Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

Regular price
Checking stock...
Regular price
Checking stock...
World of Books

At World of Books, you’ll find millions of preloved reads at great prices, from bestsellers to hidden gems. Every book you buy saves money and helps reduce waste, so you can read more for less while giving stories a second life.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free US shipping over $15
  • Buying preloved emits 41% less CO2 than new
  • Millions of affordable books
  • Give your books a new home - sell them back to us!

Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

***Now an International Bestseller!***

A Publisher's Weekly Pick of 2024!



"Distinctively Japanese musings on meaning and connection."--Observer



I'm starting a service... available for any situation in which all you want is a person to be there. Maybe there's a restaurant you want to go to, but you feel awkward going on your own.



Maybe a game you want to play, but you're one person short.



Or perhaps you'd like someone to keep a space in the park for your cherry blossom viewing party...



Shoji Morimoto was constantly being told by his boss, "It makes no difference whether you're here or not," and that his presence contributed nothing to the company. Morimoto began to wonder whether a person who "does nothing" could still have actual value and a place in the world. Perhaps he could turn "doing nothing" into a service? With one tweet, Rental Person was born.



Rental Person provides a fascinating service to the lonely and socially anxious. This book details thousands of his true-life adventures:

  • Accompanying a divorcee to her favorite restaurant
  • Waving goodbye to a client from the train platform
  • Sitting in the courtroom during a client's trial
  • Supporting a client during a difficult surgery


Rental Person is dependable, nonjudgmental and committed to remaining a stranger, and the curious encounters he shares are revelatory about both Japanese society and human psychology.



In Rental Person Who Does Nothing, Morimoto chronicles his extraordinary experiences in his unique line of work and reflects on how we consider relationships, jobs and family in our search for meaningful connection and purpose in life.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9781335017536
ISBN 10 1335017534
Title Rental Person Who Does Nothing
Author Shoji Morimoto
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Hardback
Publisher Hanover Square Press
Year published 2024-01-09
Number of pages 208
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.