published10. August 2022, 21:15
Interview“Yes, I’m lazy” – Shoji allows himself to be paid for doing nothing
The idea has made him well-known beyond Japan: Shoji Morimoto (38) offers his services for doing nothing in Tokyo for a fee. In the interview he talks about his job.
The 38-year-old offers his services in Tokyo under “Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito”: As a “loafer guy for rent” he does …
Twitter/Morimotoshoji
… the companion for the restaurant and cinema, for walking or shopping. “I don’t try very hard,” says Morimoto (pictured with a happy customer).
Twitter/Morimotoshoji
-
The 38-year-old Japanese Shoji Morimoto can be hired in Tokyo.
-
In return, he offers his company for walks, events or visits to restaurants.
-
That matters. Almost 240,000 people follow his Twitter-Account.
-
In a 20-minute interview, Morimoto said he received many critical comments about his work.
In Japan you know Shoji Morimoto under “Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito”, a “loafer type for rent”. The 38-year-old makes his services available in Tokyo for the equivalent of 70 francs: as a companion for restaurants and cinemas, for walking or shopping. “I don’t try very hard,” he said to 20 minutes. “I respond to small talk and chatter, nothing more.”
Shoji Morimoto, can working as a “loafer” also be stressful?
My definition of “doing nothing” includes “doing nothing uncomfortable,” so I try not to feel stressed. So, by definition, it’s not stressful.
What do you say to people who call you lazy?
Is working as a «do-nothing guy» lucrative?
I charge 10,000 yen each and have one to three requests a day. We make ends meet quite well – but my wife also has a job.
Your best and worst experience so far?
The best experience in this job is the beginning of this job. I can’t think of a single bad experience. Everything is new and fun. Even the experiences that objectively don’t look particularly good – such as the many critical comments I’ve received about my work.
Is loneliness a big problem in Japan?
Not all clients ask me for help because of loneliness. They have very different reasons. Loneliness can be a problem in many ways. But I have no opinion on that.
“Doing nothing is not worthless, even if it seems selfish to some” – what do you mean by that?
In my opinion, the worldview that “everyone must do something to survive” is a worldview of the fittest, and I think it’s barbaric. Mankind has freed itself from this barbarism and built a civilization. Only when those who do nothing, those who can do nothing, and those who do not contribute can live in peace, society is an advanced civilization.
Has a customer ever wanted more from you than just spending time?
I don’t know what the customers think, it’s all about the order. When someone hires me, I’m just there. I also do not accept all requests such as doing laundry, cleaning or posing nude.
(gux)