Reality Show Has Toddlers Running Errands Alone

Would you let your young children run errands for you all by themselves? That’s the premise of a popular reality show imported from Japan by Netflix. The show features toddlers running around town doing errands, all without their parents. A 2-year-old went on a 23-minute walk to buy food and flowers, and a 3-year-old retrieved his dad’s jacket from home, which was a bus ride away. Of course the kids aren’t totally alone, as they’re followed by a camera crew and producer.

[@cristyknapp2889]

The kids aren't exactly alone because the camera crew is with them

[@unknown5995]

I said the same thing. I personally wouldn't let my child walk alone by themselves or even with a camera crew but it's kinda teaching them responsibility at a young age. So they won't be so dependent on their parents to do stuff for them as they get older. But they still have time, they nothing but babies.

[@avidplanes]

@@benamerdamino5318 dude tentacle

[@laneythelame]

Yeppp

[@jacquelinecastillo965]

True, but where's there parents.

[@derrickjuinor]

Its like cool with the camera man

[@JordeeFam]

You definitely can’t do this in America, unfortunately. Japan is a lot safer I personally still wouldn’t do it, but I understand why it’s done in Japan

[@Stumme-40203]

You could do this in America. It’s not like the kid’s alone.

[@yowspisaac6113]

Shut up

[@hornpub267]

Japan is 1000 times safer than America

[@andrewvondoloski5541]

You can’t do this in Japan either..there’s a ton of dangerous pedos they just have a camera crew following them. That’s one thing no one would dare doing is abducting a kid on tv

[@oisinlynch8427]

@@Stumme-40203 yeah there’s always a pedophile/kidnapper along the way to lend a hand

[@eddvcr598]

I grew up in Japan, and kids running errands is an everyday thing over there. It teaches them how to navigate the world, be independent, and boosts their confidence. A child’s first errand is a kind of rite of passage over there, and it’s all possible because how insanely safe it is in Japan.

[@eddvcr598]

@@tiahnarodriguez3809 Yes, Japan has crime. I just meant it’s way safer over there than in USA where I live; stabbings don’t occur nearly at the same rate at all as gun violence do here, and kids taking buses and trains alone isn’t treated as dangerous activities over there because it’s way safer for kids to do so. But I agree with you, nowhere is absolutely free from crime.

[@b.b.s7545]

Seriously, these days parent treat their teens like babies...

[@mr_frownyexe127]

Yeah it’s much safer although in America my parents would send me to run errands around the age of 6 but it’s cool seeing them run errands cause it boosts their confidence and helps socially

[@MochaQueen5]

We have child predator drunk drivers gun violence it's not safe for adults let alone children. Not sure why society is forcing a false image of children being equal to adults they aren't. Chores in the home at 7 and up is enough. Kids should not be in public unattended they do not know what to do in an emergency situation and cannot fight off adults. Kids should be allowed to be kids and enjoy that time in their lives.

[@Isabel-sr8ep]

@@b.b.s7545 true but it’s not like we want them too though that’s all on them not us it’s the main reason we become rebellious and sneaky hehe

[@jasubion2377]

In Switzerland, this is also pretty normal. Even kids at 3 years old go to school on their own. My husband grew up in Japan and he remembers he ride his bike at 4 years old and he can go anywhere with it. He also go to the kindergarden alone with his bike. Its really about how safe the community is.

[@chubby_cheesecake_cheeks]

That’s so cute! I wasn’t even allowed to have a bike even though I was old enough to have one. My mom is scared because of my impulsivity and knack for encountering accidents.

[@wilburwood8261]

Yes, but one more key element. Walking distance to school and shops.

[@SarahHogan100]

I wish the world was safe enough to do this everywhere.

[@ariadnefrolich7243]

Don't we all?

[@MLD-RN]

Me too.

[@PolishEddie1992]

It is safe enough to do anywhere when the child has a camera crew with them at all times... lol how do you think they get the footage....

[@n3wt]

with a full camera crew yea

[@WhatSoEverThingsAreLovely]

As the song goes....."Too many, many men!!"

[@woopityscoop2863]

The "first errand" event is actually a pretty big thing with kids in Japan.

[@Bunni-6942]

Yup

[@dmight7066]

Yeah I was watching anime, and they allow school kids to do errands. Which is a learning lessen.

[@flovonnejohnson707]

@@SenorWhyME just because someone is educated about other countries doesn't make them a "weeb"

[@flovonnejohnson707]

@@SenorWhyME and you're a child or at least have the maturity of one..... I'm not even into Japanese culture like that so you're childish attempt at taunting me is irrelevant 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@PhantomJoker05]

As a Japanese man, I can verify that this is actually a thing here

[@hanapackard2340]

I wish Inside Edition would also mention that Japan has a better record of public safety and lower crime rate, which makes this more feasible. I’m personally from Japan and having grown up there can attest to this. It was quite safe for me to go out on occasional errands for the house or take the dog on a walk alone as a child there. Here in the US, I don’t think people have had as much of a chance to experience the level of public safety I did.

