New Year's Special Episode | Top 10 Highlights of 2018

Thanks for a great video. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the cycle across Japan videos. I think you did completely the right thing slowing down and not rushing the editing process.

Great video mate. Loving your effort at getting better with camera work and looking forward to your content in 2019 ;3

Happy New Year legend and keep doing what you're doing! 🙌🏼 I love the idea of doing a movie about getting Natsuki to give up the smokes, and both of you should definitely come visit Australia (and film it). Other potential ideas for videos: - Night out in The Golden Gai - Tokyo - Maybe show all the crazy stuff they sell in (the nicer) Japanese supermarkets compared to Western ones (fish heads, stupidly priced Manuka honey etc) - Tea Ceremony - Harajuku, Robot Restaurant etc - Maybe visit all the animal cafes in and around Tokyo (Cat, Owl, Dog etc) - Mario Go-Kart racing - Maybe a visit to the Ninja Restaurant or the Prison one (I can't remember the exact name) - A visit to Shirakawa-Go Anyway, hopefully some food for thought!

That's crazy! Where are you shipping to?

Abroad in Japan

I'm trying to buy a mug from Redbubble. Shipping to my country (MY) costs $37.71 just for one bloody item! Does anyone here know if it's normal?

Looking forward to seeing what 2019 brings, but I hope you do it at a pace you find comfortable. With regards to the beard: Sir, I am in awe of your majestic face-pubes!

Jonathan Turmaine

Happy New Year Chris, I love this video and I hope 2019 goes well for you. Now as for ideas of what to do in 2019? well if I may be so bold but Can you go to the Chinatown in Nagasaki on February 5th during Chinese New Year? would be nice to see how they celebrate in Japan's oldest Chinatown. Most people go to Yokohama when they think Chinatown, and I think they forget that Japan's other Chinatown's. Plus at least with the one in Nagasaki, you will get to go to Kyushu again once more and I don't believe you went there on your "Journey Across Japan" trip either.

Xenin

I think it would be awesome if the second Natsuki movie would be of him quitting smoking. Or maybe learn about vikings in scandinavia?

Regarding Natsuki's smoking habit, maybe you can use this to persuade him... <a href="https://youtu.be/kXlBSIpXPHs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/kXlBSIpXPHs</a>

Natsuki Movie Idea: Natsuki Goes Down Under

If you want to do some interesting original "weird Japan" videos, maybe consider a collaboration with Thersa Matsuura from Uncanny Japan. She writes and has a podcast about obscure Japanese folklore. In my opinion things like robot hotels are a bit cliché, I'm sure you can make a fun video about Granny Dumping Mountain or the weirdness around the Obon festivals.

It does sounds like an ambitious plan to persuade Natsuki to quit smoking AND make a film out of it. But I do hope it pulls through, at the very least, maybe tell him that all proceeds generated from the film (i.e. us in Patreon) will go into funding Natsuki's nicotine rehab (might want to look up on how it's provided in Japan beforehand), which might probably nudge him into going for it at last.

Rynnik Elddi

Hey Chris! Super excited to see what's coming this next year! Your videos are what has made me want to go and participate in the JET Program. I'll be coming in 2020 (hopefully). Just wanted to say thank you for everything you do, you've helped to give my dream life bro!

Thanks man - it's comments like this which get me fired up and super motivated for what's to come in 2019. Happy New Year!

Abroad in Japan

The only reason I made a patreon account was for you, and you're still the only person on the internet I think is worth me giving my money to. You're by far my favorite youtuber. Thank you for doing what you do

Thank you for all the great videos of 2018 and before that, help me to get my own ass on my own journey in japan. about the Natsuki the movie 2, how about you give him a challenge to take one less cigarette per day. helped med when i quieted the Swedish version of tobacco.

It's been awesome to see you grow so much in 2018! Looking forward to all 2019 has in store~ Wishing Natsuki all the luck in quitting smoking, too! :D Is there any way he could be incentivized to help things along? A few ideas for potential future videos: Go to a "dig-your-own" onsen (I saw there's one in Kumano called Kawayu Onsen) Visit Kanamara Matsuri Natsuki and/or Ryotaro's top picks for Japanese words worth knowing (that aren't common in lessons for English-speakers) Risottero: The Movie Nagashi Somen and/or Kawadoko dining over a river More documentaries &amp; meeting people! (man, I even teared up again just seeing the recap of the tsunami ep!)| Eating Okuwadani black eggs? You getting that tattoo (if you end up doing it) Videos about traditional making/crafting of different things like wagashi, fabric dying/painting, tatami mats, kintsugi (the couple that run Kuge Crafts in Suginami-ku, Tokyo, are SO sweet), kanzashi, etc Maybe a music lesson or two on traditional Japanese instruments? Thanks for a fantastic year, it makes my day every time I see you've got a new video out! :3

Happy New Years!!!!!

