Thank you Hokkaido Thank you everyone
---
title: "Thank you Hokkaido Thank you everyone"
date: 2022-08-06
youtube_id: uhP4vA3uYEk
duration_seconds: 452.2
audio_link_base:
channel: Only in Japan Go
type: video_summary
people:
- John Daub
- Kanae Daub
- Leo
- Peter von Gomm
- Melonkuma (mascot)
places:
- New Chitose Airport (Chitose, Hokkaido)
- Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
- Nagoya Castle (Nagoya, Aichi)
- Hakodate (Hokkaido)
prefecture:
- Hokkaido
- Tokyo
- Aichi
city:
- Chitose
- Hakodate
neighborhood: ""
transport:
- New Chitose Airport
- Domestic flights (Hokkaido to Tokyo)
- Motorcycle
- RV (recreational vehicle)
season: Summer
topics:
- Travel documentary
- Hokkaido
- Gratitude
- Motorcycles
- RV travel
- Crowdfunding
- Filmmaking
- Behind the scenes
food:
- Melon (夕张メロン / Yubari melon)
- Ramen
japanese_terms:
- "shotengai (shopping arcade)"
- "melon (メロン)"
- "ramen (ラーメン)"
- "samurai armor (鎧/よろい)"
tags:
- hokkaido
- new-chitose-airport
- thank-you
- documentary
- motorcycles
- rv-travel
- crowdfunding
- samurai
- nagoya-castle
- melonkuma
- travel-documentary
- japan-travel
- gratitude
- only-in-japan-go
- summer-hokkaido
- Peter von Gomm
- behind-the-scenes
locations:
- name: New Chitose Airport
name_ja: 新千歳空港
type: airport
address: Chitose, Hokkaido
prefecture: Hokkaido
notes: Final departure point from Hokkaido back to Tokyo
- name: Haneda Airport
name_ja: 羽田空港
type: airport
address: Ota-ku, Tokyo
prefecture: Tokyo
notes: Destination airport in Tokyo
- name: Nagoya Castle
name_ja: 名古屋城
type: castle
address: Nagoya, Aichi
prefecture: Aichi
notes: Samurai armor on display at the airport originated from here
speakers:
SPEAKER_01: John Daub
---
Thank you Hokkaido Thank you everyone
Overview
This heartfelt wrap-up video captures John Daub at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, bidding farewell to the island after an extraordinary 10-day filming adventure. The video serves as a thank-you message to the Channel members and crowdfunding backers who made the journey possible, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of documentary production versus vacation. John reflects on the transformative experiences of the trip—riding motorcycles and driving an RV for the first time—which opened entirely new ways of seeing Japan beyond his decades of living there. The tone is warm, reflective, and genuine, acknowledging both the exhaustion of intensive filming and the profound joy of sharing this adventure with viewers worldwide. A playful running gag about "Melonkuma" (a melon mascot) adds levity to the proceedings.
Highlights
- 00:00:05 John greets viewers from New Chitose Airport, confirming the location after momentarily confusing it with Haneda
- 00:00:40 Discussion of mask requirements for flights and airports in Japan
- 00:00:52 Heartfelt thanks to viewers for 10 days of adventure and Channel support
- 00:01:28 John reflects on how motorcycle and RV travel changed his perspective on Japan
- 00:02:22 Peter von Gomm acknowledged for his help driving the RV and keeping everyone safe
- 00:02:45 John raves about Hokkaido in summer: cooler days, 4:30 AM sunrises, friendly people, incredible food
- 00:03:15 Reconciliation story with "Melonkuma" after eating all the melon
- 00:04:00 Discovery of samurai armor from Nagoya Castle on display at the airport
- 00:04:26 Mention of missed ramen alley opportunity at the airport
- 00:05:15 Excitement about crowdfunding stretch goal for Hakodate and September return trip
- 00:06:31 Final goodbye with anticipation of returning to family in Tokyo
Timeline / Chapters
00:00 – 01:00: Arrival at the Gate John arrives at New Chitose Airport, initially confusing it with Haneda before confirming they are still in Hokkaido. He discusses mask requirements for domestic flights in Japan and begins expressing gratitude for the journey.
