Unfortunately, Rikubetsu's train station isn't only closed for the winter months, but the entire line that passes through stopped service in 2006, due to declining population in the region. It was called the Furusato Ginga Line, and was the only form of public transportation for over 100 kilometers. Rikubetsu Station and the trains stored there are a memorial of the line, once the main way in and out of the cold town.
Shouldn't more profitable lines subsidize these smaller town unprofitable lines since they are the only possible mass transit available? Closing down tracks will only accelerate the depopulation of these small towns. Maybe some people think that's a good thing. I don't.
@@gnarlin4964The voters on those more profitable lines would probably have something to say about where their financial inputs go (not unreasonably) and the politicians they elect probably aren’t too concerned about rural townships that won’t get them reelected.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the many skills Chris has? Cinematic filming, check. TV-level editing, got it. Arranging elaborate tours, no problem. Beat boxing, sure. Making professional-sounding music, nailed it. Almost makes up for the fact that he can't cook (but he does have exquisite restaurant taste). Keep up the amazing work, Chris! Warm hugs from the Netherlands.
I love how you made an epic video when nothing went as planned. Fishing didn't happen, you improvised. The coldest town wasn't the coldest, you improvised and talked with locals. Really nice work!!
Honestly? you guys need to go international with this production, it's already over and above the standard required for TV, you have personalities galore, and each and every episode of JAJ leaves the viewer looking forward to the next episode. For me, it's like what I said in a previous episode, When I hear the JAJ theme playing, I am instantly happy and ready to watch another episode, it's fantastic!
Same man i'm also happy everytime i see JAJ and love the places they visit with telling the history or the situation it is in and such good quality couldn't agree more!❤
My Japanese teacher some years ago was part Ainu, his grandma was Ainu - and he had blue eyes from her. He told us about how growing up just outside of Tokyo he was treated differently and ‘other’ just because of his eyes from his grandma, and how he felt when he was a child and teenager when he wished his eyes were brown as well… As an adult be moved to the U.K. and became a Japanese teacher, when I met him he was much older (basically semi retired) and proud of his heritage. He made sure to teach us not only Japanese language and culture, but also he taught us Ainu culture. I hope that things are better for the Ainu now as Japan has become a little more international, because his stories of how his grandma was treated were not good.
the ainu were brutally displaced by the japanese government and people, its not as "friendly" as this video describes. The ainu didnt choose to live in uninhabitable regions because there were too many people coming, they were forcefully displaced.
Interesting that you point out that the owl statues at the Akan Kotan have a stare to them like they're watching everything - Cikap-kamuy, also known as Kotan-kor-kamuy is the Ainu deity who watches over villages and is depicted as an owl. The name kotan-kor-kamuy means "Village guarding kamuy (kami)"!
Abroad in Japan is the most consistently entertaining channel I've ever discovered on TH-cam, what's more is that this dude just never fell off.. he's more popular and successful than ever before. His videos always seem to do well etc.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Lake Akan looks amazing. The rap battle was brilliant, Doctor Jelly for the win. Thank you to Chris and the team for sharing this, looking forward to the next one
Having watched Chris for years and years seeing the slow increase in production quality has been so awesome. One of the best overall channels on TH-cam imo
I remember seeing these scenes months ago on Pete’s Twitch channel! It’s crazy the amount of preparation needed to make this series. Nice work, Chris and JAJ crew!!!
My home state of Wisconsin (US) has a climate very similar to Hokkaido but with less snow. In winter we have things like the "polar bear plunge," where a hole is cut in a frozen lake and people jump in. The cold shock often causes their limbs to seize up, so it's essential to have volunteers to fish people out.
Minnesota too! Frozen lakes are integral to the upper Midwest experience lol my college in northern Minnesota let the students park for free on the lake during the winter so we could save some money
When I saw it was only -28c I was quickly reminded of a place I lived in that would commonly get as low as -57c or even lower. Nothing like a frozen blood icicle coming from your nose while the liquid in your eyes is slowly freezing over, all the while you cant feel a thing.
