Father Plus Son Plus Tokyo

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The Outdoor Boys YouTube channel has over 17 million subscribers worldwide. Fans were surprised in May 2025 when creator Luke Nichols announced he would pause posting new videos. His reasons included concerns about privacy, a desire to spend more time with his family, and a commitment to helping others.

Five months later, in mid-October 2025, Luke and his 8-year-old son Jacob enjoyed a week of father-son time in Tokyo. When asked what they did, Luke replied, “Whatever Jacob wanted to do.” They enjoyed a variety of activities together, including:

• Going to the top of Tokyo Skytree
• Cuddling otters, capybaras, and pigs at a Tokyo café
• Riding bicycles around the city
• Fishing for goby in the Tone River
• Visiting Odawara Castle and playing at Odawara Wanpaku Land children’s playground
• Eating lots of delicious Japanese food.

Both Luke and Jacob like Japanese food. One of their favorites is Tonkatsu. When asked about natto, Luke laughed and said “Yes, even natto!”

Luke has visited Japan with his family before. Some of those trips appeared on Outdoor Boys, including their video from 2 years ago: “18 Day Travel Adventure – Volcanoes, Castles, Fishing & More.”

Luke’s connection to Japan runs deep. He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fukuoka from 1997 to 1999. On this recent trip, Luke and Jacob visited a former mission companion, Eiji Shio, in Chiba and had dinner with his family. On the last day of the trip, they met up with Makoto Ishizaka and Kenji Okubo, who were also missionaries in Fukuoka at the same time as Luke. Makoto and Kenji now work in Tokyo at LinkedIn and the Church’s Asia North Area Office, respectively.

Reflecting on his experience as one of the world’s most-followed YouTubers, Luke noted: “Remember, I get to edit everything I post about myself.” His advice: don’t judge yourself by what you see online.

In an Outdoor Boys video posted 4 years ago, Luke shared that while he enjoys fishing and outdoor activities, faith and family are what truly make him happy, and that following Jesus Christ has made him “a better man and a better husband and a better father.” In Tokyo, just hours before flying back to Alaska, Luke added: “For me, inspiration usually comes as I serve others. God will inspire and direct and help us as we try to assist other people.”