I Spent a Week with Japan's Biggest Movie Star 🍿 PATREON EXCLUSIVE Trailer
Added 2022-03-01 04:44:35 +0000 UTCWell guys, February hasn't been an overly great month.
I have to apologise for the lack of videos; firstly, because of COVID restrictions around Japan, we had to cancel quite a few episodes we had planned (there was an entire 5-part travel series that had to be postponed).
And then due to the nightmarish copyright issues we faced on the Ken Watanabe documentary, that got delayed a few weeks.
Amidst it all, it felt like every time I stood up I was getting kicked back down due to bad luck and unforeseen events and I spent a lot of this month struggling to find the creativity or motivation to battle through.
Hell, just as I was planning the long awaited tip back to the UK in May, war broke out and now airplanes can't fly over Russia. The 11 hour flight has become a 17 hour expedition. (My thoughts go to anyone in Ukraine affected right now. It's honestly been insane and heartbreaking watching events unfold).
But this morning, all of my negative emotions were washed away in an instant when we were finally given the thumbs on the documentary - by Ken Watanabe himself who enjoyed watching it apparently!
With COVID now disappearing, those postponed travel videos are BACK ON, and this week Connor and I are planning a huge Wacky Weekend Road Trip special.
Natsuki and I have a fun video planned, and beyond that in April, I'm DELIGHTED to announce we have one final series of Journey Across Japan planned, with both Natsuki and Joey joining for the entire trip. It'll be tough to rival JAJ: The Lost Islands, but we'll give it out best shot.
As to where we'll be going, I'll leave that up to your imagination and guesswork.
But now the bit we've all been waiting for!
The Ken Watanabe documentary will be going up on Abroad in Japan this Saturday 5th, and here's a Patreon EXCLUSIVE Sneak Peek trailer of the opening 2 mins of the documentary.
And technically, as this documentary is a Patreon backed project, I owe you all a very big thank you. It was quite an expensive undertaking, as I hired two cameramen and had help producing it from a Japanese friend (given we had to navigate a Japanese Talent Agency).
There'll also be a MAKING OF Patreon episode released here alongside the documentary, discussing the ups and downs of filming with Ken and the entire filmmaking process.
ALL in all, we have so much to look forward to in March and I want to thank you guys as always for your support, through the good times and the bad.
I'm glad the wait is finally over. Enjoy!
I Spent a Week with Japan's Biggest Movie Star 🍿 PATREON EXCLUSIVE Trailer
Watch: https://youtu.be/I5Yn1CVKzJk
Comments
Anyone knows the name of the background song?
Nathan Mateo Marín Jimenez
2022-04-19 14:17:32 +0000 UTCI’m really looking forward to the video. Keep up the great work, Chris!
Ramon Rijkhoek
2022-03-05 13:48:58 +0000 UTC😂
Abroad in Japan
2022-03-05 13:29:28 +0000 UTCFinally a video with the potential to rival "I tried every Japanese fried chicken".
LudicDave
2022-03-05 13:22:40 +0000 UTCWow, what a bundle of good news! Cant wait for all of it, so stocked!
2022-03-04 08:43:29 +0000 UTCMinus one day!! And Kesennuma looks the type of place where it’s nice to live in🙂
Luciano Arrieta Martins
2022-03-04 06:51:33 +0000 UTCTwo days to go! Can’t wait!
Luciano Arrieta Martins
2022-03-03 14:57:09 +0000 UTCCongrats on finally pushing this documentary with Ken out! Looking forward to watching it.
Chadin
2022-03-03 10:27:23 +0000 UTCCan't wait Chris! Looking forward to it and I hope this gets your mojo back💪
2022-03-02 21:31:28 +0000 UTCsuper pumped for this! What an accomplishment
John Lo
2022-03-02 17:17:08 +0000 UTCim so excited. so happy for you chris !!
2022-03-02 16:59:31 +0000 UTCSo stoked to see this! Looking forward to the video!
2022-03-02 16:40:26 +0000 UTCI have not said it before but I am so very happy for you to have met the one man you have wanted to for who knows how long! I can’t wait to see this video as I know it’s going to be one of your best since this was probably a huge moment for you! Congratulations on meeting the man the myth the legend!!
