Abroad in Japan

1. Embracing the Unknown: A British Teacher's Journey to Rural Japan

"As I stepped out of the terminal and into the oven-baked afternoon, I was appalled that the air could be so despicably humid; each breath was like inhaling a mouthful of steam."

Culture shock begins: Chris Broad's journey to Japan as part of the JET program starts with immediate sensory overload. The intense humidity, vastly different landscape, and overwhelming scale of Tokyo mark the beginning of his adventure.

Rural destination: Despite initial expectations of city life, Chris is assigned to Sakata, a small town in Yamagata prefecture. This placement in rural Japan offers a unique perspective on the country, far from the stereotypical images of neon-lit metropolises.

Anticipation and anxiety: As Chris prepares for his new life, he grapples with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The prospect of living in a foreign country where he doesn't speak the language presents both challenges and opportunities for personal growth.

2. Overcoming Language Barriers and Cultural Shock in Sakata

"I'd started to overanalyse the excessively positive tone of my letter. Perhaps it was little more than a ruse to sugarcoat the uncomfortable truth that I was off to Japan's worst region."

Language struggles: Chris faces significant challenges in communicating with locals and colleagues due to his limited Japanese skills. This language barrier leads to frequent misunderstandings and comical situations.

Cultural differences: The author encounters numerous cultural differences, from the emphasis on group harmony to the intricacies of Japanese etiquette. These differences often lead to awkward situations but also provide opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Adapting to rural life: Living in Sakata requires adjusting to a slower pace of life, different social norms, and unfamiliar surroundings. Chris gradually learns to navigate these challenges, finding beauty and interest in the rural Japanese lifestyle.

3. The Challenges and Rewards of Teaching English in Japan

"I'd noticed when chatting with certain teachers that they'd suddenly begin to whisper when revealing their holiday plans. They'd hoped to keep their travel plans a secret, saving the hassle and obligation of bringing back a box of biscuits that would be dispersed across a gargantuan staffroom without so much as a thank you."

Classroom experiences: Chris details his experiences teaching English to Japanese students, highlighting the differences in educational approaches between Japan and the West. He encounters both enthusiastic learners and disinterested students, learning to adapt his teaching style accordingly.

Colleague relationships: Navigating relationships with Japanese colleagues proves challenging, with cultural and language barriers often leading to misunderstandings. However, these relationships also provide valuable insights into Japanese work culture and social norms.

Personal growth: Through his teaching experiences, Chris develops confidence in public speaking, improves his Japanese language skills, and gains a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and society.

4. Exploring Japanese Cuisine: From Convenience Stores to Local Delicacies

"Ramen is often regarded as one of Japan's most photogenic dishes, due to its mixture of brightly coloured ingredients, from the orange sliced egg and green nori to the yellow noodles and glistening fat on the braised pork. Shinzan's ramen, however, looked more like an oil spill."

Convenience store cuisine: Chris discovers the unexpected quality and variety of Japanese convenience store food, from onigiri rice balls to fried chicken.

Local specialties: The author explores regional dishes such as:

• Gyutan (beef tongue) in Sendai
• Yamagata cherries
• Fresh seafood in coastal towns

Culinary adventures: Chris participates in various food-related experiences, including:

• Visiting cat cafes
• Trying unusual items like "cat wine"
• Sampling luxury fruits and expensive melons

5. Building Friendships and Navigating Relationships in a Foreign Culture

"Natsuki was one of the few people I'd met who seemed like an absolute anomaly. The pressure to blend in was keenly felt in Japan and, despite what travel documentaries might suggest, it was not often that you'd come across such a large and singular personality."

Friendship with Natsuki: Chris forms a close bond with Natsuki, an eccentric local who becomes a key figure in his life in Japan. This friendship provides both cultural insights and comic relief throughout his journey.

Dating in Japan: The author experiences the challenges of cross-cultural dating, including:

• Differing expectations about relationship progression
• Meeting potential in-laws
• Navigating cultural differences in communication styles

Community integration: Over time, Chris becomes more integrated into the local community, participating in events, volunteering, and forming relationships with various locals. This integration helps him feel more at home in Japan and provides a deeper understanding of the culture.

6. The Impact of Natural Disasters and Geopolitical Tensions on Daily Life

"To say I was shocked and disorientated would be an understatement. I'd jolted awake so suddenly that my body was trembling and my heart was racing to the point where I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

North Korean missile crisis: Chris experiences firsthand the tension caused by North Korea's missile tests, including being woken by an air raid siren. This event leads to unexpected viral fame and media attention.

2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami: Though occurring before his arrival, the aftermath of this disaster significantly impacts Chris's experiences in Japan. He witnesses:

• Ongoing reconstruction efforts
• The resilience of affected communities
• The long-lasting economic and social effects of the disaster

Living with uncertainty: The author learns to cope with the ongoing threat of natural disasters and geopolitical tensions, gaining a new perspective on resilience and adaptability.

7. From English Teacher to YouTube Sensation: The Birth of Abroad in Japan

"I'd started to wonder if I'd just been posted to Japan's most decrepit city. But each time this feeling of disappointment arose it was immediately washed away by the sight of an immaculately curated bonsai tree, a bright red torii nestled in front of a shrine or a trendy-looking izakaya restaurant branded with striking kanji characters."

YouTube beginnings: Chris starts making videos about his life in Japan, initially as a way to document his experiences. These early videos, often focusing on quirky aspects of Japanese culture, gain unexpected popularity.

Channel growth: The Abroad in Japan channel experiences rapid growth, leading to:

• Opportunities for travel and unique experiences across Japan
• Collaborations with other content creators and even celebrities
• A growing international audience interested in Japanese culture

Balancing act: As the channel grows, Chris faces challenges in balancing his teaching career with his growing online presence. Eventually, he transitions to full-time content creation, opening up new possibilities for exploring and documenting Japan.

8. Documenting Japan's Recovery: Tohoku's Resilience After the 2011 Tsunami

"But for a generation of locals living amid the ruins of the Pacific coastline, the damage cut far deeper than economic losses. Almost everyone had been affected or knew somebody who'd suffered the loss of a loved one."

Tohoku's recovery: Chris creates a documentary showcasing the region's recovery efforts, highlighting:

• Innovative business initiatives in affected areas
• The resilience and determination of local communities
• Ongoing challenges faced by survivors

Personal stories: The documentary features powerful personal accounts from survivors, including Ichiyo Kanno, who lost family members but continues to run her inn and inspire others.

Impact of documentation: Through his work, Chris helps bring attention to the often-overlooked Tohoku region, encouraging tourism and support for local businesses.

9. The Highs and Lows of Internet Fame and Celebrity Encounters in Japan

"Everything was going wrong. On paper, I'd just completed the adventure of a lifetime, cycling for forty-six days straight, covering 2,000 kilometres across Japan, and vlogging the entire journey."

Viral success: Chris experiences unexpected viral fame due to his North Korean missile alert video, leading to media appearances and recognition.

Celebrity encounters: The author has the opportunity to meet and document the lives of Japanese celebrities, including rock star Hyde.

Pressures of fame: Chris faces challenges associated with his growing popularity, including:

• Pressure to consistently produce high-quality content
• Dealing with online criticism and backlash
• Balancing personal life with public persona

The journey from English teacher to YouTube personality brings both exciting opportunities and new pressures, forcing Chris to adapt and grow in unexpected ways.

Last updated: October 18, 2024