What I'll Never Understand About Japan 

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Natsuki and Ryotaro united at last! What more could you want from a video? For the next few weeks Abroad in Japan videos are going old school; which basically means it's just me in a room eating cup noodles. But do any of you share my childhood fear? And do you want to see Natsuki quit smoking?! Let me know in the comments. And don't forget to check out the new Abroad in Japan website and steal some soundbites from the soundboard! Enjoy! (www.abroadinjapan.com/) Stay safe guys

"No one could ever bring himself to kill Natsuki" 2 minutes later, Natsuki dies.

When I visited Japan, my hotel room had a soap dispenser labelled "Soup" Suffice to say, it did not taste like soup.

My favorite crazy Engrish in Japan is from when I went to a mountain in Kobe, and there was a sign for some kind of show. There was a note that was trying to say that when there is bad weather, the show will be canceled. But the sign just said "The weather stops."

Helping Natsuki to defeat his addiction is the greatest thing a friend could ask for...

I think at this point japan is just trolling us with their "engrish" because they know we love it soo much.

"I don't think anyone could kill Natsuki." *Ryotoro kills Natsuki

You're not alone. E.T. was scary as fuq to me growing up. That scene in the field, where he is screaming at the kid wrecked my sleep for years.

A bit late to the posting here, but I just watched this and it hit home! My name is also Chris and I was afraid of ET all of my very early childhood. When I was very young my Mom hung a poster of ET on the wall near the entrance to my room...Every night for 2 years I slept in fear, frozen in place, scared to look away from the wall.. I can still remember it vividly... damn ET. One random beautiful day I came to the realization that I had the power to take the poster down... so I ripped that sucker down and life drastically changed (not even exaggerating!). So, ET is an evil ugly bastard... but I owe his demon-looking ass for helping realize I have the power to make changes in my life lol.

I quit smoking and it was hell but so worth it in the end, 7 years clear turning sixty two in 6 days.

I used to smoke for 17 years, and I was addicted to it. That breakfast that Natsuki enjoys is called a "Fisherman's Breakfast", and it is every smoker's breakfast. Smoking suppresses hunger, so it would obviously replace actual food for breakfast. I also used to smoke as much as Natsuki, roughly. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I just woke up one day and said that I'm done smoking. However, you can't force a person to quit, because they will get pissed off, and they will resist quitting more. I certainly did. It is tough, man, but it's a decision that needs to be made by Natsuki. A couple of things that helped me: - Don't drink coffee or alcohol for about a month (both lead to temptation of smoking) - Replace smoking with another activity (I replaced smoking with exercise) - Keep your hands busy. Half of the anxiety that comes with quitting is that you need something to do with your hands. - Don't make a big deal out of quitting (the more you focus on it, the more you crave). I had actually forgotten how long ago I had quit, but apparently I'm on my 8th month. Woohoo! - Never say "I'll just have one". We all know what that means with booze, so it's obviously the same with smoking. One is never just one. - And, lastly, avoid social gatherings for a while. They generally tempt you into smoking, as well. Natsuki, if you want to quit, these are some things that helped me overcome an addiction that I thought I never would. I know that you can beat it, bud :) (if you want to, of course)

Couldn't agree more about E.T. I always found him scary and creepy. The part where Elliot is wandering around the field at night with a flashlight and suddenly shines it on a frightened, screaming E.T.'s face was one of the most chilling moments of my childhood. And the way you can see his glowing heart thumping in his chest like the ghost bride from the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland? That's supposed to be cute? **Shudder**

I lived in Shibuya for about three years and totally fell in love with Japan and the Japanese people. I’ve enjoyed binge-watching your witty and entertaining videos, which bring back great memories. Thanks and hope you’re doing well.

"Has high functionality" Proceeds to spill a cup of instant noodles on the floor. Yup, high functionality.

I'd like to see two new segments: 1. Chris saves Natsuki from lung cancer: Journey across addiction. 2. Jun saves Chris from high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke: Journey across learning a basic skill everyone should know.

I started watching this channel before covid, forgot about it and today it came back up. I’m happy that you are healthy and doing well. Super excited to go back to your content and after over a year of being indoors to reinvigorate my desire to one day travel to japan. Thank you for all the insightful info and entertaining content 👍🏼💯.

that E.T. stuff made my day. thx man i am with you

My girlfriend just screamed with joy when she realised she is not the only one terrified of ET, you are the first person who has ever mentioned it.

I don't know, a Ryotaro movie might be interesting. He's seems well dressed, well connected, and introduces you to new cuisine all the time. If I was going to Japan I would definitely want a friend or a guide like him.

Love your channel! Your candid humorous information is the best.

Yes! finally someone gets me! I was afraid of e.t. when I was a child and nobody else understood why lol.

Natsuki: Just is Delicious. Chris: Justice Delicious? Natsuki: Just is Delicious. Chris:That makes no sense.

This video was created with high functionality.

I love how he said that Q&A vids don't do well and this one did insanely well.

