Old Enough!
A Nippon TV Original
Old Enough! follows very young children as they’re sent out alone to run simple errands for the first time, with a discreet camera crew capturing each step. Episodes show parents giving brief instructions, the kids’ tentative problem solving, and the responses of shopkeepers, neighbors, and... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About Old Enough!
Old Enough! follows very young children as they’re sent out alone to run simple errands for the first time, with a discreet camera crew capturing each step. Episodes show parents giving brief instructions, the kids’ tentative problem solving, and the responses of shopkeepers, neighbors, and waiting family members. Footage stays unscripted and short, moving between awkward mistakes, quiet pride, and small comedic moments. The series leaves room for natural interaction rather than narration, offering candid glimpses of childhood responsibility, neighborhood kindness, and the little lessons that come when a child handles a task on their own. Episodes vary in tone and length, but stick to ordinary moments.
Premiering on Japanese television in 1991, Old Enough! was created by Atsushi Ouchi and directed by Kôkichi Satô, establishing a simple reality template that highlights unscripted childhood errands, everyday settings, and the quiet generosity of neighborhood shopkeepers across many seasons.
The series hasn't been a major fixture on international awards circuits, and there are no widely reported global trophies linked to the original program. Instead, its longevity and steady viewing figures are the clearest forms of recognition, reflecting cultural resonance rather than prize-driven acclaim, particularly domestically and in media coverage.
Because it focuses on everyday moments and unscripted child behavior, Old Enough! generated many memorable clips that people share, and it influenced how some reality shows portray ordinary life. The series also encouraged conversations about parenting styles, independence, and how communities react when children take on small responsibilities.
Critical and audience reactions tend to highlight the show's warm, observational approach and emphasis on trust, small-scale responsibility, and social support. On the provided voting platform it holds a 6.7/10 average from 11 votes, reflecting modest online ratings but steady, long-term viewer loyalty over time across its long run overall.
Details
- Release Date
- June 08, 1991
- Episode Length
- 20m
- User Ratings
- 11 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 32
- Episodes
- 99
- Network
- Nippon TV, YTV
- Status
- Returning Series
- Genres
- Reality, Family
- Country
- Japan
- Studio
- Nippon Television Network Corporation
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Seasons (32 seasons, 99 episodes)
Season 1
20 episodes - 1991
Season 2
10 episodes - 2023
Season 3
0 episodes
Season 4
0 episodes
Season 5
0 episodes
Season 6
0 episodes
Season 7
0 episodes
Season 8
0 episodes
Season 9
0 episodes
Season 10
0 episodes
Season 11
14 episodes - 2011
Season 12
17 episodes - 2012
Season 13
14 episodes - 2013
Season 14
0 episodes
Season 15
0 episodes
Season 16
0 episodes
Season 17
0 episodes
Season 18
0 episodes
Season 19
0 episodes
Season 20
0 episodes
Season 21
0 episodes
Season 22
0 episodes
Season 23
0 episodes
Season 24
0 episodes
Season 25
1 episodes - 2015
Season 26
1 episodes - 2016
Season 27
1 episodes - 2017
Season 28
1 episodes - 2018
Season 29
1 episodes - 2019
Season 30
1 episodes - 2020
Season 31
1 episodes - 2021
Season 32
17 episodes - 2022