How Ryotaro and I Escaped to Britain This Week
Added 2021-01-13 05:32:15 +0000 UTCSince the dawn of history, scientists and scholars have discussed the affliction known as “Too Much Ryotaro”; a condition brought about by spending too much time with a muppet in any given week.
After this week, I am suffering from the condition.
Symptoms include confusion, bewilderment and anguish.
Yes that’s right, after many months spent off in the wilderness making videos for his precious “Ryotaro’s Japan” Youtube channel, Ryotaro returns to the Abroad in Japan channel this month for two episodes - one of which was this week's Aomori bear video.
Not only that, but I just spent two days helping him film his next video for British Hills, a British village in the mountains of Fukushima.
Noticed how I didn’t say “British-themed village”. Because it really is a British village; the buildings are made of bricks and materials imported from the UK.
The staff were predominantly foreign - mostly from the UK. And the food and cider, was all British as well, from the fish and chips to the afternoon tea, which Ryotaro has so eloquently ruined in the photo below.
It was surprisingly impressive. Much more so than the place Joey and I visited during Journey Across Japan. This genuinely felt like someone had replicated rural Britain within Japan.
With that in mind, it was a lot of fun to film and it’ll be up on his channel in the coming weeks following up his reaction video this week, where he did a dreadful reaction to the Abroad in Japan video on “What not to do in Japan.” The less said about this the beter:
Still, we had a good time on our journey through Aomori in this week’s Abroad in Japan episode, stuffing ourselves with various apple pies and munching on a bear.
And in a couple of weeks we have another episode out where Ryotaro spent the morning at a street market in the Sendai area, which was surprisingly fun despite the questionable chef.
I’m also currently planning a Q&A video and also working out how to celebrate the Abroad in Japan channel hitting 2m subscribers in the next few days! (Seriously, I can’t believe we’ve made it this far.)
But be sure to get your questions in below folks, with the #ASKABROAD hashtag, and I’ll do my best to feature as may of your questions as possible in the video later this month!
ALSO we’ve got a Patreon megapost coming out later in the week, where I’ll be listing over 25 Patron exclusive episodes, in an easy to navigate post; from learning Japanese resources, to travel tips and how to become a Youtuber. There's tons of fantastic content to share with you all.
It’s been a while since the last one and it makes discovering all the amazing content we have on here a heck of a lot easier, so you won’t miss out on anything!
For now though folks, I hope you’ve had a good start to 2021 so far. We’ve got plenty to look forward to this month on the Abroad in Japan channel.
- If not Too Much Ryotaro.
Chris
Comments
Two million?! Holy hell, Chris! ⭐ Congrats!! ⭐ That's rad, dude! It's so cool to be a part of this!! 🤘 #ASKABROAD : I am currently studying Japanese. I have an online pen-pal who lives in Japan. He is older than I am so I refer to him with a "-san" honorific. We often alternate between English and Japanese, though I think it's obvious that I'm a beginner. I sometimes make simple mistakes like forgetting to type ございます after あがとりう. How can I build my confidence for a future visit in person? The thought of babbling like an idiot, stumbling over my words and possibly insulting him makes me anxious! Thanks a lot!
2021-01-20 04:02:18 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD Is there any way I can stay in Japan for long periods of time (I'm talking years) if I am a freelancer? eg. freelance digital marketing assistant with clients in the US
2021-01-18 06:35:53 +0000 UTCAmazing, a village replica of Tudor England. 🤷♀️ I would never have guessed. Wonderful fresh video to bring in the new year. As a follow-up to your asbestos bathmat, NHK presented a news story noting that there are also nine other items associated with asbestos from the same retailer, most notably tea/coffee coasters. 🤦♀️😯 Continue the good work, 楽しみにしています。頑張って、
Ryori
2021-01-17 21:06:25 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD How easy is it to go to a restaurant alone in Japan? I was in Korea before and there were places where you needed 2+ to be let in. Most restaurants that i have seen on tabelog have a minimum of 2 persons for reservation. Does it apply to most medium to high end restaurants?
1passingfancy
2021-01-17 08:07:58 +0000 UTCWhat are your plans on doing a collab with CDawgVA? #abroadinapan #ASKABROAD
2021-01-16 12:25:18 +0000 UTCCongrats on the 2M!! #ASKABROAD What is the most delicious item you've seen/bought that frustrated you that you never found it again?
Gus Elizondo
2021-01-15 14:54:28 +0000 UTCI got a job offer once from British Hills a loooong time ago. Looking forward to seeing how it is on the ground!
2021-01-15 14:38:26 +0000 UTCAre the fish n chips good? If so they may be the only ones in Japan!
Mark Rogers
2021-01-15 09:30:09 +0000 UTC#AskAbroad Which is the best place for landscape photography in Japan that you have visited so far? And 2nd, in your mind, should Japan's bear hunters also hunt Ryotaros? Anyway, congrats for the well-deserved 2m! On to 20m now!
