This Week I Turned 29. But I don't want to get older. Make it stop.
Added 2019-04-23 10:18:07 +0000 UTCHey guys,
Hope you all had a great weekend! First off many thanks for the birthday wishes I received over various messages and posts.
Admittedly, I’m not really the sort of person that celebrates birthdays these days.
I remember my whole life all I ever wanted to be was 21, and once I’d passed it, I got less and less enthusiastic about each year as I realised I was effectively strapped to an inescapable conveyor belt of doom.
- Which to be fair, is probably not the most optimistic metaphor for life.
And like every year I received the standard messages from friends and family along the lines of “Hope you didn’t drink too much!” and “Don’t get too drunk teehee”, because there seems to be an expectation of going out and getting obliterated with friends down a pub on your birthday.
The reality however, was this year I went for a stroll by a river, wandering beneath cherry blossoms and gazing at a duck in a river, pondering what life as a duck would entail. (The above photo was taken just moments before I saw the duck).
That said, later this month I’ll find myself in Tokyo again, where I’ll be going out for a drink with a few friends at the infamous Kagaya Bar, which some of you may recall I made a video about in the past. The bar is essentially the manifestation of a child’s nightmare, and if you haven’t seen it I've left the link below. But be warned it will leave you, at the very least, mildly traumatised.
► Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt5QwXLTgvs)
As someone who spends most of their time fixated on the future though, I always try to reflect back on the past for a brief moment when my birthday comes around.
Over the last year, I guess there are quite a few things you’d think I’d be proud of like finally hitting a million subscribers, producing over 40 videos in one year (a new record for the channel) and perhaps above all, not dying on a 2,000km never-ending bicycle ride.
But beyond all of those things, it’s actually the Abroad in Japan Patreon community, which has steadily grown over the last 2 years, that is my real source of gratitude and pride. It’s all well and great having thousands of people watch your videos (and tell you how much they hate your accent in the comments section all day long), but I never really felt like I’d created anything of value until we launched Abroad in Japan Patreon.
That may sound ridiculous (and probably obnoxious) on the surface, but whilst producing a few videos and having them watched by lots of people is one thing, seeing viewers who believe in what you do to the point they support your work and invest in the artistic value of your creations, is the greatest measure of success a creator could ever hope for. This community keeps me more motivated and focussed than a hundred thousand views ever could.
With that in mind - and going back to my original point of looking back at the past - I realised that the Abroad in Japan Patreon has given birth to quite a lot of exclusive content over the last few years, which has remained somewhat buried forever in the “posts” section of Patreon.
So today, I spent a couple of hours going through it and organising it all, so you guys can now easily watch any of the 30 Patreon Vlog Episodes you may have missed, the live streams you couldn't make and the 16 Articles discussing travelling Japan, learning Japanese and life in Japan.
If you’re on Patreon on desktop you can see it all on the left-hand side under “Featured Tags” (as seen in the photo below).
And if you’re on mobile, you'll find each post is now tagged - click on the tag and it’ll filter to other episodes and articles.
There’s also a featured tag called “Patreon Content Megapost” listing the vast majority of articles and bizarre little exclusive videos like the time Natsuki re-enacted Lord of the Rings (I can’t believe I forgot about that video).
Especially if you’re new to the Abroad in Japan Patreon, definitely go back and have a look and see what you’ve missed!
Last week we saw the release of the latest Journey Across Japan episode set in Hiroshima, which has been a long time coming, given I’d always wanted to make a video on the city. There seems to be an absence of travel videos on Hiroshima on Youtube so it's great to finally release it!
► Watch: https://youtu.be/zlpUjbQ91gE
And also last week's Podcast saw Pete and I discuss strange Japanese-English (better known as Engrish or Japanglish) examples. There was a technical issue, but if you listen to it and it doesn’t sound quite right, re-downloading it will sort the issue.
► Listen: http://hyperurl.co/nhgr30
In the next Journey Across Japan episode we’ll be cycling into Kyushu! Almost there now with about 6 episodes to go! And I’ll also be making the next Patreon vlog later this week when I’m in Tokyo.
