Drivers on the Sunshine Coast could be forgiven for rubbing their eyes at the sight of a Japanese man in his country’s traditional clothing scooting along our roads this week.
But that is exactly the scene that is playing out as the 23-year-old named Uni, who goes by the Instagram handle @uni.kick, travels through the Coast.
Uni is completing a remarkable journey of more than 3500km from Melbourne to Cairns on a kick scooter with nothing but his backpack.
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He is now up to day 86 of the trip, after starting on January 24.
In true Generation Z style, he is documenting the whole epic trip on Instagram, with more and more people following his travels.
Along the way he is sleeping in a tent or accepting accommodation from supporters he has met along the way or are following his social media.
Last night Uni stayed with Katrina Hope in Palmview, and today he is heading to Coolum Beach. He will then continue north to Noosa and beyond.
“We were in Brisbane on the weekend and met him at the West End Markets,” Ms Hope said. “We were both in line for Japanese pancakes and started a conversation.
“He is a lovely person and we offered him a bed on his way through. We connected on Instagram and a few days later he arrived at our home on the Sunshine Coast.”
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In an interview with Sunshine Coast News (conducted over Instagram of course), Uni said his trip had two purposes.
“I am travelling to change myself. I’m donating for refugees!” he said.
It’s clearly a cause he is passionate about.
“I threw out my house and car and job for this challenge! Before the trip, I was a carpenter,” he said.
When asked about his travelling style, Uni said: “I always sleep outside so I have a tent! And I only eat bread! Because it’s cheap.”
After 86 days on the road, how is his body feeling?
“I’m doing very well! Because a lot of Australians supported me,” he said.
His favourite part of the trip so far?
“I like meeting Australian people! I am running to meet people,” he said.
And what about the hardest part so far?
“I was approached on the street on the first day. She told me to pay $100 for the ride. I refused, and that night I was sleeping outside when the tent shook and I woke up. It was a sprinkler!” he said.
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So far he has completed about 2000km and been through places including Wagga Wagga, Sydney, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
He says he has so far had no issues with his unpowered scooter.
“There is nothing wrong with my scooter. I’ve travelled 8000km all over Japan on a scooter, so I know where it breaks. I sometimes replace the parts. But I didn’t change the tires,” he said.
In the Team UNHCR fundraising page about the trip, Uni outlines some more about his goals.
“On this journey of self-discovery I’m raising funds for Australia for UNHCR, an organisation that supports people who have been affected by unforeseen disasters such as wars and earthquakes,” it says.
“I’ve been inspired to raise funds for Australia for UNHCR because when I was in Port Macquarie I met a family from Ukraine. I learnt about what it is like to be forced to flee your home.
“The family told me that they had no choice but to leave the country because of the war. Their father was shot and is in the hospital, and I actually talked to him on a video call, and it really made me think.
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“More and more people have become interested in my travels, so I started thinking that I would like to use this energy to support the refugees.
“With the support of Australia for UNHCR and the people I met along the way, I was able to make the decision to do charity work.
“All the money raised goes to providing shelter, support and safety for those affected by disasters like the war in Ukraine.
“I have a healthy body that can work so, I worked for a year on this trip, collected travel funds, and brought it with me, so there is no need to worry.
“If you would like to support my challenge, I would appreciate it if you could support me by donating or sharing this activity.”
You can follow Uni’s travels here and donate to his cause here.
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