Stefan H
2021-01-15 06:02:37 +0000 UTCCan't believe we've come to 2M! Amazing to think about and congrats Chris! Also, I'm very happy Ryotaro has returned to AiJ as it's been quite a while... or felt like it at least. Your videos with him are my favourite
H J
2021-01-15 03:59:16 +0000 UTC(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ 2M! Congratulations! I actually enjoy your videos with Ryotoro the most. You two make quite the comedic duo. As for #AskAbroad , I have a question regarding karaoke. In a live stream you did with Natsuki a while back, he gave us a lovely little David Bowie cover. Since then I've had this question. Is Bowie readily available in karaoke bars? If you don't know.. maybe Ryotoro would 🤔
2021-01-15 02:56:43 +0000 UTCHell yeah, 2M subscribers! So well deserved.
Maso Mori
2021-01-15 00:54:49 +0000 UTCOh god not again
Abroad in Japan
2021-01-14 13:22:26 +0000 UTCwait what?! only 2 i thought it'd be 20 Million by now. :O Jokes aside, Congrats to two million Subscribers, keep up the great work! :)
Seek83
2021-01-14 07:18:06 +0000 UTCHEEEY, CONGRATULATIONS 😃👏👏👏
Ouranor
2021-01-14 06:38:46 +0000 UTCWhere is a place (anywhere) you've always wanted to go and enjoy on your own time, but have never had the time or means to do so? 💜 And a random off topic question not privy to Japan--- what is one of your most favourite or memorable childhood memories or experiences you can remember most that stands out to you? 💜 Please be well and safe Mr. Chris, much love to you as always. 😊🎈 #AskAbroad
Jewel - (Freyja's Konjures)
2021-01-14 04:22:10 +0000 UTCMassive congrats on 2 millions subs!
2021-01-14 03:28:11 +0000 UTC2nd #askabroad as someone who will be getting a transfer for career purposes to Japan in the coming year, here is a worry that I have. I noticed that a couple of my colleagues who have been living in Japan for over 5 years or so have developed the Galapagos mindset. Many don’t travel outside Japan and many it seems can only hold a conversation only if it’s japan related. Is that a thing that you have found with the expats community or have my coworkers just become prosaic?
Johanne Almoza
2021-01-14 03:24:54 +0000 UTCFirst congratulations hitting on 2 million ...
Johanne Almoza
2021-01-14 03:00:10 +0000 UTCYou’re a brave soul for taking “too much Ryotaro .” 😉 But seriously, you guys are great together and it’s fun to watch your adventures around Japan. Here’s my #ASKABROAD question: If you could interview Ken Watanabe for Abroad in Japan, where would you meet and what is the first question you would ask?
Jolie
2021-01-13 23:08:33 +0000 UTCDo you British guys also cut the crust off your bread as seen in this picture? 😃 fuwa-fuwa as any cafe channel would remark ✨
2021-01-13 21:32:07 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD Planning to go to Sendai during my next trip to Japan, how long should I stay there in order to be able to see and experience most of what the city has to offer? Also, how easy is it to do day-trips from there to the rest of the Tohoku region via public transport?
Muesli
2021-01-13 20:52:06 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD Greetings Mr Broad! Do you know of any good podcasts in Japanese? I'm looking for something to practice my listening skills with but so far no luck. Also if and when you do your journey across Kyushu will you consider taking the ferry over to Yakushima? Yakushima is awesome! You should go to Yakushima!
2021-01-13 18:48:25 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD Do your frequent guests such as Ryotaro, Natsuki, Joey, Sharla, Pete etc.... all watch your videos and are subscribed to your channel? (If not, shame on them) And do you also watch and follow their channels?
2021-01-13 17:13:18 +0000 UTC#askabroad You've mentioned you had an idea for a video with Babymetal. What exactly did you planned and what is the state of that project?
Valerij Romel
2021-01-13 16:44:40 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD What does Ryotaro smell like?
2021-01-13 16:05:04 +0000 UTC#askabroad if you could sit down and have a beer with anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be?
2021-01-13 15:11:13 +0000 UTC#askabroad How has your opinion of Japan changed over the years? Do you still feel that sense of wonder and amazement as you did when you first got there?
Onux Tigris
2021-01-13 14:57:17 +0000 UTC#askabroad What’s your daily routine?
2021-01-13 14:49:10 +0000 UTC#AskAbroad Once the World kicks Rona's ass, what would be your Top 3 picks of places to visit outside of Japan/Asia? (pretending money and time were no object of course, because those things suck)
wendy weems
2021-01-13 13:48:59 +0000 UTC#askabroad Is there anything that you'd love to cover in a video, but you don't think it fits with the identity of the Abroad In Japan channel?
