Stranded in Japan, an Unforgettable Act of Kindness

When writer Matthew Treadwell was preparing for a trip to Japan with his wife, he anticipated an amazing travel experience. What he did not expect was a random act of kindness that would change his life. While visiting a quaint countryside village, Treadwell and his wife lost track of time. They realized too late that they had missed the last bus back to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Amid pounding rain and increasing panic, the couple ran out of ideas. That’s when a friendly stranger stepped in to help and treated them to an experience they would never forget.
This Great Big Story is a paid contribution by ANA. (cnn.com/actsofkindness).
To watch an extended version of this film, go here: greatbig.is/2hzv9cr
SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/vR6Acb
This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.
Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com
Follow us behind the scenes on Instagram: goo.gl/2KABeX
Make our acquaintance on Facebook: goo.gl/Vn0XIZ
Give us a shout on Twitter: goo.gl/sY1GLY
Come hang with us on Vimeo: goo.gl/T0OzjV
Visit our world directly: www.greatbigstory.com

[@bubbag3332]

That old Japanese guy is a legend

[@DigitalYojimbo]

Mini Bull DoZer only because the couple was white.

[@WoodChoppa911]

DigitalYojimbo why did u think that?

[@dawnbright8214]

There are a lot of kind-hearted Japanese people that will go out of their way to help, whether you’re white or not. Don’t be too judgemental.

[@KS-cx1oe]

It would be the Same. Does not matter if you are pink, purple or black. Not because we believe equality or Japanese has superior moral or something, we do not much think about skin color. It is like, people do not change their attitude by the color of your hair in you country. from Japanese. xxx

[@kevp9601]

+MiniBullDoZer, I Totally Super Agree with You, New-KZbin-Friend-Forever. 😍

[@PaulRacz]

Not going to lie, I wish I could travel the world like this and meet new people and make friendships in the most unlikely places. This was such a nice story.

[@kinnhem]

dont be naive, the world aint that peaceful

[@whyimsuchanasshole7893]

Paul Racz true what Huynh said, this is the best case scenario which is unlikely, you should consider the worst case scenarios too

[@not_imy]

If you come to the Maldives or Sri Lanka, hit me up! Could totally show you around. I'm gonna be in either country for the next couple of years. :D

[@j.2380]

Then why don't you travel?

[@hitokage4]

Don't give up hope. I dreamed of traveling to Japan and it took me 10 years to finally be able to do it. And out there, you find them. You live it. One of my favorite stories of going to Japan was meeting a very drunken Japanese business man, a much older gentleman, who wanted to make friends with us and ordered us a round of sake and broadbeans and, with as little English as he understood, wanted to welcome us to his country. It was one of the most magical moments of the trip full of so many more.

[@denisherlock3023]

_Faith In Humanity Restored_

[@atsukana1704]

deni sherlock it was leaving for a while there

[@matthewchow4991]

Except it was a paid advertisement by a Japanese airline. #EverythingIsMoney #Rootofallevil.

[@matthewchow4991]

But it was a nice story regardless. It would have been nicer if it was just made with no ulterior motives.

[@TheTeatimecrumpet]

+Matt Chow that would go for any video that has an ad at the beginning.

[@RafaelFerraz4979]

deni sherlock what potion did you use?

[@ruthrowe9059]

Wow, I hope if you ever go back you will be able to find the bus stop and him. Well that along with an interpreter to help you out on the language barrier! So many times the people behind the scenes ARE the true reflection of a foreign county. It sounds like you had your own personal angel as a guide and rescuer!

[@spoiledeggnog]

how did you comment 2 hours ago?

[@MoonChild-yd3ez]

How did you commented 3 hrs ago 😲😲

[@spoiledeggnog]

exactly

[@klm20079]

we call it diffrent time space on earth... i can say as European first happy bday to american friends...

[@NewerSing]

I once got a lift from a guy in a Bentley, 400km from city, dirty from all the trekking and staying in tent. He said that back in USSR he got a lift from a committee member, from his village to Alma-Ata, which is a huge city today. He went to college there, and then moved his family from village to city. He said that sometimes, one lift is all you need to feel better and get yourself together

[@tylee8124]

Саян Ильяс true i feel so emotional about the video but i cant cry

[@FitzChivalryFarseer2]

A very true statement. Without assistance one can lose their way and lose track of things

[@dr.apollo4226]

tylee812 why can’t you cry?