Imalovernotahater

I support Natsuki quitting smoking! My suggestion - Tour de Natsuki - John 'o' Groats to Land's End, cycling from the most northerly part of the UK to the most southerly, visiting interesting places and meeting Natsuki fans on the way :)

Absolutely love it mate. You really know how to push all the right buttons with me in your videos. I think you have a firm grasp of the things that you like to do when it comes to producing content (including setting a more realistic timetable for yourself). Additionally in the top 10 in this video, you've also shown that you understand what your fan base likes. I must admit, the short 2018 overview video gave me a wonderful feeling, and I dare say it even made me well up a little (yes yes, I'm a sucker for pretty pictures and feel good moments ;)) I can only encourage you to keep going, put out documentaries and scripted longer content with good ideas backing them. Enjoy the random craziness that is Japan. Show us shorts of improvised 'live' streamed content to see some of your spontaneous quirkiness (as well as that British humour I love so much). Keep the podcasts with Pete, his energy is infectious. But most of all, keep having fun, because it really adds to our experience. Cheers to another year of watching my favourite guy on Youtube. I'll be sure to stalk you, err, meet you by chance, next time I visit Japan (Tohoku, here we come &lt;3) ~Max

Max Jensch

They’re all my favorite moments. So many things made me laugh. Ryotaro the movie cracked me up for sure. I also really like the idea of Natsuki’s fans encouraging him to stop smoking. I may have to contribute to that. Oh yeah and your Jack Sparrow look is pretty rad... you don’t even need a plastic face mask to pull it off. 😂 Cheers Chris and happy new year!

Laura Beaumont

Thank you for a funny, beautiful and moving 2018. Pay no attention to those who continuously harp on you to release videos at a faster pace. Your mental/physical health should come first. Regarding content, always stay true to your heart and vision, never pursue a path just to increase subscribers, number of views or likes, and always maintain control over editing (that's where the magic happens). I have numerous ideas regarding the next chapter in Natsuki's story, future content for 2019 and beyond, and merchandise, which I will share with you privately. Do people really not know that Sid Vicious was cremated, and that his ashes were scattered? Bollocks!

Cheers, Chris. Glad to have helped narrow down the "best of" this year.

Good luck on getting Natsuki to quit. If he isn't ready to quit, outside pressure will be more likely to create resentment rather than a result.I would suggest encouraging him to consider his health, how much better physically he will feel, more energy, better breathing, etc. Oh, and get him to calculate how much money he spends on it ;) If Japan is anything like Canada, he could go on a nice vacation for how much he spends on 1.5 packs/day every year. Video-wise, I like both the ideas of vids on wacky shit and proper docs. You have a good eye for interesting stories and angles, and your narrative structure and editing skills have really increased esp this last year.

Michael Moore

Happy New Year everyone! Chris, I'm sorry to hear all the language challenges were so difficult, but you nailed the pronunciation of my last name in the video - thanks for including my comment! (Weird how three characters trip so many people up, lol) Definitely looking forward to the new content to come, and fully support getting Natsuki on a healthier track! Maybe you guys could film an 80s style fitness jazzercise video!

Great video! Looking forward to a fantastic 2019!! Also if Natsuki is looking for ideas for 2019....how about him visiting an American anime convention? (I might have an ulterior motive because I've been wanting to ask you to come to the convention I staff for the last couple of years, but it's just never aligned right ^_^ )

Barbara Smith

Really enjoyed this video and thanks so much for featuring my comment! 💝 The idea of Natsuki stopping smoking is a good one, definitely will be making a video for that and sharing it on here. A good excuse for me to practice Japanese speaking more haha.

Fran Batchelor

Thank you for a great 2018 recap and I look forward to more of your outstanding work this year, Chris. Cheers.

botchpro

I think some kind of mini series of you learning a new skill could be interesting, for example Japanese cooking, martial arts, calligraphy, shogi, growing bonsai trees, playing a traditional instrument, etc. Whatever tickles your fancy!

(damn you Patreon and your character-number-limit) Lastly, you need to mention Patreon more often. Ive been following you for years, watched almost all your videos many many times, and only yesterday did I find out (by accident) about Patreon and became a patron. All this time I just assumed that the views on youtube alone provide enough income for you to do all this. Maybe mention it briefly in the beginning/end of every video so that people are aware they can contribute. Thats all for now. Thanks and good luck :) p.s. comment of my bf: “why does Chris have japanese mustache+beard now?” :D

I support Natsuki quitting smoking idea! Viewers can send short 5-10sec videos in which they motivate/pressure Natsuki to do it, until he finally gives in. And while youre at it, you can add some physical exercise to it, since he hates it and since we all love to see him struggle and succeed. Main suggestion: Mini-challenges for the viewers (short, fun challenges that will increase the popularity of your channel). Example 1: Viewers can do food/drink/destination/learning challenge while wearing/carrying one of the AbroadinJapan tshirts, sweatshirts, pillows… And whoever finishes the challenge gets to have his picture during the challenge shown in one of your videos. All viewers like to be mentioned and acknowledged (even for a few seconds), it makes them feel special. That way you make them happy AND you advertise your merchandise; Example 2: since Natsuki didnt manage to find the grave of Sid Vicious in the UK, viewers from the US can pay respect on his behalf and send a photo of the grave with a rose on it Example 3: just like you “motivated” (blackmailed) Sharla to face her fears and go on a roller coaster ride, you can also motivate the viewers to face their fears and send a photo as proof which will be shown in your weekly/monthly video Example 4: you did lose-weight challenge and cycling challenge (by far my favorite). For all your future challenges, ask the viewers to do the same (or the simplified version of it, such as lose 2kg or cycle 50km). And mention the successful ones in your videos later on. This interactive watching-videos-and-doing-mini-challenges will increase popularity of your channel among people all over the world, not just the ones that plan to travel to Japan (because not everyone who watches your videos will get to go to Japan but everyone can do challenges) and it will make people feel good about themselves (in one of your old videos you had a piece of paper on the wall where you wrote that you wanted to make the world a better place; this could be a way)

