Japanese Man Earns $80,000 Annually by Offering Non-Romantic Companionship

Shoji Morimoto, once fired for being unproductive, has turned 'doing nothing' into a thriving career in Japan's rental services industry.

Shoji Morimoto, 41, provides non-romantic companionship by fulfilling requests such as attending events, waiting at marathon finish lines, or simply being present for clients.
He receives approximately 1,000 requests annually and adopts a pay-as-you-wish model, earning around $80,000 last year.
Morimoto previously charged 10,000 to 30,000 yen ($65 to $195) per session but now lets clients decide his fee, emphasizing the enjoyment of his unconventional work.
Japan's rental services industry caters to increasing social isolation, offering temporary companions, friends, or family members for various needs.
Experts suggest Morimoto's popularity reflects cultural challenges in Japan, including loneliness and social awkwardness, which drive demand for such services.