[@Synthwave89]

But, how will they get their ratings up without leaving out crucial information? Who cares about responsible journalism right? We must get parents outraged, because tHinK oF tHe ChIlDreN!!11

[@MochaQueen5]

They want to project a false image.

[@teacherlisa163]

We used to. As a child, I walked to school alone at 5 and 6 years old. Also, when we would visit my "Granny" in her rural community, she would regularly give myself and my younger brother a dollar and tell us to go to the store to buy cheese and ice cream. :) (She would put those on her "Tab" and go back to pay later. But my Aunt owned the store, so that was very doable.) But we still had to cross a rural, two-lane "highway" to do so.

[@maaduufan5140]

When I went to Japan I saw a lot of 5-6-year-old children walking alone confidently. And they have such a good manner too like offering their seat to their elders. So cute.

[@ryanscott6578]

When you design cities around _people_ instead of _cars_ it's possible to give kids the independence they deserve.

[@NoIDontActuallyLiveInSeattle]

Nah bro, still wouldn’t be safe cause crime in America is bookoo bananas

[@LeeeroyJenkins]

But it’s really not. I don’t see kids roaming the streets alone in Amsterdam or any other European major city. It’s because Japan has a police officer on almost every block and still use foot patrols.

[@Ikajo]

@@LeeeroyJenkins Uh, it is fairly common in Sweden. Not toddlers, certainly, but kids definitely play on their own.

[@VAHelix]

True but in the US we need people to love people and children more than things.

[@joseescobedo7899]

@@LeeeroyJenkins you have to remember Japan is the safest place and it fairly compact

[@minira7]

In Japan actually our country is quite safe that’s all. I went to school without adults every day since I was 6 years old. I don’t feel scared walking on the street at 1:00 am alone. I feel super safe compared to other countries that’s why I love Japan.

[@bstaznkid4lyfe392]

Not safe for all female in Japan..

[@marlone6497]

This is true. I have lots of Japanese friends who told me their stories as a child and comparing the culture of being independent in Japan, Asia and Western countries.

[@jacobtoms3018]

America will not never be safe

[@marciawade9101]

@@jacobtoms3018 SERIOUSLY! NOPE!

[@JD-ht7yw]

Women and girls get raped a lot

[@RainyToaster]

In Japan's culture, a child's first errand is something worth celebrating, as they consider it a step closer to becoming independent, because in Japan, independence is a huge, widespread thing.

[@NaomiTru]

I live in JP and I promise this is true. The children here take the train as well as the bus, nobody messes with them. The culture here’s much kinder than back in the states.

[@Amber-le8ds]

This is part of the culture and just because you wouldn't do it doesn't mean its wrong. Its safer in Japan.

[@smhgaming3259]

No its not what. People get kid napped and suxually assaulted in japan all the time

[@rorror9684]

Wow so they don’t have paedophiles in Japan?

[@chiellazona5624]

Well said :)

[@NevrrPresntt]

Thank you. This is absolutely true.

[@lolaleslie66]

Absolutely. Culturally, when it comes to children, Japan actually cares about their children and they believe as a culture that children's safety is everyone's responsibility. Must be so nice.

[@TheUnknownhumangirl]

I'm Asian. I remember being sent by my mom to buy veggies at a neighborhood shop/convenient store when I was 6yrs old and go back home when I was done. It was for me to learn how to do things independently. Along the way, I got used to it. I was also taught to be careful wherever we went and whoever we talked to. Same goes with riding public transpo etc. Asian parents teaching kids to be independent at a young age is quite normal. Kudos to the show. 👍 Edit: Wow! Thank you for the 1k Likes 🙂 Again, I'm just sharing my childhood experiences doing errands without my mom/dad. Again, it's really up to the parents when to teach children how they to do things own their own (such as letting them do their first errand w/o them!). My parents taught me earlier so I can get a headstart on independence. Anyway, have a good day! 🙂

[@KimbradleyMasterGardener]

I am Black American and was taught the exact same independence at an early age. Not unique too you!

[@toonflix3757]

exactly right westerners should know their place. thinking its a bad thing. its more than just a show its a kids development to be mature enough to undwrstand it at a young age its not controling either its learning how you survive alone. PHYSICALLY MENTALLY , SPIRITUALLY.

[@missbstuurman]

I'm African and was thought the same thing. Regardless of living in an unsafe 3rd world country.

[@GthicratLastusednameCuterat]

HOW IS IT SO SAFE?????

[@toonflix3757]

@@GthicratLastusednameCuterat you overthink it its not like west

[@simondesu1]

When I first came to Japan I was also a little shocked to see young children on the train by themselves, walking home from school by themselves, etc.. Then I noticed that other citizens were watching over them, helping them. It doesn't nothing can go wrong; it's just less likely to happen in Japan. The pride and usefulness these kids must feel.

