A Pop-Up Japanese Cafe With Robot Servers Remotely Controlled by People With Disabilities

In December of 2018 I visited a temporary robot cafe, but it's not the type of Japanese robot cafe that comes to mind to most. Rather than a robotic show, this was a cafe where the robot waiters were in fact avatars for people with disabilities, who remotely controlled them from their homes.
This cafe was part of an initiative by The Nippon Foundation, Ory Lab Inc., and ANA Holdings Inc. It allowed people with ALS and severe disabilities to be able to work and interact with the world.
As always, thanks to all those on Patreon who allow me to make videos like this. To support and get additional behind-the-scenes, updates, and more, go to / lifewhereimfrom
→ The Nippon Foundation www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/
→ Ory Lab Inc. orylab.com/
→ Naa-chan (she has a KZbin channel called RAKURAKU LIFE) / @wakurakulife5114
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[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Obligatory turn on CC for subtitles (currently English only). I know that volunteers will jump in to translate into other languages, so I'll say it now because I don't say it often enough, thanks for all your hard work!

[@aquamelody7777]

Amazing video! So inspirational ❤️ Thank you for sharing such a wonderful culture with us 😊

[@jadecummings8093]

I really love your video,man! This is an interesting video about the facts in Japan! 😃👍

[@eurasiaennezahard8006]

@Life Where I'm From you know what ? at first i thought oh.. it's creepy.. robots that slow serving you.. but after 2 minutes of video.. alright i won't say "these poeple were amazing" and being like a "good" person praising nonsense but rather i'd like to contribute as well and do better to "their feelings/mental health + physical health" not only through technology though i'd like to develop the technology itself too :)

[@keiichimaebara3754]

I wish we have futuristic restaurants like that in America that would be so cool

[@Accidantal]

The Cc option doesn't pop up for me for some reason?

[@AnneEWilliamson]

What a wonderful and important thing to do! I hope this shop becomes permanent!

[@nonsolovita]

i totally agree with you

[@VictoraAnderson2001]

Agreed. Would love to see this expand into other countries like the USA. Perhaps with subsidiaries and funding through the ADA act.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Excellent story! Thanks for shining a light on the great things happening in our community, Greg!

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Thanks John!

[@Kenny20k]

Of course. they know each other Channel

[@JadenYukifan28]

@@LifeWhereImFrom I found that so interesting, too bad I live in America or I would have loved to go to a Cafe like that. I have Spina Bifida and it really was informative

[@aquamelody7777]

Wow this is so cool! Giving disabled people the ability to support themselves is amazing ❤️

[@martinc.720]

IamMe Maybe not, but it allows it as well.

[@HelpingPanda]

People with this terrible disease shouldn't even have to worry about working... But it is a great way for them to still be able to feel "important" or like they are useful is some way

[@cbtowers4841]

@@HelpingPandait’s not “worry about working” it’s making them feel that they can contribute. Japan is a collectivist society. Disabled people not being able to do anything or feeling useless is a big blow to their self-worth. The culture is built on pulling your own weight and having a purpose in society, so even kids are empowered by giving them responsibilities early on - like letting them prepare and carry their own things in kindergarten or taking care of the kindergarten pets. The Japanese welfare system supports disabled people so they don’t need to work to survive, but having a job and making money on their own strength gives them self-respect.

[@pecelele5903]

The CEO talks hella fast

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Yeah! That was fun trying to translate :-) He's a very interesting guy. If he would let me, could be interesting to do a whole video on just him. He has such done so much yet he's only 30 (or right around that age).

[@astroboy3507]

slurping noodles yeh super speed!!!! But smart guy!!!

[@astroboy3507]

Life Where I'm From yes translations must have been a challenge!!!

[@AndyLifeInVideo]

I thought I accidentally hit 1.5x speed when he came on lol! But he seems like a cool guy! Really liking what he's doing here! Hope it becomes a permanent solution for disabled people to be able to continue to work!

[@jackquarry3345]

@@LifeWhereImFrom That would be awesome!

