On June 4, 2026, a post titled 'Why is it still so fun even after going to Tokyo 5 times?' appeared on China's SNS Xiaohongshu (RED), drawing a significant response from Chinese netizens.

The poster wrote, 'Even though I've been to Tokyo 5 times, the joy I feel in Tokyo has hardly diminished. This might actually be a bit unusual, because many joys fade with time. When I first ate at my favorite restaurant, I was happy, but by the fifth time, it becomes normal. When I first bought the merchandise I wanted, I was excited, but afterward, it might just become a matter of unboxing. However, Tokyo is not like that for me. Perhaps it's because Tokyo is a place that fulfills some important desires in my life.'

They continued, 'When I live in Shanghai, most of my daily life is structured around work. I go to work from Monday to Friday, waiting for the next business day. But Tokyo is different. Every time I arrive in Tokyo, how I spend my day starts to revolve around my hobbies. Today I'll go to an exhibition, tomorrow I'll participate in an event. The day after tomorrow, I'll shop around Ikebukuro and relax at my favorite cafe in the evening. Many people might think Tokyo is fun because there are many places to play, but for me, that's not it. What truly makes me happy is not work obligations, but being able to spend my time according to my own interests.'

They also said, 'I love two-dimensional culture. Tokyo is a place that infinitely expands these hobbies. If I enter a bookstore, I might encounter works I love. If I pass by a shopping mall, an event might be taking place. At stations, there might even be advertisements for my favorite idols/characters (oshi). Just by walking through the city, I constantly encounter small surprises. I see the process of events being prepared, and I see fans gathering. I see a single work being loved by many people, and I see people connecting through shared hobbies. Then, it feels as if I am not just observing the world, but participating as a part of it.'

Furthermore, they stated, 'Previously, I thought going to Tokyo was an escape from reality. However, now I feel it's a bit different. True escape from reality is when, after returning to reality, you don't want to face anything. But what Tokyo brings me is quite the opposite feeling. Every time I return home, I feel more motivated to work hard in my life. I want to work harder and earn more. I want to plan my next trip. Tokyo is not so much an escape as it is a charging station for life. It reminds me that life isn't just about KPIs, salary, or rent. It teaches me that there are still many things to look forward to.'

They went on to say, 'Previously, I thought I liked Tokyo because there was someone I liked there. But it turns out that wasn't the case. Over the past few years, my 'oshi' (favorite person/character) kept changing, from voice actors to streamers to virtual idols, but the enjoyment Tokyo gave me didn't change. And I realized that what I like is not a specific person, but rather participating in the process where culture is born and moves. It was here that I finally understood that I hadn't gone to the same Tokyo 5 times, but rather experienced 5 different stages of life in Tokyo. Tokyo has always been the same Tokyo. What changed was me. That's why the scenery I see is different every time.'

They concluded, 'I used to think that Tokyo itself made me happy, but now I can phrase it more accurately. Tokyo is a place that shows me how I want to live. And that discovery isn't lost after just 5 visits. If I were to summarize it in one sentence, Tokyo is not just a tourist destination, but a place that shows me that there are other ways to live life. Every time I stand on a street corner in Tokyo, I strongly feel, 'Life can be lived this way, too.' That feeling alone makes me want to go to Tokyo again and again.'

In response to this post, Chinese netizens commented with sympathy, saying: 'Once you visit Tokyo, you'll be drawn to it for life.' 'Every time I return from Tokyo, I think, "I need to work harder and earn more." I want to save enough money to go enjoy the civilized world again.' 'When you rent a room and live there, it's a completely different feeling from traveling, but I prefer it. I've lived and worked there for 20 years, and I still enjoy it.' 'The more I go, the more I feel like I don't have enough time. That's because I keep discovering new and fun places. I've already bought tickets for two trips this year.' (Translated and edited by Iwata)