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title: "Leaving Japan" date: 2023-10-05 youtube_id: VkBqORwLlKQ duration_seconds: 367.9 channel: Only in Japan Go type: video_summary people:

• John Daub
• Kanae Daub
• Leo
• John Mangiro (referenced)
• Ellis (friend mentioned)
• David (friend mentioned)
• Peter von Gomm (referenced in previous work)
• 92-year-old Hiroshima survivor (referenced from prior video) places:
• New Bedford (Massachusetts, USA) — John Mangiro Festival location
• Hiroshima — referenced via prior episode
• Akihabara — upcoming live stream destination prefecture:
• Tokyo
• Massachusetts city:
• Tokyo
• New Bedford neighborhood: [] transport:
• ANA (All Nippon Airways)
• Narita International Airport (implied international departure)
• Premium economy cabin season: autumn topics:
• airport travel
• leaving Japan
• Japanese festival abroad
• John Mangiro story
• vending machines
• ANA automated check-in
• travel tips food:
• Royce potato chips with chocolate (ロイズ ポテトチップス チョコレート)
• Alfred biscuits (アルフレッド)
• Marron biscuits (マロン)
• Chestnut flavored biscuits
• Bourbon Company products
• Mochi truffles with grapes
• White chocolate and strawberry biscuits
• Premium matcha biscuits
• Coffee (lounge) japanese_terms:
• "shotengai (shopping arcade)" — referenced indirectly via John Mangiro connection tags:
• only-in-japan-go
• tokyo
• airport
• leaving-japan
• narita
• ana
• premium-economy
• john-mangiro
• new-bedford
• massachusetts
• akihabara
• vending-machines
• royce-chocolate
• bourbon-biscuits
• alfred-biscuits
• japan-travel
• live-stream locations:
• name: Narita International Airport name_ja: 成田国際空港 type: airport address: "Narita, Chiba Prefecture" prefecture: Chiba notes: John departs Japan from here on ANA, navigating automated check-in and premium economy boarding
• name: John Mangiro Festival name_ja: "" type: festival address: "New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA" prefecture: Massachusetts notes: Japanese cultural festival in New Bedford that John promotes, linked to the historical figure John Mangiro
• name: Akihabara name_ja: 秋葉原 type: neighborhood address: "Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo" prefecture: Tokyo notes: Destination for an upcoming live stream and midnight snack run John plans upon returning

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Leaving Japan

Overview

In this short but heartfelt episode, John Daub documents his departure from Japan at Narita International Airport, bound for the United States to attend the John Mangiro Festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts — a Japanese cultural event held in an unexpected corner of New England. Rather than a typical travel guide, this video serves as a personal check-in and a promotional send-off, with John reflecting on his recent Hiroshima atomic bomb trains episode, marveling at the speed and efficiency of ANA's fully automated check-in system, and browsing the terminal's impressive vending machine selection of Japanese biscuits and snacks. He closes with a warm invitation to viewers to join him in Massachusetts and a preview of exciting uploads and an Akihabara live stream planned for his return.

Highlights

• 00:03 John introduces the episode from the Tokyo airport departure area, announcing his trip to the U.S. and promoting the John Mangiro Festival in New Bedford, MA.
• 00:36 John urges viewers to Google "John Mangiro" and learn about the fascinating historical figure behind the New Bedford festival.
• 01:07 John plugs his Hiroshima atomic bomb trains episode — a story about a conductor returning to work 72 hours after the bombing to help survivors.
• 01:31 He references a 92-year-old survivor he interviewed who was only 14 when the bomb dropped and worked as a train conductor because men had gone to war.
• 01:59 John is impressed by ANA's fully automated check-in system — passengers weigh and tag their own luggage with no booth staff.
• 02:28 He completes international departure formalities — check-in, security, passport, gate — in just 15 minutes total.
• 02:46 John compares the experience favorably to U.S. TSA, joking that America could learn from Japan's efficiency.
• 03:19 He spots a play area shaped like an airplane for kids, noting it will help Leo burn energy before the flight.
• 03:36 John explores the terminal's biscuit vending machines, showcasing Royce potato chips with chocolate, Alfred biscuits, Bourbon Company products, and matcha varieties.
• 04:55 John boards his plane as a premium economy passenger and signs off, promising to return in about a week.