[@bambino9235]

6:20 when he said this, it hit me like a tonne of bricks just how incredibly empowering and groundbreaking this could be for people with mobility issues- even just being able to bring themselves a snack or drink or something could mean the world, but with further development perhaps they could manage even more complex tasks alone? A family friend died of MSA a couple years back and I know she would have been deeply grateful for such an opportunity Edit: accidentally typed MS instead of MSA

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

Have you heard of the movie surrogates? I feel like that's the future for this

[@janek7618]

What a wonderful venture to give those who have a home-bound disability the opportunity to connect with people remotely, have a sense of purpose and the dignity of contributing to society. I would love to see more places like this to involve and connect people.

[@AirellSkye]

As someone who is mostly homebound here in the states I can completely agree this is such a great project. It not only gives a paycheck but allows people who otherwise would not have much contact to have it. I really hope this project becomes a fully functional cafe. It would be a huge stride for those with disabilities. Either way this young man is innovating the future and it's amazing to see. Have a wonderful day/night!

[@zam023]

You might even be able to apply to work at the cafe, when it becomes real. Location is not an issue anymore with this idea, right :-)

[@bananfejja]

This is nothing else than a charity subsidized coffee shop. Look, I truly empathize which these people and wish they could feel needed and accepted by society whatever they did, that their happiness didn't depended on what and how much they can contribute to society, a kind of contribution that now a days often is imo skewed and equates to the monetary contribution one makes. I am sure that these human beings have a lot of things to contribute with and I think it is kind of sad that they are being deluded in to thinking labor is the only way they can do it. Great intention, great technology but poor implementation.

[@AirellSkye]

@@zam023 it's a good idea but unfortunately I believe the language barrier would get in the way. If one was implemented in the United States, absolutely. Japan though, not so much.

[@AirellSkye]

@@bananfejja I don't believe it is only the monetary value that drives them. Being able to be social and feel needed or feel they have the ability to work and interact with many different people. For a lot of people who are home bound, the lack of social interaction can be maddening. The monetary gain that they receive is most likely an added bonus. The main attraction as it were would be feeling a bit of independence, social interaction and mental stimulation. I do agree with this basically being a non profit coffee shop that most likely puts a percentage into helping people with this disability but I don't believe that that is a bad thing. It brings awareness to the disease, helps fund research and monetary gain to the disabled employees.

[@zam023]

Yoshifuji Kentaro should be awarded the Nobel prize for this. Thank you for spreading this story. I was moved by it when I heard about it last year.

[@howardmaryon-davis666]

ザム a wonderful idea turned into reality, that promises much for all types of disabled people. Boston Dynamics should be looking at this.

[@rockshot100]

Props to Greg for covering ALL parts of life realistically. The rich and the poor, the young and the old, the highs and the lows, etc. AND everything else in between. I never know what to expect. Great vid, but a little short, but I always say that. Thank you Greg.

[@scoshi6592]

That guy’s a saint. I had never thought about how lonely people with disabilities felt

[@TearTwisted]

When the world is living in 2019 but japan in in the year 3080's.

[@JordanThomasRichards]

Yet they still use fax machines in a lot of the country. lol

[@chusganzerla14]

@@JordanThomasRichards tradition is tradition, man...hahahaha. Btw, japanese still rent dvd's also. They like to keep some things.

[@bloodycinephile]

They also still use cash over cards.

[@zam023]

If it works efficiently they will keep on using it.

[@ShadowGamer-nq2dt]

Tear Twisted it’s more like 2050

[@stevenobinator2229]

Brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful

[@howardmaryon-davis666]

Me too.....

[@Lisa-gq7qh]

Yoshifuji-san seems like an interesting person!! “If you don’t participate in society, you feel loneliness.” This is true! I love how he turned his unpleasant past, due to illness, into something this positive and impactful for so many people!! When you think about robots, you think about an impersonal, cold machine, kind of scary. But having people with disabilities control them changes everything. This double body/ avatar idea is awesome!

[@michaelwatson113]

Technology can be a wonderful help to anyone. I am a legally blind person, which stops me from doing very little. Technology helps me to perform many tasks in my day-to-day life. I have traveled extensively by myself to many, including England and Scotland, Ireland, Framce, United States, and Japan. Tech helps me to use the very little bit of vision that I do have to perform ordinary tasks and to get around. This vieo is another excitimg example of how tech can aid people with disabilities to do regular stuff.

[@catzhakury]

tears of happiness for them...hope this will bring happiness to them..

[@rexsexson5349]

This is awesome. This is how humans should treat each other. No one is useless unless they give up.

