The Other Side of Japan: Life in Kamagasaki's Informal Settlements.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 เม.ย. 2023
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    Japan is known for its strong emphasis on cleanliness, efficiency, and tidiness. It is not common to see slums in Japan as in other countries, due to strict zoning laws and building regulations. However, there have been instances of informal settlements or poor living conditions in some parts of Japan.
    One example is the Kamagasaki district, located in the southern part of Osaka. This area is known as a gathering place for day laborers, mostly men, who work in construction, factories, or other low-paid jobs. Kamagasaki, is considered one of the poorest areas in Japan, with a high rate of unemployment, homelessness, and social isolation.
    This episode has been filmed in September 2019.
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.6K

  • @oranuchchatsrinopakun1829
    @oranuchchatsrinopakun1829 ปีที่แล้ว +1810

    Japan always has a high standard, this homeless town is cleaner than most neighborhoods in USA west coast. 😢

    • @hossainayon9588
      @hossainayon9588 ปีที่แล้ว

      In ur dreams probably 😂🤣🤡🖕 japan weeb 😂

    • @MorningSunGamer
      @MorningSunGamer ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@hossainayon9588 Says the westaboo idiot that made Jake Paul shorts and other really stupid uploads. Either you're a troll or an infantile teen (or both). Go back to your shit hole.

    • @zeeshandogar9406
      @zeeshandogar9406 ปีที่แล้ว +145

      It's the Japanese culture, cleanliness is their foundation.

    • @biggus6633
      @biggus6633 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s what happens when you have black and Latino people mixed in your population

    • @paulshaffer1541
      @paulshaffer1541 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      California, sure. Portland has its spots but for the most part it's pretty clean. Though it's gotten worse the last few years.

  • @andriod1622
    @andriod1622 ปีที่แล้ว +441

    man..these slums are cleaner than my neighbors backyard

    • @grizzlybear4
      @grizzlybear4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Much cleaner than my neighborhood, and even this half of the city. And cleaner by far than the slum house I stay at. Here, junk and garbage reign supreme... no way to clean it up for more than a day.

    • @internetcensure5849
      @internetcensure5849 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      in Japan even slums are neater than in the USA.

    • @kodokoa
      @kodokoa ปีที่แล้ว +1

      yeah😆

    • @KyleRuggles
      @KyleRuggles ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Japanese are very respectful. I deeply respect the Japanese culture of mutual respect and honor.

    • @ranitm468
      @ranitm468 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      😂😂

  • @douglasammirati8450
    @douglasammirati8450 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    Those "slums" are like fifty times cleaner than every single place I've ever been to in Brazil in 35 year living here.

  • @mokanaman
    @mokanaman 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +114

    Every time I visit I stay here, everybody is so friendly and inclusive. Many of the older guys speak great English and helpful for advice or directions. They are even willing to share food and drink if your up for a chat but will never accept money or beg. Helped one guy out and was made an honorary resident. Most nights meeting random foreigners and locals for a meal is always fun.

    • @mokanaman
      @mokanaman 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      After dark even in winter is fine but mostly foreigners and yakuza who are also very friends but you will see some fights.

    • @mmmoroi
      @mmmoroi 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      The decisive difference between slums in Japan and those in the US is the presence or absence of narcotics. Though often alcoholic, the Japanese slum dwellers (including homeless people) are rarely addicted to drugs due to affordability factor as well as the sense of taboo ingrained through rigorous policing and education.

    • @user-uk3mp7mf7u
      @user-uk3mp7mf7u 16 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      Japan has a welfare system, and if a homeless person applies to the local government, they will be provided with rent for a small room in a rental property plus basic living expenses (food, utilities, sundries).
      However, there are many restrictions, and homeless people dislike these restrictions and limitations, which is why they continue to be homeless.

  • @StevenRayW
    @StevenRayW ปีที่แล้ว +2896

    As someone who's lived in the Kansai area, I can tell you that the reason most young Japanese people who were interviewed did not know Kamagasaki is because it is an older name that's no longer in popular use. Kamagasaki was officially renamed Airin District in 1966, so only the older generation would still call it by its old name.

    • @nikaknorabelardo2864
      @nikaknorabelardo2864 ปีที่แล้ว +259

      yeah, crap journalism.

    • @skmk88
      @skmk88 ปีที่แล้ว +276

      Thanks for that information, as for someone who actually watched the video, youd know your comment is useless

    • @neptunite5973
      @neptunite5973 ปีที่แล้ว +212

      they mention that in the video

    • @nonamepasserbya6658
      @nonamepasserbya6658 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@johnsmallberries4429 probably because of the crap journalism comment

    • @olive4naito
      @olive4naito ปีที่แล้ว +9

      That is useful to know. I pretty much got the same reaction when I asked where Kamagasaki was 20 years ago.

  • @huntress44
    @huntress44 ปีที่แล้ว +1223

    My friends and I booked our very first AirBnB back in 2014 in Nishinari without knowing its reputation. I did notice the number of homeless old people. And there was a lot of sirens. Every single night you'd hear an ambulance or a firetruck. We actually witnessed one firetruck responding to an old guy slumped in the street. But I did not ever feel unsafe. Cheerful random old people would actually greet us good morning/good evening whenever we passed by.

    • @mikeg4317
      @mikeg4317 ปีที่แล้ว +53

      Sirens from firetrucks and ambulance at night are normal. Nightly occurrence in any Tokyo neighborhood.

    • @jasmin-lh1ih
      @jasmin-lh1ih ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not 100percent safe!

