Why Japan's Homeless are Different from North America's (Part 1) 

My brother lived in japan before and he told me that once he got so drunk after a party he passed out on the street . He woke up with his things backpack with gadgets and cash neatly packed under a roofed waiting area so as not to get wet since it’s drizzling, and nothing was missing. Imagine that on other countries

I’m a Japanese person living in San Francisco. I was surprised how homeless here is so different from homeless in Japan. I was never scared of being near homeless person in Japan. In fact I rarely found homeless people in Japan. In San Francisco, so many homeless people are using drugs on trains and on street. Quite scary.

We had a new guy start working with us on a big construction site. I found out that he was sleeping in a cardboard box behind the back fence of the building site. His car was broke down and there was no bus service out there, so he slept there during the week and walked home on weekends. I found out where he lived and offered to pick him up every morning and bring him to work and take him home every day. That went on for six months until he got his car fixed. He was a good worker trying to take care of his family and all he needed was a little help. You can help those people that want to help themselves!

I live in Japan and every Sunday me and my friends make a lunch box to homeless in Tokyo and donation winter clothes.The winter is very hard on the streets and the people so grateful.

I spent several nights at a public park in Okayama, and there the homeless cleaned the park every morning. I witnessed exactly the same thing at a park in Ehime.

In USA thieves would steal those solar panels. :-(

There was a guy in California that made sheds for the homeless with some solar powered lights. After complaints the city removed these sheds and forced the homeless with the sheds back to their tents

Preventing children from homelessness is the most important.

I know 1 difference. It's not a crime to be homeless in Japan.

As an American homeless I can relate heavily to the Japanese homeless. I refused to accept benefits, and got a job. I only drink Apple Ale and smoke cigarettes. I have bathed at my companies bathoom and for the last 8 months / nobody has known that I live in a tent outside of the woods of Walmart. As for my money, I spend it on my relatives and tech. My mom takes care of my grandmother and she can only work part time hours to make her own money. Nothing makes me happier than filling up her gas tank and taking her out to dinner someplace nice once a week. My family talks to me more now that I've stopped taking drugs and have gained a sense of pride. I keep my gaming laptop / Nintendo Switch at my moms house for visits. My family has offered multiple times to help me get my own place but I'm truly terrified that I will go back to my own ways and end off worse than I am currently. I take pride in my newfound strength. And I'm proud of all the obstacles I overcome woth no handicap towards myself. I currently have a few thousand dollars saved up for in case anything happens.

I've been homeless, even recently, and in the US. I'm not the typical homeless though, I got a small Coleman popup tent, 21watt Anker solar charger, a bike, and bedding, and I went to the wooded areas where you can hide. I'd fold up my Coleman with the bedding inside and shove that in a big trash bag and bury that in a shallow round hole and cover that with the tall grass of the area or leaves, I make it blend in, so I could leave and my tent was reasonably hidden. Put the tent in a closed area, like you are surrounded by branches and dead leaves are on the ground that'll make noise if somebody is close. Don't set up where everybody can see your tent or easily walk up on it, make people have to struggle to get to your camp. I would drop branches and dead leaves across the trail as an alarm. I never begged for change ever, I used various bathrooms to kinda keep clean, I often used the solar charger to keep my phone charged. Sometimes if it is gunna raining for days I would put a tarp or plastic drop cloth over the Coleman. I locked the bike to a tree just in case, through the wheels and frame so it is harder to steal. I didn't can or push a big cart full of stuff either, that just makes you look homeless. No big field backpack either, like some long hike pack, that looks homeless too. I'd usually go to work halls for money, craigslist gigs too. Food pantries can keep you alive while you work up money, some places serve hot meals so get to know the local serving schedules. Eventually you'll need a real shower, sneak into college gyms, or get a cheap gym subscription, some YMCAs have a cheap $2 shower offer, pools and even the ocean have rinse off stations you can use. Laundrymats for washing clothes work, Walmart has cheap shirts and socks and such if you can't find a laundrymat or you are afraid of poor people leaving bugs. Plastic bags are useful, you can bury things in them to hide them, like 5 pairs of fresh socks and 4 shirts and another bag under some leaves over there with a pair of jeans in it. I bury just about everything at my camp, DON'T FORGET WHERE, take a phone pic or make voice record on your phone or write it down, you'll remember 90% of where everything is and forget 10% otherwise. No fires...ever, that just draws the cops, a Dakota firehole is an option if you must make a fire since it reduces smoke tremendously. Food can draw rats and such so watch bringing food to camp. Don't leave alot of trash, it draws attention from planes and hikers and such and can bring rats and animals. Save plastic containers to put water in, I usually have thin tall bottles that fit well in a black faux leather computer bag or small backpack. You can fill them with tap water from many drinking fountains, get use to it, cuz bottled water is an expensive habit on the street. Don't make alot of noise, don't draw attention to your camp, no night lights and stuff. Turn your phone screen brightness down at night, get some earbudz. 99% of people I talked to that I told I was homeless didn't think I was homeless cuz of my system I have detailed here.