Rob Biberhofer
2022-03-02 16:11:18 +0000 UTCGlad to see that the struggle is finally over and you finally get to release the documentary. As everyone else I'm already excited for it! Love the trailer and I'm pretty sure you went with another song from Shin Suzuma there. Love his music and it matches your videos perfectly.
2022-03-02 15:14:54 +0000 UTCBeyond excited for this!
2022-03-02 15:05:49 +0000 UTCThe final JAJ?! No! Say it isn't so! Those are so funny and always make me smile!
Astor Reinhardt
2022-03-02 11:33:32 +0000 UTCChris in a Blazer. I like the look!
2022-03-02 05:44:04 +0000 UTCJust an Idea, hope you do some blooper clips with natsuki and you re enacting some of ken watanabe's stunts, after all we've seen natsuki as a ninja already, it is not a far stretch hahaha
Nicole Paler
2022-03-02 02:43:13 +0000 UTCSo exciting! I’m so happy for you Chris! Looking forward to watching this.
Morty
2022-03-02 00:34:33 +0000 UTCCongratulations Chris! Such an amazing milestone, looking forward to watching it soon!
Cesar S.
2022-03-01 23:58:54 +0000 UTCI have enjoyed all of your “stuff” from the beginning (sitting in your apartment showing us your special “Japanese” cupboard for your bills) to present day. But I especially like your more serious documentaries and fully expect the Ken Watanabe film to be another showcase project in your pursuit toward mainstream films.
2022-03-01 23:05:48 +0000 UTCSo hyped and so proud of you, Chris!!
2022-03-01 22:27:46 +0000 UTCYes, yes and YES! I’m sure many are feeling totally overwhelmed with the world (say from the last few years at least) this is definitely a welcome escape. I can’t wait to see all the brilliant work yourself and the gang have produced. Thanks for always spreading the smiles and knowledge :) keep safe everyone
Kirsty Beauchamp-Dawson
2022-03-01 22:17:51 +0000 UTC5th is now booked off just to watch Ken. 😄
2022-03-01 22:11:44 +0000 UTCGoosebumps! Looks amazing, so pleased for you that it’s nearly out! Can’t wait to watch.
2022-03-01 19:44:03 +0000 UTCA dream, a wish, some mere jest is about to become a reality for us all. So happy for you Chris!
Luciano Arrieta Martins
2022-03-01 17:09:51 +0000 UTCSo does this mean that the real Ken Watanabe will substitute the cardboard cutout one behind the alley window in the studio?
rafa UGM
2022-03-01 15:43:16 +0000 UTCawesome!
rafa UGM
2022-03-01 15:41:45 +0000 UTCHopefully you and your friend ms can do a premier party to celebrate this release! It’s looks amazing, congratulations!
Johanne Almoza
2022-03-01 14:09:05 +0000 UTCcheers Chris, glad it finally worked out! things will continue going up from now on!
harupi
2022-03-01 13:55:22 +0000 UTCYou've really outdone yourself again. Can't wait to enjoy this. With Covid restrictions dissolving, when do you think you'll visit the UK?
Ryan Montgomery
2022-03-01 13:14:07 +0000 UTCI’m so happy you finally got the thumbs up!! Amazing work as always!
Hannah Stover
2022-03-01 12:39:58 +0000 UTCas soon as I saw Abroad in Japan presents i was like hell yeah!!!
John Leitch
2022-03-01 12:05:17 +0000 UTCYasss
Bonnie L
2022-03-01 11:52:30 +0000 UTCThat trailer gave me the chills! Well done, and such a well deserved experience that you finally got to meet him! Really looking forward to see more of this!
Arevya
2022-03-01 11:50:50 +0000 UTCThis looks amazing. Well done Chris
John Yarrow
2022-03-01 11:36:16 +0000 UTCClass!!! Can’t wait to see!