    • @tornadoman1054
      @tornadoman1054 ปีที่แล้ว +141

      Agree. This place hardly can be named as 'slum', especially for those who have witnessed the U.S. slums and ghettos. If that is the worst Japan has, I take off my hat, they're doing great so far.

    • @dannylo5875
      @dannylo5875 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Unlike SanFran

    • @huntress44
      @huntress44 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@mikeg4317 where I'm from it's not very common (also this was my first international trip). I only get to hear an ambulance when I'm actually on the road, and firetrucks only when there's fire nearby.

  • @Konim96
    @Konim96 ปีที่แล้ว +94

    3:34 "I live in a mansion" I think this might be a mistranslation. The word he used, マンション (Manshon), though does come from the english "mansion", it actually means "condo" , "apartment" or "flat" in Japanese

    • @2SpiralNika
      @2SpiralNika ปีที่แล้ว +24

      Oh thats interesting I actually thought it was just some sarcasm joke like he was poking fun at his small little apartment or something

    • @Konim96
      @Konim96 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@2SpiralNika Understandable, I'd probably think the same if I didn't speak Japanese

    • @ohsweetmystery
      @ohsweetmystery ปีที่แล้ว

      Joke

    • @BazzeGaming
      @BazzeGaming ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Apaato usually only consists of two floors, a manshon is an apartment building that has three or more floors. Apaato are also made with lower quality materials while manshon are generally reinforced concrete

    • @wei10wei
      @wei10wei 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      It is not a mistranslation. The MANSION(マンション) he is talking about is not a luxury MANSION as we say in the US or other countries, but an apartment as we say in other countries. He is living in a room that is probably about 20 square meters. In that area, an older apartment of that size is quite inexpensive, so a welfare recipient, or even a pensioner or low-income person can afford the rent.

  • @ShiryouOni
    @ShiryouOni ปีที่แล้ว +122

    As an american watching this, based on only what I can visually see from this video. The areas in which the homeless live is far cleaner than most places I have lived in within the US.

    • @johndong7524
      @johndong7524 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      live in better places then.

    • @fresh-thyme
      @fresh-thyme 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@johndong7524 where you live Dong?

    • @johndong7524
      @johndong7524 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@fresh-thyme In the place that's better than your place.

    • @fresh-thyme
      @fresh-thyme 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@johndong7524 so you live in a place the smells like padussy?

  • @Sun3SunShine
    @Sun3SunShine ปีที่แล้ว +1020

    I like the fact that the streets in Kamagasaki, one of the most notorious slum districts in Japan, is much cleaner than streets in Shibuya, one of the most popular tourist destinations.

    • @psychedelicpunk5031
      @psychedelicpunk5031 ปีที่แล้ว +162

      I like the fact that the "slums" are cleaner than my mid income neighborhood

    • @AccordGG1
      @AccordGG1 ปีที่แล้ว +83

      any place that has a lot of tourists will be dirtier. every public bathroom i went to was spotless and didn't smell. i went to one in dontonbori and it smelled just like a gas station bathroom. shinjuku was littered with trash. this was before covid so there were a lot of foreigners at that time.

    • @yuzk2
      @yuzk2 ปีที่แล้ว +42

      I remember my first day in Japan - after being underground for a while from the airport, i emerged on the surface in Shinjuku and was shocked to see how dirty the streets were. Bear in mind it was a Sunday at about 8am, but when we came back later the same day, it was much cleaner. Most parts of Tokyo are very clean though, far cleaner than my home countries capital of London anyway. Japanese cities really put most western cities to shame when it comes to cleanliness.

    • @AccordGG1
      @AccordGG1 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@yuzk2 yea there's a lot of drinking and littering going on at night. when i left shinjuku in the morning there was trash everywhere. people probably clean that area daily.

    • @planesandcanes5094
      @planesandcanes5094 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      @@psychedelicpunk5031 Yeah I burst out laughing at that. "the slums" look better than my hometown and most of the state I lived in for many years.

  • @netrunner2.0
    @netrunner2.0 ปีที่แล้ว +244

    “even though the people have nothing to eat the animals are fat” incredible display of how thoughtful and full of care these people are. i hope they find prosperity soon enough

  • @7ngel
    @7ngel 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +56

    Something that blows my mind is that even homeless people have style in Japan, they’re very advanced in that sense

    • @thelikeitispodcast
      @thelikeitispodcast 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Japan gets a lot of donations and imports

    • @user-ck5is2pg9y
      @user-ck5is2pg9y หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@thelikeitispodcast nope that’s false

    • @thelikeitispodcast
      @thelikeitispodcast หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@user-ck5is2pg9y nope it's correct. I won't waste time educating you if you're going to be an obtuse troll.

    • @GladysAlicea
      @GladysAlicea หลายเดือนก่อน

      No need to be rude. When I make what I think is a factual statement, it takes less than 60 secs to check, before I post. That way, no chance for impolite to strike. 😉

  • @KMontagne27
    @KMontagne27 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    I was there and walked in that neighborhood almost every day for 10 days. I never felt it as a slum.

    • @FactStorm
      @FactStorm ปีที่แล้ว +23

      By Japanese standards, even the "worst" is better than most places lol

  • @Sliverbane
    @Sliverbane ปีที่แล้ว +311

    While visiting Tokyo in 2001, I encountered a articulate elder Japanese man who served in WW2. He was fascinating. His English was impeccable. But we were interrupted by Japanese police who thought he was harassing us. I really liked talking to him. I wish I had more time to tell him how much he impressed me.

