Chris Reveals Book At Last: Featuring Ryotaro!
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In this episode of *Abroad in Japan*, host Chris reveals the long-awaited details of his upcoming book, *Journey Across Japan*, during a candid conversation with longtime friend and co-adventurer Ryotaro Sakurai. The book, illustrated by Matt Saunders and set for release later in 2026, chronicles their travels across all 47 Japanese prefectures, with a special focus on lesser-known regions like Tohoku and remote islands. Chris shares behind-the-scenes stories from their adventures, including a harrowing cliff climb in Matsusaka and a transformative visit to Hatoma Island in Okinawa, where he reflects on disappearing cultures and the fragility of island life. The episode also explores the changing landscape of Japan tourism, criticizing the rise of shallow, social media-driven travel and celebrating the deeper, more meaningful experiences that only off-the-beaten-path journeys can offer. Chris and Ryotaro dive into Ryotaro’s recent travels to Laos and China, highlighting immersive tribal homestays and cultural encounters. Ryotaro also announces plans for a new travel company aimed at curating authentic, off-grid experiences—like drift ice walking, kayaking among floating ice sheets, and canyoning in the bear-rich Shiretoko region—while emphasizing safety and local collaboration. The episode closes with a playful nod to the book’s inclusion of Ryotaro, a humorous reminder that the book is now a reality, and a teaser for future episodes focused on viewer questions and news. The tone is reflective, enthusiastic, and deeply personal, underscoring a mission to inspire meaningful travel and cultural connection.
Pre-order *Journey Across Japan*, a visually rich, prefecture-by-prefecture travel narrative by Chris, featuring never-before-told stories and stunning illustrations by Matt Saunders.
Ryotaro is launching a new travel company to guide Western visitors to authentic, off-grid experiences—like drift ice tours, island hopping, and Ainu cultural visits—beyond Tokyo’s tourist bubble.
The episode critiques the rise of shallow, social media-driven tourism and calls for deeper cultural immersion, especially in remote areas like Hatoma Island and Shiretoko.
Chris shares his personal shift away from Tokyo-centric content, vowing to film only outside Tokyo this year, focusing instead on nature, isolation, and indigenous cultures.
The book includes a prologue featuring Chris and Ryotaro’s infamous cliff climb in Matsusaka, a moment that symbolizes their adventurous spirit and the book’s thematic core.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Big Reveal: Chris Unveils the New Book
“This book is kind of like the Bible for escaping in Japan, you know, out of those over-tourism theories.”
Behind the Scenes: Stories from the Road
“Once the locals have gone there, that culture, all that history, all that knowledge goes with it. And that's a bit of a tragedy.”
The State of Japan Tourism: From Over-Tourism to Authenticity
“People just coming here without doing any homework or research. It's a shame.”
Ryotaro’s New Adventure: Building a Travel Company
“I want to show the world things that are not being revealed to the world yet.”
Reflections on Isolation, Culture, and the Future of Travel
The episode closes with a philosophical reflection on the importance of disconnecting from Tokyo, embracing nature, and preserving disappearing cultures. Chris vows to film only outside Tokyo this year, while Ryotaro shares his dream of creating a new kind of travel experience.
“This book is kind of like the Bible for escaping in Japan, you know, out of those over-tourism theories.”
“Once the locals have gone there, that culture, all that history, all that knowledge goes with it. And that's a bit of a tragedy.”
“I want to show the world things that are not being revealed to the world yet.”
Host
Guest
Chris
person
Ryotaro Sakurai
person
Journey Across Japan
book
Tokyo
place
Okinawa
other
Hatoma Island
place
Hokkaido
other
China
place
Drift Ice
other
Shiretoko
place
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