right there and then. It was truly a fateful encounter.
Yeah. if I am not mistaken Chris was wandering around, feeling down or sad something like that and Natsuki approached him and cheered him up. Natsuki basically took Chris under his wing.
I read about that chapter of Chris' life in his book. Natsuki's encounter with Chris really was a godsend. They clicked almost immediately over yakitori and British pop culture.
so if the Japanese viewers are said they could learn English through Abroad in Japan's channel, so that means Sora learns Japanese through Dogen's channel. Interesting!
I love Chris Broad's channel, I've been watching him since literally his second ever video. I'm British so his comedy resonates with me, but his respectfulness and informative nature with the comedy just makes the channel brilliant, I have a lot of respect for him, and also for Sharla, Connor, Emma, and the other great Japan TH-camrs. They seem to steer clear of the stupid drama that most youtubers seem to make their bank from, and they're not super fake like most other youtubers too. It's just good stuff, and I often binge his channel when I have downtime.
That's why I like his videos too! He has that Brit humor that vibes, but he also always does his best to keep things respectful. He has a great way of speaking with humor that isn't mean/destructive. :)
He's also an incredible videographer/director and is clearly passionate about the content he makes. When people do cut & paste "Things about Japan" videos for clout, you can tell they're just doing it for clicks, while with Chris you can feel he's really enjoying making things *he* is interested in and sharing it with the world.
Natsuki randomly saw Chris walking down the street and kept calling out to him, after some convincing, Chris joined him to a bar and thats how they became friends. Cause Natsuki is a huge fan of british music, was during his jet program as an english teacher right before or right after he started making some few videos. Though Natsuki does run a barber shop as his own business with his wife :D If I'm not mistaken, japanese people also likes him for promoting stuff about japan, kinda the mindset of giving something back. Like he shows off different prefectures and promotes them in his videos.
Abroad in Japan seems like a really nice guy. This video is a very nice summary for his channel. Love the ending. Sora sells himself too short. Sora's Channel is amazing in it own way.
Definitely. It's great too learn about Japan from a young native like Sora, using humour and a cool style to get the message across. I watch Abroad in Japan and Sora to get a nice mix :)
Don't forget Pewdiepie as well, I think its because they all value and embrace locals and the culture. They also aren't afraid to be critical and tell the truth.
Your comments about other foreigners attacking Chris "on behalf" of Japanese people was hilarious. It reminded me of that huge online debate about wearing kimonos and cultural appropriation, and so they came and interviewed actual Japanese people in Japan. Pretty universally the Japanese people were very happy when people liked their culture, even for aesthetic purposes, and didn't expect that foreigners would know or understand their cultural or spiritual traditions, and certainly didn't need to follow them. It was enough that someone loved some aspect of Japanese life and culture and wanted to be part of it. It really took a lot of wind out of the American and Asian American commentators who were "sticking up" for Japan. XD It just feels very patriarchal, like the Japanese aren't able to get online and make their own comments when they're offended. If they think the Japanese are "too polite" to do that, they've never been on a Japanese message board or forum :P
there is an other side of the coin with 2 main points: - we are mostly talking about foreigners, if japanese people dont feel much involved in american affairs is mainly because .. they are american affairs, not japanese ones. Often, if similar things happened in japan from a japanese, it would be more brutal from other japanese. You call out patriarchalism, but actually it's foreigners keeping foreigners in check to save japanese foreign relationships with them. And if you like buzz words, then japanese people are looking at foreigners like they are babies or something, when they actually have to be kept in check and are responsible for the messages they send (that ofcourse does not apply to random almost unrelated things happening in america or europe that are simply inspired). - If foreigners have to keep each others in check when it comes to talking or working with japanese culture is because : there is no safety net. America and Europe for instance, is not Japan, which means if there is a bad trend ignoring anything coming actually from Japanese culture, there is no way to get it back, the rope is cut then. So foreign people have to make sure the rope never is cut, by safeguardings cutltural topics around Japan, so we can keep learning and work with/around Japanese culture as it is, without some freewheeling bullshit running and masking almost all of it in the end. TLDR: foreigners keeping foreigners in check is only natural, and is what enables foreigners to still interact respectfully and sanely and interestingly with Japan today. It is out of respect for Japanese culture, but that respect is also needed. In a way Japanese people can't always understand because they don't always understand or know all the issues around which only exist from/in/for the foreign countries. And maybe some Japanese people could understand that, but even then, it's not their job to keep other countries in check, so it's other countries jobs and we are doing it.
In German we call them Gutmensch, seems the English addapted that word. Look up the English Wikipedia article, it summarizes these kind of people perfectly. Also it's not only foreigners sticking up for Japanese people (in their oppinion). And I think I remember that debate aswell, weren't they attacking a literal child for wearing a kimono? She was 10 or 12 or something like that (or even younger?), when the Gutmenschen attacked her for cultural appropriation and so on.
"Cultural appropriation" was such a cringe concept. It basically suggests that we should all be separate and not interact with other cultures.......but it's anti-racism? 😅
Chris is one of the creators that keeps evolving his work. I remember watching him making videos that are like straightforward vlogs and gradually turned into a polished documentary-like style of content.
I only remember him from his vlog style days. I used to watch him occasionally back in 2015-16 and then for some reason fell out of the whole genre of "foreigner youtubers in Japan" itself. So I didn't what the hell this guy was talking about in this video. The current Abroad in Japan seems like someone completely different.