As for life after Journey Across Japan, I’ve already begun excitedly planning out the next big projects to follow; one of which involves a documentary about a Japanese rock star (no not Natsuki this time), and a series on weird/crazy stuff in Tokyo.
I’m keen to get Natsuki back on screen as well, given his unfortunate absence from Journey Across Japan, and of course, more of the much beloved Risottoro. But perhaps above all, I’d like to go back to making more scripted videos, where I’m not cycling around all day in a rice field.
Now I’m over my fear of meet-ups, I’m also keen to look at ways of building the Abroad in Japan community into something more than just sporadic Youtube videos (something tells me travelling around the world with Natsuki is the key to this).
Lots to look forward to guys but for now as always, a huge thanks for being a part of the Abroad in Japan Patreon community.
As for me, time to get back to editing!
Chris
P.S. Don't be shy to ask your questions to myself and everyone else on the "Community" tab here on Patreon - I make sure to check in every couple of days so I can get back to everyone.
Comments
Happy belated birthday. My 29th is next week and I share your feelings.
2019-04-29 05:04:25 +0000 UTCHappy belated Birthday Chris!!! I just turned 30 on the 11th. I don't so much see it as getting older I'm just more experienced. Keep up the great work on your videos man they are top knotch. You've really grown as a content creator and I always look forward to your new videos. Remember your not old just more experienced.
2019-04-27 02:24:39 +0000 UTCP.S. You're a SAINT for compiling all those videos! I've leisurely gone back every now and then to watch some, but scrolling for what felt like an eternity was the true deterrent (not for lack of want). I appreciate you taking the time to make them more accessible!
2019-04-25 15:31:37 +0000 UTCHi Chris, hope to get an answer, that one ryokan you visited with Natsuki, where is it? What's the name of it? Wanted to visit it with my girlfriend
2019-04-24 14:51:38 +0000 UTCHas it been 2 years already. Think i was Patreon 88 or something and now you have 2,756 crazy. Keep up the awesome work.
Matthew Hvaal
2019-04-24 09:53:45 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday Chris, sorry it's late haha. Hope you had a good one :)
2019-04-24 09:18:48 +0000 UTCHappy birthday, Chris!! Let your 30th year be unforgettably great!
2019-04-24 08:23:25 +0000 UTCHappy birthday Chris! > "...a documentary about a Japanese rock star (no not Natsuki this time), and a series on weird/crazy stuff in Tokyo." This would be awesome! Seeing as there's also a huge underground music scene in Japan, it would be great to shine a spotlight on a bit of it for people abroad!
2019-04-24 01:07:02 +0000 UTCParabéns! Happy birthday Chris! Well done with the tags, thank you!
Juno
2019-04-23 20:23:27 +0000 UTCHappy birthay 🎉 I to did'nt want to get older. But 31 came just the same. So you can look at it one of two ways or both. you're leveling up or you're getting wiser. Hope you enjoyed your day tho. Love from Norway
2019-04-23 18:48:01 +0000 UTCDon't worry, you're just getting wiser. Maybe so many people drink on their birthdays to pour their sorrows away and eventually even forget they had their birthday.
TeeTaan
2019-04-23 18:36:53 +0000 UTCHappy birthday! Age is just a number that brings experience. I'm heading towards the top-end of my thirties and it is a total cliche, but you're only as old as you feel! Thank you for doing what you do, I was very glad to find your channel last year - it's been a really positive influence and I'm very happy to have the opportunity to support your future work through Patreon Hurry up and post the Kyushu videos, I'm planning a trip around there in November and need your advice! 😉
2019-04-23 18:13:11 +0000 UTCThe happiest birthday to you, Chris! Thank you so much for putting this together! You have accomplished so much more at 29 than I have at 33, haha. You should be proud, not only do you make amazing content but you inspire others to see the world. Japan would probably still be a fantasy for me if I hadn't found this channel. Thanks for creating this community, I am so happy to be a part of it. I adore the mountain, the cherry trees, the sunset, and of course you and your sarcastic adorable face in this photo.