    • @Soldknight324
      @Soldknight324 ปีที่แล้ว

      He served in WW2? You do know how fucked up the imperial Japanese army was right? Akin to finding talking to a Nazi enjoyable....

    • @user-xo8mr4hf4r
      @user-xo8mr4hf4r ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Don't worry. There will soon be a whole new batch of ex-soldiers from some shiny new wars on the horizon. . .

    • @zawiz8783
      @zawiz8783 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@user-xo8mr4hf4r Sadly, this is true. At least when it ends Japan will fix their low population issues. Men who go to war usually always start families. Prob from seeing so much death.

    • @jamesbuckley972
      @jamesbuckley972 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@zawiz8783 insane take

    • @curious1053
      @curious1053 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Based 731 veteran.

  • @tortoisesoup16
    @tortoisesoup16 ปีที่แล้ว +486

    When I went to Kansai, I stayed in Kamagasaki, very near Shinsekai. I didn't even know it was a slum, I only learned months after. I took some walks in the area, and I noticed it was less look after than the other parts of the city but I live in a remote place in Niigata where most things are neglected because of the population decline. I'm so used to slums in my home country that I can't notice slums in Japan. Honestly, it was better than most normal neighbourhoods in Turkey, and hundreds of times better than an actual slum in Turkey.

    • @nolesy34
      @nolesy34 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I don't like slum in Turkey i prefer chicken lamb or roast pork mmmm

    • @sergeant_ozzy1037
      @sergeant_ozzy1037 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Same here. I stayed there 5 years ago for a few days and, even though it felt a little bit less developed than the rest of the city, I wouldn’t have guessed it was a slum.

    • @tatarcavalry2342
      @tatarcavalry2342 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      True words my neighbourhood in Adana Turkey is near a metro station and looks worse than this. I only find 4 places beautiful to live in Adana, names: Güzelyalı,Gazipaşa and Cemalpaşa neighbourhoods and Turgut Özal boulevard.

    • @mohammadforouzan1984
      @mohammadforouzan1984 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@nolesy34 🤔🤔🤬🤬

    • @Ceylin_Kurtbogan
      @Ceylin_Kurtbogan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@nolesy34 yawn...

  • @hirok8917
    @hirok8917 ปีที่แล้ว +323

    As a Japanese, I felt this was a fair report. The condition of this town is slowly improving.

    • @user-xo8mr4hf4r
      @user-xo8mr4hf4r ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Big-city Osaka appears to have one of the more respectable slums the world has seen lately.
      Still, they're not kidding. Get inside at dusk, and stay there until tomorrow's beer.

    • @onebigsnowball
      @onebigsnowball ปีที่แล้ว

      Of course you thought it was a fair report my guy it's basically propaganda for your country

    • @dshinc
      @dshinc ปีที่แล้ว +12

      ⁠​⁠​⁠@Miney Boy mate, just because we are japanese and we speak English doesn't mean we went to West… but for me I learn English because of my dad, he’s australian half japanese

    • @GPbSWAGGINit
      @GPbSWAGGINit ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I feel like that city is still cleaner than Beverly Hills or any quaint areas in Los angeles. 😅😂🤣

    • @bangsamoroako8585
      @bangsamoroako8585 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      ​@Miney Boy bro he is not speaking English, he is typing or writing 😅

  • @TatsumiOga682
    @TatsumiOga682 ปีที่แล้ว +420

    That one picture of his wife and daughter was such a powerful one. Really makes you wonder what his life story is, to go from having a beautiful family to alone on the streets...

    • @bakaweiner6956
      @bakaweiner6956 ปีที่แล้ว +115

      I have read somewhere that these people worked hard as labour during their youth away from their growing families. While working they barely make friends/connections inside their workplace, they also got disconnected from their families back home which leads them to slowly distant from each others. When these people got retired, they already lost their family for various reasons & they don't have much savings left leaving them vulnerable towards poverty due to they no longer in condition to work for themselves...

    • @annephillips1870
      @annephillips1870 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      During the construction boom there was a lot of work and some people chose a rather tedious, but more respectable life as a ‘sarariman’ or ‘salary man’ at a company. Others had manual labouring jobs caretaker jobs which came with a place to sleep. Once the construction work and semi-skilled dried up a lot of people lost their accommodation as well.

    • @bayousbambino427
      @bayousbambino427 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      The people in the photo could equally be of zero consequence to the man who now possesses the picture. He collects garbage. So...

    • @InVinoVeratas
      @InVinoVeratas ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@bayousbambino427 I was thinking that too. kind of seems like a possible narritive set up by the production. I mean why would he keep this photo in with the gargabe, especially the skewer with food on it, kind of tells me this isn't really an important photo, like why wouldn't it be in his pocket if it was so important to him? Not judging btw, if those are important to him, it escapes my privilage, as I only see trash in that bag, but as they say, one man's trash... yadda yadda..

    • @m5a1stuart83
      @m5a1stuart83 ปีที่แล้ว

      What I like is that they dont blame faith, god or religion while in my shithole country will blame it all on ISIS, Taliban, Terrorist and Islam.

  • @MrMricecreamman1
    @MrMricecreamman1 ปีที่แล้ว +668

    Watanabe is a very well educated person it seems. He hit it on the spot. Every country is the same. Where rich resides on part and the poor resides in another...etc. No matter how well the country is developed.

