Hajimete no otsukai

A classic Japanese reality series (original title Hajimete no otsukai) following toddlers going on their first errand alone, Netflix has subbed 10 new episodes for us and they're all as cute as ever. They even do some follow up on the older episodes finding the young toddlers as now young adults which was fun to see. However they released this in early January, I would have much preferred a mid December release as would have loved to watch this with my family over the winter holidays. Missed opportunity but still a great show, would highly recommend. In the need for some significant eye bleach this week, Old Enough! Arrived at the absolutely perfect time. A Japanese reality show which has aired since the 90s, Old Enough has subbed a number of episodes to English for Netflix. Each short 10 minute episode tasks a toddler with a really important errand, one they are arguably much too young for, and then follow them with cameras to see what they do. Seeing a 3 year old attempt to walk a km away to bring orange juice to his grandpa, muttering to himself the whole way, just makes the most adorable and heartwarming television. Massive crews protect and watch the kids at all times (besides Japan being an incredibly safe country) so you never really worry about the kids, its just a simple concept to laugh as children stumble, but more often than not succeed, in the world of adults. I would highly recommend this show, peak reality television.

I put it on to see what it was like and ended up binge watching all 20 episodes on Netflix. The concept is to see how toddlers (youngest is 2, oldest is 4) handle a bit of independence with errands. The children are clearly kept safe with a whole crew following them with their cameras disguised and giving a helping hand if necessary when the children are struggling or got scared.

I would recommend giving this a watch if you want a laugh and maybe cry over the most heartwarming moments.

Having raised children who were very small at the height of the missing kids on milk cartons paranoia, this show is fascinating. Of course the toddlers are not totally alone on their adventures, but for the most part they seem to think they are. These are big adventures for them, as they say so seriously "I am on an errand."

It's lovely how grownups all along the way look out for the kids with such kindness. And the kids' relationships with their families is delightful to see. It's a fascinating glimpse into small cities and towns in different corners of Japan.

It's exactly what you expect. Cute kids being kids, trying to do adult things. Sometimes it's just fun to see em process tasks and simple life things in their own unique way. It's ofc got the reality TV feel to it, but it's a nice wholesome break from the world.

What a lovely series.

Watching these cute kids perform their first errands is both heartwarming and sometimes hilarious.

Seeing the entire community looking out for them and encouraging them to carry on really shows the difference, compared to other cultures. Plus seeing the camera operators running around trying to stay inconspicuous and trying to catch up with them is so entertaining in itself.

I really hope Netflix add more episodes soon as i could literally watch this all day.