[@tinatimetravel3081]

I moved to Japan recently. It's crazy on the difference. I went to a children's museum and it was quiet. No kids screaming, yelling or throwing tantrums. All in line and having fun. Back at home in Texas, I've seen alot of parents have guns around their kids without any proper training or safety precautions. Many parents feed their kids until they have health issues and excessively using ipads as a substitute for entertaining the child. There will always be a cultural difference wherever you go. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but just criticizing blindly without understanding the culture is pointless. How bout just doing what's best for your own kids?

[@geekyloser8652]

I agree 100% and also I feel like we should Normalize minors being more independent

[@ikkyu-san3436]

totally agree

[@BreeCuppycake]

The fact this show is so old and randomly gained popularity in the states is funny

[@knock-knockwhosthere9933]

Maybe they recorded and produced the latest version? No?

[@callofdookie1253]

@@knock-knockwhosthere9933 this is show has been around since 1991 and just recently got picked up by Netflix. some episodes even feature the kids themselves now grown up and have their own kids featured

[@knock-knockwhosthere9933]

@@callofdookie1253 ... No wonder nobody wore mask in that snippet. I remembered one episode where the groceries got so heavy the siblings was struggling to carry it home. I wanna jump in the TV to help. They cried hell when they got home. But when the food was served. No more tears. 😂.... Oh, so there's latest version pre-Covid.

[@stevefox6536]

The show has been around for decades in Japan. Now, were gonna hear about muricans complaining about it

[@FreddPhucks]

@@stevefox6536 Hahaha that's exactly what I was thinking. I knew of this show for years, now that it's on Netflix, there will be snowflakes saying this is child endangerment.

[@cpb0589]

Omg I am so proud of these kiddos. This is a big skill to accomplish at their age.

[@skalyn]

Exodus 20:7

[@nailboard6492]

XD maybe for pathetic westerners, this is normal for Japan.

[@Dbdbshxbzjvxvzgah]

?

[@Stormtrooper_TK.5207]

@@skalyn Spot on! Amen! God bless you! 💯❤️✝️

[@Stormtrooper_TK.5207]

@@skalyn p.s. He is risen! 💯❤️

[@OldWorldNY]

It’s actually adorable. If we weren’t such a disgusting species this would be the norm

[@0rangeZest]

@JIm jim no one mentioned that.

[@blahblahblah3722]

Exactly. This is normal in Asian countries cause it's safer there

[@mae-mx1rt]

@JIm jim pedos. not blm

[@MochaQueen5]

@JIm jim Just so you know they were created by wealthy white people like all civil rights groups to trick black and white people into hating each other and to push Satanism. Hatred makes 💰 did you see how they live and spending up donation instead of helping the people that went to prison a decade for falling for their lies. One of the creators is mixed and hides she's related to wealth white family. Stop falling for the deception wake up turn to Jesus Christ he is our only hope and they lied on him to JESUS IS GOD!

[@mujtabaalam5907]

@Ginbunny Which ones?

[@signediaz2469]

this is common in japan, kids learn to run errands and have responsibility, everyone knows to look out for them

[@MASTEROFEVIL]

It's pretty insane how safe Japan is. I can't imagine sending a young child out on their own here in America

[@Elysia63]

The Asian culture is WAY different from the American culture

[@biancaoliveira8084]

@@Elysia63 Not all Asian culture. Not every Asian country is as safe as Japan.

[@ArhamAsimYakeyYakes]

they literally have the camera crew with them

[@pvoss3073]

@@Elysia63 No, its High iQ

[@erikareyes3902]

@@ArhamAsimYakeyYakes yeah but kids DO THIS WITHOUT CAMERA CREW.

[@bkm1104]

I think it's a cultural difference. Westerners often let babies sleep alone in their rooms, but in Asia, babies sleep with their parents.

[@serbiancountryballs]

I’m Asian and yes I slept in the same room with my parents in a crib. When I got a little older I slept in the same bed with my parents. And then finally before I sleep completely by my slef, I slept in my own bed near my parents’ bed

[@m.abdurahman3282]

The sleeping arrangement is more of a spacial issue more so than a cultural difference. Most Asian households do not have space and rooms like the US does, hence why babies of Asian (even European) descent sleep with their parents. I wouldn’t generalize it to western also but specific to US again for the same reason of space availability & accessibility.

[@randomwolfygirl]

I'm not Asian, but I always slept with my parents if they didn't lock their room. But now when I'm a little older I sleep in my own bed. Though occasionally I will sometimes sleep with my mom. She likes it when I sleep with her, it makes her feel better.

[@decoraqueena6413]

It's better if babies sleep close to their parents. It reduces the chance of SIDS

[@ML-ro6in]

My child slept next to me until age 6. They grow up so fast so i don't regret it at all. By 13 they don't wsnt to be around you bc you msy embarress them. I'd love a day to go back in time and sleep and nap with my baby. There's such a sweet tenderness that it's hard to express.