The explanation in this video is not quite right. Ainu has been recognized as an indigenous people for a long time. Back in 1899, Japanese Government made a law to protect them as an indigenous people. Then in 1997, they made a new law specifically to protect their own culture. In 2019, the newest law was established to encourage local governments to use more budget in various ways to support Ainu communities. Majority of Ainu have been blending with Japanese people and their own culture and language are almost disappearing. In 2007, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted and it encouraged the establishment of this new law.
In Newfoundland we don't use fishing lines we use jig lines, which is essentially a fishing line and hook wrapped around a stick... Also since I know there's snowmobiles in Japan I'm 100% going now during the winter. Also the ice gets so think here in Alberta Canada we drive our trucks across the ice... I pull up on the lake in a 1ton truck and ice fish. Usually spend the night there too
I've actually seen Ainu totems just like those up close! When I lived in Vancouver many years ago, I used to occasionally visit Centennial Park on Burnaby Mountain, out near Simon Fraser University. Not only do you get great views of the Lower Mainland up there, but there's also a piece of public artwork called _Kamui Mintara_ ("Playground of the Gods"), which is comprised of several hand-carved Ainu totems imported from Japan. The reason they're there is because Burnaby and Kushiro are sister cities, and totem poles are a common feature of each city's local indigenous culture, so it was intended as a symbol of their friendship. I was always really fascinated by them-- they're definitely stylistically distinct from the sort that are created by the Pacific Northwest First Nations, but at the same time, they're not all that dissimilar, either. Thanks for sharing your time in the Ainu village, Chris! It seems like such a rich and unique culture, and seeing those totems really brought back some great memories for me. Whenever I was at that park, I was always curious what Kushiro was like. Now I know. :)
Wow, I have book marked the Ainu culture town. I want to make it there on my trip in August! Do you think you could make a video about transportation options for traveling Japan for international visitors?
Yeah, not really. At least compared to the US and other countries. It's typically more expensive than beef etc and, at least for me growing up, it was considered a 'rich person' food. I think it is becoming more commonplace than in previous years, but it's not that popular. From my pov anyway.
This was one of the most fun and entertaining episodes yet! I really enjoyed learning about the local culture and history so I think it'd be fun if you could do a whole crash course on Japanese historical topics.
Growing up in Pennylvania deer jerky was something I always loved after my family would go on hunting trips. No lie the best jerky I've had to date and seeing all the local foods being based around deer meat has me enthralled.
Wen that intro song comeson , it's like ready for a super fun happy time😂let's go bro , 80's 90's vibe, Joey n his history info is awesome 👍 U guys rock 🥶🤔🤤
Having had venison through most my life, your guy's reaction to it made me giggle. I love Pete so much and him just throwing out how he's tried deer meat actually made me think... Like... how many kinds of odd meat did he try during that job? xD
What a episode!!! Just love all you guys together and with the snow is so beautifull to see Just so good how you make this series the quality the places and people this series will always be my fav also Natsuki loved the snow alot😂 Thanks for everything working on this appreciate it so much can't wait for the next one!🙏🙌❤️
I feel bad for Natsuki in losing the Rap battle but Happy to see Dr. Jelly again 😂😊It's my first time to see this part of Japan with the Ainu people and I find the place very interesting. Looking forward on the next one, Excellent job everyone 😊
as someone who just finished watching golden kamuy. this year journey across japan is seemingly familiar somehow. especially the next episode with the prison. 😂
Absolutely amazing content! I love the bit of history of the Ainu. I’d love to see more about them. I fell that would be an opportunity for a mini series of documentary style videos.
Japan really should promote more Ainu things. I assume one of the reasons they don't is because of how far out the villages are from everything else...unless you know how to drive/have a driver...probably hard to get to. Which is a shame, the village looked lovely! I love the Connor "jump scare".
Hell yeah so happy you went to Akan! It's one of my favourite places to stay, also stayed in one of the Tsuruga groups resorts just down the road both times! You even went in the same place I've had lunch many times too!