[@snowpatrol122]

This warms my heart so much. I'm so glad there are people out in the world that devote their lives to helping others. I would visit this cafe all the time!

[@graciewelling2490]

This is so amazing. I'm surprised I'm crying, I'm so happy these people can become more confident. It's amazing the effect of having a purpose can do for you. Even just working at a cafe can be so meaningful. I just stopped working as a teacher and now have a job at a coffee shop. Even though it might seem like a step down for most people, I make people smile when they wake up early and can start off their day right. I hope this becomes a reality in 2020.

[@pirateking1527]

damn!!!! Japanese really think about others above all else!!!! this would make alot of people all over the world very happy to be a part of.

[@B1GG1N]

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@feliciasaldana5955]

Greg, I work with adults with disabilities at their job and volunteer sites. My job is to take them around the community and help them complete everyday tasks like going to the gym, grocery shopping, and cashing checks to the bank. I showed them this video and it made us all so happy. They wanted to know if California would ever have something like this for them to work at 😊😊thank you for sharing!

[@iveraasp8242]

My mom had ALS. If this kind of cafe was organized in my country, I'm sure she would have been excited to take part in this! Great video :)

[@signaturethapa6855]

Japanese are always a step ahead.

[@MegaSickcat]

This is just outstanding! What a great way for people with ALS to get to interact with people they might never really had a chance to meet. This idea is really amazing.

[@Ashley-tf7zz]

“Excuse me?” Robot: “sorry I’m not ur waiter try asking that one” **looks and see 3 more** *NANI*

[@CultivatorKitchen]

I did not expect this!! It's not just a robot cafe, but with a mission!! My Aunt died of ALS and this seriously gave me chills. ❤️ She was an artist and I wish she had a way to keep creating when she lost mobility. I hope this catches on everywhere, not just in Japan!! Thank you for always sharing the most awesome content. 🙏💗💗

[@BenignosYK]

Wow. There is so much about this that I like. I applaud this man's efforts to take a painful experience in his own life and use it to inspire himself to develop such a system to help others.

[@boothangxoxo3708]

I’m all the way from Australia 🇦🇺 I really hope I visit Japan once in my life it’s such a beautiful place everyone needs to go atrlast once in their life! I’ve heard so many good things that makes me even more excited about travelling to japan - the people are so lovely, the food is good! ❤️❤️ 🇯🇵

[@deletedindefinitely6013]

This made me cry; this is such a sweet idea for those who aren’t able to get outside. I really hope this becomes permanent and comes to other countries

[@KanojoRinko]

This is an amazing idea! It can empower physically impaired people and can also be used for elderly as well! I wish this becomes more commonplace so that society would become more inclusive and can potentially provide manpower with some human touch in it. Like can you imagine if an elderly having these avatars to help care for their loved ones? Sure, the technology's expensive, but with our ageing populations, we just don't have the manpower to cope. If they do open an actual cafe, I will definitely visit when I go to Japan!

[@10lauset]

Another awesome vid. Many thanks for ALS awareness.

[@y05077]

I studied ALS during my master's degree and it's awful, I wouldn't wish that disease on anyone on earth it is one of the most horrific things I've ever witnessed. I'm so sorry to those poor people with that disease.

[@danaschannel4593]

Japan is amazing country !! Isn't it!?

[@tenzinwoeser4031]

Danily sea yeah I am agree

[@sabrinamendoza5517]

Seeing this video today made me happy! that's a great idea for people with ALS. I hope the rest of the world can keep up with Japan ♡

[@TheVipert2002]

I love this idea, having known someone who died due to ALS that was a close friend of my father's, this is amazing to see, because it brings the illness more into the light. If something like this was in America, I would think he would still be alive. But because with ALS you have no idea when you'll lose capability of different muscles, it made him fall which out him in a hospital, where his wife and children made the decision to pull the plug with his approval, something like this fills me with hope for the future.

[@KirstenReusch]

This is an amazing concept. I hope to see these become permanent cafes. They are a much needed service to both those with disabilities and those out in the world who do not have disabilities.

[@susowellington5447]

This is a great way to enable people getting social interactions which they could never get otherwise. I hope this project will be continued. Thanks for sharing.

[@lenonglevis]

oh man i cried, thankyou technology, thankyou man for sharing with us!

