Seriously guys, a huge thanks to everyone who snapped up a copy of the Abroad in Japan book! I've been humbled by all the amazing reviews and kind words so far and here's hoping I get to meet as many of you as I can on the road over the coming months if the book tour goes ahead! 🍻 🇯🇵 Abroad in Japan Book: linktr.ee/abroadinjapanbook Can't wait to share our epic journey to the summit of Mount Fuji next week featuring Natsuki! (It's also his birthday today so happy birthday Natsuki!)

You might think that the tied up store clerk is a joke, but we all know Chris is so professional and committed to the craft that he actually kidnapped a worker from a nearby store. Inspiring!

Chris looks like the kind of guy that walks around a buffet twiddling his fingers saying "Don't mind if I do"

I’ve been in Japan for about a month now and I’m leaving tomorrow. Thanks Chris for being one of the main motivators for coming to this wonderful country. We went from Sapporo to Fukuoka and many places in between. I’ve been to about 15 countries and none of them are like Japan. I’ll keep watching for some more inspiration, it would be a shame to never come back

The part where you hired the actor to act out the conversation was brilliant. And the bloopers made it even better. More of that please

I am Japanese. I recently learned about this channel and enjoy this channel. I don't have any British friends. It is said in Japan that British people are always sarcastic. I didn't know what the "sarcasm" was like, but I understood it by watching this channel. Actually, even in Japan, especially in the childhood of men, there is a relationship that fosters friendships while arguing sarcasm and bad things with each other. In England, such a relationship continues among adults, and I thought that the irony method became more clever, so-called "British irony culture".

The quick glimpses of Connor, Ryotaro, Garnt, Natsuki and Sharla- amazing, feels like the Endgame moment!😁 Joey making Australian noises in the shower- priceless😂

The principal interview killed me 😂 glad you showed the bloopers cause it shows that there was no way you guys did it in one take. You could do a KZfaq sitcom with all your experiences in Japan, it would be great 😅 Going to buy your book soon, can't wait to read it.

Chris renting a whole building just to answer Q&As is a real power move.

Me: That convenience store looks awfully familiar Chris: This is a fake set Me: Oh... Oh no

Being a corporate slave with no way to travel to Japan without getting kicked off the company, I'm very excited when you post your travel videos, Chris! You shared all the unique spots and information unlike other channels, you have your own style too! Thank you for all of that. Here's to another 10 years 🎉

Can't wait to read the book, once it's finally showing up on my doorstep, which is hopefully going to be saturday (I preordered it more or less the second it had been announced - absolute no-brainer - but apparently it takes ages to get to Germany 😅) You were talking about your videos and how you feel like you sometimes don't know how many more you can make. As someone who has been watching (and rewatching over and over and over) your videos for almost as many years as you make them, let me tell you this: It doesn't always need to be the "big" or unusual content. As much as I am in awe of your big productions (e.g. documentaries or videos with big celebrities, etc.), the videos where you sit in your apartment, reading out funny japanglish, talk about japanese life and culture, or where you explore some place in detail (like the "Things to do around Tokyo Station" or the Asakusa video with Ryotaro, or the one about Pachinko... horrible game, genuinely wonderful video, bugger the Ebis Cafe seems to have closed down...) are among the ones I rewatch the most. And to be quite frank, just watching you hang out and do the most mundane things, like eating stuff, or trying to win a monkey from a crane game machine (e.g. a lot of the videos you do with the Trash Taste guys, Natsuki and Ryotaro) has a quality that is far above what I've seen elsewhere and I highly enjoy watching these videos. There is a dynamic in you and the people around you that is unmatched by any other content creator(s). I know that it may be hard to see where you can or want to go next and what to do. But I encourage you to keep going, as you yourself say, to find that unique angle from which to let us have an insight to Japan (and by all means, I think you have already "found" that angle. It's you yourself and the people around you). I know there is still plenty of places to explore and things to do and talk about. Even if it's places and things that have been covered before, I'd love to see them from your angle and perspective, in the top notch production quality of your videos. Keep up the great work 😁

Love that you continue to make long form content in a time where there is so much short form. Thank you for the quality Chris ! 🤍

Shigeru Miyamoto is not often recognised by Japanese people because he is very behind the scenes in his work, he said in an interview it is mainly foreign tourists who recognise him due to his photo being more widespread in Western media.