[@wenzola]

My 5 year old son and I have recently been watching this series on Netflix and my how we enjoy it. He gets really excited and tells me how he also wants to do an errand all by himself. Now living in Mexico that’s a big no no. I would never send him to the store alone even if it’s around the corner. Although the perks of living in Mexico is that they sell you almost anything at the comfort of your front door. So every Saturday this elderly man comes by my house and sells queso fresco and chorizó and my son knows it’s him cause the elderly yells out what he’s selling. So I gave my son 100 pesos (no change) and told him to go buy some queso fresco from the elderly man and so he did and he came back with the change and I even overheard him say “por favor” it was really great seeing him do that with such confidence and not me being right by his side.

[@sparkle-sims]

Japan is actually insanely safe and I do know that the first errand thing is kind of a big thing in Japan for a lot of toddlers or kids y’know? I don’t really think there would be a safer place to do that other then Japan.

[@AyumuTheTamer]

This is actually pretty normal in Japan. No need to worry or make a huge issue about it.

[@TheRed02151]

until a sexual predator eats him up, not normal all.

[@randomwolfygirl]

Well its sorta a problem when you've been rasied in a certain way than the other. So everyone has different aspects on it.

[@paddington1670]

@@randomwolfygirl right it would be a problem in the US due to the crime. This only works in Japan and other high ranking countries on the best country indexes.

[@jadeduh4555]

1993 series obviously making it to Netflix now. I don't think there's ever been issue. I lived this life myself in Texas. Mexican boy. Not yet 40 *(now) Just saying 🤷🏻‍♂

[@hallooos7585]

@@paddington1670 I mean the road and getting lost is the problem here

[@churrothiev8387]

Can confirm. Japanese kids learn to run errands at a young age, reality show or not. That's because Japanese culture values independence (and societal harmony, which is somehow weirdly at odds sometimes)

[@LeeeroyJenkins]

Japan actually funds their police. Also if you aren’t Japanese prepared to be racially profiled. Not just black, but every other ethnicity that isn’t Japanese gets the side eye.

[@watchmelivenstuff]

Sorta right..... Independent but not individuallality

[@MochaQueen5]

Next you'll will say its okay for them to get married too.

[@y.a.4464]

@@MochaQueen5 lmfao that’s a slippery slope fallacy if i ever saw one

[@lolaleslie66]

They value children in Japanese society. (I wouldn't say they value independence so much.)

[@xoxoxo81]

Because Japan is an extremely safe country!

[@lavettegray5257]

I was a latch key kid and I definietely see the difference in myself growing up with so much independence from kids who didn't have that. At five I walked myself to school across busy roads it was over a mile walk. I got home, let myself in, locked the door and did my homework till my mother got home. I knew not to open the door for anyone. I always flew as an unacommpanied minor every summer. To this day I rely on no one and my counterparts have to call mommy and daddy just for laundry help. I support this experiement. Americans should wise up.

[@veerchasm1]

I can’t even get my kid to make his bed…and he’s 20 years old

[@chrisconnell5042]

Put the bed outside.

[@afdilemma8785]

@@chrisconnell5042 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BagadeShubham]

@@chrisconnell5042 Better, Put the Kid outside.

[@buttercupj6208]

@@chrisconnell5042 LoL 🤣🤣

[@dinoplays8793]

Haha time to kik him out

[@meeks1201]

I don’t know if this would be possible anywhere else in this world- this show has been airing for 20 plus years and it blows my mind that they still do it

[@breezywarhead8489]

Because japan is way safer than America. But I’m not sure about predators

[@annienguyen8369]

It’s super normal in Japan, u should do some research, it’s actually really safe and cool. Japan is quite safe

[@loretta6601]

is it on Netflix> whats it called

[@nillyk5671]

It's possible in Korea too. They have a similar show.

[@joseescobedo7899]

Mexico.... Granted they be a bit more older but yeah I would think mexico

[@JoseCruz-dd1qu]

The episode where the little girl failed to find the clock shop, then cried her eyes out because of her failure. Watching how that little human wanted to try again and complete the task despite the defeat was uplifting and moving... I liked that show quite a lot.

[@misslangleysoryuisiconic]

I also cried too.. she’s being scared and concern

[@sexy0rthrus]

It's on Netflix now??? Yessss Dude I love this show, wholesome as all hell. My fav is the boy girl siblings and they bring back a giant broken leak instead of green onions. So cute.

[@ishikawagoemon4397]

Children walking alone and take a subway to school is nothing out of the ordinary, japan has a low rate of crime, I mean they have a stand that sell fresh vegetable with a money box there with no one guarding it, and that money box was left untouch with the money inside for a week in out in the open and nobody even stealing it. Respect to the people of Japan

[@gnome2812]

Probably a village or something. If it was In Tokyo it would have been stolen

[@SarahLynn__]

@@gnome2812 Nope.

[@diether1069]

@@gnome2812 umm no i don't think so

[@gnome2812]

Oh yeah forgot stealing isn't a common thing in Japan. Sexual harassment is

[@ishikawagoemon4397]

@Gnome yup especially in public train where Chikan is common

[@susanaangulo7325]

I think it’s funny that we think this is “crazy” or “dangerous”, but that’s because of the state of violence and crime here. They have more social awareness their. Do better America.