Japan is a pretty prestigious country to get into long term. In addition, the culture shock scares away a lot of people. Chris's travels let all of these people curious about japan to see a unique perspective. It's also why I love takashi's street interviews. And Sora, even if your humor is very niche, as a middle-aged American weeb, I appreciate you.
As an anthropologist, I always find the perspective outside of the mainstream to be more interesting, and more reliable if you’re trying to get information about a particular culture. The fact that Chris doesn’t focus on the more popular Kyoto and Tokyo areas makes him much more unique, as opposed to many other TH-camrs, who deal in Japanese topics, particularly if they’re from the west. One point Sora makes is pretty interesting: he says that a lot of of Japanese people don’t know about Japan, which is also true here in the US, and I kinda relate. When he says that he would not know what to tell somebody if they ask them where they should go visit as tourist in Japan, it’s very similar to somebody, asking me, someone from New Jersey, where they should go throughout the entire United States. In addition, it’s very similar to how a lot of TH-camrs were not from the United States. Focus on major touristy, metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles. To be perfectly honest, I would have no clue either (it happens all the time), so I definitely get where Sora's coming from with that. So for Sora to admit to that, as well as to understand the unique perspective Chris has, is rather refreshing, particularly with TH-camrs.
I hope this video does well. I like this style of content and the topic can easily be varied and talk about the perspective of Japanese people on whatever subject.
I'm an old guy who decades ago got interested in Japan thanks to Kurosawa Akira's samurai movies. Unfortunately I was (still am) timid, lazy, cowardly, and didn't believe in my own abilities, so it seemed like only a distant dream for me to travel to Japan. Thanks to the internet I eventually got wonderful friends from there and with their encouragement finally traveled there in 2010. Then financial troubles prevented me from doing it again until 2019. Between these visits it was good to have someone, like Chris Broad, who brought a piece of Japan to my livingroom with "broader" views, honest opinions, and British humour, which I adore as well.
I want to go more than anything, but I'm disabled. Even if I could save up the money for a ticket, Idk if some of my most important medications would even be allowed in the country. I'll probably never get to visit, but it's the only thing I've wanted to do for at least 20 years (I'm 37).
@@lainiwakura1776 the states out in the east are smaller tho lol the real issue is that many Americans just have a narrow worldview because they think the US is the center of everything
tbh the only reason people in europe travel to other countries is because the scale of the countries is smaller. you can drive trough 4 countries in 1 single day. (depending on where you start)
*I have been thinking about that too, about Japanese people not knowing the location and nice spots in Japan. I got a relative there who literally grew up in Japan and stated he never set foot in Kyoto or Osaka. While I'm literally going around the whole country for 1 month at a time multiple times a year as a tourist.* *Sometimes I ask if he can go with, but he always says he got work.*
I'd never thought it through in this much detail, but Sora's analysis on here is like a really good description about a lot of what I appreciate about Chris Broad's work here on TH-cam.
I love Chris and I started watching your channel just last week, so it was funny to see this pop up on my recommended. I love that you went to his bar to creep on the towels haha. Something else that is interesting about Chris's comments, people also comment that he is too positive a lot too, but I don't think that he's ever really being too positive, like he's just sharing his experiences and the experiences of his friends. Sometimes they are pretty bad experiences, but looking back it's like, it was worth it for them. Idk, it's silly both ways lol
I am dutch, and we are known for our directness and honesty. Sometimes that hurts, but it also means we arent playing games or telling lies. Chris Abroad is a good person for showing bad aspects of Japan too, because that way you know the good aspect of Japan are real and he really likes Japan.
You have done it dude, I saw your content a while ago and even then you have shown that you understand comedic timing in English - and that in itself is a type of language mastery. I don't know if you amplify your Japanese accent in the videos or not, but that doesn't matter. You are so fluent it's amazing. English is technically my 3rd language, but has become the one I primarily use for over 16 years. I can see when a fellow non-native speaker has had _the break through_
I love overly dramatic this video is, it feels like Chris is anime character or some legendary figure and its hilariously entertaining. Plus its really interearing to see the opiooms of Japanese people on Chris, amd how he appeals to them. Keep it comimg Sora, you never disappoint
I believe Chris explained that they met randomly one time walking down a street when they had both been out drinking, which is even more crazy and awesome haha. Natsuki owns a barber shop though!
I already loved Japan to begin with, but Chris' videos are a big part of the reason why I chose to return here 6 years ago, so I totally get the obsession. ;) He's certainly not alone, though -- I've found that most of the foreigners regularly doing TH-cam content in Japan are really upstanding, cool people who produce really fun and informative videos, from CDawgVA to Tokidoki Traveler to Sharla to Pete to King Kogi (no longer in Japan, but she made a ton of incredible videos here for a number of years and really left her mark!) to Life Where I'm From to Only In Japan to modern-day Pewdiepie... the list goes on. Japan seems to just attract only the best foreigners... to live here, that is. Plenty of foreign TH-camrs who VISIT Japan do it no favors (and leave the Japanese people with a poor impression of foreign TH-camrs overall). But when they choose to stick around, that usually means they're going to produce some great content here, and I feel like Chris was kind of the start of all that. Maybe not literally the first (as he definitely wasn't!), but the first to really popularize it. You could kind of say he's the OG. If you want to see an actual Japanese TH-camr who has a pretty encyclopedic knowledge of Japan, though -- particularly its geography and history -- check out Hololive vtuber AZKi. She debuted as a "vsinger," but then got introduced to Geoguessr, and now she's like, a pro-tier player who knows the Japan map on Geoguessr like the back of her hand. She's also done a few videos where she's visited memorable locations from her Geoguessr games in person, and has recently gotten really into just... watching real-time train or flight radar footage and geeking out about the delicate ballet that is modern-day travel infrastructure and planning. It's really cool to see her indulge her love of travel and mapping, and her content is very comfy and easy to watch!
