What are some hobbies that save money according to Japanese people?

Control stick (Pixabay.com/AlohaWorld)

The Japanese are known for their culture of hard work and discipline. However, behind the busyness, they are also good at finding a balance in life by pursuing hobbies that do not drain the pocket. Unlike the trend of Western hobbies that are often synonymous with large expenses, the Japanese prioritize simplicity and beauty in small things. Here are some of their favorite hobbies that are friendly to the wallet:

Survey on Hobbies That Don't Cost Money

Hobbies are hobbies that are done in free time. Hobbies have several benefits such as reducing stress and improving skills. Although there are quite a few hobbies that cost quite a lot of money, there are some hobbies that do not cost money. In fact, these hobbies can generate income. Here are some hobbies that do not need to cost money according to the Japanese.

Biz Hits Co., Ltd. conducted a survey on awareness of non-money hobbies among 500 men and women in Japan from November 15 to 18, 2022. The results showed that the top ranking for non-money hobbies was sports and fitness (79 people), followed by reading and manga (76 people), watching videos, dramas, and movies (62 people), crafts and handicrafts (38 people), games (35 people), walking (31 people), and gardening (24 people).

Sports and fitness hobbies 

Illustration of a man jogging

Sports and fitness are the least expensive hobbies according to the Japanese. Sports and fitness can be done in various ways. Some enjoy running and exercising outdoors, while others do muscle training indoors.

Nowadays, muscle training and yoga videos can be watched on YouTube, so you can exercise while staying at home. In addition, public gyms run by local governments also have lower usage fees.

Hobby reading and manga

Next is reading and manga. Reading tends to be a relatively inexpensive hobby. Reading manga is a popular hobby in Japan and around the world. However, buying several new books every month can be expensive. This can be overcome by using secondhand books and libraries. Many libraries have extensive manga collections that are free to borrow. Trading manga with friends is also a cheap alternative. Looking for free digital manga is also an option.

Many people are taking advantage of libraries and second-hand books to keep costs down. In addition, more and more people are using free manga apps and novel delivery sites to enjoy free works that can be read on smartphones, making it easy to read anytime, anywhere.

Hobbies: watching videos, dramas, movies

Watching videos, dramas, and movies can be one of the hobbies that does not cost money. The price of cinemas has increased to 2,000 yen in some places, so if you go to the cinema once a week, your monthly expenses will be 8,000 yen. However, this can be overcome with video distribution services and video sites to enjoy content such as movies and anime. 

These sites and services allow you to enjoy a variety of works at relatively low prices. While some sites and services may have a monthly fee, people seem to be satisfied with these services because the prices are low considering the quantity and quality of the works and the cost performance is good.

Craft and handicraft hobbies

Crafts and crafts are also a great hobby that doesn't cost money. Nowadays, many craft supplies are sold at 100 yen shops in Japan so you can make cute creations without spending a lot of money. Plus, if you use old clothes or leftover fabric, you can further reduce the cost of materials and be more environmentally friendly. You can also sell the items you make online or at flea markets.

Instead of throwing away broken items, the Japanese have an art called kintsugi where broken items are repaired using gold or silver. While it takes a bit of skill and materials, the cost is relatively small compared to buying a new item. It’s not just about repairing an item, it’s also a philosophy that values history and the beauty of imperfection. The process of repairing broken items can be meditative and calming. Finding a secondhand item that’s worth repairing can be a fun and cost-effective activity.

In addition, you can also use ikebana or the art of flower arranging. Ikebana is more than just flower arranging. It is an art that emphasizes balance, harmony, and the beauty of nature. Although it requires a little investment to buy scissors and a simple vase, otherwise, you can use flowers and twigs found in the wild or even from your neighbor's garden (with permission, of course!). Choosing wildflowers that grow around the house also provides a unique and inexpensive experience.

Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, is the art of writing Japanese characters using a brush and ink. Initially, you may need to invest in a set of writing tools such as brushes, ink, and washi paper, but these tools will last you a long time. Practicing shodo requires patience and perseverance, and is a meditative activity that calms the mind. Finding free online tutorials can also be a solution for learning.

