If you're thinking of going to Japan or have been before, this book is for you. Interesting, witty, well observed and well written. Made me laugh a few times, and made me want to visit Japan again nearly every chapter
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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 !
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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
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This book is an absolute gem for anyone curious about Japan! The author’s humor, wit, and deep appreciation for Japanese culture shine through on every page. It’s both informative and entertaining, making you feel like you’re experiencing Japan right alongside him. The mix of personal stories, cultural insights, and quirky adventures kept me hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just want to learn more about the country, this book is a fantastic companion. Highly recommend!
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"Abroad in Japan" offers a unique and humorous perspective on life in Japan through the eyes of Chris Broad. The first half of the book is particularly engaging, detailing Chris's initial experiences and struggles as an English teacher in a rural Japanese village. His honest reflections and humorous anecdotes make this section highly enjoyable. However, the second half of the book feels somewhat disjointed and rushed. The narrative shifts abruptly to his success as a YouTuber, which, while impressive, comes across as a bit self-promotional. I would have preferred more in-depth exploration of his experiences rather than a focus on his online fame. Additionally, while the book is filled with interesting insights into Japanese culture, some sections lack the depth that could have made them more compelling. There are also a few instances of awkward phrasing, particularly in the chapter about the 2011 earthquake, which could be sensitive to some readers. Overall, it's an entertaining read with plenty of humor and cultural observations, but it could have been more cohesive and detailed. If you're curious about Japan and enjoy a light-hearted narrative, it's worth picking up.
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Really interesting and at times funny book, about an expat in Japan. I really enjoyed the first half, but after he moves away it becomes less focused and enjoyable.
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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.
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My boyfriend actually watches his YouTube Channel and bought his book recently, I’ve seen a couple of videos but wasn’t an avid watcher like my him. I do love reading, though, so I picked up his book and in between buying it myself on Audible and listening on my drives to and from work, and switching to the physical book when I could, I found it extremely entertaining. Very easy to follow, as well! Even though I mostly listened to the book, I found it very easy to recognize the names and cities he mentioned in the physical book as well, it’s very well written, sarcastic and witty. Highly recommend! Will be binge watching his YouTube channel now!
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Even if you’ve watched all Chris’s YouTube videos , you’ll still enjoy this book. A great picture into moving to Japan and the funny and touching things that happened along the way. Chris is a good storyteller, and the book gives you a real insight into the risks and chances he took to push himself to become more outgoing, adventurous, and up his YouTube skills until he saw the success he currently has. Good job Chris! I’ve enjoyed your videos from the beginning.
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This book about Chris's adventure from Londo to Japan and the time he is spending there is just a great story to read and have a lot of funny moments
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Wer den Abroad in Japan Channel auf Youtube mag, wird diese Buch auch sehr mögen. Viele der erzählten Geschichten kannte ich schon vom YT Channel, die hier aber noch etwas genauer erzählt werden. Es macht Spaß die im Buch zu lesen und sich danach nochmal das entsprechende Video anzuschauen. Einige ältere, die ich vorher nicht gesehen habe, habe ich mir dann auch noch angeguckt und viele Sachen werden beschrieben, die so auf dem YT Kanal nicht gezeigt werden. Hoffe Chris und seine Freunde werden noch viele Videos über Japan machen und dass dann noch ein 2. Buch folgt. ブロドさんありがとうございました！
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