I started watching him 6 years ago just to train my English before going to UK for a school trip and I think his videos really improved my spoken english.
Nice video! I recently read his book „Abroad in Japan“ while on vacation. It was such a good and pleasant read.. i was grinning almost the whole time. I can only recommend!😊
I loved the skits acting out your reaction to Chris's content. It is more original and more entertaining than if you just sat and reacted to clips like other youtubers do. It being in over the top anime japanese just made it even funnier. I think Chris's real talent comes from how he is able to film and edit his videos to feel like legitimate documentaries. We have seen the behind the scenes and know a lot of it is him traveling to these places and hanging out with his friends. But the editing and research put on top of that footage leaves me learning something new about japan which I really enjoy. I know he puts a lot of effort into every video and I respect that.
I love this; it's very funny. I follow your and Chris's channels. As a foreigner who is currently on his third trip to Japan, I very much respect the country and its people. I have traveled through Japan as well, doing my homework before I get there. If any Japanese on this channel wnat's to visit my place (Australia) give me a shout. I would love to pay back what Japan has given me.
Chris is the reason I live in Shiogama. Him always showing Tohoku made me choose living in Iwate, Aomori, and Miyagi instead of the main Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto areas.
Seriously Sora, great video and I agree Chris's channel is brilliant BUT yours is my second favourite about Japan and not at all "cringe" lol. Only visited Japan once with a band playing Fuji Rock, but loved the country and people I met. Really fascinating to watch yuor explanation of Chris's appeal to Japanese people and 100% agree the travel really takes you all over Japan like you're with Chirs and his friends. Natsuki is awesome and it reminds me of the motoring show "top Gear" for a country. Keep raging Sora 😎😎
6:45 Chris is just honest about Japan. Nowhere is perfect. Wherever you live there will be frustrations, culture clashes, things you don't like. He's been there for 12+ years so he obviously likes it overall. But I think Japanese people are less used to seeing honestly and plainly stated negative opinions in media, especially on TV. So when this English guy says, "Here's ten things that drive me crazy about Japan," it can be jarring for Japanese to hear.
9:52 I think these people are getting mad because he's breaking their fantasy vision of Japan by pointing out flaws. That or they're the type to view any form of criticism as insulting.
Uh, no, I will continue to watch your channel too. I've already been watching Chris's channel for years (and kind of inspired me to go to university), plus I watch/listen to his podcast as well. He certainly has a very balanced view on Japan and retain that familiar (to me) Britishness that not many TH-camrs have (because a lot of them are American of course).
I love the samurai-style dialog between Sora and his double. Listening to that I thought I was in the middle of a Samurai movie--and that's the only place I've encountered that kind of Japanese.(sheltered life I lead).
One of these days Sora is getting stream sniped by Chris. PS I forgot that Chris Broad was invited to a state dinner hosted by King Charles for the Emperor. Chris met the King and the Emperor! What do Japanese people think about that?
I love how much you're hyping him up. You're right that he's an amazing content creator who seems to have much love and respect for Japan. I've been watching him for quite some time now, and he's shown me good and bad things about Japan. I'm glad about that too, because no country is 100% good or 100% bad, and the positive sparkly stuff is so bright it's not believable.
Sora, this is the first time I watch one of your videos. I have to say you're very cool, I liked your humor and energy very much and most of all your english accept is excellent ! Keep it up !
To me, ‘Abroad in Japan’ was part of two waves of ‘Foreigner in Japan’ videos/vlogs. The initial wave was a lot of foreigners who loved to VISIT Japan and it’s more like touristy advertising. ‘Look at the Glico sign, look at Harajuku, how different, so kawaii, I watched anime and now I’m in the country it’s based on and made in’ The second wave came as those who might’ve been tourists stayed and became locals. Now, they could live life the way the Japanese do, see things that were bad/concerning/inefficient, and comment on them. Sure, some complaints absolutely earn a ‘If you don’t like it, leave’ response, but I imagine that if locals aren’t speaking up on things that can’t be improved (out of politeness), a foreigner who can comment, suggest and sometimes, be part of a movement that solves a problem so that everyone can benefit can be a good thing. I’ll also argue that Chris’ videos have led to a lot more tourists travelling to places around Japan that aren’t tourist hotspots. Seeing more foreigners in obscure villages, towns and cities in under-appreciated Prefectures is fantastic.
I just got back from a trip to japan as my first ever forign travel trip. I wouldnt have gone if it wasnt for the Abroad in Japan channel and Chris! Im planning on going back ASAP!
It happens everywhere too, I know alot of people in America that have never left their town or state and they end up not realizing how different things can be just one state over much less across the country.
