I’ve been listening to this podcast for about six years. I’ve listened to every episode, and despite all the hate I see towards Pete, I think he’s great! I find him hilarious! I rarely have trouble understanding what he’s saying. I feel like the haters are people who just refuse to accept people who have different accents from them. Grow up people! Onto my opinions on the podcast, I do miss the old format. The episodes used to be longer and contain more interesting content, like speedy Japanese, where now I feel like it’s just 10 minutes of catching up followed by 10 minutes of fax machine (email) questions. The intro should be changed because I don’t think it’s “the best place to learn about Japan without actually being in Japan” however it is the best place to hear people ask the same questions about Japan every other week. Despite being so critical, I do still enjoy the podcast but I find it to be more humor and antics than about Japan.

There are more and more and more ads on this podcast every time I listen to a new episode. A 20 min ep now consists of 3 min ad in the beginning, a 3 min ad break 7 mins in, another 3 min ad 15 mins in, and another 3 min ad at the end. Unbelievable.

Used to really enjoy the podcast, as it was a fun insight into Japan, from both an internal and external perspective, but recently literally the first half of the podcast is just commercials (seven within the first ten minutes) and the promotion of Chris’s book/Youtube channel. For over ten minutes to start the podcast… it’s ridiculous to have to skip halfway into a podcast for fresh content, and then just when it’s hitting the sweet spot it is over.

It’s peak

That’s a exploitative tactic. Dont put random other shows in this feed.

With YT going hard like a bidet up Pete’s bowels with demonetizing and treating content creators like third-rate gingers, I’m glad to see Chris go hard via the podcast. Pete’s the best. Word.

I love listening to this podcast, for the most part, and I’ve enjoyed all of Abroad in Japan’s videos over the years. Pete Donaldson, in this episode, claimed Lauryn Hill didn’t want white women to buy her records. She NEVER said that, or ANYTHING about any race. Please read Daily Beast’s “How a Racist Smear Campaign Derailed Lauryn Hill’s Career.” How disappointing that he that he didn’t bother to verify whether it was true or not. It compromises the integrity of the podcast and made an otherwise-enjoyable episode end on an ugly, false, and thoroughly-unnecessary note. Otherwise, I love listening to Chris and Pete’s banter and discussions on Japan.

The show is great but it needs more ads in the beginning, middle and end as well as more of Pete talking about his political opinions that aren’t relevant to Japan 👍🏻that’d be great The episodes with guests besides Pete are good.

The best content about Japan is when the focus is on Japan and not the people presenting the content. Chris has the capacity to produce and present the content but usually takes the lazy approach, dumbs down content and focuses on himself. Dont focus on the stereotypes but on the Zeitgeist.

Promoting Twitter by using it is promoting the hate that site spreads. Get off Twitter

Look forward every day to get my Japan fix

I lived in Tokyo 2004-2011 and miss keeping up w what’s going in there. It’s hard to find a podcast or search result that isn’t over the top kawaii nonsense so this is great. NOVA now charges teachers for vomiting in class? This is the kind of thing I like keeping up on. Hilton ads dissed ryokan and Japan got upset? Awesome. Obviously I like the hosts and their general chit chat as well.

I discovered this podcast while I was going stir-crazy in Covid quarantine after a long pandemic-induced absence from Japan. Thanks guys for entertaining me and getting me ready to readjust to life back in Japan. Thoroughly entertaining and usually informative. I gave it four instead of five stars though because I get annoyed at the details that they get wrong and because of the very English-speakers’ focus on life as expats/immigrants/tourists to Japan. With those caveats, thoroughly recommended!

Don’t understand why Pete (the loud mouth liberal) is on the show. The show is called Aboard in JAPAN … not Updates from the UK. Really enjoy the episodes when you have actual people who lives in Japan on your show. Too bad that doesn’t happen very often. Also not family friendly because these two likes using the F word.

I have been a huge fan of Chris’ over the years! I still am, and will continue to watch his YouTube videos. With that being said, I’m not a fan of Pete bringing politics into this once light hearted & quirky podcast. It really makes it quite negative & I feel bad for Chris who seems like he never wants to discuss it either.

Bruh Edit: now 3 minutes of ads up front alone. Boi

I’m American living in Japan and I soooo love this podcast. Chris and Pete are very entertaining and cover so many funny topics. It’s my favorite one :)

Always interesting and relaxing. I revisit old episodes when I'm having trouble falling asleep, it works a charm. Thanks, my life is better because of it.

Love these guys! They always brighten my morning :D

“I want it hard, I want it hot, I want it to explode my bowels‼️😆…

Love the podcast— I’ve been living in Japan for over five years. When my grown sons came to visit, we listened to almost all the podcasts together— laughed a lot and also learned some things !

You know what they say about people and opinions: Obviously, this applies to me too considering that I am bothering to leave a review. Maybe I’m a bit van and think that the creators will actually see this. Maybe I think other people will see this and sympathize with my standpoint. Maybe I’m just bored. I’m not really sure at this point. I love Chris and I can appreciate Pete and what he adds to the show. That being said, I’m starting to get a little bit tired of these shows a eschewing to the political forum. Full disclosure, I fall squarely in the middle of politics wise. It isn’t about the content of the politics or the opinions. It’s the fact that it’s being talked about at all to just a long extent. I’m a political science, major, and a law student. Politics are my game. For most, though, I feel like shows like this are meant to be an escape and also advice about Japan: not world, politics, and leaders. Hearing about Elon musk with Twitter has nothing to do with Japan. On the positive note, we are still hearing about Japan! All the stories and insights or helping me plan for my trip coming this summer for my birthday. I appreciate what you two are doing and glad to see that your friendship has come such a long way. Just, maybe consider cooling it on the political talk? Please? Regardless, thank you for bringing instrumental, joy to myself and many others, forever peaking our interest for the land of the rising sun.

