Teenagers In Japan Start Begging From Foreigners

An image captured in Japan has sparked a discussion on social networks, showing a group of young people inside cardboard boxes while asking foreign passersby for money. The photograph, which quickly went viral, has been the subject of criticism, ridicule and concerns about the state of Japanese society today.

Comments on Japanese forums soon appeared, ranging from social impact to sarcastic interpretations. Some users expressed concern about how this image could be registered in the future as a symbol of poverty in the Reiwa Era.while others pointed out that it is a reflection of the “economic and educational poverty” of the country:

«If this photo appears in history books as a symbol of poverty in the Reiwa era, it would be a terrible thing.».
«This is a symbol of economic and educational poverty.».

Some users also criticized the inaction of local authoritiessuggesting that they should intervene to avoid situations like this:

«Why doesn’t the Tokyo government control these things?».
«Beating women who prostitute themselves is okay».
«Even as a joke, there were no people like that in the Heisei era. I really think this is terrible».
«The police should take them away».

On the other hand, there was no shortage of opinions full of irony, describing the scene as a tourist attraction or a reflection of the decadence of current society:

«This is like a decorative window to Asia that became a tourist destination. What a happy ending».
«This is the result of a completely ruined generation Z».
«This is Japanese-style hospitality, right?».
«VTubers are online, but these people are in the real world».
«This is normal in poor countries. It’s not strange».
«Foreigners probably buy them as slaves».
«We’re bringing back the post-war period! Thank you, Liberal Democratic Party».
«These people aren’t originally from Tokyo, right? If they were from Tokyo, their parents would have money. Are they from Chiba or Saitama, and came to Tokyo because they idealized it, only to end up doing this?».
«Well, it cannot be assumed that they have a good relationship with their parents, nor that they are normal people.».

Others questioned the social context behind the photograph, reflecting on the motivations of the young women and the possible destination of the money raised:

«If you receive money, what do you spend it on? Probably in men or nightclubs».
«Where are the parents of these girls? Don’t they care what they’re doing?».
«Parents are probably relieved. If they can survive on their own by selling their body, it saves them trouble.».
«Is it the heart of a father to want his children to continue living, even if they have to prostitute themselves?».
«I’m surprised two people can fit in a cardboard box. Do these people eat anything?».
«If someone throws you 100 yen, how do you divide it among the four of you?».
«Are they trying to earn foreign currency because the Japanese yen is garbage? How smart».

The photograph also sparked a debate about the international perception of Japan, with some users concerned about how this could influence the country’s image abroad. One commented: “This is probably seen as street children by foreigners“.

Although many criticized the scene, there were those who tried to justify the situation, pointing out that “Begging for alms is better than selling your bodies“. However, the vast majority agreed that the image reflects a deeper problem in current Japanese society, from the lack of support for young people to economic precariousness.

Fountain: Yaraon!