[@boyong5577]

you should go back to japan and see him once

[@eps3154]

I was thinking this! At least write a letter letting him know you got home okay. But visiting is better. Take lots of gifts!! This is how lifelong friendships are born

[@FatboiReborn]

He is actually a ghost

[@nocturne8323]

@@FatboiReborn Yeah i was thinking about that lol

[@moisesmunoz415]

The production level of this bite size vids is always fucking amazing.

[@void_soup]

Ikr

[@hari4800]

The Channel is owned by CNN so I don't think production quality is a problem for them.

[@morpheusmorph13]

hari4800 doesnt look like something from CNN. Great content like this seems like out of their league

[@zeighy]

Well, these kinds of channels are the big networks' response to Al Jazeera's AJ+. You look at AJ+ and say "I can't believe these videos are made by Al Jazeera. I guess it's their way of catering to the newer younger generation and providing content that matters to them, and are actually genuinely interesting that they can't do on their main network, like CNN and Al Jazeera. Sure you can see them in a certain light, but, they themselves can't deny that if they want to survive as a company, they have to start to diversify their content, and spread their eggs in more baskets.

[@julieallen07]

not like those forced 10 mins video channels

[@user-sd5ol1cn9f]

このビデオがその人に届くといいな。日本人はお金より相手の気持ち 喜んでくれる顔を見たり思う気持ちが嬉しいから😊

[@jasondonato65]

I believe this story, since I experienced it myself. I got lost one time in Kamakura. I couldn’t find my way to the train station when I saw this old man and I asked him. Instead of telling me the direction, he walked me all the way to the station and that is around half an hour. Another experience was when I’m in the train to Narita airport. I don’t know which station should I get off to when this old man helped me. He came with me all the way to the airport and missing his station. Japanese are very helpful!

[@hakeem475]

kindness isn't a word for this video. the Japanese man did more than just a kindness. respect to Nihon

[@lilamazon]

i don't know why, just teared up while listening to this story. what a wonderful story!

[@dlrsa2]

Me too! It just shows that there are more good people than bad people on earth!

[@jupitired777]

that elderly guy was so nice !!

[@subhambhattacharjee4826]

Japanese are the best people, wonderful human beings , Every time they fall they rise up like a Sun, lightening the whole world rather than themselves. Fully determined to achieve goals and progress. They are an inspiration for all. Love from INDIA 💖

[@standwithisof9549]

Japanese people very humble and kindness

[@raj102945]

They have changed too, They are not what the old movies like to portray.

[@galaxy9310]

Japan has its good sides, and bad sides.

[@knantp]

I want to be like this guy , become a good person ❤️one day I will❤️🤗🤗

[@mini2856]

I’m not crying, you’re crying!

[@Amitdas-gk2it]

It's not only japan in every part of the world u can find such amazing people who make us believe in kindness humanity and happiness

[@TheTeatimecrumpet]

Good luck in the US or the UK.

[@DippinSauc]

But Japan has more, son.

[@rial1568]

Amit das true 😊

[@posato1488]

Amit das What about North Korea?

[@Amitdas-gk2it]

Let's Eat Potatoes Nk hmmm the proportion may be low

[@IamBumblebeeV]

I love Japan,You know why: 1:The Kind People 2:The Beautiful Landscape And 3:THE FOOD!!!!!!!!

[@sylvialehman]

They closed the cab door , do not do that in Japan , the door closes itself. Wonderful video.

[@wafflesthewookiee4716]

Sylvia Lehman I’m pretty sure that was just a dramatization.

[@faber_exe]

Nope, not all city. In osaka and kyoto the taxis don't close by itself, only in tokyo. 🤔

[@groslinchristina9593]

Really so kind of him, and restored humanity....

[@chavezito]

People is Japan is amazing. They are so hospitable!!! I had awesome experiences such as this in my 2 month stay there.

[@justinw.7407]

a single act of kindness creates an endless ripple.

[@miranaa_aihaa4637]

I love Japan..Their culture, their people..Amazing 😊

[@epicdjyoshi648]

Tbh I would love to be stranded in Japan

[@ameliayorkie9990]

So thankful for that old man- and I don't even know him. Shows how kindness can really touch a person and that we should all be kind to everyone☺️

[@ermytanio7111]

That guy is Hayao Miyazaki and he is a legend

[@nedisahonkey]

And what makes you think that? That's be like if the same thing happened in California and you assumed the person driving was Spielberg?

