Abroad in Japan YouTube: From Teacher to Star
Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful YouTube channel about life in a foreign country? How does someone go from teaching English abroad to becoming a YouTube sensation?
In his book Abroad in Japan, Chris Broad shares his journey from English teacher to creator of the popular "Abroad in Japan" YouTube channel. You'll discover the challenges he faced, the content that propelled him to success, and the impact his work has had on showcasing Japanese culture.
Join us as we explore Chris's fascinating transformation and learn how his "Abroad in Japan" YouTube channel became a bridge between cultures.
From English Teacher to Youtube Star
Have you ever dreamed of turning your passion for travel and culture into a successful YouTube channel? That's exactly what Chris Broad did with his "Abroad in Japan" YouTube channel. Let's dive into his journey from English teacher to YouTube sensation, and explore how he built one of the most popular channels about life in Japan.
Finding His Footing in a New Culture
When Chris first arrived in Japan, he was overwhelmed by the stark differences between his expectations and reality. Tokyo's vast concrete jungle and chaotic energy were a far cry from the traditional Japanese aesthetics he had imagined. As he crossed the Rainbow Bridge, the sheer magnitude of the city's nighttime landscape left him both excited and slightly apprehensive.
Chris's early days in Japan were marked by struggles with the language barrier. Even simple tasks like ordering at a sushi restaurant became challenging adventures. The complexity of Japanese, with its multiple writing systems and unique grammar, often left him questioning whether he'd ever achieve fluency.
From Classroom to Camera
Chris's journey in Japan began as an English teacher through the JET Programme. He was tasked with improving language instruction at Sakata Senior High School, which meant building relationships with colleagues and learning over a hundred new names. The varying levels of English proficiency among staff members added another layer of complexity to his social interactions.
As he navigated the educational landscape, Chris faced numerous challenges. From getting caught in a blizzard to managing classroom behavior, each experience helped build his confidence. He found creative ways to engage his students and slowly began to feel more at home in his new environment.
The Birth of "abroad in Japan"
Chris's YouTube journey started as a hobby, but it quickly grew into something much bigger. His channel, "Abroad in Japan," gained traction when he posted a video reviewing an unusual fast-food item: chocolate-covered fries. The video went viral, garnering a quarter-million views and even catching the attention of American TV presenters.
This early success laid the foundation for future collaborations and inspired Chris to create more content. He began producing a wide range of videos, from humorous English profanity tutorials for his Japanese viewers to informative pieces about Japan's lesser-known areas.
Showcasing Hidden Japan
As "Abroad in Japan" grew, it became a go-to platform for sharing insights about Japanese culture and highlighting off-the-beaten-path destinations. Chris's travel videos, documenting his journey through all 47 Japanese prefectures, have amassed an impressive 400 million views. He encourages viewers to venture beyond the typical tourist spots and explore hidden gems like Aomori's morning market or Kitakata's famous ramen shops.
One of Chris's most notable projects was the documentary "Cat Nation," which delves into the intricacies of Japan's cat-loving culture. This film not only appealed to feline enthusiasts but also attracted viewers with a casual interest in Japanese culture.
The Challenges of Content Creation
Creating content for YouTube isn't always smooth sailing. Chris faced burnout while producing his "Journey Across Japan" series, nearly abandoning the project due to the grueling editing process and the pressure to respond to audience feedback. Despite these challenges, the series became the leading YouTube series about exploring Japan, reinforcing Chris's commitment to his work.
Evolving Content and Impact
The success and challenges of his YouTube journey prompted Chris to shift his content strategy. He moved away from chasing viral hits and instead focused on creating more impactful, thoughtful documentaries. This pivot allowed him to craft engaging, detailed narratives about Japan's culture and lifestyle.
Chris's work has had a significant impact, particularly in showcasing the Tohoku region and its recovery efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. His videos have highlighted stories of resilience and innovation, such as the region's strawberry exports and the determination of individuals like Ichiyo Kanno, who continued to run her inn despite the devastation.
A Dream Collaboration
One of Chris's long-held ambitions was to collaborate with renowned Japanese actor Ken Watanabe. This dream finally came true, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Working with Ken in Kesennuma allowed Chris to witness firsthand the actor's genuine dedication to community revitalization.
The experience of partnering with someone who had significantly influenced his aspirations felt surreal to Chris. He likened it to the dream-within-a-dream concept from the movie Inception, underscoring just how meaningful this collaboration was for him.
Building Lasting Connections
Throughout his journey, Chris has formed deep and lasting relationships with people across Japan. From his early days in Sakata, where colleagues like Umetsu sensei and Roy helped him adjust to his new role, to mentors like Kengo who shaped his Japanese language skills, these connections have been integral to his success.
These relationships extend beyond mere acquaintances. Chris has developed genuine friendships, engaging in deep discussions about life and dreams with individuals like Natsuki, known for his individualism in a culture that often values conformity.
By sharing his experiences and the stories of those he's met along the way, Chris has not only built a successful YouTube channel but also created a bridge between cultures. "Abroad in Japan" offers viewers a unique perspective on life in Japan, showcasing both the challenges and the joys of immersing oneself in a new culture.