Japan is known for its ground-breaking technologies, deep-rooted traditions, and hard-working mindset. However, along with its technological wonder and cultural heritage, Japan is also popular for its unique services and strange jobs, which usually seem odd to foreign residents.
Why Do Strange Jobs Exist
This is because the country has its own culture, social norms, and willingness to try something new with its services. They are usually created to fulfill certain societal needs, whether it is companionship, convenience, or just something funny. Let’s have a look at the five strange jobs that can be found in Japan!
Professional Cuddlers (Soine-ya)
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In a country where lonely people make up as much as 40 percent of the population, sometimes people desperately need love and care from others. Enter Soine-ya, which translates as “co-sleeping shops.”
These businesses provide customers with non-sexual, comforting interaction. People can cuddle and sleep next to the staff of such shops, so-called “sleeping partners.” You can get a variation of cuddling positions only for 6,000 Yen per hour. With the popularity of such strange jobs, it is clear that sometimes people need to spend time with others.
Decoys (Sakura)
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Have you ever noticed kilometer-long queues in front of restaurants, cafes, and other small and medium businesses? There is a secret – not all people in these lines are real customers!
Some enterprises use ‘sakura,’ or professional decoys, to create an illusion of popularity. Their main goal is to act like a very interested customer, waiting in queues to make an impression of a high demand. And surprisingly, it works. No one wants to miss out on the big thing. People prefer to follow the trend without realizing that it is just a marketing tactic. Next time, think twice before joining the line: is it interesting or just an illusion?
Train Pushers (Oshiya)
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Having almost 7 million passengers daily, the Tokyo Metro is not always enough to accommodate so many people. Many passengers agree that congestion during rush hours is a bigger problem in Japan than it seems.
Sometimes, not getting on the train is the reason for being late to work or school. In this case, special people called “Oshiya,” or train pushers, come in, whose job is to push people onto the train to maximize the capacity. Usually, they work in more prominent and crowded stations, such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. It is not the best experience to be in this squeezed crowd, but if you want to reach your destination on time, sometimes it is inevitable to sacrifice your personal space.
Queue Stand-in (Narabiya)
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To get a rare item in shops, try new trending food in restaurants, or attend an event, such as a concert, you must wait in a vast and terrifying line of hundreds of people, wasting your precious time.
But what happens if I tell you you do not have to? Nowadays, if you have some extra money but no time, Narabiya is the answer for you. This service is less common than others and can be found on freelance job platforms. Imagine earning money by simply standing – what a dream job.
Rental Boyfriend
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Dating a cute Japanese man is no longer a dream for many women because now they can do it by renting a boyfriend for a whole day! This service is mainly targeted at lonely women who seek companionship, deep conversations, and emotional support but have no real relationship or long commitment.
Renting a boyfriend includes everything: you can choose your one-day boyfriend by appearance and personality, plan a date if needed, and enjoy your perfect date. However, as in all businesses, this service has strict rules about professional boundaries, so no physical interaction is allowed. Would you like to rent a whole person for a day?
Are Strange Jobs in Japan Helpful?
While these professions seem strange, their use solves many problems—whether it is loneliness, promotion of new businesses, optimizing public transportation, or saving time instead of waiting in lines. Japanese people’s adaptability to societal needs and creativity are the main reasons behind such strange jobs that are both effective and helpful.
Related Articles:
- This Week’s Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
- Work-life Balance and Overtime in Japan
- A Career in Japan: From Part-Time to Full-Time Jobs
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