What NOT to do in Japan 🇯🇵 WORST Etiquette Disaster

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  • Опубликовано: 28 апр 2024
  • What NOT to do in Japan! 3 horrors stories on when life in Japan goes wrong from food to language blunders.
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    Edited by Marcus Canning & Chris Broad
    00:00 The Japanese Language Mistake
    07:59 The Awful Sushi Mistake
    19:50 The Lying to Ken Watanabe Mistake
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Комментарии • 2,6 тыс.

  • @AbroadinJapan
    @AbroadinJapan  10 месяцев назад +1473

    NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Three horror stories in equal measure. But which was the worst mistake of all? You decide. And if you want more of these story time videos guys let me know - hit the like button! That’s often the main way we work out if people like the content or not.

    • @reecehickey7455
      @reecehickey7455 10 месяцев назад +42

      Defiantly the sushi mistake, mr. broad.

    • @TheKewlPerson
      @TheKewlPerson 10 месяцев назад +2

      Maybe the language mistake? Idk haven't had time to watch the video yet but also want to still comment early so my reply's not hidden lol

    • @XYXYZ
      @XYXYZ 10 месяцев назад +4

      the language barrier story was hilarious!

    • @PONO-go3ee
      @PONO-go3ee 10 месяцев назад +1

      Ahh YouOrder a Big Chimpo

    • @AirTMZ
      @AirTMZ 10 месяцев назад +11

      The barrier issue was funny, but the sushi story must have been REALLY embarrassing

  • @jorgeporras9262
    @jorgeporras9262 10 месяцев назад +7853

    Ken Watanabe asserting his dominance by calling Chris' BS is one of the funniest things I've heard on the channel hahaha

    • @cancerino666
      @cancerino666 10 месяцев назад +408

      I hope he ended up explaining to Ken why he lied.

    • @Vagabond820
      @Vagabond820 10 месяцев назад +54

      @@cancerino666 me too

    • @M______M
      @M______M 10 месяцев назад +71

      @@cancerino666 well, he just did in the video. :)

    • @philtkaswahl2124
      @philtkaswahl2124 10 месяцев назад +218

      Chris needs a shirt saying "I Got Rumbled by Ken Watanabe."

    • @Emperorerror
      @Emperorerror 10 месяцев назад +104

      I can't believe he literally caught it on camera lmao

  • @xjunebug1452
    @xjunebug1452 10 месяцев назад +3002

    I'm somewhat convinced that the chef was purposely feeding you the worst things on the menu just to see how far he can push a foreigner 😂

    • @Kumimono
      @Kumimono 10 месяцев назад +321

      That's the true, Gaijin Smash. :p

    • @superboobs890
      @superboobs890 10 месяцев назад +78

      A lot of people like the food he ate. Personally I think Geoduck is delicious.

    • @Pehmokettu
      @Pehmokettu 10 месяцев назад +176

      In many countries there are traditional foods that many local people love but they know that foreigners probably hate it. But they feed that to tourists anyway to see their reaction. Here in Finland those disgusting traditional foods are mämmi (an Easter dessert that is made from malted rye and it looks like poo) and salmiac (a black licorice candy that has ammonium chloride in it, different tasting salt than the regular table salt sodium chloride). I hate mämmi but I love salmiac. 😊

    • @takayamuramoto4490
      @takayamuramoto4490 10 месяцев назад +20

      @@Pehmokettu salmiac is very popular, at least in germany.

    • @Leilani91
      @Leilani91 10 месяцев назад +42

      Mirugai & akagai are some of my favorite sushi, but tbf I grew up eating it, although my dad didn't tell me what it was for years & then when he told me, it was already too late, I didn't care.

  • @koan7144
    @koan7144 10 месяцев назад +1284

    Worst I've done in Japan is calling my Japanese host family mum - "mama-san". I was explained that "mama-san" is actually a term they use for mistreses in brothels 😮 It was the honest mistake all was good, the only one bothered at the end was ME since they let me call her that for like 2 weeks 😅

    • @rashelflores6712
      @rashelflores6712 10 месяцев назад +89

      that is hilarious haha

    • @resolutelament
      @resolutelament 10 месяцев назад +22

      LOL

    • @spritemoney
      @spritemoney 10 месяцев назад +12

      What's the proper term to use?

    • @nigsbalchin226
      @nigsbalchin226 10 месяцев назад +4

      Indeed, sometimes having your weaknesses tolerated can turn out to be a burden! 🤣

    • @user-tt5xj5ib1e
      @user-tt5xj5ib1e 10 месяцев назад +11

      Thank you I needed that laugh today :) 🤣🤣🤣

  • @SpaghettiNachos
    @SpaghettiNachos 9 месяцев назад +151

    I think the Genkin and Genki mix up is the funniest to me. Just imagine, you're having a great day, nothing can mess it up. Your wife packed you your favorite bento for lunch. Then some English bro rolls in, screws up the toll and when you try to fix it and ask him for money he goes "I'm good" and speeds off. Dude was probably destroyed for the rest of the day

    • @vokay
      @vokay 4 месяца назад +9

      Absolute king behavior

    • @gsingh5402
      @gsingh5402 Месяц назад

      This is how nihangs act in punjab

    • @pangkouxiong1244
      @pangkouxiong1244 8 дней назад +1

      Yo he probably hated foreigners for that.. 😅😅

  • @kekoraspow9153
    @kekoraspow9153 10 месяцев назад +1786

    I got second-hand embarrassment from watching this, that was some excellent storytelling

    • @CJT3X
      @CJT3X 10 месяцев назад +6

      I don’t, it makes no sense to assume someone’s abilities just because of how long they live somewhere.

    • @xodox2505
      @xodox2505 10 месяцев назад +19

      ​@@CJT3X it kinda does where in a country english isn't used that much and your forced to learn Japanese

    • @barbievale
      @barbievale 10 месяцев назад +1

      What do you mean??

    • @barbs8851
      @barbs8851 9 месяцев назад +5

      ​@@barbievale It's called empathy.

