This Is Japan's Island Run By The US Military (
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Okinawa, Japan. A friendly island with good weather, a bit like the Hawaii of Japan. After all my hard work chasing down Yakuza members, that was more than enough reason for me to visit. But there was more to it than that: ever since WW2, the US Military has maintained a very large presence on the island, particularly the Marines and Air Force. I should know very well: both my grandfather and brother served here as Marines. I needed to see how these cultures clash on the island.
The US Military may capture most of the discussion when Americans think of Okinawa, but it's also the home of the Ryukyuu people, the only people looking to be independent from Japan.
This was set to be an interesting tour. I found a taxi driver and asked him to drop me off somewhere in the countryside, where my journey would begin.
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My Instagram: sabbatical.tommy
My Patreon: www.patreon.com/sabbaticaltommy?fan_landing=true
#sabbatical #japan #okinawa
Semper Fi. Taking a break from Yakuza duties for this one. Enjoy the tour of Japan's Hawaii.
When he was bent down going through that spider trap I would have given almost anything to be right behind him and reach up and pinch him on his ass or somewhere and holler got you.
It's government that are the problem, like we are just as much to blame
ooh rah
So, sabbatical you mean you will not fly to Qatar to watch this 3rd 4th play off and my beloved country France beating Argentina like non sense
Awesome video, as always =) Thank you
Love this guy's content. He is super respectful to the locals when he travels, he can communicate with them, and he even gives a small history lesson with each video. Keep it up!
I would argue he’s one the best travel vloggers in RUclips history! Lol
Sabbatical is definitely one of the best. His language skills and maturity are such an asset.
Bald’s recent visits to Japan and Vietnam have been cringeworthy in the disrespect he seems to show to the people in both countries.
@@BrandenBrazil Bald is literally a sexpat, lol
@@BrandenBrazil I agree. It felt like a british tourist in Vietnam...
Hope his channels grows as we join along the journey!! ❤
I always find myself sick around Christmas and every year just watching Tommy's videos
I enjoyed this stroll through the countryside. Pao Pao, the Thai place underneath the Red Lobster, has great food cooked by Thai folks. Cheers and Happy New Year!
This is the most amazing video ever.
So cool Tommy , really is thanks for putting this out there
I us to live in Okaniwa when I was 4 years old. My dad was a Marine at Camp Hasn't.
That spider was scary! Where is everyone? I Would guess the military personnel were not supposed to be out. Or married and with Gisha girl.....lol.
Welcome to Okinawa!
BTW idk if ive said this but i love the new old school pixel art PFP very dope may have an ai generate me a pixel goat ;) stay safe on ur travels friend best of luck from USA Mo if my spellin an grammar is trash I'm cross faded af so mb to all who read this lmao
also 6:12 as a nature lover ida loved a close up on those flowers :)
Shall we tell Tommy that it was a harmless orb weaver?
how many languages does tommy speak??
Hitomi was very nice
Hahaha I love the fact you’re not scared of the yakuza or the ghettos but spiders take you to a whole new level.
Spiders are just like any other insects that co- exist with humans all over the world.They are not an enemy to humanity, just like snakes.Don't ever create fear in them since human beings have power to manage all other creatures on earth.
@@alexandermutune6131 I’m not afraid of spiders but I might add spiders are not insects.
@@TheMrDarius True.Spiders are arachnids (8 legged) while insects are supposed to have 6 legs.Thanks for the correction.But never fear these animals...I hope you don't tell me that spiders are not animals!
@@alexandermutune6131 no spiders are definitely animals just not insects. I’m not scared of them but I am more cautious when I know the poisonous variety are around me. I’ve actually handled black widows and moved them away from my home without harm to me or the spider. Jumping spiders I’m a huge fan of they’re cute and so full of personality. Very curious as well I try to befriend them and put them in the various window sills to catch any stray flies. We cohabitate and rely on each other.
It was an Orb weaver which are fairly harmless...
Thanks Tommy for visiting my home country Japan. I’ve been watching you since your journeys in East Africa and now I’m still even more impressed with your linguistic capabilities. You da man.