01:00 – 03:00: Reflections on the Adventure John reflects on the goal of bringing viewers along through the channel, the success of the trip, and the desire to return. He discusses trying new experiences—motorcycles and RV travel—that changed his perspective on Japan. Peter von Gomm is credited for his support. Hokkaido's summer advantages are highlighted: cooler temperatures, long days, friendly locals, and exceptional food.
03:00 – 04:30: Melonkuma Story and Airport Exploration The Melonkuma revenge/redemption saga is revisited. John notices samurai armor from Nagoya Castle on display, comparing its intimidating design to Darth Vader. He mentions missed opportunities at a ramen alley in the airport.
04:30 – 06:00: Crowdfunding Update and Stretch Goals John discusses the crowdfunding project reaching nearly 600 backers, with a stretch goal of Hakodate and a planned September return trip. A postcard deal is mentioned. The distinction between "making a documentary" and "taking a vacation" is clarified with humor.
06:00 – 07:30: Final Farewell John thanks Peter von Gomm, Kanae, and Leo. He anticipates returning home to Tokyo where his son will likely be asleep. He mentions possible livestreams, a new gimbal needed, and signs off with gratitude.
Japan Travel Tips
- Hokkaido in Summer: John highly recommends summer for visiting Hokkaido—temperatures are cooler than Tokyo, days are longer with sun rising around 4:30 AM, locals are friendly, and the food is exceptional.
- Domestic Flight Requirements: During this period, masks were required for all flights and throughout airports in Japan (though rules were changing in the US at the time).
- New Chitose Airport: Offers local food options including a ramen alley, samurai armor displays, and Duty-Free shopping before departure.
- Travel Style Options: Motorcycle and RV rentals offer entirely different ways to experience Japan beyond traditional train travel.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations: Hokkaido deserves a spot alongside Tokyo and Kyoto on any Japan itinerary.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Melonkuma (メロンメン): A mascot character (夕張メロン/Yubari Melon themed) that John developed a comedic rivalry with during the trip after eating all the melon.
- Samurai Armor (鎧/よろい): On display at New Chitose Airport from Nagoya Castle—designed to intimidate opponents with its Darth Vader-like appearance.
- Mask Etiquette: During this era, mask-wearing in Japan was standard in airports and on flights, creating contrast with rapidly changing policies elsewhere.
- Crowdfunding Culture: The video highlights the Patreon/ crowdfunding model where backers support documentary filmmaking in exchange for experiences and souvenirs like postcards.
Food & Drink Guide
- Yubari Melon (夕張メロン): Premium Hokkaido cantaloupe that became the center of the "Melonkuma" rivalry. John ate so much of it that the mascot "ambushed" him. Exceptional sweetness and quality.
- Ramen (ラーメン): New Chitose Airport features a ramen alley with multiple shops, though time ran out to experience it. A quintessential Hokkaido food worth seeking out.
People
- John Daub: Host, narrator, and primary voice. American who has lived in Japan for over 30 years, creator of Only in Japan Go. Reflective, warm, and genuine in this wrap-up video. Mentions his wife Kanae and son Leo waiting in Tokyo.
- Peter von Gomm: John's friend and fellow American living in Japan. Credited for driving the RV extensively and helping keep everyone safe during the motorcycle portions of the trip.
- Kanae Daub: John's Japanese wife, mentioned as waiting at home in Tokyo with their son Leo.
- Leo: John and Kanae's son, mentioned as needing his "dada" and likely being asleep when John arrives home.
- Melonkuma: Mascot character (possibly a person in costume) that John had playful conflict with after consuming extensive melon.
Key Takeaways
- Documentary filmmaking is exhausting work, not a vacation—but worth every moment of effort.
- Trying new modes of transport (motorcycles, RVs) can completely transform how you experience a familiar country.
- Hokkaido is an underrated destination that deserves attention alongside Japan's more famous tourist spots.