Vanessa Walsh
2019-04-23 18:09:12 +0000 UTCA good word that sums it up: curmudgeon, one of my favorite English words.
Eels
2019-04-23 16:02:48 +0000 UTCThat’s interesting about it being the biggest Japanese community outside of Japan! Do you know the background to why there are so many Japanese people there?
Eels
2019-04-23 16:00:23 +0000 UTCI turned 21 this year and felt old. Shits weird man. Thanks for sorting the videos! Hope you have another stellar year in glorious Nippon
Remington Price
2019-04-23 15:41:16 +0000 UTCAw look at you, all handsome and grumpy. I'm turning 32 this year, and what a wild ride it's been. I like to plan my life but many times life takes us on adventures we never could have anticipated. Looking forward to meetups! Ya got fans! Thanks for linking us up so things don't get lost. I like to go back and reread some of my faves.
2019-04-23 15:39:48 +0000 UTCHaha I could give you a guided tour through Risottoros old German hometown Düsseldorf, we’ve got Alt Bier and the biggest Japanese community outside Japan to offer ☝🏻
Mia
2019-04-23 15:04:47 +0000 UTCEvery year you simply get closer to your true form, a grumpy, sarcastic old man. I, uhh, mean that in the nicest way possible of course, I think it'll suit you.
Dr. Teatime
2019-04-23 14:53:20 +0000 UTCIf you ever want to look into organizing meetups in California, I'd be happy to help. It'd be a lot of fun to meet other folks with similar interests. Otherwise, happy birthday, and congratulations on all you've accomplished! I have a similar disposition, in that I'm often non-plussed with what I've accomplished in my respective field, and instead always tormented by the future, and the idea that I'll never accomplish enough to realize my full potential as both a creative, and a human who wants to make things better. Emotionally investing in a few select people, as well as pets, has helped me immensely.
2019-04-23 14:30:20 +0000 UTCHappy birthday to you, mate. Thanks for all your efforts. I always thoroughly enjoy your work. I'm particularly psyched about your upcoming scripted stuff - surely the choicest delivery system for your brand of smart-arsery :))
2019-04-23 13:44:35 +0000 UTCHappy birthday Chris, 29 years on this crazy planet is something to be proud of! I know it can feel like the years are going by faster than you'd like, but just think of all the adventures and fantastic memories you have packed into that time. You have so many days that you can look back on when you need some encouragement and also exciting plans to look forward to when you need inspiration! Thank you for bringing so much fun and humor into my life with everything you do 😊 Here's to another successful year!
2019-04-23 12:39:20 +0000 UTCHappy birthday Chris! Hope you had an amazing day! Keep up the incredible work! Always looking forward to your new content
2019-04-23 12:35:38 +0000 UTCCongrats on completing another revolution around the sun! Truly though, I’m about Pete’s age, and so far my 30’s have been the best. Once I had hit 30, I felt this great weight lifted from my shoulders; like I was no longer obligated to fit some age-ist set of expectations (drink, party, date, party some more, another round bartender!) I could just chill and enjoy myself and my life as I chose (and still do). So take heart that you’re not even to the fun part yet, and that 10 years from now the world will still consider you as young. ✌️
Thetypebeast
2019-04-23 12:26:24 +0000 UTCHappy birthday! My 29th's in June. I feel similarly. As for dragging Natsuki around the world, Australia is only 9 hours away! Fares are pretty cheap (though not other stuff). Take Natsuki to visit Bon Scott (original lead singer of ACDC)'s grave in Fremantle, go to Steve Irwin's zoo, and do surfing lessons.
2019-04-23 12:09:15 +0000 UTCHappy birthday Chris! I am currently sitting in an APA hotel in Kanazawa. Just finished walking around Omicho market looking for that Noto Bifu you showed on your JAJ video. Alas, no Noto Bifu was found. But the search continues, and I will have that wagyu nigiri before I leave! Happy birthday again and thanks for the content that always makes me smile. (And remind me how poor my Japanese is!) omedeto!
