7 Most OVERRATED Things in Japan | Feat.

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  • Опубликовано: 16 дек 2021
  • Japan has changed a lot in recent years, sometimes for the worse. I sit down with @CDawgVA to chat about our 7 most overrated things about Japan.
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    🎄🎄The 12 Days of CHRISMAS🎄🎄
    1) 47 Things to do in JAPAN | Ultimate Travel Guide
    🍿 • 47 Things to do in JAP...
    2) Why Everyone HATES Me on Amazon Prime
    🐈 • Why Everyone HATES Me ...
    3) The Most AWKWARD Encounters I've Had with Viewers in Real Life
    🚆 • The Most AWKWARD Encou...
    4) Reacting to My FIRST EVER RUclips Video from 10 Years Ago
    📺 • Reacting to My FIRST E...
    5) Dinner Alone in my Japanese RAMEN SHOP
    🍜 • Video
    6) My Most Near DEATH Experience in Japan
    ⛷️ • 3 Most Near DEATH Expe...
    7) 7 Most OVERRATED Things in Japan
    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 • 7 Most OVERRATED Thing...
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Комментарии • 2,1 тыс.

  • @ChrisAbroad
    @ChrisAbroad  2 года назад +2017

    🥳 🥳 🥳 WE HIT 400,000 SUBSCRIBERS ON THE CHRIS ABROAD CHANNEL!🥳 🥳 🥳
    Thank you so much guys - big plans of this channel and it's been an absolute blast shooting this 12 Days of Chrismas series. For TOMORROW'S episode Natsuki will be joining us for a RUclips LIVE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL. Hope to see you all there!

  • @hollyhenison9345
    @hollyhenison9345 2 года назад +2862

    Chris never being able to decide what to call Connor and calling him some long-winded version of “CDAWG VA Connor Dog Voice actor” always amuses me

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +72

      I just call Connor CPuppy. He always comes across as small and vulnerable when he´s with Chris, who looks like he is gonna shred Connor to pieces 😧

    • @BrognusBelgen
      @BrognusBelgen 2 года назад +7

      OceanPupper Montana

    • @samuraiboi2735
      @samuraiboi2735 2 года назад +8

      @@HeavenlyCreature. oh lol i meant Connor cpuppy aint that bad.Well a cuter version of it is good.

    • @SerenityNow9015
      @SerenityNow9015 2 года назад +16

      Connor canine voice actor

    • @FolwinEsports
      @FolwinEsports 2 года назад +44

      I remember when in one of the tokyo creative videos Chris called Joey "Joseph the animation male", almost died laughing 😂

  • @MaJuV
    @MaJuV 2 года назад +1868

    "If I want happiness, I'll bring Joey. If I want cynicism and despair, I'll bring you."
    That had me laughing out loud. 😂

  • @Jarekthegamingdragon
    @Jarekthegamingdragon 2 года назад +1014

    "What people think Harajuku is like, is what it was like 20 years ago."
    Oof, as a Portland resident born and raised, I feel this on a spiritual level.

    • @Lucitaur
      @Lucitaur 2 года назад +18

      What's the deal with Portland?

    • @Jarekthegamingdragon
      @Jarekthegamingdragon 2 года назад +127

      @@Lucitaur Every one thinks Portland is this quirky city. That the representation of Portlandia is correct and the motto keep portland weird reigns true. While there's still some of that DNA left. That Portland hasn't existed in over a decade. The city grew rapidly and gentrified most the locals out.

    • @beepbeeplettuce5890
      @beepbeeplettuce5890 2 года назад +37

      @@Jarekthegamingdragon ive always just thought of portland as the poor mans Seattle

    • @Jarekthegamingdragon
      @Jarekthegamingdragon 2 года назад +39

      @@beepbeeplettuce5890 Which is not accurate in the least. Seattle is a big business city. It's very different to both Vancouver and Portland. BTW Portland metro population is bigger than Vancouver metro now.

    • @LS-hu1lm
      @LS-hu1lm 2 года назад +6

      Asheville NC has turned corporate in the past 20 years - at least it isn’t Portland

  • @sourround2002
    @sourround2002 2 года назад +509

    It's very sad to learn about the Harajuku station being demolished for that modern style. I remember that station from when I visited Japan in 2016. I arrived in Japan and it started raining. When I left the airport, I found out the soles of my shoes had separated from the body of the shoe and my feet were getting wet! I didn't know what to do, but knew of Harajuku as a "fashion center" and so figured I could easily find a shoe store there. I got to Harajuku and bought new shoes, then wandered around the area for a bit admiring the scenery. I ended up wandering to the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi park without really realizing it. It was actually a really fun day! I always enjoyed finding the interesting architectures of the shrines and old buildings that still exist among the modern contruction of Japan. So to lose such an interesting building is really a shame.

    • @secondvoltage
      @secondvoltage 2 года назад +8

      Yeah I was there around then too, sad to hear the station is changed now, it was really cute. :(

    • @lewisnorden3744
      @lewisnorden3744 Год назад +4

      Wow what a shame it was demolished. Watching the video I thought they just built a new one nearby and decommissioned the old one.

    • @coolrottie2565
      @coolrottie2565 Год назад +2

      Yeah the old one looked nice but it was just to old and every time I was there it was so crowded. Needed a bigger one and something that wouldn’t fall down in an earthquake.

    • @mugensamurai
      @mugensamurai Год назад +7

      That sounds like the perfect anime story. Main character barely makes it to Japan with broken equipment and ends up finding new gear(shoes) to continue their journey across Japan and inspiring a bunch of side characters along the way.

    • @BOYVIRGO666
      @BOYVIRGO666 Год назад

      it was a lovely station. I hate the new one.

  • @user-ws1fs8re1u
    @user-ws1fs8re1u 2 года назад +1759

    Chris: [is allergic to cats]
    Cats: "It's free real estate!"
    Connor: [tries to play with cats]
    Cats: "No."

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +67

      The cats are busy shedding some hairs in the food for some extra oomph. They take their job very serious 😼

    • @dpchiko17
      @dpchiko17 2 года назад +69

      Cats know when you're allergic I swear

    • @noatmealcookie02
      @noatmealcookie02 2 года назад +23

      @@dpchiko17 im allergic and my friends have cats, can confirm 😪

    • @justcuzy3673
      @justcuzy3673 2 года назад +36

      The cats don't like him because he's friends with a mouse.