I remember seeing a homeless guy in the park in Tokyo. He was acting strange and walked behind a bush. When he returned he had a water bottle that he was screwing the cap on. I noticed the bottle was filled with pee...He proceeds to walk it over to the trash can and throw it away. Very different than what I was used to having lived in San Francisco at the time.

When I visited Tokyo I tried to give money to a elderly paper collecting lady (she was homeless for sure) she said "arrigato" but and refused to take it...

During my first trip to Japan, a homeless man actually spoke in English to me and my friend as we were looking for something. He was actually able to tell us how to get to where we wanted to go, and then without being aggressive, appeared hopeful that we would give him something in return for his help. Of course, we did, and it was one of the first times of many that I have been amazed in Japan.

I used to live in Japan and I remember interacting with the homeless there, they were so happy and never asked for anything, seemed like everyone else in society, mentally stable. Japan is so safe that you can live on the street and be safe, I got really drunk one night in Osaka and passed out by a vending machine, the police woke me up and were laughing at me 😂, they just asked if I was alright and if I needed some water. 😂

When I was traveling there,a local friend told me not to give money to the homeless cos they will reject it. They still have pride. They only become homeless cos they are ashamed to go home, for reasons like failed in business or got fired from work. So in a way don’t want to cause trouble to the family.

I’m American & when I was homeless I recycled cans and plastic bottles like a mofo. Never once did I ever beg or panhandle.

In Japan, there's very much a "mind your own business" sentiment. It influences the way the police investigate crime; it influences the way people handle domestic abuse, child neglect, and other family matters; it influences the way people treat the homeless, and the way homeless behave. There is an attitude that goes like this: "Don't be a burden. Don't cause trouble. Pull your weight." To become homeless is to become a burden, so it's easy to see why homeless people make themselves scarce in by hiding out under bridges, in cardboard structures, etc. You barely see them, and they won't interact with you. *Edit* It's important to understand that this kind of behavior is neither "good" nor "bad." It's simply a different culture, a different ideology, one Westerners may or may not be familiar with, but we cannot quantify it in such simple terms. Like other facets of other cultures, it simply is, and its effects can be both positive and negative depending on the context. While I appreciate you recounting your personal experiences, please do remember that there are probably many aspects of your own culture that others might see differently as well!

even they homeless in japan got their own solar panel.. they are more modernized than me..

In Western Australia we recently had a homeless encampment keep growing in Fremantle, the government took away the handles from the taps so people couldnt access clean drinking water anymore. Really shows the difference in how we treat people

All of this is interesting, but it doesn't answer the question why that homeless campsite has solar power

I was homeless in Canada for a while. I made a great effort to maintain a decent appearance. If you looked at me, there was no way to tell I was homeless.

Self respect and respect for others is something that’s gone missing from America

I honestly feel so sad in my heart for all the people that have become homeless because of the Covid-19. I hope everything will improve.

Japanese homeless have easy access to bathing via the sentos. Also, full healthcare under socialized medicine. These facts make easier for the homeless.

Does not matter the background, every homeless individuals deserve dignity

my husband's co-worker, while in japan, noticed his mail fell from his pocket. but was surprised to find out it was mailed by the finder...

dang, it never occurred to me until just now, upon hearing reference to Japanese war veterans, that there are just as many fractured homes and humans on 'the other side'. Thank you! Living in SF where I'd been homeless for years, this subject is of intense interest to me.

I was homeless for 3 years fought my way out of it and took avoided every hand out i could. sure I am still living in poverty. but at least I have a ceiling over my head and an income

To be honest if I was homeless I would very much relate to Japanese beggars. I would feel ashamed and guilty and very embarrassed begging. Not that it's a bad thing or good thing just saying ...

The lack of humanity in America is disgusting.