Timeline / Chapters

Time	Event
00:03	Opening at Tokyo airport — John announces his U.S. trip and promotes the John Mangiro Festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts
00:36	Discussion of John Mangiro — a fascinating historical figure tied to a Japanese festival in New England
00:56	John holds up Royce potato chips with chocolate as a gift idea
01:07	Promotion of the Hiroshima atomic bomb trains episode — a story of courage and resilience
01:31	Reference to the 92-year-old Hiroshima survivor interview and the role of women conductors during wartime
01:45	Reflection on Hiroshima's message: remembering history so it doesn't happen again
01:59	At ANA check-in — marveling at the fully automated bag-drop and weighing system
02:07	Instructions to passengers to weigh and tag their own luggage — no booth staff
02:12	Note that economy passengers use one line while premium economy passengers have a faster separate route
02:28	John breezes through international departure (check-in, security, passport, gate) in 15 minutes
02:37	30 minutes of relaxed lounge time with coffee before walking around the terminal
02:46	Comparative commentary on U.S. TSA inefficiency vs. Japanese airport speed
02:54	John senses his flight will be called soon — a delayed flight from the Philippines has ripple effects
03:02	Quick look at a vending machine before heading to the gate
03:06	Discovery of a kids' play area with an airplane theme — ideal for Leo to expend energy before the flight
03:19	Mention of returning to the U.S. in December and the significance of this trip for Leo
03:21	Browsing the Alfred biscuits vending machine — chestnut (marron) flavor highlighted
03:27	John describes the eating technique for these biscuits — nibbling chocolate from the tips, like Reese's peanut butter cups
03:36	Close-up on the chocolate-overhang design of the Alfred biscuits
03:42	Confirmation that everyone eats them the same way
03:46	Bourbon Company mochi truffles with grapes — a more adventurous flavor
03:57	White chocolate and strawberry variety on display
04:05	Premium matcha version spotted — John is clearly delighted
04:08	Identification of the Alfred vending machine specifically
04:11	Close-up of the mochi truffles display
04:16	John jokes about his strict diet and discipline before boarding
04:24	Check on boarding group — group five (premium economy) is his
04:44	Boarding announcement — group three is being called
04:52	John confirms he is group five, which will be called shortly
04:55	Correction: actually group five is premium economy — that's his group
05:07	John is boarding the plane
05:09	Gratitude to viewers — "Thank you, everybody"
05:11	Shout-out to Ellis and David — invitation to come to Massachusetts
05:20	Possibility of calling them upon landing in his hometown
05:25	Sign-off — "See you on the other side of the U.S."
05:27	Announcement: returning to Japan in about a week
05:30	Preview of Akihabara live stream — planned for nighttime with a midnight snack run
05:32	Tease of other exciting uploads coming soon
05:35	Direct appeal to viewers: comment on the video to help with visibility
05:42	Explanation that regular viewers may not realize this is an Only in Japan Go video
05:50	Promise to promote the video more once in the U.S.
05:59	Closing gratitude to viewers
06:01	Final sign-off — "I'll see everybody"

Japan Travel Tips

• Automated airport check-in: Japan's major international airports (Narita, Haneda) have fully automated bag-drop systems. Weigh and tag your own luggage — no need to queue for a staff member. This dramatically speeds up the departure process.
• Use premium lanes: If flying premium economy or business class on ANA, look for separate check-in lanes with shorter or no queues — they exist and can save significant time.
• International departure speed: At Narita, the entire process from check-in to gate for international flights can take as little as 15 minutes if lines are light. Arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure for international flights to be safe, but know that Japan is highly efficient.
• Airport vending machines: Narita Terminal 1 has specialized vending machines featuring premium Japanese biscuits and snacks (Alfred, Bourbon, Royce) — great for last-minute gifts or souvenirs.
• Kids' play areas: Narita Terminal 1 has a play area with an airplane theme near the gates — useful for keeping children entertained and energized before a long flight.
• Gift shopping: Royce potato chips with chocolate are a popular and well-regarded Japanese gift item, widely available at airports.
• U.S. TSA comparison: Be prepared for significantly longer security and check-in times in the U.S. compared to Japan — plan accordingly.

Japanese Language & Culture Notes

• John Mangiro: John references this as a name viewers must Google. While the transcript does not spell out the full story, John Mangiro appears to be a figure of historical significance linking Japan and New Bedford, Massachusetts — possibly a Japanese person who settled in or influenced the area. The festival celebrating him is unusual precisely because a Japanese cultural event in a small New England city is uncommon.
• Women in wartime Japan: The 92-year-old Hiroshima survivor's story highlights a lesser-known aspect of wartime Japan — with most men conscripted into military service, women and young people filled essential roles, including as train conductors.
• Hiroshima's message: John underscores the importance of remembering Hiroshima not as a glorification of war, but as a lesson to prevent history's repetition.
• Japanese biscuit culture: Japan's confectionery industry is remarkably innovative. Products like Alfred biscuits (chocolate-dipped, with chocolate overhanging the cookie) and Bourbon Company's mochi truffles represent the country's meticulous approach to snack design and flavor combinations.

