The Creator Of ‘Abroad In Japan’ Explains His Success | Stay Curious

Chris Broad is a creator who has been showing the real Japan to the rest of the world for years. He’s so good at what he does and so entertaining, that you may have come across his videos on YouTube or even seen him featured on BBC and The Guardian. Who is Chris Broad from Abroad in Japan and what’s his story? We sat down with Chris for a long-overdue conversation.

0:00 - Intro
4:23 - Why did you move to Japan?
7:00 - Perceptions of Japan
9:32 - Settling into Japan
12:18 - Starting YouTube
18:00 - Challenges doing YouTube
22:11 - Most memorable episodes
26:27 - Public criticism
32:11 - Video making process
43:40 - Managing stress & staying motivated
51:11 - Impact of Covid
54:13 - Social issues in Japan
55:56 - How has Japan changed you?
57:59 - Future plans
1:00:00 - Ending

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[AbroadinJapan]

Many thanks for having me on the show guys! It's kinda trippy to be featured on Asian Boss given I've been watching this channel for so many years now.
Even though we covered just about everything in this interview, hopefully it's not the last time we get to hangout. All the best to the team for 2022! 🍻

[ezra]

The best thing about Chris is (apart from the cultural showcase thing) is the casual criticism (by that, I mean not in a harsh manner and as urgent) and thoughtful reflections. Those videos are the better ones by Chris that I love. He knows how to navigate the culture, join in at times, still have his identity, and yet take some time to be critical. That's what I like about Chris' Youtube page.

[cabal]

To those unfamiliar with Chris's channel, I highly recommend starting with the first Journey Across Japan series. A really well shot series of him cycling across Japan with guests.

[tigermunky]

Having lived in Japan myself, I can generally agree with most of what Chris says. Japan is like any other country around the world; it has awesome parts, good parts, average parts, and tedious or frustrating parts. A lot of people get upset when he talks openly and honestly, as it provides a view that differs from their idealized and closeted view of the country. However, he takes it on the chin and produces some great content.

[ThaiTalkwithPaddy]

My two fav channels on YT combining forces! This is absolutely epic

[Delaney-and-the-Starlight]

Wasn’t expecting this treat of an episode! Love getting this different perspective which showcases all the crazy good work Chris does!

[thequeryqueen]

Kei seemed to really enjoy the conversation. That smile was a true one that he kept during the whole interview. I've subscribed to both of these channels five years ago. And since then they've been inspiring me. I 've watch them struggle and grow. To see them collab was 😍 . This video was wholesome to watch.☺️

[hizokadarkwolf]

wow, what a crossover. I hope there is a part two when he visits Chris' studio! Great

[arabeltran]

Chris saying he’s “lucky” he hasn’t gotten any controversy or backlash with what he’s doing is because He is a decent human being who knows how to respect the culture and the country he is making content with. It’s not Lucky, it’s because people give the respect and admiration he deserves.

[DimitriMoreira]

This is epic!!! I've been watching Chris and Asian Boss since forever!!

[dayralehansel]

Delighted to see this collab! Hope that it brings more exposure to both! Chris is awesome and Asian boss is a Boss!!!!

[snoozeyoulose]

Chris is very open and sharing about his process and avoids the jazz of being hyper plastic. Good one.

[aisadal]

Yooo, this is such an epic crossover I never knew how much I needed! 👏😍💖

[paradox_monke]

15:50 definitely a life advice, if you love what you do you won’t look at the clock, you just doesn’t feel tired even though you have been up for like 20 hours

[thenerdfest]

Chris Broad is basically my hero now. That sounds dramatic, but I'm 17 and have been wanting to lead a new life as an adult somewhere else. I fell in love with the Japanese language, and then the culture, and at the center of it all has been Abroad In Japan. Everything Chris says, and all his ambitions are very relatable, and he maintains a very humble attitude despite his success. I have big dreams but I am highly doubtful that I will ever fulfill them, and I will probably end up to be a nobody.

This video has been very inspiring and motivating to me, thank you. I will remember his advice when I make my transition.

[KyoudaiMike]

I first discovered Chris back in 2015 when I was 16 years old and living in a small town. It would not be an exaggeration to say that his videos have been a huge inspiration in my life since then. East Asian culture, language, and history has always been an interest of mine for as long as I can remember. Chris' videos stoked the fire of something I had never imagined before; the idea of living abroad. Not only that, but like Chris said, there was little content available online of countries like Japan. His videos allowed me to experience Japan through him and I will be forever grateful to him for that.

[squishyliz]

One of the reasons I love Abroad in Japan so much is exactly those cinematic cut scenes where Chris does an amazing job capturing the atmosphere and aesthetic beauty of of whatever he’s showing. So I’m sad to hear he feels more cinematic videos wouldn’t do as well and maybe he’s right, but I definitely feel there is a niche for it, I think there are a lot of people who enjoy just chill, atmospheric ASMR type videos but maybe the audience doesn’t overlap as much with Chris’s current audience. It’s possible the algorithm doesn’t promote it enough on the Abroad in Japan channel but might do well on a separate channel. But really I think the reason Chris does so well is his sense of the cinematic and combination with interesting and educational information.

[CherryWallflower]

would love to see more youtubers in asia interviews like this!

[organicgrains]

Huge fan of Chris Broad. Thank you for the feature, great video!

[kimc]

This is so cool! So happy to see Chris to be interviewed on his hard work. Chris and 3 other youtubers were the ones that encouraged me to do a solo trip to Japan. The best trip in my life! Happy for your achievement Chris and awesome job Asian Boss!