I Rented a Friend in Japan For $100

[@SanTM]

I feel like the point of him is being missed. He's not there to be an interactive friend. He's there to accompany people in places where being alone can be a stigma, like going to a bar or restaurant you really want to visit but have no friends available to go or you don't feel comfortable going alone for fear of mockery etc. He is meant to offer no judgement, opinion or even safety, just there to make you look like you have a friend

[@skinlesswalnut6259]

Wouldn't really work now everybody knows him lol

[@TartarSauceIsNotDead]

My thoughts exactly. His stoic demeanor is by design.

[@WalterWhite-i9i]

agree. He can just be there so others can mind their own business as the person hired him is not alone in a restaurant eating. I myself don't feel bad eating out and drinking alone but yeah people who see feel sad for me funny.

[@SanTM]

@@WalterWhite-i9i yeah exactly. I solo travel and have no issue eating alone in a restaurant. Have done it on lunch breaks in the UK often and after a few times it feels normal. I genuinely don't notice or care when people are eating, or doing other activities alone. Nobody cares, but I understand why anxiety and whatnot can create a demand for this kind of helper.

[@divitkarekar5803]

@@SanTM if one feels awkward they could pretend to be busy,like being on a call or probably opening your laptop and sitting if it's a work lunch

[@nicoleamian7833]

I would rather hire that translator as a friend, he was more interactive.

[@LindaChapman-u2c]

@@nicoleamian7833 Right?😄 Apparently, the translator guy was an actual local friend there tho. Not for sale or rent. I'm studying people who claim to have actual friends still in 2024.

[@Leah-yl9ie]

He should have brought a lie detector as well as a translator to understand that fraud… I mean “friend”

[@this_world.s_test]

@@LindaChapman-u2cit feels really sad that after finishing school and moving to new place i feel alone 😢 maybe i will make friends in university!!

[@mattp443]

The translator guy was definitely more of a friend than the “nothing” friend. I’d be asking for a refund

[@yasminamin1893]

Loooool very true

[@malhil21]

I thought the hired guy was very kind. He is an introvert and very quiet. Some people may just want to hire a companion that is not a chatter box. The world is made of all kinds of people. Be kind to one another...

[@heatherspence3848]

Great comment ❤

[@oscarsm86]

I see you say that he hires himself as a "friend", and many people comment about it as well, but as far as I understand, he doesn't offer himself as a friend at all, he even says that he would never befriend his customers. I don't undestand why the comments accuse him of being a fake friend, he offers to do nothing, and that's what he does

[@learnergrowthmind]

Seems like the translator was the real friend 😂

[@awsomemodels]

Exactly !

[@mojo9021]

He actually is. Drew mentioned it at the beginning.

[@hailey37133]

Well yea it said that in the video.

[@nathanielelias89]

An introvert renting himself as a body to be with people so they aren't alone is genius. I'm a true introvert, and having to constantly interact with people is exhausting. He's not offering conversation, opinions, or anything. He gets to be his introverted self, all while meeting so many people and experiencing different things while getting paid to "do nothing". Amazing.

[@miyashita291]

You didn’t rent a friend but you rented the do nothing guy, that is why he is so not interactive

[@soghepardo]

Actually your analysis is correct ✅ 😂

[@michaelselz3389]

Dude is 40 and looks 14

[@ethanwinters8467]

Asian genes be like. Meanwhile some guys here in Europe have full beards, wrinkles and are balding by 22.

[@WizKombat]

That's racist 😂

[@Avelyn_Band]

@@WizKombat no?

[@alexandermutune6131]

But 40 ain't that bad.Thats middle age in life, sir.

[@Boyhowdy875]

@@ethanwinters8467 that must be the stress of ethnic replacement through mass immigration.

[@zymbotictoot]

This world is getting weirder and weirder by the day . Good on him for hustling but this is so odd.

[@netanelaker4437]

Not the world - Japan, and it was always this weird lol

[@dwaynefoley1020]

Standard Japan 😂

[@ARKSAAXX-ys9gz]

Japan simply has a variety of services for everyone. Of course, it would be weird if these services became mainstream, but currently there are very few people using such services so it's not a big deal

[@koopa5504]

@@netanelaker4437 No, the world as well. I can confirm, even as a swiss.