You pick very interesting topics and present then in an informative way, and you do not sensationalize. Good man!

Went to Egypt and I asked about the homeless bc I was so surprised to not see many. A local told me that they believed strongly in taking care of their families. Also no alcoholism or high drug addiction

Of all your videos, I think these are your absolute best work so far. Very eye opening and informative.

2019 Japan. Shinjuku station (Tokyo) where we eould go a lot during our 2 week stay. We encountered Japanese homeless and were impressed. They had huts made out of cardboards, which they set up at app. 6-8 pm and folded back up early in the morning when they got up. They would store their folded up huts against a wall under a bridge. We've seen them change from their outdoor shoes into indoor slippers before entering their huts at night. They're also very polite and super respectful. Thanks for that video.

Answer: they aren’t a bunch of zombies strung out on heroin.

Japan is so clean.

I went to school in Japan. I also have a strong impression that almost nothing in Japan is just on the surface, everything is quite solid and deep in general. They tend to disgust doing anything in half way, that said, they re taught to do their very best since young age. I was taking a hobby painting class (Sumie), the first lesson was expressing gratitude to my brushes... anyway, be grateful on things I have and things I can do has sharpen my life a great deal

The Japanese are deeply thoughtful people. The ones I’ve met atleast. They have a deep understanding of human nature, highly efficient, smart, highly-creative and driven. I think their values are deeply routed in Shinto Buddhism, Zen and some form of modern Bushido.

I wish more interviews were like this: say what you want to know about, find someone who knows about it, and then just let them talk! Great piece!

You didn't say a damn thing about solar powered tents!!!

2:25 The USA doesn't even make the chart. Most people here don't give a damn. Good Christians and all that rot.

Japanese self-discipline and moral ethos is something we need in this country. There are problems in that culture, but there are many benefits too.

Homelessness is treated as a crime in many states in America, sadly. Thank you for these informative real life truths and research. Great work, keep it up.

Even homeless are proud in Japan

This is something I've thought about many times before. Thanks for making a vid about this!

Very informative! Good job on putting this togther

I live in NYC. The homeless here can be quiet aggressive, worst thing you can do is look them in the eye.

I don’t normally comment on videos, but I just wanted to thank you for this research. I have always wondered why the homeless in Japan didn’t beg.

"I'm from england" No need to address that when you already have the most _england_ accent

Glad I found your video. I was searching for information about homeless people in Japan after I read an article by professor Yoshitaka Mori writing about some points involving the economic bubble and its effects. I must say the way you directed it and the fact you just brought up professor Tom Gill's perspective, interviewing the professor himself, made me pause the video and subscribe to your channel immediately. Happy I can find well-based contents like yours on the internet. Please keep going!

yo in Reading, England there's some people that even PRETEND to be homeless and ask you for change

They are treated like human beings in Japan is another difference.

Grew up in Vancouver and was just as surprised as you when I visited and saw homelessness in Japan. Currently I’m working in Victoria next to a shelter. Since Covid there’s a tent city right across the street. Sad to see people struggling every day. Definitely interesting to compare the who, what, where, when, why, hows of homelessness and poverty around the world.

Japanese people usually take care of their own so the fact that there would be even a small homeless population was surprising to me.

I live in San Diego and most of the homeless here and terrible. They wash their privates in drinking fountains at public parks. They sleep infront of anywhere because they’re so strung out. I live in poverty so I see it everyday and I’m not blaming them for the way they’re trying to survive but cmon man... there’s no respect just a junkie mentality..

I lived basically homeless in Japan for 6 to 7 weeks to stay there longer in the 90s. The Tokyo homeless really helped me live on the cheap. Edited to add, a bunch of nice ones I met were from Iraq too.

Whenever my husband and I visit tourism places in the US (Times Square, Santa Monica etc), always a few homeless people come to us. They usually make compliment on my dress, or tell my husband how lucky he is, and then ask my husband “btw I’m homeless, could you spare some money”. I’m Japanese, and l have an impression of homeless people in the US being a little more aggressive.

good, thanks for making this video, it gives lessons

Actually, people who seek for help gets help in Japan too. Social aid do exist in Japan and our economy can support them. Some of my friends works for NGO that supports homeless people, and most of the homeless reject charity and hates to be looked down. They have pride. So the NGO would provide the job such as selling magazine or cleaning. That professor kinda described as Japanese as not giving/ willing to help and that's why Japanese homeless are mannered and doesn't beg/ask for help but that's wrong. People who have pride and doesn't won't to rely on social aid choose to live like that.