[@chuyahm52]

I love Japan 🇯🇵 from 🇪🇨

[@morwenbranli7618]

Kindness is contagious.Wish you see that kind guy again.🤗🤗🤗

[@mborges2133]

Well said. I'm sure that good samaritan knows how you felt

[@Claiis]

Japan embodies the kind of kindness and respect that we think is impossible in the West. Absolutely beautiful.

[@kinfuilee9460]

I was disappointed that my trip at Kyoto came to an end last week. Japan truly is an amazing place....

[@bretthammer8755]

Travelled from australia to hakuba, japan for a ski trip. After our ski trip we planned to spend 3 days in Shibuya Tokyo. Got the train into Tokyo only to find we had gotten off at the wrong stop. My mate and i were standing (obvioisly looking puzzled) and a Japanese bloke with his 4yr old daughter asked us if we needed help and ended up driving is to our place 15mins away. Beautiful people.

[@user-fx2hg7jl5h]

Japanese guy is so kind... its really rare to see people with good heart nwdays 😢😊

[@noahwebb6381]

That's Japan for you.

[@Harshsngh]

You will find many people like these in Japan

[@miacah4452]

This story melts my heart so much

[@tamashiranai1091]

I'm literally tearing up. The word needs more people like that

[@mutsiyo7934]

幸運な出来事を紹介していただき、ありがとうございます。

[@jamesryanalferez8768]

Japan perfect ambiance and good people

[@seunonijamah]

A billion likes for this. This moved me to tears.

[@akashswain123]

When I heard a story about Japan! My inside smile!!

[@Alfosan2010]

this is why Japan is my city

[@daugh8587]

Do you like my Nickname? I've made you waste 5 sec danmmit you made me waste 5 sec >:(

[@noobofalltrades9766]

Brown Roach by reading your comment including his nickname I wasted 6 secs :(

[@daugh8587]

Noob Of All Trades I'm sorry for your loss

[@riviacchad8513]

Welll Japan is a country and Tokyo would be the city

[@noobofalltrades9766]

Rivia Ian I'm guessing you don't know the meme of that?

[@BobDolelol]

I miss living in Tokyo so much and this video makes me miss Japan even more :/ Japan is such an amazing and wonderful country filled with so many beautiful things to see, and the people are amazing too :)

[@ceegee3514]

True human beings still exist.

[@Leto85]

What a beautiful story. Kindness is contagious. 😊🌹

[@Thomas-fu8vp]

Japanese kindness? I lived there for 5years. I have lived all over the world. The Japanese are the best of the best. There is no other people as dignified and elegant as the Japanese. Amen

[@tryomama]

Japan is the best country I have visited

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

You never know how the vibe of a kind act will ripple out...in ways you never even imagined. The person who does the good act, and those who are gifted to receive it...Great story. 99 DISLIKERS?..Uh, ok,..whatever....

[@naimairfan5738]

Everyone should follow such examples and help those in need

[@shfnnghh]

Wow what a kind man

[@TAHK0]

This exact same thing happened to me, only I got stuck on a mountain and an older woman helped me. It was amazing~

[@ducsue751]

Angels are hard to find in times of need. I do believe Japan and its people are wonderful human beings. I was on a metro train one Sunday morning in the outter skirt of Tokyo, I happened to see a Pasmo card (ic train card) on the seat just as a woman was getting off the train. I grabbed the card and holler to the group of crowds leaving by the train door that you have dropped your card. No one turned around and the train door was closing. I left the card at the same spot I found it. A few stops later, this woman that was sitting across came up to me and told me that she will take the card and return it to the station where the woman had dropped it. She got off the train and took the other line back to the station. She had missed at least 20 minutes of where she had to be that day. That right there is an act of kindness on a next level.

[@Twintouch1]

Kindness is a reflection of who I am and people don't expect it normally. I'd do it too and the man who helped them is extraordinary!! 🙏🏻

[@nishaismail]

Beautiful story! Japan is such a beautiful country. The people too.

