Key Points
- Uni has completed a 3,500km journey from Melbourne to Cairns on a kick scooter.
- The 23-year-old from Japan was greeted by more than 100 people in Cairns.
- He says he never felt alone during his 124-day trip.
When Uni set off from Melbourne on his kick scooter on Australia Day 2023, some people said he was "crazy".
The 23-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, had just arrived in Australia and didn't know anyone or the local language.
Fast-forward 124 days and Uni reached his final destination after a gruelling 3,500km journey.
Speaking to SBS Japanese shortly after his arrival in Cairns on 27 May, Uni said he never imagined the level of support he received from Australians.
More than 100 people gathered at the Cairns Esplanade to welcome Uni with a loud cheer, including Cairns Regional Councillor Amy Eden.
"I am incredibly lucky," Uni said.
Cairns Regional Council Amy Eden with Uni. Credit: Australia Japan Society of Far North Queensland/Makoto Kamatani-Haynes
Uni said he had a "very, very good trip", supported by countless people he met along the way.
"I did it!" he exclaimed.
The last 10km
Uni broadcast the final 10km stretch of his journey on Instagram, with just over 200 people tuning in to watch and cheer him on.
As his destination grew closer, Uni's emotions were evident.
When he first set off on his scooter adventure, he said passing cars would often honk at him.
That remained the case till the end, but for different reasons, he said.
At first, people were honking to tell me to move out of the way or tell me it was dangerous. Later people were honking to cheer me on.Uni
Looking back, he said the experience of a car stopping to offer him a lift for $100 provided an early shock.
But it was onwards and upwards from there as he began to encounter the "kindness" of the Australian community.
"When I first arrived in Australia, I never thought of staying at a private residence," Uni told SBS Japanese back in March.
While strangers opened up their homes to him, Uni also spent many nights sleeping in a small tent and even picked up casual jobs along the way.
As he rode his last 10km, Uni was cheered on by passing drivers, some of whom stopped for photos or to give directions.
I have been heading towards Cairns all this time, Cairns was my dream, but I knew nothing about Cairns.Uni
Those who tuned into Uni's Instagram also sent comments of support.
"It was fun to see the kindness and lifestyle of Australians through Uni-kun, thank you," one follower from Japan said.
A memorable event
Makoto Kamatani Haynes of the Australia-Japan Society Far North Queensland organised the welcome event in Cairns.
She first heard about Uni's trip from the mother of a former scholarship student of the association.
The not-for-profit organisation has been dedicated to "building bridges between Australia and Japan" for over two decades.
"It was a big challenge to organise the event due to the unpredictability of Uni's travel," she said, explaining that the organisation had just over a week to plan.
While the event was "simpler" than initially planned, Ms Kamatani Haynes hoped it was a memorable occasion for both Uni and the people of Cairns who attended.
Uni and Makoto Kamatani-Haynes (in red) Source: Supplied / Australia Japan Society of Far North Queensland/Makoto Kamatani-Haynes
Welcomed with a meat pie
Uni revealed during his Instagram Live what he longed for most was his "grandmother's pickles".
Instead, he was surprised to be handed a meat pie upon his arrival by Cairns Regional Councillor Amy Ede.
He later joined Ms Kamatani Haynes and her family for a meal of ramen, gyoza, edamame and Japanese beer.
"I will be eating ramen first, then contacting my family," he laughed.
It was nothing but smiles from Uni. Credit: Australia Japan Society of Far North Queensland/Makoto Kamatani-Haynes
Throughout the ordeal, he said he never felt alone.
The tourist captured many people's attention with his kimono and Japanese flag, which were items gifted to him by an elderly man he met in Kyoto during an earlier trip around Japan.
The man Uni considers his biggest supporter passed away last September.
"I think he would be very happy," Uni said.
Uni (left) and Mr Isedo (right), Uni's biggest supporter who gave him the kimono for his journey. Credit: Supplied: Uni
He will now travel back to Japan to work, but has vowed to return down under to greet those who showed such love and support to a stranger.
"When that's done, my journey is complete."
ウニさんの旅を聴く
23歳の日本人青年キックボードで3,500キロに挑戦
Messages of love and support from people Uni met during his journey. Credit: Supplied: Uni
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