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Neither would I but, then again, does that really happen?

Vern Dietsche (aka UFO Bob)

Ramses Silent

Suggestion for the winter video: Jigokudani Yaen Koen. It may be a wee bit touristy, but, I know if you did it, you're take on it would be way different that any other previous video on the subject. Of course, I am interested in this because I love onsen and the countryside and animals. In addition, you could cover the ski and snowboard resorts. Just a thought.

Vern Dietsche (aka UFO Bob)

Well I will try to reply to this for a 3rd time Patreon seems to keep eating my posts. I think this is fantastic but having studied Budo styles for over 40 years. First Shūdōkan then moving to Shindō jinen-ryū, Aikido, Judo, Juttejutsu, Karate, Kendo, Kenpo, I do not feel I have even scratched the surface of the way. not to mention the other 59 styles I know about. sadly i am old and broken now but have always been a archery fan. I would have loved to practiced Kyudo but there where no schools in the U.S. that thought it. all of that being said I would love to see how John could incorporate an over view into a 15 min video. Because for me it would take 90 episodes to feel I tried to scratch the surface of Budo.

Ramses Silent

Letting john do is own thing is what hes best at. Im all for it every thing we post is just suggestions here and lord know he has enough of them. :)

Ramses Silent

1. One might argue this has been overdone but i really have not sen a demand for it in the comments. Certainly interesting subject. Serpantza has done videos covering live house music venues as have a few other notable YouTubers. I guess the question is, what is John's OIJ spin on the subject? 2. Again interesting but has certainly been covered. TokyoLens for example not only has drifted cars in Tokyo (he wrecked his car doing it in japan) but has made quite a few videos on the subject wit his first had experience. But hey, John did get his license maybe he wants to go drifting himself as a sagway into his own experience 笑

GrafxGear

Hmmm, I searched YouTube and found nothing on Ochadokoro Tomaya Tea House in Kitsuki Japan. It's 282 year long history seems intriguing and could be a good storyline for OIJ. John is a thousand steps ahead in ideas for the main channel. It would not surprise me if he's already planning to cover it.

Sunny De Jesus (Tasty Chronicles)

Norm

Ok I have said a lot and think everyone's Ideas posted here are awesome! please do not take my comments as negative thy where not meant that way. out of a strict wish to help grow the channel I would like to see 2 episodes 1. the underground music scene. this is a personal interest for mine and though i feel it would grow the channel and inject a lot of new subscribers it would be inappropriate for a main channel episode (see i rip on my own ideas LOL) 2. The Itasca or drift car scene. I feel these would bring in a huge following of new subscribers But (here comes a self rip) I think it would be vary hard to keep the drift scene in line with the family friendly range of a main channel episode. Now the Itasha scene with its bright colors, popular anime and Kawaii culture related themes would work great to keep the kids and adults interested. of all the ideas posted so far from everyone. Itasha is actually the one i care the least about but think it would be the best for the channel not only to bring in new subscribers but to show some more range of the Japanese modern culture!

Ramses Silent

I think it is so over done but i also understand why people would like to see Johns take on things and the places he likes to go.

Ramses Silent

Hi John, I discovered Japanese Tea Ceremonies in the past few months here in Los Angeles having attended some events with Tea Masters direct from Japan. I have a deep fascination to know more about Tea Ceremonies since they are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. As mentioned in a direct message, the formal tea ceremony is not something commonly found on YouTube and some videos are pretty bad. While I prefer to see coverage that is from farm to teacup, I certainly would not mind you doing a video where you speak to the shop owners to pick their knowledge. One such place that I would like you to visit is the 282 year old Tea Shop called Ochadokoro Tomaya in Kitsuki, Oita, Japan. I would love to learn the history of this shop particularly how it stood the test of time from the Edo Period. And, most fitting, I would love to see you learn how to make a proper cup of Matcha Tea. I learned how to do it, I think you can too.

Sunny De Jesus (Tasty Chronicles)

Nosh, re: 2 ... to preface this: I'm also very interested in the Shikoku "ohenro", read a couple books on it, followed a few diary type blogs of people doing it etc. - not to mention I spent my honeymoon in Shikoku for 3 weeks and visited probably 10-12 of the temples on the pilgrim route (albeit in the mother-in-law's car, not exactly traditional), so I've witnessed glimpses of it first hand (even done the book signing/stamping in the temples). No disrespect to John and his knowledge coz I love and respect our main man as much as you do - but I'd personally think it better to get an insight and coverage from someone who has done the pilgrimage + is well versed on the history of the temples + also has a solid understanding on Buddhism itself - I don't think John ticks those boxes (he's mentioned before that he's barely scratched the surface of Shikoku) ? Sure, he can make the connections with the right people and it could all come together nicely, but I'm not sure something like that can be done justice without the right background ? To that end, as much as I've considered doing the pilgrimage myself (moreso as I'm going to be living in Japan soon), the idea of doing a Buddhist pilgrimage when I'm not Buddhist, or even religious, doesn't sit that well with me. I know it's not a requirement, and people also do it for reasons of travel, adventure, escape, "finding themselves", coz it's "cool" etc, but the "it's meant to be a religious undertaking but I'm not" aspect of it is an internal battle for me. The hard part too is that I'd love nothing more than to spend weeks alone taking in the beauty of Shikoku again via an adventure like that. Anyway, just my view and you can tell me to stick it - but I don't doubt that John could it make work - and yes it needs the exposure, as does Shikoku in general, like REALLY it is so under-appreciated.

Jaroslav (Japan Kofun)

As Nosh stated, I too think this channel is crying out for a comprehensive vegetarian themed episode, and ideally something with the depth as suggested by Nosh's points. Many of your videos/streams get comments/chats re: vegetarian eating in Japan. On that note, I'm a vegetarian who has travelled extensively around Japan, so I know the struggles of that, and will be a vegetarian resident shortly too (which is easier than being a traveller i.e. no issue with home cooking!) - and I'd be happy to help out with my own personal experiences and knowledge if such an episode does eventuate. My wife is Japanese and is actually a vegetarian too - so she has a lot of views on the subject also - she actually feels more strongly about Japan's attitude towards vegetarian/veganism than I do.

Jaroslav (Japan Kofun)

Yes I do have an idea💡🤓 How about an episode of ‘武道=Budo=Japanese martial arts’? I did ‘弓道=Kyudo=Japanese archery’ for a few years, I really enjoyed it a lot, love to get back to the training again. Kyudo is not as rigorous as the other ‘Budo’ so we both girls and boys can practise together and participate in the competition together no matter how old you are. Winning is not really important for Kyudo unless you participate in the game or competition. I’m not sure the audience around the world would be interested in Japanese Budo..🤔 Thank you for your answers to my questions this morning! Really look forward to the vegetarian halal cuisine episode!!!🤩 Have a safe trip to Oita👍

Kiki Miyazaki

Weird the first post made disappeared. 1. The insatiable thirst for whisky & Beer in Japan A. Japan is now the #2 consumer of Whisky in East Asia. Why is this and what impact has Japan had globally in whisky production and consumption? B. Japan has been buying American breweries to satisfy the demand in Japan for more craft beer. Can OIJ take a deeper dive into this phenomenon? 2. Shikoku Pilgrimage Only seen few notable takes on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. I would like to see John’s OIJ take on this experience. 3. Halal in japan Finally tackle the often requested deep dive into eating vegetarian & Halal in Japan. Why does it seem so difficult to eat vegetarian “OIJ” What are the cultural reasons? How can a tourist with personal, spiritual or ethical eating resections enjoy a trip to Japan? P.S. have a safe trip!

GrafxGear