Who’d have thought one idiot licking a soy sauce bottle could derail an entire industry. Thanks for tuning in this week guys - be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss an episode! UA-cam loves to pick and choose which episodes it promotes and anything controversial or risky doesn’t usually get promoted!
Remember me on Barra bowling Rio de janeiro Brazil. You can do Better... Concentrade.. Turkey nd more ! ^ • ^ ! I was so happy to remember me with my friends there. Tks !
Just want to mention that the Sushi Terrorist clip that is shown is actually the Sushiro Terrorist (who was underage and Sushiro ended up dropping the charges after he apologized), whereas the one they are discussing is the Kura Sushi Terrorist. They both have dyed blonde hair, but the Sushiro one is younger and has short hair, and the Kura one has longer hair.
@@sleepysartorialist Many copy cats. much more than just one or two cases during that short window of time. You see how deprived so many youngsters in Japan is. They are all men/boys too.
They have to drop the case even though they lose a lot of money… they can’t put him in jail even though the owner wanted to… Japanese law isn’t strict on minors, the only solution they can get is to pay those damages… and the parents will have to pay…
I am 70% sure I saw Natsuki in Harajuku doing some shopping on Wed 18th Oct wearing a wonderful hat and it felt like he was expecting to be recognised which of course he was. I didn't say hi as other than 'are you Natsuki?' I had nothing to say and so just let him get on with his shopping. 😁👍 Great story!
@@chowfun1976 A suspended sentence means that you don't have to actually go to prison, unless you get caught for another crime during the next 5 years. I think that's what it means. A bit like probation. He got off very easy. I'm not a lawyer, but this is my understanding.
To contribute to the answer to the last question about baths and bath water - I've stayed with my friends once (a married couple), and they drew a bath each night. As I was the guest, I was the first in line to use the bath, which may reassure you if you are concerned about going after somebody else. If you have been to an onsen before or read anything before about onsen etiquette, you can perceive sharing the bath as reasonably normal I think - everyone scrubs themselves clean first, as for soaking - everyone should be clean and what's the big deal if you're sharing a natural pool or a bathtub (in that case one after the other). I'm a "shower before bed" person though, after a long day it's nice to wash off the grime and sweat and go to the bed clean, but I'm sure if you just used the bathroom to brush your teeth in the evening and just use the sit down shower in the morning your hosts would be ok - just time it so that if they are going to work you aren't making them late :)
I learn Japanese to interact with friends I’ve made on Twitter, UA-cam, Twitch etc, and I still communicate frequently with them now. I also have zero interest (nor chance) to work or even move to Japan. I think it’s good enough that learning a language opens up a new horizon for you in terms of community or media. If that person who learnt Japanese was able to make new friends with it, I think that is good enough result.
Yep, one of the new audience. I've never really listened to podcasts so I guess I just missed that it existed. ... got a laugh at Pete pushing the nipple algorithm.
Nice one guys. Chris.. the steaming noodle prop has broken the 4th wall, please, can you turn it around so we see steam and not steam output nozzle. love the set. Thank you. Cheers.
Hashtag Fax Machine Question! Do you think it’s better to speak in broken Japanese vs using english right away in Japan as someone who looks Japanese but grew up in America? Thanks and love the podcast!
Broken japanese at the start (greeting/ being polite) while establishing you're not fluent in japanese so they also dont bombard you with diffcult to understand reply.
I find it cute how Chris thinks the language in his videos is inappropriate for a younger audience. I think compared to the average streamer your language is basically as clean as a kindergarten teacher's. 😂
Yeah it seems like the exact same circumstance where he’s arrested on something trivial but then the police dig deep into their history to find every single other thing they’ve done that can add to the sentence
The timing issue is the same for lunch…. Noon: 100% full. 1130: Empty We (gaijin) used to race out “early” to grab lunch before the massive WAVE of lunch crowds arrived. The J staff always looked at us strangely. Ah… great memories !
I found Pete's idea about keys for conveyor belt sushi places quite interesting. If they'd want to add more safety, I'm sure you could do something with computer chips where only your table can open the lid but no one else before it arrives. Personally I thought Genki Sushi is fine, but I've never been to the one in Shibuya, so I'm not sure if that one is worse than most of the others ^^ Nice and fun broadcast again :)
#Faxmachine Greetings from another swede! I have a question for you guys that has been on my mind for quite some time. For the past 6 months I've been researching and preparing for my upcoming trip to Japan this November, listening to podcasts and watching videos on food, activities and much more. While diving headfirst into this rabbithole I quickly realized that there are plenty of places people recommend you NOT going to on weekends, but they never really suggest any alternatives that you should put on your itenerary. So my question for you both is: What do you recommend people get up to on weekends while in Japan? (extra points awarded for recommendations near more touristy locations like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto) Thank you guys so much for the amazing content! You're definitely keeping me and many of my fellow Scandinavians entertained! Keep up the good work! 😊
Having already arrived here last Monday, I actually do recommend any places except Kyoto and Nikko for weekends. What to recommend, depends on your preferences and interests, though. In November, the autumn leves are beautiful, starting from the North. Having been here quite often for business as well as vacation, I would recommend a trip to Kanazawa (Kenroku-en garden, Omicho Market) as well as to lake Towada in the North of Japan, which is exceptional during the autumn season starting in November. Also hot springs are nice this season, with Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata being a trip worthwile.
It’s not just Japan, here in Australia the Christmas tress and ornaments etc are out in the shops…… then in January as we’re all getting over Christmas and the New Year we find Hot Cross buns in the shops, like WTF………
Hiya! FYI Genki Sushi, which Chris said was the worst, is the exact same chain as Uobei (same company, menu, etc) which Pete said was great. So the quality clearly varies by location.
Question: I'm planning my first ever trip to Japan for Sept 2024, calling it my own "Journey across Japan". I plan to be there for about 3 and a half weeks. I'll be spending a week in Tokyo, a week in Sapporo, and a week in Osaka/Kyoto. What are some truly hidden gems in any of those places that wouldn't normally be on a "tourist" schedule that I absolutely MUST see or visit?