I live in America, and his videos show how incredible Japan is, discovering its hidden treasures-like those cozy spots where you can rent a room with a private hot pool. I also pick up a bit of Japanese and learn what not to do if I ever visit. His videos have inspired me to think about traveling to Japan, and they’ve given me insight into how to be respectful when I do.
Well this video made me subscribe instantly, perfect level of hilarious humour and being really informative too. 😄 Also, you should be a voice actor! Perfect voice for it!🔥
I've been following him alllll the was back in 2012. Really amazing to see him go leaps and bounds. My Japanese teacher works with his friends also. I feel very lucky.
This video is dedicated to sora's crush, Chris Broad
it's Chris & a Broad.
You could say Chris is Sora's husbando?
Our crush, comrade
Connor, Christ and Sora love triangle arc is insane
@advasity339 💀💀
I like to imagine Japanese people learning English from Chris and going around talking in extreme sarcastic British
I dunno man, it might go down better than you think. I've met a few Japanese tourists and they say I should visit Japan. I tell them they'll find me rude and they say "We have rude people in Japan!". They may struggle with sarcasm (I think they struggle less than we are led to beleive) but they (as far as I can tell) love irony. Which aint too far from sarcasm really. There's a Comedian called Yuriko Kotani who talks about it a lot. She loves sarcasm.
Sounds like Matcha Samurai.
"Innit"
British is my favorite language
@@mrbanana6464 My favourite is American 🥰
Chris didn't actually meet Natsuki at a barbershop. Natsuki owns a barbershop, yes, but they ran into one another on a street at night in Yamagata and became friends right there and then. It was truly a fateful encounter.
Yeah. if I am not mistaken Chris was wandering around, feeling down or sad something like that and Natsuki approached him and cheered him up.
Natsuki basically took Chris under his wing.
I thought it was Chris was just walking and Natsuki was like "HEY FOREIGNER!" and started talking to him.
I read about that chapter of Chris' life in his book. Natsuki's encounter with Chris really was a godsend. They clicked almost immediately over yakitori and British pop culture.
Yeah I bought the audio book, pretty much what happened. I highly recommend buying the book as it is an insane read.
Yeah, I remember watching that video. Craziest thing a japanese person do😂
Chris did a Japan geoguessr with cdawgva and his knowledge of the country is genuinely encyclopedic
Kind expected considering he personally chooses and research every single location used in videos and does most of the editing himself
He had been to almost all the locations, or close to them. @@inoob26
It was like a slum dog millionaire scene, every other location, chris has a story on hiw he knew
oh I want to see that!
Wetwang!
It really is funny to see a stereotypical Brit live most of our fantasies and just be like "its pretty good innit"
It's been too long since I've heard a well said bollocks!
@@moonshinershonor202 maybe we should watch more Abroad in Japan, not even me Welsh friend says bollocks like Chris.
" your fantasies" . dont speak on behalf.
@@BroInJapan idk, Sobos4U is right on my end :/
Exactly, it's your fantasy.
Reality of living in Japan isn't what you imagine it to be - you're thinking of tourism.
This felt wholesome. Like an inverse drama video. Love it
OMG, you're actually a fan of Sora!
!!!!!! Hello Evan, excellent taste 😃
Yep, very refreshing amidst all the rage bait
so if the Japanese viewers are said they could learn English through Abroad in Japan's channel, so that means Sora learns Japanese through Dogen's channel. Interesting!
Sora actually learn's Japanese through SoraTheTroll comedy segments. They aren't the same person. Trust me bro!
Waiting for this comment 🤣
I can't believe I sat through 10 minutes of this and never once was described what his towels smell like.
That's in part 4 this is a 5 part series
The towels smell clean but no particular scent. He’s very well aware of scent/smell harassment.
Because he actually can't smell
@@mschored487 hahahah what
Probably smell like tea and cakes?
I love Chris Broad's channel, I've been watching him since literally his second ever video. I'm British so his comedy resonates with me, but his respectfulness and informative nature with the comedy just makes the channel brilliant, I have a lot of respect for him, and also for Sharla, Connor, Emma, and the other great Japan TH-camrs. They seem to steer clear of the stupid drama that most youtubers seem to make their bank from, and they're not super fake like most other youtubers too. It's just good stuff, and I often binge his channel when I have downtime.
That's why I like his videos too! He has that Brit humor that vibes, but he also always does his best to keep things respectful. He has a great way of speaking with humor that isn't mean/destructive. :)
He's also an incredible videographer/director and is clearly passionate about the content he makes. When people do cut & paste "Things about Japan" videos for clout, you can tell they're just doing it for clicks, while with Chris you can feel he's really enjoying making things *he* is interested in and sharing it with the world.
Yeah, his videos are more like classic BBC travelogues. Wonderfully shot, calm and interesting commentary with good insight.
Natsuki randomly saw Chris walking down the street and kept calling out to him, after some convincing, Chris joined him to a bar and thats how they became friends. Cause Natsuki is a huge fan of british music, was during his jet program as an english teacher right before or right after he started making some few videos. Though Natsuki does run a barber shop as his own business with his wife :D
If I'm not mistaken, japanese people also likes him for promoting stuff about japan, kinda the mindset of giving something back. Like he shows off different prefectures and promotes them in his videos.
Abroad in Japan seems like a really nice guy. This video is a very nice summary for his channel. Love the ending. Sora sells himself too short. Sora's Channel is amazing in it own way.
