Have you ever wanted someone to just...be there?

Meet Shoji Morimoto, a unique entrepreneur from Japan. He started a business where he gets paid to do, well, nothing. Yes, you read that right!

Shoji Morimoto, 39, has been hired more than 4,000 times since starting his unique “rental person” business in 2018 and, until recently.

How did it start?

Shoji Morimoto's journey into the unconventional world of a "rental person" began with a simple desire: to escape the monotony of a traditional 9-to-5 job. Dissatisfied with the lack of fulfillment and the constant pressure to perform, he decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a more unconventional path. Inspired by his own experiences with loneliness and the desire for human connection, Morimoto realized that he could offer a unique service: his presence. This simple yet profound idea sparked the birth of his unique business, where he would be hired to simply be there, to listen, and to accompany others.

Morimato with Aruma Chida, one of his client 

A Job That Sounds Too Good to Be True. 

Clients hire Morimoto to accompany them, whether for mundane tasks like grocery shopping or a more significant event like a job interview. He's been a silent dinner companion, a quiet movie-watcher, and even a companion to a divorce filing. His role is to be present, without judgment or expectation.

A Lucrative Venture.

Morimoto was raking in significant earnings before scaling back his business to a volunteer-based model. At the peak of his career, he was making around $300 a day, a staggering amount for a job that requires minimal effort. Morimoto has been hired more than 4,000 times since starting. 

A Lesson in Minimalism.

Morimoto's story is a fascinating exploration of minimalism. He challenges the conventional notion of work and productivity, demonstrating that sometimes, the most valuable contribution is simply being present.

A Must-Read for the Curious Mind.

Morimato documented his unique journey in the book 'Rental Person Who Does Nothing' which is a quirky and thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning the nature of work and the meaning of human connection. It's a must-read for anyone who's ever felt lonely, bored, or in need of a bit of company.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or simply need someone to share a quiet moment with, remember: there's a man in Japan who gets paid to do just that.