What’s the deal with the increasing number of big issue sellers in Tokyo?

6 comments

1. Last time I checked I believe they sold you the magazine for 3-400 yen and they get to keep half of the earnings for themselves, while the other half goes for the editors of the magazine. They are given a few dozens of them so at best they can make a few thousand of yen a day, enough for the very basic stuff.

   The magazine is given to homeless and other people in need to get a very basic income while living in the street, and you will find most of these people in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, which is where they can find who to sell them to or where they will have an easier time to sleep during the night, etc.

   I am sure they are OK with getting money specially from tourists, since there is no cultural taboo related to get money with them. However most Japanese people would not just give money to them and they would just purchase their magazine.

2. Sounds exactly the same as in Australia as well. It originated from the UK and is active in many countries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Issue see overseas projects

3. It’s the same- about half of the content is translated stuff from other sources (presumably Big Issue UK). Haven’t noticed increasing number of sellers- afaik they’ve been around for decades

4. I always buy a copy. Homelessness is such a tragedy.

5. I was used to buying a similar magazine in Germany and then started buying it from the same guy whenever I saw him on my way to work in Tokyo some 10 plus years ago. I admit that I always thought it’s a shame it’s not more interesting … But it makes it easier for both sides to exchange money without feeling uncomfortable, so I will always get it whenever I see it being sold!

6. I always buy them but I never read them.