Definitely. It's great too learn about Japan from a young native like Sora, using humour and a cool style to get the message across. I watch Abroad in Japan and Sora to get a nice mix :)
it's A Broad in Japan. lol
@@mgntstr Yeah, he's a Chick !
He is basically living a weeb dream life without being a weeb. He is just a British dude living in Japan.
Chris, Cdawg, Pete and all his friend groups in Japan are great examples of ex-pats and good people. We all love you too Sora.
Don't forget Pewdiepie as well, I think its because they all value and embrace locals and the culture. They also aren't afraid to be critical and tell the truth.
Ex-pats = white immigrants
call them by what they are, immigrants. Expats is just a word to hide it.
Immigrants*.
There, fixed for you. 🤝
@@joaovmlsilva3509 Lol 🤣🤣
0:21 Actually, he's better known as the most affable man
Mr. Sunday Times Best Seller
Ironmouse's irl self.
Abroad in Japan, aka Chris Broad, aka Chris Broadstein, aka Barry Chopsticks
Sora's over-dramatic skits are the best part of this video
Your comments about other foreigners attacking Chris "on behalf" of Japanese people was hilarious. It reminded me of that huge online debate about wearing kimonos and cultural appropriation, and so they came and interviewed actual Japanese people in Japan. Pretty universally the Japanese people were very happy when people liked their culture, even for aesthetic purposes, and didn't expect that foreigners would know or understand their cultural or spiritual traditions, and certainly didn't need to follow them. It was enough that someone loved some aspect of Japanese life and culture and wanted to be part of it. It really took a lot of wind out of the American and Asian American commentators who were "sticking up" for Japan. XD It just feels very patriarchal, like the Japanese aren't able to get online and make their own comments when they're offended. If they think the Japanese are "too polite" to do that, they've never been on a Japanese message board or forum :P
there is an other side of the coin with 2 main points:
- we are mostly talking about foreigners, if japanese people dont feel much involved in american affairs is mainly because .. they are american affairs, not japanese ones. Often, if similar things happened in japan from a japanese, it would be more brutal from other japanese.
You call out patriarchalism, but actually it's foreigners keeping foreigners in check to save japanese foreign relationships with them. And if you like buzz words, then japanese people are looking at foreigners like they are babies or something, when they actually have to be kept in check and are responsible for the messages they send (that ofcourse does not apply to random almost unrelated things happening in america or europe that are simply inspired).
- If foreigners have to keep each others in check when it comes to talking or working with japanese culture is because : there is no safety net. America and Europe for instance, is not Japan, which means if there is a bad trend ignoring anything coming actually from Japanese culture, there is no way to get it back, the rope is cut then. So foreign people have to make sure the rope never is cut, by safeguardings cutltural topics around Japan, so we can keep learning and work with/around Japanese culture as it is, without some freewheeling bullshit running and masking almost all of it in the end.
TLDR: foreigners keeping foreigners in check is only natural, and is what enables foreigners to still interact respectfully and sanely and interestingly with Japan today.
It is out of respect for Japanese culture, but that respect is also needed. In a way Japanese people can't always understand because they don't always understand or know all the issues around which only exist from/in/for the foreign countries.
And maybe some Japanese people could understand that, but even then, it's not their job to keep other countries in check, so it's other countries jobs and we are doing it.
Being offended in behalf of others on the internet is typically an American behavior, as Americans think they're the center of the world.
In German we call them Gutmensch, seems the English addapted that word. Look up the English Wikipedia article, it summarizes these kind of people perfectly. Also it's not only foreigners sticking up for Japanese people (in their oppinion).
And I think I remember that debate aswell, weren't they attacking a literal child for wearing a kimono? She was 10 or 12 or something like that (or even younger?), when the Gutmenschen attacked her for cultural appropriation and so on.
"Cultural appropriation" was such a cringe concept.
It basically suggests that we should all be separate and not interact with other cultures.......but it's anti-racism? 😅
@@s-x5373When the tldr is as long as the whole comment
Chris is one of the creators that keeps evolving his work. I remember watching him making videos that are like straightforward vlogs and gradually turned into a polished documentary-like style of content.
I only remember him from his vlog style days. I used to watch him occasionally back in 2015-16 and then for some reason fell out of the whole genre of "foreigner youtubers in Japan" itself. So I didn't what the hell this guy was talking about in this video. The current Abroad in Japan seems like someone completely different.
Sora's hair looking IMMACULATE 😍
Japan is a pretty prestigious country to get into long term. In addition, the culture shock scares away a lot of people. Chris's travels let all of these people curious about japan to see a unique perspective. It's also why I love takashi's street interviews. And Sora, even if your humor is very niche, as a middle-aged American weeb, I appreciate you.
As an anthropologist, I always find the perspective outside of the mainstream to be more interesting, and more reliable if you’re trying to get information about a particular culture. The fact that Chris doesn’t focus on the more popular Kyoto and Tokyo areas makes him much more unique, as opposed to many other TH-camrs, who deal in Japanese topics, particularly if they’re from the west. One point Sora makes is pretty interesting: he says that a lot of of Japanese people don’t know about Japan, which is also true here in the US, and I kinda relate. When he says that he would not know what to tell somebody if they ask them where they should go visit as tourist in Japan, it’s very similar to somebody, asking me, someone from New Jersey, where they should go throughout the entire United States. In addition, it’s very similar to how a lot of TH-camrs were not from the United States. Focus on major touristy, metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles. To be perfectly honest, I would have no clue either (it happens all the time), so I definitely get where Sora's coming from with that. So for Sora to admit to that, as well as to understand the unique perspective Chris has, is rather refreshing, particularly with TH-camrs.
