Takanobu Nishimoto is the owner of a unique business. The Straits Times reported that the fashion expert of 50 years old created an online platform named “Ossan Rental” in 2012 from his residence in Tokyo.
“Ossan” is a somewhat insulting term for “uncles” or middle-aged men.
At just 1,000 Japanese Yen, the equivalent of $6.84 per hour, people using Nishimoto’s service meet a middle-aged man listening to their complaints, performing chores, or giving advice on life.
In Japan, Middle-aged guys are frequently mocked because of their stereotyped receding hairlines, large beards, and unsanitary habits, which also happened to Nishimoto, who set up this service to eradicate all the negative stereotypes about Japanese “uncles’.
“Initially, I thought that young men seeking advice would make up most of the clientele, but it was women from their twenties to fifties,” Nishimoto said.
The demands of their clients are different. Some seek professional and relationship advice, while others want company at shows or bars. “Ossan” also helps customers to move furniture or assume as an irascible boyfriend who can deter stalkers.
Nishimoto ensures the security of his customers. He checks prospective “Ossan” applicants to ensure they’re good at engaging in a conversation, something many of his clients are fond of. Then, he performs a background review. In addition, he doesn’t permit “Ossan” to touch clients or engage in any activity that could create physical contact and threatens to remove users from the website if the situation occurs.
The “Ossan” get to keep the money they earn, and Mr. Nishimoto is charging $88.89 per month in yen for an Ossan Rental membership to screen out anyone who might have a shady motive. Also, they must sign a one-year agreement.
The needs of their clients are different. Some seek professional and relationship advice, while others want company at shows or bars. “Ossan” also helps customers to move furniture or assume as an irascible boyfriend who can deter the stalkers. Imagine having a knowledgeable handyman to fix that leaky faucet, an empathetic listener to discuss your worries, or a seasoned chef to whip up a delicious meal—just a few clicks away.
Nishimoto believes mature males possess a wealth of experience to impart and are helpful when aiding others. This site receives about 900 bookings monthly, including the ‘Ossan’ bookings, which receive up to 60 reservations and can bring up to $888.90. Ossan Rental doesn’t only feature your regular average middle aged men but also men from a lot of different background like sports, retired managers, and more people with a lot of experience in life. You could learn a lot from these people and with just 1000 yen per hour, its not that expensive if you learn something valuable.
Mr. Nishimoto has more than eighty “Ossan” to choose from instead of just himself when he first began his journey. However, the website’s popularity has brought in copycats. Nowadays, at least three more websites offer similar services after Ossan Rental became popular.
The advantages that come from “Ossan” rental go two ways. According to Mr. Nishimoto, ‘Ossan’ themselves grow through this role. Either they gain more confidence, polish their image, or learn lessons in life from other people.”
Japan’s population has been in decline for a decade. Research shows that it will need millions of workers from foreign countries to run its economy within the coming years. The middle-aged men without employment and without special skills for a 9-5 job could find a livelihood from Ossan Rental. So, if you’re curious about the potential benefits of connecting with middle-aged companions, Ossan Rental invites you to explore this fascinating concept.
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