TRAFFIC MAN He loves his job
TRAFFIC MAN He loves his job
Overview
In this spontaneous livestream from October 2017, John Daub captures a charming and unexpected moment at Mount Daisen (Daisen), Tottori Prefecture—a region known for its stunning autumn foliage and proximity to the Sea of Japan. While arriving at the venue, John becomes captivated by a traffic director who takes his job with remarkable enthusiasm and showmanship. The man's theatrical hand gestures, exaggerated movements, and visible joy in directing vehicles become the highlight of this short but memorable segment.
John's infectious laughter and genuine delight at witnessing this "performance" of traffic direction exemplify what he describes as "little moments" that make living in Japan special. The video transitions from this amusing scene to preparations for a group autumn color hiking event expected to draw 2,000 participants. John mentions traveling with Otsuka-san and references Otaka (Toshimi Sakura De), who had previously helped introduce the Cherry Blossom Tunnel segment for the show. The brief encounter with the traffic director encapsulates John's talent for finding extraordinary humor and warmth in everyday Japanese life.
Highlights
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk)John arrives at Mount Daisen and immediately becomes mesmerized by an enthusiastic traffic director[00:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=32s)The traffic director demonstrates theatrical, passionate hand movements and gestures[00:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=50s)John calls out to the traffic director, who responds with energy and attitude—"He's angry!"[01:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=97s)John reflects on how these small moments make living in Japan "super cool"[02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=132s)Announcement about hiking to see autumn colors (koyo) with potential live streaming[03:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=199s)The original traffic director mysteriously disappears into the woods, joking "Don't trust this guy—he's dangerous"[03:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=232s)A replacement traffic director takes over but lacks the flair of the original[04:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=263s)John meets a representative from Sea of Japan newspaper[04:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=295s)John greets hiking companions including Otsuka-san and Otaka (Toshimi Sakura De)[05:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=326s)John admires a sweet Roadster (Miata) parked at the venue before heading to hike
Timeline / Chapters
| Timestamp | Event |
|---|---|
| 00:00–00:32 | John arrives at Mount Daisen, immediately drawn to an enthusiastic traffic director directing vehicles with theatrical flair |
| 00:32–01:03 | Continued observation of the traffic director's impressive hand signals and dance-like movements; John interacts with him |
| 01:03–01:37 | Commentary on the contrast between the first traffic director and a new one; reflection on finding joy in unexpected moments in Japan |
| 01:37–02:13 | Announcement about the upcoming autumn color (koyo) hike; mention of 2,000 expected participants |
| 02:13–02:47 | Preparation for potential live streaming during the hike; reference to the Only in Japan Go channel format |
| 02:47–03:19 | Conclusion of initial traffic director observation; anticipation for the hiking event |
| 03:19–03:52 | The original traffic director mysteriously vanishes into the woods, leaving John amused |
| 03:52–04:24 | Brief encounter with Sea of Japan newspaper representative; commentary on the replacement traffic director |
| 04:24–04:55 | Meeting hiking companions: Otsuka-san and Otaka (Toshimi Sakura De), who previously helped with Cherry Blossom Tunnel segment |
| 04:55–05:26 | Final preparations; admiration of hiking companions' gear and a Roadster/Miata car |
| 05:26–05:50 | Farewell to viewers as John prepares for the autumn color hike |
Japan Travel Tips
- Getting to Mount Daisen: Mount Daisen is located in Tottori Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. Access typically involves driving or taking a bus from nearby stations like Daisenguchi or Hagashiyamasato. Renting a car is recommended for visiting mountainous areas in this prefecture.
- Best time to visit for autumn colors: Late October to early November is peak koyo season in Tottori. John visited on October 27, 2017, which aligns perfectly with peak autumn foliage.
- Expect large crowds at popular spots: With 2,000 people attending the autumn color hiking event, be prepared for significant crowds during major seasonal events. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid congestion.
- Look for local character: Japan's seasonal festivals and community events often feature dedicated individuals who bring extra warmth and personality to their roles—keep an eye out for these memorable characters.
- Explore Tottori beyond the sand dunes: While Tottori's sand dunes are famous, the Daisen area offers excellent hiking, autumn scenery, and a more tranquil experience away from typical tourist routes.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Koyo (紅葉): The Japanese term for autumn leaves and the phenomenon of viewing autumn foliage. Like hanami (cherry blossom viewing), koyo is a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Japan with its own vocabulary, timing guides, and appreciation traditions.
- Thumbs up gesture: The traffic director's use of the thumbs up signal demonstrates how Japanese traffic culture incorporates friendly, reassuring gestures beyond just mechanical direction.
- Community events in rural Japan: The 2,000-person autumn color hiking event exemplifies how Japanese communities organize seasonal gatherings that bring together locals and visitors to appreciate nature's changes.
- Japanese work ethic and joy: The traffic director's visible passion for his seemingly mundane job reflects a cultural tendency to take pride in all types of work, no matter how small the role.
- Sea of Japan regional identity: References to Sea of Japan newspaper indicate the regional pride and identity tied to this coast, which has distinct culture, weather patterns, and cuisine from the Pacific side of Japan.
People
- John Daub: Host and creator of Only in Japan Go. Sharing his genuine reactions and laughter, John captures the spontaneous joy of discovering an unexpectedly entertaining traffic director. His warmth and appreciation for everyday Japanese life shine through.
