GUEST
Mr. Yabatan – A Norwegian Creator Spreading Laughter in Japan
Known for his over-the-top energy, colorful expressions, and humorous takes on Japanese culture, Mr. Yabatan has become a recognizable figure in Japan’s digital landscape. From viral Twitter videos to charming YouTube skits, he has captured the hearts of many through his comedic lens on life in Japan. We sat down with Mr. Yabatan to talk about his journey from Norway to Japan, the roots of his character, and what it means to truly connect with a foreign culture through humor.
Why did we reach out to Mr. Yabatan?
With millions of views online and a growing fanbase in Japan, Mr. Yabatan represents a new wave of international creators who not only entertain but also bridge cultural gaps through laughter. We were curious to uncover the story behind the character—how he built his comedic identity and why Japan became the stage for his journey.
What we talked about:
Upbringing and Journey to Japan
Growing up in Norway, Mr. Yabatan always had a passion for performance. With a father who was a musician and a cousin who worked as a comedian, creativity and entertainment ran in his family. He spent six years in acting school during his youth, where he discovered the power of social media. In 2014, he launched an Instagram channel under the name “Mr. Yabatan,” creating parody videos and developing skills in editing and comedic timing.
The name “Mr. Yabatan” came from a mix of Japanese slang—yabai (wild/crazy) and the playful suffix -tan, often associated with cuteness (kawaii).
At age 19, Mr. Yabatan visited Japan for the first time in 2012, spending New Year’s in Tokyo and Osaka. Just a few months later, he returned solo to enroll in a language school in Tokyo for six months. It was during this time that he began forming friendships and experiencing Japanese culture firsthand.
In 2017, he made the leap—quitting his job in Norway and moving to Japan on a working holiday visa. He told everyone he was coming to Japan to become an actor. But auditions didn’t go as planned. He began applying for every job he could find: kitchen staff, English teacher, and more.
Going Viral and Finding His Voice
Living in a share house with 40 other residents who encouraged him, he kept pushing forward—working as a teacher by day and spending his free time creating videos. One of his early videos unexpectedly hit 100,000 views from Australia, just as he was beginning to feel burnt out.
Then, in December 2017, everything changed. He filmed himself experiencing Japan’s winter illuminations for the first time, adding a quirky French accent to the mix. The video went viral on Twitter.
From then on, his inbox was flooded. He realized: this was the character to pursue. He began exploring everyday experiences in Japan through the eyes of a foreigner—visiting shrines, cat cafés, and more—always in a fun, respectful, and hilarious way.
Though his videos may seem spontaneous, Mr. Yabatan puts deep thought into each one. He aims to create content with lasting impact, preferring originality over fleeting trends. He rarely scripts his lines, but always ensures there’s a clear story or concept at the heart of every video.
Advice and Future Plans
Mr. Yabatan emphasizes the importance of learning the language and culture, engaging with local communities, and being open to new perspectives. “Talk to local people, express your opinions, and keep an open mind,” he advises.
Looking ahead, he hopes to share more personal experiences about his life in Japan. For his character, Mr. Yabatan, he envisions working more on commercial shoots, producing events, and building stronger connections between foreign and Japanese talent.
