MrChuy’s video: “Mexican Dad Visits Japan” (Plus COCINA’s insights!)

By the COCINA Team

When a Mexican dad visits Japan for the first time, the result is pure magic — a mix of wide-eyed wonder, cultural fireworks, and just the right dash of chaos. There’s laughter, a little confusion, and plenty of heart. Because let’s be honest: when you drop a man raised on tacos, lime, and “¿ya comiste?” into a land of sushi, bowing, and bullet trains, something beautifully human happens. It’s a meeting of worlds where humor, nostalgia, and flavor intertwine — and somehow, taco memories still manage to sneak into sushi land.

Introduction: A Mexican dad in Tokyo

We open on our Mexican dad, wide-eyed, stepping off the Narita Express into Tokyo’s neon maze. He says “Wowee!” (in his charming Spanglish) as the station announcements whoosh past, and we instantly relate: the excitement, the “where’s the nearest churro stand?” vibe, the slight nervousness of not knowing. For many young Mexican-American viewers — us included — this moment resonates. Because the Mexican dad visiting Japan isn’t just a fun video; it mirrors our own dual-heritage journeys: bridging roots and new worlds, laughing at missteps, embracing discovery.

Culture shock & comedy of a Mexican dad

Our Mexican dad’s first stop: a vending machine. He stares at rows of cans with kanji, wonders aloud “Is this soda or soy sauce?” Cue our giggles. And we remember: for a Mexican dad, used to “¿qué hay pa’ cenar?” at home, walking into a Japanese kombini (convenience store) feels like entering a sci-fi film. Small portions, polite silence, bowing store clerks — it’s cute, it’s weird, it’s wondrous.

Then the bowing thing. He tries it, slightly awkward, and it’s wonderful: he’s adapting, but still himself. The young Mexican-American audience watching knows: our parents tried new things for us, navigating two cultures so we could have more. So when the Mexican dad says “Arigato…pq?” we’re laughing and nodding.

Gastronomic differences & nostalgia-tipped comfort

Food. Two words: game changer. Our Mexican dad in Japan encounters sushi bars, ramen slurps, izakaya small plates, matcha desserts. He declares something like: “This ramen is good, pero I miss the birria back home.” If you’ve ever craved carne al pastor while scrolling travel photos, you feel him. He tries ramen with pork broth, then remembers – “In the States, I’d ask my mom for extra salsa verde.”

Which brings us to those recipes we love from our own kitchens: when the world feels new, when you’re 6 hours ahead of home, you bring the roots with you. We recommend:

• Latin Poke Bowl: Think of this as Japanese tuna-bowl meets Mexican flair. Fresh salmon, lime, fire-roasted corn, jalapeños. A nod to Japan (poke/seafood) and to Mexico (corn, lime, spice). Full Recipe Here.
• Tai Snapper Ceviche: Crisp, citrusy, with a chile de árbol kick. Our Mexican dad could’ve whipped this up in Tokyo after a long day of exploring — reminding himself of home while being hundreds of miles away. Full Recipe Here.
• Kumamoto Oysters with Xni-Pec Granita: Yes, oysters — fancy, yes — but with the Xni-Pec granita gives it a Mayan-Mexican twist. Nostalgia meets new-world elegance. Full Recipe Here.

We suggest: When you’re watching travel vlogs of a Mexican dad exploring Tokyo, have one of these recipes on hand. Let the aroma and flavors remind you of our side of things. Because even in Shinjuku, you can still taste hometown.

Tips from the COCINA Team: For Mexican dads (and their kids) abroad

• Embrace the unexpected: The Mexican dad in our story found joy in unexpected places — a tiny yakitori stand, a ramen shop lit by paper lanterns. You will too.
  
  
• Pack a small comfort: A jar of chamoy? A mini salsa? A little telenovela-clip on your phone? Doesn’t have to be big — just enough to wink at home.
  
  
• Try local, then remix with roots: Eat sushi in Japan. But later, remix it with Mexican‐style lime and cilantro at home. Make the world your fusion.
  
  
• Laugh at the “dad” moments: If your Mexican dad (or you as a dad) tries to order birria in Tokyo and gets ramen, roll with it. Those moments become the best stories.
  
  
• Share the story: Young Mexican-Americans, ask your dad about his roots. Watch the travel vlog together. Connect the “Japanese dad” moments with the “Mexican dad” heart.
  
  

Conclusion: The Mexican dad we all know, in a land of neon sushi

As the COCINA Team, we say: this video of a Mexican dad visiting Japan is more than comedy and travel. It’s a bridge between home and horizon, between tortillas and onigiri, between nostalgia and novelty. When our Mexican dads (or us) step into the unknown, they carry more than luggage — they carry stories, roots, sabor. And when they sit down later for that Latin Poke Bowl or ceviche or oysters with Xni-Pec granita, they taste home in a bite.

To all the young Mexican-American viewers out there: let this be your invitation. Watch the video. Laugh. Crave birria in Tokyo. Then cook a recipe, share it, and remember: our Mexican dad spirit travels with us, whether we’re in Baja, in Boston, or brunching beside Mount Fuji. Stay curious, stay rooted, stay spicy.