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Independent filmmaker Chris Broad brings you his multi-award winning YouTube channel Abroad In Japan in podcast form. Aided by broadcaster Pete Donaldson, they bring you a taste of life in the most unique country in the world, from great cuisine to capsule hotels, current events and tips on how to spend your time there. Abroad in Japan is the podcast devoted to the most unique country in the world. Subscribe for new podcasts twice a week, every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Japanese authorities are investigating officials in the city of Toyama following allegations that they falsely added more than 2,000 people to the city's population in the most recent census. The inflated figures could have led to public money and government funding being wrongly allocated, potentially giving the city an extra £285,000 or $380,000.
Toyama Mayor Hirohisa Fuji stated that the local government will cooperate with the ongoing police and central government investigation into census inflation, though he denied that senior officials instructed anyone to inflate the figures. The mayor stated he will take due responsibility at the appropriate time.
Discussing historical precedents for population inflation in Japan, it was noted that in the early 1970s, officials in the town of Haburo in Hokkaido created fictitious census forms to inflate population figures to achieve city status, resulting in prosecutions and suspended prison sentences.
Podcast host Chris Broder reported that a retro 1980s bar in Sendai that burned down three or four years ago has been rebuilt in the exact same spot and reopened under the name Milk Hall.
Pete Ronald McDonaldson and Chris Broder discussed an erroneous earthquake early warning in Japan that flashed a magnitude 9.9 alert on mobile phones after a real 6.9 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula. The warning was cancelled eight minutes later, and the Japan Meteorological Agency stated it incorrectly applied formulas meant for domestic earthquakes to a distant quake.
Pete Ronald McDonaldson shared that the former chief priest of Saiganji Temple in Kyoto, Jikyo Osaka, along with a woman and her son, were arrested over a financial scandal involving the unauthorized sale of temple-owned land and buildings valued at 226 million yen.
Mickey recounted a bizarre experience where he claims the President of Poland was on his doorstep after he exited his Airbnb in Warsaw. He was surprised by this encounter, having previously thought he might be in a former Soviet Union country.
Chris Broad is embarking on a book tour with several events across the country, including book signings and live interviews. He detailed his experience with a book signing in Canterbury, where he met 150 people, and upcoming events in London and Bath.
During a discussion about London's unique dining scene, the hosts shared their experiences with a cheese conveyor belt restaurant. One host expressed disappointment, noting that some of the cheese had been on the belt for a long time.
The podcast hosts recount a 'wakey weekend' they did in Wales at Connor's place. They recorded in Connor's garden, where his father, Mark, created a bonfire for atmosphere.
Chris Broad revealed that Pete will be acting as the Master of Ceremonies for his upcoming live event, 'An Evening with Chris Broad'. Initially, Broad was unsure if an MC would be provided, but Pete was recommended as a professional option.
Chris Broad expressed significant nervousness about the 'Branish Japan' podcast transitioning to YouTube after five years of audio-only episodes. He worries about viewer reactions to the content and the visual aspect of him consuming food and drinks during recordings.
The 'Branish Japan' podcast has launched on YouTube, marking a significant shift after five years. The show is now broadcasting from a new studio, which features a different visual background than the previous setup.
Chris Broad expressed significant anxiety about his book's potential to reach the Sunday Times bestseller list. He emphasized that the first two weeks post-launch, including pre-orders, are critical for achieving this goal.
The 'Branish Japan' podcast outlines its typical structure for new listeners, which includes a catch-up segment, story of the week, news of the week, and a Q&A segment called 'facts machine'. They note that the podcast has reached 445 episodes and is approaching its 500th.
Chris Broad discusses the challenges of maintaining old technology, specifically 1970s and 80s electronics, in his studio. He recounts an incident where Pete accidentally broke three televisions by "pulling some cables" after being let into the old studio.
Chris Broad announced the upcoming release of his new book, "Journey Across Japan: Adventures Off The Beaten Path," a 450-page guide featuring 47 prefectures and 100 personal travel stories. He is positioning the book to compete with Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer's, new release, aiming for bestseller status.
Chris Broad declared Lawson the superior convenience store in Japan, surpassing FamilyMart primarily due to its expanded and improved original product range. He specifically highlighted Lawson's 'Karikyun' chicken nuggets as a less greasy and more flavorful alternative to FamilyMart's fried chicken.
Chris Broad suggests the Izu Peninsula or the Shizuoka coastline provides the best views of Mount Fuji, offering a perspective from sea level that allows for a better appreciation of the mountain's scale. He contrasts this with Lake Kawaguchiko, where being closer to the mountain obstructs the full view.
Chris Broad identifies the Hatanohe morning market, specifically the Tazawa wharf market, as the best market in Japan. He notes that while requiring a 5 AM start, the experience, particularly in colder months, offers a unique atmosphere with steam, food smells, and a "cool vibe."
Chris Broad singled out Harajuku as an overrated place, specifically criticizing the "rainbow cheese" he encountered there as a "bastardization of all that is good and all that is cheese." He found the experience disgusting and representative of why the area might be considered overrated.
Chris Broad suggests the Sanniku coastline in Iwate Prefecture and Ise Island off the coast of Tokyo as ideal hiding spots due to their remote inlets and low visitor numbers. He noted the Sanniku coastline's fragmented landscape makes it difficult to traverse, aiding concealment, while Ise Island's proximity to Tokyo and obscurity make it a surprisingly effective hiding place.