Food & Drink Guide

Item	Japanese	Description	Location	Notes
Royce Potato Chips with Chocolate	ロイズ ポテトチップス チョコレート	Regular potato chips coated in milk or dark chocolate	Narita Terminal 1 vending machine	John's top gift recommendation for friends in the U.S.
Alfred Biscuits	アルフレッド	Shortbread cookies with chocolate on one end, often with chocolate overhanging the cookie edge	Alfred vending machine, Narita	John describes nibbling the chocolate tip first, like a Reese's peanut butter cup — everyone eats them the same way
Marron Biscuits (Chestnut flavor)	マロン	Chestnut-flavored variation of the Alfred biscuit	Alfred vending machine	Seasonal or regional flavor John highlights
Bourbon Company Mochi Truffles with Grapes	ブルボン 餅トリュフ ぶどう	Mochi-based truffles with grape filling	Bourbon vending machine	John calls this "pretty crazy" — adventurous flavor pairing
White Chocolate & Strawberry Biscuits	ブルボン ホワイトチョコレート＆いちご	White chocolate and strawberry biscuit from Bourbon	Bourbon vending machine	Displayed alongside matcha varieties
Premium Matcha Biscuits	ブルボン 抹茶	High-quality matcha (green tea) flavored biscuit	Bourbon vending machine	John reacts with "Oh my gosh" — clearly a favorite
Lounge Coffee	ラウンジコーヒー	Coffee served in the ANA lounge	ANA lounge	John relaxes with this for 30 minutes pre-flight

People

• John Daub — Host and narrator. American who has lived in Japan for 30+ years. In this episode he serves as both traveler and storyteller, weaving in promotion for the John Mangiro Festival, reflections on his Hiroshima documentary work, and genuine excitement about airport snacks and efficiency. His warm, conversational tone makes the departure feel personal rather than procedural.
• Leo — John's son, referenced as a frequent travel companion. The play area at Narita is specifically mentioned as a way for Leo to burn energy before the long flight to the U.S. The December return trip is also mentioned as meaningful for Leo.
• John Mangiro — Referenced by name only. The historical figure behind the Japanese festival in New Bedford, Massachusetts. John describes his story as something viewers "have got to Google" and calls it a "fascinating story" and an "unusual" connection between Japan and a small New England city.
• 92-year-old Hiroshima survivor — Referenced from John's prior episode on the Hiroshima atomic bomb trains. This woman was 14 when the atomic bomb dropped and worked as a train conductor because men had been conscripted. She was interviewed for the episode and provided a powerful personal perspective on Hiroshima.
• Ellis and David — Friends of John's mentioned in the sign-off. John invites them to come to Massachusetts and says he may call them upon landing.

Key Takeaways

• Japan's airport efficiency is world-class: From automated bag-drop to 15-minute international departures, Japan's airports set a high bar for speed and organization that many other countries could learn from.
• Japanese festivals have reached the U.S.: The John Mangiro Festival in New Bedford, MA demonstrates that interest in Japanese culture extends well beyond major American cities into smaller, unexpected communities.
• Small stories carry big lessons: The Hiroshima atomic bomb trains episode — a story about one conductor's bravery — proved to be one of John's most meaningful pieces, showing that the most powerful history lessons often come from individual human stories.
• Japanese snack innovation is relentless: Bourbon Company, Royce, and Alfred represent the cutting edge of Japan's confectionery industry — products designed with precision, seasonal variety, and genuine flavor creativity.
• Engagement matters: John's candid discussion about video performance and viewer engagement underscores the importance of community interaction for independent creators.

Notable Quotes

• 00:36 John Daub: "If you don't know who John Mangiro is, it's one of those stories that you've got to Google and learn about who this man was because it's a pretty fascinating story."
• 01:07 John Daub: "The Hiroshima atomic bomb trains — it will change the way that you see Hiroshima. A very positive story in the worst of times."
• 01:45 John Daub: "Her insight was just fascinating. A really great way to look at what happened in Hiroshima because you don't want to forget what happened because that's part of the message of Hiroshima, so it doesn't happen again."
• 02:28 John Daub: "Internationally, I went through a check-in to security check to passport check to the gate in 15 minutes for international flights."
• 02:37 John Daub: "I was at the lounge chilling for about 30 minutes with a coffee before I started walking around. Unbelievably quick!"
• 02:46 John Daub: "I don't know how or why TSA takes so much in the U.S., but maybe they can learn from Japan."
• 03:19 John Daub: "This is a good thing for Leo to get some energy out before he crashes on the plane."
• 03:27 John Daub: "You kind of like Reese's peanut butter cups. You kind of nibble around the chocolate that's just on the tips."
• 04:16 John Daub: "Yeah, I'm not doing that because I'm on a very strict diet. Discipline. Discipline."
• 05:42 John Daub: "One of the reasons the video is not doing well is it says that your regular viewers are not watching it enough… So maybe they don't know it's an Only in Japan video."

Related Topics

• Air travel in Japan — Narita International Airport, ANA procedures
• Japanese airport snacks and souvenirs — Royce, Alfred, Bourbon Company
• Hiroshima history and the atomic bomb legacy
• Japanese festivals in America — John Mangiro Festival, New Bedford
• Only in Japan Go channel growth and viewer engagement
• Akihabara — upcoming live stream destination
• John Daub's personal life — trips home to the U.S., family travel with Leo

Search Tags

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