Japan's light weight version of Houghton Lake's Tip Up Town in Michigan. Very similar but on a much smaller scale. Thousands of people on ice. Cars parked all over the ice, ice fishing, beer tents, and all sorts of activities. The only thing Hikido doesn't have on there lake that Houghton Lake has is a full on carnival with lots of rides. I imagine they do not have people getting arrested for driving drunk on their snowmobiles. I have always imagined the Japanese would be more considerate of others when driving a snowmobile than my my Michigan brethren. Hikido... Tip Up Town's little brother. At least Hikido has a mountain.
IIRC Ainu are also partly Greek. The men are generally larger than mainlanders and can grow full beards, and there is some Greek symbolism in some of the clothing and art. It's hypothesized that they traveled North-East from Greece.
Well Pete just taught me something about taxidermists. Hopefully some of Julies Pug, Mr.Puggles also isn't stored away in that freezer for a rainy day.
Great video! I loved Kushiro when I visited In the summer. So many shrines and temples that I nearly filled a Goshuin-cho I had when I visited. I have a friend that’s from a neighbouring town called Shiranuka otherwise I’d of never gone. I’ve stayed in Akan myself. Absolutely beautiful in the summer, especially when you do the Marimo night boat ride.
I have not heard about Ainu people until know, very interesting. I wonder if ashitaka's tribe from princess monoke was based off of it. They were a hidden tribe, rode/hunted elk/archer hunters..
Unfortunately, Rikubetsu's train station isn't only closed for the winter months, but the entire line that passes through stopped service in 2006, due to declining population in the region. It was called the Furusato Ginga Line, and was the only form of public transportation for over 100 kilometers. Rikubetsu Station and the trains stored there are a memorial of the line, once the main way in and out of the cold town.
Informative, thank you.
Quite informative, as expected with someone with that username. Thanks!
this guy trains..
Shouldn't more profitable lines subsidize these smaller town unprofitable lines since they are the only possible mass transit available? Closing down tracks will only accelerate the depopulation of these small towns. Maybe some people think that's a good thing. I don't.
@@gnarlin4964The voters on those more profitable lines would probably have something to say about where their financial inputs go (not unreasonably) and the politicians they elect probably aren’t too concerned about rural townships that won’t get them reelected.
history, humor, rap battles... this video has it all
This world used to be a place to learn to suffer, but that has to change. Make this world heaven!
TH-cam is here!!
Wow youtube, only good thing you do is watch chris otherwise your platform is trash
Are you You-tuba?
@@smitywerbenmanjensen5265 Got me
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the many skills Chris has? Cinematic filming, check. TV-level editing, got it. Arranging elaborate tours, no problem. Beat boxing, sure. Making professional-sounding music, nailed it. Almost makes up for the fact that he can't cook (but he does have exquisite restaurant taste). Keep up the amazing work, Chris! Warm hugs from the Netherlands.
I'd say it more than makes up for his lack of cooking skills. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses right haha.
I don't mean to be an ass, but you know you can do it without asking if you can, right? Just say "Let's take a moment to ____."
so true! im from the netherlands aswell!!
@@gekko855 Haha I meant it as a joke, because he's made fun of his cooking skills himself (in other videos). But, yes, absolutely. ^^
I love how you made an epic video when nothing went as planned. Fishing didn't happen, you improvised. The coldest town wasn't the coldest, you improvised and talked with locals. Really nice work!!
Honestly? you guys need to go international with this production, it's already over and above the standard required for TV, you have personalities galore, and each and every episode of JAJ leaves the viewer looking forward to the next episode.
For me, it's like what I said in a previous episode, When I hear the JAJ theme playing, I am instantly happy and ready to watch another episode, it's fantastic!
my thoughts exactly!
Same man i'm also happy everytime i see JAJ and love the places they visit with telling the history or the situation it is in and such good quality couldn't agree more!❤
I'm so glad that Connor was able to make it to the hotel with you!
My Japanese teacher some years ago was part Ainu, his grandma was Ainu - and he had blue eyes from her. He told us about how growing up just outside of Tokyo he was treated differently and ‘other’ just because of his eyes from his grandma, and how he felt when he was a child and teenager when he wished his eyes were brown as well…
As an adult be moved to the U.K. and became a Japanese teacher, when I met him he was much older (basically semi retired) and proud of his heritage. He made sure to teach us not only Japanese language and culture, but also he taught us Ainu culture.