I mean, my dad had a sticker of ET on his guitar case and it creeped me out so much. I'm still a bit scared of him now and I'm a 35 year old FIREMAN 😂

I love how, in spite of Yamamoto-san clearly working through a tenuous grasp of the English language, he still managed to get "it's" and "you're" correct. He is officially a better English writer than 90% of the people in my social circle.

Those transitions into comment and hate mail of the week are so nostalgic. Its crazy to me that I was watching your videos and dreaming of Japan almost 5 years ago. Now I'm living in Japan myself. Thanks bruv.

ET scared the crap out of me when I was a child as well. You're not alone.

4:20 This is the best thing I've ever heard in my life. The voice really did it for me.

"These episodes just don't do that well" *1.4 million views and 4x the like goal later*

I've been terrified of ET since a young child also. It was made even worse when I was made go on the ET ride in Florida universal studios 4 years ago. I had a full blown panic attack and remain traumatized. You are not alone Chris. God help us.

You are not alone. I was terrified of the dark up until midway through high-school, all because I watched et as a young child. I had frequent nightmares about it for years, it made it hard to get a good night of sleep in.

Thanks for the tip on the soundboard. I've gone over and shanghaied a good number of them for my stream deck. Cheers!

I was actually scared of ET as a kid. There was this toy my parents had got us that was creepy as hell. You're not alone!

"Bucket of dried sodium" is the realist thing I've heard all day.

2:24, lovely, you made me laugh a lot with everything on that little segment. Wonderful :D

TIP: If you ever have to use a squat toilet for number 2s, don't squat for say longer than 3 minutes, because your legs will seize up and it will take you 5 minutes to stand up again.

I haven't watched Natsuki: The Movie, but seeing his face in the clip you showed of him talking about his breakfast of coffee and cigarettes, he did not look happy about it, and I honestly felt sadness for him. I think if you did your documentary and it helped him with his addiction, it could be the greatest thing anyone could do for a friend. So I vote DO IT!

not gonna lie, that Natsuki v Ryotaro battle was more epic than the final Avengers Endgame scene 🤯

i watched a few of your vids now, and this one got me to subscribe to your channel.

Just discovered your channel! You're a journalist, comedian and storyteller all in one. The videos are amazing..... insightful and amusing. I don't see myself ever visiting Japan, but you make an endearing case for it. Thanks again for your time. P.S Is Godzilla/giant monster attack insurance a real thing over there? I read somewhere it is. Just curious.

E.T. is definitely a monster, just imagine the phone bill when he phones home.

I am now going to do something here, that I have always hated when other people did 🤣 Dear Natsuki. I am an old smoker. I smoked 40 cigarets a day for 20 years, and before that I smoked between 20 and 30 a day for 23 years. I started smoking at the tender age of 12. Last year on Christmas eve I decided enough is enough. I put out my cigaret and threw away the rest of the packet. I have not smoked since. Still get these pangs where I look for a cigaret and it is HARD. But most of the time I do not think about it. In my life I have tried many, many times to stop. But I never succeeded. I believe you need to be ready for it to work. It does not matter if your friends and familie are ready for you to stop, If YOU are not. How do you know, you are ready then? I do not have the faintest idea. All I can say is this, if and when you think. "I want to stop". Go for it. Maybe you are ready, maybe not. But at least your body will benefit from the days you succeeded in not smoking, or smoking less. It wont hurt. And one day, you may just hit the right moment like I did. And then you are a former smoker. Good luck and stay safe

Dude...I am right there with you on the ET thing!

ngl .. ET did creep me tf out the first few times i watched it .. you are not alone

I never really thought Chris didn't know how to cook, I've always seen him as a high functionality person

5:13 Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5, Misoshiru soup has lots of it.

After watching several of your videos, Subscribed! I enjoy your vids. 5/5

Make the movie, Chris! Natsuki: Marlboro-man! In all seriousness, thanks for your channel and it’s content. Always uplifting and entertaining.

Ryotaro and natsuki fighting is like two series you wouldn't think would ever collaborate

Chris really getting his money’s worth out of those stock footage clips! Congratulations! Chris truly “has high functionality”!!!!!

I enjoy your vids...a nice balance of intelligence, information, and humor. I will also say I've been a huge Monty Python fan for most of my life and your appearance and humor makes me think of Terry Jones.

Love the show so entertaining🍜

"I don't think anybody could ever bring themselves to kill Natsuki" I would love to see Risottoro's reaction to such lovely comment from such a good friend.

I would love to see a movie on Natsuki's struggle with smoking, especially if there's some real educational value.

dude I love you, you always crack me up

I have always been unsettled when it came to the sick E.T. scene and I still can't really watch it. So thank you for that jumpscare, but at least you are not alone.

"No amount of fish and chips and Harry Potter can get you this apartment, go away." Amazing.