As I’ve previously said the next Natsuki movie has to be called Natsuki The Movie 2: The Search For Sid (In New York) 🗽🇺🇸 😂

Fran Batchelor

Amazing Chris! I’m still following my dream to teach because of you! Let 2019 be another great year!

This is an awesome video, it's so satisfying to see your whole year come together and it's incredibly inspiring. I'm planning a trip to Japan for the first 3 weeks of October this year and have more ideas of where I'd like to go thanks to you. Side note, can we please get a shirt that says "Nice exercise, maybe change a life" in the store? I'll buy the first one! :)

2018 has been an incredible year and I am SO excited for what's to come in 2019. Can't wait to finish watching the cycle, then go back and binge them all over again! As for your plans for new content, Chris, doing more documentaries in the style of the tsunami video sounds excellent. I'm also really excited to hear that you're planning for more videos in the style of your earlier ones - an organic look into the day to day life of someone living in Japan. Full steam ahead to 2019! Can't wait to see where we go next! P.s. the subreddit is absolutely booming since your announcement on social! Thank you from me and the other mods over there.

Argus9 (Jonathan)

Same here - I discovered the channel while looking for tips to learn Japanese and plan for a trip to Japan, and I've stayed because of the incredible entertainment value of each video.

Argus9 (Jonathan)

I'd buy that in a heartbeat!

Argus9 (Jonathan)

I would encourage Natsuki to go Nashville (the music city) should he come to visit the USA, where he can drink 'tank to table' beers and have conversations with many fabulous musicians.

Happy new year! This video was a lot of fun and I can't wait for the videos to come. Also, I try not to judge/comment on people's exteriors, but now that you've asked for it: I love your facial hair -- please don't shave it off! But it's not the best thing you developed in 2018 ;P I think it's a brilliant idea to focus on Natsuki giving up smoking in his next movie! Wonderful people like him and his wife should live long, healthy lives without lung cancer. I do think it'll be crucial for him to find something else to do that is rewarding and relaxing and (crucially) not work; I'm sure music can be part of it but it would be cool to explore what else he'd enjoy doing instead :). And seeing Natsuki meet new people and see new places around the world/Japan would be a lot of fun too! (Love the wallpaper, by the way)

Nynke de Haas

I knew immediately that you weren't in Japan (or else you'd inherited $1 billion) because of the size of the room you were in. I've really enjoyed your videos this year. You've mellowed in that you're no longer sarcastic, seldom even ironic, just straight smart-arse. You now have a large number of cooperators who work really well with you and show you and themselves off to best advantage. I was disappointed that the videos of the ride steadily diminished and vanished but am looking forward to them in 2019. I previously didn't like Ryotaro and Natsuki or the videos they were in but they're coming over better now and are more enjoyable. All the best for 2019 and I'm confident I'll like your output. (Apart from the facial hair. I checked some of your early videos and I'll have to except your current increased size too.) One of my most memorable and different visits to Japan was in April 2011 so I really appreciated your Tohoku video. It was terrible the way that the people of Tohoku were stigmatised by those who were anti anything nuclear, including apparently its victims, and even those dislodged by the tsunami not the nuclear accident. Apparently because they lived somewhere in Tohoku. In some hotels across the north, the only other people in the hotel were refugees from Tohoku.

Peter Foss

Just found your channel at the start of the cycle and I love it! Loving the videos and the podcast.

In this past year, discovering the channel during the process of planning my first trip to Japan was as important an event as the trip itself. The channel has been like a trip that I keep on going.

It’s been an awesome year, I’ve had so much fun watching your videos. Here’s to another year and the second half of the cycle 🎉🙌 keep up the good work and a happy new year to you sir!

Natsuki definitely needs a Sid Vicious redemption visit. PS. I like the facial hair for some reason. 🤗

You should call it Na2ki

You should add some ドクタージェリー　merchandise to your store.

rafa UGM

Great Video. Glad you're getting to use that pizza vending machine!

I can't wait for your content in 2019, plus the rest of the footage you filmed of the cycle in 2018... Happy new year!

What can I say? This was absolutely brilliant, I love this channel, this community, everything , so much positivity!

Happy 2019!!

rafa UGM

Happy New Year!

Can't wait to watch this when I get home later tonight Chris! Off to a long day of work.

Adam Penner