Book
Rental person who does nothing : a memoir / Shoji Morimoto ; translated by Don Knotting.
"Shoji Morimoto was constantly being told that he was a 'do-nothing' because he lacked initiative. Dispirited and unemployed, it occurred to him that if he was so good at doing nothing, perhaps he could turn it into a business. And with one tweet, he began his business of renting himself out to do nothing. Morimoto, aka Rental Person, provides a fascinating service to the lonely and socially anxious. Sitting with a client undergoing surgery, accompanying a newly-divorced client to her favourite restaurant, visiting the site of a client's suicide attempt are just a few of his thousands of true life adventures. He is dependable, non-judgmental 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"--Publisher's description.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781335017536 (hardcover)
- Physical Description: 186 pages : illustrations ; 19 cm
- Publisher: Toronto, ON : Hanover Square Press, [2024]
- Copyright: ©2023
Content descriptions
| General Note: | First published in 2023 by Kawade Shobo Shinsha Ltd. Publishers as "'Rental nanmo shinai hito' to iu service wo hajimemasu." |
| Formatted Contents Note: | Foreword -- Doing nothing -- Showing no individuality -- A rental person day -- Not getting too close -- Not being tied down by money -- Not resisting AI -- Instead of an afterword. |
| Language Note: | English translation from the Japanese. |
Search for related items by subject
| Genre: | Autobiographies. Anecdotes. Personal narratives. |
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeshore Branch | 301.3640952135 Morim | 31681010355584 | NONFIC | Available | - |
- Baker & Taylor
The author shares his unique perspective on how we look at work, relationships and life, and how we often have trouble talking about the things most important to us, with the people closest to us. - Baker & Taylor
The author shares his unique perspective on how we look at work, relationships and life, and how we often have trouble talking about the things most important to us, with the people closest to us. Illustrations. - Harlequin
***Now an International Bestseller!***
A Publisher's Weekly Pick of 2024!
"Distinctively Japanese musings on meaning and connection."âObserver
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 youâre 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 clientâs 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.