    • @nejnej4676
      @nejnej4676 ปีที่แล้ว +69

      @@johnjack3578 you can help people, a lot of the hard core drug addicts are broken people, who would be normal if they had a better childhood.
      But lifes hard, some break some dont.

    • @captainsunbear5472
      @captainsunbear5472 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@nejnej4676 i find that, some people just don't want to be helped.

    • @ageoflove1980
      @ageoflove1980 ปีที่แล้ว +53

      Not every country is the same. In Japan and most European countries there are many facilities and subsidies to help those who have fallen on hard times to at least provide in their basic needs as a society. In many other coutries unfortunately, not so much. It comes from a believe that these people most of the times just had a lot of bad luck or made some bad decisions that had far reaching consequenses, they are not different than you or me, even more, they could actually very easily are you and me. Other countries dont help out those in need because often they believe its their rightful punishment for their bad behaviour. I dont think this is right. When you ask a kid in school : What do you want to become in later in life the awsner is never: A homeless alcoholic. None of these people want to be in this situation, so just be kind to them. Being kind is a virtue.

    • @nejnej4676
      @nejnej4676 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@captainsunbear5472 happens when the world have been attacking you, you dont trust anyone, even people with good intents.

    • @may-ky6jl
      @may-ky6jl ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Japanese has free education system. Also any citizen are provided free medical support which were once ranked best in the world as well as Sweden.
      You can apply Income support and housing benefit as well. The problems are people on the road often refuse to apply and go to Local government office.
      Funny thing the income support who are receivings are most foreigners like Chinese , Korean and Vietnam people .

  • @DaBossIsHere
    @DaBossIsHere 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

    As a French person I am struck by the fact these people are in such a difficult situation in retirement, despite having worked hard in the past, and also by how clean the area seems to be.
    But well, it's Japan, it's Osaka. So it's not so surprizing that this place is much cleaner than let's say, Paris.

  • @chonkymonster671
    @chonkymonster671 ปีที่แล้ว +161

    That Japanese slum is actually cleaner than a lot of neighborhoods in other countries

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Cleaner than nyc lol

    • @onebigsnowball
      @onebigsnowball ปีที่แล้ว

      Because the only way they make money is by collecting trash

    • @gersongallo3413
      @gersongallo3413 ปีที่แล้ว

      Slums in India are better maintained and much cleaner.

    • @kkoala3547
      @kkoala3547 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @@gersongallo3413 😂😂😂😂😂

    • @leahflower9924
      @leahflower9924 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@Moodboard39 new York isn't that filthy anymore Philly is a lot worse

  • @Horsekick9times
    @Horsekick9times ปีที่แล้ว +111

    This slum is better than New York city.

    • @mnlgabbymnlgabby8366
      @mnlgabbymnlgabby8366 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If our Government fix the problem and give people a home and a job.

    • @JM-cn1kz
      @JM-cn1kz ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@mnlgabbymnlgabby8366 Government is the problem. Make it small and problems disappear.

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@mnlgabbymnlgabby8366 Run by Democrats lol what u expect

    • @Moodboard39
      @Moodboard39 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly. Cuz of poor leaders and people who like being dirty

    • @leahflower9924
      @leahflower9924 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I live near New York City yeah it can be filthy but it's richer than Japan

  • @OliverClothesofff
    @OliverClothesofff ปีที่แล้ว +87

    The nicest slum I've ever seen. At least they keep it clean and are respectful. It would be a different place if they had a major drug problem.

    • @WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS
      @WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS ปีที่แล้ว +8

      For Japan there is a notable drug problem there. Whilst this doc was informative it doesn't quite tell the full story about the area.

    • @skfoxjrxzz5051
      @skfoxjrxzz5051 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS but it’s nothing compared to how it’s like in the west

    • @oomay1925
      @oomay1925 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      There's still a lot of alcoholism in Japan, but ya at least there's not so many drug problems. It's been getting real bad where I live in Canada, that forced rehabilitation is being considered (although the ethics is questionable)

    • @COVID_24
      @COVID_24 ปีที่แล้ว

      Japan, of course, has a drug problem. But the residents here are literally the poorest in Japan and cannot even afford drugs, and they are clearly alcoholics drinking in noon time.

    • @stevesmith1923
      @stevesmith1923 ปีที่แล้ว

      There is alot of meth sold and consumed in this area.

  • @marvelfoxmorty5057
    @marvelfoxmorty5057 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    The fact that they don't blame anyone or anything why they are poor & homeless it's already shows how much these people are kind at their souls. May Good things happen to them,😢
    ... It's fortunate that there's less to none of the children living in these area

  • @hearthatbird
    @hearthatbird 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    When their slums look better than the average neighborhood in your country.

  • @whatthepick
    @whatthepick ปีที่แล้ว +126

    These are legit some of the most polite slums I have viewed on youtube almost want to just level it up to a downtrodden neighbourhood, I guess to quote no country for old men
    For things at a common destination there is a common path. Not always easy to see. But there.

    • @jaysonmatining23
      @jaysonmatining23 ปีที่แล้ว

      😅polite slums

    • @psychedelicpunk5031
      @psychedelicpunk5031 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Japan is a really good country, despite the issues it has right now it really does respect its people and nature.

  • @KAJAMAJA122
    @KAJAMAJA122 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    Thank you . That was one the most respectful documentaries on homelessness that I’ve ever watched . Most tend to forget that these souls are human , have generally worked hard all their life and many are victims of circumstance .

