Japanese have always been struggling with mental health issues, according to different surveys. One survey even showed that young adults’ primary cause of death was suicide. The country even has a “loneliness minister” to help tackle such issues regarding the mental health of citizens.
This mental condition leaves citizens wanting comfort and company. This is where Mr. Shoji Morimoto comes in. His profession lies along what people would call “rent-a-guy.” He doesn’t need to put much effort into this line of work, but he enjoys it.
“I lend myself out to do nothing, which means I don’t make any special effort,” he told CBS Saturday Morning. “I don’t initiate conversation. I reply to chitchat, but that’s it.”
What does he actually do? You might ask. Usually, people pay him to accompany them to simple places and events to sometimes even listen to murder confessions.
2018 marked the start of this profession for Mr. Marimoto. He got laid off and thought of this idea and took it to Twitter. He goes by the handle Do Nothing Rent-a-Man. It would be safe to say that his statement was received well as he has more than 200,000 followers.
Morimoto told CBS News that his clients come in a “vast diversity of personalities, circumstances, and problems.”
He stated, “Some individuals feel lonely.” “Some people think it’s a waste to travel somewhere (interesting) by themselves; they want someone to share their experiences with.
According to The Independent, he takes up to three jobs every day and has done over 3,000 so far.
According to CBS News, his other jobs include:
- Drinking a cup of coffee in solitude.
- Listening to a busker.
- Accompanying them on their birthday.
- Going on a date or taking them to shops and restaurants.
- Going on a Swinging ride with a customer.
If you’re interested in his services, you must know that he is just there to accompany you and help you feel less lonely. He isn’t there to do your chores such as cleaning and laundry. He also does not accept unusual requests such as sending naked photographs or becoming a friend. He states that he’s someone you don’t need to feel the annoyances of relationships with.
Source: BusinessInsider
Also read about Feeling Lazy? Learn a Japanese Technique for Overcoming Your Laziness