Friend Rental Service in Japan

 

When feeling stress, people find talking to friends sometimes helps. In this busy world, it is not always friends are around to talk or go out with you.

 

Can you actually rent a friend like car?

 

<<Mid aged man rental is normal in Japan, here to find out more about why popular?>>

"Yes", you can in Japan.

 

We introduce one company as an example so that you can get the idea how it is like. 

 

The company, Client Partners, which is a well known detective agency in Shibuya, Tokyo lends "friend".

 

Price is 800USD for 11 hours (the price info from Asahi News, possibly different depending on cases).

 

The official website says as example this service suitable for those who:

 

1. feel so shy to go to a sport gym alone and need somebody to come with

 

2. do not want to play with a stranger at a game center

 

3. need somebody to replace a (real) friend who could not come to a party/event

 

4. freshly moved to a new city and need some friend to show around and drink together

 

Some reasons may be okay but the reason No. 2? Come on.. 

 

Well, this type of service is not so strange in Japan.

<UPDATED 2024 May>

Onegai Kaeru team knows there are several companies like this one offering service to attend a wedding as a father/mother/friends of the client or so(one wedding costs around 120USD). You can see the list of this type of service in Japan. 

 

If you are female and want to rent a female friend in Japan who speaks English or other languages than Japanese, you can try F-R-I-E-N.

 

In recent years, Japan has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of rental friend services, reflecting evolving attitudes towards social relationships and personal connections. BBC reported there was a service where some people hire someone to do nothing.  

 

This phenomenon has been fueled by a combination of societal pressures, changing lifestyles, and unique cultural factors that shape interpersonal dynamics in Japan.

 

Japan's cultural landscape places a strong emphasis on conformity and maintaining harmonious relationships. However, there is also a growing recognition of the benefits of simplicity and minimalism, particularly in personal interactions. We noticed some famous persons in Japan have expressed sentiments about the value of reducing external influences and maintaining a sense of personal well-being by simplifying social circles.

 

According to a survey conducted by a research firm in Japan, attitudes towards friendship vary significantly between genders. The survey, which targeted individuals aged 10 to 60, revealed that a higher percentage of women (64.1%) compared to men (55.3%) have experienced the benefits of having fewer friends. This statistic underscores a nuanced perspective on social interactions and preferences among different demographics in Japan.

 

Then, why friend rental is popular in Japan? 

 

A simple answer shall be the rest 35% of women and 45% of men may want to use the service(!). Yet, one side of this phenomenon is even though you do not need many friends, you may want to hire some friend for one time occasion. Some people have a problem with their parents and cannot invite them for the wedding. But because of an issue like "face issue" for their partner's side some people use this type of service. The cost of keeping a face seems quite high.

 

The emergence of rental friend services caters to individuals who desire social engagement without the commitment of traditional friendships. Many women in Japan, while valuing simplicity in personal relationships, still seek opportunities to share experiences and enjoy social outings with companions. Rental friend services offer a convenient solution by providing temporary companionship tailored to specific activities or interests.

 

One of the key advantages of rental friend services is the flexibility and customization they offer. Customers can choose companions based on shared interests, activities, or specific occasions, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience. This level of convenience appeals to individuals who may prefer temporary social interactions or seek companionship for specific events.

 

Loneliness and social isolation remain prevalent challenges in modern Japanese society, particularly among urban populations. Rental friend services provide a temporary remedy by offering companionship and social engagement on demand, fostering meaningful interactions and alleviating feelings of isolation.

 

As the popularity of rental friend services grows, competition among providers intensifies. To stand out in a crowded market, companies focus on unique offerings, exceptional customer service, and specialized experiences tailored to diverse preferences. This competitive landscape drives innovation and encourages providers to continuously evolve their offerings.

 

The normalization of rental friend services in popular media, including films and documentaries, has contributed to their acceptance and integration into mainstream culture. Cultural representations often highlight the emotional depth and significance of human connection, resonating with audiences who seek meaningful social experiences.

 

The rise of rental friend services reflects a broader societal shift towards redefining social interactions and addressing contemporary challenges related to relationships and social connections. By offering customized companionship and flexibility, these services empower individuals to navigate social dynamics in a way that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle choices.

 

This comprehensive overview highlights the multifaceted appeal of rental friend services in Japan and their role in shaping modern-day social interactions and personal connections.

 

There are services where you can rent a family, someone who apologize for you etc. in Japan. Why these services are popular and where exactly you should go to rent such a person? You find why this type of business has been normal in Japan (and Asia) here!

 

Source: fumumu

Some use this service to disclose a crime inside the company (a useful maybe as an anti retaliation measure ). Some use to quit his/her company. Some try to keep the face..

 

Have you used this kind of service? How is your country? Do you have a similar service in fact? If anybody used this service, please share your experience!

Do you want to TV shooting, music video, photo shooting for this type of topic in Japan?

 

We worked with major TV broadcasters around the world and online media to carry out their task in Japan. We acquire shooting permits, make planning, arrangement with the venues, also hire local professional crew (videographer, photographer, editor, makeup artist, stylist, model, interpreter etc. ) for the project.

 

Just contact us.

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Disclaimer: Even though we try to make the info as updated and accurate but the accuracy of the information herein is not guaranteed by us. If you have any uncertainty, please contact the information source.

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Onegai Kaeru bring happiness to the world with its shopping support service and original super cute items!