  • @dannivizion
    @dannivizion 10 месяцев назад +859

    I love that Ken Watanabe obviously knew the lie from the get-go and just sat on that for days, just waiting for the optimum moment to call you out with it. 😂

    • @bshthrasher
      @bshthrasher 10 месяцев назад +5

      Can't hide an awl in a sack. The truth will always show up)

  • @vyse19861
    @vyse19861 10 месяцев назад +1910

    I was invited to someone's house in Japan, along with a few other people, and took interest in a book he had about Japanese slang language. After a while I found a chapter titled "Japanese Penises", started laughing, and haphazardly showed it to the girl sitting next to me, expecting her to find it funny as well. Then I started reading the chapter, and the first paragraph started by making it absolutely clear that this is a highly taboo topic in Japan, and that people will be extremely embarrased if you bring it up, going as far as claiming that they don't have a word for it if you ask "What's 'penis' in Japanese?" I went from laughing to realizing that I had royally fucked up in about 20 seconds.

    • @sunahamanagai9039
      @sunahamanagai9039 10 месяцев назад +205

      I would say it's taboo in other countries, too. Not an everyday conversation unless between good friends or appropriate circumstances.

    • @vanshudapure6744
      @vanshudapure6744 10 месяцев назад +19

      Can you name that book?

    • @vyse19861
      @vyse19861 10 месяцев назад +67

      @@vanshudapure6744 Honestly I don't remember, but there's a book called "Dirty Japanese" by Matt Fargo which might have been it.

    • @JB-xl2jc
      @JB-xl2jc 10 месяцев назад +10

      How did she react? Was it brought up?

    • @vyse19861
      @vyse19861 10 месяцев назад +95

      @@JB-xl2jc She acknowledged it with a very dismissive "yeah..." and went back to ignoring me. So there wasn't any fallout and it was never brought up again. I may have destroyed one of that guy's friendships by being a Gaijin, but that was a different day and with a different person. ^^;

  • @arwilson51
    @arwilson51 10 месяцев назад +736

    I would legitimately cry after that first encounter. The stress from blocking other people going on their way, then realizing I didn't pay would just be too much lmao

    • @QCLagstone
      @QCLagstone 10 месяцев назад

      That is because you are weak.

    • @tor279
      @tor279 10 месяцев назад +47

      LMAO rightt woulda bought a plane ticket and moved right back home 😭😭

    • @canihavethesauce
      @canihavethesauce 10 месяцев назад +9

      if you'd have a breakdown because of a misunderstanding, you shouldn't be on the road.

    • @s_oba
      @s_oba 9 месяцев назад

      @@canihavethesauce Misunderstanding?

    • @kleenexbox974
      @kleenexbox974 9 месяцев назад +5

      I deadass woulda jus up and left the country

  • @E-A-Z-Y
    @E-A-Z-Y 10 месяцев назад +894

    That first story was great 🤣 “cash?” “I’m great!”

    • @rrf3f9x7a1g2
      @rrf3f9x7a1g2 10 месяцев назад +40

      Seriously he could've gotten arrested😂

    • @eisenklad
      @eisenklad 10 месяцев назад +28

      @@rrf3f9x7a1g2 imagine Chris paying interest on that 50dollars totaling like 3000 because the admin and late fees also add to the interest.

    • @hcc9969
      @hcc9969 10 месяцев назад +1

      😂

    • @ryanruizvargas2517
      @ryanruizvargas2517 10 месяцев назад +42

      He literally just said "nah I'm good." And went away.

    • @kwedl
      @kwedl 10 месяцев назад +24

      "Double it and give it to the next person"

  • @levi7581
    @levi7581 10 месяцев назад +1001

    This video was an emotional rollercoaster. From the embarrassment of unintentionally screwing over a toll worker because of poor Japanese knowledge, to feeling the need to gag just from hearing what you had to eat whilst being watched by a chef with a bloody katana to the unimaginable shame of lying to Ken mfing Watanabe... truly one of the videos of all time Chris.

    • @melissadunton3534
      @melissadunton3534 10 месяцев назад +16

      Yes, it is one of the videos. 😅😂

  • @rolfathan
    @rolfathan 10 месяцев назад +386

    I 100% believe that Ken did that in a way to express that he thought your japanese was absolutely fine, sort of a "Come on dude, don't lie about it. It's fine. Tell him it's 10 years." That's why he, after that, focused more on japanese conversations rather than english. I've had some people do stuff like this with me, firm moments of "own who you are" and they honestly improved me and my confidence for the better.

    • @chaytonhurlow840
      @chaytonhurlow840 7 месяцев назад +24

      Yeah, a while back I started a job. I was nervous, and I was getting overwhelmed. The manager told me to stop acting like I didn't know what I was doing.
      Seemed slightly rude, But that made me relax a bit.

    • @Mvn06
      @Mvn06 5 месяцев назад +3

      This is the true comment

    • @Lubsana86
      @Lubsana86 3 месяца назад +2

      I think it's more like in Japan someone always introduces you to someone, so when they reach out to him about this project and told him who Chris is and what he does, they most definitely mentioned how long he has been in Japan.
      That is why you can see his facial expressions and surprise when initially he got a reply 5-6 years.
      The public image is everything in Japan, so before you agree or associate with anyone, people and figures, the calible of Ken Watanabe or his team, are definitely doing extensive background checks, like 100%

  • @robinreliant8888
    @robinreliant8888 10 месяцев назад +153

    My Japanese in-laws ran a bath for me in their house during New Year a few years ago, piping hot with Yuzu lemons freshly picked from their garden. A good long soak, a few cheeky farts, and a good scrub later, I pulled the plug, dried myself and went to the living room to thank my in-laws. With a beaming smile, I said "arigatou", as the last remnants of the water gurgled loudly down the drain. Little did I know that the water was supposed to have been saved for everyone to use, and that they had allowed me to bath in it first as a mark of respect. Ooops.