[@Blackdevil88ify]

????

[@deathdoor]

I have to say, "you're the best". You produce content like you really live there, "real" documentaries, "real" everyday life, "real" histories, nothing like the other "hacks".

[@gabrielbarudi1399]

Man, this video made me cry. Another example of how we already have the technology to make this world a lot better @.@ The best video of 2019 so far ^^

[@sjsartanddesign]

THIS is progress!!! Brilliant!

[@f1owercoven]

This is really beautiful. Thank you for showing us contents like this. I really enjoy watching these videos!

[@joli_uyen]

How japan is living in the future

[@euphorieddreamings]

this is so inspiring !

[@77AlexS]

Really cool video Greg! I hope that this becomes a permanent shop :) Thanks for showing us a glimpse of this cafe and the stories of the folks who work there and started it up. Cheers!

[@RaRaRamenGal]

This is simply amazing! The interaction between the people controlling the robots and customers is so adorable. And it's great that they're bringing more awareness by talking to them about their disability. I'm jealous! I want to visit there now 😊

[@Mskaytee]

This is beautiful and heart warming! I have a nephew with CP so this touches me. Many blessings to the people with disabilities and the avatar creators! 💓💝💓

[@djsmurf127]

omg! I'm disabled and i would LOVE doing this.

[@Debbeh]

Thank you for sharing! I heard about this and was excited to learn more. I hope it gets funding and becomes a more regular occurrence in Japan and around the world :)

[@skytigress]

I've been watching your videos for a long time now, and this one brought tears to my eyes. What a great idea and what a awesome young man with a moving story about how he's trying to help others. Thanks for sharing this. I enjoy a lot of your documentary type videos about things happening in Japanese society and your excursions to the country side. Keep up the good work! :

[@courteneyclark5626]

Canada! Maple Syrup!

[@MillennialTravelConfessions]

Wow! Absolutely love this concept! Really hope more countries will follow with this approach 🤞

[@melissadunton3534]

This story made me cry...no, sob...and sniffle. It’s awe inspiring and bittersweet at the same time. I use the internet to escape and have the ability to continue interpersonal relationships when my illness keeps me home bound. I spent two years unable to leave my home and my only company were my pets and the nurses/physical therapists that came in three times a week. What I would have given for this type of opportunity!!! I know that I will end up back in the same situation again....probably many times until it becomes permanent and oh how wonderful it would be to have a second body/avatar. This man deserves proper accolades....like a Nobel prize. 🥰😊

[@anitajinfla9762]

Wow! We need a LOVE this button! What an amazing wonderful way for those with disabilities to interact with others! I hope they have many more cafes not only in Japan but around the world too. Many THUMBS UP!!

[@CreatorOblivion]

That was a really sweet and fulfilling video and sentiment you shared. Thankyou, good luck to them. Incredible working concept

[@princessthyemis]

This is AMAZING!!!! just incredible!! I'm so glad they made this restaurant for disabled people to still interact and hopefully have fun, too!!

[@johnboy384]

It warms my heart immensely when those less fortunate have the opportunity to work and contribute in a meaningful. Very impressed. God Bless.

[@Frank_San_Nicolas]

Great idea for those people with ALS and great video! Very heartwarming

[@jadecummings8093]

Hey, I know this! Japan is home to a famous robots in the world. Do you remember Pepper, the humanoid robot? Interesting video! 😃👍

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Yeah, Pepper is kicking around.

[@tarinai344]

Don't forget Doraemon!

[@sirBrouwer]

Here in the Netherlands we also have pepper (we named them ANNA).

[@supererikman5331]

God bless this man!!! He is really making a difference in these people's lives. The world needs more people like him

[@miekie1991]

That was a beautiful video and a beautiful initiative.

[@kamanama3671]

Thank you for bringing me this video.

[@onlythroughmyeyes]

The interaction with Naoko was the eye opening moment for the entire pop-up, it was sweet. I'm very interested to see where this goes, hopefully up!

[@shoheisuzuki4752]

Thank you for this beautiful and inspiring video.

[@radishfarmer7813]

This is really heartening. thank you for a video on this!

[@AgneseCA]

Thank you for sharing, I found it very interesting! Your content never disappoints

[@Elsisalittleconcerned]

This is actually a really good idea and is helpful for people with disabilities. I love that they can support themselves financially if this type of work becomes more common place

[@rydermcallister570]

The little baby robots on the table are so CUTE!

