Reviews - Abroad in Japan | The StoryGraph

1.44k reviews for:

Abroad in Japan

Chris Broad

4.09 AVERAGE

ballher's review

4.5

funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

jflint23's review

4.0

funny inspiring medium-paced

jennyliem's review against another edition

4.5

funny informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

bmjwestwood's review

5.0

adventurous funny informative fast-paced

navig8r's review

3.5

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

gothic7145's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

(Listened to audiobook) A funny, lighthearted slice-of-life story about a British man bumbling his way into various funny/awkward situations in a country he starts out entirely unfamiliar with. With each adventure, he learns something new, or makes a new friend, and grows more attached to the people around him. I particularly liked how moments of utter bewilderment and culture shock were pierced by rare feelings of joy--either in the feeling of comfort when conversing in Japanese, or in the making of a new friend.

raimoh's review

4.0

adventurous funny informative inspiring medium-paced

I didn’t know who Chris Broad was before reading this book. Well actually I listened to the audio book, narrated by Chris himself. I found Chris’ story of living in Japan very informative, and I really enjoyed reading from the perspective of a foreigner living in Japan. Chris explains Japanese culture very well and in way which feels real and respectful. I feel like with the rise of anime and manga in Western culture Japan can sometimes be glorified. Chris has a fine balance between the positives of life in Japan, as well as the negatives. A lot his fondest memories stem from the people he meets and the unique places they take him, and his experience making documentaries about different topics in Japanese culture. Some of the downsides of Japan he talks about the earthquakes, the issue of bullying in Japan schools, troubles with not knowing the language and also the realities of being a foreigner, like not being able to find housing. When I realized in the book that he eventually becomes a youtuber, I took a look at his channel and thought it looked a bit click baitish, however after watching a few I really enjoyed them. Overall it was a nice read and although the pacing towards the end was a bit off, the plot kinda going in every which way, I really enjoyed listening to this and I will probably be going back to his YouTube channel to watch more!