[@user-um5dz9gt4o]

Exactly you got people really talking about calling child services 😂😂😂😂bro they're In freaking Korea wtf is an American based organization gonna do anyway besides its an entire production crew following the kids mf just want to be outraged

[@Anonymous-xq5cs]

America has over 330 million people

[@sai-tc7wv]

@@Anonymous-xq5cs Japan has almost 130 million and its around size of california.

[@Stumme-40203]

You did it. You ended crime!

[@zarahalora7567]

"do better America" Breaking news! crime rate drops to 0!

[@quynhbuinguyen595]

Never should compare a show like this in the US🤣. Japan keeps doing it for generations, I still remember watching this since was a kid. They teach children around 4-5 yrs old to be independent, Japan has a safe place to teach children things like this. It’s so common to see children catch a bus or train alone. There one time I saw a woman riding her bike while her kid was running behind, and crying. Very common

[@youcanletgox3]

All I know is that Netflix needs to add a second season soon! I loved it. I love how the parents were nervous about letting their little ones go do errands on their own, but did not show them that fear and instead encouraged the children, always reassuring them that they CAN do it. The kids knew how to cross streets safely and when to ask for help. People in public seemed more surprised by the heaps of production crew supervising the journey than by the toddler walking into a store.

[@AnnaMorimoto]

Not likely that Netflix will have anything to do with new episodes or expediting them. It's filmed, produced, and aired in Japan by a Japanese channel and has been since 1991. Each episode comes out in the Summer or around New Years, which means they take 6 to 12 months to film enough errands for one episode. The only reason Netflix has so many episodes is that this show has been going on for 30 years.

[@youcanletgox3]

@@AnnaMorimoto I’m fully aware of the show’s long running in Japan, which is why I said I hope they add more episodes soon since there’s episodes spanning 3 decades… Nippon TV licensed it for streaming to Netflix after all. I guess they’ll wait to see just how well it does outside of Japan.

[@thecoloursquad8572]

I'm a huge fan of Japanese culture. I think they have much better transit, cartoons, and music. No, I wouldn't personally let a 2 or 3-year-old out on his own. He's a toddler. He's still practically an infant. I think 5 would be a more ideal age to start.

[@oisinlynch8427]

And dancing and scenery plus this reminds me of the Netflix anime about a boy who lives alone

[@jordynm9049]

@@oisinlynch8427 I love that show it’s so cute

[@oisinlynch8427]

@@jordynm9049 same though I thought it was gonna be a child genius living alone or a ceos kid with a butler

[@jordynm9049]

@@oisinlynch8427 true. I was also tearing up like almost every episode cause I’m soft haha

[@daniela_796]

@@oisinlynch8427 oh you mean “Kotaru Lives Alone” show? I like that show too! It’s so cute how Kotaru is so independent.😭

[@ZweiPlayer]

I remember a docu from Japan wherein there's a child expo that kids could roleplay as a cook, fireman, nurse or even a train operator. With regards to their safety? It's not even a problem. Japan is built different.

[@minyoung823]

I saw that too. That was very educational - built self esteem, confidence and sense of responsibility in kids while steering them or showing them what they can be or dream to be in the future. It was very fun to watch the kids too role playing. When I saw that I wished every grade school would do that, complete with all the miniature gadgets 🥰

[@ickleronny]

We have a Kidzania here in Malaysia. The kids get to roleplay all kinds of jobs and learn about traffic safety.

[@petrichor3130]

Would love to see the document. What is the name of it?

[@kira24ist]

Kids running errands is more common in other countries except US and some parts of Europe. Actually middle schoolers in South America walk on their own even with all that crime. Would not recommend it but they do since crime is somewhat normalized (which shouldn’t be) but so is a child being independent normalized. Here in the US we normalized school shootings but not having our kids walk on their own. They could with proper cross walk signs/alerts, stricter laws, and new sidewalks.

[@aileeno6063]

This is common scenarios here in Japan. Even without camera crew you can see kids around 5-7 yrs old doing their errands. Even in trains. I remember my first time here in Tokyo I was about to help a young child but my co worker stopped me saying we should not interfere instead help them quietly.

[@kayleesykes2739]

I literally love this show it is SO funny. I think it gives a funny/cute bit of insight into kiddos minds. If you watch the first few episodes the store people take really good care of the kids. Sometimes giving extra or a discount. The fact that it’s mostly Americans complaining speaks in MASS volumes about safety in America lol.

[@kayla6036]

PERIODDDDDD

[@kayla6036]

I want to have my children in Korea or Japan just for the benefits and services moms and post part I’m moms get because it ain’t safe in the US even in the delivery room at times.

[@DontFeedAfterMidnitePodcast]

Because alot of people in America would not look out for the kids. I've seen men and women walk past a crying child standing alone in a mall/grocery store and nobody cared that they were lost and scared. The culture here has alot going for it but caring for your fellow human beings isn't one of them...