    • @TurtleGamers1
      @TurtleGamers1 2 года назад +18

      @@justcuzy3673 A rodent made out of some kind of metal? MetalRodent?

  • @walkingchopsticks6731
    @walkingchopsticks6731 2 года назад +851

    i love how Chris will never stop introducing Connor as "Connor CDawg VA (Voice Actor)" always makes me laugh

    • @AveragePunEnjoyer
      @AveragePunEnjoyer 2 года назад +104

      He also often call Joey "Joseph The Animation Man"

    • @gleipnirrr
      @gleipnirrr 2 года назад +26

      i would die of laughter if the introduction got more and more heavily edited each time he does it

    • @kebabmega6349
      @kebabmega6349 2 года назад +19

      @@AveragePunEnjoyer Christopher the gaijin in Japan man

    • @spiwolf6998
      @spiwolf6998 2 года назад +9

      Lol my stepson's name is Connor and he goes by "Con Dawg". His dad and I call him "Corndog" because we can't not. It's so funny seeing post about CDawg, cause I always think about this. 😂

    • @mosesssandor
      @mosesssandor 2 года назад +3

      @@spiwolf6998 To be honest, with that nickname he put it on himself. 😂

  • @asdfghjjhgf
    @asdfghjjhgf 2 года назад +542

    I completely agree with you guys. I've lived in Tokyo for almost 30 years, and in the 90's and 2000's Akihabara was really a town for otaku by otaku. There were stores that had PC parts, rare games, and rare anime goods that you could only get here, but most of those stores went out of business when major appliance stores came in. Akihabara is now more like a town for tourists than a town for otaku. Many people in the Japanese otaku community say that the 90's was the most attractive time for Akihabara, and that they don't go there anymore.

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper 2 года назад +34

      Yeah, when I went there in 2012, I enjoyed it well-enough for a tourist trap then was blown away when I went to Nakano. It was like a hidden gem for anime fans

    • @IronD-12
      @IronD-12 2 года назад +7

      I really enjoyed my stay in Akihabara in 2017 around the Christmas time. Tourist trap sure but damn they had some amazing food and drink there haha

    • @Instamatic898
      @Instamatic898 2 года назад +11

      @@InfernosReaper shhhhhh... don't tell people about Nakano. Let's keep it good.

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper 2 года назад +3

      @@Instamatic898 Damn, you're right... What have I done?!

    • @Instamatic898
      @Instamatic898 2 года назад +18

      "Haha, did I say Nakano is the last bastion of authenticity for Tokyo-area otaku and foreign weebs? What I MEANT to say is that it's a boring suburb full of miserable people with no redeeming facets whatsoever. What a cesspit. Also it's SOOOO far off the Yamanote line, so why would you even bother?"

  • @1983simi
    @1983simi 2 года назад +176

    On my way too short little trip to Japan 2 years ago the first Ramen shop I went to I picked solely based on the considerable line of salarymen in front of it. I'm sure that Ramen took 5 years of my lifespan considering how thick the broth and how fatty the meat was, but it was totally worth it.

    • @HappyBeezerStudios
      @HappyBeezerStudios Год назад +18

      That is a really good strategy. Look where the locals eat. They live there their whole life, they know which places are good.

  • @pinocchio9574
    @pinocchio9574 2 года назад +240

    best friend - Natsuki
    mortal enemy - Ryotaro
    sweet heart - Joey
    wife - Connor
    You really do have a life mate

    • @KaitlynnUK
      @KaitlynnUK 2 года назад +17

      I'm sure Sharla fits in there somewhere too ;)

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +28

      Secret mistress - Garnt
      Guinea pig for testing lactose tolerance - Emma

    • @garyi.2954
      @garyi.2954 2 года назад +5

      Chris is a Man's man. On a certain level, it's a Man's world. Pinocchio seems very perceptive.

  • @patmisc
    @patmisc 2 года назад +1523

    I agree, when I see you and Connor together I don't expect a "happy" video. Is that bad? Haha. Anyway, I am waiting for that moment when Chris would be eating actual ramen in the ramen shop set. 🤣 Congrats on 400k!

    • @tsumichama
      @tsumichama 2 года назад +29

      I mean if it makes me happy to see them -bring cynicism and despair,- how is it *not* a happy video?

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +6

      Yep it will be a historic moment for all when Chris adds the hot water to the Cup Noodles in his shop. I just hope I will be alive to witness that significant moment in time 😜

    • @InspectahReese
      @InspectahReese 2 года назад +7

      Now that I think about it, if I popped into a video with Chris and Connor and the entire video was just upbeat and happy from beginning to end without any issue I would be genuinely concerned 😂

    • @aayushgupta7748
      @aayushgupta7748 2 года назад +4

      I expect a video with a lot of complaints and sarcasm.

    • @Anna_65
      @Anna_65 2 года назад

      Maybe he's saving the real ramen for the 24th.

  • @RCSVirginia
    @RCSVirginia Год назад +92

    When I think of Japanese tiny apartments, I recall the comment of a French diplomat who caused quite a brouhaha by referring to Japan as "A nation of workaholics who live in rabbit hutches."

    • @MinecraftMasterNo1
      @MinecraftMasterNo1 Год назад +25

      I mean...he is not wrong. Though "workaholic" implies they actually enjoy working that hard, I don't think most Japanese people are any more enthusiastic about doing their 9 to 5 than any of us. It's just the toxic work culture that forces them to put in those long hours.

    • @explodedglue5509
      @explodedglue5509 9 месяцев назад +1

      They were enthusiastic about working 9 to 5 when they're economy made an 8 hour job make alot of money for those 8 hours and overtime made more money

  • @LivingBobby
    @LivingBobby 2 года назад +350

    Loving the 12 days of CHRISmas!!! Keep these awesome vids up man :)

    • @Biscuitsx22
      @Biscuitsx22 2 года назад +9

      oh it's You the guy who always eat around world!!!