    • @jameswilkes451
      @jameswilkes451 8 месяцев назад +1

      Reminds me of when I was younger, my father used to always share the bathwater with me too. My less working class friends always considered it strange XD

    • @mamihashimoto1429
      @mamihashimoto1429 8 месяцев назад +21

      Did you soak in the bath before scrubbing and cleaning yourself first? In Japan, you should scrub and clean yourself entirely with soap and wash your hair before you soak in the tub.

    • @JeffTiberend
      @JeffTiberend 2 месяца назад

      That would be hard. I could imagine doing that myself. But, I knew that you're supposed to bathe before going into the bath.

    • @robinreliant8888
      @robinreliant8888 2 месяца назад +4

      @@mamihashimoto1429 I didn’t occur to me to wash before getting into the bath….

  • @enriquedominguez3963
    @enriquedominguez3963 10 месяцев назад +682

    I have never felt so much empathy with a toll guy. 😂

    • @msjsr9364
      @msjsr9364 10 месяцев назад +55

      I think the toll guy was probably just happy to have the problem sorted, his job is to keep traffic flowing. I've done this sort of thing before. Our superiors always tell us it's more important to keep things moving than to ensure everyone pays their way. He probably didn't think twice about it.

    • @Da_wn_Light
      @Da_wn_Light 10 месяцев назад

      @@msjsr9364 Chris just fucked off down the highway 😭

    • @philosophy_bot4171
      @philosophy_bot4171 10 месяцев назад

      Beep bop... I'm the Philosophy Bot. Here, have a quote:
      "As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being"
      ~ Carl Jung

  • @basssgurl
    @basssgurl 10 месяцев назад +665

    That toll incident would literally haunt me 😂 such an innocent mistake but the guilt you’d feel.. damn (love that he donated it to charity🙏🏻)

    • @MrVvulf
      @MrVvulf 10 месяцев назад +37

      I'd be mortified that the toll employee paid out of his own pocket to avoid paperwork.
      I'd have been compelled to ask a Japanese friend to help me get to the bottom of it and makes things right.

    • @TheAxeMan301
      @TheAxeMan301 10 месяцев назад +23

      We have a similar cashless system here in California. But here if you don't have the pass the system just reads your license plate and bills you later - if you are in a rental it usually gets added to your rental bill.

    • @definitlynotbenlente7671
      @definitlynotbenlente7671 10 месяцев назад +3

      ​@@TheAxeMan301 in europe you can pay with credid or debit card or cash at the same exit

    • @nyaqua
      @nyaqua 10 месяцев назад +8

      Yeah I was just thinking how I'd probably go back there after realizing and try to explain mistake I made and pay properly :D

    • @Tyler_Wildman
      @Tyler_Wildman 10 месяцев назад +2

      Not just the driving off without paying but just being stuck there without being able to move, I’d have been flapping like an old flange.

  • @HeyLookaSandwich
    @HeyLookaSandwich 10 месяцев назад +286

    One of your greatest strengths as a content creator/film maker is your amazing ability to tell a story. This video was superbly entertaining from beginning to end. Thanks for all the amazing content troughout the years, Chris

    • @matthewlawton9241
      @matthewlawton9241 7 месяцев назад +2

      The music choice, too, particularly during the geoduck part of the story....-chef's kiss-

  • @R0CK0Nbaby
    @R0CK0Nbaby 10 месяцев назад +98

    You know Chris, my respect for you actually skyrocketed after watching this. The level of horror you felt after realizing the genkin vs genki misunderstanding and making up for it by donating to the earthquake fundraiser, to sacrificing yourself to remain polite and respectful to the sushi chef, as embarrassing as the outcomes were, it still showed how much you care. And most of all, your retelling of your time with Ken Watanabe was so brilliantly explained. I really relate to the fear of Japanese people overestimating my speaking ability that even though I can speak it on a conversational level, I always intro myself by saying i can’t speak it. Anyways, the fact that you were able to include the clips from your most cringe moments, and add the blushing effect, and show it multiple times, you’ve got real cojones my dude. I could never do that, like as soon as my most cringe and regrettable moments come into my thoughts i react quite strongly and get rid of them immediately. Thanks for putting yourself out there like that, i hope more people can gain the courage to show their most human sides, it’s what makes them most relatable. Major props to you 🙏

  • @darksteelmenace595
    @darksteelmenace595 10 месяцев назад +566

    Honestly I think if you told Ken Watanabe that you have lived in Japan for 10 years, but aren't good at Japanese, he would have understood, because being insecure about your language skills is probably one of the most Japanese things ever.

    • @jonah2027
      @jonah2027 10 месяцев назад +6

      No shit... that's the whole point of it being in the video

    • @diablomom
      @diablomom 10 месяцев назад +21

      Jonah is a geoduck

    • @kevinlawrence8588
      @kevinlawrence8588 9 месяцев назад +5

      No doubt - humility seems to be an admired trait there

    • @inoscopedjfk8207
      @inoscopedjfk8207 9 месяцев назад +6

      ​@@kevinlawrence8588Humility is an admirable trait in most places

    • @ScottMcMaster-er4xj
      @ScottMcMaster-er4xj 8 месяцев назад +8

      Absolutely. Being humble about your ability is very Japanese. This is always how I approached it. The phrase: "-------- 年間ぐらいです、けどまだ私の日本語がまだ苦手です。 (------- nen kan gurai desu, kedo watashi no nihongo ga mada nigate desu, / Around ----- years, but still my Japanese is not skillful.)” is so useful. And if anyone says to you "日本語が上手ですね。/ nihongo ga jyouzu desu ne", you should immediately respond "いいえ、まだまだです。/ Iie, mada mada desu / No, not yet". They will be amused by that response, because its so thoroughly Japanese, and you will get an approving smile from them. You will have impressed them with your humility. Chris this advice is for you. Use these phrases next time. Japanese love humbleness about one's ability. You will endear yourself to people by presenting yourself this way.

  • @silviastanziola659
    @silviastanziola659 10 месяцев назад +839

    I think I would self-combust if I had gotten caught on a lie by Ken Watanabe like that.

