Mumbai, Oct 9, 2026 18:27 IST A Japanese woman living in Mumbai has questioned why some individuals constantly spotlight the unfavorable elements of India. She argued that every nation possesses its own advantages and disadvantages, and that gaining a direct, firsthand experience of a place provides an entirely different viewpoint.
Hikaru San, who relocated to India eight months prior, expressed her observations in an Instagram video message. She noted that before and after her move, she frequently received warnings and unsolicited advice from fellow Japanese citizens and others who labeled the country as dirty or fixated strictly on its negative qualities.
She questioned the motivation behind creating and monetizing content that zeroes in on such flaws. Remarking that every society has positive and negative facets, she asked what the true purpose is in picking up those specific elements and posting them online as a livelihood.
Hikaru additionally emphasized the necessity of living in a location rather than relying exclusively on social media narratives to shape opinions. She mentioned that Japan also features areas that are unclean, a reality outsiders might miss unless they reside there. Given that India is an expansive nation, she noted that experiences vary significantly depending on the region, noting that her own insights stem specifically from residing in Mumbai.
Reflecting on her ongoing journey, Hikaru admitted she was surprised by minor daily occurrences but had not faced the extreme scenarios frequently depicted in online media. She questioned who ultimately benefits from content that persistently portrays the country in a detrimental light.
In the caption accompanying her social media post, she shared that relocating to India fundamentally shifted her perspective on numerous matters. She expressed a commitment to continuing to showcase the beauty and remarkable aspects of the country to a broader audience.
The video quickly generated online discussion among viewers. While some commenters concurred that every nation contains both admirable and undesirable elements, others commended her for offering a constructive and balanced viewpoint on life in India. Additional users noted that her commentary serves as a reminder for locals to take greater pride in maintaining clean surroundings.