Okinawa Homeless people?

[coldnoodles]

Can someone tell me about the Okinawa homeless people here? Do they have assistance for them in Okinawa? Why are they homeless? Well beside's it being so expensive to live here! Is there a shelter place for them?

I have been watching this homeless guy for 2yrs now, outside gate 1 on kadena, turn left go straight, 2nd light on left side he lives there. He use to have a tent but it was full of holes, then he was using a table or something to sleep under. My Japanese friend said not to try and talk to homeless people they beg for me and will keep bothering you. There is something about this old man, he reminds me of someone. I would really like to buy this guy a tent or a cement block to live in or something. But then thats me.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I am always curious about homeless people when I see them -- more so here in Japan than anywhere else (Just didn't have any curiosity about them in the U.S.). I can't help but thinking when I see them what events brought them to this life; was it there decision or did things get out of control that lead to this life, and I wonder what kind of events could cause me to be in their place in the future?

I've read some information on them in newspapers, and a lot of homeless people in Okinawa are mainland Japanese who come here for a variety of reasons. Some have failed in their businesses and are ashamed for themselves and don't want former associates or family to see them. Many choose to come to Okinawa because it is pretty warm year round so shelter is not a big issue. It also means less chance for others in their pre-homeless days of recognizing them.

Some of the Okinawan homeless are old stealy boys who never gave up the lifestyle of hussling soldiers when they were young and never integrated back into normal society with a regular job. Left behind.

Some also obviously have mental problems. You can see them muttering to themselves and acting strange.

Many do not have asssistance because Japanese welfare assistance requires a mailing address for benefits to be sent to. There was a big story about this about a year ago. One homeless person was caught trying to use a public park as his mailing address and the government refused to recognize that. He complained then there was no way for him to get assistance. Some civil liberties group took his issue up in court for him and the judge ruled that he could use the park as his address.

After that I think the government appealed the decision and I am not sure how it has ended up. Though, it is an interesting topic, I think.

[devine]

Only thing I can suggest is you do what you think is right. If you want to give this man a tent for protection then you do it.
I just arrived to the island so I don't know what they are like. Haven't come across any homeless people myself here. But in the states I have many o times. You just need to do what you think is right and not go over board doing it. Helping someone who will not help themselves is only a waste of your time. But providing shelter is act of kindness. I would stop there. I would not hand everything to a man who does not want to help himself.
I believe that everyone has a chance in life, if they fail then pick yourself up and try again.
My simple wisdom comes from almost experience thankfully when I fell I was able to move back into my parents home with my infant child or else I would been on the streets or a shelter. I picked myself up and started again. Then I met my husband here I am today in Japan.
I understand these people may not have the support I did because of shame and how there culture is. But it only takes a stronger man to fight.
Remember do what you think is right and I am not a person of faith but God will look onto you for the good you have done.
My personal opinion.
Take it as you will.
Can someone tell me about the Okinawa homeless people here? Do they have assistance for them in Okinawa? Why are they homeless? Well beside's it being so expensive to live here! Is there a shelter place for them?

I have been watching this homeless guy for 2yrs now, outside gate 1 on kadena, turn left go straight, 2nd light on left side he lives there. He use to have a tent but it was full of holes, then he was using a table or something to sleep under. My Japanese friend said not to try and talk to homeless people they beg for me and will keep bothering you. There is something about this old man, he reminds me of someone. I would really like to buy this guy a tent or a cement block to live in or something. But then thats me.

[socalheart]

Anyone have info on:

- the guy who sits under the overpass outside Kadena gate 2 in the flowery hat?
- "whassup mutha-fu@&er" Jimmy who hangs out on gate 2 street most nights?

I once heard that some homeless Okinawans have families and homes, but are somewhat mentally "special" and tend to wander. I've also heard that some are actually wealthy landowners with nothing better to do than "play" at being homeless. I don't know what is done for or about the homeless on Okinawa. Honestly, I never thought too much about it.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Anyone have info on:

- the guy who sits under the overpass outside Kadena gate 2 in the flowery hat?
- "whassup mutha-fu@&er" Jimmy who hangs out on gate 2 street most nights?

Nothing specific to give you, but the flower hat guy sits under a lot of overpasses throughout Okinawa. I think he has a daily route.

The other guy you are referring to has been here for years. I first remember seeing him 20 years ago doing his hussling thing for some change. I think he is a Gate 2 icon.