Bec Evans
2021-01-13 12:57:03 +0000 UTCOut of all the destinations you’ve been to these past few years. Which location gave you the most profound and life defining emotion/reaction ? #ASKABROAD
FupaLawd
2021-01-13 11:15:28 +0000 UTC#askabroad firstly love your channel so much 💖 I would love to see you do more videos on Onsens and maybe a best of?! Also I am fascinated about the bears in Japan! Oh and would love to see you in Puroland 😹 Happy new year and keep up the great work, so happy you made 2m subscribers 🍾
Tewsday
2021-01-13 11:12:00 +0000 UTCHey Chris! Could you by chance reference/link the past mega posts in the new one?! Cheers!
2021-01-13 10:42:33 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD Will you be doing another Journey across Japan series focusing on the south of Japan? I remember you mentioning that you've not done a lot of videos in that region and it would be really cool to learn more about the hot spots there!
Ilyas
2021-01-13 08:54:47 +0000 UTCThis video is going to be amazing! Finally, the tables have turned :D! On a scale of Ryotaro to cider, how much did you miss your home country while you were there?
Ouranor
2021-01-13 08:24:20 +0000 UTC#AskAbroad Chris! I know there are so many versions of pan in Japanese bakeries (I still can't wrap my head around yakisoba pan), so I wonder if you have a favorite?
2021-01-13 08:17:24 +0000 UTCCopied my tweet: #AskAbroad if one were to send a a small parcel to you now, would it be okay to send it to the Tokyo P.O. Box - aka would you go to Tokyo and pick it up - or would it just gather dust until the pandemic is over? If I CAN send it, would it be okay to message you the tracking number of the parcel just in case? (Apologies for misusing the hashtag - it seemed like a good way to get a hold of you xD)
Ouranor
2021-01-13 08:16:29 +0000 UTC#AskAbroad what is the worst love related experience you've ever had either in Japan or anywhere else (not including your various dates with Ryotaro)
2021-01-13 07:51:54 +0000 UTC#AskAbroad if and when you eventually leave Japan. What is the next place you would love to settle in? England again? Scotland? Or do you feel like you will settle in Japan for the rest of your life?
Adam Armour-Florence
2021-01-13 07:35:22 +0000 UTCYay! I’ve been wanting to see you visit British Hills for ages.
2021-01-13 07:05:07 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD What are your thoughts about the new Nintendo Theme Park, as you’ve said you’re not big on Theme Parks, at least, Disney ones.
Bobby
2021-01-13 06:56:33 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD When you travel back home or to anywhere else besides Japan, do your Japanese mannerisms follow? Or can you turn them on and off? I’ve been in Seattle for almost 9 years and I still bow to everyone, can’t help it LOL
2021-01-13 06:52:21 +0000 UTC#ASKABROAD how do you feel about walking livestreams like the one you did last year at the Sapporo snow festival? Is it something you may consider doing more this year?
Joy
2021-01-13 06:17:48 +0000 UTCLove the fact that you go so above and beyond with these Patreon posts and content, Chris. Also really enjoyed that last video with Ryotaro. The curry you guys had at the end looked insanely good. 🍛🤤 Question: If it were my very first time visiting Japan, which places would you recommend for an authentic Japanese experience, away from the overpriced, touristy stuff? And if I were planning to move there (I work from home, so location can be wherever there is good internet), which city/area would you recommend most? Thanks!
2021-01-13 06:13:06 +0000 UTC#askabroad besides E.T., do you have any other childhood traumas? just asking for a friend, for next year's Christmas gift ideas.
Alev Akkor
2021-01-13 06:11:06 +0000 UTCI bet the Japanese bear tastes better than Koala Bear 🐨 Eucalyptus! 😩 They taste like Fishermen’s Friend, and we know what Natsuki thinks of them! 😂👍
Dinkum Aussie
2021-01-13 06:04:18 +0000 UTCChris, this is all so awesome! I'm happy for you and the channel. 😃 I guess if I had a question, it'd be whether this British village hires English-speaking foreigners? 😅
Andrew Roque
2021-01-13 06:02:50 +0000 UTCWould you rather fight a duck sized bear or a bear sized duck?
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2021-01-13 05:49:34 +0000 UTCHow is it spending a few days with your archenemy??
2021-01-13 05:36:52 +0000 UTCIf you had to fight one duck four stories tall or one hundred normal sized ducks, which battle would you pick? #ASKABROAD
Jonathan Margi
2021-01-13 05:36:51 +0000 UTCWaiting for your react video to ryotaro's react video. Would be funny if TC creators join the joke and react to each other
Linda T
2021-01-13 05:35:55 +0000 UTCCan I cheat and ask different questions on different medias?😅
Luciano Arrieta Martins
2021-01-13 05:35:47 +0000 UTCYou could say, you bearly survived Ryotaro this week 😉
2021-01-13 05:34:46 +0000 UTCSubmit your questions for #ASKABROAD here guys!
Abroad in Japan
2021-01-13 05:32:53 +0000 UTC
