An indebted and homeless man in Japan earns money by randomly praising people in the street for cash. - Photo: SCMP composite/TikTok/X
TOKYO: A Japanese man with gambling debts of six million yen (US$38,000) has fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a street performer by offering a “passionate praising service” to passersby, inspiring many people online.
According to the Japanese Asahi newspaper, the man known only as the “Praising Uncle,” has been captured on the streets of Japan.
He is seen holding a sign that reads “I will praise you passionately” and earns tips by complimenting passersby.
The 43-year-old revealed that at the age of 18, he became addicted to pachinko and other gambling games and amassed huge debts.
After his father suffered a stroke, he could no longer afford his mortgage payments and ended up homeless.
In 2021, he left his job with just 600 yen (US$4) in his pocket to chase his childhood dream of becoming a street performer.
Lacking traditional talents like singing or performing magic, he came up with the idea of offering a praising service, based on the belief that “no-one dislikes being praised”.
Video footage shows him holding a sign near Shibuya Station in Tokyo, attracting curious glances.
When a girl stops to chat, he passionately compliments her for one minute, calling her “lively, broad-minded, tender and captivating”.
She leaves with a smile, saying: “No one praises me like this,” and tips him 150 yen (94 US cents).
Another trending video on mainland social media highlights his varied and creative compliments.
Upon learning another party was Chinese, he exclaimed: “Amazing!”
He also praised a 19-year-old teenager: “At 19, you are so mature yet still youthful,” and to a woman, he says: “You are truly beautiful, elegant and have impeccable taste. Your smile is heartwarming and adorable.”
He then adds: “Meinv”, asking: “Is this what they call a ‘beautiful woman’ in Chinese?”
A 24-year-old aspiring comedian, who visits the “Praise Uncle” every two months, revealed that he has been a pillar of support, and said: “Without him, I might not be who I am today.”
The man said that before joining a tech company two years ago, he struggled with low self-esteem due to childhood bullying and a stammer.
However, during one meeting, the “Praise Uncle” earnestly looks into his eyes and says: “The tech industry will become Japan’s backbone - you will do great,” which filled him with confidence.
However, “praising uncle” said that offering sincere compliments to strangers is not easy.
“Praising someone’s inner qualities right at the first meeting can feel insincere, so I often start with their appearance,” he said.
He also customises his compliments based on personal situations.
For people coping with break-ups or job loss, he might spend extended periods offering kind words, often moving them to tears.
On average, he praises more than 30 people a day, earning about 10,000 yen (US$60) daily, along with gifts like chocolate, snacks, drinks, and heartfelt thank-you letters.
He has visited 31 prefectures in Japan and aims to extend his business to all 47.
“When others feel joy, I feel happy too. That is why I have continued this for three years,” he said.
Despite having to live in internet cafes and budget hotels, he has expressed no regrets, believing that living in the moment and enjoying life is most important.
Chinese netizens have expressed admiration for him, with some even hoping to try it themselves.
One person said: “This uncle is incredible, and this job is awesome. Imagine earning money by praising people. I want to try it too!” - South China Morning Post