Random thought of the day but I'm an American cook, been doing it for about 10 years now. When you guys were talking about the peak business hours for Japan restaurant being 7 pm, that also holds true for American restaurants as well, although I'd say we tend to be a little more full our peak hours are 6-8 pm, any time before or after is fine but if you're in a big city with no reservations, rocking up anytime between 6-8 prepare to wait
@Hannah from Seattle re: JP bath culture: As Chris has already pointed out, the bathtub - usually @ ~42 °C - is merely for relaxing/soaking as the cleaning part takes place outside the tub BEFORE hopping into the tub for a few minutes only. Moreover: The bathing area (i.e. shower plus bathtub) is usually in the same room (with a door), so what you do in there stays a „secret“. Nobody will neither see - nor question - whether you only showered. I speak from experience as I rather shower than take a bath wherever I am. When last visiting the family in Tokyo this summer, the bathtub was even not in use at all for several reasons. Either way: although I understand your hesitance re: family bath, you should not worry at all - enjoy your trip!
I would add one more thing, usually guests are offered to go in first, so you will get the clean water. And since everyone showers before going in, it doesn't really get that dirty.
Fax machine: will you be hosting another event in London where you had everyone attend like Natsuki, Pete, Joey etc? I wasn’t able to go to the last one but would love to go if another one happened. Keep up the great work! 😊
#fax - who wrote your outro (or whatever the music at the close is called)? I love it and am always very sorry there isn't more of it! Play the whole song for us, please?!
#FaxMachine : Hi Chris & Pete! Long time viewer, listener, and enjoyer of you both! My question for Chris is : its no secret you're not a fan of Harajuku (understandable!) but if you had to spend an entire day there - what things would you do, and where might you eat? Keep up the incredible work! Bear from the Steel City, UK
I've stayed at a traditional Japanese B&B years ago and shared the bath. Not a 'family' bath but it was the traditional setup you mentioned where you bath outside of the tub, then soak. If a westerner thinks of this as taking a shower than then sharing a hot tub it really isn't weird at all. There are many shared hot tubs (and pools) in the US and elsewhere outside of Japan.
In the Philippines X-mas starts on September 1. It lasts until next year January or February. September to December, we refer to it as "ber" (brrrr, from the cold) months.
I don't know why people think the way to stop kids from swearing is to pretend like swear words don't exist and to protect their precious ears from ever hearing the words. You know, rather than teach them to simply not say it often.
Literally just been looking at a restaurant in Tokyo which delivers curry on a model train. There's a restaurant in Prague that delivers your beer on a model train too. Maybe it's the future
Look, and this one might be a complete fly by but as long as nobody is buried at Nakao Jo, I think maybe, stuff the nature trail. Although, I don't know what it would be like having a secluded palace complex in the nook of a corner of Kyoto that is surrounded by temples and monastic retreats... maybe it's a good strategic decision, just don't know yet...
For the person who is not sure what else Japanese can be used for other than living in Japan. You can always go an app like hello talk and talk to Japanese people who want to know your languages. You can go on vacation, see if any businesses in your country need a translator. You can watch anime without subtitles 😂 Or just teach it to others that want to move to Japan.
#FaxMachine Hello Chris and Pete. I watched the video with Natsuki doing pachinko back when I was in school but recently got recommended more videos due to my interest in taking a trip to Japan because of Persona 5. It's like getting a job with the stranger you used to see at a restaurant. Truly I've enjoyed binging videos and coming across the podcast. My question is what are the best times to catch a train around Sangenjaya and Shibuya? I've heard they can get very tightly packed and I'm far from Japanese sized, also in the case I need to bring luggage or bags with me. My trip likely won't be for another year and a half but I'm very excited and wish I could go now. Hopefully I get to see some of you when that time comes.
I watch (and the Abroad in Japan vids) with my 9 year old, she thinks Chris is hilarious 😂 Doesn't phase her as we're Scottish and I already use swear words as punctuation 😂 She's learned loads and looks forward to new videos.
About the bath water, one of my friends got invited by her Japanese’s friend to her house where she stays with her parents to stay over for a few nights years ago, my friend told me in Japanese tradition usually the Father takes the bath first then Mother then their kids, and during the time my friend was there they invited her to take the bath before the father did out of their respect for their guest, my friend was flattered but turn down the offer saying shower for her was enough, the mother was shocked and said something about bath is good for winter etc. but of course at the end no one was offended as they understand there is a cultural differences, it is absolutely fine to say no (politely lol)to that kind offer, also even if they WERE offended I bet you wouldnt notice since the Japanese are known for their ability to hide their feelings lol Just a crucial reminder, if you do get in the tub, make sure you shower first
Listened to this while on the shinkansen, relieved that I didn’t become a luggage terrorist. I wish I could’ve attended Natsuki’s event it looked like fun!
Hashtag fax machine question: #Faxmachine Will you do more booktours, if so, where can we make sure to catch them? I would personally love to see you do one in The Netherlands. A great excuse to meet my decade long favorite filmmaker and now author.
A bit late, but to answer the question regarding sharing a bath. There's a sort of bath "protocol" among a household, where the most senior member of the family takes the dip first, and then down the pecking order in terms of seniority. Though if there is a guest, then the guest will ALWAYS go first. So if you're their guest, then you can rest assured that YOUR bathwater is always clean. Besides, its basically a given that you're required to completely shower off your body with soap and shampoo first before you take a dip, so its not like the water is seriously contaminated.
You're going to keep the intro song, right? It was really sad having the podcast start with it since it feels like the gateway song for the podcast to let people know the starting 😅
Hello from Dublin Ireland! Do you guys have a top Restaurant list anywhere for Tokyo? Im heading there in a couple days with my partner for first time and would love to have some recommendations for best Ramen, Waygu, Gyoza, Sushi etc :) #Faxmachine
#faxmachine Dear Chris and Pete, I will be headed to Japan with my parter for Christmas and New Years! We will be headed to the ice village up in Hokkaido after seeing the videos of Chris's trip up there but I am very worried as this will be my first trip there openly as a trans-woman and have started to stress out about how the locals will react to me. but do you have any other recommendations for things to see and do in Sapporo? - Katie
You are incorrect about the soy sauce guy, I've found a few articles where it mentions he was "[at the same trial] he was also found guilty of pimping out his then-15-year-old girlfriend".
