Goodbye 2024! Happy New Year Everyone π₯³π₯
Added 2024-12-31 17:24:13 +0000 UTCWell guys as we head over the border into 2025, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your support this year.
It's hard to put into words how grateful I am to the Abroad in Japan Patreon community that's stood behind us over the course of the last half decade and allowed us to do extraordinary things. I've only ever wanted to do you all proud!
So what did we get up to in 2024?
π In January, we concluded our epic 17-part travel series Journey Across Japan: Non-Stop North, a massive Patreon funded series from the mountains of Yamagata, to the somewhat freezing islands of Matsushima.
πIn March we released the Abroad in Japan Book in paperback, which went on to become No.1 best selling Non-Fiction book in the UK for six weeks!
πWe also deprived Connor of electricity and wifi in Japan's most remote inn - one of my favourite videos of the year.
πIn April, together with Connor and Pete we cycled over 1,000km raising over $1 Million for charity (and incredibly without injury).
πIn May, we traversed the entire Yamanote Line in Tokyo, filming at every single stop and nearly going insane along the way.
πIn June, in the most surreal and absurd turns of events, we visited Buckingham Palace to meet the Emperor and King Charles to celebrate UK-Japan relations (and drink all the wine).
πIn August, we opened Lost Bar in the middle of Shibuya, Tokyo which has gone from strength to strength (and drank all the cocktails).
πIn October, Natsuki and I shared the 12 Unspoken Rules of Japan with the world, in what's quickly become our biggest hit video of the year!
πEnd of November, I finally had a rant about Logan Paul that's been six year in the making.
πAnd this month we released our long awaited Earthquake documentary (entirely Patreon funded), shining a spotlight on the town of Wajima and a disaster that's sadly gone under the radar in terms of international publicity.
All in all, it's been an astonishing year and you've been there every step of the way.
It'll be a tough year to beat, but I've already got a ton of exciting ideas waiting to be unleashed in the months ahead. (And our first video of the year is a Wacky Weekend in Kyushu).
But what was your Abroad in Japan highlight of this year and what do you want to see us do the most in 2025? Let me know below - and it could well happen!
For now though guys, have yourself a very Happy New Year!
See you in 2025 :D
Comments
My Abroad in Japan highlight of 2024 was discovering Abroad in Japan (thanks to receiving your book for Christmas). As a (reasonably) sarcastic Englishman just the wrong side of 40 and with a long time love of all things Japan, your content has so far been extremely entertaining and has also spurred me to return to learning Japanese. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for 2025!
Gradie
2025-01-28 14:38:11 +0000 UTCNot sure where to post this, but I just finished your book. I bought it when it came out but Iβm just now getting around to it. It was very good. I thought it was very well written. It was easy to follow and very entertaining. Just wanted to compliment you on great work.
Tzp2gameknight
2025-01-27 00:24:26 +0000 UTCBelated Happy New Year. I was travelling extensively over Xmas and now Iβm back in the States I was catching up with the podcasts this morning only to have the dulcet Northern tones of Pete Donaldson read an advert about treatments for erectile dysfunction, which if I didnβt have before I have now after hearing Pete talk about boner pills on your podcast π€£ All the best innit for 2025.
Bergkattse
2025-01-13 14:25:51 +0000 UTCA bit late but happy new year, Chris! I hope you have a wonderful 2025. I am looking forward to seeing more of Japan through your videos and hearing more through your podcasts. I cannot think of any specific Japan topic that I would like to see you cover but I think another Abroad in a Pan episode would always be good! π Best wishes.
Seeta G
2025-01-05 22:05:35 +0000 UTCHappy new year Chris! It was and is always a pleasure to watch your videos and listen to your podcast! My appreciation also goes to Pete, please tell him this. With regards to your question about suggestion, I would be interested to hear a bit more about schools, how the system works for all levels, kindergarden till university or for example the depopulation is some of the beautiful areas (we as tourist could support more by visiting) or small insights/documentaries about crafts(wo)men as Japan has one of the most beautiful crafts. They are some suggestions, but whatever you may think of I will watch and appreciate the hard work you always put into it! Even when eating loads of Wagyu. That is a tough job as well. Cheers mister affable!
Koen Manusama
2025-01-05 14:57:00 +0000 UTCHappy New Year!
Stephanie R.
2025-01-02 20:00:07 +0000 UTCHappy New Year everybody! And can't wait to see what you'll be churning out this year Chris. Enjoy your break this month, relax time well deserved!
