A Foreigner in Japan

When Englishman Chris Broad settled in rural northern Japan, he began to wonder if he had made a huge mistake. Would he become the fastest-fired English teacher in Japanese history, given that he couldn't speak the language and had no teaching experience? Abroad in Japan maps the author's ten years of life in the country, describing the chaos and culture shock he experienced there. It is full of hilarious and fascinating stories, while also uncovering the mysteries of one of the world's most complex cultures. Chris Broad takes you through ten years of his experiences and all forty-seven prefectures, from the rice fields of the countryside to the frenetic, neon-lit streets of Tokyo. He recalls powerful moments, such as the terrifying North Korean missile incident or a humiliating experience in a love hotel, and a week spent with Japan's biggest film star. Abroad in Japan is an exceptional and enlightening journey through the land of the rising sun. What they said about the book “A funny look at the land of karaoke, cat lovers and chocolate-covered chips.” – The Times “Chris Broad has gone from a naive exchange teacher to a seasoned YouTuber, and in his book, he brings Japan to life in all its quirky glory. He has survived earthquakes, missile alerts after North Korean tests, allergies in cat cafes, and getting kicked out of a Love Hotel. Endlessly fascinating reading!” – Will Ferguson, author of Hokkaido Highway Blues “Engaging, fact-filled and extremely funny. With his dry humour, deep knowledge and excellent storytelling talent, Chris Broad guides the reader through all the peculiarities of Japanese culture. He perfectly captures the excitement and dreamlike disorientation experienced by a foreigner discovering Japan. A great and entertaining read for anyone interested in this country. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot from it.” – Sam Baldwin, author of For Fukui's Sake: Two Years in Rural Japan “In his self-deprecating memoir, Chris Broad offers an original perspective on Japan. On his journey, he encounters too many cats, discovers the rebirth of the Tōhoku region, and even enjoys a pizza with Ken Watanabe. It's a remarkably contemporary book – a story about life in Japan that could not have been written in any other era.” – Iain Maloney, author of The Only Gaijin in the Village “The author strives to shed light on a culture that can seem distant and incomprehensible to visitors. Through ten years of living in Japan and a host of unforgettable incidents, he reveals its unique character.” – Wanderlust