Every day in Japan, some weird new appetite is identified and gratified. There are cats to rent, used underwear to purchase, owls to pet at owl bars, and something unusual…….rent-a-friend. Whether it’s shooting the breeze over coffee, taking a long walk on the beach, or accompanying a client on a drive to their parents’ house, rent-a-friend services offer companionship to individuals seeking someone to spend time with, to listen to them, and to generally be a friend. These services operate on a strictly platonic basis, focusing on offering companionship and fulfilling specific needs. People can choose to rent a friend to accompany them to social events, or simply to have someone to talk to. These services are often used by individuals who feel lonely, lack social connections, or require temporary support for specific activities. Unable to figure out how to make friends, and with so little time to do it, it makes sense that people in Japan are turning to unusual solutions for their social needs. Rent-a-friend companies are booming, with at least 10 in the small country right now. The going rate for renting a friend averages ¥3,000 ($18) an hour. For those seeking a friend, even with a price tag attach, a bit of emotional contact with a friendly person is powerful.