Chris Broad : "How many times do we have to banned you from the bar American!"
i believe he's Irish-Filipino
Nah he's definitely Russian
i think he's Canadian!
Once per nationality he is accused of, right?
Sora, your channel is totally worth my time! I love your videos and your personality!
Your channel and content is 100% worth my time, you make great videos 😁
nooo your channel is definitely worth our time 🙂↕️
Love the shout-out to Chris! I actually found you through being a subscriber of Chris!
saw the title and my ass was like 'aw nah i GOTTA see this'
Same here
this actually raises another question. SORA. what is your opinion on Only In Japan?
This was completely my reaction LMAO
I hope this video does well. I like this style of content and the topic can easily be varied and talk about the perspective of Japanese people on whatever subject.
I'm an old guy who decades ago got interested in Japan thanks to Kurosawa Akira's samurai movies. Unfortunately I was (still am) timid, lazy, cowardly, and didn't believe in my own abilities, so it seemed like only a distant dream for me to travel to Japan. Thanks to the internet I eventually got wonderful friends from there and with their encouragement finally traveled there in 2010. Then financial troubles prevented me from doing it again until 2019. Between these visits it was good to have someone, like Chris Broad, who brought a piece of Japan to my livingroom with "broader" views, honest opinions, and British humour, which I adore as well.
I want to go more than anything, but I'm disabled. Even if I could save up the money for a ticket, Idk if some of my most important medications would even be allowed in the country. I'll probably never get to visit, but it's the only thing I've wanted to do for at least 20 years (I'm 37).
It's probably like that everywhere. In the US, I forget the percentage, but a huge amount of people never even leave their state.
Look at how big Japan is and look how big one state in the US is.
@@lainiwakura1776 the states out in the east are smaller tho lol
the real issue is that many Americans just have a narrow worldview because they think the US is the center of everything
tbh the only reason people in europe travel to other countries is because the scale of the countries is smaller. you can drive trough 4 countries in 1 single day. (depending on where you start)
@@floortjetjeertes3898 Meanwhile it takes 11 HOURS from El Paso to Houston. THATS JUST TEXAS.
americans also travel longer distances by car on a daily basis thanks to messed up planning and lack of public transportation
*I have been thinking about that too, about Japanese people not knowing the location and nice spots in Japan. I got a relative there who literally grew up in Japan and stated he never set foot in Kyoto or Osaka. While I'm literally going around the whole country for 1 month at a time multiple times a year as a tourist.*
*Sometimes I ask if he can go with, but he always says he got work.*
Work culture is tough there, thats probably the main reason that Japanese people don't know many spots in Japan.
Sorry, could you lower your voices just a little bit?
@@imoutodaisuki
*HAAAHH?? WHAT DID YOU SAY??? 🗣‼️*
@@Oh_the_humanity I said lower *your voice!* *STOP SHOUTING!*
@@imoutodaisuki *_I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!! I'M GONNA NEED YOU TO. SPEAK. UP. 🗣‼️‼️‼️🔊💨‼️‼️‼️_*
It's great to see an American talk about a British guy while they are both living in Japan! What a world!
I'd never thought it through in this much detail, but Sora's analysis on here is like a really good description about a lot of what I appreciate about Chris Broad's work here on TH-cam.
I see a common theme with Sora - I think he's hoping Chris will take him on as a sidekick.
”Senpai, please notice me”
@@phillydisco11 Philly, I honestly think he just wants to sniff him!
idk Sora would probably just explode if that were to happen.
@@MrKinglydude He also mentioned Broad today, hoping he had been watching or commenting, but sadly, no.
Honestly a crossover episode would be absolutely gold.
I love Chris and I started watching your channel just last week, so it was funny to see this pop up on my recommended.
I love that you went to his bar to creep on the towels haha.
Something else that is interesting about Chris's comments, people also comment that he is too positive a lot too, but I don't think that he's ever really being too positive, like he's just sharing his experiences and the experiences of his friends. Sometimes they are pretty bad experiences, but looking back it's like, it was worth it for them.
Idk, it's silly both ways lol
I am dutch, and we are known for our directness and honesty. Sometimes that hurts, but it also means we arent playing games or telling lies.
Chris Abroad is a good person for showing bad aspects of Japan too, because that way you know the good aspect of Japan are real and he really likes Japan.
I would've thought you, as a Dutch, wouldn't be praising the brit
@@MaakaSakuranboWe’re old allies. We go way back.
@@MaakaSakuranbo Don't dutch people and british people generally like each other?
@@chickenfoot2423 We love british people when they're in the UK. When they're tourists on the other hand...
@@chickenfoot2423 As far as I'm aware the British and Dutch have sort of a dislike still from being big competing forces in navy stuff in the past
You have done it dude, I saw your content a while ago and even then you have shown that you understand comedic timing in English - and that in itself is a type of language mastery.
I don't know if you amplify your Japanese accent in the videos or not, but that doesn't matter. You are so fluent it's amazing.