I love how respectful he is to every culture he visits. That is more rare than a polyglot
I used to run on those roads back in the 90s when I was stationed in Okinawa. Almost everything outside of Naha definitely fest rural and peaceful. One of the best times of my life. Thank you for sharing!
Oh shoot waddup Dave. Jaboody viewer here lol
@@easyduster hey man!
Many decades ago I was a participant in the Around Okinawa 24 hour Marathon, there were U.S. and Japanese Military Teams and individual civilian teams! It was one of the most exhausting runs I have ever made, primarily due to the small Japanese buses we used to move from point to point to start our run segments, which didn't allow one any sleep! In addition, in the Northern Area of Okinawa, the roads in those days were just coral, there were few bridges and each runner had to cross multiple rapidly running streams, with NO lights other than a flashlight! One also had to carefully watch that they didn't step on any habu snakes who would lie on the warmer roads at night soaking up the heat! Yes, quite an experience!
i was stationed there for 3 years. As a Hawaiian, I found the similarities between Okinawan people's lifestyle and ours cool. I miss it every day.
Well because the native Americans, Japanese,siberians, and the islanders all sort of share the same dna. Even some say the Samoans and Tongans would sail to Mexico and trade. So much we will never know because of colonization and religion blinding us.
except you guys can carry a gun.....im just joking dont get that seriously
many okinawans actually immigrated to Hawaii to work on the plantations so there is a long time connection between those two islands
@@ciello___8307 My friend's great-grandparents emigrated from Okinawa to Hawaii and did just that- worked on sugar plantations. They ended up in San Jose, California, like many Japanese-Americans.
@@ciello___8307 wow i had no idea. that is very interesting
Can I just take a minute to day your my favorite RUclipsr at the moment. I look forward to seeing your journeys everyday. I thank you for showing the world. I have made a New Year’s resolution to get out of the US and travel. Thanks to you!
Feels like i'm on facetime with him and he is showing around ! Somehow youtube brought me to your channel and I must say you made me watch several of your videos and even subscribe! You are unique in a way I cannot define , love the work you put on with different languages of the world and the respect you have. Very original.
He's a very friendly person who immediately puts people at ease. Those kids are so cute. 4:47 What a great place to grow up. If only the Japanese would have more children.
Okinawa has my heart. I left almost a year ago, and even living through all of Covid there, it was still an amazing experience that I’m so grateful for. Most of all I love the wonderful friendly people. Such a wonderful place for children to grow up. The food. The ocean. The adventure.
I hope I can return one day
My family lived on Okinawa for four years. It's a beautiful island and we fell in love with the people and culture. Some of the older generations are farmers and in great physical shape. It became a normal part of my day to see 80 and 90 yr olds out walking for exercise. I came to love seeing and greeting them every morning; their smiles and cheerful waves make you realize life is as great as you make it. Taking our kids to the sugar cane and pineapple farms as well as the many festivals created lasting memories. You do have to be careful of poisonous snakes and spiders in the wild though.
The argument over the land occupied by military bases gets very political and the issues vary widely based on whom you ask. Some say crime has gone up because of the American military, some say the issue is the land, some say the issue is America still having a say in Japanese affairs when we shouldn't. On the other hand you have those that say crime committed by Americans is lower than Okinawa as a whole, that the land "rent" is higher than it should be according to the market and Americans help fuel the economy of Okinawa.
Personally, I feel there should be some compromise. Maybe scaling back the amount of members present and some bases closed with the property given back. It really is a much deeper issue than it appears on the surface.
Well said 💯
My family 👪 also lived in Owkiynawa before we moved to Domini
ruclips.net/video/2CA_CtcRw_8/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/Z-whHBGBHaY/видео.html
The Japanese do not like the presence of US military bases. most murders and rapes are American soldiers
在日米軍の米兵が日本で犯罪を犯しても、地位協定の為に米軍に匿われてしまい、罪を償うこともしない。私はすぐにアメリカ軍に出ていってほしい。
I've been stationed in Japan mid 2000's however not Okinawa. Though my base moved to Okinawa since I have left.