[socalheart]

The other guy you are referring to has been here for years. I first remember seeing him 20 years ago doing his hussling thing for some change. I think he is a Gate 2 icon.

I see him around gate 2 during the day also. I've seen him with a shamisen some nights as well. Those things are expensive! He is entertaining though. Come to think of it, I think I saw him back in those old days too, but it's a vague memory, since we were usually running from the JP. :D

[P_chan]

yeah somehow I think jimmy is faking it. Maybe he really isn't, but if I had a lot of money and nothing better to do then I could see myself acting homeless just to pass time and get some laughs.

[coldnoodles]

For the guy who wears the flower hat, he has mental issues, I don't think he is homeless. I have always wanted someone to come with me to (to translate) see if he was in the war. (sorry if I scare you) but what I see is he was in the war, or he was close to it, in the war, or something. Hard to explain.

There is a lady who sits outside gate 2, she lives 2 lights down, left side upstairs.

For the guy at night I think he lives there too, or in that area.

I never give them money, I have always bought them food, bring food to them, but I have to feel and see they are actually homeless. I found my bio dad thru my dreams - he was homeless.

So for the old man outside gate 1 between 2nd and 3rd light on 58, I have never seen him out begging for money. I have seen people drop off grocery bags to him (Y-plates), but then also seen Y-plates throw trash at him. He wears the same clothes everyday, the other day his jeans were there hanging on the fence thing had a big hole in them. He always wears the same blue long jacket/raincoat. Every morning he is out walking up 58, he walks very slow. I wish I knew someone who could translate for me to him, I would like to know why he is living there? Does he have family? I did have a ad in the paper last year asking if anyone knew him, but I never got a response. There is something about him.

[Bones]

I always enjoy reading about what happens on Okinawa, but this thread brought a smile to my face. The guy with the flowers on his head, Kinjo-san, man we used to see him at different times all over the island. Naha, Tomigosuko, Nago, so I would imagine that he has a regular route that he travels.

I think Japan Update did a story on him while we were there the last time, or maybe it was the base paper, or even S&S. If I remember correctly he used to be a very wealthy man. He took a turn for the worse when his son was killed in an accident, and started to behave strangely. But he's harmless, and you'll often find him cleaning up the area around where he happens to park his little scooter at.

Figured that he would have been gone by now, but glad for the heads-up. :)

NBTP

[coldnoodles]

Saw this while doing search on homeless people:

Homeless woman detained for swindling friend out of ¥4 million
Date Posted: 2002-02-21

Urasoe City Police on Feb. 14 arrested a 59-year-old unemployed woman with no fixed address on charges of bilking an acquaintance out of ¥4 million. The suspect, who was the former assistant of a prefectural police section chief, reportedly denied the allegation, claiming that she had had no intention of deceiving the person and was planning to pay the money back. According to the police investigation, the suspect allegedly visited her acquaintance and lied that she needed ¥4 million for her daughter who was said to be studying abroad, claiming that she would return the money one week later. No evidence has been uncovered to indicate that her daughter is studying overseas, nor was a deposit for the funds found in her bank account. Police located the suspect at a supermarket and arrested her. She had no money with her at the time of the arrest.

[jerky656]

Gate 2 st. Home of Okinawa Jimmi Hendrix. The man is not homeless! He has money. He also has the urge to curse Americans in english, take their dollars & play really horrible guitar. God love him! I put him on YOUTUBE. Just search for "Okinawa City Treasure II." The man with the helmmet w/ plastic flowers duct taped to it probably is legit. He sells flowers & will greatly acccept donations, but does not ask for them.

[devine]

I watched your vid and even showed it to my husband. Insane. I was shocked of the vulgar language. Not that I didn't think it was funny at the same time. Just one of those things I would not want my daughter around. Enjoy your adventures. I seen other vids you do have lots of them.

[zazazoo]

wow, i saw YOUTUBE:ohmy: ive never see Jimmi guy before!. thanks for the info.:cool:

[ststephen65]

i used to drink with the homeless crowd under the red bridge in chatan, interesting times to say the least. one thing i noticed was even tho they where homeless they seemed genuinely happy most of the time and they always kept it nice and clean. made me wonder, who is happier, they guy with a new car and big house that has to work 60 hours a week to support it or the homeless guy under the bridge that only has to worry about life one day at a time?

