Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad: Book Overview

Have you ever dreamed of living in Japan? Are you curious about what it's really like to immerse yourself in Japanese culture as a foreigner?

In Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad, you'll get an insider's look at life in Japan through the eyes of a British expat. This book takes you on a journey from Broad's early days as an English teacher to his rise as a popular YouTube creator documenting his adventures across the country.

Let's dive into Broad's fascinating experiences and insights as he navigates the challenges and joys of building a life abroad in Japan.

Overview of Abroad in Japan

In Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad, the author shares his journey from uncertainty to success as a British YouTuber immersed in Japan's culture. He navigates the challenges of teaching English in a new environment, with its language barriers and cultural nuances.

As his online presence grows, Broad shifts to creating thoughtful documentaries that explore lesser-known regions and facets of Japan. Through his travels and relationships, he delves into the nation's resilience following natural disasters, the impact of the Fukushima catastrophe, and the chance to collaborate with renowned actor Ken Watanabe—an experience that marks a pinnacle in his career.

Culture Shock and Language Barriers

When Chris Broad first arrived in Japan, he was immediately struck by the stark contrasts between his expectations and reality. Tokyo's vast concrete jungle and chaotic energy were a far cry from the traditional Japanese aesthetics he'd imagined. The city's towering skyscrapers and bright neon signs dwarfed his experiences in London, making him feel both excited and slightly overwhelmed.

As Broad crossed the Rainbow Bridge, he was treated to a breathtaking nighttime view of Tokyo's sprawling cityscape. The sheer scale of the metropolis was awe-inspiring, but it also filled him with a sense of trepidation. Shinjuku, with its cyberpunk-esque atmosphere, neon-lit eateries, and persistent buzz of cicadas, quickly became one of his most memorable first impressions of Japan.

The language barrier proved to be a significant challenge for Broad. In a sushi restaurant, he found himself bombarded with a flurry of greetings he couldn't understand. His British English often caused confusion, as most Japanese people were more familiar with American English. The complexity of the Japanese language, with its multiple writing systems, unique grammatical structures, and thousands of kanji characters, often left him questioning whether he'd ever achieve fluency.

Teaching English in Japan

Chris Broad joined the JET Programme and began teaching at Sakata Senior High School. This role came with its own set of challenges, including building relationships with colleagues and learning over a hundred new names. The English proficiency of the staff varied widely, from near-robotic accuracy to struggles with basic conversation, adding another layer of complexity to his social interactions.

In the classroom, Broad encountered a range of attitudes towards English. Some teachers preferred using languages other than English, while some students hid their language skills to avoid being mocked by peers. He had to adapt his teaching style to engage both apathetic teenagers and enthusiastic adult learners. Throughout his teaching journey, Broad experienced educational mishaps, limiting teaching methods, as well as moments of camaraderie and profound insights.

Despite initial setbacks like getting caught in a blizzard and struggling with the language barrier, Broad's confidence grew incrementally. He learned to creatively manage classroom behavior, build relationships with students like Keita, and navigate the cultural nuances of his workplace and community. This experience was intellectually stimulating and fulfilling, as it involved mastering a new language, adapting to a different educational system, and integrating into a diverse cultural environment.

Youtube Success and Content Creation

Chris Broad's journey from uncertainty to success took an unexpected turn when he began documenting his adventures in Japan on YouTube. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a significant online presence known as the Abroad in Japan channel.

Broad's popularity skyrocketed when he uploaded a video critiquing a unique fast-food item: chocolate-covered fries. The video went viral, garnering a quarter-million views and trending on a popular video-sharing platform. This success even led to live commentary by four American TV presenters. The sudden rise in his channel's popularity not only brought attention to Abroad in Japan but also paved the way for future collaborations, including one with his colleague Ryotaro.

As Broad's channel grew, he focused on creating high-quality, carefully crafted content. His videos, which often garnered over 500,000 views in a single day, ranged from humorous tutorials on English profanity for his Japanese viewers to informative pieces exploring Japan's lesser-known areas and addressing cultural misconceptions.

Showcasing Japan's Hidden Gems

The Abroad in Japan channel became a go-to platform for sharing insights about Japanese culture and highlighting lesser-known regions, particularly Tohoku. Broad's travel videos, documenting his journey through all 47 Japanese prefectures, have amassed an audience of 400 million viewers. He encouraged travelers to venture beyond the popular 'Golden Route' and discover the country's hidden wonders, such as Aomori's morning market or Kitakata's famous ramen shops.

In his documentary Cat Nation, Broad delved into the intricacies of Japanese culture, appealing not only to cat enthusiasts but also to those with a casual interest in Japan. This shift towards more thoughtful, impactful documentaries marked a turning point in Broad's content strategy, moving away from occasional viral hits to create more meaningful projects.

