A man has found a unique way to make a living by essentially doing ‘nothing’.
To clarify, he doesn’t *literally* do nothing, but his job is probably much easier than most people’s daily grind.
Since 2018, 40-year-old Shoji Morimoto has been providing an unusual service in Japan.
And no, it’s not *that* kind of service.
However, telling people about his job at a dinner party would surely provoke a range of reactions.
Morimoto supports himself by being available to people who need someone to simply be there.
He’s been hired for various activities: joining someone for dinner, cheering them on at the end of a marathon, sitting quietly while they work, or just listening to them vent.
During these engagements, Morimoto says he doesn’t talk much and avoids initiating conversations. He doesn’t aim to get to know his clients on a personal level.
Many of his clients are lonely people who may not feel comfortable doing these activities with friends or family.
Nevertheless, a BBC documentary about Morimoto pointed out that while this is true for some, other clients have more complex insecurities and feelings.
For instance, he shared the story of a woman who lost her partner to suicide and then hired Morimoto to wear her partner’s hat and sit with her as she reminisced.
Additionally, some clients employ his services when they need to deliver difficult news to friends or family, finding it easier to have a third party present.
Reactions on social media to his work have been mixed. Some believe he provides valuable support and a form of therapy for those dealing with grief and loneliness.
Others argue that the demand for his service highlights a growing problem of loneliness and the difficulty or reluctance people have in forming genuine connections.
What are your thoughts on this?