Travel Book Club: Abroad in Japan Discussion (April 2025)

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It’s time for the next discussion in our 2025 Travel Book Club! In April we read Abroad in Japan and I’ve compiled some questions below to get the discussion started! Share your thoughts, then check out what we’re reading next month!

Caution: Spoilers Ahead!

Abroad in Japan is an engaging memoir that takes readers through author Chris Broad’s decade-long adventure in Japan. Chris, a British filmmaker and founder of the “Abroad in Japan” YouTube channel, shares his experiences from his initial days as an English teacher to becoming one of Japan’s most well-known foreign YouTubers. 

Arriving in rural Tohoku through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme, Chris was immersed in a culture vastly different from his own. His story is filled with humorous anecdotes and cultural observations, offering a genuine glimpse into the joys—and the challenges—of adapting to life in Japan. From navigating language barriers to understanding local customs, Chris’s storytelling is as entertaining as it is insightful. 

Throughout the book, Chris recounts his travels across Japan, sharing stories that range from the mortifying to the profound. Whether it’s a memorable experience at a love hotel or a week spent with one of Japan’s biggest movie stars, each tale provides a fresh perspective on the intricacies of Japanese culture. 

For those familiar with Chris’s YouTube channel, the book offers deeper insights into his personal journey with YouTube, as well as the evolution of his career. Chris’s quintessentially British humor shines throughout, making it an entertaining read.

Discussion Questions | Share Your Thoughts on Facebook

• What were your initial thoughts on Chris’s decision to move to rural Japan without prior teaching experience and without speaking any Japanese?
• How did Chris’s experiences challenge or reinforce your perceptions of Japanese culture?
• Share a particular anecdote from the book that resonated with you and why.
• How did Chris’s perspective on Japan evolve over his decade-long journey?
• Were there any cultural nuances or customs mentioned that surprised you?
• How did Chris’s interactions with locals influence his integration into Japanese society?
• What do you think was the biggest challenge Chris faced in his teaching role and how he overcame it.
• What insights did you gain about rural versus urban life in Japan through Chris’s experiences?
• How did Chris’s background in filmmaking influence the way he narrated his experiences?
• Were there moments in the book that made you reflect on your own experiences of adapting to new environments?
• Did the book inspire or influence your interest in Japanese culture or travel?

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