#faxmachine - Hi Capybara Chris and Pangolin Pete. Catherine from Tasmania here. Love the podcast and UA-cam videos. What is the best month to see the autumn leaves and what area of Japan is the best place for it? Planning on finally returning to Japan in 2024 since 2018, it has been long overdue. Thanks in advance!
#faxmachine Hi Chris & Pete, I'm doing my first ever trip to Japan in a couple of weeks, decided autumn would be one of the better seasons to do it. I wanted to visit places other than the golden route so planned to do some hiking in Nikko! In my research I noticed on some hiking trails people ring these bells placed along the path, most likely for bears I'm guessing. I'm wondering with the bear population in Japan how often do people actually come across them on hiking trails? Would be good to know what kind of preparation to look out for to stay safe. Thanks!
Over 150 bear attacks on people have happened since April in Japan this year. Several people have been killed. Get some bear bells. I've seen them at Daiso for 100¥ but I'm betting any decent outdoor gear shop will have them. Hiroshima also has wild boar rampages every now and then (not kidding.)
Hashtag Fax Machine Question! Pokemon is big there do you think for any of your vids doing anything with pokemon for people who fans of it and want to see what it like in the land that made it like the pokemon cafe or the pokemon hotel rooms and such
so Ironic that Chris says Genki sushi is the worst and Pete says Uobei is his favorite. Uobei is Genki sushi. Also, for those who want to try rotating sushi, there still are options such as Tenka sushi. The chefs stand in the centre and you can shout your orders to them, but around them there is a rotating belt.
#faxmachine G'day, Crispy Famichiki Chris, Plum wine Pete, and Daifuku dave, I'm heading to japan for 7 days in January 1st, as a veteran traveller to japan, I picked the 2 main cities to visit, Osaka and Tokyo, We are staying in the the Asakusa area and wanted recommendations of what to do in such a condensed visit. in these two cities, and more specifically, where can we find value for money Kobe Beef in Osaka. Lastly I want to highlight your amazing doco on the Nakajin Capsule tower you did a while ago, I absolutely loved it and was so sad not to see it one last time before it was demolished, Will you be doing more docos on the many amazing architecture around japan. Thanks for your advice, all the best Regards Andy, melbourne
#faxmachine as someone who loves Japanese entertainment (anime, manga, video games etc.) and wants to visit Japan one day; I’m wondering if you’ll ever include or mention such things in your videos. P.S. loved the Cyberpunk 2077 stream you did w/ PremierTwo/American Pete
Colour me shocked you like "Japanese entertainment" (i.e kids stuff and certainly not anything sophisticated or even slightly related to Japanese culture)
There are millions of Americans that “love Japanese Culture,” and they wear shirts with kana writing. I always ask if they know what it means. Not a single person has said yes at the warehouse I work at. It’s funny. They love Japanese culture but not enough to learn the language 😂 They really are just into cartoons and continuing their existence as a child. It’s always games and anime. It’s never the food, the manners, the ethics, or the history. Add to that they usually can’t tell me who the Japanese PM is either. I have a good time telling them what their shirt says.😂
#faxmachine Hello best selling author Chris and best smelling author Pete! Congrats on the book release! A fun thing I have been doing is watching back your old videos as they get referenced in the book. For example in your book, you regale the hilarious, if precarious situation of staying in a hotel in Sendai - the Sendai Beverly Hotel; punctuated by the great line that it was just a “hills” away from being authentic. But when I watched the video The BEST Japanese Hotel Room Tour You’ll Ever See, you mention (and show the door handle as proof) that you are staying at Hotel Bel Air. This presents a question for me: Is there an over abundance of shitty Southern California inspired hotels in Sendai, or was this a mistake? Thanks!
I acctually once did the sauce bottle thing by accident, me and my Mum had gone to a hospital in London as I had an issue with my hands and on the way back we stopped in a Cafe, we ordered food and for a drink I ordered an Iced coffee, so bloke comes out with my Mums tea and this little glass bottle with stuff inside that was a milky brown colour, I thought oh must be like those Starbucks ones you get, take a big swig for the bloke to come back out holding a large glass of ice coffee with a look of horror on his face, turns out it was Salad dressing for the food, no harm done though and would have replaced it if they requested that I did so.
Hahahahaha this rules. 5 years for licking a riceball. In the UK you get 3 years (so you do 18 months in prison) for accidentally killing a child through dangerous driving.
#faxmachine hi crunky Chris and pocari Pete. last time I was in Japan was back in 2006. I went to edo wonderland. One of the best immersive theme parks i’vI’ve ever visited. A real highlight of my holidays. Do they still exist and if so, would you ever consider visiting or doing a video on it? I think there used to be 2 but I fear mine may have closed down. Also, why the hell does no one sell amino value anymore? One bottle was worth 10 pocari sweats lol
Candidly, on the family ‘stink water’ since you’re typically supposed to wash before you bathe, I feel like, they might judge you, if you dirty up their water… so, I mean, therein lies the conundrum… I mean, bath water isn’t even really ‘grey water’ in my experience… I mean, I wouldn’t drink it but then again, would you like filth soup out your family? That was discussed on this video, right? I haven’t got my feeds mixed up, have I?
One Sarin bomb put on 1 trash can 30 years ago --> no more trash cans in the whole country for 175 years. One teen licking a sauce bottle in 1 restaurant --> No more conveyor belts in any Japanese restaurant for 65 years. That's one of the most stupid side of Japan.
