Burned out by modern life, Japanese woman opens tavern called 'It’s OK to Be Useless'

After we’ve worked and hustled, we just want to take a break and unwind, not hear about how we’re not doing enough. A Japanese social worker, Fish Akiko, is transforming Japan’s well-being with her innovative creation — the “It is OK to be useless” bar, per the South China Morning Post’s December 20 report. Just as the name suggests, people can come in and leave their worries at the door of this bar located in Fukuoka City, Western Japan. Right from conversations to snacks, everything is designed to help burned-out customers from all groups just relax and do… well… nothing.

Representative Cover Image Source:
Group of young friends paying the bill with a credit card at a diner
Getty Images | Photo by Kobus Louw Group of young friends paying the bill with a credit card at a diner. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Kobus Louw)

The woman came up with the plan to help give people a much-needed break from the struggles and pressures of everyday life. Because, let’s face it, even when we’re not doing anything, we’re worrying about everything. Open around five times a month, people come into this store, enjoy a snack and a fun time, and interact with each other. Akiko does her best to interact with every customer that walks in and ensure they leave their troubles behind before unwinding. As a social worker, Akiko understands the strong impact of constantly having to believe that “one can only live when being useful to others.”

She wanted to turn this stereotype around, and so people came in, with no strings attached, no catch, simply to chill. So, do they just sit and make merry? No. They can do pretty much anything they want without worrying about whether it’s up to society’s standards. Akiko’s Facebook page captures various fun activities she plans in case customers want to refresh themselves. One post revealed that the woman organized a journal exchange event. Another post captured a night of drinks, poetry, music, and more.

With today’s hustle and bustle, Akiko’s bar is a much-needed space for many. Data published by Nippon revealed that the number of people struggling mentally due to burnout increased by 173 in Japan last year. The numbers have been steadily rising, with around 79 cases of suicide and attempted suicide due to overwork also noted.

Data from Robert Walters revealed that 60% of Japanese employees feel burned out to the point where it’s affecting their mental health. According to Fortune, 60% of millennials and older generation employees are suffering from burnout in the U.S. While there are several external factors promoting this, the top ones remain increased demands and expectations from the workplace. A study by the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Indiana University, and Common Sense Media revealed that even American teenagers are not spared from burnout. Nearly 60% of teenagers revealed that they are tense about not having a game plan or something concrete for the future.

Everyone is dealing with their silent struggles, craving some time off — and Akiko’s bar provides just that. The dream of the bar is also connected to the woman’s personal life. Akiko grew up with a chauvinist father, and as a result, her mom had to give up everything to serve the family and look after her. The then-little girl received one message from her mother — not to end up like her. So she worked hard, went to the UK, pursued a job in the field of media, and even ventured into social work before returning to Japan. During the pandemic, she opened the bar while juggling other passions. Now, it has become a platform for people from all walks of life to come and find relief and comfort. Like Akiko says, “Being OK with being useless does not mean doing nothing, but rather granting yourself permission to live for yourself. Living your own life is the greatest contribution you can make to society.”