As soon as Chris mentioned that the "bed room" stage could have been used for more salacious materials I realized that wait... i've seen that convenience store before... OOOh boy.

Hi Chris, Just ordered a copy of your book which I can't wait to read. As an Art Teacher at an inner-city school in London, these videos are always a welcome break from a job I absolutely love, but one that can often be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Having lived in Hokkaido in 2019-20, I loved my time there, but had to come home early due to Covid, so I'm always looking for a chance to come back to Japan in the years ahead. The content is incredible, the film references unstoppable, and the humour sometimes very layered but so witty. All the other wonderful people who feature on your channel, seem to wear their heart on their sleeve, be a little cynical here + there, and have no personal agenda. Keep doing what you're doing, it's done a lot for me, as I'm sure it has for others. Best, Andrew

I really want to commend you for your more recent strings of videos. You're really right when you say that a lot of videos about expats living in Japan are very similar, and I think that's a lot to do with resourcing. You're one of the most well known, if not THE most well known KZfaqr in your genre, and it comes off as very responsible for you to break the mold. Simply put, most people who would be starting a channel or have a smaller channel trying to do what you do won't have the resources that you do to allow them to rent a convenience store for a day, run a bar for a night, stay in a super luxury hotel room (even if it was free for their publicity), or be able to just roam across Japan for a few weeks. Those are the folks that are going to benefit most from the types of videos you made way back in the day when you first started since they won't have a KZfaq giant like yourself overshadowing them. To me it shows that you not only have respect for your audience not to rehash topics unnecessarily but that you have respect for fellow KZfaqrs in your own wheelhouse. Thank you for doing things right, Chris.

Miyamoto popping out of a pipe broke me. 😂 Thanks for all the laughs and amazing content, always.

I really liked how you combined a Q&A with a place review. You also keep reminding me how much an entertaining opening makes the whole video so much better. Can't wait to buy and read your book!

Hey Chris, I just wanted to say thank you and Sharla so much for coming out to Piccadilly to sign your book it was so great to meet you after years of watching you both on KZfaq. I hope I get to see you both again one day if I manage to get into UTokyo. Thank you again for everything and keep the amazing work up both of you :)

Your book has been full of comedy and extremely addicting, I literally cannot put it down - and I don’t read books at all. You’ve turned me into a bookworm. Kudos and good luck hitting that Sunday Times Best Seller status, very well deserved if so!

As an Australian guy, I feel like 沈黙 (the silence) is just as important in Australia, especially among friends. Nobody's got the time or the energy to talk constantly, so we tend to search out friends that we're capable of sitting in silence with without it being awkward, and still having a good time. Being with people where the pressure is on to continually converse is draining.

I can't wait for the audiobook! Congrats on your book finally coming out!

Chris, thank you so much for another great video! This channel has really helped deepen my interest in Japan and Japanese culture. I am even taking Japanese lessons! Similar to what you said in the video, I feel that with me studying more about Japanese culture has really made me stop and look at life, how I present myself and think about what truly matters. You and your channel have really helped me move in a better direction and I thank you for that! I can't wait to come to Japan with my wife and see all of the amazing things I have seen in these videos in person! Oh, and my copy of your book was just delivered today! I am very excited to read it!

Started reading your book today Chris after waiting days for it to come. Am at Chapter 10 and so far having a blast. Great idea to write a book. It’s definitely something I would pay to read 👏🎉🍾

I'm over 50 pages in and whipping through the book quickly! Your book has more of a voice and personality than the classic "KZfaqr-wrote-a-book" stereotypes. I will genuinely recommend this to my friends, it's a real treat, Chris, you should be proud of yourself. Hope you write more in the future! While I won't be able to go to Japan anytime soon (not until they have safer gluten-free options, damn my intolerance), I'll be living vicariously through your adventures with Sharla, Connor, Joey, Natsuki, and all the rest. Cheers! (manifesting the chance that your book tour comes to Chicago!)