  • @geminidawn7315
    @geminidawn7315 2 года назад +523

    There was a fashion type magazine called Fruits where the guy who put it out took pictures of all the interesting and edgy styles people wore in Harajuku. In 2017 he put out the final edition because he didn't think there were anymore interesting looks or styles people by people there anymore.

    • @biazacha
      @biazacha 2 года назад +69

      Yeah the magazine was so iconic, pretty much all alternative scenes all over the world could find something inspiring… was also probably the peak of some Japanese niches like lolita or gyaru fashion. Nowadays, just like in other areas, Korea and China are taking over.

    • @geminidawn7315
      @geminidawn7315 2 года назад +10

      @@biazacha It's a sad loss in a lot of ways.

    • @nojakthegemlad
      @nojakthegemlad 2 года назад +10

      That's incredibly depressing. Does anyone know why the Harajuku culture died?

    • @geminidawn7315
      @geminidawn7315 2 года назад +41

      @@nojakthegemlad I think it's just a case as times change styles trends all of that changes. Also people grow up. When your in school and living at home with disposable income it's easier to buy trendy clothes since your in uniforms all week when your adult paying bills with a place of your own and require work clothes it's not the same.

    • @RoyalFoodieOfficial
      @RoyalFoodieOfficial 2 года назад +4

      Yeah fashion always changing constantly! *Happy New Years! Love from a small RUclipsr!* ♥

  • @19billdong96
    @19billdong96 2 года назад +267

    Chris might’ve doomed himself with this 12 Days of Christmas series because I would love it to become an annual tradition 👍

  • @atheistium
    @atheistium 2 года назад +68

    I went to Harajuku in 2006 during my exchange and I was so lucky. It was the old station building, the streets were busy but you could see a ton of people expression their fashion there and there were more stores there that catored to it. Sad to hear it's changed so much

    • @okaerusan
      @okaerusan Год назад +1

      I was shocked when they mentioned that the old station is gone. I was on exchange 2016/2017 and really liked how it looked.
      Though I don't remember seeing people with a special sense oc fashion and a lot of the clothes sold in the stores I entered were what people usually would wear anyway.

  • @Yelkcub
    @Yelkcub 2 года назад +35

    Damn, I had no idea that they'd changed the station at Harajuku. I was there in spring 2016 and autumn 2017 and it was always nice to look at the station building BECAUSE it was a more traditional-style build.

  • @tyranitararmaldo
    @tyranitararmaldo 2 года назад +250

    The Harajuku one kinda feels like what happened to Camden in London. Counter-culture central in the 90s-00s, but then big named brands and those tacky tourist-trap shops bought up space to get a piece of the action, thus destroying what they came for. Not to mention a bunch of the shops got paved over, and there was a fire as well that destroyed even more shops.
    It's still got its charm, but now you have to actually look for it, rather than it being front and centre.

    • @OllamhDrab
      @OllamhDrab 2 года назад +58

      It's a pretty common thing for the funky neighborhoods to get gentrified/boutiquified, unfortunately, that's kind of the way of money.

    • @nathanbell6962
      @nathanbell6962 2 года назад +4

      Went to Camden as few years ago and was well disappointed

    • @henryhalliday87
      @henryhalliday87 2 года назад +13

      @@nathanbell6962 yeah it’s completely transformed. I used to go as a teen back in early 00’s and it was way better. Now it’s overly touristy/generic and lost a lot of what made it unique.

    • @slavetobloodcomic
      @slavetobloodcomic 2 года назад +14

      Camden was my immediate thought when they discussed Harajuku too. I remember it in the late 90s and early 00s, and it's a corporate hellscape these days. Not much fun late at night either.

    • @daelra
      @daelra 2 года назад +15

      Exactly... Camden and Harajuku were soo similar. I lived near Camden for a lot of my life and felt like Harajuku was like home when I visited several times back in the early 2000s. Sadly, Camden is now shit and so is Harajuku. I blame the Internet for making it virtually impossible to have cool culture/fashion districts anymore.

  • @NoFuqinIdea
    @NoFuqinIdea 2 года назад +317

    About No.4: Amazon and Online Shopping in general killed shopping for tech and Media really.
    I remember from my childhood how exciting it was to visit the city center and go to the big electronics store in my hometown here in germany. If you go there nowadays, it seems more like going to a tech discounter and the Media Department there is now smaller than that of a supermarket because no one buys records, cds, or DVDs anymore. It's understandable that they reduced their offers if it's really that unprofitable but in the legendary words of Connor: It's just sad. ...so yeah, I thought the same about Akihabara when I visited it.

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +4

      I personally get very excited when shopping at Amazon 😉

    • @MrTea101
      @MrTea101 2 года назад +33

      I don't understand the appeal of Amazon anymore. It's boring and trashy now. It's now practically Aliexpress but priceyer and more organized website.

    • @dowfreak7
      @dowfreak7 2 года назад +25

      The other thing about that was that you could get your hands on consoles you could only dream of. You got into that store and not only could you look at all the tech, you could actually play games there.
      There are no arcades that'd allow something like that, so that was a huge part of the "techno marvel".
      It's kinda hard to argue that it's not just better nowadays, though. I recall numerous times from back then, when I needed something specific and you just couldn't get it. You had like 2 big chain tech markets and if those didn't stock what you needed or it was out, then you just couldn't get that cable or plug or even game.
      Amazon is an incredibly shitty company and Bezos is a monster, but I'd be lying if I said that Amazon isn't incredibly convenient.

    • @nessesseda
      @nessesseda 2 года назад

      I'm not so sure, when it comes to good electronics (also from Germany btw).
      I buy cheap trash like computer mice for my work laptop or lights or stuff from amazon, but when I want something good, I go to an electronics store. I bought my work laptop, gaming PC, vinyl player and all my kitchen appliences at old fashioned stores. I guess amazon is convienient for day to day cheap stuff, but it's really bad for everything else.

    • @acciid
      @acciid 2 года назад +7

      The same thing happened to Tottenham Court Road here in London. Back in the 90s it was all electronics shops although to be fair some of them were annoying with their hard sell tactics. Now it's all chain food places and has zero character.
      I visited akihabara in 08 and it was still fun then.

