Namai Akira's story recently aired on TV Tokyo's reality show "Can I Go Home With You?", captivating audiences across Japan. The program's premise involves approaching individuals who have missed the last train, offering to pay for their taxi ride home in exchange for an interview about their lives.

The film crew first encountered Namai at Shimokitazawa station in Tokyo. Dressed in a black tank top, he leaned against a pillar, singing. With disheveled hair, an overweight physique, and a tired face, the 35-year-old man could easily be mistaken for homeless. However, to the crew's surprise, he led them to a luxury apartment located in the affluent Setagaya district.

Namai Akira, 35, in Tokyo. Photo: Guancha

Namai owns a three-bedroom apartment valued at 80 million yen (approximately 530,000 USD). Upon entering, the apartment resembled a garbage collection point. Namai walked directly from outside into the house with his shoes on, stepping over piles of blankets and mattresses strewn across the living room floor, where he sleeps every night. Stuffed animals, fast-food containers, and moldy bottles were discarded in heaps in the corners of the rooms.

"I have never worked," Namai stated, explaining that all his living expenses are paid by his mother. The apartment he currently resides in was also a gift from her.

Namai's mother is a renowned hair specialist, owning a system of 7 large beauty salons. At 35, Namai still receives 300,000 to 500,000 yen (approximately 2,000 - 3,300 USD) in spending money each month. This amount is equivalent to the income of an office worker in Japan.

In stark contrast to his current disheveled appearance, childhood photos show Namai was once a slender teenager. After decades of "lying flat"—a term referring to the refusal to make an effort to work—he gained weight to 141 kg and suffers from severe self-neglect. He revealed he bathes only once every two weeks and rarely brushes his teeth.

The 35-year-old man stated he has dated 6 boyfriends and 4 girlfriends. Currently, he is in an online relationship with the lead singer of a band. Despite never having met in person, Namai believes the other person is "deeply attracted" to him.

Most of Namai's day is spent reading manga, watching anime, and buying souvenirs. "I see myself as the one who will destroy the Namai family," he admitted, reflecting on his lifestyle.

Namai Akira in his apartment in Tokyo. Photo: Guancha

Namai Akira's story, after airing, ignited a widespread debate in Japan. Many viewers consider him an example of someone overly indulged without effort, whose life risks losing direction. Namai Akira is seen as a victim of purposeless freedom. He serves as a mirror, reflecting that while money can make life easier, it cannot answer the fundamental question, "What is the purpose of living?"

"An admirable life is not about having money to laze around, but having passion to wake up every morning," one viewer commented, expressing a sentiment shared by many.

"A life without purpose, no matter how wealthy, is merely another form of poverty," another comment, which received thousands of likes, stated.

By Bao Nhien. Source: Guancha/HK01.