[@triforceize]

Having a physics degree and being a full time fake friend as a career is wild.

[@CASHPABLOG]

I mean he makes 6-9k a month more than he would make with his physics degree

[@melakeberhanberhanu1804]

Just when i heard physics i saw ur comment 😂

[@CyberScrapKingOnIg]

His @

[@y.o.2478]

He doesn't have a physics degree he studied physics in school. Do you really think someone known for doing nothing can complete a physics degree lmao

[@Dave-qx3yz]

I have a physics degree. I then got. Law degree, worked years in the field, retired and invested my money, and now i also 'do nothing '

[@ٴٴٴٴٴٴٴۥ]

want to rent a friend? rent my dad. he's one of those guys to have a hour and 30 long conversation with a random dude from norway on the beach.

[@Mrs.BuddaMcDew]

😂😂😂😂

[@0ceanna]

Same with my dad always talking to someone random

[@dollsNcats]

That’s my father in law as well lmao 🤣🤣🤣I’m like omg how do you always have something to say 🤣

[@JK-zu1np]

You should start a business and rent out your dad! I would love to rent someone talkative!

[@cdes1776]

Those can be the best conversations!

[@masoodqureshi8059]

Literally this guy is an npc when he’s eating drinking & Gaming

[@awsomemodels]

Even npcs are more interactive in some games 😂

[@SanTM]

Need something?

[@masoodqureshi8059]

@@SanTM no, not rlly just asking a question Bit Thank You For Askin’ Anyway This Is My Most Like Comment I Had On All My Acc So Far

[@masoodqureshi8059]

@@awsomemodels IK Right?

[@SanTM]

@@masoodqureshi8059 it's a quote from Skyrim NPC's when you go near them and they look at you while eating or drinking lol

[@dolores453]

I think he's a companion. Sometimes people want to go out but have no one to go with and don't want to be bothered. He's the perfect person for that.

[@sanahassan99]

The highlight of this video was Kosuke ( the translator ), every time he said "Nothing" I couldn't control my laughter. This was an amazing video thanks Drew

[@pelad744]

I love how you collaborated with shoji and your translator in the arcade and that's how you call it true friendship

[@Sango-po5pi]

I lived in Tokyo for 5 years. It can be very lonely. And I left Japan mostly because, despite having good friends there, I was often quite lonely. It's just not the same. When I saw this video, my first thought was "ah! Why didn't I think of this? I would have happily rented a friend!" And I say that in all seriousness. I would 100% pay for this service. You have to live in Tokyo long term to really understand this mood.

[@lebelgo]

😳

[@premiercozz]

Anywhere can be lonely.. I've never felt lonely in Tokyo though.

[@The_Real_Lord_Frieza]

This is what happens when you do zero research on a country you plan to visit 😂

[@maddie19]

It would be interesting to hear from Japanese people who have hired him to know how these usually go with no camera or translator. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s extra awkward and quiet due to being on camera and the language barrier

[@eldrianzaelazar1600]

This video is actually depressing

[@awsomemodels]

At least the translator made it more fun .

[@joeterra.t]

Dude's the Japanese version of Seinfeld, lol. He should actually seriously start a reality TV show. I bet a lot of folks in the US would watch his daily life.

[@DLeadVox]

💛💛💛 That was cool! Thanks for the experience Drew and Kos!

[@BajatheChickenMan]

This man looks incredibly sad and lifeless.

[@ramonemiliochaconperdomo7225]

You would be surprised how you look when you're in work mode.

[@hookedonphoenix3112]

Welcome to Japan. Are you new here?

[@Haxzilog]

I mean he is paid to hang out with people that i think most of them are sad it will rub to you if youre exposed for a long time

[@lizlafferty1278]

@@ramonemiliochaconperdomo7225 ... and probably watching out just in case the foreigner is a nut job.

