12 Reasons NOT to Move to Japan

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: Get ready for "Brett Maverick" - the name you wish you had. 🍿🍿🍿Keep an eye out for Journey Across Japan: The Lost Islands which starts later this week! https://youtu.be/SEN6v1ZFlJ0 AS FOR THIS VIDEO, I've made over 200 videos in Japan over the years that've been rather positive about the country and I'd like to think my love for this country, the people and the culture are beyond question. But of course, the country isn't perfect (nowhere is). I've always held off of this video as I know it'll open a pandoras box of people telling me to "go home", but I think all of the criticism I've levelled at Japan in this video is pretty fair. Time will tell! But keep an eye out for angry racist comments. Hopefully we can bundle them into a future hate mail video

It's hilarious to see someone use the words "overly positive" when referring to Chris.

"The world's smallest beer" "No no no no no, I'm so big" I love this man already and it's the first time I've seen him

I lived in Japan for 25 years before recently returning to Canada.. while some of his comments may seem humorous or quirky, he's pretty much spot on. This is quality commentary if you're looking for it. Japan is an incredible place, but it certainly comes with some baggage for foreigners. How you deal with that, is the trick.

Started learning japanese to study in japan. Chris Broad: “Fuck off, don't move here” Well that's just great

Japanese boss: "It's come to our attention you have a life outside the office."

Makes perfect sense why the Isekai genre is so strong in Japan. They all dream of a fantasy world they would rather be in than having to do all of the things in this video.

After 15 years in Japan, I’m also getting ready to leave, partially for the same reasons as listed in this video. I ticked all the boxes: I learned the language, found a good job, got married, had kids, built a house. But in the end, I just can’t take it anymore. There are some truly heartbreaking stories in the comments and my heart goes out to each one of you. I could add my own but it’s too painful to spell out here.

I lived in Japan in 1986 for a year as an exchange student (high school) and for 3 months in 1992 as a college student. It was one of the best experiences of my life without question. There were times of immense loneliness - like Christmas day as I sat in class and knew my family was back home in New York celebrating together. There was incredible kindness toward me and hatred as well. I had a huge guy try to assault me as I walked with a Japanese girl (not my girlfriend). Luckily I knew enough karate to escape the situation. However, most of the time I was treated with respect and curiosity. In my "town", Fukui ken, Ono shi there were only a handful of non Japanese. Wherever I went I felt like the Japanese flag - a red dot in a field of white. The language was tough to learn but the culture was harder. Riding my bike to school in 10" of snow with no delay, no snow days, was brutal. Going to school 6 days a week was unpleasant too. None of the kids I went to school with had ever dated, drank or done really anything. I was way, way more mature and they were way better at math. You didn't mention weather in your video which is interesting as the rainy season was depressing. Otherwise your video nailed it. I love Japan and have returned 5 times briefly and can't wait to go back. Living there long term though......not so much.

One minute you're accused of being too negative. And now you're being accused of being too positive. You can't win sometimes, man.

All issues you have mentioned are meaningless in the face of convenience store friend chicken.

I like it. I'm usually very cautious when something is sold to me as overly positive, and especially about Japan it's like people just CANNOT criticize it for some reason, despite it having numerous problems - from sexual harassment, to severe depression and xenophobia. So I'm glad this isn't one of those clickbait titles where they say "12 reasons not to" and then just proceed to list positives in a sarcastic manner.

Japan seems like a cool place to have a vacation home that you visit once a year for about a month or so. Then rent out for the rest of the year. However, i could never imagine actually living there. It seems to be simply too different and strict.

I met an awesome Japanese dude called Sho when I was living in Australia. He was a Pro surfer, we went to watch him at some competitions and he was awesome, getting sponsorships and everything. He was looking at moving to Australia permenatly and I asked him if he ever wanted to go home. He laughed and said "man, no-one in Japan thinks surfing is a job".

"hey Natsuki how are you?" "Fucking hell" thank you so much for reminding me of this absolute GEM.

Hi Chris, Australian guy with Japanese wife now living last 30 years in Australia. Lived in Tokyo for 3 years and love your channel, keep going strong much love!!!

It’s all part of your journey, including producing this informative , eye opening video, with a good sense of humour. Thank you.

Getting called overly positive as a British person must be considered a grave insult

Serious Question: if you didn't have this YouTube channel with the ability to connect with people (and make some income) do you still think you would have lived in Japan as long?

The honesty is much appreciated!