[@Ikajo]

@@kayla6036 Neither of those countries have actually great benefits for new mothers. If you want a good country to raise your kid, come to Sweden. It is ranked as the best country in the world to raise a family.

[@rainnmoon114]

I'm sure production makes sure they're safe. This is adorable. In super markets I've seen little shopping carts so toddlers can mimic shopping with their parents.

[@hippoge7987]

There used to be this Chinese show that had kids around 5-10 y/o walk around town with the camera crew who gave them clues about where to go to find their mom. Every episode ended with the kid finding their mom and giving them a tearful embrace about how much they missed their mom and valued their support and company.

[@hansolo8225]

Parenting the process of turning children into responsible, resilient and highly capable adults able to navigate through anything the world throws at them.

[@marlone6497]

This is true. I have lots of Japanese friends who told me their stories as a child and comparing the culture of being independent in Japan, Asia and Western countries.

[@honeya3183]

Agree 👍

[@infinityloopkee5532]

Japan is in Asia

[@DakuJTenshi]

I got to visit Japan and this is actually a rather common thing 🤣 I would be shopping next to elementary and middle schoolers thinking what would be nice for tomorrow's lunch. Not to mention there is no public school bus system there they either walk or take normal transportation their level of independence is astounding

[@monicaann2136]

This show is so awesome it's actually teaching my kids that they could do more for themselves instead of playing video games during nothing all day. Absolutely love this show

[@dr.pallaviparmar3776]

This shows how safe is Japan. Kids doing such work will always be a topic of debate but we shall never forget that every culture and every country is amazing in its own way

[@Buckarooguy]

It seems safe tho especially since not a lot of crime rate happens and makes the environment safe for even a toddler to do

[@nailboard6492]

You know why crime rate is low? ZERO TOLERANCE.

[@jen5138]

@@nailboard6492 That's the way it should be? Why should crimes be tolerated?

[@hallooos7585]

@@nailboard6492 You tolerate a crime you would likely become the victim of a crime or your family or friends would you love that to happen

[@shimagaijin4552]

@@nailboard6492 ...and ZERO illegal immigration, no influx of refugees, no Antifa, no BLM...I could go on.

[@kingmaafa120]

Ask some Japanese women🤐

[@cll27]

The girl having anxiety about leaving but then having to go anyways is my daily struggle

[@quakbang]

Lmao literally I'm like I just gotta suck it tf up

[@grey3414]

Mood 😂

[@Exen88]

It’s adorable and a very important lesson for children of Japan. Only only Japan or countries with a safe society can this happen. I adore the culture and the society they built for themselves. It is amazing!

[@sumomosandayo]

私も子どもの時1人でお使いによく行ってました。色んな周りの大人の人が助けてくれるので不自由はありません。普通の事でした。 大人になり、日本でしかできないことに大変踊りきます。本当に日本は安全なんですね。

[@J1P2K]

Japan is said to have one of the lowest crime rates in the world. I don’t know how true that is, but compared to America’s crime rate, it’s one of the most peaceful countries ever.

[@cicirosehannigan]

Strict gun laws

[@Anonymous_________]

Less reporting, still have child slavery, and open air sex trafficking, that's socially acceptable. That's why.

[@prankinjp]

And the craziest work culture

[@naga6997]

@@prankinjp なんでここにいるんですか…

[@maliciousmelon629]

@@cicirosehannigan people can harm people without guns very easily it's not just the strict gun laws

[@sashav.3189]

I watched a couple of episodes, it was adorable, The little girl trying so hard to get the cabbage and the little boy who forgot something from the store but remembered, and the little girl who cried before going to the fish market, all so cute. this is common in many parts of Africa as well, some kids walk several miles to school others get sent on errands at young ages.

[@twdjt6245]

Haven’t seen it, but this made me want to watch it. The kid about to cross the road with snot running from his nose had me 😂

[@minutemuse]

Obviously they're not completely alone, but the fact they're able to finish their errand pretty much by themselves is really cute and commendable.

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

I remember always chanting the groceries I have to buy 'sugar salt sugar salt sugar salt ...' so I wont forget at the shop

[@lalab1071]

Culture is completely different. I envy the respect they have for each other. They know in their culture it's highly unlikely anyone will harm their children.

[@spacejunklad9171]

Definitely can't do that in America. Too many crazy people

[@Stumme-40203]

You can do it in America. It’s not like the kid’s alone.

[@justathought7421]

@@Stumme-40203 yea I’d like to see some errands be done in the hood. 😂

[@bugaboonoir9057]

@@Stumme-40203 in Asia this happens alot even without being recorded.

[@bugaboonoir9057]

@@RedsHitpostMedia yes but that happens one in a blue moon. Actually I remember when I was in Japan and a girl driving hit a person crossing on the pedestrian lane it was in every news and talk show. It was a really big deal for them because it rarely happens.

[@justathought7421]

@@RedsHitpostMedia guarantee if you search school shooting in America you find more then one incident in the year then a random stabbing. Maybe search who got shot today? You will find one immediately.

