The art of doing nothing: Shoji Morimoto's unique profession
Getting paid for doing nothing? Sign us up!
In a world where initiative and productivity are highly valued, Shoji Morimoto has built a lucrative career out of doing... nothing.
Known as Japan's rental "do nothing" guy, Morimoto's job involves loaning himself out to strangers who seek companionship for various activities, ranging from mundane tasks to absurd requests.
According to CNBC, Morimoto's services are in high demand, with clients paying him to accompany them to events, wait in lines or simply be present.
He's been asked to stand in for a friend at a concert, sit on a train line for 17 hours and even provide a silent listening ear on bad days. Morimoto's approach is unique; he offers minimal conversation and avoids playing therapist.
With over 1,000 requests per year, Morimoto's pay-as-you-wish model has proven successful, earning him around $80,000 last year (that's just shy of R1.5 million).
His goal isn't to sustain himself but to "simply live life and enjoy it."
Morimoto's services cater to Japan's growing demand for temporary companionship, with many clients seeking to avoid awkward social interactions or loneliness.
Experts say Morimoto's profession taps into Japan's cultural nuances, where direct communication and confrontation can be challenging.
His presence serves as a security blanket, providing comfort and companionship in uncomfortable situations.
Morimoto finds joy in his work, cherishing every moment, from receiving requests to accompanying clients on new adventures.
Morimoto's story highlights the complexities of modern social interactions and the growing demand for unique services that cater to individual needs.
Morimoto remains committed to his philosophy of doing nothing and finding happiness in the process.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Follow us on social media:
Image courtesy of Instagram
Have a similar story or something unique to share? Email us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!