Making new friends isn’t easy, especially if you find yourself in a new city or country.
Whether in Japan or North America or elsewhere in the world, those who need some company can rent a friend for a nominal fee. If the idea of hiring someone to stand in line for you, be a wing man at a pub, go to the movies with, cook or eat dinner with, go for a bike ride, or just hang out sounds sketchy to you, then this service may not be the right fit.
On the other hand, lonely people in new places sometimes need a little head start in getting their social circle in motion. One user of the Client Partners service in Japan took two girls to a club for some dancing, and is quoted as saying "There’s a feeling of security when you are accepted unconditionally." No comment on the fact that money changing hands is a condition.
The service in Japan is actually quite popular, especially because it’s very hard to meet people, especially outside of a corporate setting.
Rent-a-Friend Programs
Client Partners Provide All Users Friendly Company for a Price
Trend Themes
1. Rent-a-friend Services - Opportunities to expand rent-a-friend services beyond Japan and North America.
2. Socialization - Development of innovative approaches to socializing beyond the traditional methods.
3. Sharing Economy - Exploring the potential of rent-a-friend programs as a sharing economy market.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Incorporating rent-a-friend services into hotel amenities for busy travelers who want social company.
2. Event Planning - Rent-a-friend services can be used to facilitate socialization at events for attendees by creating scheduled activities.
3. Mental Health - Rent-a-friend services could help alleviate loneliness and social isolation, providing mental health benefits.