#FaxMachine Question: Ello Pete and Chris! I noticed the Video Podcast on my UA-cam feed recently and I was very happy to find out about it! Even though I found it on UA-cam, I listen to it on Spotify. Working to finish the whole backlog! I have two questions, one for each of you! Chris, I’m going to Japan in a few months with two of my friends. One is 3xL and one is 1xL in US Standards. How hard would it be for them to find clothes in stores in Japan. I hear Japanese clothes would run small… so would they be considered 5xL and 2xL in Japanese Standards? Are those type of clothes hard to find? Pete, If someone was visiting Europe or England, where would you recommend them going? Or Can you give us a sales pitch as to why we should visit. Much love! Thank you both for everything! Kat-Tea
#FaxMachine Alrighty Passionate Chris and Clever Pete (See what I did there?) My name is Haley (Dorky is apart of my cosplay account, so that works too) and I have been listening ever since the podcast first started! Who knew it would be once you started posting to UA-cam that would be the time I send in/post my first question! Getting into it, I was blessed with a trip to Japan in 2017 as a graduation gift from my grandma. Ever since then, I have been saving to go back, as it was the most amazing trip I could ever hope for. The next trip planned is with my best friend, and I am leading the charge for getting everything organized for the trip, but my best friend is sending me things she is interested in as well. Now, here's the kicker, I would like to find some unique things to do while we are in Japan (for 2-3 weeks). We obviously still enjoy doing the tourist things, but we also want unique experiences that might not be talked about as much. I do reference your videos, as well as all the other creatives who live in Japan, for unique experiences, but I have some concerns. We will be traveling around Japan, so we won't just be in kyoto, but I'm worried about the validity of some older (pre-.... the thing we don't speak of) videos and articles that talk about locations/attractions for whether or not they are still around. Do you have any suggestions for checking to see if annual events and activities are still the same, and if they are still worth going to? I would hate for us to arrive in Japan just to find out that something didn't survive the past couple years. I adore the podcast, and thank you for all the work you both do for it! Sincerely, Haley/Dorky from Texas (yee-haw)
Hi Chris, its funny but i try to improve my English by listening :-)... But i also interested in Japan. Since i deal with Japen, it seems for me that working is a religion in Japan and that this is the reason for many problems. Would you say that young people are trained by society to only see meaning in work and not in self-realization or in the family? Best regards Frank
Рік тому
#Fax machine Question Hi Chris & Pete... You mentioned in a prior broadcast that you, Chris, were planning to take your parents around Japan. I am going to guess your parents to be around my age, which is slightly older than your normal demographic. How does planning a tour for your parents differ than planning a tour for say your rowdy boozer Donaldson over there? Thank you gentlemen for the insights and the laughs. Still A Sping In My Step...Judy from Florida
#TheFaxMachine... Hello Chris and Pete, I have a question for you both that I have heard addressed on the podacst since I started to listening to back in 2019. My question has to do with type of clothes should one pack for their first trip to Japan? Should one pack shorts if coming to Japan during the Summer? Are T-shirts with designs or Anime related characters a good idea to wear? Are sandals looked down upon as proper footware during the Summer months. If you're going to visit a shrine, what should be worn to show respect to the area? As someone that will be coming to Japan for the first time in May of 2025, I would like to know both of your thoughts on this? Thank you both for all the hard work that you do to bring us this amazing podcast. Chris from Ankeny, IA USA.
Who’d have thought one idiot licking a soy sauce bottle could derail an entire industry.
Thanks for tuning in this week guys - be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss an episode! UA-cam loves to pick and choose which episodes it promotes and anything controversial or risky doesn’t usually get promoted!
I'm hearing a constant distracting high pitched noise in the audio. Pls fix I want to listen to the podcast
@@arreu22 I think he might be recording from the AirPods? Must be because the audio from Chris' side is pretty horrid.
Remember me on Barra bowling Rio de janeiro Brazil. You can do Better... Concentrade.. Turkey nd more ! ^ • ^ ! I was so happy to remember me with my friends there. Tks !
WITHOUT RISK ON ALL...IS BETTER TO ME.
❤ Tks for your atention Chris.
Natsuki putting on an event and not having a clue what's gonna happen is very Natsuki 😂
I went, and it was a bunch of fun meeting everyone. Went well I think.
am i the only one who sees a resemblance between chris broad and christopher Hitchens
Wanna see a vid
Just want to mention that the Sushi Terrorist clip that is shown is actually the Sushiro Terrorist (who was underage and Sushiro ended up dropping the charges after he apologized), whereas the one they are discussing is the Kura Sushi Terrorist. They both have dyed blonde hair, but the Sushiro one is younger and has short hair, and the Kura one has longer hair.
Yes he looked so little!
WHY IS THERE MORE THAN ONE 😭
@@sleepysartorialist Many copy cats. much more than just one or two cases during that short window of time. You see how deprived so many
youngsters in Japan is. They are all men/boys too.
@@sleepysartorialistdidn't know that
They have to drop the case even though they lose a lot of money… they can’t put him in jail even though the owner wanted to… Japanese law isn’t strict on minors, the only solution they can get is to pay those damages… and the parents will have to pay…
The funniest thing is he is looking around so people dont see him WHILE recording himself for EVERYONE to see him. 😂
He was looking around in the restaurant because he didn't want to get kicked out.
IF he was a she, I'd suggest that she try to get a date with Johnny Somali. Imagine the kids they could have. 🤣
I am 70% sure I saw Natsuki in Harajuku doing some shopping on Wed 18th Oct wearing a wonderful hat and it felt like he was expecting to be recognised which of course he was. I didn't say hi as other than 'are you Natsuki?' I had nothing to say and so just let him get on with his shopping.
😁👍 Great story!
The sentence is actually 3 years suspended for 5. It covers both the prank video and the kidnapping/prostituting charges.
@@LightningNavigatorthat is plus civil Liabilities when Sushiro sues. He f*d up his future for sure.
What does 3 years suspended for 5 mean?
They care more about the prank compared to his other significant charges
Classic 💀
@@chowfun1976 A suspended sentence means that you don't have to actually go to prison, unless you get caught for another crime during the next 5 years. I think that's what it means. A bit like probation. He got off very easy. I'm not a lawyer, but this is my understanding.