Teree Campbell
2022-03-01 10:44:45 +0000 UTCCongratulations on actually achieving your dream, that we have been listening about for so many years. That start of the trailer.. was marvelous :-) I love "behind the scenes" so I really hope, there will be some bloopers going our way! :-)
BrusLee
2022-03-01 10:16:36 +0000 UTCThanks for your hard work and talent! The sheer will power and creativity you have and do give us in your videos really shows. I hope to one day bump into you on my own adventures in Japan when gates/boarders open up.
2022-03-01 08:58:32 +0000 UTCWow, I'm soooo excited, I can't wait to see! 😍
2022-03-01 08:37:24 +0000 UTCI'm honoured to support you in your big project😃
Satomi Arihara
2022-03-01 08:36:17 +0000 UTCI'm so happy for you! I hope this video will do great on YouTube but either way, it will have been worth it. I watched the trailer twice (not only to see where you got the stills from in the end) and I can't wait to see the whole thing!
Nynke de Haas
2022-03-01 08:31:17 +0000 UTCyay!! go Chris!! <3
Peter Varga
2022-03-01 08:25:45 +0000 UTCFair play sounds like it's been tough but will be worth it and look forward to it. I really hope the upcoming journey across Japan isn't the last though :o
Mark Dillon
2022-03-01 08:22:27 +0000 UTCThis looks fantastic Chris! It's nice to see that all of that had work and patience has paid off in the end
Chris Hunter
2022-03-01 07:45:22 +0000 UTCA hard month indeed, but i am so looking forward to all the surprises that you have for us in the following month. This trailer gave me chills, I am so happy that you got this opportunity and will love to hear you prod about it with your fellow content creators at any given chance :P You have earned it!
Camilla Fontana
2022-03-01 07:22:44 +0000 UTCYEAH - LET'S GO! That was an immense trailer! Hyped!
Ilyas
2022-03-01 07:03:39 +0000 UTC*heavy breathing* trailer looking so good. Can't wait!!!
Linda T
2022-03-01 06:45:48 +0000 UTCCan’t wait! Your documentary work is some of your best. 😊
2022-03-01 06:42:31 +0000 UTC=excitement intensifies=
2022-03-01 06:33:06 +0000 UTCThe trailer looks amazing Chris!
2022-03-01 06:16:46 +0000 UTCAhhhhh I'm so freaking excited to this. I'll definitely be watching with my Mother.
Anthony Urbanski
2022-03-01 06:14:49 +0000 UTCThe trailer is fantastic, I'm so excited!
Mim Franklin
2022-03-01 06:06:08 +0000 UTCLoving everything about this post! Thank You, Chris.
PattyBee
2022-03-01 05:58:20 +0000 UTCCan’t wait for the doco, and more episodes of JAJ and Wacky Weekend! Will we be seeing Connor make an appearance on JAJ or are you keeping it strictly “OGs only”? Sorry to hear about your plans getting disrupted and all the low feelings that go along with it. Your health (physical and mental) is more important than pushing out Patreon videos for us. Take care of yourself <3
Zhiana
2022-03-01 05:54:51 +0000 UTCWe want JAJ to continue! It's been so much fun watching it
2022-03-01 05:54:29 +0000 UTCI think the concept more than anything - and the theme tune.
Abroad in Japan
2022-03-01 05:31:43 +0000 UTCOne FINAL JAJ? Would this next one truly be the end of your adventures like this? Or are you just retiring name?
David Miller
2022-03-01 05:23:10 +0000 UTCGreat trailer, very excited to watch it this Saturday!!!
Casuali_t
2022-03-01 05:14:10 +0000 UTCOoooo weeee can't wait
smeeth
2022-03-01 05:10:08 +0000 UTCI can’t wait to watch this. Next, you’ll have to interview Gedde Watanabe. 😉
Judy Rogin
2022-03-01 05:09:38 +0000 UTCThis trailer is so well done and has me hyped for you, and for the fact that it's finally come together and you can share it with the world! Cheers Chris!
2022-03-01 05:07:30 +0000 UTCThis is such amazing news! Congratulations are in order.
2022-03-01 05:06:04 +0000 UTCFantastic news! Hopefully this will be an upturn to the rest of your 2022.
