I Rented a Friend in Japan For $100

There is a man in Tokyo named Shoji Morimoto, and he makes a full time living by literally "doing nothing." If you pay $100, you can rent him for a few hours, and he will join you around Tokyo to be your companion. Want to grab a beer at the bar? He's in. Want to read a book in the park? He's in. Want to relax at home? He's in. Even though this was one of the strangest experiences I've ever had -- it's actually a pretty neat concept. And I think it can only exist in a country like Japan, where the culture is very lovely and isolated!
Would you ever consider renting Shoji for the day? Or are you too creeped out? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
#travel #japan #culture
✅ Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my channel by clicking here ➞ / @drewbinsky
▶️ Watch my favorite videos ➞ • My Personal Favorites
Thank you to ElevenLabs for dubbing my videos into Spanish, French and Portuguese! If you want to learn more about their amazing technology, click this link: elevenlabs.io/...
I wrote a book called JUST GO, with exclusive travel stories & tips to inspire you on your next adventures! Grab it on Amazon: shorturl.at/6biKO
Get your annual travel insurance plan with Allianz: shorturl.at/VztfJ
FIND ME ON:
► INSTAGRAM: / drewbinsky
► TIK TOK: / drewbinsky
► FACEBOOK: / drewbinsky
► KZbin 2ND CHANNEL: rb.gy/a65sj
👨🏻‍🦰 WHO AM I?
I'm Drew Binsky and I have been to EVERY country in the world (197/197). I make documentaries about interesting people and cultures in faraway places. My ultimate goal is to inspire you to travel because I think it's the best education that you can get. And our planet is beautiful!
MOST POPULAR KZbin VIDEOS:
► He Is The Ice Man: y2u.be/VF8dkjEdKNo
► Tallest Humans on Earth: y2u.be/u03kNQNclGY
► He Hasn't Slept Since 1962: y2u.be/EDx1JvPEtxs
► 3 Things You Can't Do in North Korea: y2u.be/mNsx0Nqryos
► Why is Everything Free in Pakistan?: y2u.be/CWeWxl7ruGE
🙏 GET IN TOUCH!
► Website: world.drewbins...
► Email: [e-mail]

[@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

[@learnergrowthmind]

Seems like the translator was the real friend 😂

[@awsomemodels]

Exactly !

[@triforceize]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@gandybecker1589]

I feel this was an uncharacteristically mean video and Drew missed the point completely. This guy’s not trying to be an entertainer. He’s not a tour guide. He’s a genuine do nothing guy. He doesn’t initiate the conversation, he responds. I can understand the appeal for Japanese women who don’t want to be alone in a restaurant or bar. You don’t want to have to keep up conversation or worry about being hit on. He’s there to be quiet company. To me, he comes across as very safe and respectful.

[@subpie]

well said.

[@T_Barrett]

I was thinking that too. I haven't subscribed to the channel yet, and only watch the videos that pop up occasionally, but this video was uncharacteristically mean compared to his other videos...

[@ismypcworking95]

i feel like u misunderstood the whole purpose of the video 😭😭 the whole point was to understand him and what he does in a better light.

[@Xkeehl]

Yes as an introverted woman this type of companion would be perfect to me haha.

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

It's an opportunity for Drew to almost do nothing himself and produce a video. Him and his boyfriend hired a man to basically crack a joke about and it didn't work. It shows that the Do nothing man has mastered this Art. ✅

[@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 😂

[@BARB_BLOX]

@@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.

[@alex31245]

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.

[@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

[@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😂

[@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

[@dadisphat6426]

Someone donate this guy a personality

[@BajatheChickenMan]

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

[@pelad744]

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

[@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!😃

[@dennis9568]

Renting a friend is crazy😂

[@tarun__kakkar]

@@dennis9568 not a friend,a silent robot.

[@dennis9568]

@@tarun__kakkar yea thats even crazier

[@DLeadVox]

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

[@adrianevillanueva69]

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

[@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😂

[@tarun__kakkar]

NO THERAPY NO ADVICE 100$ FOR NOTHING. ARE PEOPLE MAD????

[@gi7685]

It's pretty clear the "do nothing guy" will exactly do that.. "nothing" so why expect more..

[@this_world.s_test]

Depression and loneliness is the biggest problem in east asian countries. To make it worse, so many ppl are introvert so it’s clear that average ppl in japan looks like him. I find it boring tbh because in place where i live everyone is kind and touching ppl, if we don’t talk to anyone, even friends we could probably be the same as them

[@deltadarling23]

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

[@happycatyoutube]

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

[@chanceesmith5971]

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

[@drewbinsky]

Thank you so much!

[@eldrianzaelazar1600]

This video is actually depressing

[@awsomemodels]

At least the translator made it more fun .

[@connor-22]

bro looks depressed

[@hsk2909]

It's probably his happy face.

[@Wassup990udueuej]

Bro took fake friend to a new lev3@

[@drewbinsky]

My wish was for him to become a real friend but it didn’t happen

[@VJZ-YT]

​@@drewbinsky bros done this like a thousand times. Its all work for him

[@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.

[@idk_this_i_guess]

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]

😂😂😂😂

[@tspin9983]

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

[@Mrs.BuddaMcDew]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@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!

[@Skank-Hunt-42]

Don't let Diddy find out about this

[@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.

[@orangewarm1]

I might move to Japan for work

[@dnam727]

Dude isnt very good at his job 😂😂😂

[@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...

[@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

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@mtvisionary]

His answer to everything is no XD lol

[@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!

[@musty5551]

Bro is like last person who should do this job xd

[@samuelleie]

His job is to do "nothing", not to be a "friend".