  • @PlanetYokoshima
    @PlanetYokoshima 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +62

    I %100 understand what that person felt when he said people have nothing to eat whereas birds are fat. When I was homeless and hungry I just stared at pigeons, sparrows and especially seagulls and thought, what a life, where even birds can eat while a human starves. I was in fact so hungry that I wished I could join them eating bread…

  • @Sara-Sara-pg7vs
    @Sara-Sara-pg7vs 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +175

    Even their slum is clean. It’s really heart warming that they are far more kinder to animals than rich people would be ❤

  • @KaosFromLaos
    @KaosFromLaos ปีที่แล้ว +114

    Hat's off to the Japanese people. Even poverty cannot take away their pride and human dignity.

  • @srbrant5391
    @srbrant5391 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    When I was in Japan, the rivers of Tokyo were practically girdled with shanties. I've never seen so many blue tarps in one place. Japan is still an amazing place, but it is still a nation like any other with its own problems and its own challenges.

  • @borderhopper3296
    @borderhopper3296 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    These elderly ex-construction workers are now poor. But they had a proud past(that they build up Osaka while the economy was booming). And they deserve to be supported publicly. I like this program's fair coverage.

  • @slaven18
    @slaven18 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    "Slum" in Osaka looks in better shape and cleaner than almost any neighborhood in my hometown of Zagreb, Croatia. Yes, lots of buildings there look older, but they are reasonably well kept, roads don't have potholes and best of all, there si very little trash on the streets. And here, we can't rebuild city center 3 years after the earthquake, there is garbage on street, our roads are crappy.

    • @auroracampbell9211
      @auroracampbell9211 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The cleanest slum in the world

    • @mehchocolate1257
      @mehchocolate1257 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@auroracampbell9211 fat ass animals 😂😂😂😂

  • @sarahl9398
    @sarahl9398 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Watanabe was very polite and respectful in his rapport with the reporter, and vice versa. Thank you for this informative video about a particular marginalized group in Japan.

  • @savannahshepherd2283
    @savannahshepherd2283 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Seen a lot of vids like this but the people here were unique and still happy, please make another

  • @whenyouwannarealopinion
    @whenyouwannarealopinion 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Some context not shared in the video:
    Homeless population: per wikipedia
    Japan in 2020 - 3,992
    USA in 2022 - 582,462
    Canada in 2021 - 25k-30k
    Ukraine in 2020 - 734,240
    UK in 2019 - 365,535
    Where would you rather be?

    • @kwamesmith3214
      @kwamesmith3214 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Actually a Police holding center in Amoy/Xiamen in China late 2019 or early 2020. Certain events I’d like to investigate again... But being a homeless there is also fine 😅😅😂😂

  • @jeffreyjackson5229
    @jeffreyjackson5229 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Some of the older men reminded me of my deceased father.
    Towards the end of his life, he drank, chain smoked, talked about the past, and how much money he use to make in his jack-of-all trades jobs but with nothing to show for it by then.
    He drank himself into strokes and being bedridden.
    Of all of his sons, I turned out nothing like him.
    I'm a high school graduate, military veteran, college graduate, and have a professional job. But he was my greatest source of motivation, because I didn't want to be anything like him and I succeeded.

  • @bspiderm
    @bspiderm ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Japanese slum is more clean than Beverly Hills

  • @rs646dd
    @rs646dd ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Nishinari (Kamagasaki) is not a scary place, you can walk around normally, no harm will come to you. How do the elderly living in Nishinari live? Actually, most of the homeless are not in need because they receive the national pension. Few people are homeless without a pension. They can live on a small pension because they do not need to pay for housing.
    Homeless people can also earn quite a bit of money by picking up empty cans and selling them. There are stores that buy empty cans and cardboard boxes.

    • @mkmikekyle6929
      @mkmikekyle6929 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      just a few weeks ago we had our first ever japan holiday and we stayed in Tengachaya. We always go home quite late from visiting diff attractions around osaka and kansai but never encounter any problems or any sorts. It was actually a peaceful and lovely place. Overall we really had a great time in Japan and if given a chance to go back again in Osaka I won't hesitate to book that same property in Tengachaya.❤❤❤❤

    • @grizzlybear4
      @grizzlybear4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Much much better than here.

    • @bachiistsho2940
      @bachiistsho2940 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mkmikekyle6929 I'm Osaka-born but went to Tengachaya for the first time in my life to return my car rental. It is a very "soulful" area :-)

  • @CATSFOREVER308
    @CATSFOREVER308 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    At least the Japanese government gives people money to help them out,here in India the government gives its people nothing,no social security no unemployment benefits,nothing,zero.

  • @x13xmonkey
    @x13xmonkey 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I’m 55 live in Canada and drinking is my only pleasure left now that family gone and no work.

  • @mynock250
    @mynock250 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    No zombies with needles stuck in there arms, no crazies smeared with feces? No murders, rapes or cannibalism? Come check pout downtown Portland. This is paradise.

    • @CyAA-ri2us
      @CyAA-ri2us ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Being homeless is one thing. Being hopeless is another. The difference is depravity, something we should all strive to avoid, poor or rich.

    • @afteritsallsaidanddoneisti9285
      @afteritsallsaidanddoneisti9285 ปีที่แล้ว

      the Japanese government didn't funnel drugs into their country to make a profit did they? you think drugs just manifested its self into America?

    • @MoreEvilThanYahweh
      @MoreEvilThanYahweh ปีที่แล้ว +6

      At the end of the day, Japan is still a high trust society even after factoring in all their problems. Something a lot of other countries can't brag about anymore.

