A Japanese man, burdened by gambling debts and homelessness, has found solace and purpose in an unconventional way: offering heartfelt compliments to strangers on the street. Dubbed the “Praising Uncle,” this 43-year-old man, driven by a childhood dream and a desire to uplift others, has become a local sensation. He can be spotted on the streets of Japan holding a sign that reads, “I will praise you passionately.” His heartfelt compliments earn him tips as he spreads positivity to passersby.
His journey to this role was anything but easy. At 18, he developed an addiction to pachinko and other gambling games, which left him with insurmountable debts. Later, when his father suffered a stroke, the family’s financial struggles deepened, leading to homelessness. In 2021, with just 600 yen (US$4) in his pocket, he quit his job to chase his dream of street performance.
Lacking traditional talents such as singing or magic, he devised the idea of offering personalized praise, believing that “everyone enjoys being appreciated.” Recognizing his unique talent, he devised a captivating act: offering sincere and passionate praise to passersby. Videos of him in action, often near Tokyo’s Shibuya Station, have captured the attention of many. In one clip, he passionately compliments a young woman, calling her “lively, broad-minded, tender, and captivating.” She leaves smiling and tipping him 150 yen (94 US cents), remarking, “No one praises me like this.”
His words have a profound impact. An aspiring comedian, struggling with low self-esteem caused by childhood bullying and a stammer, credits the “Praising Uncle” with giving him the confidence to pursue his dreams. The “Uncle” himself emphasizes the importance of sincere and personalized praise, tailoring his words to each individual’s circumstances. He has witnessed tears of joy and gratitude as he offers words of encouragement to those facing challenges. He recalled how the uncle once told him, “The tech industry will become Japan’s backbone – you will do great,” instilling newfound confidence.
His creativity shines through in his compliments, as seen in another viral video where he praises a 19-year-old as being “mature yet youthful” and admires a woman’s elegance and impeccable taste. He even learns phrases from other languages, such as calling a Chinese woman “meinv,” meaning “beautiful woman.”
However, delivering genuine compliments is no simple task. The man admits, “Praising someone’s inner qualities during a first meeting can feel insincere, so I often start with their appearance.” He tailors his words to suit individual situations, often offering extended comfort to those going through breakups or job losses, sometimes moving them to tears. He has traveled across Japan, spreading his message of positivity and inspiring others to embrace their own unique talents.
Each day, he uplifts over 30 people, earning about 10,000 yen (US$60) and receiving gifts like chocolates, drinks, and thank-you letters. Over three years, he has traveled to 31 of Japan’s 47 prefectures and dreams of visiting them all. Despite living modestly in internet cafés and budget hotels, he finds fulfillment in spreading happiness. “When others feel joy, I feel happy too. That’s why I’ve kept doing this,” he said.
His inspiring story has resonated beyond Japan, with Chinese netizens expressing admiration and some considering trying a similar venture. One commenter remarked, “This uncle is incredible, and his job is amazing. Imagine earning money by spreading kindness. I want to try it too!” — The Star
Image—Online