[ness4k]

Back to your first question noodles..."Why are they homeless?" Pretty obvious ain't it...they don't have a home...nah I'm just messing with you. It was interesting reading the post though. Someone said that rich people do it but I doubt it. Most flithy rich people think so much of themselves that they would never purposely make themselves actually "FLITHY" but that's just what I think. How people end up homeless in the first place I'll never understand because there is always some military somewhere recuiting...may not be the best way of looking at that but true. I don't help homeless because I can't. I barely get by just taking care of my own family I can't afford it.

[1rose4u]

Back to your first question noodles..."Why are they homeless?" Pretty obvious ain't it...they don't have a home...nah I'm just messing with you. It was interesting reading the post though. Someone said that rich people do it but I doubt it. Most flithy rich people think so much of themselves that they would never purposely make themselves actually "FLITHY" but that's just what I think. How people end up homeless in the first place I'll never understand because there is always some military somewhere recuiting...may not be the best way of looking at that but true. I don't help homeless because I can't. I barely get by just taking care of my own family I can't afford it.

People are homeless - either they choose to be homeless or they lost everything. Maybe they served time in jail or prison and couldn't get a job; lost everything they had. Maybe they were traveling and ran out of money ended up homeless.

The military is not going to recruit a homeless person. They have to meet certain standards to join the military. Maybe they are too old, can't read, blind, mental issues. When I was 6yrs old I would always give my happy meal to a homeless person. They needed a happy meal more than I did. Maybe this will help your negative attitude towards homeless people: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-Ker02RIiaaN4FQoHkAWv?p=1

[ststephen65]

on a serious note, i watched a documentory about the homeless situation in Osaka and it said that a very large majority of the homeless was due to the japanese market crash in the 80's. i guess alot of people lost alot of money. the wives and children simply went back to their families and the men i guess couldnt due that do to the shame and dishonor it would bring to their family.

[Richard Burns]

They are homeless for the same reason people are homeless everywhere. Because they have no options.

[TheLastDon]

Posting just to post.................

[uriel]

or because they pissed away their options... lotsa reasons.

[canjap02]

Na they just couldnt stop going to pachinko

[SnaFu]

Posting just to post.................

Or maybe because they have no home.

[-Rudel-]

I have a strong belief that Jimmy owns all those clubs on the street!

[okinwahancho]

while i dont know anything about the homeless here, we could get some people together to help them. i mean a decent size tarp at the px costs less than 10 bucks and the same for a blanket. we could put together care packages as act of kindness between americans and okinawans.

[gtlm2000]

I'm homeless..give me money :D

[dk]

while i dont know anything about the homeless here, we could get some people together to help them. i mean a decent size tarp at the px costs less than 10 bucks and the same for a blanket. we could put together care packages as act of kindness between americans and okinawans.

One of them will choke to death on a piece of bread and all of us Americans will be praced on rockdown because of it! No thanks!

[SnaFu]

while i dont know anything about the homeless here, we could get some people together to help them. i mean a decent size tarp at the px costs less than 10 bucks and the same for a blanket. we could put together care packages as act of kindness between americans and okinawans.

I'm all for helping people in need but more times than not if you try to help them out they use what you give them to buy more awamori.

[Richard Burns]

I'm all for helping people in need but more times than not if you try to help them out they use what you give them to buy more awamori.

But that still helps them. Helps them even mmore if you think about it. It's a lot better to go through lfe on the streets drunk than to have an extra meal or a tarp to lve under but be sober and actually have to deal with the crappy lfe you have.

[dk]

But that still helps them. Helps them even mmore if you think about it. It's a lot better to go through lfe on the streets drunk than to have an extra meal or a tarp to lve under but be sober and actually have to deal with the crappy lfe you have.

I'd rather be employed and able to buy alcohol anytime I want. If you want to really help one of these guys out, find him/her a job. If they don't want it, **** em.

[Oxmix]

If your going to help, help dk first. :grin1:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Misc/homeless-man-goes-wireless.jpg

Regards

Ox

[SnaFu]

If your going to help, help dk first. :grin1:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Oxmix/Misc/homeless-man-goes-wireless.jpg

Regards

Ox

Holy crap! That is DK....

:grin1:

[Muku]

while i dont know anything about the homeless here, we could get some people together to help them. i mean a decent size tarp at the px costs less than 10 bucks and the same for a blanket. we could put together care packages as act of kindness between americans and okinawans.

There was a guy here in Okinawa that used to, dont know if he is still doing it or not, make up bag lunches for many of the homeless people here and deliver them around to them around 5 or 6 in the AM.

