A 43-year-old man from Tochigi, Japan, has gained attention for his unique way of making a living—offering praise to strangers on the streets in exchange for a small fee.
Known as "Uncle Praise," his unusual profession has captured the interest of many, with his story gaining widespread media attention.
Uncle Praise’s journey into this peculiar line of work began after a series of personal setbacks. Once employed at a company in his hometown, his life took a dramatic turn when he became addicted to gambling.
His addiction cost him his job, his family, and his home. Forced to confront the consequences of his actions, Uncle Praise turned to the streets of Tokyo, where he decided to start a new chapter in his life.
Reflecting on his turning point, Uncle Praise shared, "If I give praise, there will be fewer people who will feel bad." With this thought in mind, he began to offer compliments to passersby, holding a simple sign that read, “I praise you so much!” Despite his lack of performance skills, like singing or magic tricks, Uncle Praise found a way to brighten the day of strangers, making them feel valued and seen.
His business model may seem unconventional, but it resonates with those in need of a quick boost. According to Uncle Praise, the key to his success is striking a balance in his compliments. "If the other person enjoys it, I’m happy too. That’s why I’ve been able to do it for the last three years," he explained.
While not everyone approaches him for a compliment, Uncle Praise has developed a loyal clientele, many of whom return for his uplifting words when they need a morale boost. His reputation has grown, especially after a short documentary aired on Fuji TV, catapulting him to viral status on social media.
In his three years of "business," Uncle Praise has traveled to 31 of Japan's 47 prefectures, offering praise to more than 30 people daily. On average, he earns around 10,000 yen (roughly $65) a day, often with a modest donation of 150 yen from grateful clients. His success is a testament to the human need for connection and affirmation, even from a stranger.