- Otsuka-san: John's hiking companion for this trip to Mount Daisen. Previously featured in other Only in Japan Go segments.
- Otaka (Toshimi Sakura De): Another member of the hiking group. Had previously helped introduce the Cherry Blossom Tunnel segment for the show, showing John's collaborative relationships with local residents.
- Traffic Director (original): The star of this video—an unnamed but memorable traffic controller who directed vehicles with theatrical flair, dancing gestures, and evident joy. His mysterious disappearance into the woods adds to his mystique.
- Traffic Director (replacement): A more conventional traffic director who took over after the original left. John notes his competence but acknowledges he lacks the showmanship of his predecessor.
- Sea of Japan Newspaper Representative: Brief mention of a representative from this local publication, suggesting John's growing recognition in the Tottori region.
Key Takeaways
- The best travel moments often come from unexpected, unscripted encounters rather than planned attractions
- Japanese attention to detail and personal investment extends even to roles as seemingly routine as traffic direction
- Rural Japan, particularly the San'in region around Tottori, offers authentic experiences and stunning natural beauty away from major tourist destinations
- Autumn color season (koyo) in late October is an ideal time to visit western Japan for fewer crowds than cherry blossom season while enjoying equally spectacular scenery
- Spontaneous livestreams capture genuine moments and reactions that edited videos cannot replicate
- Building relationships with local residents (like Otsuka-san and Otaka) enriches the travel experience and provides access to hidden gems
Notable Quotes
-
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk)"I've been watching this guy directing traffic. He loves his job. He's the best at directing traffic. You have to watch him watch him." -
[00:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=41s)"Wow, cool. He's angry. Woohoo. Yeah, that's how you do it. Awesome." -
[01:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=66s)"It's just this happens in Japan." -
[01:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=97s)"And it's little moments, little things like this that make living in Japan just super cool." -
[01:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=109s)"The dancing traffic director, thumbs up to that." -
[03:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=199s)"Where'd he go? He just disappeared into the woods. The traffic director just disappeared into the woods. I don't know if he was real." -
[04:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=248s)"Don't trust this guy. He's dangerous." -
[04:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iahJtCfkLAk&t=263s)"Cool. Never know what you're gonna find."
Related Topics
- Only in Japan Go Autumn Episodes
- Tottori Prefecture Travel
- Japanese Seasonal Festivals
- Koyo (Autumn Leaves) Viewing
- Mount Daisen Hiking
- Unexpected Encounters in Japan
- Live Streaming from Japan
- Japanese Community Events
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #tottori #daisen #mount-daisen #koyo #autumn-colors #autumn-leaves #hiking #japan-hiking #traffic-director #live-stream #japan-live-stream #onlyinjapango #tottori-prefecture #sea-of-japan #japan-life #rural-japan #japan-off-the-beaten-path #unexpected-japan #japan-moments #autumn-japan #japan-travel #only-in-japan
Full Transcript
speakers: UNKNOWN: John Daub
Full Transcript
00:00 John Daub: Okay, so I'm here for. Okay, so I've been here for about 10 minutes now and I've been watching this guy directing traffic. He loves his job. He's the best at directing traffic. You have to watch him watch him.
00:32 John Daub: Really have to watch him go. Okay, okay. It is. Yeah. Hey guy. Hey guy. Wow, cool. He's angry. Woohoo. Yeah, that's how you do it. Awesome. This is so cool. Nice. Okay, studio. Okay. He's dangerous.
01:03 John Daub: The last guy was a lot better, but it's like one of those things that just. It's just this happens in Japan. We were coming and we were driving in, parked the car over here and then all of a sudden I couldn't stop laughing.
01:37 John Daub: And it's little moments, little things like this that make living in Japan just super cool. I mean, the dancing traffic director thumbs up to that. I'm here at Mount Daisen. We're gonna be hiking up up to the see the autumn colors.
02:13 John Daub: I don't know if I'm gonna have signal to live stream this, but if I do, you'll see some beautiful autumn colors. If not, well, you know, it'll be part of another episode. But you know this is a live streaming only channel.
02:47 John Daub: That was good. That was pretty good. All right everybody, I'm gonna go and get ready for this hiking thing. There's 2,000 people coming. They're gonna be starting this, this autumn color hiking. So see you later.
03:19 John Daub: Oh, okay. Where'd he go? He just disappeared. Head tracker. He just disappeared. The. The traffic director just disappeared into the woods. I don't know if he was real. I'm gonna have to go up there and check it out.
03:52 John Daub: But before he left he goes, don't trust. Don't trust. Something like don't trust this guy. He's dangerous. And the new traffic director is nowhere near as exciting as the last one. Sea of japan newspaper.
04:24 John Daub: Cool. Never know what you're gonna find. I'm not here for that. But that was good. That was really good. All right everybody, thanks for watching this really miniature live stream. I hope you enjoyed it.
04:55 John Daub: I'm gonna go get ready for the hike. I came here with Otsuka san before Otaka Santoshimai Sakura De. He helped introduce the Cherry Blossom Tunnel for the show. So very cool. Cool. Nice hiking shoes, sir.
05:26 John Daub: Very nice car too. And this is a. A Miata. No, no, no. Road Star. It's a sweet ride, man. All right, let's go hiking. Okay. All right. See everybody? Tuning in for the crazy traffic parking directing guy.
05:58 John Daub: Bye bye.