Man offers company to combat with loneliness and earns money for simply being there.
Shoji Morimoto has carved a unique niche by offering companionship services that address loneliness.
His approach allows people to engage in activities without the pressure of conversation. This provided a much-needed remedy for social isolation.
The concept of “doing nothing”
Morimoto’s service centers around providing “awkward” companionship.
Clients hire him to simply be present during various activities.
For two to three hours, he charges about $100, catering to over 1,000 clients, including locals and international visitors.
His work aims to counteract the Hikikomori syndrome, a severe form of social withdrawal that affects many individuals in Japan and beyond.
Morimoto’s clients often seek companionship without the expectation of meaningful conversation.
Morimoto expresses his unique service
In his memoir, “Rental Person Who Does Nothing”, Morimoto shares memorable experiences from his unusual job.
For instance, he recalls a woman who hired him to observe her while she snooped on her husband’s online dating profiles.
“She screamed every ten minutes,” he wrote, detailing her distress.
In another instance, he amusingly watched a woman eat ripped pieces of paper as if they were rice.
Despite the eccentric nature of his work, Morimoto maintains a professional distance. He emphasizes that his relationships with clients remain temporary and devoid of emotional ties.
“I will never be friends with people who hire me,” he stated, earning around $80,000 a year through this unique service.
Morimoto also addresses loneliness while working with clients.
Since 2018, Morimoto has gained recognition for his unconventional approach to tackling loneliness. He provides company for various activities, such as dining, attending events, or simply sitting quietly while clients work.
For about 10,000 yen (approximately $70) per session, he offers a judgment-free space for those seeking connection. Morimoto typically refrains from initiating conversation, allowing clients to dictate the level of interaction.
While many clients are indeed lonely, a BBC documentary revealed that some have deeper emotional struggles. For instance, one woman hired Morimoto to sit with her and reminisce about her partner, who had died by suicide.
Morimoto’s services also serve as a comforting presence for those facing difficult conversations with loved ones. The comfort of having a neutral third party can ease their burdens.
Public reaction to Morimoto’s service has been mixed.
Some view him as providing valuable companionship and a form of therapy for those dealing with grief and loneliness.
Others argue that his service highlights the alarming rise of loneliness in modern society and the challenges of forming genuine relationships.
One person said: Having a physics degree and being a full time fake friend as a career is wild.
A second wrote: I would rather hire that translator as a friend, he was more interactive.
While a third commented: This man looks incredibly sad and lifeless.
Another added: Literally this guy is an npc when he’s eating drinking & Gaming
Someone else said: Seems like the translator was the real friend.
Shoji Morimoto’s approach to combating loneliness through paid companionship raises important questions. It highlights the evolving nature of social connections in today’s world.
While his service fills a crucial gap for many, it also reflects the growing need for deeper, more meaningful relationships.
What do you think about his unique offering?