I hope that things are better for the Ainu now as Japan has become a little more international, because his stories of how his grandma was treated were not good.
the ainu were brutally displaced by the japanese government and people, its not as "friendly" as this video describes. The ainu didnt choose to live in uninhabitable regions because there were too many people coming, they were forcefully displaced.
Interesting that you point out that the owl statues at the Akan Kotan have a stare to them like they're watching everything - Cikap-kamuy, also known as Kotan-kor-kamuy is the Ainu deity who watches over villages and is depicted as an owl. The name kotan-kor-kamuy means "Village guarding kamuy (kami)"!
Abroad in Japan is the most consistently entertaining channel I've ever discovered on TH-cam, what's more is that this dude just never fell off.. he's more popular and successful than ever before. His videos always seem to do well etc.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Lake Akan looks amazing. The rap battle was brilliant, Doctor Jelly for the win. Thank you to Chris and the team for sharing this, looking forward to the next one
Natski, having a normal convo with the resturant owner was so satisfying for some reason haha
Having watched Chris for years and years seeing the slow increase in production quality has been so awesome. One of the best overall channels on TH-cam imo
Natsuki is a warm, kind, precious man. I really like him. ❤
This series has made me fall in love with natski all over again
I remember seeing these scenes months ago on Pete’s Twitch channel! It’s crazy the amount of preparation needed to make this series. Nice work, Chris and JAJ crew!!!
Yooo love how these are coming out really quick after each other
The hotel/inn they stayed in is called Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza.
Pete has been a fantastic addition to Journey across Japan! And what a cool theme, frozen frontier, sounds like a James Bond movie
My home state of Wisconsin (US) has a climate very similar to Hokkaido but with less snow. In winter we have things like the "polar bear plunge," where a hole is cut in a frozen lake and people jump in. The cold shock often causes their limbs to seize up, so it's essential to have volunteers to fish people out.
heh i live near lacrosse, just got back from japan last month!
You cheese heads are nuts
@@SuperCatacata We are a normal level of nuts. We are, however, very drunk.
Minnesota too! Frozen lakes are integral to the upper Midwest experience lol my college in northern Minnesota let the students park for free on the lake during the winter so we could save some money
@@ShlebyC I lived in Duluth for a few years. Having a few breweries right on the lake really helps
When I saw it was only -28c I was quickly reminded of a place I lived in that would commonly get as low as -57c or even lower. Nothing like a frozen blood icicle coming from your nose while the liquid in your eyes is slowly freezing over, all the while you cant feel a thing.
Commenting for the algorithm!
No but seriously, this series is so awesome so far! Loving the high quality and all the different people involved ❤
19:19 I stared into the void.
I was surprised that Japan has indigenous people and that they were recognized just in 2019!
Yeah, that's too recent
The explanation in this video is not quite right. Ainu has been recognized as an indigenous people for a long time. Back in 1899, Japanese Government made a law to protect them as an indigenous people. Then in 1997, they made a new law specifically to protect their own culture. In 2019, the newest law was established to encourage local governments to use more budget in various ways to support Ainu communities.
Majority of Ainu have been blending with Japanese people and their own culture and language are almost disappearing. In 2007, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted and it encouraged the establishment of this new law.
pete was a taxidermist?? been watching this man for months and everytime he's on camera I learn something new about him! he's just full of surprises
This is the best episode of the series! Bravo well done 🫡👏🏻
In Newfoundland we don't use fishing lines we use jig lines, which is essentially a fishing line and hook wrapped around a stick... Also since I know there's snowmobiles in Japan I'm 100% going now during the winter. Also the ice gets so think here in Alberta Canada we drive our trucks across the ice... I pull up on the lake in a 1ton truck and ice fish. Usually spend the night there too
He should have at the least 10M subscribers given the quality of his content
The cough from Natsuki in the background at 24:22 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣PERFECT TIMING
The Ainu village looked so cool. Hope their cultural and linguistic revival continues.
Chris you outdo yourself every time. Great new journey series! Would love to learn more about the Ainu people too at some point.
respect to Natsuki for going topless in -2 degrees. dude is a trooper.