THE WHAT
To contribute to the answer to the last question about baths and bath water - I've stayed with my friends once (a married couple), and they drew a bath each night. As I was the guest, I was the first in line to use the bath, which may reassure you if you are concerned about going after somebody else. If you have been to an onsen before or read anything before about onsen etiquette, you can perceive sharing the bath as reasonably normal I think - everyone scrubs themselves clean first, as for soaking - everyone should be clean and what's the big deal if you're sharing a natural pool or a bathtub (in that case one after the other). I'm a "shower before bed" person though, after a long day it's nice to wash off the grime and sweat and go to the bed clean, but I'm sure if you just used the bathroom to brush your teeth in the evening and just use the sit down shower in the morning your hosts would be ok - just time it so that if they are going to work you aren't making them late :)
Waking up with great news. Thanks,Chris!
Honestly if not for the video format, I would've never found or listened to the podcast. So that's a plus
Now that google podcasts is going away, I'm sure glad that this channel exists.
Google being Google
Dumbest decision ever btw.
It's just migrating to UA-cam music
@@jessesnyder5105 Don't bring nuance into a youtube react fest.
Wait what? I love using it god damnnitit
I learn Japanese to interact with friends I’ve made on Twitter, UA-cam, Twitch etc, and I still communicate frequently with them now. I also have zero interest (nor chance) to work or even move to Japan. I think it’s good enough that learning a language opens up a new horizon for you in terms of community or media. If that person who learnt Japanese was able to make new friends with it, I think that is good enough result.
Yep, one of the new audience. I've never really listened to podcasts so I guess I just missed that it existed.
... got a laugh at Pete pushing the nipple algorithm.
Hi, Chris and you guy. Always a fan. Thank you for being.
Nice one guys. Chris.. the steaming noodle prop has broken the 4th wall, please, can you turn it around so we see steam and not steam output nozzle. love the set. Thank you. Cheers.
Guessing I'm not the only person who blurted "good!" after seeing the thumbnail.
Great to see the show gaining traction.
Hashtag Fax Machine Question!
Do you think it’s better to speak in broken Japanese vs using english right away in Japan as someone who looks Japanese but grew up in America? Thanks and love the podcast!
“Nihongo Jouzu” (日本語上手)
Broken japanese at the start (greeting/ being polite) while establishing you're not fluent in japanese so they also dont bombard you with diffcult to understand reply.
Japan's priorities with the response to the sushi incident and not talking about the fact that he's pimping out a child. Jesus.
I find it cute how Chris thinks the language in his videos is inappropriate for a younger audience. I think compared to the average streamer your language is basically as clean as a kindergarten teacher's. 😂
Every sushi business needs to sue the clown for damages!
I Really Like these Vids from the Podcast, seeing Y'all's reactions to each other & the stories is nice, thanks Sirs!
Johnny Somali should be very concerned right now
He's in jail, he doesn't know what's going on in the outside world.
Yeah it seems like the exact same circumstance where he’s arrested on something trivial but then the police dig deep into their history to find every single other thing they’ve done that can add to the sentence
Deadly Yakuza Member: What are you in for?
This guy: I licked a soy sauce bottle.
*Throws riot*
Any time I hear a Brit save Dave my brain goes, "They're dead Dave, everybody's dead Dave"
Whoo Hoo Red Dwarf ❤
The timing issue is the same for lunch…. Noon: 100% full. 1130: Empty
We (gaijin) used to race out “early” to grab lunch before the massive WAVE of lunch crowds arrived. The J staff always looked at us strangely.
Ah… great memories !
The bathing ritual depends on the household. In Osaka, everyone just showered. In Kofu, the family did the bathing tradition.
This is episode 21 only on youtube, but does anyone know what actually episode this is? I don't remember they being numbered on other platforms.
21 years old? He looks like 13 or 14. And yeah, what a complete bastard for pimping an underage girl (is this true for Japan?).
Another good podcast show have fun at the natsuki event of extreme chaos
I found Pete's idea about keys for conveyor belt sushi places quite interesting. If they'd want to add more safety, I'm sure you could do something with computer chips where only your table can open the lid but no one else before it arrives.
Personally I thought Genki Sushi is fine, but I've never been to the one in Shibuya, so I'm not sure if that one is worse than most of the others ^^
Nice and fun broadcast again :)
#Faxmachine
Greetings from another swede! I have a question for you guys that has been on my mind for quite some time.
For the past 6 months I've been researching and preparing for my upcoming trip to Japan this November, listening to podcasts and watching videos on food, activities and much more. While diving headfirst into this rabbithole I quickly realized that there are plenty of places people recommend you NOT going to on weekends, but they never really suggest any alternatives that you should put on your itenerary. So my question for you both is:
What do you recommend people get up to on weekends while in Japan? (extra points awarded for recommendations near more touristy locations like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto)
Thank you guys so much for the amazing content! You're definitely keeping me and many of my fellow Scandinavians entertained! Keep up the good work! 😊
Having already arrived here last Monday, I actually do recommend any places except Kyoto and Nikko for weekends. What to recommend, depends on your preferences and interests, though. In November, the autumn leves are beautiful, starting from the North. Having been here quite often for business as well as vacation, I would recommend a trip to Kanazawa (Kenroku-en garden, Omicho Market) as well as to lake Towada in the North of Japan, which is exceptional during the autumn season starting in November.
Also hot springs are nice this season, with Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata being a trip worthwile.
It’s not just Japan, here in Australia the Christmas tress and ornaments etc are out in the shops…… then in January as we’re all getting over Christmas and the New Year we find Hot Cross buns in the shops, like WTF………
I made Thanksgiving for my wife and her mother last year, their first time ever having it. Hardest part was finding a whole turkey in Japan 😅
Fun podcast thanks for the laughs
Hiya! FYI Genki Sushi, which Chris said was the worst, is the exact same chain as Uobei (same company, menu, etc) which Pete said was great. So the quality clearly varies by location.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE THEME SONG?? It pumps us up, you guys!!!! I listen on Amazon Music btw
Question: I'm planning my first ever trip to Japan for Sept 2024, calling it my own "Journey across Japan". I plan to be there for about 3 and a half weeks. I'll be spending a week in Tokyo, a week in Sapporo, and a week in Osaka/Kyoto. What are some truly hidden gems in any of those places that wouldn't normally be on a "tourist" schedule that I absolutely MUST see or visit?