Im moving to japan in 3-4 years from now and your youtube videos really helped me to know more about japan from the dangers to pretty much knowing your experiences showing me what not to do reaally helps more than you think

YESSSS! Ask Abroad!! Mate these newer videos are brilliant. I love your old stuff but your new stuff has really found itself

Honestly, Chris, lot's of respect on how much work you even put into a Q and A, were others would just have set down somewhere in their livingroom or on a park bench or something and read out questions to answer, your rented out a filmset and filmed some scenes. Your love for video/film creation always really shows.

My Mother, who knows nothing about you, saw your book on the table yesterday. She thought the cover was beautiful and is now interested in reading it! Congrats on all your success 😊❤️

Looking forward to more travel videos Chris! I have learned so much about the 'real' Japan through these videos.

Always appreciate your Q&A's and your honesty. 🙏 It hasn't scared me away from wanting to visit japan! I'll be buying your book for sure

That interview with the principal kind of reminds me of the interview I was given at my current job: "Why did you come here?" I responded with "I don't know, you called me." Got the job, and now I'm one of four "house" leaders in the school. It's not always about giving the BEST answer. It's about giving the RIGHT answer.

There's an adult film starring Amiri Saito called 絶対的鉄板シチュエーション21 that features her doing her thing in that bar, the '70s bedroom, and the convenience store. My friend told me he recognized the rooms.

Missed your content, so I’m very glad to see this today! Never thought you could do this, so thanks for showing us another quality fun video! Congrats on the book!

Good luck with the sales of your book Chris and thanks for all the great content up to this point.

Wow 10 year’s Chris!!! I’ve been watching you since I was 13 with the hopes of learning Japanese and visiting Japan. I’m now 21, and have finished my minor in Japanese and am planning on teaching English in Japan. Thanks for providing quality content!

I'm currently halfway through your book, and have just put it down for the night when I saw you'd uploaded! I just wanted to say I'm so grateful you made the book it's absolutely brilliant! To anybody considering getting the book, please do because it's genuinely fantastic

Bought your book, arrived today! Thanks for dedicating it to us, very cool! Much love my dude!

As a Japanese living in the US (especially in NY), the speed of conversation is sometimes waaay too fast. As a normal japanese, I tend to have silent moments and everytime that happens, people either look super awkward or start talking lightning fast to fill out the pause. I feel the wind on my face lol

The Journey Across Japan vids are the highlight of this channel tbh. I love the people joining and Chris showing us what he's seen. It's an annual joy to watch with my partner.

Was funny watching the recreation of meeting the principal after reading it in the book. Been really enjoying it, the book has all your wit and humour got me excited to read more :)

I love this channel. Such great production value

I'm halfway through the Abroad in Japan book and it is a nostalgia trip from being on the JET Program! It makes me miss Japan and it's wackiness and the day to day life so much!

Its incredible that every time he uploads a new video I convince myself more and more that I actually wanna move to japan

Chris, I just want to thank you for bringing us quality content in the past 10 years! Cheers and keep doing what you do best.

What I like about your channel is that it is so much more than showing some stuff in Japan. It's the whole combination of you, the people around you, with Japan definitely being important, sometimes on the foreground, sometimes as an afterthought. Or something like that.

That Konbini sound lives in my head RENT FREE, honestly.

Cant believe its been 10 years, I've been following since the beginning. Your next BIG Japanese adventure should be getting on the next season of Takeshi's Castle. Get a team together, and beat the castle.

I think your initial highlight with the "recycled" video ideas for most Japanese KZfaqrs is very true - and you also pointed out the fix. Sure, you're going to have some repeat videos (hell, you could probably do a "most expensive hotel room in" every city for all of Japan) but your channel is about being ABROAD in Japan, and that ties in really well with your point about travel. You've been showing off stuff that usually doesn't get highlighted. And personally, I think you should keep that up because it's the best content you have and it's the best Japan travel content on the internet. I'd like to see what fun quirky weird stuff you can find to do, and the interesting places you can find to go. I am just one little ole person though, and your personal desires and vision for your KZfaq channel are more important, after all ;-)

Love the reenactments! Thanks for taking the time to make those!

