Tokyo tour diary: The Newcastle United press conference moment that left Dan Burn in stitches

Newcastle United’s Japanese fanbase are out in force in Tokyo and one question caused much uproar from Dan Burn and Eddie Howe

Fans have been getting to grips with Tokyo’s manic transport links and hectic lifestyle during their stay in Tokyo.

For the players dealing with severe heat of over 35 degrees during training has been tough while Japanese supporters are encamped outside the team hotel in the centre of the city as they try to catch a glimpse of their heroes. Anybody who has seen the hit movie Lost in Translation, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, will appreciate the scale and pace of life in Tokyo and even the struggle to be understood so far away from home.

But during the press conference before the game one thing wasn’t lost in translation! As a question was posed from a Japanese journalist to Eddie Howe and Dan Burn, it sounded like said something about Newcastle Brown Ale, something that quickly caught the 6ft 7in defender’s attention and seemed to amuse him.

The translator revealed what had been said and commented to Blyth lad Burn: “In Japan we do have our own Newcastle supporters club and they drink Brown Ale almost every day and chant Dan Burn all the time, do you have a chant you want them to sing?”

At this point Burn burst into hysterics, with Howe also laughing along, and said: “Wow I am really impressed that they drink Brown Ale every day! Not even I drink Brown Ale, that is loyal.

“Look it is amazing that we have a fanbase over here, as a club we are looking to expand.”

Burn then showed his selfless side and said: “Chant wise, nothing particularly for me! But the Joelinton chant is my favourite as well as the Alexander Isak song, if I could hear them sung in Japan I’d be very happy.

“I’m excited because even though I’ve been to many places around the world, I don’t often get a chance to come to Japan. I’d like to gain new fans if possible.”