I like this youtuber. You do good research and even go as far as interviewing an author of a published work as a credible source unlike many other youtuber you goes with only what they see/experienced. Very educational and credible work. Thank you!

This video made my day! Thank you for creating this. ❤️

Very informative. Thank you.

I was homeless in Berlin for two years. It never came to my mind to beg for money or ask people for anything, I mostly worked odd jobs and mostly stuck to myself. The problem was, at some point people would come to you. There were some very shady and bad people in that environment that I decided to get my life back in track.

As a Japanese living in Los Angeles, it is true. I don’t want to give my money to beggars on the streets. I was raised this way by my parents back at Yokohama. I have no answer to why I don’t give money. I just follow what I was told growing up. Mind your own business, let them do what they want. Not a big deal.

Thank u sir for these videos , for this info and seeing them WILL undoubtably give us answers to this growing problem world wide

I have noticed the same thing after the first time i’ve seen them.. There was something different about the japanese homeless people.. This is very enlightening to watch.. thank you!

I really look forward to watch more informative and well-researched videos of this kind of yours. I am keenly interested in Japanese social issues. I see Asia's future on Japan.

Good job mate, it is the same thing that my Japanese friend told me when he was in Australia and the states. He said he was a bit scared to see tons of mentality illness people on the streets while it is rarely to see these people in Japan.

Outstanding video quality! Thanks!

Excellent presentation. Thankyou.

There are homeless people in the US who meet all the criteria of "homeless japanese." They don't do drugs, keep clean, etc. We just don't know how to identify them because we're so used to what a homeless person should look and act like, that when we meet a more well rounded homeless person, we don't suspect they're homeless. I've met a small handful of people like that. And the only reason why I found out they were homeless was because 1. They either told me or 2. I "found out" about it through observations (I found one woman I had known for a while washing up in a public library and one man I found out was living in a man's shelter at a church). They all had jobs too. So yes, we have this homeless population too, but unlike in japan, we have the other homeless populations piling on top of them.

I had lived in Japan for 15 years, I could say that people are very friendly there, also dogs and cats are not afraid of humans

This is a very well informed video thank you for it. Iv been curious about homeless in Japan ever since I was stationed there

Thank you for this video

Been to Japan. The homeless never begging your money. The homeless is the most civilised i ever seen. Japanese still okay to me. The homeless never giving so much negative side to Japan. Unlike other country, the homeless seems make the city more worst.

In Pre-Edo times communities (a rural village, or a collection of blocks in a city) had a pretty strong group identity but the flip-side was people being cast out (for various, often stupid, reasons), but they also rarely brought newcomers in, so the net effect was an almost inescapable homelessness. Does anyone have an idea the modern analogue to that - being fired from a job, then finding it very difficult to be hired elsewhere - is a thing? I seem to recall there is a ton of shame and problems in Japan about being fired and unable to find new equivalent work. There's even a brilliant movie about it, "Tokyo Sonata" from 2008

Thank you for this insightful information and comparisons

this is such a valuable series thank you for doing this. i’m hoping there will be more insight into how the disabled and mentally ill are treated.

Fascinating

Your content has such a high quality that you deserve way more subscribers.... Great work Greg, keep it up!!!

Where's the anti-homeless spikes?

Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻

In the U.S., the Carter Administration responded to deinstitutionalization by funding the establishment of drop-in community mental heath centers. But the Reagan Administration promptly de-funded the scheme.

Can't wait for part 2,

Awesome video! I love learning more about Japanese culture and your documentaries are a very valuable tool!

Very interesting ! Thank you for this video

Thanks for this informative and interesting video. I am looking forward to the next part!

Great reason NOT to enlist in the military. They won't take care of you when you come back damaged.

Great insight here to share.

That man explained everything so very well.

Wow. I've always wondered about this when I was in japan. Thanks for doing the research for all of us!

Super interesting topic that I never would have thought to look into myself. Great video!

So informative.

very informative post . Thank you

First day I arrived in Japan at Shibuya it was midnight , one elderly woman was begging me for money and I gave her some coins. Few moments later in one homeless guy approached me and gave me an umbrella because it was raining a lot .

A really lovely video. Thank you Professor Gill!

Thanks for the lesson.

very well made video!

Informative and thought provoking. You really did your research on this one. Never change LWIF!