HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATSUKI! | My Top 6 Natsuki Moments of All Time

6 years ago this week, I was stumbling down a street in rural Japan at 11pm, when I bumped into a slightly drunk and incredibly enthusiastic Japanese guy, who was strolling back home after his birthday celebrations.

In the heat of the moment, he invited me for a spontaneous late night karaoke session, and we've been close friends ever since. 

Loved by thousands around the world, he's been sorely missed from the Abroad in Japan channel during Journey Across Japan, but now it's over I can't wait to get him back on the channel in full force in the coming weeks.

Because when the whole world is going to sh*t, and it seems like all hope is lost, Natsuki's always there to put a smile on your face and remind you that everything's going to be ok.

Happy birthday mate.

Natsuki's Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/natsukitheman/

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It's funny, while I was writing the above paragraph in celebration of Natsuki's birthday, it only just dawned on me after 6 years, that the same day I met Natsuki for the first time was actually also his birthday! 

It's the plot twist I never saw coming. How did I never realise this?!

Anyway, to celebrate Natsuki's birthday, I thought I'd share my top 6 Natsuki moments from across the channel. It's not been easy, but here are my highlights from 6 years of mayhem.

6) Justice Delicious, 6 Must Try Dishes in Iwate (2017)

Whilst travelling around Tohoku region in north Japan producing a series on the regional dishes, my journey took me to the city of Morioka in Iwate, where Natsuki joined me to try Maesawa Wagyu beef - one of the finest cuts of steak in Japan.

To this day, having eaten just about every cut of Wagyu known to man, this still remains the most incredible, mouthwatering steak I’ve ever had - so good that there’s no way I could ever truly put it into words.

But Natsuki could. In fact, he invented an entire new phrase just to describe it: “Justice delicious”.

▶︎ WATCH:https://youtu.be/j5gy6QLq8wg

5) Monster Ramen Challenge (2016)

Some may argue that of the three food challenges Natsuki and I undertook, the Wankosoba challenge remains the most memorable and iconic.
I mean, it’s pretty hard to forget a line like “LETS WANKOSOBER”.
But for me, the monster ramen challenge in Akihabara was the most entertaining - witnessing an hour long struggle to devour a truly obscene bowl of ramen noodles. 

Throw in a victorious Natsuki calling the loser “chicken boy”, and a display of “winner magic” (his term for a shockingly poor magic show), and it’s easy to see what made this Tokyo outing so enjoyable.

▶︎ WATCH: https://youtu.be/c90C-MbP5UU

4) Japanese People Attempt to Eat Marmite, 2015

People often talk about Ryotaro’s attempts to kill me off, but I genuinely did almost kill Natsuki off when I fed him Britain’s loved and loathed spread, Marmite.

Usually enjoyed in small quantities, I lathered a thick dose on to a piece of bread and watched amidst fits of laughter as Natsuki nearly had a full-on mental breakdown as he slowly but surely ate every last mouthful. Credit where it's due, he did somehow manage to finish it.

▶︎ WATCH: https://youtu.be/XFpjLn3rIBM

3) Japanese Thoughts on British Culture, 2015

In preparation for Natsuki’s first ever trip to the UK (and his second trip overseas), I sat down with Natsuki and his wife Asami to prepare them for the horrors that awaited them in London.

From "combat training" and my favourite ever discussion about Harry Potter, to the best description I’ve ever heard of the Queen to this day, Natsuki perfectly captured the air of anticipation of a guy who was about to visit a country they’d longed to see their entire life.

▶︎ WATCH: https://youtu.be/GS9VuFbMblE
 

2) Natsuki’s Daily Routine, Natsuki: The Movie (2018)
Of all the moments in Natsuki: The Movie, the segment I always enjoy re-watching is his unfiltered, and somewhat anti-climatic morning routine.
It's a routine that involves quietly having a cigarette alone at the breakfast table, stroking his noisy, hyperactive cat, preparing and opening the shop, working all day long with frequent smoking breaks, an evening of drinking at a friend’s bar, and a nostalgic late night guitar session.

Nothing was staged - it really is a snapshot of the life of someone just trying to get by in rural Japan, whilst enduring a fairly monotonous and repetitive schedule.
(Whilst smoking a truly staggering amount of cigarettes).

▶︎ WATCH: https://youtu.be/WLWZBeX-isM

1) Unmistakebakerly, Japanese Thoughts on British Snacks (2014)

The video that went viral on Reddit and put Natsuki on the map, was also Natsuki’s first major appearance on the channel where he took centre stage. 

His beautiful review of Cheese and Onion crisps (“Cheese taste 50:50, Onion taste 45”), and Cadburys Dairy Milk (“I like. Really I like!”) would have stolen the show if it wasn’t for his bungled attempt to say the word “Unmistakably”.

In fairness, it’s not the easiest word to say out loud (and I just had trouble spelling it on here), but his refusal to bow down and give up in his struggle to pronounce it, led him to the front page of reddit and began his road to fame and glory. 

Who’d have thought the word “unmistakably” could lead to such great things.
▶︎ WATCH: https://youtu.be/7k6p0lN9o6g

What'd you reckon though guys - have I missed your favourite moment? Let me know yours below!

And if you’re looking for more Natsuki, I’ve put together the ultimate Natsuki playlist of just about every appearance I could find right here: 

▶︎ WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSOR9_iNzVfmEPP0n98P7p8KqDdVf8wFG

That’s all for now folks - there's a brand new amazing video on a Love Hotel out on Monday, which is going to be an awesome kick-off to a post Journey Across Japan world, but for now no matter where you might be this weekend, have a good one!
Chris