Japanese “Praise Uncle” Goes Viral for Earning Thousands Through Street Compliments
A unique street personality in Japan is capturing attention online after revealing he earns up to 300,000 yen (around US$2,000) a month simply by complimenting strangers in public.
Known online as the “Praise Uncle,” the 44-year-old man has become a viral sensation in Tokyo’s busy Shinjuku district, where he stands near crowded streets holding a handwritten cardboard sign that reads: “I’ll Praise You.”
For a small donation — sometimes as little as 100 yen — he delivers energetic, personalized compliments to anyone willing to stop and interact with him.
Viral Street Attraction in Tokyo
The man, widely known on Japanese social media as “Hometas Ojisan,” has spent the past five years spreading positivity across Japan through impromptu praise sessions.
Witnesses say he often loudly compliments people’s appearance, personality, fashion sense, or confidence, creating cheerful reactions from tourists and locals alike.
Videos of his interactions recently exploded across Korean and Japanese social media platforms, attracting even more visitors hoping to meet the now-famous street performer.
According to him, Korean tourists now make up around 10% of his daily customers.
“They usually have stylish fashion and great skin, so it’s easy to find something nice to say immediately,” he joked during an interview.
From Debt and Homelessness to Internet Fame
Behind the cheerful personality is a difficult life story.
The man admitted he struggled with gambling addiction from a young age and accumulated debts totaling nearly 6 million yen. Financial troubles eventually led to homelessness after his family lost their home.
With only 600 yen left in his pocket in late 2021, he decided to try something unusual on the streets of Tokyo.
“I didn’t have special talents,” he explained. “But encouraging people was something I could do right away.”
What began as a desperate attempt to survive gradually transformed into a full-time activity fueled by social media attention and word-of-mouth popularity.
Today, he reportedly praises up to 50 people per day and has managed to secure a small apartment in Tokyo thanks to the income.
Positive Messages Resonating Online
Many social media users say the “Praise Uncle” reflects a growing need for emotional support and kindness in modern society.
One of his most memorable encounters involved a hearing-impaired job seeker who showed him a note asking for encouragement during a difficult period in life.
The man responded with a heartfelt written message telling the individual to stay confident and continue moving forward.
The interaction deeply moved online audiences after the story was shared publicly.
A New Form of Street Entertainment
In Japan’s crowded urban culture, where loneliness and stress are common topics, the “Praise Uncle” has unexpectedly become a symbol of positivity and human connection.
Even workers from Tokyo’s nightlife districts reportedly visit him to learn how to better communicate and complement customers.
Despite his viral popularity, he says his goal remains simple:
“Everyone needs encouragement from someone. I just want to help people smile and feel recognized.”
As videos continue spreading across TikTok, Instagram, and X, many tourists now include meeting Tokyo’s “Praise Uncle” as part of their travel experience.
0 Comments