Earning Rs 69 lakh a year without doing anything at all: Meet 41-year-old Shogo Morimoto, the Japanese businessman who does nothing

At 41 years old, Shoji Morimoto has turned an ironic twist of fate into a thriving career. After being fired from a previous job in 2018 due to his lack of initiative, Morimoto found success as a “do-nothing-for-hire” companion company, catering to those in Japan looking for non-romantic companionship, according to a report by CNBC.

In 2023 alone, Morimoto’s unconventional career has earned him nearly $80,000 (about INR 69,000), offering a unique solution for individuals who want company without the pressure of engaging in conversation or activity. Its services are remarkably versatile, meeting requests ranging from attending events to supporting customers during mundane tasks.

Among his various roles, Morimoto’s duties include:

– Encouraging marathon runners from the finish line

– Participate in video calls while clients redesign their living spaces

– Attending concerts on behalf of clients who cannot attend, allowing friends to enjoy events without feeling lonely

Morimoto prides himself on his direct approach; It accommodates clients’ requests with minimal intervention, and sets one clear limit: no sexual services are provided.

Reflecting on his experiences, Morimoto said: “I have encountered objectively difficult situations, such as standing in line in the sun or attending parties full of strangers.” Despite the challenges, he enjoys the unique situations his job provides. “I can still be proud of it,” he noted.

One of Morimoto’s standout experiments involved an extensive 17-hour ride on Tokyo’s Yamanote Line, in which he made thirteen laps from dawn until the last train. He also often listens to clients during difficult times, offering a compassionate presence without judgment or unwanted advice.

Morimoto operates on a pay-as-you-want model, receiving about 1,000 orders a year, allowing customers to set their own payments. Previously, he charged between 10,000 yen and 30,000 yen ($65 to $195) for a 2-3 hour session, and his flexibility has contributed to his resume.

“Although I don’t know if this model is sustainable, I enjoy exploring it,” he said.

Human rental services in Japan:

Japan boasts a vibrant rental services industry, where individuals can hire companions for various social roles. Although official statistics are scarce, the country is known for offering services that provide temporary relationships, from family support to friends at social events.

According to experts, loneliness is not the only motivation for seeking hired companionship. Some individuals may simply crave companionship, while others may have difficulty with social interactions.