[@HelenaForeroCleves]

This guy looks like if he has a serious social anxiety problem. He also looks like a 9 year old child

[@oranjwon4437]

I think he is actually getting paid for a service provided to him! That's genius too! He's not doing Nothing He gets to Not do nothing, and get Paid 🧡ya Drew, this was Awesome!

[@orangewarm1]

I might move to Japan for work

[@OrionJLRolen]

The "be there guy". Sometimes less is more, and that's all a person needs. This guy will be there for you when you don't need anything, great business model!

[@deltadarling23]

I love that Desperate Housewives is his favorite American TV show! 😂

[@happycatyoutube]

Yeah! I was NOT expecting him to say that 😂😂

[@freereinartstudio1463]

Lol. That is funny!

[@dadisphat6426]

Someone donate this guy a personality

[@BajatheChickenMan]

this dude makes Brandon Stark look like the world's most charismatic man.

[@kyledennis2564]

Exorcist Demon: may I?

[@princessdaaahlingamor5798]

OMG! The McDonald’s ice cream machines WORK in Japan?!?!?!?!?!?

[@koopa5504]

You've never left the states, did you?

[@peachxblue]

I love this!! I’ve always been fascinated by other people, what their lives are like, and having this job, you’d sort of be an anthropologist peeking into the lives of so many people. It made me LOL when he said “Desperate housewives,” I was not expecting that as the first response to what he likes about American culture 😂

[@titojaeden]

This is what introverts need

[@a.t.c.3862]

😂

[@michaelselz3389]

As a job or they need to rent a friend?

[@brendanplays3942]

nah introverts wouldnt want to hang out with someone they dont have to be around. its likely the exact opposite of what they need

[@armonafdjeie]

I haven't watched the video yet. But I don't see why introverts would pay to be around someone literally the opposite of what they want 😅

[@Adventurer1260]

No thanks lol

[@chanceesmith5971]

I love all of your content! I've been watching for a very long time Drew!!

[@drewbinsky]

Thank you so much!

[@alancardenas9612]

Love that Wangan Midnight arcade, Japans arcades are super fun. I dont see what the negative comments are about. Clearly his personality is not a secret and is hired by customers choice :) happy for this guy, wish i could rent myself out in Japan haha.

[@jorkhachatryan317]

What amazed me was that he is 40. I guess the secret is doing nothing)

[@kuioyo]

Guy hires a person to do nothing. Is surprised when he does nothing

[@happycatyoutube]

Its not really hiring a "friend" if they dont really behave like a friend 🤷‍♀️ 😅 but if it is to hire him "to do nothing" as was mentioned, then he's perfect for the job!

[@PavinSuakham]

FFS He's not supposed to be your best friend or therapist, he's only there to grab some food with you, go where you wanna go because you're lonely and you don't wanna go by yourself. He's your "do nothing" guy, that's his selling point.

[@badbud2330]

Honestly don't think someone deserves that much money without doing nothing. In my country for that much money we would do everything for the guy for 3-5 days. Be a tour guide wash the dishes, be the driver, etc... not saying a friend should do this things. But he at least needs to be good at what he does. At least be entertaining. Like tell stories. Suggest fun things you can do together to not get bored. You need a friend to not get bored. And his the opposite. He's a friend that will get you extremely bored. He's just really lucky he's the only one that does this. Otherwise he has no chance of earning that much for not trying at all. Even he himself said that he wanted to find a job where he does nothing. Friends do many things for each other. And in any job if you're not doing anything why not just replace you with a puppet. I'm shocked that yall think this is normal... People work their a$#es off for a 100$

[@robotbro7187]

i wish i this could be my job, i would excel at it

[@unknownman1]

The maths isn't Mathing. If his price is $100/day, how come he makes $85,000/yr? Even if he is working 365 days, it would be $36,500 only

[@ziontours5893]

I think he earns rather $100 per job, and because he often has about three jobs per day, it adds up.

[@kuyajaypi]

I was thinking the same thing, he either has multiple sessions a day or there are other forms of his service like group friendships... EDIT: he mentions having around 1000 clients a year with varying rates and about 2-3 hours per client.

