Mike HackmerMike Hackmer

  • Services
  • Podcasts and Webinars
  • Perspectives
  • Data and Trends
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Is There A Market For Renting Men Who Will Listen?

by Michael Hackmer / Monday, 02 January 2017 / Published in Society, Start-Ups

I read an interesting article about a service in Japan where men are paid just to listen.

The service provides people the ability to rent an “ossan” or “old man” for about $10 per hour.

Renting an ossan allows you to either schedule a phone conversation, or to meet in a public place, such as a cafe or park. There are strict rules governing any rental, such as no touching.

The men who are “rented” are typically middle aged – the idea being that someone who is older may have more life experiences and wisdom.

While I wonder about the liability of running a similar kind of business here in the U.S., one of many concerns, I do love the concept in its pure form.

Sometimes we all just need someone to listen to us. Talking often allows us to sort through our own problems. And you will likely receive a different type of response from people you know or family members than you would from someone you do not know – who could give you more unbiased perspectives.

The added benefit of hiring someone to listen to you, even if it is just temporary, is that a commercial transaction is going to “feel” different for you. You may be more likely to speak freely, which could help you achieve a better resolution or feel better after the conversation is over. Of course, if you did not feel comfortable talking to a complete stranger in the first place, you would not look for such a service, let alone hire one.

Some of the examples of how a company like this could help people in the U.S. are:

  • Schedule to meet an elderly person in the park to walk with them and listen to them talk about their life
  • Talk with teenagers who do not want to share their problems with their parents, but need an adult to listen
  • Talk with men or women who have jobs that often place them in solitary situations
  • Listen to college students looking to share career aspirations
  • Listen to people who are experiencing a difficult or exciting event, and have no one to share it with
  • Provide a fake friend (rent-a-friend), family member, or companion (rent-a-date or rent-a-man) for various occasions such as weddings, funerals and parties.

When interviewed about the “ossan” business he started, Takanobu Nishimoto has some interesting observations:

  • He never knows what exactly people are going to ask for or talk about when they rent him, which is both scary and interesting
  • He has had many emotional experiences, including being asked to visit sick people in the hospital, and announce a marriage
  • He has debated shutting the service down, but finds he enjoys the social connections and needs the renters as much as they need him

The business in Japan has generated over 1,500 clients, with 60 percent as repeat customers. 70 percent of the clientele are women. Though social isolation has been a noted problem in Japan, most of the clients do not fit into that category.

Given our growing “gig” culture, and the benefits a service like this could provide, it could be a disruptor of sorts.

If anyone wants to start this type of business with me, I have some ideas on services, fee structure, terms and other aspects to this type of a business. I’ve also got a few domains in mind, as well as one purchased. If so, let me know via e-mail: michael [at] hackmer [dot] com.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Tweet
Tagged under: Advice, Men, Ossan Rental, Rent-A-Friend, Rent-A-Man, Renting Men

About Michael Hackmer

Michael Hackmer is the founder of Social Web Tactics (www.socialwebtactics.com), a digital marketing and sales agency focused on providing businesses and organizations the ability to connect with their audience using the latest and most effective digital technologies and tools. He has been a speaker, consultant and marketing strategist for over 15 years. He also has worked in federal and state government relations, and managed industry affairs and association membership. He has developed digital and strategic marketing campaigns for companies including: Adobe, Deltek, HP, K12, Red Hat, Strayer University and more. He has helped non-profits and corporations with marketing automation solutions. He is originally born in Boston, MA. Graduated Phillips Academy, Andover in 1994. Received his B.A. in Politics from The Catholic University of America in 1998. Michael lives in Ashburn, Virginia with his wife and daughter. He loves to run, swim and travel throughout South America.

What you can read next

Medium: A better place to read and write things that matter.
Is Medium The Future Of Media?
Exploring Empire Avenue’s Influence Stock Exchange
Google sets up data removal webform
Right To Be Forgotten Should Be About Correcting Harm And Reputation Management, Not Restricting Speech

Recent Posts

  • Quantum Leap Forward

    Multiplying Your Personal Effectiveness In Quantum Leaps

    You2 is a formula for dramatically improving on...
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living: Vitamin D can help reduce coronavirus risk by 54% according to Boston University doctor

    Vitamin D can help reduce coronavirus risk by 5...
  • How To Get Started Identifying Your Target Audience

    Who is going to buy from you? Or use your servi...
  • When Just the Facts Are What Is Missing

    When Just the Facts Are What Is Missing

    With growing bias and subjectivity in our news,...
  • Stay Home - Save Lives - AdobeStock_334374864 2000 x 500

    Being Pragmatic About COVID-19 At Work

    Warning: A proud Dad tells a story about his ol...

SERVICES

  • Strategy
  • Audiences
  • Experiences

PERSPECTIVES

  • Top Marketing and Communications Challenges
  • Ideas for Your Next Marketing or Communications Campaign
  • Business Trends for 2023
  • Government Trends for 2023

STATISTICS AND TRENDS

  • Latest Data (Home)
  • Business Trends
  • Cybersecurity

NETCASTS / PODCASTS

  • Netcasts, Podcasts and Webinars
  • OPTIMISTIC Talk
  • Webinar & Report: Top Communications and Marketing Challenges
  • Webinar & Report: Ideas for Your Next Marketing or Communications Campaign
  • Webinar: How To Use Search Engine Optimization To Create Effective Content
  • Webinar: How To Create A Successful Lead Generation Webinar
  • Webinar & Report: Business Trends for 2023
  • Webinar & Report: Government Trends for 2023

FOLLOW MIKE HACKMER

© 2022 Michael Hackmer LLC | All rights reserved. | Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions

Contact   571-271-5976
TOP