Love the series, but man Chris needs to be involved with the challenges again next time.
Haha, I did a good job escaping the horrors of these challenges.
Mkay, make your own channel and you do your own challenges. It's his Channel if he doesn't want to do dumb shit he wont.
@@Devour_ no need to kiss ass my guy, helpful criticism are always fine
I've actually seen Ainu totems just like those up close! When I lived in Vancouver many years ago, I used to occasionally visit Centennial Park on Burnaby Mountain, out near Simon Fraser University. Not only do you get great views of the Lower Mainland up there, but there's also a piece of public artwork called _Kamui Mintara_ ("Playground of the Gods"), which is comprised of several hand-carved Ainu totems imported from Japan. The reason they're there is because Burnaby and Kushiro are sister cities, and totem poles are a common feature of each city's local indigenous culture, so it was intended as a symbol of their friendship. I was always really fascinated by them-- they're definitely stylistically distinct from the sort that are created by the Pacific Northwest First Nations, but at the same time, they're not all that dissimilar, either.
Thanks for sharing your time in the Ainu village, Chris! It seems like such a rich and unique culture, and seeing those totems really brought back some great memories for me. Whenever I was at that park, I was always curious what Kushiro was like. Now I know. :)
This video is so ambient and funny. Big thanks to Chris for providing such a feat to my everyday life!
Wow, I have book marked the Ainu culture town. I want to make it there on my trip in August! Do you think you could make a video about transportation options for traveling Japan for international visitors?
Is venison not a thing in the UK? Weird that "deer meat" is so exotic.
Yeah, not really. At least compared to the US and other countries. It's typically more expensive than beef etc and, at least for me growing up, it was considered a 'rich person' food. I think it is becoming more commonplace than in previous years, but it's not that popular. From my pov anyway.
This was one of the most fun and entertaining episodes yet! I really enjoyed learning about the local culture and history so I think it'd be fun if you could do a whole crash course on Japanese historical topics.
that Galaxy Express 999 train is amazing
Thank you for showing us a little bit of Ainu
It's always a blast to watch journey to Japan on sunday evenings ♥
It's cool seeing you put all the stuff you learn like the live casting pack to make ever better videos. Love it!
That snow wallow was epic.
Growing up in Pennylvania deer jerky was something I always loved after my family would go on hunting trips. No lie the best jerky I've had to date and seeing all the local foods being based around deer meat has me enthralled.
When Natsuki speaks soft Japanese he actually sounds pretty nice
Wen that intro song comeson , it's like ready for a super fun happy time😂let's go bro , 80's 90's vibe, Joey n his history info is awesome 👍 U guys rock 🥶🤔🤤
Honestly you di a very good job. This video and the entire serious is very well produced :3 Thank you for making it.
I heard of Chris through Trash Taste and I slowly started to appreciate his content more and more. What an Affable man indeed.
Having had venison through most my life, your guy's reaction to it made me giggle. I love Pete so much and him just throwing out how he's tried deer meat actually made me think... Like... how many kinds of odd meat did he try during that job? xD
Beautiful content my man! You guys are great together!!!
10:24 Cosmo and Wanda can’t fool me they’re kickin it in Japan
19:19 anyone else have that black screen??
-38.4C is respectable cold. That’s still warm compared to the lowest temperature recorded in Canada of -63C. 🇨🇦
Rikubetsu looks so relaxing 😌
Love Kushiro so much.....Mashu Lake, Akan Lake.... so pretty
amazing content as always
Amazing Video ❤ as always
What a episode!!!
Just love all you guys together and with the snow is so beautifull to see
Just so good how you make this series the quality the places and people this series will always be my fav also Natsuki loved the snow alot😂
Thanks for everything working on this appreciate it so much can't wait for the next one!🙏🙌❤️
These videos always give me dopamine.. and make me excited for our next trip to Japan!
Great video guys!
I feel bad for Natsuki in losing the Rap battle but Happy to see Dr. Jelly again 😂😊It's my first time to see this part of Japan with the Ainu people and I find the place very interesting. Looking forward on the next one, Excellent job everyone 😊
the Joye rap was so well delivered DAMN ! :D gg
Man, I don't know if you have noticed it, but Chris is really talented. The beat is fire...