[@DeannaFaeSallao]

He has 3-5 clients a day

[@unknownman1]

@@DeannaFaeSallao Jesus!!!

[@dilanh2311]

He has onlyfans😂

[@LindaChapman-u2c]

I'm a retired trauma survivor. I asked why rent a guy to talk to wasn't available in Florida years ago. Pretty goofy transvestite sex workers stepped up to offer help. I just wanted to talk to a guy again without having to do stupid dating games. I'm thinking about touring around Asia now in retirement. I've wanted to go to Japan All My Life. Thx!😃

[@patricklucey-cp3dz]

Drew, this was one of your best videos yet, every time I travel now I also try McDonald’s thanks to you! What has been your favorite McDonald’s experience internationally?

[@rahulmaron]

Very interesting. It's strange but seems to be a good idea. I want to rent someone that laugh at my jokes and tells me how awesome I am.

[@badbud2330]

He won't do that😂. Hell just look at you and nod his head

[@WhoIsSoftAim]

Paying for fake love is a different level of loneliness I think I’m happy with my anxiety

[@progressivenorman]

he's devoid of a soul, empty and heartless

[@kimbanks5468]

It could be very dangerous doing this in other countries.

[@this_world.s_test]

If it was available in usa, gangs would just hire him and kidnap him😂

[@Sirvalian]

That's insane, most people who aren't even doing that for a living could do twice as good a job.

[@ilnumero1442]

For me, it’s a strange situation because he usually seems to be a quiet companion who follows and agrees with you but doesn’t make choices and isn’t proactive

[@davidgoulding1386]

People really need to get out more often and "touch grass" that's crazy people.wpuld rent a friend for an hour

[@Haxzilog]

Social media made it worse

[@Mrs.BuddaMcDew]

They have people that you can pay to cuddle with you too and I heard about that years ago. It is a really sad and strangle reality and social media has most definitely made it worst.

[@Sango-po5pi]

We don't have grass in Tokyo.

[@andrewsokulski8922]

I just wrote a similar comment on your other Japan video, but I wrote my undergraduate thesis on this topic of hikikomori and loneliness in Japan and globally. Very fascinating and sad topic

[@mountainhighphotofilm8198]

Dude is not a rent a friend there was no feedback at all from him. I’d rather be alone at that point than have some dude following me.

[@cdes1776]

For some people it is quiet 'companionship' I'm sure, but possibly also a comfort to a woman for safety. People get lonely. Sometimes 'parallel' play is all that's required!

[@koopa5504]

@@cdes1776 Safety in JAPAN?? I get your point but this is SO far away from reality there.

[@raifpercin2814]

I could be your friend for free

[@orangewarm1]

Or you could earn some money doing it😅

[@raifpercin2814]

@@orangewarm1 Only in Japan but not in Germany 😂

[@lalodaniels1388]

I'd rather pay someone else.

[@paulzollinger6343]

I wonder if our friend's meek persona is the secret? I mean, someone real famous once said that the meek will inherit the earth...

[@mrod4585]

Too funny when he ask did you meet your wife as a customer.. that smirk on his face ctfu😂

[@FerociousPancake888]

Oh my gosh that hedgehog looks exactly like my late hedgehog! RIP Luna :(

[@SpiritOfAbsinthe]

He's not meant to be your friend, he's selling merely his presence. I guess as a woman, I would also consider hiring him if I were to go to a risky place or wouldn't want to be seen as single.

[@DBF-3]

Can’t believe ppl actually pay for this lol

[@badbud2330]

Exactly lmao

[@dennis9568]

Renting a friend is crazy😂

[@dennis9568]

@@tarun__kakkar yea thats even crazier

[@inspiradorupees3029]

Bro, Japan is the capital of loneliness in the world 😂

[@龙龙-o5u]

It feels like he's thinking, "These customers are clueless, paying me for nothing. I'll just hang around, collect their money, and not care about a single thing about their lives."