    • @northwanderer800
      @northwanderer800 10 месяцев назад +68

      i would have said ken ive been here 10 years but have stopped studying so im asham,ed at my japanese level but ill try my best and he prob would have been like no worries lad, try your best .. but im not the epic man that is chris broad and i wasn't in that situation so ill shut my face now

    • @silverhawkroman
      @silverhawkroman 10 месяцев назад +13

      At least it wasn't doing some stupid Yakuza cosplay and interviewing a real one 😂😂😂

    • @nathanlonghair
      @nathanlonghair 10 месяцев назад +12

      I almost self-combusted just LISTENING to it 😭

    • @silviastanziola659
      @silviastanziola659 10 месяцев назад +3

      @@silverhawkroman Who did that??

    • @Vald3x
      @Vald3x 10 месяцев назад +9

      @@silviastanziola659 TheAnimeMan.

  • @anezikiel
    @anezikiel 10 месяцев назад +21

    The best part is that after being caught out by Ken Watanabe, in the background at 27:56 the kanji reads "許されざる者", in other words "The Unforgiven!" You will never be forgiven for lying to the almighty Watanabe.

  • @mastersingleton
    @mastersingleton 10 месяцев назад +95

    Chris I think that Ken is honestly trying to help you improve your Japanese skills through conversational Japanese.

  • @SuileanAirgid
    @SuileanAirgid 10 месяцев назад +135

    I don’t know man, being bodied by Ken Watanabe from across the room sounds like a highlight to me. The man knows enough about you to call you out, that’s a life goal right there 😂

    • @hedera1332
      @hedera1332 10 месяцев назад +26

      Also the fact that you know he was eavesdropping on your convo with somebody else 😂

    • @SuileanAirgid
      @SuileanAirgid 10 месяцев назад +1

      @@hedera1332 Right? Goals indeed :)

  • @NeonIceyy
    @NeonIceyy 10 месяцев назад +556

    I applaud you Chris. Such a simple and straightforward video idea, yet the cinematography makes the scenarios look so immersive. Especially the highway incident, it's like I was REALLY THEREEEEEE wooooo

    • @philosophy_bot4171
      @philosophy_bot4171 10 месяцев назад

      Beep bop... I'm the Philosophy Bot. Here, have a quote:
      "Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god"
      ~ Aristotle

  • @ProjectEnglishII
    @ProjectEnglishII 10 месяцев назад +39

    The sushi story reminds me of the time I went to Hakodate morning fish market the first year I lived in Japan and wasn't yet used to all raw delights. My friend ordered us each a mixed sashimi bowl and while she "mmm"d and "yum"d, I pushed the food into my mouth with the mental mantra, "Just eat it; don't think about it." That was 30 years ago and now I'll eat pretty much anything.

    • @ProjectEnglishII
      @ProjectEnglishII 10 месяцев назад

      I've also been here 30 years and my Japanese is still sh*t.

  • @pineapplegamer6986
    @pineapplegamer6986 10 месяцев назад +95

    I love the stories told here. Embarrassing mistakes are so relatable and it’s nice to hear someone else’s 😂

  • @ZeusWagner
    @ZeusWagner 10 месяцев назад +1275

    Nice to see more content regarding your experiences/anecdotes. Thanks for the content, mate!

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  10 месяцев назад +286

      It's been a while! Always fun to return to the well of awful memories.

    • @ZeusWagner
      @ZeusWagner 10 месяцев назад +10

      @@AbroadinJapan 😅👍

    • @HeliosDharakSennkohcoola
      @HeliosDharakSennkohcoola 10 месяцев назад +7

      ​@@AbroadinJapan lying to Ken was your biggest mistake as you should always be truthful to someone that you admire.

    • @jambo2685
      @jambo2685 10 месяцев назад +11

      @@AbroadinJapan mate... the sushi story was pretty grim. I felt bad for you. The Watanabe one... hmmm... respectfully, I think your pride and understandable nerves got in the way of you simply explaining to Ken that your Japanese was limited. Either way, I really enjoyed this video and hope you do more like this one.

    • @notmuch_23
      @notmuch_23 10 месяцев назад

      @@AbroadinJapan I bet if that well was actually dug in real life, its depth would make the Russian attempt at digging the world's deepest hole seem like a footprint. I bet it would actually bore into the outer core!

  • @CZsWorld
    @CZsWorld 10 месяцев назад +301

    Can't stop laughing at the term "farmyard slop bucket".

  • @steveb9542
    @steveb9542 10 месяцев назад +34

    The language learning thing is completely normal. In the beginning you study hard to be able to communicate with other people without too many problems. Once you've achieved that, diminishing returns mean it's incredibly difficult to stay motivated to keep learning and take it further.

  • @Thelinguist
    @Thelinguist 10 месяцев назад +527

    It's never too late to learn a new language, including Japanese.

    • @bshthrasher
      @bshthrasher 10 месяцев назад +4

      Looking into the evening sky on the horizon, Robinson Crusoe felt his virginity slowly returning to him.

    • @WreckItRolfe
      @WreckItRolfe 7 месяцев назад +1

      I don't think my brain is cut out for it.

    • @ketchup901
      @ketchup901 7 месяцев назад +9

      ​@@WreckItRolfe The dichotomy of saying this in a human language that you learned.

    • @nzgamer1797
      @nzgamer1797 7 месяцев назад

      I'd love to! I've already learned Hiragana and now I'm learning Katakana!

  • @DevilHound66
    @DevilHound66 10 месяцев назад +184

    I've not laughed that hard in a while hearing about that toll booth situation. Thanks for sharing that gem Chris 😂

  • @foogod4237
    @foogod4237 10 месяцев назад +86

    "What's the worst thing you've ever done?"
    "I lied about how long I'd been in Japan."
    "Well, that doesn't seem that bad..."
    "It was to Ken Watanabe."
    "Oh."

  • @johanfr
    @johanfr 10 месяцев назад +23

    The second story is why I usually go for B-kyuu gourmet when I am in Japan. Twice I have been to Sushi places where you sit by the counter (not by any means high end places, but really good tasting Sushi) and it's indeed a bit stressful having the chef staring at you and waiting for your next order. I played it safe both times and stuck to tuna. The conveyor belt sushi is way more relaxing for the average gaijin I think haha.