DJ JELLY IS INSANE!! 😍😍😍 But RAPTSUKI IS HILARIOUS!! 🤣🤣🤣
Good work Ian.
as someone who just finished watching golden kamuy. this year journey across japan is seemingly familiar somehow. especially the next episode with the prison. 😂
Absolutely amazing content! I love the bit of history of the Ainu. I’d love to see more about them. I fell that would be an opportunity for a mini series of documentary style videos.
Chris honestly has a talent for beat making
"Friend being, I don't listen!" Poor guy. Great episode!
Joey bringing that Old Dirty Bastard heat on the finish
Ahhh new episode!!!❤
As expected from josh the music man, his bars were straight fire
Bro i cant breath, Joey saying he didnt even see the mountain is so funny 5:40
Golden Kamuy is a good read, but hard to stay drawn in after awhilem gotta force yourself to finish.
Japan really should promote more Ainu things. I assume one of the reasons they don't is because of how far out the villages are from everything else...unless you know how to drive/have a driver...probably hard to get to. Which is a shame, the village looked lovely!
I love the Connor "jump scare".
Jesus, the quality of the episodes are getting insane O_O
Holy shit Joey's done it again with his fire lyrics
I IMMEDIETLY knew that this episode was edited by Chris 2 minutes into the video
Best one by far
Really liked the rap battle! I want to see an Abroad in Japan rap tournament special!!
I always forget Pete first appearance in Abroad in Japan is also in Hokkaido when they tried to buy a Mug 😅
Hell yeah so happy you went to Akan! It's one of my favourite places to stay, also stayed in one of the Tsuruga groups resorts just down the road both times! You even went in the same place I've had lunch many times too!
Natsuki is THE MAN
5:56 Chris is like go around damn it! Lol
I kinda wished pete had a game show host outfit or something to make the challenge announcements a little bit more exciting
Your videos are brilliant! Been here since 2016 and I always look forward to a new video. Thank you for the entertainment and all your work.
Japan's light weight version of Houghton Lake's Tip Up Town in Michigan. Very similar but on a much smaller scale. Thousands of people on ice. Cars parked all over the ice, ice fishing, beer tents, and all sorts of activities. The only thing Hikido doesn't have on there lake that Houghton Lake has is a full on carnival with lots of rides. I imagine they do not have people getting arrested for driving drunk on their snowmobiles. I have always imagined the Japanese would be more considerate of others when driving a snowmobile than my my Michigan brethren. Hikido... Tip Up Town's little brother. At least Hikido has a mountain.
My son just moved to the Japanese town w the most snow in the world. Oma Japan. Right now its the highest humidity hes personally ever felt.
IIRC Ainu are also partly Greek. The men are generally larger than mainlanders and can grow full beards, and there is some Greek symbolism in some of the clothing and art. It's hypothesized that they traveled North-East from Greece.
I like to imagine the horn from the intro froze over
i feel like this whole series would be better to watch during the winter whilst its also cold
“What Fucked Up” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Wow Natsuki is a totally different person when talking in Japanese it's amazing
Giant mountain in the back
Joey: “oh wow I didn’t even see that” 😂
15:17 Internet gold.
Well Pete just taught me something about taxidermists. Hopefully some of Julies Pug, Mr.Puggles also isn't stored away in that freezer for a rainy day.
Why do I feel like you guys need a network series
You should re-do the Japan baths videos. There is also nice Netflix series. It should be interesting.
Been years since I've had deer. Use to have it when I lived in MN.
Natsuki it a legend 🙌 .
Great video! I loved Kushiro when I visited In the summer. So many shrines and temples that I nearly filled a Goshuin-cho I had when I visited. I have a friend that’s from a neighbouring town called Shiranuka otherwise I’d of never gone.
I’ve stayed in Akan myself. Absolutely beautiful in the summer, especially when you do the Marimo night boat ride.
I have not heard about Ainu people until know, very interesting. I wonder if ashitaka's tribe from princess monoke was based off of it. They were a hidden tribe, rode/hunted elk/archer hunters..
They were 😊