The series marks the Year of Wales and Japan…
Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts returns to screens this December with a brand-new culinary adventure — this time swapping Wales for Japan as he explores one of the world’s most celebrated food cultures.
Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts:
“Other than a few bites of sushi or a bowl of ramen back home, I haven’t really had the chance to eat this country’s food — but on this journey, that’s going to change. Japan’s food culture is completely unique, and I want to eat it all.”
Llond Bol o Japan, a three-part series airing from 9 December at 9pm on S4C, follows Chris as he travels across Japan during the Year of Wales and Japan 2025, meeting top chefs, discovering regional specialities and connecting with Welsh people who’ve made the country their home.
The full series will also be available to stream on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from launch.
Chris begins his journey in Fukuoka on Japan’s southernmost island, where he meets social media sensation and sushi master Chef Takayoshi Watanabe — better known as Chef Taka.
Among the dishes Chris is desperate to try is Chef Taka’s cult-status burger, a creation that goes far beyond the ordinary. In return for the warm welcome, Chris fires up the grill to craft a fiery fusion feast that brings together the best of Welsh and Japanese ingredients.
From Fukuoka, the trip expands into a full culinary road map of Japan: the temples and traditions of Kyoto, the deer parks of Nara, the legendary street food of Osaka, the coastal flavours of Misaki, and finally the electric energy of Tokyo.
Beth Angell, S4C’s Head of Entertainment and Factual Entertainment:
“Seeing Japan’s food and drink culture through Chris’s eyes — especially after he’s dreamed of making this trip for so long — is a real joy. Bringing a series so rich in culture and colour to S4C is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Celebrating creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange, the Welsh Government’s Year of Wales and Japan 2025 aims to build long-term connections between the two nations.
The series was officially launched at Japan House, London, with guests treated to a Welsh-Japanese fusion menu as Chris shared insights from his once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies:
“We’re delighted that S4C’s Llond Bol o Japan is highlighting the strong cultural links between Wales and Japan. This series is a wonderful example of how food, language and creativity can bring our nations closer together.”
AloJapan.com