JOURNEY Across Japan: The Lost Islands (Release Date!) | CDawgVA Collab (Exclusive) | "Why Not to Move to Japan" Video
Added 2021-05-24 12:01:03 +0000 UTC
What a weekend.
Half of it spent with Natsuki, half of it with Connor (CDawgVa). Albeit not together fortunately, that’d be a bit too much to handle.
LOTS of news this week folks.

First off, in case you missed it on FB/Twitter/Instagram yesterday, we posted a promo video featuring Natsuki working at his shop. It’s part of the full official trailer for Journey Across Japan: The Lost Islands that we’re releasing on Abroad in Japan next weekend.
You can watch the clip here!
🍿https://youtu.be/Wh-p0B7gsgg
We also have a confirmed release schedule for the series.
- Sunday 30th May - Journey Across Japan: The Lost Islands - Official Trailer
- Saturday 5th June - JAJ Lost Islands: Episode One (Kagoshima & Yakushima)
Then every weekend throughout June the series will be released!
We’d previously hoped to release the series at the end of May, but we really needed the extra few days in June to finish up the series to a high production standard and I’m confident it’ll be worth the wait!
Before the series drops though, I’m also currently producing a video titled “Why Not to Move to Japan”, discussing the hardships and challenges that come with moving to the country. (The video will be out later this week).
It’s a sensitive topic and perhaps a bit odd coming from me - the guy who’s made 200 videos making Japan look like a magical gumdrop wonderland. What the hell am I thinking?!
But my aim isn’t to deter folks from moving to Japan, be overly negative or crush any dreams. Far from it - I want to prepare everyone that does actually hope to live here one day, for the ups and downs you may face along the way.
I’ve never seen this topic tackled to the degree I hope to cover in the upcoming Abroad in Japan video, and with 9 years of awkward personal experiences to draw from, I intend to discuss a lot of stories I’ve not ever talked about before.

And finally, Connor (CDawgVa of Trash Taste fame) visited me in Sendai over the weekend, where we produced a new video together - and hopefully the first chapter in a new series we’re planning to work on!
While I can’t give too much away, it should be a lot of fun and I’m going to share part of the trailer for the series exclusively here on Patreon - a trailer which we shot on a particularly rainy night on the roof of Sendai station.
I’ve had to cut out a few scenes of the trailer for spoiler reasons, and the result is it actually looks like a serious trailer for a ridiculous film, rather than the parody we intended it to be. So don’t take it too seriously! You can check out the trailer for Connor Batman here!
Abroad in Japan X Connor CDawgVA Series Trailer
🍿https://youtu.be/ViKZTmZtqPY
I had a lot of fun filming these promo videos! I get a real kick out of producing this short cinematic pieces, especially when you’ve got talent like Natsuki and Connor to work with.
On a final note, there are still no updates on when Japan intends to re-open for international tourists. In recent weeks, there were talks about vaccine passports later in the year. And to the surprise of many, the Tokyo Olympics are going ahead, even if 60-80% of the Japanese population is against it.
In the meantime, I’d strongly advise against booking any holidays or flights to the country in 2021. While there’s certainly a chance it might be possible to enter in late Autumn, it’s still not likely enough to warrant booking anything. But the moment I hear any positive news on the subject, I’ll be heading straight here to give you guys updates.
For now, have yourself a great start to the week and I’ll be back with more in the next few days!
I thought maybe connor was gonna do some rap music.
Robert Russell
2021-06-09 17:31:54 +0000 UTC
Hey Chris or am I talking to Seattle Dave...hmmm i've noticed some changes in you and if i mention them...well, in any case here like Natsuki's Holiday - Part Deux. I and many others would like to see a part Trois or maybe a Prequel where your mission is to go back to where it all started: 〒787-0450 高知県土佐清水市三崎4124-1...yes, you now have an reason to go to island of the four provinces. cheers
2021-06-07 23:29:25 +0000 UTC
The trailer with Connor looks soooooo good 😱🤩! I really like the colours... adds some mysterie to it 👍🏼. The way Connor talks is so serious, very different and funny, but I like it 😅😂. Looking forward to the new serie!