[@quantumlove7950]

Japanese here. I went on my first errand when I was four without a camera crew and I still remember that. It was much shorter than the show’s, but it was like 10 minutes walk and I was asked to get a bunch of bananas. When I got to the grocery store and just said “banana!”, the storekeeper smiled and got me a banana for free and I got home not buying anything.

[@tiffanymorris8223]

My mom is not Japanese but I had to run errands, I started in the 4th grade .. guess I started late 😂

[@ALX65]

"I'll cry because you aren't there,mom" AWW🥺

[@Music4EverKanekavi]

This is fascinating, and I can only see this as beneficial for these kids. Straight benefits, creating confidence. I really wish I had an opportunity to do something like that as a little kid.

[@gwenmloveskpopcecmore]

Well u can move to Japan and have ur kids experience it

[@Music4EverKanekavi]

@@gwenmloveskpopcecmore thatll be easy

[@gwenmloveskpopcecmore]

@@Music4EverKanekavi yep

[@jcann7891]

This is being shown in Nippon TV. Our family have been watching this for years... We actually like it. This is japanese culture.. Respect it.

[@theappyfancy]

as someone who used to live in japan. everyone in japan is so nice my mom would leave us with random people to go to the bathroom or something, that really showes that you can trust people there

[@AnnaMorimoto]

Yeah, uh, how to put this? That's not encouraged in Japan. Strangers have no obligation to watch your children. Use the child keep seat inside the bathroom stall. 託児(takuji) is the word for this rude behavior.

[@laurad3497]

I love this show! My 8 and 11 can’t do these errands here in the US.

[@rickyayy]

That's terrible

[@scipioprime69]

Because they need to drive cars which is not possible because they dont have license.

[@chubby_cheesecake_cheeks]

If you live in a closed off suburb it’s possible. In the Philippines it’s relatively safe if you live in rural areas. Lives in a village or subdivision and I lived in all of the things I mentioned that’s why making me go on an errand was safe.

[@richarddukard8989]

@@nascarfanFlatTire I did it in America when I was 5. I walked to the corner store, bought some milk and walked home.

[@yeastarly4268]

Theyre 11 let em have some freedom

[@sleeptime5464]

This show has been going on for ages...I even seen a penguin go shopping on this show... And they have a dog version. it's safe in Japan unlike the USA. Next they should have a drunk dad going home from the bar version..

[@bekahhooper9852]

What is the show called?

[@sleeptime5464]

@@bekahhooper9852 hajimete no otsukai

[@lukmanariff6839]

watched the penguin one. totally liked it

[@nas84payne]

A penguin went shopping?! 😄

[@tk2496]

My family is from Japan and this is normal , I see it all the time .

[@iSpyCars]

I love it! My family raised me this way. By the time I was a teen I could run a household on my own whereas my friends were clueless lol.

[@your_local_hapa]

This is actually really common in Japan. My grandmother from Tokyo had to do this when she was a kid.

[@bingbong4832]

I remember when I was 4 years old my aunt asked me to buy something and she gave me a list that was written on a paper and told me that I just have to give the paper to the shop owner and pay for it. That was my very first errand and I was so happy when I got home after buying all the things on the list.

[@glide4796]

Can't imagine doing this here in the US but it wasn't out of the ordinary to be roaming around by yourself around 3 or 4 in the Philippines. I grew up in a small town and I remember I used to walk 30 to 45 min to kindergarten by myself.

[@justahuman7052]

I saw from preschool kids walking home from schools by themselves. On the side walks and in line too . 😂 I was shocked but the natives there says it’s very safe society. . They have neiborhood watch , All the oldies who stays at home will look for these kids when they’re passing. Also there’s a signs on the houses , the toddlers and kids can ring the bell to get help . I love Japan. Best country i’ve ever been too. ❤

[@lovedone5165]

Yes they were alone...with the camera crew 🤪 Love this show, it does not harm the kids in any way, rather empowers them...

[@Rin-kj8vl]

But In Japan kids really do walk alone, without any camera crew 🤷🏻‍♀️it’s just cultural here. Most of the time they going to school alone and you can see children as young as 5 doing errands.

[@intpleb4206]

I got weird looks when I was 11 years old and brought my 4 year old sister with me to grocery shop. I felt perfectly capable and grown up enough to do it. I was big enough to push the cart, I could read the grocery list, knew where all the items were, when to give the cashier our food stamps, and what to put back if we didn't have enough. I did it out of necessity though, not as a cultural rite. My mom had abandoned us and our dad was disabled and bed-ridden. I feel no ill will towards this time in my life, it built my character and self-confidence. I wouldn't expect errands from anyone under 8 years old though, and expecting ones that require a 2 yr old to traverse through city traffic and pedestrians I'd consider neglect and child endangerment.

[@missrandom6608]

It might not that safe but i think that is how you teach your child to be more indepent and responsible at a young age.

[@lorinnicole]

don't care what the debate say- it's a big step up from toddlers and tiaras...

[@Jesse12489]

Yeah It's teaching kids Independence.