    • @benkraze3103
      @benkraze3103 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      🤣🤣🤣 nice joke

    • @internetcensure5849
      @internetcensure5849 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      not only portland🤣

  • @corsarogonzalez9831
    @corsarogonzalez9831 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    I live in Osaka. Kamasaki is a great place. I love the vibe of it. Nothing beats a cheap eat and friendly people to talk to. :)

    • @iatsd
      @iatsd ปีที่แล้ว

      Kamasaki doesn't exist, and hasn't existed for 40+ years.

  • @the_birthday_skeleton
    @the_birthday_skeleton ปีที่แล้ว +8

    fascinatimg mini-doc. would love a feature length doc too, the people of Kamagasaki are so genuine and its nice to see a place where the old and ill are treated with respect.

  • @mkmikekyle6929
    @mkmikekyle6929 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    just a few weeks ago we had our first ever japan holiday and we stayed in Tengachaya. We always go home quite late from visiting diff attractions around osaka and kansai but never encounter any problems or any sorts. It was actually a peaceful and lovely place. Overall we really had a great time in Japan and if given a chance to go back again in Osaka I won't hesitate to book that same property in Tengachaya.❤❤❤

  • @JLieppinen
    @JLieppinen 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +49

    I have stayed many many times in Kamagasaki. But AFAIK the area is more commonly known as the district "Nishinari-ku" which many people recognized quite easily around Japan when I spoke about it. It is a very nice place with homeless people and cheap hotels. The homeless are very polite and nice and in my youth while backpacking Japan for the first time I sat down with a friend next to the homeless there drinking and we drank together and it were met with great hospitality. There was absolutely nothing scary or bad around there except the sadness that came from seeing people having to sleep outside and not have work.

    • @blowitoutyourcunt7675
      @blowitoutyourcunt7675 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My experience with racism in Japan was high, ugly and very uncomfortable but when I unknowingly wondered into this slum, no one treated me poorly - the difference was sooo stark! It's amazing that poor ppl would treat a foreign, stranger with as much respect as each other but "ordinary", "regular" Japanese ppl were so ugly and racist that it was exhausting and ruined chunks of my lengthy tourist stay.
      *Afro Puerto Rican lady who stayed 3 months to see my sister thru delivery and her lying-in w baby.

  • @scarecrow7676
    @scarecrow7676 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Really interesting and insightful. Great content as usual.

  • @realstage1925
    @realstage1925 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    "Slum" is a densely populated area in urban areas where the extremely poor reside and where the deteriorated situation threatens the health, safety, and morality of residents and the community due to the lack of public services available in other areas of the city.
    Kamagasaki is not a slum. It is simply an area with many single elderly people and poor people. It is not run-down. Redevelopment has already begun in this district and the city is currently undergoing change. The most devastated and dangerous period in this area was during the 90s after the collapse of the Bubble economy. There were even riots at that time.
    It was a city where young workers from all over the country lived during the period of high economic growth that lasted from the 1950s to the 1970s, but after the end of the bubble economy, it became a district with a multitude of problems such as riots, illegal street vendors, and illegal dumping. Since the implementation of the Nishinari Special Ward Plan by the former mayor of Osaka, improvements in the safety and environment of Nishinari Ward have been observed. Although it remains a town with a unique position, its existence has become nationwide due to the spread of SNS, and it is popular as a lodging destination for foreign backpackers due to its low accommodation rates. In addition, with the development of living infrastructure accompanying the opening of a new railway line in 2031, there has been an increase in the number of families with children moving in.

    • @tapestry6455
      @tapestry6455 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Redevelopment means they will push that little community out, scatter the 'family' they have acquired there, then they will die.

    • @kurosu-samaklipleri7090
      @kurosu-samaklipleri7090 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Don't mind the account with dog profile above. They are troll, spammers or just trying to spread bad feels

    • @realstage1925
      @realstage1925 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tapestry6455 That is a separate issue. What I was saying is that it is not a slum.

    • @realstage1925
      @realstage1925 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@kurosu-samaklipleri7090 sorry, I read your comment after I already replied. Thank you.

    • @kurosu-samaklipleri7090
      @kurosu-samaklipleri7090 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@realstage1925 no problem bro, keep eyes open for feds and weird partisans 👀

  • @Rickky007
    @Rickky007 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The work they did it’s still appreciate it , I’m a collector of Japanese electronics from the 70s & 80s , pioneer sx-1980 , Yamaha m4 technics 1200 ect .

  • @diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682
    @diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Cleanest ever. 😊😙

  • @KhalOisha78
    @KhalOisha78 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Recently I stayed two months in Tengachaya, which is 5 minutes from Shinsekai, and I also never heard about Kamagasaki, more less Tengachaya being part of it. Although I have to say it is a very old part of the city, with many old (fascinating) buildings.

  • @art1muz13
    @art1muz13 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for the enlightening content.

  • @annepoitrineau5650
    @annepoitrineau5650 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Thank you. Fascinating and quite compassionate.

  • @randaldavis8976
    @randaldavis8976 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +21

    Compared to slums in other countries, this is very clean and civilized. I grew up in a poor area. And if I had to live in this area I could do it and not be unhappy. I hope for better futures for the street people.

  • @andrewdunbar828
    @andrewdunbar828 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I stayed in Nishinari on my last trip to Japan before the pandemic and loved it. The whole area all around there is really interesting and so different to the many other parts of Japan I've visited.

  • @Luxserina
    @Luxserina ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Even in slum its cleaner

  • @ChuongNguyen-up9fy
    @ChuongNguyen-up9fy 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Much better than the homeless in America.