Wow!! I lived in Okinawa for 5 years as a kid and 2 years as an adult (my dad was in the Air force and I joined at 18) this video is bringing back so many good memories of the local Okinawan people’s friendliness and the beautiful island where they live. Thanks!!!
I think I could see some sadness when Hitomi talked about Canada. Sadly I don't think Canada, or at least its major populated areas, aren't nearly as friendly as people use to be.
nope lol
I can't say it enough Tommy. I love these videos of Japan. You're doing a great job with history and letting us see a side of Japan that many will never see. Keep 'em coming.
I was stationed at Kadena airbase, Okinawa from 1994 to 1998 and I had the time of my life. In my 24 year Air Force career, it was undoubtedly the best assignment that I ever had. The people were awesome, the food was great, and there was plenty of things to do to be entertained. Truthfully, most parts of Okinawa are quite beautiful.
did you go see Clay Sun Union on the weekends like the rest of us always did in 97-98 ?
Love watching this. My grandma, who we called Obachan, grew up in Okinawa. Definitely on my list of places to visit. I've visited Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara when I was younger. But one day I would love to visit Okinawa and stay for a while. Thanks for the video!
I’m Australian, and I travelled to Okinawa back in 2010 for karate. After landing, a lot of the locals around Naha, on kokusaidori or international street, thought we were American. Not until seeing the massive barbed wire fence and the kaneda airbase did I realise why.
Also fun fact, karate was introduced to Okinawa, from the Chinese as it was previous the Ryu-kyu kingdom. I can’t wait to travel back one day. My Japanese is basic at most, but can’t deny the Chinese influence on the island.
Beautiful place
poor tommy, you're in asia, you don't have to apologise for wearing a mask 😂
not gonna lie, every second of this video was fascinating.. and the random meeting with hitomi was magical. Great video again as usual 😌
Out of all the youtubers i watch, Tommy is the most genuine out there...
Walk into a spiderweb in Australia mate, then be worried... Not Japan LOL
This is how its done RUclipsrs !!!!!!!
Arachnophobia is real with Tommy
I appreciate the fact that you aren’t ashamed to tell people you are from the US. I once met this guy when I was staying at a hostel in Spain, who told me he was Canadian. We ended up going out for a few beers later that day and he admitted that he was actually from Maryland.
Not sure why he fibbed about that. I just thought that was bizarre and kind of sad too.
You’re setting a great example for all travelers out there. You’re kind, respectful, and genuine. Thanks for the great content.
Sounds like a typical leftist
When I was younger, I remember reading lots of advice about not telling people you were American when you traveled overseas. It was recommended that you tell people you were Canadian, to the point of sewing Canadian insignia like a Canadian flag to your backpack or luggage. I never followed that advice, and always told people I was American. It never caused me any problems.
@@fixpacifica I think this is a usefull advice if you travel to Iraq or Iran
But he told that old lady he was from France....
@@Ordzo88 yes and he explained why he did that.
I love it Tommy when you do this kind of exploration, your like an astronaut.... Finding friends everywhere... these are my favorite content.
Did you know that Okinawa was completely owned/controlled by the U.S. until, I think it was 1972? They only used the American dollar for currency. I was stationed at Marine Barracks Sasebo, Japan from 71-73 and remember when the island was turned back to Japanese control.
“idk why i’m whispering, i don’t think spiders speak english”😭😭😭😭
Every single video you put out you seem to deliver such an authentic view of the life style of the locals, there doesn't seem like there's any other channel likes yours, keep up the amazing work. love from the U.K
Truly such a breathtaking landscape Japan is such a beautiful country
Sabbatical must be really a talented linguist...how do you manage to learnn all these Lingua Franca?From Swahili, Luganda, Japanese, french, Arabic(I heard him speaking Arabic in Ceuta, Morocco) etc..
CIA
My family was stationed on Okinawa from 86-91 at Kinser. As a grade school youngster I wasn’t able to fully appreciate the beauty and peace found there. As an adult I look back at my time there as some of the best years of my life. The people are incredibly humble and the food is amazing. My Dad took us to EVERY historical sight on the island and we as children spent most of our time off base and never felt threatened.