ET is the creepiest most disgusting thing I ever had the misfortune to see. Terrifying. You're not alone Chris

def do another of these

During my childhood I was absolutely terrified of puppets especially the howdy doody puppet. Still gives me shivers

I bought a nylon arm warmer from Dondonki in shibuya that said "If you stay clam, life get more better.". I guess my life didn't get better because I wasn't a clam.

My Dad found the perfect apartment in Tokyo, but they would not rent it to him because he was a foreigner. We ended up living in another one that worked out well.

This had me laughing so hard!!! Thanks for the great videos!!

You reminded me more of Terry Jones, and I found it endearing to think Terry moved to Japan.

Police: "What are you doing outside? The city is on lockdown!" Chris: "Sorry, I ran out of FamilyMart fried chicken." Police: "Oh sorry of course that's no problem then. I couldn't quite read the packaging from here. Enjoy your meal."

#askaroad

Only just got around to watching this video (new fan) and I just wanted to say that I am also terrified of E.T. So much in fact that the images of E.T in this video legitimately scared the shit out of me. So thanks for that 😂

I somehow knew that you'd say E.T. and I had to minimize the video. Still scared of him. Years later I learned that basically a horror/sci-fi script called "Night Skies" was floating around Hollywood. And it eventually served as the basis for E.T. and Poltergeist. Since then I'm no longer ashamed about finding E.T. scary.

One of the essentials of a Japanese quarantine: FamilyMart fried chicken

As someone who lost their mother a almost 2 months ago to lung cancer from being a smoker of 47 years, if we it could get Natsuki to quit smoking, that would be wondrous.

Thank you for mentioning the death metal bar.

I've been afraid of ET forever also! I never thought anybody else was afraid of him either. I am so glad that you had the courage to admit that thank you Chris!!!

Can relate on the ET. I was gifted an ET doll as a child one Christmas with a voice box that played his famous quotes from the movie. Complete with red cape and everything. The voice box would just never die, there was no visible off button either if I remember, or battery bit. I developed such a fear of this doll that my parents put it in the cupboard where it would wake me up a few times with a muffled ‘eeee....teeeee phone home’. I don’t know where it went - I was six at the time but I hope it stays away..

To be fair, Creamy Dreams is a far worse thing to have on there...

You're not alone. E.T. scared the piss out of me for a long time!

I support your preset too!

"Bucket of dried sodium" is likely the most accurate thing I've ever heard. Nothing like a flavour-style sachet of monosodium glutamate to boost morale.

Are we sure he did not mean to say "Just is delicious" instead of "justice delicious"? The latter one sounds more fun though xD

I want that shirt so bad, lol. Put it on your merch site Chris!

I totally understand about E.T.! Thought about it and you said it, hahah, your not the only one.

Make the movie, let's make him stop smoking. He's a multinational treasure and we have to protect him!!!

When you started talking about the children’s character that used to scare you I immediately thought “ET, please say ET” and then you did and I lost it. I was terrified of ET as a child. I used to lie in bed afraid that his head would appear from around the door frame. I don’t know what I was afraid of him doing, but goddamn he was terrifying. And I truly never understood why none of my friends were terrified of him too.

Finding out you had that sound board and spamming as many as I could quickly was great fun lol

Glad to finally see Risottoro and Natsuki in the same video, sadly it had to be a fight where evil wins

"No one could ever bring himself to kill Natsuki" Agreed. He's like a big brother we all need.

Natsuki's too much of a cinnamon roll to ever win in a duel versus Ryotaro, who we all know is still planning Chris's untimely demise as we all speak.

yep its may time for the QnA section

Finally someone else who gets it. For a long long time after I watched E.T. I had to check in all the cabinets every time I went to the bathroom at night to check if E.T. was hiding in there and would jump scare me. It was so scaryyy!

"I don't think anyone could bring themselves to kill Natsuki." ... Sees that last clip. Uhhh, except for Ryotaro, apparently.

"High functionality" proceeds to eat ramen with chopsticks upside down

I'm right there with you with ET. That movie freaked me out as a child.. That cornfield scene, ugh!

Watching your channel brings up such a strange mix of emotions for me. I love your channel, the quality is fantastic, your humour is on point, and you teach me about a place that I have always been curious about. However, it's bittersweet because you remind me of one of the best friends I've ever had, a British dude from London, who now lives in Singapore and for the most part we have lost touch. Maybe this series will inspire me to make my way to Asia and reunite with my long lost friend. Love from Canada, Zach

ET was definitely horrifying. Especially the scene at the end when he was all sick and white. Scarred me as a child! Did not like the movie.

Fun fact: as an adult I still find E.T way more scary than almost anything else

Very cool Dave in Japan

7:30 I'm sure this man is enjoying his time in Russia now.

I still contend that he's saying "Just is delicious". Describe it in one word,,, that one word is 'delicious'. It JUST IS DELICIOUS.

I just noticed this, but E.T.'s head looks like an earbud. Now that is scary.

No, you are not alone! My brother ran out of the cinema as he watched E.T. because he was terrified