Chris Broad shared his three dream destinations for when he's having a bad day: the Shimanami Kaido island chain for its heavenly views, Mount Aso for its Breath of the Wild-esque landscapes, and Okinawa for its beaches and local Orion beer. He finds the island chain particularly special for its hidden beaches and sea views.
Chris Broad champions Tonkatsu, the Japanese breaded pork cutlet, as the ideal meal after a long journey, praising its panko breadcrumbs and quality pork. He notes that despite being less commonly discussed than sushi or ramen, it offers an incredibly satisfying and caloric experience, complete with multiple cabbage refills.
Chris Broad suggests that people in the southern regions of Japan, specifically Kyushu, Shikoku, and Osaka, are generally friendlier and more approachable than those in the north (Tohoku). He likens the difference to the UK, noting that while Tohoku people may be shy initially, southern residents tend to be more readily sociable.
Chris Broad identifies Hakata (Fukuoka) as having groundbreaking ramen with its Tonkotsu soup broth and a "Ramen Street" featuring popular chains. He also points to Oita having the highest density of ramen shops per capita, with a local tourist center providing a map of over 100 unique establishments.
Chris Broad recommends staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, as the one thing everyone must do in Japan. He describes it as a comprehensive experience encompassing Japanese aesthetics, natural materials, shoji windows, tatami mats, hot springs, and kaiseki dinners, all contributing to a uniquely immersive cultural experience.
Chris Broad, host of the About Japan podcast, discussed clothing brands with his co-host Pete Dawson. Broad expressed doubt about Uniqlo t-shirts fitting him due to his frame, suggesting they are designed for a 'Japanese frame'. He noted that while Uniqlo is available in London, the fit remains an issue for him.
Host Chris Broad shared his experience recording an audiobook for the "UJ Gosu Japan podcast" in Oxford. He found it amusing to be in the same recording booth previously used by actors like Jeremy Irons.
Chris Broad and Pete Donaldson discussed the recent earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan. They shared footage of a shopping mall in the city shaking violently during the event and a surgical operating theater continuing with a procedure amidst the tremors.
Following the major earthquake in Kumamoto, which caused significant damage and casualties, conspiracy theories began to circulate online suggesting the event was man-made. The hosts briefly touched upon this, comparing it to conspiracy theories surrounding Soviet-era projects like the Kola Superdeep Borehole.
The Natsuki project has modified its approach, originally intended for one person to have Natsuki for a single video. Now, they are filming a video around a concept and having Natsuki film multiple people within that context. This change aims to provide 'more Natsuki for everyone'.
Pete Donaldson shared an update on his lost Ricoh GR3 camera, which he lost at an APA hotel. After involving a third-party company, the camera has been liberated from a police box and is expected to be returned to him via UPS delivery within the week.
A listener named Mar from the Philippines recounted an experience at a video game-themed bar in Akihabara where they bought a round of drinks for all 12 patrons and the staff. This gesture of generosity, despite Japan's no-tipping culture, resulted in cheers of appreciation and small gifts in return, though it significantly impacted the listener's wallet.
Pete Donaldson shared an anecdote about being in his favorite spot, Barcolic, and ordering a Calpis soda. He was then offered a tequila by the bartender, which he accepted. He humorously notes that he felt like he had tricked himself into buying a drink he didn't really want.
Chris Broad shares a past negative experience where he ate horse sashimi and subsequently became ill. He reflects on his current stance against eating horse meat, jokingly aligning himself with PETA due to his name, Peter.
Chris Broad revealed plans for a UK book tour in September, with signings in cities including Edinburgh and Newcastle. He is also preparing for an August project involving "Nekki," which has undergone changes from its initial concept of "renting" Nekki for various activities.
The hosts discuss the practice of eating bear meat, with one host recounting a personal experience of eating undercooked bear meat that led to trichinosis. They debate the ethical considerations of eating different animals, ultimately concluding that parasites are a greater deterrent than moral objections.
Chris and Pete discuss the correct pronunciation of Xiaomi phones in Japan, noting that it is pronounced "She-ow-me" rather than "Zee-oh-mee." Pete recounts his experience buying a Xiaomi Ultra 17 at Bic Camera in Shibuya and the confusion caused by the pronunciation difference.
The podcast announces the upcoming "Rent Natsuki" project, where Natsuki will spend two weeks in the UK staying with various strangers and having his experiences filmed. The project aims to see Natsuki experience new things and interact with different people.
Chris reflects on Natsuki's upcoming two-week stay in the UK, noting it will be the longest he has ever spent outside of Japan. He expresses concern about potential issues, referencing a past incident where Natsuki spent more than a few days in the UK.
The hosts discuss Dubai's development, recalling its ambitious architectural projects in 2008, likening it to the "final piece of the death star." They also touch upon the ethical concerns regarding the labor used to construct these buildings, with one host stating they won't be returning.
Chris shares his struggle with a newfound fear of flying, despite his childhood dream of being a pilot. He mentions trying to overcome this by flying in helicopters, but recounts that the helicopter he flew in crashed a year later, killing the pilot.