Meet Shoji Morimoto from Japan: Age 40, does nothing but still earns Rs 60 lakh annually, here's how

Shoji Morimoto from Japan has found an unusual way to earn a living by doing nothing. His unique job brings him an annual income of about Rs 60 lakh. At the age of 40, he has turned “doing nothing” into a successful career. Let’s explore how Shoji Morimoto makes money by simply being present for others.

Helping People Deal with Loneliness

Shoji Morimoto from Japan has created a special job to help people cope with loneliness. In today’s world, many individuals face isolation and feel alone. While people in different cities are coming up with creative ways to make friends, Morimoto has found his own approach. He earns money by offering his time and presence to those who need someone around them.

What Does Shoji Morimoto Do?

Shoji Morimoto doesn’t provide any regular services like talking or doing activities. Instead, his job is to just be there for people. He has worked with over 1,000 clients, including both locals and people from the US, who pay him about $100 for two to three hours of his company. His clients don’t expect conversation or interaction; they just appreciate his quiet presence.

Earning Rs 60 Lakh Annually by Doing Nothing

Credit: Reuters

Despite the simplicity of his work, Shoji Morimoto earns around $80,000 (approximately Rs 60 lakh) per year, as reported in the New York Post. He has strict rules about not forming personal friendships with his clients, which allows him to keep his job professional. Morimoto started this unusual career in 2018 and has since helped many people feel less lonely, though his relationships with clients are always temporary.

Strange Client Requests

Shoji Morimoto has had some odd experiences with his clients. In his 2023 memoir, Rental Person Who Does Nothing, he shared stories of unusual requests. For example, one woman hired him just to watch her go through her husband’s online dating profiles. In another instance, a woman hired him to eat pieces of paper as if they were rice. These unusual requests show just how varied and strange his job can be.

A New Side Business with No Rental Fees

Shoji Morimoto recently expanded his services with a new venture called "People Who Don’t Rent Anything." This service caters to people who need someone to join them for specific activities, like shopping or playing video games. Unlike his original service, this one doesn’t involve any rental fee. Instead, clients only cover his travel and food expenses. This new offering is aimed at helping even more people who need companionship without a large cost.

A Growing Trend to Combat Loneliness

Shoji Morimoto from Japan isn’t the only one trying to help people feel less lonely. Others around the world are also finding ways to address this problem. In New York City, Isabella Epstein, a 25-year-old, invites random strangers to join her for dinner at fancy restaurants. Additionally, Ty and Felecia Freely, a couple from Brooklyn, organize “Lectures on Tap,” where people gather at bars to hear professors give talks while enjoying drinks.

Shoji Morimoto’s story shows that even doing nothing can be turned into a successful career if you find the right approach. By simply offering his presence, Morimoto has created a job that not only brings him financial success but also helps people who struggle with loneliness. Whether through his original rental service or his new side business, Shoji Morimoto continues to make an impact just by being there for others.