美人鱼の生活

Nestled within the vast ocean of YouTube channels is a pearl, the ‘美人鱼の生活’ – a name that translates to MermaidLife in English. This Japanese channel has amassed a modest yet dedicated following of 144 subscribers since its inception on November 12, 2012, by sharing the enchanting rituals of daily life, hobbyist DIY crafts, and an affinity for pets. MermaidLife’s content ranges from folding paper crafts to beauty and product reviews, offering an international audience a glimpse into the varied interests and hobbies within Japanese lifestyle.

The Art of Folded Paper

MermaidLife showcases the mesmerizing skill of paper folding, primarily through a video titled ‘How to Make a Simple, Popular Spinning Top with Origami’ that has garnered an impressive 69,572 views. The video’s popularity is a testament to the channel’s ability to capture the charm of traditional Japanese crafts. Another notable tutorial, ‘The Simple Way to Make a Diamond Origami’ – though its view count is not listed – further reinforces MermaidLife’s commitment to demystifying origami techniques for its audience.

Beauty and Product Reviews

The channel offers more than just paper-folding tips; it also includes reviews of beauty products popular in Japan. Reviews range from haircare sets like ‘Amenimo’ and ‘BOTANIST’, both perfect for the humid Japanese climate, to an array of fine essences from various high-end brands like Albion, Lancome, Shiseido, and Hera. These reviews are not only informative but also provide a personal insight into Japan’s cosmetics scene.

Post-Pandemic Reflections and Travel

MermaidLife’s content is not confined to hobbies or beauty; it delves into self-reflection, most notably in the video ‘What Do You Want to Do After the Pandemic? Skiiing: A: Skiing’, which invites viewers to share their post-COVID dreams, focusing explicitly on winter sports. The channel also includes snapshots of life after lockdown, encapsulated in a vlog capturing a spontaneous trip to a park in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture during Golden Week – a series of national holidays in Japan – likely recorded as a breath of fresh air for its audience after prolonged periods of confinement.

Pets & Animals

All the videos are listed under the ‘Pets & Animals’ category, which might be a peculiar categorization given the broad range of topics covered. Still, it’s evident that MermaidLife holds a soft spot for animal lovers, featuring content that includes moments from the daily life of their beloved cat, Momochan – ‘Momochan’s Daily Routine: Washing Face’.

Conclusion

MermaidLife encapsulates the essence of Japanese lifestyle in a series of discussion topics ranging from paper crafts, beauty, hobbies, to post-pandemic life and travel adventures. The channel, though small and focused on uniqueness, offers an extensive palette of content that resonates with those who have an inkling for the eclectic aspects of Japanese culture.