  • @TheRealGuywithoutaMustache
    @TheRealGuywithoutaMustache 2 года назад +423

    "Fried chicken in Japan is overrated"
    *Flashbacks to that one fried chicken episode*

    • @thaoster209
      @thaoster209 2 года назад +2

      Tbf the chicken was sitting out for a while.

    • @mybeatsaretrashsoami1296
      @mybeatsaretrashsoami1296 2 года назад +1

      second reply

    • @pillarofdawn
      @pillarofdawn 2 года назад +12

      The American south and South Korea make the best fried chicken in the world

    • @dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594
      @dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594 2 года назад +1

      KFC korean fried chicken, though japan makes the best grilled chicken skewers

    • @alainportant6412
      @alainportant6412 2 года назад +5

      Fried chicken is sort of gross, its maybe once in a year thing and you feel like shit after eating it.

  • @JVncnt-mi9lf
    @JVncnt-mi9lf 2 года назад +21

    Ichiran saved my life drunk in the middle of the night when nothing else around is open. Private booths are perfect for not worrying about manners and just inhaling maxing out on ur food and making a bowl in 5 minutes.
    Fried chicken from Lawson's is actually great, but KARAAGE is on a whole other level esp if the izakaya makes their own tartar sauce.

    • @MinecraftMasterNo1
      @MinecraftMasterNo1 Год назад

      I've had chicken karage in Japan and it was okay. Not bad but definitely does not hold a candle to the golden brown crust or juicy tenderness of a proper southern fried chicken.

  • @DGHubbard1990
    @DGHubbard1990 2 года назад +353

    I love these Christmas uploads. I have something to look forward to almost daily.

    • @sporeham1674
      @sporeham1674 2 года назад +5

      Same, really making my Christmas season way better!

    • @rahmreekoo86
      @rahmreekoo86 2 года назад +4

      Same, less whistles and bells and more opinion, I really like this style video.

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +3

      Yeah it´s always a joy to see his happy little face with those red jolly cheeks from drinking too much alcohol ☺

    • @RoyalFoodieOfficial
      @RoyalFoodieOfficial 2 года назад +1

      Christmas is the best time to watch Japan videos! *Happy New Years! Love from a small RUclipsr!* ♥

  • @sayantanmazumdar3
    @sayantanmazumdar3 2 года назад +114

    Who knew a home trip cancellation would bring the most productive version of Chris Broad.

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +25

      I think Chris always works hard. He just usually releases less video´s, because he has very high standards. Let´s hope he makes time for himself to enjoy the holidays 🎄

    • @KingKhan-vo9og
      @KingKhan-vo9og 2 года назад +10

      Chris Abroad No Way Home the movie

  • @omarmontes90
    @omarmontes90 2 года назад +5

    Love these collabs and it's always fun to hear both of their perspectives and opinions. A lot of people make it seem like it's always sunshine and rainbows so i appreciate the authenticity of both guys

  • @BennoRob95
    @BennoRob95 2 года назад

    Great vod!

  • @TheIronArmenianakaGIHaigs
    @TheIronArmenianakaGIHaigs 2 года назад +966

    I always wondered why with the small apartments in Japan they short changed the Residence by not providing adequate noise insulation.
    At least from what I know in the UK it is common to have insulated walls and drop ceilings with noise insulation in flats.
    I guess it comes back to money and more relaxed regulations.

    • @_w_w_
      @_w_w_ 2 года назад +49

      It's the same for most hotels... I usually have to use earplugs in most Japanese business hotels. Sound insulation needs material and thickness/distance, but space is one thing Japan lacks in major cities.

    • @327legoman
      @327legoman 2 года назад +73

      The housing standards in general are pretty poor. However in tokyo it's law for a landlord to provide AC, and most landlords outside of Tokyo uphold that. The worst thing about apartments in Japan is they're 'sextist'. In that, you have male or female apartments. The female apartments are actually quiete nice. You can expect a big closet, separate bedroom, a decent sized kitchen you can actually cook in etc. However if you get a male apartment you basically get a tiny utility space and a room for your bed. They're designed for the male salaryman who doesn't cook, is looking for a wife and spends most nights eating/drinking out with colleagues.

    • @SecretSquirrelFun
      @SecretSquirrelFun 2 года назад +11

      “Relaxed” ha ha delightfully understated.

    • @_w_w_
      @_w_w_ 2 года назад +24

      @@327legoman I've seen Japanese single apartments. They are much more thoughtful than studio or junior 1bed in the west. There is an obsession in the west on "open concept kitchen" for small units. This mean the unit has virtually no dividing walls. You can't cook anything without your bed smell like food or grease. In Japan, at least you get a door to close off the small kitchen in most cases. Aside from being small, Japanese apartment is about 20x more practical than the US when it comes to space utilization.

    • @NK-ul4es
      @NK-ul4es 2 года назад +6

      @@_w_w_ The environment of a business hotel changes greatly depending on the amount of money. At a higher hotel, there are few annoying guests and no damage to property. Security is maintained because immigration is restricted now.

  • @YellowHammer99
    @YellowHammer99 2 года назад +81

    Unironically, I love the room accoustics of the new set. Having the reverb on people laughing and chatting gives the recoring a really inviting feel.

    • @plut0min
      @plut0min 2 года назад

      Hi I just wanted to say that I love your deadmau5 profile picture!!! 🙌

  • @VerhoevenSimon
    @VerhoevenSimon 2 года назад

    Thank you for the relaxing video, I can't wait for the live show!

  • @cheddar7288
    @cheddar7288 2 года назад +4

    I love the dynamic in a Chris&Connor Video. Another good one that made me tingle with happiness.

  • @chil3988
    @chil3988 2 года назад +155

    "Merry Christmas, here's your prison food!" Chris' wordplay is truly a modern shakespeare. 🤣

    • @Petaurista13
      @Petaurista13 2 года назад +6

      it would be great slogan for dining room in my school
      Oh, wait. Prisons have better food

  • @peterstaiff2211
    @peterstaiff2211 2 года назад +147

    So sad that they decided to get rid of the old station in Harajuku! I found the place fascinating when I first travelled to Japan in 2007. When it was still filled with quirky characters and shops. Haven’t been back to Tokyo since 2014 (and probably wouldn’t go there on my next trip) as there are so many other cities ( plus l prefer the countryside too the cities) & interesting places to go. Thanks Chris, for another entertaining vlog, Cheers!