Coming back to this video 8 months after I watched it when I came out I think this has become one of my favorites. As you said people who make videos in Japan don’t do things like this and you had a funny/dramatic storyline in the background. It is awesome to see the juxtaposition of comedy with drama presented with your “affable” mannerisms while also getting serious when needed to!!

Wait! There’s an audiobook too!? Are you the narrator? If so, that’s a beast of work in itself - and amazing. I mean this in a non-creepy way: you’ve got a great voice so that would be awesome to listen to, especially on a roadtrip. :)

Still my most favorite content on the internet. Been watching for god knows how many years and I still get excited when I get that notification just like the first time. There's something about your narration style, commentary, camera direction and general cinematography - for the lack of a better word - that just always nails it. Especially before the backdrop of Japan which is and always was the initial reason I started watching you. AIJ has been an integral part of my YT content palette and I like it that way. Thank you for years of entertainment and cheers to many more.

I made my preorder for the audiobook yesterday and I can’t wait to hear all the stories you have to share with us :)

I bought your Kindle book immediately upon hearing it was released. I have been following you, and your crew for years. It is because of you that I have Japan on my bucket list of countries to visit.

As someone from Christchurch New Zealand I really relate to the whole earthquake thing, I will say, please make sure you're prepared. You and Sharla really do need to make sure you have supplies in case a really bad earthquakes hits, I have one now and I wish I'd had one in 2011

I've been waiting for this since the Trash Taste episode!

I love your traveling vids aswell Chris! Those vids are honestly some of the most fun to watch on youtube for me

I can see your love for making short films through this video, alot of great skits, love to see more like this

Thank you Chris for everything you do for the community and for us the viewers!

Bought the ebook kindle version of the book! Very excited to read it! You're my favorite KZfaq account for showing us your experience in Japan without ever taking yourself so seriously it becomes ridiculous.

This video was so entertaining on so many levels. Fantastic edits as well. I love how all the little jokes are snuck in before the cuts.

Would love to see some different videos of you exploring and experiencing Japan whilst speaking Japanese with locals etc. all subtitled

My copy of your book just arrived!! And I can't wait to read it while travelling on holidays! 🌟

This is why your one of my favorite youtubers and such an inspiration. I love the way you make a simple Q&A from just sitting and answering questions to showing visuals of what your talking about, your epic personality and especially how you capture the audience every step of the way, making sure we don't wanna miss a second with quirky comments, clever editing and great jokes (not to forget kidnapped store clerks, whats your best tip for doing that in a western country?). Great video like always. Can't wait for the Mt. Fuji climb :DD Also, Happy Birthday Natsuki!!! :D

Thanks for this Chris. Really enjoyed this video

I've watched so many videos on this channel over the years. The content is always top-notch. It's very entertaining, and I love your humour. I'm Greek living in the UK since 2009 and met plenty of British lads who have similar humour to you. Wish you all the best for the future, and I am always looking forward to your new videos!

I just got your book in the mail today🎉🎉🎉 the cover is beautiful and I can't wait to dive in!!

Got the book in the mail a few days ago and can't wait to read it in my upcoming vacation ❤ Thank you for all the great content

I really needed the laughs and you delivered. Thanks, Chris!

I honestly would like to see more of the small and hidden type of shops that are in Japan.

Always eagerly looking forward to these long form videos. The amount of effort that goes into them are above and beyond, and it always has me coming back for more 😄

Congrats on the engagement and the release of the new book

The cinematic art on display in each of these videos is truly amazing. Crazy underrated.

I've purchased your book and I'm hoping to start reading it soon! The chapter titles are freaking hilarious!!!

You should ask Sydney if she recognizes any of those sets from her research.

The silence thing still gives me the chills. I was asked to host a scientific discussion group at a University and I was trying to engage the audience and was more or less met with radio silence from the Japanese audience. Over the course of 30 mins I got more and more flustered then made the mistake of singling someone out from the audience I chatted too earlier. He look like he wanted the floor to swallow him. I then lost my temper a wee bit and slammed down my notes and wrapped the meeting up 40 mins early. As soon as I closed the meeting I had a line of Japaneses scientists wanting to discuss their work with me. I managed to compose myself but I very pointedly kept saying “it would have been nice if you had brought that up during the meeting”. Luckily a night of drinks and karaoke had everyone back on good vibes.