Challenges of Content Creation

Despite his success, Broad faced significant challenges in producing content. The demanding and solitary process of creating the Journey Across Japan series nearly led him to abandon the project. The lengthy editing process and the need to address crucial audience feedback resulted in feelings of exhaustion and dissatisfaction. However, the series' immense popularity and its status as the leading YouTube series about exploring Japan reinforced Broad's commitment to his work.

These experiences motivated Broad to pivot his content strategy. He moved away from a strict content creation schedule to focus on more meaningful projects, creating engaging, detailed narratives about Japan's culture and lifestyle. His involvement in the film about Japan's unique cat culture not only deepened his appreciation for this aspect of Japanese life but also expanded his influence and set the stage for future documentary projects.

Natural Disasters and Community Resilience

In his explorations of Japan, Broad witnessed the profound impact of natural disasters on local communities, particularly the devastation wrought upon the Tohoku region by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. On March 11, 2011, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Tohoku, triggering a massive tsunami that decimated coastal communities and claimed nearly 19,759 lives.

Broad documented the resilience and recovery efforts in the affected areas, highlighting stories of ingenuity and determination that emerged from the Tohoku region. He observed how the region bolstered its economic stability by exporting strawberries and explored the story of Ichiyo Kanno, who continued to run her inn in the face of overwhelming loss and destruction. Broad was struck by the unwavering spirit of the Japanese people, who quickly resumed their professional duties despite the immense challenges they faced.

The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

Broad also delved into the lasting impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which occurred in conjunction with the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. His narrative included a journey to the restricted area and firsthand encounters with disaster survivors. One such experience led him to Hope Farm, a sanctuary run by Masami Yoshizawa, which provided a safe haven for cows that had survived despite government advice to cull them after exposure to contamination.

Broad examined the Japanese government's comprehensive efforts to rehabilitate the area, discussed the challenges faced by displaced individuals, and assessed the significant economic and emotional toll on the multitude of people forced to leave their homes. He shared stories of individuals like a gardener who started a project in the contaminated restricted zone, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to recovery in the face of disaster.

Building Meaningful Connections in Japan

Throughout his time in Japan, Broad formed lasting bonds and adapted to cultural changes, leading to unexpected opportunities. At Sakata Senior High School, he was warmly welcomed by the teaching staff, marking the beginning of important connections. Umetsu sensei, fluent in English, engaged in friendly discussions with Broad about shared interests like music, offering matcha green tea as a gesture of mutual respect and openness.

Another influential figure, Roy, helped Broad adapt to his role as an English instructor. Broad also established a habit of participating in after-work social events with colleagues, a common practice in Japanese work culture aimed at fostering relationships. In Sakata, he developed significant connections with people like his mentor Kengo, who played a crucial role in developing his Japanese language skills, and unique characters like Natsuki, who stood out for his individuality in a culture that generally values conformity.

Mentorship and Personal Growth

Broad's relationship with his mentors, particularly Kengo, deepened over time. When Kengo retired and moved to Tokyo, Broad felt a profound sense of loss, but their friendship endured despite the distance. At a later gathering, Broad reconnected with Naoko sensei, nurturing a relationship that proved mutually beneficial in their careers.

Itou sensei provided crucial mentorship and support to Broad as he prepared for an oratorical competition. Broad's victory in the competition, fueled by his mentor's encouraging advice, represented his personal growth and seamless integration into the social environment. These experiences not only helped Broad adapt to life in Japan but also contributed to his personal and professional development.

Collaborating With Ken Watanabe

One of Broad's most significant achievements was his collaboration with renowned Japanese actor Ken Watanabe. This goal had been a long-standing ambition for Broad, often discussed with his friends Natsuki and Ryotaro. When Broad finally reached his long-anticipated destination, he was enveloped by an unexpected feeling of recognition at Ken's café.

The excitement of the customers and staff when Ken returned to the café highlighted the actor's significant impact and charm. Despite feeling nervous, Broad dedicated a week to an intensive partnership with Ken. This experience profoundly shaped Broad's life story and affirmed the deep impact that Ken Watanabe had on his journey.

A Dream Realized

Broad deeply valued his collaboration with Ken Watanabe, particularly their time together in Kesennuma. This experience allowed Broad to witness firsthand the actor's genuine dedication to rejuvenating the community. Ken reflected on how the once peaceful town had evolved into a hive of activity, underscoring the significant impact of collective efforts.

For Broad, working with someone who had profoundly influenced his aspirations felt surreal, comparable to the dream-within-a-dream concept from the movie "Inception." This collaboration marked a significant turning point and an exceptionally gratifying peak in Broad's professional life, representing the culmination of his journey from an uncertain English teacher to a successful YouTuber and documentarian in Japan.