2022-03-01 05:02:46 +0000 UTCIt feels surreal to see you sitting next to him. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us with this.
Jaziem
2022-03-01 05:02:15 +0000 UTCCan't wait!
butai
2022-03-01 05:00:55 +0000 UTCWell the trailer looks fantastic, super excited to watch this doc. Here’s to everything improving for everyone around the world. ❤️🩹
Erin Ledbetter
2022-03-01 04:59:35 +0000 UTCYes it's utterly ridiculous even to me to be honest, haha
Abroad in Japan
2022-03-01 04:59:22 +0000 UTCNow that JAJ is coming to an end, something I'd love to see you do is doing docs on subcultures within Japan. You've been damn near everywhere in Japan and have given us a fantastic POV into what it's like in those areas, but I think it would be interesting to dive deeper. One thing I was thinking about, which is a bit left-field, is the rise of City Pop in the West. Getting interviews with artists, producers, DJs, etc. would bring fantastic insight into how the genre came to be and how its rise in the West has affected them.
AndyJapandy
2022-03-01 04:58:43 +0000 UTCAll part of our plan to release it on your birthday Lisa. Happy birthday for the Saturday! It's actually weirdly lucky in the sense that it's coming out one week before the anniversary of the tsunami, given that it's such a big part of Ken's story. We're hoping it gets picked up by local media!
Abroad in Japan
2022-03-01 04:58:31 +0000 UTCLove the trailer! I’m looking forward to watching the entire documentary. Well done Chris!
2022-03-01 04:58:10 +0000 UTCI'm so sorry for your loss Barbara. May your sister rest in peace. I really hope your company is understanding of the situation, that sounds completely unfair.
Abroad in Japan
2022-03-01 04:57:12 +0000 UTCYatta!! This is effing exciting. I’m a HUGE Ken fan. I’d have forgotten my own name talking to him. Can’t wait to see the whole thing! Congrats Chris x
2022-03-01 04:56:59 +0000 UTCIt's finally here! As Joey would say Hellls yeah, I fucks with this
Alvin
2022-03-01 04:53:30 +0000 UTCGlad to hear things are turning around! Looking forward to the documentary and JAJ !
2022-03-01 04:52:59 +0000 UTCCongratulations on completing this major milestone! So proud of you and so happy for you! Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Chantal Russell
2022-03-01 04:51:51 +0000 UTCLooking forward to it!
Renato Reyes
2022-03-01 04:50:43 +0000 UTCHell yeah Chris! Honestly surreal to see you sitting there with Ken after years and years and years of you joking about it one day happening. Be proud of yourself for that mate!
2022-03-01 04:50:32 +0000 UTCOh, it’s only coming out ON MY BIRTHDAY! I mean, sorry about all the stress, Chris but it’s worked out beautifully for me. I’m sure that’s reassuring.
Lisa Nix
2022-03-01 04:50:27 +0000 UTCI can't wait for this! Ken is such a great actor. Not just in serious roles. He's even got great comedic timing. First time I saw him was in the 2000 drama IWGP (Ikebukuro West Gate Park) alongside Tomoya Nagase. Check it out of you can.
gale arcenal
2022-03-01 04:49:55 +0000 UTC“THE MOMENT YOUVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!!” Super excited Chris. I know it will be one of your best to date!
2022-03-01 04:49:42 +0000 UTCCAN"T WAIT!!
2022-03-01 04:49:35 +0000 UTCYay! Sorry your Feb sucked ass too (mine has been a shit hole. My sister died 2 weeks ago and because of it I may lose my job over a miscommunication in bereavement leave which is quite literally fucked up, I know.) I look forward to watching this tomorrow after work!
Barbara Smith
2022-03-01 04:49:14 +0000 UTCI can’t wait! I loved your documentaries and while it is sad knowing JAJ is ending, I know it’s going to be a fun romp. :D
Yash Kapoor
2022-03-01 04:48:36 +0000 UTCCan NOT wait for this, it looks absolutely awesome 🙌
Tom Buck
2022-03-01 04:48:10 +0000 UTC