  • @mate7686
    @mate7686 10 месяцев назад +96

    Lying must have felt the worst. Toll and food story is something that can happen to anyone but lying to your hero and being caught red handed must have felt million times worse

  • @ScuffTuff
    @ScuffTuff 10 месяцев назад +384

    These videos are coming at a perfect time with the new JET programme members about to move to Japan in the next 2 months :)

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  10 месяцев назад +169

      Hopefully they can learn from my many mistakes 😅

    • @marcusmcgowan844
      @marcusmcgowan844 10 месяцев назад +15

      Yea I'm moving to Nagasaki on August 6 for JET and wishing I hadn't stopped my study for a year. I forgot so much!

    • @wildfirex666
      @wildfirex666 10 месяцев назад +3

      A good friend of mine did it at the end of 2019...poor bugger! He just got settled in then Covid!

    • @rrf3f9x7a1g2
      @rrf3f9x7a1g2 10 месяцев назад +2

      Genkin deska? 😊

    • @user-ci4jw9ur3c
      @user-ci4jw9ur3c 10 месяцев назад +3

      Yup! I'm moving to Takasaki, Gunma in the beginning of August, really looking forward to it!

  • @skytwist
    @skytwist 10 месяцев назад +19

    Thanks for a bit of self-derrogatory humor and fluent storytelling, Chris. Love your interaction with Ken Watanabe - who is NOT scary which is why he got scary at you (but I understand wobbling a bit in the face of one's hero). The spinning coin shot of that episode is precious🍀

  • @lortnokmeister
    @lortnokmeister 10 месяцев назад +1

    this literally made my day thank you so much! Congrats for the book Chris, very cool!

  • @eliminatorxx713xx
    @eliminatorxx713xx 10 месяцев назад +103

    The sushi incident is something I would see myself doing, not because I would be bold, but because of my sheer ignorance and wanting to be nice to everyone. Honestly just thinking of how he struggled to chow down the geoduck I think I would immediately gag and puke on the bar. Oh and the snail in the coffin was absolutely hilarious!

    • @JesterPrince
      @JesterPrince 10 месяцев назад

      Yeah, if there's something absolutly gross in my mouth, my throat pulls the doors shut. That thing won't go down and if it does, it will be on the plate in no time. If I get ugly looks or viewed as a cunt saying I don't like something, then allergy card it is. 🥶

  • @NiGHTSaturn
    @NiGHTSaturn 10 месяцев назад +401

    I think you’re being hard on yourself for the 3rd one. I’m sure Ken understood the situation even by finding out everything. When you don’t practice your second/third language much, it’s quite hard to keep up. Plus, focusing on your RUclips channel these past years and to a _broader_ audience (bad joke), it was inevitable that English was to be used. Keep it up Chris. ⭐️

    • @cyan_oxy6734
      @cyan_oxy6734 10 месяцев назад +12

      I mean not practicing the language much when you live there is different than forgetting the latin you learned in school and never use afterwards.

    • @JoaoPessoa86
      @JoaoPessoa86 10 месяцев назад +6

      Hell, with lack of practice even your first language can get rusty

    • @nutleyoleo
      @nutleyoleo 10 месяцев назад +5

      ​@@cyan_oxy6734 agreed. I've long suspected Chris doesn't speak much Japanese and to hear it confirmed is a bummer, tbh.
      If I lived in a foreign country, I'd be heavily focused on improving my grasp on their language, _especially_ if I'd spent a decade there, during which I taught English and ran a famous YT channel dedicated to their culture.
      I'd be embarrassed to even _visit_ Japan a with just the limited Japanese I know. The idea of living there for a decade and not improving would be mortifying for me, _especially_ with how important precise/polite communication is to them
      I guess if you're an expat that doesn't work for a Japanese company, it's easier just to surround yourself with a bubble of other English-speaking expats

    • @jtsh
      @jtsh 10 месяцев назад

      I disagree... that's a great joke.

    • @arandombard1197
      @arandombard1197 10 месяцев назад +7

      @@nutleyoleo But you don't live in a foreign country so you don't know what it's like. It can be hard to connect with locals and you often end up connecting with other expats who are feeling similarly out of place. Then you gradually form that bubble and from that point onwards, you have to deal with all your life problems and when it comes to socializing, you just take the path of least resistance which is hanging out with your english speaking friends.

  • @tombowers6713
    @tombowers6713 9 месяцев назад +8

    The cook at the fancy restaurant was either really nice that he wanted you to taste new things, or really sadistic knowing a gaijin will struggle with the texture of certain dishes 😂

  • @Reira_Newgate
    @Reira_Newgate 10 месяцев назад +9

    Your stories are so relatable!! I traveled to Japan three times now and have experienced some situations where I felt a very similar kind of embarrassment.

  • @lsanicl
    @lsanicl 10 месяцев назад +122

    ANOTHER VIDEO SO SOON?!?! CAN THIS WEEK GET ANY BETTER?!?! LETS GOOOO!!!

  • @vantedante3638
    @vantedante3638 10 месяцев назад +244

    It takes a lot of humility to own up to your past mistakes I was dying of laughter at the toll road part when you drove away without paying 🤣 Chris is naturally hilarious and a great storyteller thanks for consistently giving us amazing content! Looking forward to the book release!

  • @animeloverXinuyasha
    @animeloverXinuyasha 10 месяцев назад +1

    These are my favourite of your videos, love your humour! Really lifted my spirits, thanks!

  • @illuyanka-
    @illuyanka- 10 месяцев назад +3

    You are a great storyteller, Chris. I can't wait to read your book!