[@ForeverDyingRainbow]

I feel like everyone should learn the languages of other places… you learn so much when there is not a language barrier

[@DANILO-c4g]

I skipped this video before but hen i saw that tour guide on slums of japan video got so hooked on it. drew and that guide has some chemistry

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your video, Drew

[@raymondlianto9882]

100 bucks for renting a friend that will never happen in my country😱😱😱.

[@yalaking01]

Exactly what a smart person needs to hear in other to rebrand this, step it up a notch, and get popular.

[@bookiesavage9981]

If i pay you $100 u better let me win 💯😤😂

[@bigblue1287]

Another week another great video from my Brother Drew 💙🌊🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@ifeanyisamuel3585]

Bro is 40 and looks that young. 😮. Always good videos mr Drew been viewing for a while from Nigeria

[@lizlafferty1278]

It doesn't seem to me Shoji or anyone else working at being a visiting companion is doing nothing. Taking his time and actively participating in activities accompanying folks IS work, although it isn't the same kind of "work" someone may work at welding, hammering, cooking or babysitting, but is work, nevertheless.

[@adrianevillanueva69]

dude got hired by the agency despite lacking anything that resembles a friend hahahaha

[@Zambineaux305]

Real title: “Hiring An NPC for the Day” 😂😂😂😂

[@Biggums_Tyrone]

😂😂😂

[@Eons381]

Awww look Drew made a friend for a day 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lizlafferty1278]

I would like to add that there ARE services (nonsexual or intimate in nature) that do "rent" ou t accompaniment for periods of time, for social events and for participation when a "renter" doesn't want to do an activity alone... here in the United States and probably also in other countries that have individualistic culture norms. Not all People in the U.S. or elsewhere have a Family-Centered culture across the board, wherein a Family member would be accompanying someone for activities, appointments, travel, etc.

[@soghepardo]

He’s super awkward , but I love his idea 💡 of business, doing nothing in company is amazing 😂😂😂😂❤❤

[@toplay1764]

i think the easiest way to get to meet people is actually doing some kind of sport or hobby what automatically connects people. I aint a big sports guy but loved to skateboard and only being 1 day at tthe park made me met a lot of nice new people. So i think its all about trying to connect via other things not only words if you get what i mean. Also most people actually choose to be alone....

[@linamarie84]

People deserve friendship no matter who you are. There are a lot of people who are anxious, people who are self-conscious and a million other types who just have a hard time making friends. I DO believe there is a friend out there for everyone. If I were to do anything like this ever, I couldn't go on charging someone. Nor would I charge no $150 per hour. Sorry but you're not a premium "friend" you're a person whos crossed the line. Think of why people are there to begin with. If ANYTHING I would hope that I could encourage and uplift that person to where they would have the confidence to make friends on their own. Thats all some people need man. We are humans. We need to connect. Just because someone isn't just like you does not mean you're the "normal" one and they're not. There has to be a line. If you're a person who doesn't draw one i hope you do better.

[@Sawmhlubpag1]

That is the best most horrifically introvert person I've ever seen.

[@yumifl.5133]

Dam, I need to move to Japan. I could have a job doing nothing? I would be a multi-millionaire. Lol This was an interesting video. It's crazy to see how some countries can benefit from the rarest jobs for there mental health. Truly an eye opening video.

[@oooo-gm2pn]

He is not a rental friend. He is just a person to do nothing. 何もしない人(a person to do nothing) is his job.

[@MaryGray-zb3xi]

Wow! what an interesting video! Going to share this one! 🙂

[@PatienceIsKey.1]

Don’t be fooled this guy lives a double life.

[@pelad744]

Another week another video good job my man drew

[@__BlacklotuS__]

what a beautiful country , beautiful people , beautiful culture , beautiful nature ..

[@priscilla_rai]

I think calling the “friend for hire” having no personality is kind of very harsh. He is supposed to be a quiet companion for the hours he is paid for. He is not the kind of friend a normal functioning person would have or want - he is for the troubled and lonely, for people who don’t have friends or family. He is doing his job if he is famous for it. Yes he has also managed to crack the code to modern day slavery.

[@alexandroba1987]

I feel this “friend” is under the spectrum….