Random thought of the day but I'm an American cook, been doing it for about 10 years now. When you guys were talking about the peak business hours for Japan restaurant being 7 pm, that also holds true for American restaurants as well, although I'd say we tend to be a little more full our peak hours are 6-8 pm, any time before or after is fine but if you're in a big city with no reservations, rocking up anytime between 6-8 prepare to wait
@Hannah from Seattle re: JP bath culture: As Chris has already pointed out, the bathtub - usually @ ~42 °C - is merely for relaxing/soaking as the cleaning part takes place outside the tub BEFORE hopping into the tub for a few minutes only.
Moreover: The bathing area (i.e. shower plus bathtub) is usually in the same room (with a door), so what you do in there stays a „secret“. Nobody will neither see - nor question - whether you only showered.
I speak from experience as I rather shower than take a bath wherever I am. When last visiting the family in Tokyo this summer, the bathtub was even not in use at all for several reasons.
Either way: although I understand your hesitance re: family bath, you should not worry at all - enjoy your trip!
I would add one more thing, usually guests are offered to go in first, so you will get the clean water. And since everyone showers before going in, it doesn't really get that dirty.
Fax machine: will you be hosting another event in London where you had everyone attend like Natsuki, Pete, Joey etc? I wasn’t able to go to the last one but would love to go if another one happened. Keep up the great work! 😊
Holy crap finally he does video!!! And its been a couple months
#fax - who wrote your outro (or whatever the music at the close is called)? I love it and am always very sorry there isn't more of it!
Play the whole song for us, please?!
There are some Thanksgiving parties in Japan, but driven from US ex-pats. E.g., the American Club has an annual Thanksgiving dinner.
Just bought the Cup Noodle 🍜 humidifier on your set so thanks Abroad in Japan 🗾 podcast for making me needlessy spend money 🤑
#FaxMachine : Hi Chris & Pete! Long time viewer, listener, and enjoyer of you both!
My question for Chris is : its no secret you're not a fan of Harajuku (understandable!) but if you had to spend an entire day there - what things would you do, and where might you eat?
Keep up the incredible work! Bear from the Steel City, UK
12:32 "The pies of crime, one might say!"
Nice recovery Chris, hahaha.
I've stayed at a traditional Japanese B&B years ago and shared the bath. Not a 'family' bath but it was the traditional setup you mentioned where you bath outside of the tub, then soak. If a westerner thinks of this as taking a shower than then sharing a hot tub it really isn't weird at all. There are many shared hot tubs (and pools) in the US and elsewhere outside of Japan.
In the Philippines X-mas starts on September 1. It lasts until next year January or February. September to December, we refer to it as "ber" (brrrr, from the cold) months.
thank you for the video
I don't know why people think the way to stop kids from swearing is to pretend like swear words don't exist and to protect their precious ears from ever hearing the words. You know, rather than teach them to simply not say it often.
To quote Dennis Haysbert: "First you wash, then you bathe."
Ukon no chikara is actually perfect for a cold. Just take 1-2 when you feel you're coming down with something I swear it works pretty much every time
Literally just been looking at a restaurant in Tokyo which delivers curry on a model train. There's a restaurant in Prague that delivers your beer on a model train too. Maybe it's the future
Kappa zushi was probably my favourite, but l was able to find a restaurant only in Nagano... Do they exist in other parts of Japan or is it local?
Pete's backdrop is looking cool!
Look, and this one might be a complete fly by but as long as nobody is buried at Nakao Jo, I think maybe, stuff the nature trail. Although, I don't know what it would be like having a secluded palace complex in the nook of a corner of Kyoto that is surrounded by temples and monastic retreats... maybe it's a good strategic decision, just don't know yet...
I loved big coat season in London. Does Japan have big-coat 'shall we put the heating on' season?
They had the sushi train lead by a toy train in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Was a fun experience
28:51 when I did a home stay back in high school they just let me use the bath/shower first and they reused the water after 😊
For the person who is not sure what else Japanese can be used for other than living in Japan. You can always go an app like hello talk and talk to Japanese people who want to know your languages. You can go on vacation, see if any businesses in your country need a translator. You can watch anime without subtitles 😂 Or just teach it to others that want to move to Japan.
The point it, its aspect is facing primarily westward and that, in many ways, is the biggest statement of the entire plan.
Because of him, the company's stock price plummeted, customers declined, and stores spent a lot of money on operational changes.
Can we please get the intro song back? Cheers!
It's fitting that the offender looks like a real-life Japanese Chucky doll.
#FaxMachine
Hello Chris and Pete. I watched the video with Natsuki doing pachinko back when I was in school but recently got recommended more videos due to my interest in taking a trip to Japan because of Persona 5. It's like getting a job with the stranger you used to see at a restaurant. Truly I've enjoyed binging videos and coming across the podcast.
My question is what are the best times to catch a train around Sangenjaya and Shibuya? I've heard they can get very tightly packed and I'm far from Japanese sized, also in the case I need to bring luggage or bags with me.
My trip likely won't be for another year and a half but I'm very excited and wish I could go now. Hopefully I get to see some of you when that time comes.
Thanksgiving is basically a harvest festival. I'm sure Japan must have some sort of harvest feast or festivals?
I watch (and the Abroad in Japan vids) with my 9 year old, she thinks Chris is hilarious 😂 Doesn't phase her as we're Scottish and I already use swear words as punctuation 😂 She's learned loads and looks forward to new videos.
It’s so true re the punctuation. A little F or C word without the vowel, where there should be a pause akin to a comma.
25:00 UA-camr Achievement unlocked: Big Project Coming Up!