  • @artbabbit900
    @artbabbit900 10 месяцев назад +192

    Chris, I really appreciate the way you framed this. As you said, you're not a Mr. Perfect, and you could've just shown that through the three mistakes you listed (which honestly, anyone could've made) but the way you also opened up about your level of speaking Japanese not being where you want it to be, and about feeling embarrassed and ashamed for not studying as dutifully as you couldve felt really personal. I'm sure it wasn't easy to talk about -- kudos to you! It really demonstrates how nobody is perfect, despite how easy it can be to make yourself seem that way on RUclips. Very proud

  • @Ozai75
    @Ozai75 10 месяцев назад +79

    I think it's hilarious that Chris couldn't imagine that Ken wouldn't have done his research on this guy interviewing him. Also, what boss shit is Ken doing that? I'll give props for Chris for sticking it out. I would have probably climbed into a hole somewhere had he done that to me.

  • @tomkins7382
    @tomkins7382 10 месяцев назад +7

    Love your opening statement: regret IS a slippery slope! So long as we actually learn from our mistakes. We're only human at the end of the day.

  • @DavidElkind42
    @DavidElkind42 10 месяцев назад +92

    I was in a business hotel in Sapporo, in the quiet reading/chilling area. Pulled out my phone to browse the web, & I didn't realize I left Instagram open & there was a very loud video of a cat angrily meowing. And in my haste to lower the volume, I accidentally pressed the volume up button instead of volume down.
    I ended up running out lol everyone was staring at me angrily. 😅

    • @rovidelarosa
      @rovidelarosa 10 месяцев назад +2

      You sure it's a cat video or... you know, pr0n?

    • @DavidElkind42
      @DavidElkind42 10 месяцев назад +1

      @Rovi Dela Rosa it was a cat video lol 😆

  • @user-bf7td1gn3t
    @user-bf7td1gn3t 10 месяцев назад +135

    I went to Japan 2 months ago with my family. We had a "GAIJIN SMASH" 2 times since my mom lost her trainticket somehow. Thankfully, on both occasions the guy at the barrier told us that "only today, it's fine".

    • @jinxedpenguin
      @jinxedpenguin 10 месяцев назад +19

      I lost my JR pass and had to spend ~150 USD on a new ticket :(
      The guy was super friendly and tried his hardest to see if I left my ticket anywhere (he called all of the train stations we went to on the way there!) so I mean, it sucked but I was appreciative that he actually tried super hard to find the ticket.
      Then months later, back home in the US, I found the ticket and pass in a inner pocket in my bag that I somehow overlooked when searching my bag at Tokyo station (probably because I was freaking out). I wish I would've gaijin smashed my way through that one but at the very least I am happy with how hard the JR employee tried to track down my missing ticket.

    • @forgeryyy
      @forgeryyy 10 месяцев назад +2

      I once bought a one way bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. I put in in the ticket machine a the entrance but didn't pick it up when it came back out. My Aussie cousin, who is very fluent in Japanese, just told me to gaijin smash it at the Kyoto station

    • @BeardedNerdSE
      @BeardedNerdSE 10 месяцев назад +2

      @@forgeryyy Me too, on my first arrival I was jetlagged and hungry and confused, and missed the ticket somewhere, so I had to gaijin smash my way through the exit.

    • @themanyouwanttobe
      @themanyouwanttobe 10 месяцев назад +3

      Is there a UK equivalent to gaijin smash? I forgot my ticket on a train in Belfast and the conductor let me through anyways. I played it off as being a dumb American (I'm Canadian).

    • @mrbeard7701
      @mrbeard7701 10 месяцев назад +1

      I've only been to Japan on layovers on my way to Australia, didn't gaijin smash as far as I was aware, but I was terrified I did on my first trip when the guy at the turnstiles ordered me to stop...turns out, I was overcharged for a train ticket, so he gave me money back.

  • @DoinStuff4Life
    @DoinStuff4Life 10 месяцев назад

    best video you've done in a while, while I love the travel ones. I really love the stories man. thanks for this.

  • @Tyler_Wildman
    @Tyler_Wildman 10 месяцев назад +1

    This is probably my favourite video on the channel, can’t wait to read that book!

  • @Demetoriusu
    @Demetoriusu 10 месяцев назад +36

    That story about the toll got a legitimate "oh no" out of me because I can relate as a Japanese learner. The language has a ton of homophones and nuances that takes time to pick up, rather if you're an avid, or a beginner level. One of the most common phrases you learn in textbooks and such is "genki" so, as a student, you're mind will just automatically think they are asking if you're okay. But the last thing that comes to one's mind is "are they referring to something else" especially in a situation as you have endured at the toll booth.

  • @Hangishta
    @Hangishta 10 месяцев назад +28

    It’s been a while since it’s been a while since we’ve been to Chris’ ramen shop.

  • @ox4421
    @ox4421 4 месяца назад +2

    Your storytelling is top notch. I laughed so much during this video... thank you for sharing your agonizing sushi experiences with us.

  • @Danitamaria233
    @Danitamaria233 8 месяцев назад +26

    I am in hospital in Gifu prefecture. Just got my gallbladder taken out thanks to japans great healthcare. Been feeling pretty crummy but this right here. This video he managed to make me smile and laugh at a time that my lonely, sore bones really needed it. Thanks Chris

  • @roclo0111
    @roclo0111 10 месяцев назад +63

    2:45 the only mistake I can relate to, is the first example. I could feel that nerve-wracking, gut wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach. Having all those commuters stuck behind you with no way out, getting more upset and tense by the second and every second feeling like an eternity with little to no hope of escape... Thank God the toll way worker came to you when he did. The other 2 I cannot relate to because I've never had a business meeting at a high-end restaurant with an important businessman. Nor have I had the opportunity to interview Ken Watanabe. 😆

  • @juanitajones6900
    @juanitajones6900 10 месяцев назад +75

    This has to be one of the funniest videos ever released on this channel. I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe. Especially during the toll booth story.

    • @jameswilkes451
      @jameswilkes451 8 месяцев назад

      @@dionvids Nothing wrong with that. Laughter is the best medicine after all

  • @rayhanm2968
    @rayhanm2968 10 месяцев назад

    Really enjoyable video Chris, great storytelling and visuals

  • @ArcanusEst
    @ArcanusEst 10 месяцев назад +98

    It takes some real grace to own up to your mistakes with such humility, and real talent to make them into such hilarious stories. Definitely one of my favourite videos on your channel!