Origami can also be an option as a hobby. Origami is the art of folding paper into various shapes. All you need is paper - which can be obtained for free from used paper or newspapers - and a little patience, you can create amazing works of art. Various origami tutorials are available for free on the internet, making this hobby very affordable. Even folding used paper into simple shapes can be enjoyed.

Hobby games

Gaming is the fifth hobby that doesn't cost money. There are many smartphone games that can be played for free these days. You just have to pay for the communication costs for it. Even with games that are purchased or require a monthly fee, many people argue that this is the best value for money when you think about it as a whole. If it's an analog game like shogi, the cost may be lower than video games.

Board games such as Shogi (Japanese chess) are a traditional Japanese pastime that can be enjoyed with family and friends. This game only requires a board and pieces that are purchased at an affordable price. This game also trains strategy and thinking skills.

Hobby walking

The next rank is occupied by the hobby of walking. Many people enjoy walking by combining it with other activities, such as photographing scenery, listening to music, and looking for shops. Thus, making your walk more enjoyable and keep moving forward.

Taking a walk around your neighborhood, park, or even downtown is a free activity that is healthy and fun. It's a simple way to enjoy your surroundings, discover new places, and get some exercise without spending any money. Listening to music or a podcast while you walk can also add to the fun.

Gardening hobby

Lastly, gardening. Serious gardening requires things like soil, seeds, plants, and fertilizer, making it seem like an expensive hobby. However, there are many low-cost ways to enjoy gardening, such as growing from seeds and so on. Plus, if the plants are perennials, once planted, you can enjoy them for a long time.

Another hobby that doesn't cost money

Hanami (Enjoying Cherry Blossoms): This is not just a hobby, but part of Japanese culture. Every spring, millions of Japanese people spend time in parks to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Just bring a place to sit (such as a picnic blanket), bring snacks from home, and a camera to capture the beautiful moments. Sharing food and stories with friends and family adds a priceless sense of togetherness. Even walking around the neighborhood looking for cherry blossoms in bloom is considered hanami.

Shinsaku (Enjoying the Beauty of Nature): Exploring nature without paying an entrance fee is another popular pastime. Japan has many beautiful hiking trails, beaches, and forests. Bringing water and snacks from home, wearing comfortable clothes, and enjoying the calming scenery are simple ways to spend your free time. Taking pictures of the scenery can also be an additional activity. Taking a walk in a well-maintained city park is also considered shinsaku, enjoying the beauty of the park without having to pay an entrance fee.

Learning a New Skill (Learning a New Skill): There are many online resources that offer free online courses, including a variety of skills such as foreign languages, programming, graphic design, and more. Teaching yourself a new skill is an effective way to spend your free time and improve yourself, without having to spend money on expensive private lessons.

People Watching: It may sound strange, but people watching in public places like parks or train stations can be an entertaining and inspiring activity. You can observe social interactions, clothing styles, and a variety of human characteristics without having to spend a dime.

Stargazing (Stargazing): Finding a place with minimal light pollution and enjoying the beauty of the night sky is a free and relaxing activity. Searching for information about constellations and planets can also increase insight.

Hobby expenses that don't cost anything

Regarding hobbies that do not cost money, the average amount spent on hobbies in a month is 1,296 yen. However, the value that has the highest frequency is less than 1,000 yen per month. In fact, many people say that they do not spend any money at all on hobbies.

The benefits of a hobby that doesn't cost money 

Hobbies that don't cost money have several benefits. Hobbies that don't cost money can keep costs down. You can start them right away because they don't require a lot of money. Plus, you can pursue your hobby no matter what your income status is.

While it’s easy to start a hobby that doesn’t cost you any money, it may not last long because you can quit quickly. Plus, if you’re pursuing a hobby that you’re learning on your own without spending any money, it may be harder to improve and stay motivated than if you were taking classes or lessons.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Japanese show that meaningful hobbies do not have to be expensive. With creativity, patience, and an appreciation for simplicity, many hobbies can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. These hobbies highlight the Japanese philosophy of valuing natural beauty, simplicity, and social connection. The hobbies above can be adapted and modified according to the interests and creativity of each individual. The most important thing is to find pleasure and satisfaction in pursuing the hobby.