2019-04-23 12:06:50 +0000 UTCI was so worried about turning 30 as well. I even ran away to Japan to escape it haha. But I am having so much more fun and direction in my 30's and to be honest, I don't feel old... yet...
2019-04-23 12:00:24 +0000 UTCPleasant travels Catherine, I hope you're enchanted by the bizarre atmosphere as I was! It's certainly a lovely region and they've put quite the effort into the shrine!
Abroad in Japan
2019-04-23 11:47:32 +0000 UTCHahaha, I would pay good money to watch that!
Abroad in Japan
2019-04-23 11:46:21 +0000 UTCHappy birthday for whenever it was, Chris! (I'm 56, and never felt younger.) Tomorrow I'll be following in your youthful footsteps to Shingou, Aomori.
2019-04-23 11:45:42 +0000 UTCOh, the other night I dreamt that the next documentary about Natsuki was about him trying to prank the Swedish government by pretending to be Japan’s minister of foreign affairs; that’s going to be a tough premise to top.
Eels
2019-04-23 11:41:37 +0000 UTCThank you for putting this together. I believe I donate the equivalent of one coffee per month, or one drop in your monthly deluge of caffeine, but knowing you’re probably drinking the hell out of that coffee makes me happy. Cheers!
Eels
2019-04-23 11:37:23 +0000 UTCChris, I'm excited to hear about the new docu. I suggested to TC a few times it would be nice to cover the local rock scene. It's really interesting seeing how the rock from the 80s and 90s almost appears current mainstream in Japan and they are actually doing a really good job. Of course they have to put their spin on it like Band Maid and Baby Metal. Ok to my point. When you do this docu series about the Japanese rockstar, any chance you can include the grind portion to the top, how they manage to survive in something that might seem not traditional, Western influences, how they view the music scene outside Japan ? Sorry if this comes off as self serving but you're kind of my window into Japan and what it's all about. I really enjoy your content and I hope you never lose the drive to keep entertaining us all. This has truly been incorporated into my routine like a beloved TV series.
2019-04-23 11:22:42 +0000 UTCI couldn't agree more on age being just a number. You can still take huge leaps in life even if you are in your 30s. For instance, I moved to Japan when I was 34 and I will be 38 in 2 weeks. There is still more to live for if you take care of yourself physically and mentally. Do not limit yourself because you think you are getting older. My 30s were kind of a wild ride and I expect nothing less from my 40s. BTW I am looking forward to around the world series with Natsuki. Once again, Happy Birthday Chris!
Alev Akkor
2019-04-23 11:19:35 +0000 UTCHappy belated birthday my 日本人 friend! 🍾🎂🎉.....🦆 I'm looking forward to all the channel's 2019 goodness, as well as the remaining JAJ videos. Stay classy dude 😎👍
2019-04-23 10:58:40 +0000 UTCHaha, thanks for the kind words of wisdom. Maybe there is hope after all for when I turn 30! Credit where it's due to Mr Donaldson, he seems to live a fairly action packed life travelling around getting into all sorts of adventures. It's certainly a great template for living your 30's. Don't be surprised if I take you up on your offer if it the grand plan goes ahead! Germany would definitely be on our list as we've got quite a decent German following. It'd be fantastic to meet everyone and drink gallons of Paulaner Hefeweizen.
Abroad in Japan
2019-04-23 10:50:51 +0000 UTCHappy birthday for next week Joshua! At least you beat me by being a year younger haha. Have a great day man.
Abroad in Japan
2019-04-23 10:47:27 +0000 UTCHappy birthday, Chris! Strolling around, looking at ducks, how could a birthday be any better? Don't worry too much about your age (it's just a number, right). I agree with Pete who once said in a podcast his 30s are the best - you figured out life and yourself well enough to kind of know what you're doing while having some money and being able to enjoy all of it. I'm in my 30s as well and definitely agree. Also: thanks so much for featuring all your patreon videos here. Can't wait to binge through all of them. And with regards to traveling the world with Natsuki: our offer to host you and show you around Berlin stands! Happy birthday again!
Aireglin
2019-04-23 10:44:29 +0000 UTC