English is technically my 3rd language, but has become the one I primarily use for over 16 years. I can see when a fellow non-native speaker has had _the break through_
I love overly dramatic this video is, it feels like Chris is anime character or some legendary figure and its hilariously entertaining. Plus its really interearing to see the opiooms of Japanese people on Chris, amd how he appeals to them. Keep it comimg Sora, you never disappoint
ソラさん、すごく良い動画だったよ😂多分、クリスのは全体のバランスがすごく良いんだと思う。歯に衣を着せぬ発言も、視聴者は彼の正直さを見抜くし、安心するんだと思う。辛口動画だとしても、ナツキさんの登場で ほっこり中和されてバランスがいいんだと思う😂でもソラさん、人気者になる必要ないんだよ、ソラさんを本当に必要とする人達のヒーローでいて🙏
Natsuki is the true star of AiJ's channel and nobody will ever change my mind
I believe Chris explained that they met randomly one time walking down a street when they had both been out drinking, which is even more crazy and awesome haha. Natsuki owns a barber shop though!
I already loved Japan to begin with, but Chris' videos are a big part of the reason why I chose to return here 6 years ago, so I totally get the obsession. ;) He's certainly not alone, though -- I've found that most of the foreigners regularly doing TH-cam content in Japan are really upstanding, cool people who produce really fun and informative videos, from CDawgVA to Tokidoki Traveler to Sharla to Pete to King Kogi (no longer in Japan, but she made a ton of incredible videos here for a number of years and really left her mark!) to Life Where I'm From to Only In Japan to modern-day Pewdiepie... the list goes on.
Japan seems to just attract only the best foreigners... to live here, that is. Plenty of foreign TH-camrs who VISIT Japan do it no favors (and leave the Japanese people with a poor impression of foreign TH-camrs overall). But when they choose to stick around, that usually means they're going to produce some great content here, and I feel like Chris was kind of the start of all that. Maybe not literally the first (as he definitely wasn't!), but the first to really popularize it. You could kind of say he's the OG.
If you want to see an actual Japanese TH-camr who has a pretty encyclopedic knowledge of Japan, though -- particularly its geography and history -- check out Hololive vtuber AZKi. She debuted as a "vsinger," but then got introduced to Geoguessr, and now she's like, a pro-tier player who knows the Japan map on Geoguessr like the back of her hand. She's also done a few videos where she's visited memorable locations from her Geoguessr games in person, and has recently gotten really into just... watching real-time train or flight radar footage and geeking out about the delicate ballet that is modern-day travel infrastructure and planning. It's really cool to see her indulge her love of travel and mapping, and her content is very comfy and easy to watch!
The last few lines you said is exactly why your channel is worth my time
I started watching him 6 years ago just to train my English before going to UK for a school trip and I think his videos really improved my spoken english.
I'd love to see Sora on Chris's channel one day! That would be great!
Nice video! I recently read his book „Abroad in Japan“ while on vacation. It was such a good and pleasant read.. i was grinning almost the whole time. I can only recommend!😊
I smiled a lot watching this! Great video and much needed after a long days work!
I loved the skits acting out your reaction to Chris's content. It is more original and more entertaining than if you just sat and reacted to clips like other youtubers do. It being in over the top anime japanese just made it even funnier.
I think Chris's real talent comes from how he is able to film and edit his videos to feel like legitimate documentaries. We have seen the behind the scenes and know a lot of it is him traveling to these places and hanging out with his friends. But the editing and research put on top of that footage leaves me learning something new about japan which I really enjoy. I know he puts a lot of effort into every video and I respect that.
I love this; it's very funny. I follow your and Chris's channels. As a foreigner who is currently on his third trip to Japan, I very much respect the country and its people. I have traveled through Japan as well, doing my homework before I get there. If any Japanese on this channel wnat's to visit my place (Australia) give me a shout. I would love to pay back what Japan has given me.
Just found this channel. I really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Chris is the reason I live in Shiogama. Him always showing Tohoku made me choose living in Iwate, Aomori, and Miyagi instead of the main Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto areas.
Seriously Sora, great video and I agree Chris's channel is brilliant BUT yours is my second favourite about Japan and not at all "cringe" lol. Only visited Japan once with a band playing Fuji Rock, but loved the country and people I met. Really fascinating to watch yuor explanation of Chris's appeal to Japanese people and 100% agree the travel really takes you all over Japan like you're with Chirs and his friends. Natsuki is awesome and it reminds me of the motoring show "top Gear" for a country. Keep raging Sora 😎😎
Good fellas on YT banding together, this is the right way!
I've never been early to a sora vid so this is cool
6:45 Chris is just honest about Japan. Nowhere is perfect. Wherever you live there will be frustrations, culture clashes, things you don't like. He's been there for 12+ years so he obviously likes it overall. But I think Japanese people are less used to seeing honestly and plainly stated negative opinions in media, especially on TV. So when this English guy says, "Here's ten things that drive me crazy about Japan," it can be jarring for Japanese to hear.
I like both your channel and Chris Broad's channel :)
I love the passion you are putting behind your spoken lines.
Natsuki is pure gold. 💕 he is loved everywhere and a highlight of watching Chris’ channel 😂
Best video to start my day with. Love it.
This was very informative from a Japanese native's pov. It also makes sense as to why the channel is successful. ❤
Bravo Sir ! I enjoyed your video immensely 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Affability may at first look like madness, at a glance.