I'm pretty fearless most of the time, but spiders for some reason are my kryptonite. I walked right into a spider web once when I was young. It had this big yellow and black spider on it, and I about had a heart attack. I was flailing all over the place, making sure it wasn't on me.
Especially those Okinawa Banana Spiders, big damn things!
I actually really like spiders. Roaches, tho...
When you’re speaking English I sometimes feel like I’m understanding the Japanese language I’m high asf
I'm half Okinawan and lived in Okinawa in the 70s to early 80s. I miss the beautiful island, culture and people. Okinawa will always be in my heart.
I was stationed in Okinawa in 1982-1983 first at MCAS Futenma, then at MCB Camp Foster. I worked at MCB Camp Butler driving for the CG 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, MajGen Frank E. Petersen, Jr. Those were the best 2 years of my life. I learned to scuba dive and that's what I did on weekends. I used to go on vacation in the Philippines. I would take a space A flight from Kadena AB to Clark AB. Now you can't do that anymore since Clark AB shut down. What fond memories.
I had a DMT trip once Tommy and heard something in my head very similar to what you said, "Life's the trip, enjoy it while it lasts."
Loved the video! Japan has always been #1 on my list to travel to. Have been binge watching all of your videos since finding you about a month ago. So thankful for all that you do, it's very inspirational. Keep up the great work my friend!
I spent 6 years in Japan, first 3 were in the tokyo area, the last 3 were here in Okinawa. Col to see you wandering OKI. Cheers
That lady who gave you those charms made my heart flush and feel warm.
God bless her
Tommy you would be surprised how many Japanese spiders are actually bilingual.
Tommy goes to the most dangerous neighborhood: 🙂
Tommy sees a spider: 😨
As a resident of a small town in Shiga prefecture for 8 years now I do love the Japanese countryside. It might look desolate to some but to me it feels peaceful and relaxing. I tried a few cities when i first came to Japan but it's truly isn't for me.
Takes me back to my time spent on Okinawa back in '96... Took a bus from Naha to Chatan and did some karate training with an American sensei that was stationed at Kadena base. The founder of the style I practiced (Shotokan) was Gichin Funakoshi, who was an Okinawan. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Just discovered the channel recently. Must've came up due to my love of Japan although I've never been. Started watching your adventures from number 1 and going through. Hope there's more Japan videos coming though and maybe China and Thailand? I also hope your journeys will be long. Its addictive, entertaining, insightful and uplifting.
Ryukyu kingdom (Current Okinawa)was hugely influenced by Chinese culture and intensively trade between China and Japan until Japan annexed Ryukyu and designated it Okinawa Prefecture in1879. This is why you saw so many ceramic lions in front of local residents‘ homes and their ancestors’ tombs are very like the tombs you had seen in HK.
Yes their culture is much similar to China while the race they got the most Japanese Jomon genes than any parts of Japan
I love Okinawa! I Also have video of my visit there, nothing like yours but I would also say to anyone thinking about visiting there to go! I think the vibe there is very relaxed and fun. Some Blue Seal Ice Cream is always good too! Usually people form Okinawa don't say they are Japanese, they say they are Okinawan! They are very proud of their culture. And like you mentioned it is the Hawaii of Japan for sure!
Have you been to Papua New Guinea? I would like to see you roaming the streets of Port Morsby. Its a very interesting place!
Fun Fact: The Japanese who came to Hawaii to work in the plantations etc. 4-5 generations ago, were overwhelmingly from Okinawa.
Just watching your new video now shout from england
I'm kinda upset that this channel has so few subscribers.I've seen youtubers with 1m subs and the contents are not even a quarter as great as this
Was there for 2 years. Every Marine needs to be removed from Oki. Send them to Guam.