  • @lukeskywalkerthe2nd773
    @lukeskywalkerthe2nd773 10 месяцев назад +102

    That Sushi Restaurant incident feels like the worst one to me. I couldn't even fathom the amount of embarrassment I would feel having everyone, only just a few feet away, hear me vomit all the food I had to pretend to like for a good social standing! 😂😂😂

    • @magamisic5924
      @magamisic5924 10 месяцев назад +11

      id rather just be honest. imo japan just seems to culture lies

    • @ThreadBomb
      @ThreadBomb 10 месяцев назад +13

      @@magamisic5924 If he had just explained earlier that he had been drinking the night before, the chef and the businessman would have been more understanding. Heavy drinking is something that is often required in Japanese business.

    • @TheCyberMantis
      @TheCyberMantis 10 месяцев назад +4

      @@ThreadBomb They probably would have had higher respect for him.

    • @user-ls2uq3pv1h
      @user-ls2uq3pv1h 10 месяцев назад +3

      Why would they have a bathroom so close that everyone can hear what goes on inside while they eat? Ew...

    • @leetri
      @leetri 10 месяцев назад +7

      @@user-ls2uq3pv1h Because space is a luxury most places in urban Japan can't afford.

  • @TheBiskitsnGravy
    @TheBiskitsnGravy 6 месяцев назад

    takes a lot of courage, man. bravo

  • @PrimVB
    @PrimVB 10 месяцев назад

    Love these back to roots style sort of story telling videos

  • @nathanisip
    @nathanisip 10 месяцев назад +123

    I can’t wait to meet Chris in Japan and run away screaming in terror 😂
    That toll gaff has got to be the worst, you still haven’t paid them lol

  • @ks.kyokudonanshun
    @ks.kyokudonanshun 10 месяцев назад +120

    Oh, gosh, no. Those stories hurt me deep down. I wouldn't even want to try listing the many horrors I've had much less making them funny. What a talent, and that's said seriously. And Mr. Watanabe doing his homework, just wow. A big Hollywood star looking up a RUclips channel. I would just cry right then and there and drink sake until I am blind...or wish I could....

  • @kildareire
    @kildareire 10 месяцев назад

    Love the new video game insert edits visuals/sound effects. Wow. That's a lot of work! 👍

  • @hwasaornothing
    @hwasaornothing 10 месяцев назад +2

    You have a lot of courage talking about all of these experiences - especially the last one

  • @Matteomax
    @Matteomax 10 месяцев назад +97

    Shoutouts to the editor making this an incredible experience.

    • @hedera1332
      @hedera1332 10 месяцев назад +10

      Chris actually does a lot of the editing himself. Unlike a lot of RUclips presenters, it's actually one of his favoured parts of making videos (from what he has said in the past, at least). He did credit some else with helping him this time though, I'm glad he's getting some help with them now so he doesn't burn himself out too much 😅

    • @PKshockwave
      @PKshockwave 10 месяцев назад +4

      "It's like a magic"

    • @AbroadinJapan
      @AbroadinJapan  10 месяцев назад +35

      I edited the road toll and Ken segements, Marcus the sushi segment - hence his wonderful graphics!

    • @Matteomax
      @Matteomax 10 месяцев назад

      @@AbroadinJapan Special shoutout for the geoduck segment, I've tried it and absolutely refuse to give it another chance.

  • @christianbjerknes
    @christianbjerknes 10 месяцев назад +64

    Rofl, the Genki/Genkin story was so hilarious, and beautifully acted! Laughing so hard. I actually thought the story was pretty much done with a minor level of amusement, but then this massive revelation drops and totally changes everything. Hilarious and Comedic Gold!

    • @snowfish1121
      @snowfish1121 10 месяцев назад

      Omg yes! I was wondering why the dude was asking him if he was genki. 😂

  • @yashnigam2704
    @yashnigam2704 10 месяцев назад

    Chris I have been following you from my college days since 2017. One thing I have noticed the videos you do alone contains the best dry humour so keep up with this soliloquy kind of vids, we love them.

  • @Randamono
    @Randamono 10 месяцев назад +30

    6 Abroad in Japan videos in a month! Chrismas must’ve come early this year!

  • @quantuminfinity4260
    @quantuminfinity4260 10 месяцев назад +32

    I feel like that first one is just a nightmare scenario I would never forget and would always find a way to creep into my thoughts at 3 AM. 😣

  • @LifestylePerfecter
    @LifestylePerfecter 9 месяцев назад

    Preordered the book 📖 thank you for all the great videos 🙌

  • @dd776
    @dd776 9 месяцев назад

    Great stories, well told, lots of long words and humorous use of the English vocabulary. Thank You!!!!

  • @oigomieggo24
    @oigomieggo24 10 месяцев назад +112

    First story takeaway:
    Chris: “You learn Japanese to better understand Japanese people, I learn Japanese to avoid being a criminal, we are not the same.”

  • @breakawayseoul
    @breakawayseoul 10 месяцев назад +317

    The toll road issue could be solved with cameras in the US they would just capture your license plate on camera and bill you later.

    • @markiangooley
      @markiangooley 10 месяцев назад +6

      For a few years here in Florida that’s what happens unless you have a SunPass thingie on your car…

    • @astrowolvez
      @astrowolvez 10 месяцев назад +28

      That’s what I was expecting! 😂

    • @mr.johnson8974
      @mr.johnson8974 10 месяцев назад +17

      This is why we can’t have nice things in the U.S. Japanese people just don’t run off without paying things, they always try to follow the rules in public, including paying at toll gates.

    • @wyterabitt2149
      @wyterabitt2149 10 месяцев назад +38

      @@mr.johnson8974 But the "nice" thing in this case would be having it automated, so you don't have to screw around with cash or cards.

    • @atwdb
      @atwdb 10 месяцев назад +14

      That's what I was thinking. If that was the UK you'd probably get a fine in the mail

  • @leonthesleepy
    @leonthesleepy 10 месяцев назад

    Cant wait for the book, already pre-ordered!

