The Story The Sunday Edition: Why everyone's going to Japan
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May 31, 2025 Matt Alt, a Tokyo-based translator and writer, discusses the fascinating rise of 'kidults' in Japan and how this trend reflects societal shifts amid economic challenges. He explores the impact of Japanese pop culture on Western audiences, emphasizing the embrace of anime and gaming as escapism. Alt also delves into Japan's economic journey from prosperity to decline, and the cultural evolution that followed. This rich conversation reveals how Japanese media continues to transform identities and provide solace in a disjointed world.
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Japan's Early Kidult Culture
- Japan pioneered preserving childhood traits into adulthood much earlier than the West.
- This kidult culture helped young people cope with economic and social challenges.
Kidulting Grows Globally
- Adults now drive global toy sales more than children.
- Millennials and Gen Z retain adolescent traits due to delayed life milestones like marriage and career start.
Toy Sparked Japan Fascination
- Matt Alt first encountered Japan through a robot toy called Shogun Warrior as a kid in America.
- This sparked his fascination to explore Japanese culture further.
