NATSUKI FINALLY DISCOVERS SOCIAL MEDIA

Hey guys,
I hope you’re all having a great weekend!
 

I write this from a speeding Shinkansen heading from Tokyo to Nagoya, en route to the Japanese Alps, where I’ll be meeting Natsuki tomorrow to film a video about Pachinko. 

Long have I wanted to make a video about the noisy, nightmarish game, that is the obsession of millions around Japan; I’d be lying if I said I understood the popularity of Pachinko - a cross between a pinball machine, an arcade game and a screaming child - a game which you’ll find on almost every street across Japan. 

They’re notoriously difficult to film in, but we’ve finally got permission to film in one, in the picturesque region of Takayama in Gifu.

Perhaps best of all though, Natsuki’s brother who lives in Nagoya is dropping by for the shoot! We’ve never met due to the fact he and Natsuki live complete opposite ends of Japan, and admittedly I know very little about him, so it’ll be an unusual experience to say the least.

I’ll be sure to a snap of Natsuki and his brother together for those of you who are equally curious as to his appearance.

In other Natsuki news, Natsuki finally discovered Instagram this week. His knowledge of social media may be abysmal, but he’s decided to take a leap, hot off the success of Natsuki: The Movie.

He’s called it “Natsuki The Man” - I’m not sure why (perhaps to dispel any lingering questions over his gender).

► You can find it here: https://www.instagram.com/natsukitheman/
 

Whilst I’m currently editing “10 Things I Learned from Natsuki: The Movie,” digging out unseen footage, and draft scenes that we ditched from the final movie along the way, there’s still a video and a podcast this week to check out.

On the Tokyo Creative channel, I sat down with Emma to try some traditional Japanese sweets. Delicious and meticulously crafted, they put Kit Kats to shame.

► Watch: https://youtu.be/a4wKok9xfes
 

And on this week’s Podcast, Pete and I discuss this month’s news from across Japan, answer mail sent in by listeners, and discuss my Dad’s bizarre and ridiculous ideas for a sequel to Natsuki: The Movie. 

► Listen: http://hyperurl.co/nhgr30
 

I’ve also just finished filming a video announcing the 2000km cycle across Japan, which will be out early next week and I’m looking forward to seeing if viewers are equally enthusiastic.

That’s all for now though folks - I’ll drop back in once I’ve got the all important photo of Natsuki and his brother.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Chris

P.S. The bullet train shot passed Mount Fuji, but in typical Fuji fashion, it was completely shrouded in clouds. Bugger.  

Fingers crossed it’s visible on the way back.