  • @bloom0099
    @bloom0099 3 месяца назад

    Such a good storytelller. 🎉

  • @jackson7922
    @jackson7922 10 месяцев назад +41

    I'm seeing a pleasant upgrade in the presentation of these stories. I enjoy the mix of clip-in pngs, custom dialogue boxes and real-life event re-tellings. Fun stuff!

  • @SomeBody-ce3gq
    @SomeBody-ce3gq 10 месяцев назад +80

    Videos like this one where it's just you telling a story are my favorite and the reason I subscribed back in the day! So glad you made another one, it's been a while!

  • @robertsvoboda3508
    @robertsvoboda3508 10 месяцев назад

    This makes me love Ken Watanabe even more. Great video, Chris, as always! Thank you! 😊🙏🙌👑😎

  • @El-ng7mb
    @El-ng7mb 10 месяцев назад

    This was the best video I've seen in a while !

  • @SuperGoomba6464
    @SuperGoomba6464 10 месяцев назад +36

    Japan is awesome but when I visited I definitely made some mistakes. Like getting lost or eating somewhere I didn't like.
    Like for example I go to this Ramen place and they gave me this huge portion when I wanted a tiny one at the end of the day.. I ate like half of it and I felt so bad leaving food on the table, but they laughed and said it was okay.
    Even with someone who is "adjusted" to Japanese culture , it feels stressful at times to make sure you following the rules.

    • @kantina4765
      @kantina4765 10 месяцев назад

      Following the rules anywhere is pretty stressful. It just that it sort of becomes background noise in your home country.

  • @Johnitus69
    @Johnitus69 10 месяцев назад

    The intro was absolutely funny. Thank you for the vid, Mr Affable

  • @michaellim2703
    @michaellim2703 10 месяцев назад

    I really like your videos. I think they're interesting and entertaining. Keep up the good work. Living the dream.

  • @AndyLifeInVideo
    @AndyLifeInVideo 10 месяцев назад +29

    Although it's a sore spot for you, it feels good to know that you have to always be working on your Japanese no matter how long you live here. I've been in Japan for 3 years now and I feel so far behind my friends in terms of Japanese ability.

  • @evaempress
    @evaempress 10 месяцев назад +27

    I don't have a weak stomach but you describing the sushi incident had my mouth doing the upset stomach saliva thing too. Great storytelling as always, Chris!

    • @alexhawes6690
      @alexhawes6690 10 месяцев назад

      I call it gripe water and my mouth did the same when Chris was telling his story

    • @wolkergaming5527
      @wolkergaming5527 10 месяцев назад +1

      For me it made me feel like my stomach wanted to rupture, brought me back bad memories.

  • @Jesusarroyo-vk1ss
    @Jesusarroyo-vk1ss 10 месяцев назад

    You are a great human being Chris you are very funny and authentic brother seeing you do funny things brings me alot of joy and inspiration thankyou for recording and sharing your beautiful life experiences in beautiful Japan and I am very excited and looking forward to reading your new book I am sure it will be great peace bro. Keep being you

  • @paulo4034
    @paulo4034 10 месяцев назад

    Man I freaking love these videos!!!!! Please make more!! 30 minutes just flew by!

  • @alastairstuart5800
    @alastairstuart5800 10 месяцев назад +25

    I was having secondary embarassment watching this. It was so awkward. My compliments to your resilience of character to be able to share these, thank you for turning your discomfort and inexperience into learning experiences. Great video, maintaining the excellence thats a hallmark of this channel.

  • @yraishjn
    @yraishjn 10 месяцев назад +14

    I love this kind of episode where Chris talks about what's happening behind the scenes. The sense of realness makes me enjoy this episode more.

  • @judibooty2091
    @judibooty2091 9 месяцев назад

    This is literally the funniest thing I’ve seen in years!!! New sub here!! So glad I found your channel ❤

  • @LandoHitman
    @LandoHitman 10 месяцев назад +8

    I love these videos. I'm always laughing like a madman the whole time because Chris is so relatable.

  • @AldoGuerraALDO-METAL
    @AldoGuerraALDO-METAL 10 месяцев назад +30

    Holy shit dude. You had me laughing from the beginning. I'm laughing my ass off at each mistake. But when you get to the point where Watanabe Sama yells from across the room, "10 years! He's been here 10 years!" I can only imagine that deep gutteral drop of your stomach to a bottomless pit feeling you must've had. 🤣🤣🤣I haven't laughed that hard in a while. Thanks!! You made my day😂

  • @valentyn.kostiuk
    @valentyn.kostiuk 10 месяцев назад +9

    That are memories I would relieve every day before going to sleep till the end of my days.
    I'm so awkward and clumsy person, can relate to your feelings. 😅

  • @peterww3241
    @peterww3241 10 месяцев назад

    You deserve an award for this video. Brilliant and very funny - especially the sushi mistake!

  • @thentil
    @thentil 9 месяцев назад +1

    Three absolutely excellent, amazing stories 😂🎉

  • @kapkant6197
    @kapkant6197 10 месяцев назад +116

    Don't rob a bank, that's considered a faux pas in Japan

    • @BillPeschel
      @BillPeschel 10 месяцев назад +26

      I didn't know that. Thanks for saving me from a terrible blunder!

    • @ThreadBomb
      @ThreadBomb 10 месяцев назад +6

      If you do realise that you have robbed a bank, be sure to go back and apologise. But don't try to return the money; they would find that embarrassing.

    • @cloudkitt
      @cloudkitt 10 месяцев назад +4

      boy, uptight over there, aren't they?

  • @TheAverageGuy12
    @TheAverageGuy12 10 месяцев назад

    Nice to see you use another part of the studio !!

  • @dereli0480
    @dereli0480 10 месяцев назад +1

    Great video, funny and also learned something new. Have waited for a "home" Video for quite some time!

  • @mitchyoza14
    @mitchyoza14 10 месяцев назад +11

    Just binged all of the newest series and now another Abroad video let’s go!