FarTinBaNaNas
2025-01-01 14:21:06 +0000 UTCHappy new year! Wishing you a great 2025. I'm hoping for a 2024 rewind video and the next Journey across Japan π. *queue JAJ music*
Sean Jones
2025-01-01 10:50:02 +0000 UTCHappy new year, idk what happened with 2024 it went by so quick. Haha. 2024 was a pretty good year, graduated school, landed my first decent paying job. Hopefully 2025 I can actually visit Japan and see Mr.Broad himself. Haha. Gotta set the bar high. Haha. Have a great year everyone. :)
Corey Ross
2025-01-01 05:46:24 +0000 UTCThat is a very impressive line up of events over 2024, it is absolutely incredible you were able to do it all in one year! One of our 2024 highlights was meeting you at the book signing at Tokyo Portfolio. You kindly indulged us with a video shout out to my wife who couldnβt make it. We spoke about our pending trip to Wakkanai. My video recommendation would be to go back to Wakkanai when there is actually nice weather and do a travel video about Rebun and Rishiri Islands and the famed Mount Rishirifuji, the βFuji of the Seaβ. All the best for 2025 and keep up the great work!
Nagy C
2025-01-01 05:27:25 +0000 UTCHappy new year guys! (Still 2024 for 3 more hours here) π
Kevin Cromarty
2025-01-01 04:57:21 +0000 UTCHappy New Year, Sir AttenBroad! Now that you've produced yet another brilliant documentary, I shall now be expecting even more amazing things, and hopefully old Charles will 'sort you a proper good knighthood' in the years to come... π π Let us all know if you're visiting the UK soon! It would be great to organise a theatre showing of the documentary. I'm not sure where your home town is; but apparently Maidstone has a decent theatre with really fancy seats (where they also live stream ballet...)
Eric [UK]
2025-01-01 01:25:30 +0000 UTCThank you, Chris. That's very kind. My wife and I got engaged in Nikko in 2018, and it's thanks to your videos that we decided to visit Japan in the first place. We're now expecting our first child in April, so perhaps no more visits to Japan for a few years, but we'll absolutely continue to follow and deeply appreciate your work in the meantime!
Street_Hotdog
2024-12-31 23:18:02 +0000 UTCHappy New Year Chris and as for what I would like to see in 2025? focus a bit more on Shikoku and Chugoku and perhaps try out unusual and never before done ideas.
Xenin
2024-12-31 22:00:35 +0000 UTCCheers from Edinburgh!
Onux Tigris
2024-12-31 21:40:05 +0000 UTCThank you for the kind words! Your so called blathering is honestly greatly appreciated, haha. Have yourself a happy New Year Street Hotdog!
Abroad in Japan
2024-12-31 21:36:59 +0000 UTCHappy New Year, everyone! I'll gladly add my voice to the choir singing your praises, Chris. 2024 has been an incredible year to be a member of the Patreon. You've been surprising us at every turn and delivering so much great (hate to say the word) 'content' in so many ways. I make short documentaries as part of my job, and your work is always an inspiration of what is possible with (relatively) limited resources. The clarity of vision and the care taken in constructing/communicating the narrative never fails to deliver. Sorry for blathering on! Can't wait for 2025.
Street_Hotdog
2024-12-31 21:05:31 +0000 UTCHappy new year! I really loved the earthquake documentary! Other highlights were the Yamamote line video, but also you venting about shitty YouTubers! Hope the new year bring health, love and prosperity for all
Hayley Khan
2024-12-31 20:51:51 +0000 UTCHappy new year!
Edgar Veloz
2024-12-31 20:32:18 +0000 UTCHappy new year everyone! :)
Martin
2024-12-31 20:28:08 +0000 UTCHappy New Year!
Virginia Banks
2024-12-31 20:03:58 +0000 UTCHappy New Year! More wacky weekends please!
Brooke Valletta
2024-12-31 19:53:40 +0000 UTCHappy New Year Mr. Affable and congrats to all of what you've accomplished this year. Can't wait to see what the new year brings from Abroad in Japan.
ZaikXory
2024-12-31 19:24:32 +0000 UTCHappy new year Chris! We will be visiting Japan in January 2025, hope to see you in Lost Bar!
Albertas
2024-12-31 19:20:41 +0000 UTCHappy New Year Chris
Gerard Murphy
2024-12-31 19:13:22 +0000 UTCHappy New Year to you Chris and to all at the Abroad in Japan Cinematic Universe π₯
Maureen Kerr
2024-12-31 18:52:37 +0000 UTCHappy new year!!
