Abroad in Japan: The No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller

I don't if it was our similar sense of humour, or his spectacular storytelling, or perhaps his ever present ability to be in the right place at the right time, exploring an island of mystery and intrigue, but everything was so captivating and heart-warming, like I was right there living through the experiences page by page. I have followed the Abroad in Japan YouTube channel for quite a while, always being captivated in an envious way as Chirs explores Japan's hidden gems, eats it's delightful cuisine, and meets it's uniquely interesting residents. I've also enjoyed his serious appreciation for Japan's struggles and the ever changing landscape of an island that was once far removed from the outside world. When I heard he was writing a book detailing his long ten years in the Land of the Rising Sun, I was beyond delighted, and when at last it went out for pre-order I didn't even question handing over my money for the hardback. Whether you know of Chirs and his YouTube channel, or are just mesmerised by the tenured history and cultural revelations of Japan, this book is worth every minute of your time. You will laugh at his humour, be warmed by his encounters, but above all will come to understand the possibility of the impossible. A well written book of memories, wrtitten by a man of inspirational quality.

I’m giving 4 stars because it’s a fun, easy to read and openly honest approach to life in Japan which was highly enjoyable and certain parts are quite funny, but I felt it could have been better!. The author himself sounds very much like me, anxious about certain situations, especially new situations but embracing them as they happen and seeing what happens, albeit with a nudge from people who want to help him. The first half for me is the best part, we learn about his time travelling to Japan, his insights and fears and how he manages to adapt to school life as an English teacher educating Japanese children how to speak the language. I really did love this part, especially his thoughts on the teachers he worked with and his frustrations with the material he was working with to help them learn English. I really got the sense he wanted to help them as much as he could. There are various parts of the book where he travels to numerous other places in Japan, which are short but insightful however it won’t appeal to those who want details about Japan as a whole or specific areas. The second part for me is where it drops off a little, and there seems to be a disconnect between the 2 parts. The first part is very slow, detailed and analytical, the second seems rushed and focused on a huge amount of time in a short space. His life changes and he luckily hits the jackpot with his YouTube channel which seems to now be his main source of income thanks to videos uploaded regarding certain situations mentioned in the book, and rightfully so, he’s worked hard on his channel which is growing daily but I can understand frustrations from readers of the book who may interpret it as bragging about how many views or likes he gets, although I don’t think this is the authors intent at all. There was a brief mention of the 2011 earthquake which I wanted to hear more about which is spoken in more detail towards the end of the book although there is a very poorly worded sentence in that chapter I picked up on that didn’t feel right and would no doubt offend a lot of people. I feel overall it was a great book and considering it’s not a book I’d usually pick up I really enjoyed reading it and wished it was longer to learn more. I’ve never considered going to Japan at all in my life, after reading this, I’m almost tempted to go !

A birthday pressie from a friend and had been keen to read it since reading about it when published in 2023 Love travel books and the blurb for this sounded good It was better, written like a mate talking to you about their life it was page after page of fascinating real life happenings from the guy who went to Japan to help teach English in Japanese schools to now having 2.5 million followers on YouTube where he ( still ) posts under the ‘Abroad In Japan’ name From arriving in Tokyo and being in awe and then wondering what he had let himself in for as he travelled to the North, to his moving into a flat the size of a cell and to being one of the only witnesses to a North Korean missile launch over Japan ( his video of this set him to YouTube stardom ) the book is packed full of real life fascinating experiences, told with humour ( often self effacing ) and joy, you could tell just how much he was enjoying everything Full of insights into Japanese culture and intricacies pretty much all of the lifestyle that makes Japan so unique is looked at Will be looking up the vids and would have to say this is one of my fav travel books ever read

Being a fan of Chris's work on the Abroad In Japan channel I couldn't wait to read this book after he mentioned that he was writing it. Going in I was expecting all that usual sarcasm and hilarity and of course Chris delivers that in spades however what he does do is completely engage the reader on a personal basis giving them a feeling as if he was in the very room telling you of his experiences. The highs and lows he shares are thought provoking and deeply emotional, showing us that there's more to the land of the rising sun than what tourists and travel shows tell you. Being a person who has always wanted to teach English in Japan I found it enlightening to hear about his teaching experience and the trials he faced and still faces as a foreigner as well as the pain and suffering he went through to get to where he is now. This is a phenomenal piece of writing! Chris draws the reader in and before you know it time has flown by and so have the chapters! You can really tell that his heart and soul was poured into this. Highly recommended! An incredible book from an incredible YouTuber!

I am planning a trip to Japan next year with the family. This book made me realise that relocating to Japan for a couple of years might be a better idea.

It's really pleasant to read, the author knows how to tell a good story and on almost every chapter I find myself laughing and enjoying.

Interesting book by Chris broad the youtuber. Has explained his experience of japan well with an insider look.

If you’re a fan of Chris’ YouTube content, you’re going to love this book. I must admit that I’m not much of a reader, but I want to keep reading!

Been subscribe to his youtube for ages as I enjoy his humor and videography. This book does not disappoint, you get to know more about the Chris and his time spent in Japan. It’s a fun and easy ready.