    • @maximilianwimmer627
      @maximilianwimmer627 2 года назад +7

      Yeah, really sad, it looked straight out of Ghibli movie! But it was old, a fire hazard (built from wood) and couldn't handle the amount of tourists safely anymore, so I guess is was inevitable that it got replaced.

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper 2 года назад +7

      @@maximilianwimmer627 Built from wood doesn't automatically equal fire hazard. There are ways to treat the wood to be more fire resistant.
      The main thing is it seems they tried to expand to account for tourists while in the process destroying part of what brought the tourists in to begin with

    • @austinwiebe3801
      @austinwiebe3801 2 года назад +3

      @@InfernosReaper Horrible irony. Mostly just obliviousness on the government's part.

    • @RoyalFoodieOfficial
      @RoyalFoodieOfficial 2 года назад +2

      Yeah so sad. *Happy New Years! Love from a small RUclipsr!* ♥

  • @bananasenpai
    @bananasenpai 2 года назад +42

    The Ichiran point is so true LOL
    I told my friend that the first thing I'd do if I visit Japan is to hit Ichiran up and she was like "but why?" and began to convince me to follow her to her favorite local ramen shop lol Still waiting for all borders to open to finally visit though T^T

    • @whatever1661
      @whatever1661 2 года назад +6

      I can confirm. It's an open secret they pay RUclipsrs for hyping them up.
      It's okay but nothing special.

    • @Marnige
      @Marnige 2 года назад +2

      I think both of them should be tried. Ichiran isn't really a 'fake ramen'. It is still really good. I think i had the main branch with the rectangular bowl, it was amazing. Ippudo i feel was way worse and way more expensive.
      I also have my fair share of local ramens, a small random car shop in hokkaido, Street ramen shops, some alleyway ramen shops. Personally, is an equal calibre and a unique experience.
      Ichiran isn't a replacement of smaller branches of ramen shop, but its not something to avoid either.

    • @spartin1173
      @spartin1173 4 месяца назад

      @@Marnige yah its not like you’re comparing mcdonalds to proper quality burger places ichiran isn’t definitively worse than anything local its just a different experience it’s a good baseline and if you struggle with your japanese still it’s easy to use ichiran to take a break and have a place that really holds your hand through the ordering process

  • @JL_2046
    @JL_2046 2 года назад +13

    "Merry Christmas, here's your prison food!" had me laughing😂 Also, thanks for the tip about Ekiben. I'll keep that in mind! 😊

  • @GreatSageSunWukong
    @GreatSageSunWukong 2 года назад +144

    as someone who lived thru the 80s I dare say everything almost universally looked better then simple because we lived differently, we didnt have the internet and mobile phones, games consoles were not really a replacement for the arcades until the 90s, everything was outside the house entertainment wise, we would go home for dinner and bed and that was about it, all the businesses were in competition to act as our living rooms and eat all our money for hours on end everyday and we were so much more sociable for it and we used our time pursuing so many different hobbies, physical hobbies, laser tag games, snooker, go karting all sorts of things which are now very much diminished

    • @madeinbusanjkjm
      @madeinbusanjkjm 2 года назад +3

      I wonder what the introverts used to do in those times....

    • @ashihtaka
      @ashihtaka 2 года назад +14

      @@madeinbusanjkjm back in those days you'd get beat up for being a nerd or introvert. Especially in highschool

    • @capitalb5889
      @capitalb5889 2 года назад

      You missed "jumpers for goal posts".

    • @nojakthegemlad
      @nojakthegemlad 2 года назад +10

      @@madeinbusanjkjm Obviously this doesn't apply to people with extremely severe social anxiety but arguably many introverts were better off in the days before the internet. It forced people to meet irl if you wanted to have any form of social interaction. For example, otaku and anime nerds wouldn't have forums and discord to chat about anime on, you'd have to go to cons and meetups. Subcultures in general were forced to exist in the physical space or not at all. Nowadays because there's so much room to chat online you end up with actually less opportunities to meet people irl in many cases.
      opportunities

    • @joshuaxiong8377
      @joshuaxiong8377 2 года назад

      I feel like it's not only a combination of a changing culture, but also all the choices made by the corporations and the community.
      Corporations and Businesses are changing or doing annoying things and the community sometimes also does annoying things.
      _I like my Rhythm/Fighting Arcade Games, LAN/PC Cafés, and Trading Card Games. But due to Covid, the lack of support for my hobbies, the general community, and also frustrating choices from businesses, it's hard to do them and some I refuse to continue supporting._
      Plus; there's very few places left in my town to try and engage in said hobbies, many have closed down, also my friends are generally busy or some of them don't play what I play, so it's not making it any better.

  • @Maros_Mari
    @Maros_Mari 2 года назад +4

    Hey Chris, the photo of the harajuku fashion walk bunch could date to 2014, as I was there on one of the walks taking photos and recognized many familiar faces. Nice vibe, friendly people around, it was great atmosphere to hang out back then there. Thanks for bringing back good memories.

  • @TorpedoBryan13
    @TorpedoBryan13 2 года назад

    Solid video ! Great job guys

  • @Tardisntimbits
    @Tardisntimbits 2 года назад +83

    I know you're stuck in Japan, and this is the result...but this time of year has become really difficult for me due to a personal tragedy...so thank you for making these videos, Chris. I'm enjoying them very much, and I hope they're helping you cope with not being able to go home.

  • @costa2k1
    @costa2k1 2 года назад +45

    These videos always make my day 10 and a half times better.

  • @cynfulification
    @cynfulification 2 года назад +1

    I love seeing Conner and Chris together in a video. I look forward to their video visiting Unique Ryokai or onsens.

  • @user-rr7cp9sz1n
    @user-rr7cp9sz1n 2 года назад

    Love it when these two do videos together.

  • @tuanmai
    @tuanmai 2 года назад +20

    100% agree with you on Ichiran being so overrated! Ippudo has been my absolute favorite (along with Afuri)
    I fell victim to Ekiben 15 years ago and still traumatized.