  • @2113pinch
    @2113pinch 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    This slum is nicer than the wealthiest building or neighborhood in SF and LA. 🫠👍

  • @no_one514
    @no_one514 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Geezzz, I'm loving this channel fr. All videos are underrated and sublime. Thank you. Can't wait to watch more videos.❤❤❤
    4-22-23 8:22pm

  • @jasonpalacios1363
    @jasonpalacios1363 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    You know despite the fact that there are slums and homelessness in Japan it still looks clean compare to other nations including the US.

  • @lilianevanhauw6213
    @lilianevanhauw6213 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I honestly enjoyed this wonderful documentary. Thank very much. 😊😊

  • @silviagarcia601
    @silviagarcia601 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    10:28 kind gentle, good-hearted women sharing food to the one who is in need. god bless her large heart

  • @Nadox15
    @Nadox15 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    For people that are curious, song name at 4:48 is "Sakura · Veaceslav Draganov"

  • @lajo142
    @lajo142 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Few years ago i went to osaka. And my hostel was in that area. It felt eerie to walk in the district. Now i know why it felt strange eerie.

  • @eio4557
    @eio4557 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    By the way, Kamagasaki or Airin-chiku is much safer nowadays, since there are no protests and riots. The city provided help to make the Nishinari a safer place for people to live, and food with shelter for those in need. If you visit it now, its much safer, and things are cheaper too. There are few weird people, but most of them are friendly and they make the area a much better place.

  • @machinech183
    @machinech183 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    That little tid bit really sunk home. They might be viewed by some as aimless but they have worked hard all their lives but didn't get rich. That is the story of a great many of us.

  • @brentsutherland6385
    @brentsutherland6385 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I think there are a lot of "hidden homeless" in Japan, because the homeless do still sleep in parks-but "break camp" at dawn. To be fair, it's nothing like the "blue-tarp cities" of Japan in the 1990s. Yeah; I would call that part of Osaka, "Airin". In Tokyo too; they keep giving what I call "San'ya", a new name.

    • @captainteemo1264
      @captainteemo1264 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      This is all true. I been to Japan 6 time and there are slums. Most of the slum I seen are in Osaka. They like to be hidden. The poor don't beg for money unlike the USA. Lot of time they are all older folk. It's sad that most old people end up like this. I meet an older man who lost everything (his family and his home) and try to give him 20000 yen, but he refuses, so I went and brought him food and water and some clothes. It sad that the old generation up like this. Their government doesn't care about the old folk. Here in the USA- it about drug problems that make people homeless. USA has crazy homeless people.

    • @brentsutherland6385
      @brentsutherland6385 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@captainteemo1264 I think it is complicated with the alcohol. Are these guys on the street because they drink, or do they drink because they are on street? It's probably a bit of both.

    • @WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS
      @WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS ปีที่แล้ว +3

      This discounts the very quickly growing number of younger homeless people who stay in internet and manga cafes.

    • @brentsutherland6385
      @brentsutherland6385 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS That is true. However, the young have employability on their side. The old people in San'ya or Airin probably were once "useful". Now, they are not.

    • @ame_user-pu3rf3zo4n
      @ame_user-pu3rf3zo4n ปีที่แล้ว

      日本のホームレスは支援を受けられないのではなく、支援を受けたくない人達なんです。日本では申請すれば生活保護を受けられます。しかし、彼らは自由に生きるのを望んでいて、敢えて保護を望んではいないのです。

  • @gk9k00
    @gk9k00 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Great content, high quality and well produced. I'm sure it's just a matter of time for your channel to be successful!
    One thing I would like to see is when numbers related to the country's currency, it would be very helpful to also mention the amount converted to dollars and euros. For example the amount of money generated yearly by that profession, area, etc also converted to other currencies so we have a better understanding.

  • @cosmiceye2067
    @cosmiceye2067 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    That's their slum ? It's like paradise compared the slums in my country. I guess the difference in human capital is the real key. They have just been dealt a bad hand. They are not bums and although poor, beleaguered and the lowest rung of their society, the residents are polite, respectful and decent people.

  • @sgtcortesusmc
    @sgtcortesusmc 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    This is the thing about Japan, I was there a few months ago, everywhere we went it was spotless. Now we have Japanese homeless and you would have never known. What a difference between LA, NYC, or any large USA city vs Japan. Its the culture.

  • @MrSporkster
    @MrSporkster ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Japan's slums look nicer than America's suburbs. o_O

  • @marlonpuff
    @marlonpuff 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    น่าภูมิใจมากสารคดีไทยได้เข้าสู่ความสนใจของผู้คนทั่วโลก ชอบรายการรอบโลก ขอบคุณ คุณกรุณาที่ลงพื้นที่ไปทำสารคดีครับ

  • @aguynamedbprod
    @aguynamedbprod ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for showing this.

  • @KhairulAnwar-mp8lo
    @KhairulAnwar-mp8lo ปีที่แล้ว

    Great documentary. Liked and subscribed.

  • @justincaldarella
    @justincaldarella 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Great film, a refreshing point of view.

  • @fidelinthepacific4127
    @fidelinthepacific4127 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I myself always knew that neighborhood in Osaka as Nishinari, not Kamagaseki.
    I’ve been there once. It does have a unique vibe to it. I heard that it use to a bit dangerous but not so much when I visited there. Just people trying to get day by day.
    I did however see a broken needle laying around in a pile of garbage on the side of the street. It’s very unlikely that you will get mugged but there’s still a chance of having some trouble with the local drunk or drug addict if you engage in having a conversation with them when they’re having a bad day.