And very interesting points on your late video why not to move to Japan. I thing these will let people think twice and break the ‘bright side’. Well done 👏🏼
Amilie Van Acker
2021-06-02 13:19:13 +0000 UTC
Love the Connor Batman Trailer, Chris! Keep up the good work. Just today i singed up to your patreon so im really excited to see everything that is exclusive here! Kisses from Uruguay
Polalady
2021-06-01 15:15:55 +0000 UTC
Hard to believe it's already time for another JAJ. Feels like only a few months ago I got to watch the last one... Time has been weird, but I welcome the new series with open arms! Cheers! (PS: Batman looks great, can't wait!)
Scott & Sora
2021-05-31 03:08:14 +0000 UTC
Chris, thank you for placing quality and artistry over rushing the product. I look forward to all the releases and have come to trust that you will release content when you are ready.
Crypto Wolf
2021-05-30 15:47:50 +0000 UTC
Why is it everytime i see Natsuki, tears are coming up on my eyes. There is a lot more on the inside of Japanese guy, than on the outside. I been there i know, when they open up it's a lot to handle haha.
2021-05-30 04:19:17 +0000 UTC
Insane! Cannot wait to see JAJ and the new content with Connor! (And congratulations for your Trash Taste Awardw) ;)
Maso Mori
2021-05-29 03:44:52 +0000 UTC
Natsuki was going full metalcore breakdown in the end. :D
2021-05-27 19:57:39 +0000 UTC
Damnnn both of them were awesome. Honestly, the Natsuki almost brought a tear to my eye. Really well made Chris!
Lucca Saraiva
2021-05-27 19:04:41 +0000 UTC
It seemed like a quit smoking advert then until he answered the phone 😂
2021-05-27 08:38:14 +0000 UTC
Holy Batman! Your trailers are top notch 👌🏼
2021-05-27 06:02:29 +0000 UTC
the cinematography in this was immaculate
tori bees
2021-05-26 03:18:28 +0000 UTC
This is pure quality gold. 💛 When the hell are you guys making an epic 80s-esque film for us?! Lol 😍 It'd be amazing coming from yous! 😎
Seriously though, i absolutely cannot wait for this!!! 💜🎉🚗🗺🇰🇷
Jewel - (Freyja's Konjures)
2021-05-25 22:56:53 +0000 UTC
Excited for another Summer kick-off with Journey Across Japan! I can't wait. And I'm looking forward to the Why Not to Move to Japan video since there's always pros and cons to moving and living somewhere and most people don't cover it!
H J
2021-05-25 19:28:04 +0000 UTC
Ok, first the Natsuki clip with the blue lighting and then Connor with the red neon sign... very impressive! Love the mood for both videos. I was excited for JAJ 3 but now we get a Connor series too? Excellent! 🤘 I kind of hope it’s a gym series, as someone else predicted... I need some fitness inspiration myself. 😅
Laura Beaumont
2021-05-25 04:28:00 +0000 UTC
Agreed. The quality is incredible.
2021-05-25 04:26:43 +0000 UTC
Me neither 😂
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-25 02:19:08 +0000 UTC
I know you've been working more and more on your cinematography skills but holy crap Chris these trailers are legitimately cinema quality. You're doing incredible work man.
Bulldozer
2021-05-24 21:22:20 +0000 UTC
I was booked for spring 2021, booked before Covid. We moved it to November and have our first shots. Going to watch closely to see if we need to move it again. Despite great travel insurance the air fare keeps going up! On of our stops is about a week in Sendai.
Vicky Bowen
2021-05-24 21:17:53 +0000 UTC
Both trailers look fantastic - I've seen worse stuff out of Hollywood! The only problem is, I can't take Connor seriously 🤣
Stefan H
2021-05-24 20:00:27 +0000 UTC
i believe natsuki is really happy with you chris as a friend who showed him many things.
Maxi555
2021-05-24 19:02:20 +0000 UTC
these videos are both brilliant. Natsuki seems genuinely pumped. i really respect how Natsuki can bring that energy and also run his own business.
and i love how you vibe with different creators.
scott kennedy
2021-05-24 18:20:52 +0000 UTC
Theses shots are looking more and more like A-class film material and I love the portrayal of Natsuki here. Got to remember he is the one with a wife and a business, while most others gamble with the YouTube algorithm.