I was stationed there at White Beach in the Navy before going to Viet Nam and also lived there for a while in the 80s....Gyokusendo caves are a nice hike where Japanese soldiers hid during WWII..Okinawa is a beautiful island and the Okinawan people are similar to the Taiwanese. It's not cheap for tourists that's for sure....I ordered a bowl of miso soup, two pieces of tuna sashimi and a pot of tea for me and my wife for lunch...100 bucks US...and yes...we were still hungry ..People are friendly all over the island though. At White Beach there are caves all along the cliffs...don't go there, they are graves...I made that mistake once. Lesson learned.
Good video . Isn’t Okinawa supposed to blue one of the blue zones where people live to be in their 100s ?
I know there’s a connection to Hawaii as they have Okinawa festival In Honolulu. Okinawa karate is pretty cool too.
Great video
"Im not gonna steal this mans squash, but ill admire it" quote of the year
How do you speak so many languages man - damn
It’s incredible how fast he picks it up
In the Naminoue seaport area of Naha are some Foreign graves, the graves of some of Admiral Perry's sailors who died during his 1853 Mission to Japan, even during WWII the Okinawans maintained these graves, due to their respect for the dead! No, Okinawans are NOT the same as the average Japanese! A young lady who worked for my wife at one of the PXs at Camp Pendleton, California, an Okinawan girl had blue eyes. One day I remarked to her about her father being an American and she laughed stating "No, there were no Americans ever in my ancestry!" She said that her Grandfather, born on Okinawa, also had blue eyes, but that was because her ancestors were Dutch traders who were some of the original Foreign settlers on that Island, long before it became part of Japan, back when it was an independent Nation!
5:56
"Who would think of throwing garbage in a waterfall like this?"
Eastern Europeans "Hold my beer can."
I have complex feelings to US bases in Japan, as a Hiroshima person..
We are kind of colonized by US, and I hope we can protect our own country someday without US bases....from China, Russia, North Korea.
As it's not normal that foreign bases are in your countries.....
Can you imagine that Japanese bases in US ????
Nothing should be strange when it comes to the Chinese influence in Japan... The early laws, kanji characters, economy, etc was all there because of the Chinese, or at least very much influenced by the Chinese. Early emperors had strong connections to the Chinese rulers, there were even laws for centuries that said that you can't say anything bad about Confucius and his philosophy... The main characteristic of the Japanese confucianism is the loyalty, from the VI century to this day this is the main characteristic of the Japanese people.
I remember, in Nepal, I was staying in an all women Buddhist nunnery. Above the hill or mountain is the Kopan Monastery. I hiked up there and when I walked back, I got lost and a bit panicky because it was getting dark. Interesting think was adults, even security guards do not speak English and had no idea what I'm talking about, then I saw like 11 or 13 year old kids and they speak English. They walked with me under I found the place.
You're living my dream. At least I can live vicariously through your channel. Your adventures are very entertaining
Now we know why you have not done video in Australia. Besides being too expensive and souless cities, it is actually the SPIDERS, we have lots of them and some big ones too
I am very grateful for the usually informative tours u take us on, but please be careful with those wildlife... Continuous blessings and guidance in all u do. Watching from Jamaica 👍🫂🇯🇲
I can feel the humidity through my screen lol. I went to Okinawa for a few days last year and it was by far the most humid place I have ever visited.
Tom, Okinawa is a historic Island for a number of reasons one of which is it is the birth place of Karate. I wish you could visit an old school Karate dojo. 🥋
And the Lady in the shop (Hitomi) has a heart of complete gold 🪙 ❤️💯🙏bless her
You are keen to connect the style of the tomb in the Okinawa with that of Chinese' traditional tombs, because not until 1875, residents on these islands had had their own little kingdom under the protection of Chinese emperor, and had felt closer to China than to Japan, for they have been more descendants of Chinese fishermen or traders rather than Japanese'. In 1875, Japan sent military over and destroyed the little kingdom and made it become part of their territory. But even to this day there have been resentment against Japanese depiction of their history in textbooks, and against American military occupation. Once a while they would have local representatives going over to China to seek support for their independence, which put Chinese leaders in predicament. That's why some suggested that if U S. keeps up encouraging Taiwan to go against China, China should consider support Okinawa to rise against Japan.