[@amandasmit9328]

My son come from South Africa. He is married to a Japanese girl and have two kids. They are living in Saga also the country side of Japan. He can speak Japanese and your story remember me of his journey 6 jears back. Thank you for this video. My dream is to go and visit them. I love your video and all the possitive comments. All the best for you and your wife.

[@stefanherns4541]

Awesome Story, I'm glad you shared it with us!

[@rahulsharda3577]

Love Japan

[@dsethi05]

Awesome . Thank you for sharing this amazing story .

[@punnpui]

日本人は本当に困ってる人がいたら助けてくれますよ。 子供の時からそのように教えられています

[@ironmountain7907]

This was really touching, it's nice to hear stories like this with everything going on right now.

[@sanjayr]

I'm not crying you're crying....

[@daphnelu7]

That was really sweet

[@blasianking4827]

This is how polite and hospitable Japanese countrymen are.

[@AlvinLee007]

Angels don't need money.

[@raj102945]

lol..

[@jay_dmp]

raj102945 do you even know what "lol" means

[@woxof46]

Angels don't always need wings or a halo; all they need is a kind smile and a gentle heart.

[@ambycakes]

I hope more people can be as kind!

[@Punk3rGirl]

Simply inspiring. This has restored a bit of my faith in humanity.

[@saori127]

I am Japanese . Great storey.Thank you.

[@kawaiiar6250]

God bless that man😍😍😍😘

[@PashwaOfficial]

So shines a good deed in a weary world

[@TheDoodLbot]

Such a wholesome story 😊

[@kekoajk05]

Amazing! I hate how much I love this channel... I try to stay away from mass commercialized productions in general but this channel is great!

[@user-rr4zd7uu1n]

なんか日本が誇らしくなる！私もこの動画のような素晴らしい日本人でありたい！

[@s1111100000]

Boss level kindness

[@Chilllllllll88]

this is amazing! i have always been the person to try and live by this example. In the end it goes a very long way!

[@aiden7932]

so wholesome :) wish more people could be like the old man

[@squanchmastersquanch4376]

I had a similar situation like this one. Its acts like this that makes believe there is still hope for the future.

[@angelarafael9875]

This is an amazing story :3 thank you for this...

[@khoi9240]

I dont know why but this video made me so emotional

[@TAVideos786]

I drive cab for living in Chicago, and I am always generous, open minded, kind, and polite with my customers.

[@sonative3783]

Love this story! 💜💜💜💜

[@sourpatch6784]

Legend has it, he's at the top of a mountain teaching empathy and wisdom...

[@cedrikpadojinog4082]

The OG is the true MVP👍👍

[@humanbean6815]

I wish everyone was like u guys u guys are awesome

[@joestar6194]

There are angels among us. I have experienced there kindness first-hand.

[@EliteXtasy]

You know where he lives. Pay him a visit!

[@crs5912]

Kindness is the most wonderful things, imagine if we all do that to other people... maybe the world will be much a better place

[@evanochoa4954]

These stories always get me in a good mood :)

[@naimairfan5738]

Kindness is everywhere its just that bad actions are easily noticed otherwise there is more good than bad in this world you just have to be nice to get good behavior from others. But this man's actions are more than good he was like a guide sent by god to help them. Such a nice man.

[@veronicarenee91]

So many feels!

[@nedzgamueda4322]

It touched my heart

[@ATaha-sd8xj]

could make a great movie from this amazing story

[@claudiaw.2850]

This is Japan! ❤

[@ricosiahaan5036]

this is a great one, good job!

[@kenji1053]

And that's why i love japanese people

[@christinecameron1612]

That gentleman probably enjoyed that drive more than almost any fare he ever took.

[@yoyoyo9669]

amazing!

[@goat3779]

This should be a movie

[@janinemari1454]

a really nice story i like it :)

[@cholakuany5989]

@Japan with 💕❤ from me. If you know Mount Allison University then you may know Charlie Hunter. I want to thank him for a the job well done. Our MASSIE, sorry if I spelt wrong but Student exchange from Japan makes live lovely in Sackville, NB. Kindness just seems to be embedded in their hearts and great ambassadors are always kind. I'm a lost boy of Sudan and I always do my best to survive. Thank you Japan for building Fuji Academy in Kakuma Refugee Camp.

[@rasbiharipradhan7496]

i sometimes question whether its possible on part of all human beings irresp of rich or poor to show such acts of kindness