    • @alainportant6412
      @alainportant6412 2 года назад

      A special child sized ramen with its own customization form

  • @nerosparda5
    @nerosparda5 2 года назад +10

    Chris, thank you so much for doing this 12 days series. I know it's hard and exhausting and I really appreciate the effort. The first thing I do on youtube these days is see if there is a new video from you or your friends. Thank you so much for bringing joy to my life!

  • @momo1435
    @momo1435 2 года назад +8

    The original plan was to keep the old Harajuku Station building and use it as a tourist info spot. But that was not possible because of fire resistance regulations. So they came up with an alternative and will be rebuilding it in the same style using as many of the original materials from the old building as possible. So it will be back, just not as original as the old building.

  • @Zee-fr6bz
    @Zee-fr6bz 2 года назад

    THE BACKGROUND!!! Is that self made set or location it looks so dope

  • @PhilChilled
    @PhilChilled 2 года назад +25

    Awesome, love the extra info for sure. It's been a dream to at least go there once and Akihabara was one of the areas I really wanted to visit at least on a trip. Sad to hear that things are changing and when I even read about some shops closing was even more dissapointed.

  • @maineman5757
    @maineman5757 2 года назад +7

    I really really love this set. I can't believe how much better it makes a video compared to just sitting in a normal room.

  • @tobiatkins87
    @tobiatkins87 2 года назад

    Really enjoying this kind of debate forum in your new set. Looking forward to seeing more of these. 👍🏼

  • @MatthewThivierge
    @MatthewThivierge 8 месяцев назад

    Best video yet! I’m binging on your videos planning on moving to Japan next year

  • @Jhvxgir
    @Jhvxgir 2 года назад +20

    Japan has changed a lot, I still remember the first time I came there as a 20 y old student (2007) and Akihabara was already becoming a place full of anime stores and games stores, but there were many small shops with lots of tech stuff...

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper 2 года назад

      The anime and games stuff made sense because tech, but then came the shallow tourist trap places like the maid cafes

    • @TheNobleFive
      @TheNobleFive 2 года назад +1

      @@InfernosReaper Those cafes are a dying industry now, too.

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper 2 года назад

      @@TheNobleFive Yeah, when people don't have a lot of disposable income those types of businesses do tend to be hit rather hard.
      Throw in a pandemic and it's even more harsh

  • @luispedrochavespereira1541
    @luispedrochavespereira1541 2 года назад +4

    I needed something to put me in a better mood today. Thank you Chris and Connor !!! 🙂

  • @veronikarogatskaja3731
    @veronikarogatskaja3731 2 года назад

    Loving the Chrismas specials! Even when you "don't put too much thought into the video" it's still very entertaining!😁

  • @basedanimanga4564
    @basedanimanga4564 2 года назад +1

    Congrats on 400k my favourite RUclipsr, looking forward to next wacky weekend!

  • @myadv6083
    @myadv6083 2 года назад +37

    wasn't it joey who said direct eye contact with cats is a sign of aggression hence why the cats love Chris and not Connor?

    • @jdjphotographynl
      @jdjphotographynl 2 года назад

      Yep, it was Joey who said that indeed. :)

    • @Blex_040
      @Blex_040 2 года назад +3

      Yeah, it's true, a direct stare signals distrust in cat language whereas half-closed eyes and slow blinks signal trust. Also when they present their butt to you it's a sign of trust, so next time you have some cat butt cheeks right in front of your face, take it as a compliment 😂

    • @myfyp2
      @myfyp2 2 года назад +6

      @@Blex_040 But if I present my butt to the cats, they walk away :(

    • @captsorghum
      @captsorghum 2 года назад

      @@Blex_040 No it just means they're in heat.😅

  • @TheHollowedArtist
    @TheHollowedArtist 2 года назад +17

    On the topic of anime figures in Akihabara, it’s much cheaper in my experience to buy in those stores, but that’s from someone living OUTSIDE of Japan. 1/4 scale figures having $80+ shipping costs and sites like Tokyo Otaku Mode bumping up prices with a slight discount for being a member makes a bit harder to buy.
    Recently I’ve just been looking at pre-owned figures on AmiAmi because besides the crazy shipping, they are genuinely cheaper and still in good condition.

    • @Akibaferret
      @Akibaferret 2 года назад +5

      Mandarake is also very reliable for used items in good condition, you just have to be careful not to pick items from different locations if you want to keep the shipping cost down.

    • @axue4248
      @axue4248 2 года назад +1

      Yeah while it's cheaper than purchasing the figures internationally, there are just far cheaper places out there.
      I assume the pure allure of Akihabara as a tourist location dramatically drives up the prices for the figures.
      I remember going to a small anime shop in Kobe, since my friend wanted to see his old high school there.
      The prices there were most definitely FAR cheaper by a mile. Like literally saw the same figure(s) brand new in box for 1/4 of the prices they were selling in Akihabara used.

    • @tails300
      @tails300 2 года назад +1

      I like AmiAmi for their prices since they usually sell everything cheaper than TOM, Even with the discounts. They also don’t charge you for preorders until the item releases which I really like.

  • @KillerTacos54
    @KillerTacos54 2 года назад

    Love these videos so much!!

  • @maxcornielje4169
    @maxcornielje4169 2 года назад

    love the video

  • @kimc813
    @kimc813 2 года назад +14

    😂"if I want happiness i bring Joey" epic!!! You guys are the best calamity duo in a funny way. Great video! Hope 2022 bring a happy video for this 2! I was so obsessed on visiting Harayuku and I was so disappointed when I was finally there. So dark, not that multi color fun place. It was so plain, my only joy was the rainbow grill cheese sandwich.

  • @CBGBBB
    @CBGBBB 2 года назад +21

    I would never live in the capsule apartments, but I was very fascinated by the concept and seeing its 1980’s futurism aesthetic

    • @englishatheart
      @englishatheart Год назад

      1980s' You used the correct "its" but put the apostrophe in the wrong place. :-P Apostrophes aren't used to make plurals, and since you're saying its aesthetic belongs to the 1980s, the possessive apostrophe would come after the "s."

