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Hey guys,

So we've got a new video out on Abroad in Japan tomorrow - the first Ask Abroad Q&A video in 2-3 years, answering questions sent in by viewers.


I spent an entire day - coffee(s) in hand - going through over 2,000 questions and I was able to whittle them down to 20 of the best.

However, there's still room for 2-3 more questions and I thought it'd be great to hear from you. So if there's a question you'd like me to answer, fire away in the comments below and it may be chosen for the video.

And just to make sure it's not a question that's already featured, I'll put the full list of questions I'll be answering in tomorrow's video below on this Patreon post.


Even if you don't have a question you want answered, if you look below you can check out what's in store for tomorrow. As you can see it's quite the list - though it doesn't include the silly questions/hate mail. I don't want to spoil everything!

Should be a fun video, as there's plenty of personal stories and experiences I've never discussed featured in it. I'm also looking to do a Patreon only Q&A in April, so don't worry if your question doesn't get answered.

Thanks again guys and keep an eye out for tomorrow's video - here's the list:

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- What’s the one thing you hate/dislike about Japan?

- Out of the food challenges you’ve done, which one do you regret the most?

- What was the strangest thing you have seen in Japan?

- Out of all the instant noodles available in Japan which one would you consider to be the best one

-When will you post a video featuring both Natsuki and Risottoro? We have been teased enough.

- When looking for an apartment to rent as a foreigner. Are there any surprises or hidden fees you have to be careful before renting?

- What is the number#1, the creme of the cop, the absolute unit, the absolute extra most besets restaurant you have been to in Japan>

- Silly question here, what fictional children character scared you the most as a child?

- What’s the one place in Japan you refuse to return to? You always talk about how everywhere is worth a shot but is there anywhere you’d refuse to recommend?

- Do you have some sort of story where a person just talked about you in Japanese and they thought you don’t understand what they are saying?

- If you were stuck on an island with either Ryotaro or Natsuki who would be more useful?

- What’s your favourite photo you’ve ever taken and why? And what is your favourite photo you have that you are in and why?

- Is cheating common in Japan?

- What are three things you still don’t understand about Japan even after living there for years?

- Do you think you would’ve made efforts to stay in Japan if your youtube channel didn’t take off?

- Will we ever get a Natsuki: the move sequel or perhaps a Ryotaro: The Movie?

Files

Previews only

Comments

WraithBringer

Hey Chris! Id like to know if you've watched James May, Our Man in Japan and if so was there an activity or place that he covered that you would like to have your own take on one day? Or perhaps another YouTuber has covered a topic that you might like to tackle yourself one day?

Anonymous

I love Ask Abroad, so I'm stoked for this video! My question is, a lot of vegans have stated difficulty in eating in Japan. A struggle I'm concerned about that exists in a similar vein, is there any taboo against not drinking? I'm someone who doesn't drink, and it seems like the alcohol culture is a bit more normalized over in Japan. Is it considered rude to refuse alcohol, and if so, how would you recommend dealing with it in the most polite way? Love the videos, stay safe and healthy!

Nynke de Haas

My brain is daylight-saving-time-induced mush and I have no other questions to offer, but these look like they will make for a really fun video!

Anonymous

If someone said "...2016 is the peak Abroad in Japan content", what would you change in your current style to match the said year's quality? Would you even consider changing it?

Anonymous

You've often said your sarcasm fails spectacularly in Japan. Ever since then, I've been wondering what humor is like in Japan. How would you describe the general Japanese sense of humor? What sorts of things are commonly funny, or common jokes?

Anonymous

Are you any closer to meeting Ken Watanabe?

Anonymous

Hey Chris! My question may sound like silly due to the current situation but we are re-planning our next trip to Japan right now (normally we now would be right in Japan and celebrating Hanami) So my question is: you already did a video about Okinawa with Odigo Travel 3 years ago but what are your top 3 things to do (besides renting a car, go to the aquarium and visit Naha?)

Niken Larasati

Do you think japanese people are hoarders by choice because they couldn't just throw away unused item out of the house?