Will you visit Taiwan while you’re in the area? By far my favourite travel channel 👌🏻👌🏻
会的
I like the video, but there's a lot of incorrect information. First, the island hasn't been run by the US military since 1972. Second, the Okinawans don't want the American bases, but they treat the Americans who live on the bases great. So feel free to tell them you're American the next time you're there. Third, that was a banana spider. They're pretty harmless. Lastly, maybe the military people you saw in Chatan in civilian clothes had their own reasons for not talking to you. But it had nothing to do with the military. We're free to talk to anyone and even protest or support any cause we want to, just not in uniform. No offense, but you were pretty unprepared to do this video.
Six years on Okinawa and I never had a single negative experience. But I had numerous experiences of kindness and generosity. Japan is my favorite foreign country.
I love your vids because no matter where you go, you show us that there are kind and generous people. Thank you for your work.
I don't think it occurs much today, but American militants used to commit lots of crime towards the local in Okinawa a while ago. I remember when it was a huge problem. That's what keeps the grudge even today. Also coincidentally in Iwate today, a drunk us soldier left the base which he even shouldnt be doing because of the new covid restrictions, stole a car, and crashed it. The Japanese police can't/won't do anything; and the US military also will just lie and tell the prosecutors that they can't find him. Usually what happens. It's terrible.
It sure looks different than when I was in Okinawa. I was in the Marines in 1966 at Camp Schwab. The village of Honoko was outside our gate. It is on the eastern side of the island across from Nago. Nago was off limits to the military but we went there anyway because the food was really good and cheap. I enjoyed my time while there and Naha looks so modern. Maybe one day I might visit. Looking forward to the next video.
I was a Marine stationed at Futema Air Base for 13 months in 1967. Great duty. Certainly better than Vietnam. I'm sure that if you and I went back today we wouldn't recognize much.
Hahaha 😂. You’re supposed to read it from the right hand side. Koko ni, Gomi wo sutenaide kudasai ( please don’t drop any garbage here).
You got the meaning right, but you started reading from the left.
I enjoy your videos and your politeness. Keep it up bro.
If you come to Tokyo, let’s hang out.
I swear this guy has the best travel channel on RUclips, I haven't found any travel vlogs as authentic, entertaining and educating as his.
Agree
Those were Yakuza spiders... they were sent to watch you because of all the videos referencing the Yakuza.. They are a reminder that the Yakuza are watching... be safe and careful.. those spiders don't play and have orders... LOL
Love the way you explore places not on the usual tourist trail. Best way to meet the people and learn about a country. So great you have a chat where ever you go to and your relaxing personality helps you too. Great channel 👍 👍
You are great. The world without Japan is very lonely.
It is difficult for most people to recognize the danger it is in. It won't be a war with bullets, but civilian soldiers stealthily invading.
Your blog tells a story how that is happening. Thank you. Let's brace for the impact.
You deserve a very large budget from a major tv network to do a round the world travelogue. One day I'd love to see you meet the other YTuber doing pretty much the same thing - Bald and Bankrupt. The two coolest travel guys on YT.
just found your channel 2 days ago, watching from New Zealand
Im Japanese left my home town Osaka 1995
つぎの ビデオ たのしみ に してます
The Ryukyu Kingdom was a kingdom in the Ryukyu Islands from 1429 to 1879. It was ruled as a tributary state of imperial Ming China by the Ryukyuan monarchy, who unified Okinawa Island to end the Sanzan period, and extended the kingdom to the Amami Islands and Sakishima Islands.
I disagree. If it's Mexican, it's American! America does not become as Great, without the overlooked contributions of Mexicans!!! I'm an eighth generation American and as long as my Ancestors have been here, Mexicans have been contributing to the expansion of American Greatness!
I love your vids man. This one was chill, serene. A nice look at Okinawan countryside. I've been to Okinawa twice and love it there.
With all the history and death here I can guarantee you this place is super haunted. I am shocked no paramoral team has gone over there and made some TV series.
me and my dad love watching your videos in japan, keep doing them!
Okinawa if I'm not mistaken was one place that the Chinese influence still remains from centuries ago.
i love watching your videos of japan! it’s nice to show the true everyday scenes that people don’t really care to show. i’ll be looking forward to your next one.
