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Paying for Fake Friends

Japan Rent-A-Friend Companionship Comes at a Cost

— September 21, 2009 — Business
There is now hope for those too busy, exhausted or socially inept to make a friend with the new Japan rent-a-friend. Now instant companionship can come at the low-cost of $100 a day.

Japan rent-a-friend will not only provide you with friends, but also with relatives, work colleagues to attend important functions in your life such as your wedding.

For an extra $60 - $70, your Japan rent-a-friend will also provide a heart-warming speech at your reception, and for $30 - $40, will share in a song and dance.

Japan rent-a-friend’s employees take their jobs very seriously, claiming it is hard work remembering specific details about their “friends” so as not to let on to the real friends/colleagues/relatives that they were picked, purchased and paid for.
Trend Themes
1. Rent-a-friend Services - There is an opportunity to disrupt the personal services industry by creating an online platform for rent-a-friend services that connects people who are socially isolated with individuals who are available to rent their companionship for the day on an hourly basis.
2. Artificial Companionship - As AI technology advances, there may be an opportunity for companies to create artificial companionship services that can help individuals who are socially isolated and in need of human interaction.
3. Wellness Programs for Social Isolation - There is potential for wellness and mental health professionals to create programs for individuals who are experiencing social isolation, providing them with tools to improve their social connections and overall well-being.
Industry Implications
1. Personal Services - The personal services industry could benefit from creating a rental service for individuals who are socially isolated and in need of temporary companionship to help improve their mental health and well-being.
2. AI and Robotics - AI and robotics companies have an opportunity to disrupt the personal services industry by creating artificial companionship services for individuals who are socially isolated and in need of human interaction.
3. Mental Healthcare - The mental healthcare industry has an opportunity to create wellness programs for individuals who are experiencing social isolation, providing them with tools to improve their social connections and overall well-being.
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