Watch 21 Up Japan

21 Up Japan is a documentary series that follows the lives of a group of Japanese people every seven years, starting from the age of 7. This series started in 1992, where we see the participants at the age of 7, and it continued every seven years until the latest episode released in 2006, which shows them at the age of 21.

The show gives the viewers a chance to witness the lives of a diverse group of young Japanese people, coming from various backgrounds, living in different parts of Japan and with unique life goals and aspirations. For the past fourteen years, viewers have been following their lives, watching their ups and downs, successes and failures.

21 Up Japan is a unique documentary in that it differs from other documentaries that examine social issues and current affairs; instead, it allows viewers to see how personal characteristics and traits develop and how individuals evolve as they grow older. Alongside this, it captures a glimpse of Japanese lifestyle, culture, and attitudes through the lives of the participants.

The show takes us around Japan, where we meet the participants' families and friends and follow their daily lives, including their education, hobbies, relationships, and future aspirations. The cinematography is exceptional, with stunning images of Japanese landscapes, architecture, and cityscapes.

One of the things that make this series so popular and appealing is its unique and personal approach. The show's producers conducted intimate interviews with the participants at each interval, which provided valuable insights into their thoughts and feelings about their lives, their family dynamics, and their role in society. These interviews were conducted in a one-to-one session, with no one else present, making the experience even more raw and genuine.

What makes 21 Up Japan stand out, even more, is the fact that the participants were all born between 1985 and 1986, which was a time when Japan underwent significant changes. For instance, it was the first generation of Japanese people born after World War II who did not experience the country's post-war devastation. The participants belong to the generation that grew up during Japan's economic golden era and saw Japan's technological advancements. Japan's economic growth provided them with many opportunities that were previously unavailable to their parents.

21 Up Japan also reflects Japan's current ongoing changes, development and crisis. It examines the Japanese economy's stagnation, Japan's changing social norms, and the impact of increased automation, including increased use of robotics in the workforce, on modern Japanese society.

The show's longevity is testament to the viewers' love and support for this unique documentary series. Many viewers have become emotionally invested in the participants' lives, as they have seen them grow up and overcome obstacles and adversity. It is fascinating to witness how participants' personalities and traits influenced their life decisions and how their life experiences shaped who they are today.

Overall, 21 Up Japan is a must-watch documentary series for people who are interested in Japan's social, economic, and cultural evolution. It provides viewers with valuable insights into Japan's developments and the lives of Japanese people. The series is a remarkable achievement, which took over fourteen years to complete, and its authenticity, genuineness, and raw emotion make it an exceptional viewing experience.

21 Up Japan is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between December 9, 2007 and on ITV