A woman rented a “Japanese old man” for a day during her visit to the country and said she had the “best time”.
Aija Mayrock, an author from the US, shared her experience on TikTok after spending the day with 58-year old Kazushi Sakurai. She revealed that she used a scheme by Ossan Rental, which provides a companion to young people for a fee.
“I logged and searched through the older men and emailed a few. Ossan Rental is wholesome – nothing weird or illegal is allowed,” she explained. “After several people replied saying they were busy, I finally got a ‘Yes’ and went to meet him.”
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After greeting Kazushi, she revealed he hires himself out four times a week at a rate of $6 [£4.71 approx.] per hour to “complete strangers” – though he “doesn’t need the money”, she assures.
“You can hire me for life advice, financial advice, shopping, playing things and so on,” Kazushi states in address to the camera. “I love this job.” Aija added that Kazushi retired from his job in finance a few years ago, prompting his wife to tell him to “find something else to do with his life”.
She went on to list a series of “jobs” he’d been hired out for in the past – including accompanying someone to Disneyland, before making the most of his wisdom. “What would your advice be on love?” Aija asks. “We have to say ‘thank you, to your partner every day,” he says in response.
Aija went on to explain that Ossan Rental was founded by a male individual who wanted to “end the stereotypes about older men being uninteresting or undesirable”. She added: “He created it to show how interesting and smart older men can be. And I totally agree – I had the best day with Kazushi – learning about his life, getting advice on career, love and health and seeing Japan through his eyes.”
After the pair dined out together, Aija concluded: “Renting an older man might seem weird, but it’s actually a way for older generations and younger generations to come together, provide value to one another and learn from each other.”
“I like this concept,” wrote one woman in response. “I work with seniors and hear it all the time from them that you must keep your mind busy as you age or else you’ll age even more.” A second added: “I think if done properly this could be considered a noble past time.”
A third hailed: “This is amazing wisdom on demand with no funny business.” Whilst a fourth quipped: “I have found my husband’s new side hustle!”
Ossan Rental’s website states that it has received a wide range of requests for the following from its clients: “Chatting, listening to complaints, accompanying to restaurants, sports together, accompanying, career change advice, career advice, tidying up your room, accompanying camping, correcting essays, driving, accompanying to concerts, love advice, tourist information, taking out the trash, walking pets, and purchasing on your behalf (no reselling allowed).”