Rental Person Who Does Nothing: A Memoir | 
pickNext up in mixed bag (largely positive) non-fiction! I think it's best to go into this book knowing that the do nothing person is by and large not a person you rent, aside from travel expenses, that this position is more of a thought experiment than a vocation.
I can certainly see why the weight of societal expectations and the toxicity of the job market (the things his former boss said to him?!) would remove any enthusiasm for striving 1/?
pickThis was a strange concept. Thoughts about the author vacillated between finding him off-putting and admiring his complete ability to understand himself.
pickWas fascinating how differently I felt about Shoiji Morimoto at different parts of this. I went from genuinely curious to is this guy for real? 1st time reading a memoir where it‘s the concept that‘s the hook rather than being someone that I already admire. He‘s at no point trying to paint himself in the best light (he goes out of his way to let you know that he‘s not driven by altruism but at the same time, only charges train fare for his time)
pickI had never heard of the do nothing rental person on Twitter/iInstagram, so I was intrigued. He doesn‘t charge anything, but his transportation costs(if a meal is involved, they pay) He then writes about experience on line. Most of the requests are quite calm. One person requested to have him bid her goodbye at a train station as she left Tokyo for good but didn‘t want a friend there bc it would be too emotional. She just wanted someone there.
so-soSuch an interesting concept: a rental person who will walk with you, text you to remind you to go to the gym, or comment on a photo of your dog, but no real “services” are rendered. Morimoto‘s twitter account took off and part of the thrill was to be featured in his tweets, which are described in this audio.
I think a younger me would have appreciated this more. The memoir itself doesn‘t dig deep enough, tells without showing.
Really like the idea, not so sure about the execution. Should finish this tonight. Story told partially through tweets, so I‘m kinda on for my theme this year.
pickI was fully entertained by this odd little book, about a Japanese man who offers himself for rent to those who just want someone there. In a world of lonely people, I find this kinda sweet. Plus his ascertains that he doesn‘t really have a personality and isn‘t interesting and is thus suited to the work is very amusing to me.
so-soOne of the most bizarre yet totally Japanese books I‘ve ever read! Shoji had a bit of savings and hated his job. He decided to offer his services as a rental person on the condition that he does nothing. But his rules, oh the complicated rules, for doing nothing are very Japanese. Passive listening: ok; active listening: no. Other things that fall under “doing nothing” accompanying someone to court & reminding someone to attend class. 🤷🏻♀️
That being said the author/interviewee(?) has an apathy to work but is obviously broadly interested in humanity, and while attempting to remain grounded despite an increasing social media presence, is of help to a number of people for often zero income. 5d
On that note, I like the crowd effort indicated and acknowledged in his Twitter followers offering support and solutions to those who the rental person cannot or elects not to take on as clients. 5d
The author introduced the idea of an intensive form of reciprocity in Japanese friendships, and suggests that perhaps it contributes to this need for side quests with a stranger. 5d
⚠️suicide, mention of murder, cult membership 5d