    • @ennuisolar
      @ennuisolar Год назад

      @@englishatheart why are you everywhere correcting ppl, not saying this in a mean way btw cause you probably mean well, but nobody cares abt that stuff in a youtube comment section 😭

  • @mexicanchinese
    @mexicanchinese 2 года назад

    I love the outros! Put some easter eggs in there!

  • @vaguelyweird
    @vaguelyweird Год назад +6

    The comment on Harajuku was spot on. 20 years ago, after school I would sometimes visit Harajuku with friends. on returning recently (a visiting American friend wanted to go) I was shocked how much it changed. it's clearly marketed for tourists, and the fashionable areas have moved elsewhere.

  • @Lajn5
    @Lajn5 2 года назад +14

    i really enjoy these videos, very chill vibes and you know you get something daily. Maybe you could continue something like this with different guests / topics once or twice a week in the future? Incase you are not thinking of continuing this series, really like the content Chris keep it up! :)

  • @fish4penguins
    @fish4penguins 2 года назад +40

    Totally agree with Connor on the fried chicken point. First thing I did when I got off the plane in Nagoya was rush to Family Mart and get the holy fried chicken. Was totally disappointed when I got a chewy and greasy slab of uncrispy chicken and questioned whether I can ever trust Chris again lol

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +12

      The man poisons his friends with bee larvae and Marmite! He squashes fish bait on their backs! What on earth made you think you could trust Chris ? 😜

    • @davidkim1105
      @davidkim1105 2 года назад +2

      yea i mean comparing to korean chicken its pretty shit

    • @lilkitten545
      @lilkitten545 2 года назад +1

      @@davidkim1105 I agree with that, Korea's fried chicken is some of the best

  • @mahouaniki4043
    @mahouaniki4043 2 года назад

    Merry Christmas Chris and Conner.

  • @mynameislod9577
    @mynameislod9577 2 года назад

    Another video added to the list of 1,000,000 views, let's go Chris!

  • @God-.-999
    @God-.-999 2 года назад +19

    Chris, Thank you so much for posting these types of videos that basically promote Japan lmao. For a long time, I didn't know what I wanted to do in my life but after finding your videos and watching them for the past year I think I know what I want to aim for :) Hopefully, I stumble into you one day at a FamilyMart buying ungodly amounts of fried chicken.

    • @alisparkle2832
      @alisparkle2832 2 года назад +2

      I just wanna knoe how much fried chicken god considers to be "ungodly "🍗 It's gotta be a lot, right, like a train-full would be sacrilegious.... or an entire video about trying convenience store chicken.....

  • @oroxara
    @oroxara 2 года назад +3

    December is the best month because we get so many videos from Chris

  • @Bewefau
    @Bewefau 2 года назад

    I look forward to these video's chris keep up the good work. This is one of your best ideas.

  • @amandabratley6950
    @amandabratley6950 2 года назад

    I can’t wait to try what you’re talking about when I can come to Japan 😭💖

  • @fluffypenguinbabe
    @fluffypenguinbabe 2 года назад +6

    "I don't want to peel my own f**king egg!"
    Why do I relate to Chris's rage so much? Ah yes. British. 😂

  • @DrJustininJapan
    @DrJustininJapan 2 года назад +4

    THIS VIDEO DEFINITELY gives a more balanced view on Japan:) it's not all
    roses 🌹 and sunshine ☀️ here. thank you 🙏

  • @Prophetu
    @Prophetu 2 года назад +6

    Ive been a fan of Chris for years now. Discovered Connor through Chris. Love both their content. But i gotta say bros i enjoy the videos you make together the most! Honestly would love to hang out with you 2 🤣

  • @spriddlez
    @spriddlez 2 года назад +15

    When I went to Akihabara for the first time in 2017 I was so disappointed. I was sort of sold on it being anime and video game mecca but when I got there every store sold the same 3 items of the latest hot anime. I was expecting to find more variety and a greater appreciation for vintage stuff (or hell even just more different modern things) but there were only a few small stores that had vintage stuff. I was so bummed.

    • @ddnn974
      @ddnn974 2 года назад

      Many stores are from the same chain which you can tell by their store names… such as XXX store no. 3 kan

  • @MagicMaschRuhm
    @MagicMaschRuhm 2 года назад +4

    I love your videos Chris! Greetings from Germany :)

  • @drsnova7313
    @drsnova7313 2 года назад +82

    I went to Japan 5 years ago (without being a particular "fan" of Japan or japanese culture; just sounded interesting to go there). I had heard of Harajuku before - how it is this centre of fashion and counter-culture, so I planned to go there as well. And there was....not much, to be honest. Not sure what I expected, but felt like a fairly regular shopping street, except yes, you see gothic lolita stuff and whatnot - but it just felt so 100% commercial. I also can't recommend it, unless you're really invested in it.

    • @rsmith02
      @rsmith02 2 года назад +9

      You were 15 years too late.

  • @gleeknomatterwhat8958
    @gleeknomatterwhat8958 2 года назад

    Ty for this

  • @harima6678
    @harima6678 2 года назад

    thanks for the video!

  • @happycamperjack
    @happycamperjack 2 года назад +44

    What’s cool about harajuku is actually the back streets, like little coffee shops, restaurants etc. Like semi-residential areas that are filled with exotic and interested places to explore.

  • @waunton
    @waunton 2 года назад +10

    Connor: "We just filmed a Wacky Weekend-"
    Me: WOOOOOOO YEAH BABY, THATS WHAT IVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

  • @Dakers11
    @Dakers11 2 года назад

    Chris, are you going to have a New Years Bash at the Diner?
    I bet it would Smashingly Epic !

  • @flacohernandez5129
    @flacohernandez5129 2 года назад +3

    I worked in Harajuku and while it's sad they couldn't incorporate the old station somehow in the new one, the old one was an absolute hell on busy days. It took ages to enter or exit. It was usually faster to take the other exit and walk back around (although that one wasn't much better either).

  • @kausthita11
    @kausthita11 2 года назад +3

    Yes, a video for dinner!!

  • @Metabohai
    @Metabohai 2 года назад +10

    Thank you for killing my entire bucket list with one video chris...