About the bath water, one of my friends got invited by her Japanese’s friend to her house where she stays with her parents to stay over for a few nights years ago, my friend told me in Japanese tradition usually the Father takes the bath first then Mother then their kids, and during the time my friend was there they invited her to take the bath before the father did out of their respect for their guest, my friend was flattered but turn down the offer saying shower for her was enough, the mother was shocked and said something about bath is good for winter etc. but of course at the end no one was offended as they understand there is a cultural differences, it is absolutely fine to say no (politely lol)to that kind offer, also even if they WERE offended I bet you wouldnt notice since the Japanese are known for their ability to hide their feelings lol Just a crucial reminder, if you do get in the tub, make sure you shower first
Listened to this while on the shinkansen, relieved that I didn’t become a luggage terrorist. I wish I could’ve attended Natsuki’s event it looked like fun!
Hashtag fax machine question:
#Faxmachine
Will you do more booktours, if so, where can we make sure to catch them? I would personally love to see you do one in The Netherlands. A great excuse to meet my decade long favorite filmmaker and now author.
A bit late, but to answer the question regarding sharing a bath.
There's a sort of bath "protocol" among a household, where the most senior member of the family takes the dip first, and then down the pecking order in terms of seniority. Though if there is a guest, then the guest will ALWAYS go first. So if you're their guest, then you can rest assured that YOUR bathwater is always clean.
Besides, its basically a given that you're required to completely shower off your body with soap and shampoo first before you take a dip, so its not like the water is seriously contaminated.
You're going to keep the intro song, right? It was really sad having the podcast start with it since it feels like the gateway song for the podcast to let people know the starting 😅
pete, that's a picture of a turmeric root, not a liver. it's made of turmeric.
Hello from Dublin Ireland! Do you guys have a top Restaurant list anywhere for Tokyo? Im heading there in a couple days with my partner for first time and would love to have some recommendations for best Ramen, Waygu, Gyoza, Sushi etc :) #Faxmachine
#faxmachine Dear Chris and Pete, I will be headed to Japan with my parter for Christmas and New Years!
We will be headed to the ice village up in Hokkaido after seeing the videos of Chris's trip up there but I am very worried as this will be my first trip there openly as a trans-woman and have started to stress out about how the locals will react to me. but do you have any other recommendations for things to see and do in Sapporo? - Katie
You are incorrect about the soy sauce guy, I've found a few articles where it mentions he was "[at the same trial] he was also found guilty of pimping out his then-15-year-old girlfriend".
Pete mentioned it at 11:56
#faxmachine - Hi Capybara Chris and Pangolin Pete. Catherine from Tasmania here. Love the podcast and UA-cam videos. What is the best month to see the autumn leaves and what area of Japan is the best place for it? Planning on finally returning to Japan in 2024 since 2018, it has been long overdue. Thanks in advance!
#faxmachine Hi Chris & Pete, I'm doing my first ever trip to Japan in a couple of weeks, decided autumn would be one of the better seasons to do it. I wanted to visit places other than the golden route so planned to do some hiking in Nikko! In my research I noticed on some hiking trails people ring these bells placed along the path, most likely for bears I'm guessing. I'm wondering with the bear population in Japan how often do people actually come across them on hiking trails? Would be good to know what kind of preparation to look out for to stay safe. Thanks!
Over 150 bear attacks on people have happened since April in Japan this year. Several people have been killed. Get some bear bells. I've seen them at Daiso for 100¥ but I'm betting any decent outdoor gear shop will have them. Hiroshima also has wild boar rampages every now and then (not kidding.)
He is so so so so sorry because he has a choice: 8 years in prison or 3 years after confessing.
Hashtag Fax Machine Question!
Pokemon is big there do you think for any of your vids doing anything with pokemon for people who fans of it and want to see what it like in the land that made it like the pokemon cafe or the pokemon hotel rooms and such
so Ironic that Chris says Genki sushi is the worst and Pete says Uobei is his favorite. Uobei is Genki sushi. Also, for those who want to try rotating sushi, there still are options such as Tenka sushi. The chefs stand in the centre and you can shout your orders to them, but around them there is a rotating belt.
I thought they were one and the same 😅
#faxmachine
G'day, Crispy Famichiki Chris, Plum wine Pete, and Daifuku dave, I'm heading to japan for 7 days in January 1st, as a veteran traveller to japan, I picked the 2 main cities to visit, Osaka and Tokyo, We are staying in the the Asakusa area and wanted recommendations of what to do in such a condensed visit. in these two cities, and more specifically, where can we find value for money Kobe Beef in Osaka.
Lastly I want to highlight your amazing doco on the Nakajin Capsule tower you did a while ago, I absolutely loved it and was so sad not to see it one last time before it was demolished, Will you be doing more docos on the many amazing architecture around japan.
Thanks for your advice, all the best
Regards
Andy, melbourne
#faxmachine as someone who loves Japanese entertainment (anime, manga, video games etc.) and wants to visit Japan one day; I’m wondering if you’ll ever include or mention such things in your videos.
P.S. loved the Cyberpunk 2077 stream you did w/ PremierTwo/American Pete
Colour me shocked you like "Japanese entertainment" (i.e kids stuff and certainly not anything sophisticated or even slightly related to Japanese culture)
@@PeebeesPet I’m studying for the N1 JLPT, wtf do you think you know about me?
“Snow White” 🤣
Japan is a country not anime land.@@AzureRook
Btw. If you plan to visit Japan for the entertainment. Usually Akihabara & Ikebukuro in Tokyo are the place to visit first.
There are millions of Americans that “love Japanese Culture,” and they wear shirts with kana writing. I always ask if they know what it means. Not a single person has said yes at the warehouse I work at. It’s funny. They love Japanese culture but not enough to learn the language 😂
They really are just into cartoons and continuing their existence as a child. It’s always games and anime. It’s never the food, the manners, the ethics, or the history. Add to that they usually can’t tell me who the Japanese PM is either.
I have a good time telling them what their shirt says.😂
#faxmachine Hello best selling author Chris and best smelling author Pete!