"dropping the atomic weapons...." Controversial?! ^^ One of the biggest crimes in human history...
love how you learn the language to talk to the locals and being friendly. much respect. wish i could learn languages but i still have trouble with english lol!! great content
33:43 I think you better do some research by yourself instead of undoubtedly believing what Chinese and Korean governments say in the media, and why Japan has to expand its military capability and why the US military bases are still there.
So quiet and peaceful. My kind of place.
Marines call it "The Rock". some love it there and others cannot wait to leave. I enjoyed my time there as a Marine, spending time there on deployment in 1984, and again in 1988, and then again for a whole 2 years in 1994. The Okinawan people are very respectful, sincere and genuine. If you have some time on your hand, go visit Kinville and kick it with the Marines and enjoy the night life and try the Yakisoba. Stay away from the Mojo. Hey, a lot of mf Marines on that Island, am I right? lol
1. I share your sentiment on the aesthetics of the cities in Japan. Most of the major cities in Japan had undergone severe air-raids during WWII especially Tokyo. The one good thing that came from this that I can point out is most of our major infrastructure is relatively new, but on the other hand most of the western style buildings/houses/homes are made from really cheap materials and not built to last. (And in my opinion not pretty)
2. Me myself being mixed-race and Japanese American, I also expected not to be welcomed by Okinawans, but I made a lot of connections with Okinawans in and around Tokyo thru work and was surprised, most people genuinely were not like that. On the contrary, most of them, especially older gentlemen in their 50s that were born and raised before Okinawa was returned to Japan and still under US military rule bragged to me that they grew up with an American I.D. and cars drove on the right side of the road and all the 80s American pop culture that they grew up with etc... In my head all I could think of was Danny Larusso. LOL
3. LMAO at the Red Lobster. I wish we could do better.
I am so excited for what else you got in store for us Tommy, I mean, I used to be a キャッチ in my younger years in Japan too. So I was really caught off guard when you did the video on キャバクラ and all that. And yes, most of the night life is ruled by the Yakuza. And yes, I never understood the hype around キャバクラ either! But it's just a part of life, a part of society in Japan because - reasons. Girl's Bar is also just another form of キャバクラ, but more casual. But I love that you were able to highlight the more obscure in terms of media portrayal but nonetheless the strongly present sides of Japan.
Hell man, you already do such a great job, you definitely don't need any recommendations but I'd love to see you check out some of the Brazilian towns in Japan if you're interested. I know that the largest Brazilian population is in Nagoya but you could check out 群馬県大泉町 if you're in the area. (That's where I was at for a bit) I live in Queens, NY now, but I still think about this Peruvian joint called "El Kero" located in a few towns next to 大泉町, in 伊勢崎市 that had the best lomo saltado (yes better than the ones I've had in Queens). And hey, if you're ever in 福島県郡山市, check out 焼き鳥 天ちゃん(Ten-chan). This city used to call itself the "東北のシカゴ" because of the yakuza shootouts that used to go on, but this yakitori joint in particular has a connect with the freshest meats available in Fukushima so if you're in the area, please check it out. Be warned though, the service is known to be rude and it's normally pretty busy but the food is great. My favorite is the とりわさ, which is basically chicken sashimi. Sounds crazy but with some wasabi and soy sauce it is amazing.
P.S. Please excuse the unneeded long post. ちょっと興奮し過ぎちゃいました。とりあえず、ようこそ日本へ！！！
19:00 Kids, don't do drugs. Tommy got a little bored on his walk and spiced things up. Tommy vs Spiders reminds me of my Wife vs Bees. Except tropical mystery spiders carry tropical mystery venom.
I been interested in Japan for ages, started watching some Japanese vids & I have learned so much more from you than I have from Japanese youtubers I have watched. Thank you
that wasn't one of the huge spiders. they get a lot bigger than that here.
there used to be a sabbaros at that "american village". i'm bummed it's gone.
i grew up in jersey close to the city so i miss it, ya know. thanx for the memories yo.