IIRC there was an article about him in the Japan Update as well.

It's been a few years though. Maybe you could search the site and find out and see if he is still active and contact him to ask what you can do to help.

[Jazz]

Anyone know the lady in the north Hamby area (usually), with long nappy hair and it's sometimes dyed various wild colors? A couple things make me assume she's crazy (and not the hair), just not sure if she is homeless.

I was never really sure if Jagaru Smiley is homeless either but he's always walking back and forth.

How about the old, short, fat man that hangs out up the hill from Kinser gate 4 by the Hotto Motto/pachinko?

[DoctorP]

Anyone know the lady in the north Hamby area (usually), with long nappy hair and it's sometimes dyed various wild colors? A couple things make me assume she's crazy (and not the hair), just not sure if she is homeless.

I was never really sure if Jagaru Smiley is homeless either but he's always walking back and forth.

How about the old, short, fat man that hangs out up the hill from Kinser gate 4 by the Hotto Motto/pachinko?

There is a guy here in Ishikawa that starts walking each morning, walks down past Kadena gate 3, and loops back by Courtney. Just walks each day, dresses in the exact same clothes, obviously not homeless, because he is eating and maintaining weight and energy, but definitely a little out there.

[SnaFu]

I used to be seen aimlessly meandering the streets of Koza between 0400 and 0600 nearly every evening (or should I say morning) and nobody ever offered be a blue sheet or bagged nasty.

[gtlm2000]

Go to Tokyo, you can see homeless people on big street as like shibuya and Ikebukuro.

I didn't see homeless people on big street in Okinawa. Most of them is living under the bridge. I saw few homeless at Oroku, Naha area.

[TheLastDon]

I was never really sure if Jagaru Smiley is homeless either but he's always walking back and forth.



I know that guy, the one always picking up garbage.

I think he was caught on google maps street view too. LMAO

[P_chan]

Anybody ever see that homeless guy with all the flowers and crap on his bike? I used to see him by the 23 overpass out gate two. He usually erects a wooden mast with Japanese flags on it and flowers and stuff. That guy got around! I used to always see him driving his little scooter around on the weekends. I also used to see him at the haebaru jusco exit of the express way, seemed like one of his regular spots.

[Tanimaga]

Anybody ever see that homeless guy with all the flowers and crap on his bike? I used to see him by the 23 overpass out gate two. He usually erects a wooden mast with Japanese flags on it and flowers and stuff. That guy got around! I used to always see him driving his little scooter around on the weekends. I also used to see him at the haebaru jusco exit of the express way, seemed like one of his regular spots.

I heard he had issues with other homeless folks around Gate 2 and moved over towards Awase bay street.. close to the comprehensive park area. I saw him around that area a few times.



There is also a homeless guy living down the street from my house. He is in the same stretch of street (because I nearly hit him about every night coming home from work), and just cleans out the sewer ditches and weeds.

Every time I drive by, he blows up his cheeks like a puffer fish. It never happens when I'm in my wife's car.. just mine. It's strange.

[TheLastDon]

Anyone know the lady in the north Hamby area (usually), with long nappy hair and it's sometimes dyed various wild colors? A couple things make me assume she's crazy (and not the hair), just not sure if she is homeless.

I was never really sure if Jagaru Smiley is homeless either but he's always walking back and forth.

How about the old, short, fat man that hangs out up the hill from Kinser gate 4 by the Hotto Motto/pachinko?

I know that guy, the one always picking up garbage.

I think he was caught on google maps street view too. LMAO

I think this is him.:D

http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=26.312675,127.766109&spn=0,359.998275&z=19&layer=c&cbll=26.312752,127.766173&panoid=TCGo7BtKdKhiT0a66BMucg&cbp=12,145.08,,0,22.5

[SplitDescision]

Don't talk to them and don't give them anything. They are scam artist, and very good ones at that! They have homes and alot of them are married with families.

[Tanimaga]

Don't talk to them and don't give them anything. Them are scam artist, and very good ones at that! They have homes and alot of them are married with families.

Like the chick under the bridge @ gate 2?

See her doing her makeup, then act like she's crying when Americans walk by.. especially when children are around.

[P_chan]

I'm pretty sure the scooter guy is homeless, I don't know about the rest of them. Seems pretty smart though, just become a novelty like jimmy and people will keep giving you money:thumbup: