LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A 27-year-old Japanese soccer fan who traveled to the United States to follow his national team during the World Cup has gone viral on social media for documenting his experiences with American culture for the first time — including Texas barbecue, oversized movie theater popcorn buckets and Fat Tuesday drinks.
The man, who identifies himself as Bob from Japan, arrived in Seattle before making his way to Las Vegas. He came without a set plan or much money, but his growing social media following has covered food, hotels and flights along the way.
MORE ON FOX5: United States eliminated from World Cup, losing 4-1 to Belgium in round of 16
Followers, calligraphy and the casino floor
“One of my followers got me this amazing hotel,” Bob said in one video, panning to a pool at his accommodations.
To earn additional money, Bob performed Japanese calligraphy and moonwalked on Fremont Street. A roulette session did not go as planned.
“I tried all bet $6, and then my money was gone,” he said.
From Seattle to Dallas, with Miami next
Bob said his childhood image of Las Vegas was shaped by what he saw growing up.
“When I was a child, I was impressed about Vegas because of the casino. Like, my image of Vegas is a lot of gold, a lot of casino, a lot of entertainment place,” he said. “Super fun, interesting. Like unreal city.”
After Japan was eliminated from the World Cup, Bob said he began rooting for Team USA. He is currently in Dallas taking in World Cup festivities there. Miami is his next planned stop.
Bob’s U.S. visa is valid through August and he plans to stay in the US until then.
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