Aiken

We’d like to travel to a more regional area in Japan, what are you recommendations

Anonymous

Has your view and understanding of the Japanese people changed over time? Are there differences in the process of becoming friends with a Japanese person compared to say, a British person (level of reservedness, understanding of the benefits and boundaries of a friendship...)?

Anonymous

What is better for a first time visitor to Tokyo, having a jam packed itinerary or having no plan and just seeing what random things you stumble across? Much thanks!

Xenin

Hello Chris, you once did video where you went go karting with Ryotaro. Would you be up to doing a Go Karting challenge starting from Kagoshima and ending in Beppu via going through Miyazaki?

Anonymous

Do you have enough toilet paper?

Anonymous

Hey Chris, so I am planning to move to Japan when I complete my master's degree. Do you know of anyone with a graduate degree and only some Japanese language ability who has been able to find a stem job outside of engineering or medicine before moving to Japan? I'd prefer not to buy my way with the JET program if possible because I really don'tenjoy teaching and have a speech impediment. By the way, do you know any Japanese friends who have a stutter, because I do in both english and Japanese? (Domori ga aru?)

Anonymous

so here is my question for you Chris: Do you know that feeling when you just realize that you are sitting in one of the most interesting, wonderful and crazy countries in the world and you are doing very well? Just pause in that moment and realize how far away from your original home you are right now? I think the feeling is very overwhelming and surely gives you the impulse to continue with all the things you learned to love and appreciate so much during your time in Japan.

Philippe Gosselin

Have you had japanese food in UK recently (last 5 years)? How did it compare to the one you have in Japan?

Chris Hunter

wih the current situation meaning you can film less, does this mean there's more chance of some bloopers videos? Maybe from journey across japan?

Eels

Your bookshelf video made me curious about which book you'd like to see adapted into a film and by which director? My pick would be Out by Natsuo Kirino directed by David Fincher but I suspect Satan will be skating to work before that happens.

Anonymous

Do you remember your first earthquake experience in Japan? Can you tell us about it? Reason I'm asking is because when my boyfriend and I visited Japan in 2018, the thought that we might experience an earthquake never crossed my mind, however we arrived just in time for the Osaka earthquake. Damn near shat myself!

Michael Taylor

I would like to know, from all of the Japanese people you have befriended during your time there, have you ever come across anyone that has cool family heirlooms such as sets of armour or a katana?

Luke Watts

What effect do you think Coronavirus will have on visiting Japan in the future? I'm hopefully visiting in November and am wondering how it will have changed

Anonymous

Hi Chris, this April I should've come to Japan with an internship program with a japanese university, so I wanted to ask you how is it to work as a foreigner in Japan? Are you treated in any way differently?

rafa UGM

Two questions: what are your favorite Japanese swear words and insults? and Is there any event that you would have liked to film but were unable to do so?

Anonymous

Has your response to the virus forced you to cook more at home? If so, what are some of the recipes you're making for yourself?

Anonymous

Hey Chris! Do you still feel British after all these years in Japan, or are there any things or habits or whatever that are now lost on you in terms of your home country and British folks? Thanks for the great stuff! Lots of admiration from Moscow :)

Anonymous

Hi Chris - you’ve talked about Japan being a collectivist society, as well as one where people try not to impose on each other. Do you find that people try to help each other out (i.e.,friendly neighbors) or people leave each other alone? Curious given the current circumstances. Keep up the great work!

Rob Biberhofer

Hello Mr. Chris! My question for you is: if you could go back and start again in Japan, what would you do different or would you even consider going to Japan knowing what you know now?

Anonymous

Hey Chris, when did you realize that meron pan actually tastes great and isn't actually melon flavored despite its name? Also when are you going to start using your small coins in a tactical way when paying so that you get rid of them like everybody else does? Asking for a friend

Stefan

Have you looked at any other manga than GTO?

Anonymous

Who is Chris Broad? (As in his background, family, things he misses about the UK and hates about Japan).

Alev Akkor

No question but I hope you, your friends, family and loved ones are all safe and sound in this surreal times we are living in.

Anonymous

Hi Chris! You've spoken in the past about how people in Japan love queuing (or at the very least are more tolerable of it than the rest of the world). My question - on a scale of perfectly acceptable to criminal offence, what is the stance on holding a place in line for a friend when queuing in Japan?