[@jenniferjones8453]

God anything is better than that trash

[@mangotherainwing6866]

Our family watches this together sometimes. Japan is a safe place, and there’s a camera crew nearby at all times. Also, it’s pretty funny, as some of the kids try to get away with not doing things. People need to watch the show before saying anything, you can’t not watch the show and then say stuff, this video doesn’t give enough information.

[@xmuta]

They need to watch out for white men in Asia.

[@VictorNewman201]

Japan: children can buy milk cartons America: children end up on milk cartons

[@randompersontrying9700]

I watched this series on Netflix, and gotta say I felt so proud of these kids and it was so frickin adorable to see their interactions with the cameramen or the shopkeepers.

[@BBYNANNA]

I grew up in America and at like age 6 I started doing household chores and running errands alone. My parents would just say use common sense, look both ways , don't talk to strangers and what time they expected me back before they went looking for me or called the cops. I guess since I'd play outside alone and nothing happened they just transferred the same logic to me running errands. Now as an adult running errands feels like a normal part of life and not a chore.

[@terynb4407]

😂 we all know why this wouldn't fly in America. We make freaking serial killers famous. But depending on the country or even state kids may start walking or riding the bus alone much younger than others may Start because of how the environment is set up.

[@donatellohamato748]

As far as I know, this is pretty normal in Japan, 5 year old kids doing thisbis not a big deal there.

[@amrak-8401]

YES!👍 🇯🇵🙏❤️👍

[@edmey]

In France, during safer times in 1950's and early 1960's, four and five-year-olds in villages were considered competent and old enough to do errands for their families.

[@d.msmith5432]

The first episode made me cry. I felt like a proud Auntie!

[@theoblongbox4909]

I love this. I think independence for kids is a great thing and American parents hover over their kids like helicopters way too often.

[@tiahnarodriguez3809]

I agree, but it’s for good reason considering how dangerous the stew can be especially for children. I don’t want children, but if I did I’d do my best to promote independence, but from a distance because you never know if some crazy person is going to target your kid.

[@gwenmloveskpopcecmore]

Yeah same for the Chinese

[@jenniferwills9752]

I've seen this happen in Matilda

[@JupiterRising2525]

Their cute. I would have a heart attack if my child were to do this.

[@CDeathbunny]

I watched this show and loved it! So cute 🥰 they’re followed around by cameramen and producers. They’re not alone 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@NOTSEWERRATPLAYS]

They aren’t alone and it’s common for kids in Japan to do errands I was born and raised in Japan and I had to go places alone and it’s safe

[@ariaueyama810]

I'm surprised that this is considered insane in the United States. I ran my first errand when I was four years old. My mother was pregnant with my younger brother, so when she told me she needed soy sauce and shima tofu for a dish, I grabbed my hat & tamagotchi and went to the supermarket. It was a big success, and we still have the picture my mom took of me smilling from ear to ear after I finished my first errand. Also, when I was in first grade, I began going to school by myself by walking to the train station and riding the train alone. I'm pretty proud of it now that I'm nearly 30.

[@-VForValhalla-]

The amount of crimes that happens in New York in a day, is the same amount that happens in Japan over a year. Minus the shoot-outs ofcourse.

[@kingmaafa120]

Facts

[@jessbaron6184]

It was wayyy safer in my country 25 years ago when I was just in kindergarten and primary. I walk to school all by myself everyday at 6.20am starting at age 7. Most kids my age back then would walk a 30 mins walk to school. But now, I wouldn’t even try. Times have changed. I did errands to buy vegetables or meat at the local farmers market, babysitting my younger sibling when my mom had to go get groceries. Cooking and cleaning was all taught since I’m 7 years old. Sweet memories and I wish the world was still a safe place like it used to be for future generations.

[@DS-zn7yk]

Imagination : america the land of the free and the home of the brave. Reality : Here in the U.S we definitely do not give our children that kind of independence.

[@marquettahaywood9227]

Hell I can’t even go to the doctor by myself. I’m a grown ass woman and I still make my mama come with me even if she sits in the car to wait on me

[@avtgomez]

This is pretty common in Asia. I remember running errands around our little town for my mom when I was 4 or 5. Looking back it taught me to be independent early on.

[@katukatu6617]

In China , kidnapping of children often happens.

[@andreaprochowski4717]

I was worried to go into the comments section, but I'm glad most people seem to understand that this is normal and safe in Japan.

[@MLD-RN]

Same! I was scrolling through expecting to see hateful, ignorant, know it all, bossy ass “Karens” .

[@jasminedfields]

RIGHT

[@abyssstruggler1906]

This is just adorable

[@acerdaphoenix2479]

The only scary thing about this video is when the lady opened her eyes wide when she said happiness 1:41

[@GoddUsWisdomTarot]

Back in the day that is exactly how it was. 😂 poor kids 💜🌻

[@clarissaadams1676]

The U.S. needs to take advice from Japan on how to make our country safer; We deserve to have this safety and security in the US as well!! Great job Japan 🇯🇵 👏🏾👍🏾!!!