Old guy rental' service

From 'creepy' to awesome: 'Old guy rental' service in Japan changes lives

It has been 13 years since Takanobu Nishimoto launched an “old guy rental” service in Japan, aiming to improve the social image of middle-aged men, often called “ossan.” Nishimoto, now 57, believes, “Old guys are actually amazing!” The service rents out middle-aged men to people who need someone to talk to or a helping hand with daily tasks. 

On the website, each “ossan” is introduced with unique selling points, such as “a former politician ossan,” “an IT ossan who can play the violin,” or “an ossan who listens with a smile.” For 1,000 yen per hour, clients can hire an ossan for various activities - going to an izakaya, cleaning, or just chatting.

Nishimoto, a fashion stylist from Kansai, was inspired to start the service after hearing young people criticize middle-aged men as “creepy” or boring. He wanted to change these negative stereotypes. At first, Nishimoto was the only ossan, and most requests were for consultations about illness, career changes, or workplace bullying. He learned that sometimes people just want someone to listen. After media coverage, more men joined, and now about 70 ossan are available across Japan, with around 30,000 requests handled so far.

Many applicants want to change themselves by interacting with different people, especially after retirement or years of routine life. Some, like a man who became popular simply by listening well, have discovered new value in themselves through the service.

About 80% of the clients are women, mostly in their 30s and 40s, but users range across generations. People seek advice on jobs, relationships, or even just want company for their parents at the hospital. Maintaining professional distance is important: IDs are checked, personal information is limited, and ossan are not allowed to contact clients after the session. If there are three complaints, the ossan is removed from the service.

Some ossan, like lawyer Shu Sakamoto, have found that many people, even in the age of social media, lack someone to talk to about personal matters. The service has even started receiving requests from foreign visitors who want to experience Japan with a local “ossan.” Nishimoto proudly says, “Even if they’ve gotten old, ‘ossan’ are actually great!”

Vocabulary

1. oft-derided – often criticized or made fun of

2. were flattened by – were ruined or made less lively by

3. decluttering – removing unnecessary items to make a space tidy

Understanding (Comprehension Questions)

1. What kind of procedure do renters need to use this system?
   Renters fill out a request form on the website, select the type of ossan they want, and pay 1,000 yen per hour for the service.

2. What was Mr. Nishimoto’s unexpected feeling?
   After hearing negative comments about middle-aged men, he felt he wanted to help raise their social status.

3. What is the common motivating thought of the applicants?
   Many want to change themselves by interacting with various people, especially after retirement or living a routine life.

4. What kind of rules does this service have?
   IDs are checked, personal information is limited, ossan cannot contact clients after the session, and three complaints will result in removal from the service.

By Barry Ashworth

www.bazmarc.com