- Community support through crowdfunding makes ambitious travel documentaries possible.
- There's always more to see and explore; this trip is just one chapter in an ongoing journey.
Notable Quotes
00:00:52 "We wanted to say thank you so much for a wonderful 10 days, and our goal was to bring everybody with us, right? And we got a chance to do that through this channel."
00:02:08 "It kind of changed the way I see Japan because it gives me a new way to see the country. Every time I travel now, I have new ways in which to do that."
00:03:00 "The people are friendly. The food is incredible. So Hokkaido has to be on your destination list, not just Tokyo, Kyoto."
00:04:53 "This wasn't a vacation, folks. There's always a couple of smartasses who think, 'I can't believe you got paid to do a vacation.' No, they're backing you to make a documentary and to show something really unique."
00:06:22 "We are still friends, okay? To be able to share this experience with a good friend and with you guys."
Related Topics
- Hokkaido Travel Adventures
- Motorcycle Travel in Japan
- RV/Campervan Travel in Japan
- Documentary Filmmaking Behind the Scenes
- Japanese Crowdfunding & Fan Support
- Japanese Food Culture (Melon, Ramen)
- Japanese Mascots (Kyara)
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #hokkaido #new-chitose-airport #thank-you #documentary #motorcycles #rv-travel #crowdfunding #samurai-armor #melonkuma #nagoya-castle #travel-documentary #japan-travel #summer-hokkaido #peter-von-gomm #gratitude #filmmaking #japan-adventure #tokyo-return #behind-the-scenes
Full Transcript
00:00:05 John Daub: Hello everybody! Welcome to new Chitose Airport! It was like I was just here a couple of weeks ago.
00:00:16 John Daub: I was just saying, wait a minute, we're in Haneda. No, we're not. We haven't gotten there yet.
00:00:19 John Daub: No, we're still in Hokkaido. Yeah. That's right. We're on our flight. We gotta wear masks.
00:00:29 John Daub: Hold on just a second. We have to wear masks for the flight. This is confirmation.
00:00:35 John Daub: Do-do-do-do-do! Okay. We're here. Mask back on.
00:00:40 John Daub: Yeah, for the flights, and for the airport people, everyone, everyone, everybody.
00:00:46 John Daub: And that's... Peter's gonna learn when he goes to the United States, that's no longer the case. Never mind that.
00:00:52 John Daub: Anyways, we wanted to say thank you so much for a wonderful 10 days, and it was... our... our goal was to bring everybody with us, right? And we got a chance to do that through this channel. And I think, you know, we had an absolute blast. And from the comments that we've read, you guys did too. And that makes us very happy. It was a success. And we hope that we can do this again at some point. There's so much more to see and explore and show and share. And I feel like I've made a lot of new friends and maybe one nemesis.
00:01:35 John Daub: One nemesis? Who would that be? Kathy with a K.
00:01:39 John Daub: Oh, let's forget her. Put her in the background. Move on to brighter pastures, which would be Tokyo.
00:01:48 John Daub: Yeah, it was a pretty incredible adventure. And, you know, part of the thing we wanted to do, we knew that the borders are closed. We wanted to bring you with us on something that was different. And I also, in my life, wanted to do something new, which was ride motorcycles. And when you introduced me to RVs, that as well, we did it. It kind of changed the way I see Japan because it gives me a new way to see the country. Every time I travel now, I have new ways in which to do that. And motorcycle was really new. And we were able to find a way to do it safely. And with Peter's help, I'm still alive.
00:02:27 John Daub: Yeah, barely. Not just on the motorcycles, but by driving the RV.
00:02:31 John Daub: Yeah, I was finding the RV. I've driven trucks before. So that's not a problem. With the motorcycle. I appreciate you taking the load and driving a lot over the last couple of days.
00:02:43 John Daub: Yeah, Hokkaido love, that's true. Summer is the best time to come here, I think. Although if you're a skier, it could be winter. But I love summer because of the cooler days, the longer days, sun up at 4:30. The people are friendly. The food is incredible. So Hokkaido has to be on your destination list, not just Tokyo, Kyoto. I'm not working for Hokkaido or anything like that. I just have a true love for it.
