This article is written in English for international readers.
This is an English, globalized version of a Japanese article originally published approximately one month ago (November 2025). At that time, this was my first genuine blog revenue from affiliate actions. My earnings have gradually increased since then.
“Is it really possible to monetize a blog?”
This doubt is common among those starting affiliate marketing or side hustles.
I shared the same skepticism, continuing with the thought, “It probably won’t happen.”
Yet, it finally did.
I earned my first real revenue from the blog — not a test deposit, but actual affiliate income triggered by a reader’s action.
The amount was 8 yen, equivalent to approximately $0.051 (based on the current USD/JPY rate of around 156).
💡 Why This Small Amount Meant So Much
Through casual point-earning activities, I typically gain around 1,000 yen (about $6.40) per month. In comparison, 8 yen seems trivial.
However, its emotional value was immense.
It proved that someone found worth in my writing and took action because of it.
That realization touched me deeply.
🧮 Calculating the “Price of My Life”
To live independently without organizational support, I estimate my minimum monthly living expenses at approximately 150,000 yen, rounded to 2,000,000 yen annually (about $12,820 at current rates) to account for unexpected costs.
This figure represents my personal “survival cost.”
Breakdown of Life Cost
- Per year: 2,000,000 yen (≈ $12,820)
- Per day: 2,000,000 ÷ 365.25 ≈ 5,476 yen (≈ $35.10)
- Per hour: 5,476 ÷ 24 ≈ 228 yen (≈ $1.46)
- Per minute: 228 ÷ 60 ≈ 3.80 yen (≈ $0.024)
- Per second: 3.80 ÷ 60 ≈ 0.063 yen (≈ $0.00040)
Thus, one second of my life costs approximately 0.063 yen.
💖 Approximately 126 Seconds of Life Supported by Readers
With this calculation:
8 yen ÷ 0.063 yen/second ≈ 126 seconds
This small revenue represents about 126 seconds of my life sustained through readers' support.
I feel profound gratitude and resolve to make meaningful use of every one of those seconds.
📌 What Is the Price of Your Life?
This experience and calculation prompted me to reflect deeply on my lifestyle, spending, and values.
How much does it cost for you to live one year? One day? One second?
Viewing life through such a numerical lens can reveal insights we often overlook.
Thank you for reading this article.
If you found this article helpful, interesting, or relatable, would you consider supporting my survival and activity?
You can support my survival challenge through two ways:
1. U.S. Amazon Affiliate: If you are outside Japan, or prefer another way to support me, please click my Amazon link below. It doesn't matter what you buy; simply clicking the link and purchasing any item on Amazon helps sustain my life. I will be genuinely grateful for any commission received.
2. Japanese Banner:Please click the support banner below (Japanese ad). Every click contributes approximately one Japanese yen to my necessary living funds.
Purchase on Amazon here (Sorry. Image not displayed)
Crystal Geyser, Alpine Spring Water Natural, 30pk