Nice stuff, I think a Sora and Chris collab would be cool if you thought it would be possible :)
9:52 I think these people are getting mad because he's breaking their fantasy vision of Japan by pointing out flaws. That or they're the type to view any form of criticism as insulting.
I fkn love the melodrama.
don't stop!
Found your video, and honestly, the over-the-top anime like dialogue is hilariously endearing.
Uh, no, I will continue to watch your channel too. I've already been watching Chris's channel for years (and kind of inspired me to go to university), plus I watch/listen to his podcast as well. He certainly has a very balanced view on Japan and retain that familiar (to me) Britishness that not many TH-camrs have (because a lot of them are American of course).
I love the samurai-style dialog between Sora and his double. Listening to that I thought I was in the middle of a Samurai movie--and that's the only place I've encountered that kind of Japanese.(sheltered life I lead).
Your channel is worth my time . Keep up the good work !
All the love for you, man. That ending was monumental. ❤❤❤
Chris's podcast is also pretty good, where he and British Pete talk about current affairs in Japan.
One of these days Sora is getting stream sniped by Chris. PS I forgot that Chris Broad was invited to a state dinner hosted by King Charles for the Emperor. Chris met the King and the Emperor! What do Japanese people think about that?
Nani???!
@@arcturionblade1077 th-cam.com/video/_TyWjucSVGU/w-d-xo.html
@@arcturionblade1077yes he was invited alongside his fiancee
his north travel series is one of my favorite
I love how much you're hyping him up. You're right that he's an amazing content creator who seems to have much love and respect for Japan.
I've been watching him for quite some time now, and he's shown me good and bad things about Japan. I'm glad about that too, because no country is 100% good or 100% bad, and the positive sparkly stuff is so bright it's not believable.
Sora, this is the first time I watch one of your videos. I have to say you're very cool, I liked your humor and energy very much and most of all your english accept is excellent !
Keep it up !
Oh Sora 😂😂😂 you are loved but you are indeed a Troll channel with much love for the art ❤
2:34 for a moment there I thought you were about to say "Some Japanese people actually talk like Yu-Gi-Oh characters" xD
Finnaly a white guy in Asia who is actually respectful, charismatic and does not embarass us
Finally? He predates all of the sh* theads. Plus that one sh*thead ain't White.
Chris respectful? He's British, so I never saw it like that.
And he does good charity as well.
I love the freeze frames…
Great video 😁 I wasn't sure what to expect when I clicked but you're funny and I like your take on Chris' channel 🥰
Dude, your skin care routine is doing you wonders! Your skin looks awesome!
Brilliant video - been subscribed to you both for a while now!
PRETTY WILD IF YOU ASK ME
I met him briefly back during JET program its amazing what he has become since he was a teacher in Japan it puts a big smile on my face.
Very good perspective, thank you
To me, ‘Abroad in Japan’ was part of two waves of ‘Foreigner in Japan’ videos/vlogs.
The initial wave was a lot of foreigners who loved to VISIT Japan and it’s more like touristy advertising. ‘Look at the Glico sign, look at Harajuku, how different, so kawaii, I watched anime and now I’m in the country it’s based on and made in’
The second wave came as those who might’ve been tourists stayed and became locals. Now, they could live life the way the Japanese do, see things that were bad/concerning/inefficient, and comment on them.
Sure, some complaints absolutely earn a ‘If you don’t like it, leave’ response, but I imagine that if locals aren’t speaking up on things that can’t be improved (out of politeness), a foreigner who can comment, suggest and sometimes, be part of a movement that solves a problem so that everyone can benefit can be a good thing.
I’ll also argue that Chris’ videos have led to a lot more tourists travelling to places around Japan that aren’t tourist hotspots. Seeing more foreigners in obscure villages, towns and cities in under-appreciated Prefectures is fantastic.
Man to see Sora and Christowel together would be so cool :D
The sketch is so good I subscribed.
I just got back from a trip to japan as my first ever forign travel trip. I wouldnt have gone if it wasnt for the Abroad in Japan channel and Chris! Im planning on going back ASAP!
I love both channels, Sora The Troll, and Abroad in Japan. Btw Sora like the hair style 😁
It happens everywhere too, I know alot of people in America that have never left their town or state and they end up not realizing how different things can be just one state over much less across the country.
I live in America, and his videos show how incredible Japan is, discovering its hidden treasures-like those cozy spots where you can rent a room with a private hot pool. I also pick up a bit of Japanese and learn what not to do if I ever visit. His videos have inspired me to think about traveling to Japan, and they’ve given me insight into how to be respectful when I do.
Well this video made me subscribe instantly, perfect level of hilarious humour and being really informative too. 😄 Also, you should be a voice actor! Perfect voice for it!🔥
I think your channel is pretty funny, you made me laugh a lot here lol
Sora the troll, was honest at the end, and I can vouch for it. LOL
I've been following him alllll the was back in 2012. Really amazing to see him go leaps and bounds. My Japanese teacher works with his friends also. I feel very lucky.
Thankyou for promoting small gaijin youtubers on japan. Sora you're the best.
It's good you Japanese people appreciate one of our best British TH-camrs Abroad in Japan is a national treasure and a great Japanese content creator
It's great there's finally a video talking about Ironmouse
Nice video! You worked on this one! ❤
I am new to your channel and THIS IS COMEDY GOLD!!!