ElChabalDelPc
2024-12-31 18:43:37 +0000 UTCHappy New Year! Your earthquake documentary is my personal highlight! Also I had the chance to visit your Bar Lost at the beginning of December as part of my Japan vacation. It was great and I enjoyed it very much :) Fir 2025 I hope for a video about Kamakura as it is my favorite place in Japan with the temples and shrines (Kenchoji, Engakuji, Hasedera as well as Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Goryo), the big buddha, beaches and my favorite CafΓ© called Daisys CafΓ© π Would love to see your favorite places (I know you were there in the 14 days Japan video, but I'm wondering, if there is more for you? :)
Cathy
2024-12-31 18:40:52 +0000 UTCHappy new year! ππ
Lou
2024-12-31 18:31:59 +0000 UTCHappy new year Chris! πΎ
DinoKΕyΕ
2024-12-31 18:13:44 +0000 UTCHappy new year! πΊππππππππππππ
Putsies Mokies
2024-12-31 18:06:05 +0000 UTChappy new year chris and sharla looking forward to what 2025 brings especially as im going to japan in september,hope i can get in your bar when i visit and finally happy new year everyone
pyrogian
2024-12-31 17:56:31 +0000 UTCHappy New Year
Eric Dunn
2024-12-31 17:56:21 +0000 UTCHappy new year! I cant wait to see what you get up to in 2025! Fantastic job on the documentary. I quite enjoyed it.
Mariah Snipes
2024-12-31 17:56:20 +0000 UTCHappy new year everyone!π
Lyria Blackwood
2024-12-31 17:54:12 +0000 UTCI had one crazy start to the year between mums dementia advancing and my own spinal injury but that led me to discovering you, Sharla, Connor and the gang and binging on a ridiculous amount of your content, book, audiobookβ¦ seriously cant thank you enough for getting me through the darkest parts of this year and giving me the motivation to finally book my trip and i go in 8 weeks time. My enduring memory is when you took Connor to cross a rope bridge and bungee jump and the tables turned and he was like a kid in a candy store and your nervous profanity was of such a high standard i could consider you an honorary Scotsman with that level of filth π€£β€οΈπ I shall raise a glass to you all tonight and cant wait to see what you do in 2025 π
Gareth Jones
2024-12-31 17:53:34 +0000 UTCHappy New Year to you all! I think my Abroad in Japan highlight is the earthquake doc. It was absolutely brilliant. I hope you all have a fun 2025! Can't wait to see what you have in store.
Krispi
2024-12-31 17:48:52 +0000 UTCHappy New Year Chris and Sharla, and everyone around here!
Marta Fernandes
2024-12-31 17:46:41 +0000 UTCHappy New year! Thanks for all the great content.
Grant Holman
2024-12-31 17:44:31 +0000 UTCHappy New Year Chris! Happy New Year to all my fellow Patreons too! π
Michael Taylor
2024-12-31 17:39:31 +0000 UTCHappy new year Chris, and the wider Abroad in Japan team! Thanks a ton for the amazing videos you have produced, let us hope that 2025 is another great year for Abroad in Japan. (On a side note, it sure is surprising how we're already on the halfway mark of the 2020's, crazy how time flies).
JrS
2024-12-31 17:38:38 +0000 UTCHad a lot of fun this year, I'm certain I'll have even more in 2025. Happy New Year, people!
expostl
2024-12-31 17:38:31 +0000 UTCHappy New Year! Thanks for all the great content, especially the documentary. I'd be interested in a follow-up when recovery efforts have progressed and more wacky weekends! Look forward to seeing what else you have in store for us but please don't mention we're halfway through the decade again! π§π»ππ
Luke Beaman
2024-12-31 17:37:50 +0000 UTCHappy new year! All the best
Cameron Swift
2024-12-31 17:32:02 +0000 UTCHappy New Year ππ Lots of love to you both and good cheer for the new year. π©·π©·
Emily
2024-12-31 17:30:13 +0000 UTCHappy new year Chris, thank you for the entertainment π All the best for 2025 β¨οΈ
Sonya Ross
2024-12-31 17:29:50 +0000 UTCWhat a great year it has been, it's been amazing to be here for it, happy new year Chris and everyone ππ
Camilla Fontana
2024-12-31 17:28:49 +0000 UTCCheers! To a great 2025! π₯
Beatrice
2024-12-31 17:28:46 +0000 UTCHappy New Year!!!
Peter Varga
2024-12-31 17:28:06 +0000 UTCHappy New Year, Abroad in Japan.
Ali Fareed MC
2024-12-31 17:27:50 +0000 UTC
