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Grandson Refuses Visit Over Slow Internet; Grandparents' Solution Surprises Them

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A 7-year-old boy refused to visit his grandparents in the countryside because the internet was too slow.
  • The boy's grandparents learned that fast internet is essential for his social life and entertainment, not just a tool.
  • They upgraded their home to fiber optic internet, resolving the crisis and allowing the boy to visit.

A 7-year-old boy's refusal to visit his grandparents in rural Japan highlighted a generational gap in understanding internet usage. The boy, accustomed to the fast-paced online world of Tokyo, found his grandparents' home isolating due to its slow, outdated internet connection.

Living on a pension of about 150,000 yen (around $1,000 USD) per month, the grandparents eagerly anticipated their grandson Haruto's summer visit. However, Haruto firmly stated he did not want to go, citing loneliness and an inability to do anything. While fewer playmates in the countryside and the grandparents' busy farm work contributed, the primary issue was the internet speed.

I don't want to go to Grandpa's house.

— HarutoThe grandson's initial refusal to visit his grandparents.

Haruto's daily life in Tokyo involved online gaming, watching videos, and video calls with friends. In contrast, his grandparents' home relied on a decade-old cable internet that caused constant buffering, game lag, and dropped calls, leaving him feeling disconnected. Recognizing their outdated perspective, the grandparents promptly upgraded their home to high-speed fiber optic internet. The crisis was averted when Haruto immediately video-called to test the new connection on the day it was installed.

I feel lonely and can't do anything there.

— HarutoThe grandson's explanation for not wanting to visit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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