Watch Old Enough!

Old Enough! is a Japanese reality television show that started airing on Netflix in 2023. The show follows very young children, aged between 2 and 5 years old, as they embark on simple errands and tasks by themselves for the first time without parental supervision. Each episode focuses on a different child and their unique mission, whether it's walking the dog, making a purchase at the store, or taking the train to visit a relative's house.

Despite their extreme youth, the children are remarkably self-sufficient, thanks to Japan's culture of independence. The show highlights the free-range parenting style that is common in Japan, where even toddlers take care of themselves responsibly. Japanese parents instill a strong sense of duty and resilience in their kids from a very early age.

While the tasks featured on Old Enough! may seem ambitious or even dangerous to some Western viewers, they are seen as typical childhood rites of passage in Japan. The children are always given meticulous instructions from their parents beforehand and are never truly alone - production crew members keep a watchful eye on them along their journey. Additionally, the neighborhoods are safe and designed for pedestrian traffic.

Still, the children show impressive problem-solving skills when inevitable obstacles arise. If they get lost or scared, they don't panic, but rather troubleshoot the situation logically to get back on track. Their determination and maturity in the face of new challenges are remarkable.

Despite the cultural differences, the show has become popular internationally because it taps into the universal experience of childhood independence. Watching the children complete their missions evokes nostalgia in adult viewers for the simple joys of being given responsibility as a young child. Even when the errands don't go exactly as planned, the children demonstrate how empowering it is for kids to have self-confidence and parents who believe in their abilities.

Old Enough! blends lighthearted comedy with heartwarming insights into child development. The children's hilarious reactions and candid commentary make the show fun to watch. At the same time, viewers gain perspective on the origins of Japanese cultural values like honor, duty, resilience, independence, and respect for others.

While every child succeeds in their own way, the show isn't just about outcomes. It's the earnest effort that really matters, regardless of whether they complete the task fully or not. The children learn critical life lessons about perseverance, asking for help, and believing in themselves.

Above all, Old Enough! will charm viewers with the infectious charm and sweet innocence of its pint-sized stars. Getting a glimpse into the minds of preschoolers as they tackle the world on their own terms makes for entertaining and thoughtful viewing. With its blend of light comedy and deep cultural insights, this heartwarming show proves that kids are capable of more than we think.

Old Enough! is a series that ran for 2 seasons (30 episodes) between March 31, 2022 and on Netflix