[@tripgreat]

When your translator said Shoji's age, I at first thought 14. He has a very young face, and kind of a sullen, timid demeanor. But when he confirmed he was married, I knew he was 40. Astoundingly young looking. It was fun to see him laugh, and relax a little. Alright, back to the video. I paused when the hedgehog defecated and got a laugh from Shoji.

[@ohlordy9680]

The fact that we get free videos on KZbin by Drew Binsky is truly a gift; keeping the knowledge and entertainment alive. 🤷

[@winkerbeans]

Everyone has a personality. Saying someone "...doesn't have a personality at all..." is SO rude.

[@badbud2330]

Im exactly like the guy. And I don't have one. And it's hard to live with it.

[@The_Real_Lord_Frieza]

​@@badbud2330 She didn't respond to you because you have no personality 😔

[@badbud2330]

@@The_Real_Lord_Frieza its fine im used to it 😂

[@NovemberAutum]

I wish Drew had someone who can interpret and explain better.. This could’ve been a really interesting video talking about a side of modern Japanese culture and society

[@rjwesley1]

So I'm guessing his meals were free too. He gets to go to cool places, likely as he tags along and gets paid 100 bucks at the end? Like an escort, but without all the other extras! 😂 Dudes on to something! 🤣

[@paktechniques2012]

He is looking like Nobita without glasses

[@mtvisionary]

His answer to everything is no XD lol

[@dizzzawn]

I never thought that a large percentage of people who comment on videos on yt are people who didn't even watch the video. The amount of comments implying there's something sexual about this clearly didn't watch it because there isn't one iota of anything even remotely sexual about your time with this guy. Very interesting, original video. Thanks!

[@Sorrely1]

I wonder if he is on the autism spectrum. The difficulty with keeping eye contact, his neutral expression, his scientific mind but difficulty with employment that reflects his ability, and difficulty engaging do make me wonder. I’m glad is married. I hope he is happy. It’s all we want for our kids.

[@adderall_fish8340]

no way that guys 40. great video!

[@Mrs.BuddaMcDew]

I honestly thought i heard it wrong. 😂😂😂

[@spookyspooks33]

Did he really say desperate housewives??? That’s amazing😂

[@jennygxng2526]

You always got the best content ❤❤

[@dwaynefoley1020]

😂😂😂

[@alsadventuresofficial]

America needs this

[@tahgeneral6603]

For real

[@Leah-yl9ie]

Absofuckinglutely not, it would only be digging the hole deeper

[@Biggums_Tyrone]

Unfortunately this would never work here. Feel like this guy would be kindapped, robbed, or mvrdered so fast😕

[@inspiradorupees3029]

@@Leah-yl9iebut I’m lonely

[@jholly5747]

I think this guy is just like going to a Japanese café where you can interact with the hedgehogs or cats or owls or any number of creatures. It just gives you something to do so you don’t feel so lonely.

[@tspin9983]

Drew rents a friend and gets tens of thousands of views. I rent a friend and get arrested for solicitation.

[@Mrs.BuddaMcDew]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Yahyarizwan]

i think this job can be more fun for me because i realy like talking with people and i don't get bored its can be incredible job for me

[@zezyzhujikop]

idk what the point of hiring this guy when he just does nothing but he's presence is there

[@thevinufernando8526]

100$ a day and makes 80k an year? ur math aint mathing bro😭 even if he works24/7 he getting paid only 36k

[@legendarygang4807]

$100 and the fake friend guy said usually he gets 3 ppl per day, so $300 per day and it works out. He probably misspoke and said $100 day

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

@@legendarygang4807 He meets with each person only 2 or 3 hours so maybe they aren't paying the full fare.

[@ironsword7]

In the description it says $100 for a few hours.

[@janetteveronica402]

A bit unfair to say he doesn't have much of a personality, he probably does just when he is at home with people he knows :) I think the point of the job is just to make people feel less alone, not so much being their friend.

[@RosemarieMacion-j7p]

Wow amazing. I love watching your video❤

[@janaskibo871]

I love this. Japan is apparently an incredibly lonely place. Pretty cool Drew.