Congrats on the book release!
A fun thing I have been doing is watching back your old videos as they get referenced in the book.
For example in your book, you regale the hilarious, if precarious situation of staying in a hotel in Sendai - the Sendai Beverly Hotel; punctuated by the great line that it was just a “hills” away from being authentic. But when I watched the video The BEST Japanese Hotel Room Tour You’ll Ever See, you mention (and show the door handle as proof) that you are staying at Hotel Bel Air.
This presents a question for me: Is there an over abundance of shitty Southern California inspired hotels in Sendai, or was this a mistake?
Thanks!
Listen all y'all, its sushitage!
I acctually once did the sauce bottle thing by accident, me and my Mum had gone to a hospital in London as I had an issue with my hands and on the way back we stopped in a Cafe, we ordered food and for a drink I ordered an Iced coffee, so bloke comes out with my Mums tea and this little glass bottle with stuff inside that was a milky brown colour, I thought oh must be like those Starbucks ones you get, take a big swig for the bloke to come back out holding a large glass of ice coffee with a look of horror on his face, turns out it was Salad dressing for the food, no harm done though and would have replaced it if they requested that I did so.
I need to know what happens at Natsuki's event. I hope it all magically comes together
hello chris and pete just want to say hi
Hahahahaha this rules. 5 years for licking a riceball. In the UK you get 3 years (so you do 18 months in prison) for accidentally killing a child through dangerous driving.
#faxmachine hi crunky Chris and pocari Pete. last time I was in Japan was back in 2006. I went to edo wonderland. One of the best immersive theme parks i’vI’ve ever visited. A real highlight of my holidays. Do they still exist and if so, would you ever consider visiting or doing a video on it? I think there used to be 2 but I fear mine may have closed down. Also, why the hell does no one sell amino value anymore? One bottle was worth 10 pocari sweats lol
Candidly, on the family ‘stink water’ since you’re typically supposed to wash before you bathe, I feel like, they might judge you, if you dirty up their water… so, I mean, therein lies the conundrum… I mean, bath water isn’t even really ‘grey water’ in my experience… I mean, I wouldn’t drink it but then again, would you like filth soup out your family? That was discussed on this video, right? I haven’t got my feeds mixed up, have I?
One Sarin bomb put on 1 trash can 30 years ago --> no more trash cans in the whole country for 175 years.
One teen licking a sauce bottle in 1 restaurant --> No more conveyor belts in any Japanese restaurant for 65 years.
That's one of the most stupid side of Japan.
#FaxMachine Question:
Ello Pete and Chris!
I noticed the Video Podcast on my UA-cam feed recently and I was very happy to find out about it! Even though I found it on UA-cam, I listen to it on Spotify. Working to finish the whole backlog!
I have two questions, one for each of you!
Chris, I’m going to Japan in a few months with two of my friends. One is 3xL and one is 1xL in US Standards. How hard would it be for them to find clothes in stores in Japan. I hear Japanese clothes would run small… so would they be considered 5xL and 2xL in Japanese Standards? Are those type of clothes hard to find?
Pete, If someone was visiting Europe or England, where would you recommend them going? Or Can you give us a sales pitch as to why we should visit.
Much love! Thank you both for everything!
Kat-Tea
They do have deserts at conveyor sushi.
#FaxMachine
Alrighty Passionate Chris and Clever Pete (See what I did there?)
My name is Haley (Dorky is apart of my cosplay account, so that works too) and I have been listening ever since the podcast first started! Who knew it would be once you started posting to UA-cam that would be the time I send in/post my first question!
Getting into it, I was blessed with a trip to Japan in 2017 as a graduation gift from my grandma. Ever since then, I have been saving to go back, as it was the most amazing trip I could ever hope for. The next trip planned is with my best friend, and I am leading the charge for getting everything organized for the trip, but my best friend is sending me things she is interested in as well.
Now, here's the kicker, I would like to find some unique things to do while we are in Japan (for 2-3 weeks). We obviously still enjoy doing the tourist things, but we also want unique experiences that might not be talked about as much. I do reference your videos, as well as all the other creatives who live in Japan, for unique experiences, but I have some concerns. We will be traveling around Japan, so we won't just be in kyoto, but I'm worried about the validity of some older (pre-.... the thing we don't speak of) videos and articles that talk about locations/attractions for whether or not they are still around.
Do you have any suggestions for checking to see if annual events and activities are still the same, and if they are still worth going to? I would hate for us to arrive in Japan just to find out that something didn't survive the past couple years.
I adore the podcast, and thank you for all the work you both do for it!
Sincerely,
Haley/Dorky from Texas (yee-haw)
Hi Chris, its funny but i try to improve my English by listening :-)... But i also interested in Japan.
Since i deal with Japen, it seems for me that working is a religion in Japan and that this is the reason for many problems. Would you say that young people are trained by society to only see meaning in work and not in self-realization or in the family? Best regards Frank
#Fax machine Question
Hi Chris & Pete...
You mentioned in a prior broadcast that you, Chris, were planning to take your parents around Japan. I am going to guess your parents to be around my age, which is slightly older than your normal demographic. How does planning a tour for your parents differ than planning a tour for say your rowdy boozer Donaldson over there? Thank you gentlemen for the insights and the laughs.
Still A Sping In My Step...Judy from Florida
#TheFaxMachine...
Hello Chris and Pete,
I have a question for you both that I have heard addressed on the podacst since I started to listening to back in 2019. My question has to do with type of clothes should one pack for their first trip to Japan? Should one pack shorts if coming to Japan during the Summer? Are T-shirts with designs or Anime related characters a good idea to wear? Are sandals looked down upon as proper footware during the Summer months. If you're going to visit a shrine, what should be worn to show respect to the area? As someone that will be coming to Japan for the first time in May of 2025, I would like to know both of your thoughts on this?
Thank you both for all the hard work that you do to bring us this amazing podcast.
Chris from Ankeny, IA USA.
3:50 HOLY FUCK IS THAT WHY HE BECOME HOLLYWOD HOGAN?!?!?