Source: South China Morning Post [Hong Kong]
“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. … 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.'” (01/15/25)