[@bigblue1287]

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

[@pelad744]

Another week another video good job my man drew

[@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.

[@ForeverDyingRainbow]

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

[@Crazydude.]

Lol that's so psycho thing buy a friend 100 dollors what a weird humans 🤣🤦‍♂️ hes not a car or rented bike he just a alien

[@drewbinsky]

I didn’t buy him! I just rented him!

[@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

[@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?

[@pelad744]

In Japan tourists rent people alot because they don't want to be lonely

[@zooli9]

Who would want to hire a mute no personality npc to walk with you? I get the whole aspect of hire dad/boyfriend/whatever especially in Japan but one you can't really talk with? I would feel even more awkward with him than going to a restaurant alone

[@DBbF-j6e]

Can’t believe ppl actually pay for this lol

[@moviebuff6490]

Will someone please hire ME to do nothing? Wow. Bizarre but brilliant. Hi Kozuke, you are so nice! Thanks Drew for this episode.

[@shamsulazhar]

I'd request a refund

[@MaryGray-zb3xi]

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

[@adammoore7447]

Seems like a little piece of hell to me, sad

[@jennygxng2526]

You always got the best content ❤❤

[@PatienceIsKey.1]

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

[@christinalanalucille8322]

I’m really lonely as it is, but I’m not paying anyone to hang with me.

[@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.

[@alsadventuresofficial]

America needs this

[@tahgeneral6603]

For real

[@Leah-yl9ie]

Absofuckinglutely not, it would only be digging the hole deeper

[@witness1013]

$100 day x 365 days = $80,000 ? Wow - those Japanese guys really are smart at math..

[@Leah-yl9ie]

No wonder his physics degree got him nowhere 😂

[@jorkhachatryan317]

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

[@benny9538]

sorry i need a refund that's the shittest friend

[@Anita18r]

Each of your videos is a real find! Thank you for your quality content and interesting topics. I always look forward to the new episodes!🎾🟢🤝

[@adderall_fish8340]

no way that guys 40. great video!

[@Mrs.BuddaMcDew]

I honestly thought i heard it wrong. 😂😂😂

[@Portauprincess95]

Uniqueness:🤪 People: hold my beer People never cease to amaze me.

[@pamalakaufman-ks5bk]

Great very cool video. Such a nice distraction from all the crap going on in America and the whole world. It looks like a nice day to hang out with this guy, no drama at all. 👍👏 Pamala McCarty 65 California

[@MichaelEllison-jr4wg]

You could never get away with this in America. Dude would end up dead

[@EmyLaGargola]

This is my kind of job 😂😏 One more reason why I love Japan.

[@ashishrana1853]

me too 😂

[@user-lw3cu2yp2v]

Wow amazing. I love watching your video❤

[@vc2ryravioli950]

I disagree Drew. Well, he's very useful as a translator for you. Aside from him not doing anything.

[@d.g.1594]

This is one of the most bizarre things in Japan. But I'm willing to give it a try.

[@stevenchristopher2384]

Renting a human is crazy 👀

[@Karamelklassik]

Bro hired an NPC 😂

[@awsomemodels]

Even npcs are more fun 😂

[@BonkersAboutAlice]

I want to be a 'do nothing' guy.

[@drewbinsky]

He seems to have a good life

[@HelloHi-g2u]

What a boring person to be around omg. I would rather rent a rock or a leaf 😭

[@awsomemodels]

I know right ?

[@ThomasLiljeruhm]

Bad friend, not even letting you win at the game 😜

[@jaguwa4816]

I think his job may also work in South Korea, but other than that I don't think anywhere else.

[@slochillswell9491]

You should take him to visit the Philippines!

[@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.

[@Kaisen671]

Such a depressed country 😂

[@pelad744]

That hedgehog is cute

[@Zambineaux305]

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

[@THEIDLESHOW]

I would love that job provided shit doesn’t get Diddy weird 😊

[@pelad744]

Everybody loves McDonald's even me but in Britain they call French fry chips and it confuses me alot

[@Thomes-Maisling]

not exactly. We have French fries at Mcdonald's too. For us French fries are thinner cut like in Mcd's And Burger King. Chips are like fries cut chunky.

[@Leah-yl9ie]

Fish and chips, what are you doing here!

[@Texxet11]

I would have been calling the fella Shy-ji. He’s so shy.

[@nhernandez925]

“Who said money can’t buy you friends?”

[@ashishrana1853]

After watching this guy and what he does, I think this job is perfect for me. 😂

[@Owlandpie]

When you come to Germany Drew I can be your friend for free

[@pelad744]

See you next Saturday drew

[@brs9094]

Do nothing guy is kinda boring. But Drew is cool ❤

[@Zharticrafts143zha]

The translator is more than enough , because the hire friend didn't talk much

[@Harmoniacomamor]

Interessante todos os vídeos, já aproveito e faço um turismo. 😂 Tenho 50 anos e nunca saí do Brasil. 🇧🇷

[@ASRmann]

No way is he 40 he looks 20!

[@joshuawhitworth6456]

I would hire that guy.

[@pottergrlpopstar14]

I live in Japan and have never heard of him!! So fascinating.

[@jaykay5086]

A lot of these questions we already knew the answer to

[@kenfern2259]

sounds like a job im qualifier for

[@steadfast00]

10:40 finally he's doing something 😂

[@pelad744]

I love those noodles drew

[@Officer-Insights]

The guy in the light gray long sleeves, who is his friend, looks like an anime character, which is Light Yagami. Meanwhile, the one the guy rent ended just looks like another anime character, which is L.