The book is awesome, got my pre order and have been loving it!

Congrats on the book release! Can’t wait to read it 😄

Didn't finish watching yet, but i have to say thank you for all of your amazing content. I have planned my trip to japan since November 2019 and I'll finally go this September, a lot of the places and activities I'll do will be from or inspired by you chris, so again thank you so much and here's a cheer for ten more years 🎉

This was so nice to watch loved all these rooms and the Q&A was great always love to know things about Japan the good and bad and then the bloopers😂 Great work Chris thanks for all your hard work!❤

yes, can't wait for that audiobook so I can listen to it on the way to work and home!

I got the book Monday and I've read the first two chapters and already I'm enjoying it so I can't wait to read it all but congratulations on the release of the book 🎉

Thank you Chris bringing us a piece of Japan for the past decade! Just finished your book and it’s definitely a best seller

ooooh! I love the fact that you have written a book. That is soooooo cooooool. I cant wait to read that. Thanks for writing it.

Honestly I’m so excited to see you in London finally.

'Tokyo sea life Park' is a recommended spot that is not well known to foreign tourists. Located 15 minutes by train from Tokyo Station (get off at the station just before Tokyo Disneyland), it has an aquarium with tuna and penguins, Japan's second largest Ferris wheel, cherry blossam lawn square, and a free price zoo. Great park, but mostly locals, not many foreign tourists. People who go to Tokyo Disneyland may want to stop by. 🤗 Tokyo sea life Park is also the starting point of the 🚴Edo river cycling road (Total length 64km), and if you go north, it will lead to the Tone river cycling road (Total length 170km), the longest cycling road in Japan. Sekiyado Castle is located at the confluence of the Edo River and the Tone River, so that is the landmark. If you go north on the Tone rive Cycling Road, you will also be connected to the Watase Reservoir (It is famous for its heart-shaped pond and has become a date spot) Cycling Road, which has a circumference of about 40km.

Greetings from Finland Chris, or more preferably, Mr. Affable! Another video packed with information and so many little details, it really shows the dedication you put into making these. Congrats on your 10th anniversary living in Japan and on the release of your new book! 🎉 After following your travels for quite some time now it actually temptates me to get a copy. Keep up the great work for the next decade to come as well! 💪🏼

I finished reading your books today. Congratulations on a well written book. It brings background to many of your videos. I hope you continue to share your experiences with us.

I think this content was awesome and definitely makes me click on your videos. Who has ever rented a Japanese convenience store for a day and sat to answer questions from his followers. Love it Chris! Keep doing you

I was debating to buy the book but as soon as I saw your hard work and witty comedy with this video I immediately made a purchase. I can't wait to receive this Saturday!

Very happy birthday to Natsuki! This year we'd LOVE to see Natsuki the Movie 2, where Natsuki becomes strong and healthy, quits smoking, and performs live music, releasing new songs! 😁✌️

bro, I literally just love your content. that's genuinely all I can say.

Congratulations on getting your book done!!!

One of the craziest things I think I even reacted to out loud in your book was the bonenkai party. After all that socializing and getting comfortable with each other they still ignored you the very next week. I understand alcohol will make you laxed and friendly but to flat out act as if nothing happened is flabbergasting. Really enjoying it so far Chris

As a recent subscriber, I've really enjoyed watching a bunch of your "older" videos - most notably the more serious stuff like the documentaries about the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Keep up the good work. 10 years? It's wild to think about. It's been about 10 years since I decided to give up on getting a university degree in Japanese Studies because I ended up having no idea on how to turn that skill into money in the long run. The country and culture still fascinate me deeply, and I'm going to book a trip at some point in the future to visit again for sure. I'd love to live in Japan, but I fear my only real marketable skill (machinist, CNC programmer) would most likely result in horrible work hours and mediocre pay.

great questions and answers and the tour was nice too!

i love all the little editing details! like The ring in the TV

Chris, the music and sound design on these videos are so good! Also, the color grading is excellent.