    • @billyhiggins1908
      @billyhiggins1908 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not too far from Tamade, Osaka back in early 90s there where many Hiyatoi, one day on the spot jobs mostly construction type of jobs. The place had cheap shokudo, hotel, and tachi izakaya. Different vibe back then

  • @Acr6gAttt-mq2hr
    @Acr6gAttt-mq2hr 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    That slum looks nicer than my neighborhood. My next door neighbor just added another tire to their pile

  • @ame8245
    @ame8245 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    the people in this area are the nicest people i met in japan so far because their friendliness isn’t fake

  • @davidlee6505
    @davidlee6505 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I spent a lot of time in Kamagasaki when I lived in Osaka. I would walk there from Nanba. It has some fantastic examples of old, post-war residences in some of its back streets, and some real characters. I've been there many times after dark around the park and have never felt threatened or unsafe. A the video shows, it's mostly just old guys. You see the occasional black, far-too-expensive-for-the-area Toyota Crown cruising around, tinted windows, etc. but they've no interest normal people walking the streets.

  • @percibordeaux
    @percibordeaux 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    I stayed at Dobutsun-mae near Shin-imamiya and while it's true that there are a lot of old homeless men there I didn't feel unsafe throughout my stay there at all. It was actually quite nice staying there since the food and vendo machines are cheaper there compared to other cities probably since a lot of homeless stays there. I only learned about its reputation after I left.

  • @simeon2851
    @simeon2851 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Even the slums are proper and cultured.

  • @mariajason3547
    @mariajason3547 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Even their Slum looks Clean 😂😂😂😂😂......amazing

  • @kiokio2590
    @kiokio2590 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    This area is more commonly known in Japan as Nishinari. I haven't heard it being called Kamagasaki.... It's also referred to as Airin-chiku (or Airin district).

  • @1stchoicejohn
    @1stchoicejohn ปีที่แล้ว +4

    When visiting Nishinari I have never felt danger. It’s a great area that has a lot to offer. Lots of little restaurants, karaoke bars and great little shops.

  • @danielhemedinger601
    @danielhemedinger601 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing

  • @hyuud0
    @hyuud0 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    After living in Japan 18 months, Nishinari was the only place where someone offered to help when they saw me reading a map.

  • @nankinink
    @nankinink ปีที่แล้ว +5

    4:43 That's a photo of his wife and probably her mother. That "costume" his wife is wearing is actually the japanese equivalent to a wedding dress. Damn this hits in the feels so hard.

  • @Danderman888
    @Danderman888 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    There will always be the extremes in societies, that is part of the natural make up of any kind of collective or society.
    What differentiates societies' approaches to this issue is mostly determined by intentions. Those that genuinely want to solve the problem and others who only want to hide the problem from prying eyes from outside.

  • @MaiNguyen-xt4jh
    @MaiNguyen-xt4jh ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great content, hope you be motivated constantly in order to create more and more valuable videos like this

  • @tomwills748
    @tomwills748 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    I wondered around there a few weeks ago by chance while I was in Osaka. Despite being the most 'run down' part of Japan I visited, it was still cleaner and seemingly safer than the part of Germany I live in!

    • @bassroman1031
      @bassroman1031 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      日本人はヤクザも犯罪者もゴミ拾いをします

  • @HangNguyen-ih8rf
    @HangNguyen-ih8rf ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wow it’s so clean ….more clean than where I live in the U.S. with average income.

    • @helenpauls1496
      @helenpauls1496 ปีที่แล้ว

      Always is. There is a pride and culture of living in clean surroundings. Wish other countries adopted it!

  • @Tea7N
    @Tea7N ปีที่แล้ว +5

    i talked some of the homeless.. they usually escape from family issue , work issue , some depression or shameful experienced , divorce , money issue, some are drown from gambling or cheated from bars and lost their wealth.. many professional homeless was there like teachers, theyre not actually all poor or begging.. they re escaping the reality of responsibity no tax no obligation .so they chose to be homeless...

    • @nolesy34
      @nolesy34 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hermits and recluses

  • @roido6614
    @roido6614 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    That's the Cleanest Slum I've ever Seen!

  • @8KHDRVideoBySittipong
    @8KHDRVideoBySittipong ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for sharing about the other side of modernization in Japan.

  • @xooonepieceoox1917
    @xooonepieceoox1917 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Slum? Dude you got to see Kensington Philadelphia, Camden New Jersey, Baltimore... those are slums...

  • @mattyg69ification
    @mattyg69ification ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I absolutely adore those older fellows that hangout and chitchat while getting drunk everyday. They seem like a super friendly group of old timers.

    • @internetcensure5849
      @internetcensure5849 ปีที่แล้ว

      "those older fellows" US culture fears the word OLD!

  • @PeteInTheMatrix
    @PeteInTheMatrix ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the content.

  • @nelinjapan1951
    @nelinjapan1951 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    What amazed me is that, the first guy is wearing Versace. hehe

  • @CarlmeisterWasTaken
    @CarlmeisterWasTaken ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This slum looks better than where I live in Florida 💀

  • @JeppPadilla
    @JeppPadilla ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Japanese slums still looks better than my neighborhood >.

  • @richardweidner1625
    @richardweidner1625 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    beautifully done

  • @Sarke2
    @Sarke2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very good reportage, and very interesting to see other side of Japan.