Anonymous

What changes have you noticed within yourself from the time you lived in England to now living in Japan?

Anonymous

I've been wondering about this, too! I rarely drink these days (as I've abstained for personal reasons), but I would like to enjoy a drink with a meal without having to feel pressured to get drunk if I visit Japan.

Benjamin McKechnie

Hey Chris will you ever open up the £20 patrion subscriptions again?

Anonymous

What would you like for your burthday?

Anonymous

How long does it take for you to plan and film those serious videos like the Tsunami type videos? Any plans to produce more of that kind of contents?

Lady Long Limbs

If you come across or heard of any great online Japanese course for absolute beginners, that would be helpful! The class I was starting tomorrow just got canceled. 😅

Anonymous

Looking at the map on the abroad in Japan website makes me realize how much of the country (and topics) you've already covered in videos. Aren't you afraid that "the Japanese source of inspiration" will dry up? I mean, is there any wagyu left to try in Japan ;-) ?

Anonymous

When will you read hate comments again? :D

Anonymous

If i were to go to japan for about two weeks, would it be possible to make a friend in that time, and how would one go about it?

Anonymous

So you plan on staying in japan long term or turning to the Uk? Or maybe somewhere new?

Anonymous

You had plans for making a documentary and submitting it for a festival. Is that still a thing you are working towards? If so, what details are you willing to share?

Anonymous

in many videos you emphasize big cultural differences between japanese people and the rest of the world (this can obviously get in the way of making friends). have you made any good japanese friends other than Natsuki&Ryotaro in the 7 years of your life in Japan? do you think cultural barrier is too high, so foreigners mostly stick to each other when they move there? (im experiencing this issue in The Netherlands, so i was wondering if its like this in Japan as well)

Anonymous

This is not a question for the video, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy that you bold out every other paragraph in your articles. Makes it so much easier to read / focus.

Anonymous

Hi Chris. When I was in London I spent a whole year in different host families. Do you know someone who did the same in Japan? I wonder how it was. Thanks. All the best.

Anonymous

Hey Chris! I know this is a bit late, but this is something that can be answered any time really, and just something that you could think about, maybe. Here it is. Would you ever consider releasing your Journey Across Japan GoPro and drone footage on DVD / blu-ray as official merchandise?

Anonymous

Actually, I would love to take the 'Corona-given chance' to finally refresh my Japanese, so I am looking for an online course as well. Wanikani seems to be popular, but mainly covers Kanji and grammar, whereas I also want to refresh grammar and speaking skills. Nor sure whether you have any ideas as you have the chance for everyday 'life-practice ', but I thought I'd still ask. Thx!

Nikolai “MUFFS” Lojek

Hi Luke. I'm not Chris obviously, but I live here too in Japan, in a city called Yokosuka. Hopefully by November you should be alright to visit. However, keep in mind since Corona virus' are seen as winter virus', there is a chance it may pop up again this winter, that is if it does prove to slow down a bit this summer. So I think you can plan your trip, but make sure you set yourself up to be able to get a refund if you can. Many hotel websites like booking and hotels.com let you get refunds but make sure you read the fine print. Good luck!

Anonymous

You were the chosen one :o *bows*

Anonymous

Hi Chris. You mentioned about another movie with Natsuki quitting smoking. Well with the new ban on smoking in Japan it might prove a good time to cover this subject with him ? Stay safe and well and maybe do a few live Facebook or YouTube sessions from home as we all like to see you on down time as well as slickly edited full on episodes Best wishes. Conrad.

H J

Hey Chris. I don't know if it's too late to pop in a question for your later video, but I'd like to ask: Do you feel it's important to have your "usual or true" self on camera? or do you feel the need to create a certain persona for the camera and videos?

Anonymous

Hi Chris, really like your videos, and been following you for years now! Keep up the great work! Cant wait to see more of your content! My question will be, how is this whole situation around the world making you feel, while living in Japan? Will this change any of your future plans? For example, coming back to the UK or changing cities in Japan or moving to another country?

Anonymous

They're still open, just at the limit at the moment. Keep your eyes peeled.