00:03:15 John Daub: And by the way, I got my revenge on Melonkuma. How did you?
00:03:20 John Daub: Not revenge, we made peace. We made peace with Melonkuma. But now Peter must exact revenge because Melonkuma, he's totally like, like ambushed me. Melonkuma got him good.
00:03:32 John Daub: He got me real good. He got him real good. But, and he did, and he got his melon from me. I'll explain later in the documentary. I think he was just butthurt because we ate so much melon.
00:03:43 John Daub: Should we, should we take people around just a little bit? We have a couple of minutes before we got to go to the gate.
00:03:49 John Daub: Everything was moving, because we're still filming for the documentary. We're moving so fast and we're still filming. Time is like water. Even these five days went by so fast.
00:03:59 John Daub: Oh, check out this samurai armor. I think it's from Nagoya Castle. Oh, right, it is, yeah. Nagoya.
00:04:07 John Daub: An original suit of armor? I don't know, but it looks like Darth Vader. That was meant to scare the opponent.
00:04:19 John Daub: Scared. If he saw me eating melon, he'd be scared.
00:04:22 John Daub: By the way, check out that live stream about two hours ago. Yeah, oh man, we had our fill of all you can eat melon. Now they have a ramen alley up there. And we'd love to go and do that, but we're just simply out of time.
00:04:36 John Daub: Right? There's so much we want to do. We need to get a bite to eat before getting on the plane.
00:04:42 John Daub: I think so. I think so. Maybe a sandwich. We're going to get to keep it simple. We're exhausted. Utterly. We need a vacation.
00:04:52 John Daub: I need a vacation. This wasn't a vacation, folks. There's always a couple of smartasses who say, "Oh, I can't believe you got paid to do a vacation." Yeah, you know what? No one's backing you to do that. They're backing you to make a documentary and to make, you know, a movie. To show something really unique. And that's what I believe we did. It was a fun time, but it was not a vacation.
00:05:12 John Daub: It's not completely over yet. It's still coming back. Stretch goal. The stretch goal. Hakodate. Right. And there's still six days to get to the next one, which would be for us to go to the north side of it. We have almost, we're closing in on 600 backers. Amazing.
00:05:30 John Daub: Yeah. We hit 500, so we jumped in the lake. We still smell of it a little bit, slightly. And then the other thing is coming back, so we're going to come back in September, pick a day, and possibly rent another motorcycle for a short ride and take you with us as a way to say thank you. So that's something to look forward to.
00:05:53 John Daub: Now, you can still back the project, and for the next couple of hours, we still have the time sale. So if you're on the fence, now's the time. 4444. 4444. And a postcard, which is going to be sent to you from here in Japan.
00:06:10 John Daub: Thanks, everybody. I hope that you enjoyed it. We're getting masks on.
00:06:15 John Daub: Hey, really, thank you so much. It has been an absolute blast being with Jon and to be able to share. We are still friends, okay? To be able to share this experience with a good friend and with you guys. Thank you very much. Thank you.
00:06:31 John Daub: All right, everybody. Now back to Tokyo and our real lives which our wives are waiting—Leo is waiting—he needs his dada, who's going to probably be asleep when I arrive, but hey. I can thank you, thank you again Peter. I'm glad you had a good time. Itan wrote in here, "Thank you, thank you." Yes, I did. Leave your comments for the next minute if you want to, just as a part of the record, but we really appreciate sharing the time with you. Off the gate, where can we go in sea gates? Sea gate, sea gate. Now we got 45 minutes before—okay, yeah, we can't do that live, I think. No, no. Yeah, we can't do that live.
00:07:13 John Daub: All right, everybody, see you on the other side of the camera. I gotta get a new gimbal, but I don't know if I live stream tomorrow, but if I do, I'm gonna be pretty sleepy. Bye everybody, thanks again.