[@ChristyNecaise13]

Thank you so much for making this video. This is amazing!

[@chrisflores9432]

very beautiful. the world needs more places/ people like this

[@amonrei]

I knew about this from NHK Facebook which actually shows the people behind the robot operating it. It's cool that you went to the cafe to cover this as well.

[@sorayadll2522]

I came across your channel today, it’s so nice ☺️ it’s always so interesting and everyone, even in the comments seem very supportive! Keep up the good work ❤️

[@yepok5120]

Amazing what a wonderful way to interact with everyone around you.

[@shirobuta_]

So very moving. I haven't cried like this in a long time.

[@benzach14]

Why TF am I crying over this?! I'm just happy seeing people helping others that have a hard time of their own. I hope this restaurant flourish and help other people like this.

[@tsugumiwinters]

This is beautiful and amazing. ♥

[@LawrenceGSD]

Wow this is so fantastic! I'm glad you got to do a video on this. I want to visit a place like that!

[@andrewpannelli8016]

Very cool. I hope this catches on other places.

[@LoveMyAnime1218]

thats such an amazing idea! I love it so much!

[@silverhiker4549]

Your videos are always so amazing! 💚

[@condod414]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing.

[@momscookingtofu7583]

Awesome! I love your videos!

[@tildessmoo]

This is really cool. Also, Yoshifuji-san speaks really fast; that was kind of crazy to hear.

[@asdf256]

Brought tears to my eyes. What an incredible idea.

[@shootingstar3569]

I’m literally almost crying! What a brilliant idea for people with disabilities to still be able to communicate with others this way!

[@dkataria2699]

Have'nt seen this video but pretty sure whatever Greg will give would be always enjoyable. It takes a lot Greg , I know man . Thanks?!

[@AnnaEwing]

This is so incredibly cool!

[@Readera]

How awesome! Thanks for sharing it!

[@Naturenerd1000]

The only problem is all the robots look the same. What if you order or ask for something and you loose track of the robot you were talking too?

[@genzhours9466]

Naturenerd1000 they'll probably need high quality microphones to avoid this happening. Or,you could just keep a close eye.

[@ckmaui]

they all had tags and photos of the people behind them :)

[@zam023]

This a prototype experiment to test the concept. Once it goes into real operation I have no doubt they would either color code or make the avatar more unique to identify with the person behind them. If you have seen the Tokyo commuter trains, all the trains look the same but they are color coded to tell you what line they are running on. The Japanese are good at this, I won't worry too much on it :-)

[@saftsuse866]

I agree with Zam. They'll most likely change it. I was thinking they should have more personal robots which can express the personality of the ones behind them. Knowing how conform Japan is, they'll probably just opt for a colour code, but I'd love to see them with different traits. Wearing, looking and expressing themselves in ways their guardians can't do alone.

[@gabrielbarudi1399]

Just customise a bit, add some facepaint ^^ done ^^

[@yadongon]

This warmed my heart

[@LiliannJimenez]

3:06 God bless this man and this idea, that is great and so sweet of him to think about people with this particular life, to help them in so many ways.. I am so sorry he went through such difficult time in his childhood... Look at him now.

[@tales_of_tygrlylie]

Thank you for making this video! I have generally been kind of freaked out by the rapid advancement of robotic technology and AI-type machinery...I don't know why; I guess robots just seem too life-like for my comfort. But this cafe's project to give back a second life to people living with ALS really opened my eyes to the value of them. I think it's a beautiful thing what they have done here and I do hope you can do a follow-up video with the CEO of the robotics company!!

[@AK46PlusOne]

What an amazing video. Thank you for sharing!

[@Evimogwai]

This is wonderfully filmed! This looks like an informational vignette at a conference or public institution!

[@g.l.3124]

That is amazing! Way to go Japan!

[@simonjohnson4704]

Brilliant video Greg. Some very special people there :)

[@Elle0704]

“In Whoville they say, the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” Thank you for sharing this amazing story...

[@LearnWithTheBest]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@anamestre8910]

Amazing idea! Hope is not lost ♥️

[@Eventwow]

Wow so nice. Very happy to see this happening. One day I hope to visit that cafe.