This is the best podcast about Japan that I have ever heard in my life! The Japanese news stories are awesome too! I love the British accents in this podcast and that makes it even better! I could rate it 10 stars if I could.

This is to the people leaving the hyper specific, mega-cringe negative reviews. Do you mouth breathing troglodytes actually go back and read the putrid nonsense you come up with? I’d highly suggest going to therapy, consulting a physician, getting a spiritual advisor, and touching some grass. The level of embarrassment I feel for you poor creatures is both immense and profound. I’m not religious but if there is a god I hope he has mercy on your silly little souls. Anyway I like when cowboy chris winges and pop and locking pete says something I can’t understand ayyyyy

We love the Youtube videos, so I assumed the podcasts would be great. Not so much. Too long, too much talking about nothing.

Lads, Pete will undoubtedly recognize the author of this review as one who has left many reviews on STAK broadcasts. As someone who has a love affair with both japan and Britain this podcast offers the perfect blend of both. Chris who’s an excellent film make and Pete who provides excellent comedic relief and is a whiz with technology! I love to hear about his techie exploits. Truly the master! Lads. Please keep up the stellar work You have this “yank” as a forever subscriber.

Love the podcast; listen to it for the British accents 😁😆

Very well organized podcast for quick and easy listening in car rides. Hilarious hosts that keep me tuned in every week 🫶🏼 Keep up the great work Chris & Pete 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This podcast is so amazingly written and produced; I also just love your YouTube channels.

I cannot recommend this podcast enough. If you want to know more about Japan, give it a try.

Absolutely worth the listen every time! Love it and keep it up!

Not enjoying it as much since Pete has come back.

“Hey get away from me! This is a launderette, not a bordello, madam,” is possibly the best thing I’ve heard on a podcast. I’m not actually planning a trip to Japan in the next several years but I love to listen because the hosts are so great, especially Pete. Sorry Chris, but sometimes you need to be not so dismissive of Pete. But overall I love this podcast.

On YouTube and this pod, Chris and his motley band of friends - the amazing Pete- always take me with them on their adventures! While driving or hanging out wherever, I’m always entertained! Thank you for your creative gifts! Thank you for bringing Japan to my home! 😊

Ggggg

I’ve been a subscriber to Abroad in Japan since 2016 and I was surprised to know that he started his own podcast a few years ago. Since Day 1, it’s been an incredibly enjoyable podcast! I always learn something new every time I listen to an episode. Chris and Pete have great chemistry which makes it even more enjoyable. If you’re new to Abroad in Japan, don’t hesitate to listen to this amazing podcast and watch Chris’s high-quality YouTube channel!

I love love LOVE the energy and dynamic between Chris and Pete, and their funny banter and the guests they invite onto the show sometimes. Having two episodes a week is super awesome because I have something to look forward to every few days. I’ve even gone as far back almost all the way when I’m bored and walking to class, because this podcast is THAT good. Most stories are also quite timeless so sometimes I listen twice or three times if I’m bored with my YouTube to-watch list. Thank you guys!

Do you like Chris Broad’s, Abroad in Japan, YouTube channel? Do you like the voice of Peter Donaldson, famous Japanophile and incredible podcast host? Well you’re gonna love this podcast! Keep it up gents!

Don’t listen to the haters this is one of the best podcast’s out there.

Just found your podcast and thought I’d give it a go. I am LOVING it! Reminds me of my days teaching on the JET Programme. Keep up the awesome job!

Pls use Pete 2.0 more often! Like maybe every week.

I love the YT channel and I suddenly realized after rewatching the first Journey Across that there was a podcast and I wasn’t listening to it. A great combination of casual chat, social commentary and complete weirdness from Real Actual French Man. Very relaxed friendly listening. Also the worlds best theme music. Great job guys.

I just love listening to these guys. I love the research they do to bring unique and interesting stories from Japan, as well as answering questions and reacting to listener stories. It’s great fun every time!

Chris and Pete have taught me so much about Japan. Super chill vibes and the only podcast that has managed to make me literally laugh out loud. Highly recommended for anybody to loves Japan or honestly anybody looking for a nice laugh.

Highly entertaining podcast! I love the banter between Chris and Pete. They are respectful of Japan but also don’t shy away from talking about real issues.

Du dun du du dun wow very impressive 10/10

I enjoy the show but I really have to sift through episodes of wealthy white men who have moved to Tokyo mostly because they can. There are so many people of different genders and sexualities and races and quite frankly it’s getting stale for me. I’d love for you to dig outside your circle and interview some people who you don’t relate to.

An interesting show covering a range of topics. Sometimes it’s difficult understanding the fast paced British accents. Wish they would pronounce some of the Japanese words correctly. And other times there is too much silliness by Donaldson.

I enjoy learning about Japan without having to be in Japan. I like listening to them during work.

Just stupid upon stupid upon stupid Christianity and suicide is a sin??!! Huh? We’re talking of Japan So making suicide not a sin makes it less likely??!??! But Japan isn’t Christian and suicide has always been prevalent And saying that women choose to be single because marriage is hard on women Yet!! Say something Nike woman suicide is on the rise makes no sense