  • @pda1799
    @pda1799 2 года назад

    Great video. Agree on most points)

  • @Plasmacat1
    @Plasmacat1 Год назад +3

    The cat café stuff is super nice if the cats are well cared for, give them a home and for a costumer it's super chill to relieve some stress and work peacefully more so than a busy regular cafe imo.

  • @Golden_Swan
    @Golden_Swan 2 года назад +8

    6:42 On the topic of ramen, Ichiran in particular, I never heard of this chain restaurant despite living there for 2 years when I was younger and visiting the country consistently after moving away. I've never heard of the chain until I started watching Japan vloggers like Chris' channel, and like in the video, all I've ever heard is that it's overrated, which is where I would like to offer some advice. My advice to anyone going to Japan and want to eat ramen: go to a family owned business. They're almost always pretty good. Chain stores in general regardless of what type of food is served is more consistently lackluster in quality and is only ever "good" under certain circumstances i.e. being drunk.
    As for my own personal experience, when we're in Tokyo, we like to go to a place called Kochuuichiba (edited with correct name), and the other place we like to go to is small family owned place called Kokai located in my mom's hometown. Both are nice little stores that offer amazing tasting ramen.
    Edit: I was wrong. It's KoSHUUichiba not KoCHUUichiba. And I also learned it has a parent company, which would make it franchised in some way. Regardless, their ramen is still excellent and I highly recommend it.

  • @callumk5
    @callumk5 2 года назад +7

    My favourite combination on youtube; Chris’ production value, brains, humour and valuable cultural observations with Connor’s handsome face.

  • @doncasterghosthunters
    @doncasterghosthunters 2 года назад

    Hi Chris from sunny Doncaster in the midlands u.k I started watching one of your videos and really enjoyed it...a month later I think I've watched them all...I find your screen presence soothing and chilled ,the content is awesome and the guests are great fun...just want to say thank you for a the entertainment and have a merry Christmas ⛄

  • @Tarathetiger3
    @Tarathetiger3 2 года назад

    The way Chris looks around after he opens that packet and finds the chicken wing is so cute, I've replayed it like 5 times and laughed every time.

  • @hamstersdailylife4938
    @hamstersdailylife4938 2 года назад +14

    As a Japanese, for me it’s the Ichiran ramen. It’s good but not sensationally good. Ig people just like the atmosphere which they imagine to be otaku-like? (Enclosed private seats introverts would like)
    Edit: haha I commented this before watching the video and they had Ichiran on the list XD Told you so~

  • @TdyBear
    @TdyBear 2 года назад +16

    I feel like your Britishness comes out more with Connor. The disgusted "You're chatting shit mate" was perfect.

  • @IgeRamos
    @IgeRamos 2 года назад

    Nice set.

  • @fenalraun9561
    @fenalraun9561 2 года назад

    Still loving the ramen shop set. You might consider gelling some of the lights to create some colored areas that would make more of the Blade Runner mystique.

  • @acemcfly7399
    @acemcfly7399 2 года назад +3

    Ahhh yes another Connor and Chris video, brimming with relentless sarcasm and dour moods

  • @Nekujii
    @Nekujii 2 года назад +46

    How is Connor going to enjoy his japanese Christmas if he doesn't like the staple Christmas food, Japanese Fried Chicken?
    Also, you and Connor should do a video reading your AO3 fanfics. You'd be in for a treat - like an Ekiben treat.

    • @tsumichama
      @tsumichama 2 года назад +4

      Why am I not surprised that there are umm, -- Chrisor? Coris? AbroadVA? -- fics out there on ao3 🤣

    • @Nekujii
      @Nekujii 2 года назад +2

      @@tsumichama This silly little thing called internet really fulfills every silly little niche corruption of the human psyche, doesn't it

    • @HeavenlyCreature.
      @HeavenlyCreature. 2 года назад +1

      Japanese Fried Chicken ? JFC ? I thought Kentucky Fried Chicken was THE Christmas dinner in Japan 🤔

  • @elizabethkierere5806
    @elizabethkierere5806 2 года назад +1

    love this :)

  • @WarpStar95
    @WarpStar95 2 года назад +1

    I was able to visit right before they demolished the old Harajuku station and it's so sad because I found it so charming.

  • @Ometecuhtli
    @Ometecuhtli 2 года назад +61

    I admit I was getting a bit nervous as you hadn't included Ekiben until No. 6 appeared. On my first visit to Japan I remember going to a cheap hostel so the instant miso soup we had in the morning wasn't such a disappointment, but after hearing from friends and even Japanese youtubers how a good, convenient meal the "train box" was and facing the reality of it on the excellent and comfortable first Shinkansen trip I knew it was an overrated experience. I've come to the conclusion since then that it must be a cultural thing more than anything else, as most discount food from the 7-eleven tastes better for as little as half the price.

    • @snil4
      @snil4 2 года назад +9

      Never had a ekiben thankfully, but when I was in japan with my dad we could've lived on 7-eleven onigiri all day, they make some super simple meat onigiri but they are cheap and surprisingly tasty so much this is literally one of our most remembered things from this trip.

    • @yakuza01
      @yakuza01 2 года назад +2

      Sounds like it's the Japanese equivalent of what Gray's Papaya is to NYC.

  • @eileene8836
    @eileene8836 2 года назад +6

    I loved the bentos I got for my bullet train journeys. I miss them so much when I have to travel by train in Australia. Stale sandwiches, watery tea and week old baked goods just make me miss Japan all the more.

    • @ammardian
      @ammardian 2 года назад +1

      Anything is better than Aussie servo food lmao, literally 12 bucks for the worst sandwich you will lever eat. Imo, Japan's worst EkiBen beat ours.

    • @ukchub6633
      @ukchub6633 2 года назад

      sushi overated xD, australian food worst xD. i stick with Borneo food Sarawak Laksa and Kolo me

    • @ammardian
      @ammardian 2 года назад

      @@ukchub6633 Then you aint had good sushi mate. Regardless, for me I stick with instant ramen; the superior food.

  • @Photeacher
    @Photeacher 2 года назад

    can't believe Ichiran was mentioned in this video lol. I love the broth

  • @zeroibis
    @zeroibis 2 года назад

    Ippudo is the best, got to go to their original shop in Fukuoka and am excited to swing by there again on my next trip.