2021-05-24 17:31:14 +0000 UTC
New series with Connor? YES!
Andrew Roque
2021-05-24 17:13:52 +0000 UTC
That was transcendent . Can't wait!
2021-05-24 16:14:33 +0000 UTC
I’d say the first half was pretty genuine! Natsuki works pretty hard and often longs for a different lifestyle. In many ways it was less acting and more re-enacting
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-24 14:40:26 +0000 UTC
Oh my god, those two trailers are CINEMATIC in quality. Dang.
Alicia
2021-05-24 13:42:51 +0000 UTC
Appreciate the insight into the country opening up for tourists. My airline had a gun to my head with my travel credit (and there was an INSANELY cheap deal) so I booked for November. Fingers crossed things work out then. If not, we'll get refunds, free cancelations, or credits and do it all over again some time later.
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2021-05-24 13:38:13 +0000 UTC
With you Chris, life is never boring.
And despite the over sad tone of the start if the trailer, I can’t help but feel that some of it is genuine, like the small smile Natsuki gets when he sees your name in the phone, just before answering 🙂
Luciano Arrieta Martins
2021-05-24 13:11:04 +0000 UTC
Connor cosplaying as Batman and mildly and politely criticizing convenience store food is what I live for.
2Phan
2021-05-24 13:03:49 +0000 UTC
I don't think I could ever take Connor seriously enough to make a proper movie featuring him haha
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-24 13:02:55 +0000 UTC
We'll post the full trailer online in a few weeks!
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-24 13:00:30 +0000 UTC
Haha, I sound like a madman.
Thanks for letting me know - just fixed it!
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-24 13:00:12 +0000 UTC
Hahaha, that would be beyond incredible
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-24 12:59:47 +0000 UTC
Haha, noted! *Fixed*
Abroad in Japan
2021-05-24 12:59:32 +0000 UTC
"In the meantime, I’d strongly advise booking any holidays or flights to the country in 2021." Wouldn't that be strongly advice against booking?
Other than that, great stuff :) Can't wait for all the videos to go live....especially with such an epic trailer :)
Buzzin
2021-05-24 12:47:37 +0000 UTC
That Connor in Sendai trailer - forget the parody, make the damn movie. Looks awesome!
Darren Hague
2021-05-24 12:46:34 +0000 UTC
I cannot wait for all this new content, and let me tell you: it is such a pleasure to see your friendship with Connor flourish! I cannot wait! ♥
Camilla Fontana
2021-05-24 12:42:12 +0000 UTC
Chris! Did you mean advise *against* in the last paragraph? 😊
Sonya Ross
2021-05-24 12:35:19 +0000 UTC
You've really outdone yourself in well-lit cinematography this week! And Connor had me in stitches 🤣. Looking forward to both series!
Nynke de Haas
2021-05-24 12:34:09 +0000 UTC
Damn that natsuki smoking scene is so tasty. Can’t wait for JAJ.
2021-05-24 12:32:38 +0000 UTC
That trailer!! <3 <3
Ana Lima Limón
2021-05-24 12:25:47 +0000 UTC
So excited for all the upcoming videos and JAJ! And thank you for the update on the current situation regarding holidays in Japan! :)
Cathy
2021-05-24 12:25:27 +0000 UTC
Wow blown away by that. Cant wait to see what you and Connor have in store for us!
Nick M
2021-05-24 12:20:53 +0000 UTC
I am excited for everything!! I can’t wait!
Mercedes Mezzasalma
2021-05-24 12:16:37 +0000 UTC
Maybe post the Connor trailer on the trashtaste subreddit?
2021-05-24 12:11:07 +0000 UTC
Very exciting Chris! looking forward to everything
DinoKōyō
2021-05-24 12:08:03 +0000 UTC
All looking good Chris! In your 2nd to last paragraph do you mean to say "I'd strongly advise AGAINST booking any holidays"?
Chris Hunter
2021-05-24 12:06:47 +0000 UTC
Next time Pete comes in, I want him to reenact that trailer in the Connor voice
2021-05-24 12:05:46 +0000 UTC