Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto
Print Length: 192 pages
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Sociocultural
Sometimes you pick up a book out of curiosity, and then it turns out to be very interesting in ways that sometimes words fail to describe. This is one such book. Filled with anecdotes by Shoji Morimoto and his experiences as a Rental Person Who Does Nothing, this book wholeheartedly shows the loneliness faced by people from different walks of life. It is filtered through observations and experiences noted down by Morimoto.
“I felt comfortable in a community that existed just for the moment, with simple, temporary relationships uncomplicated by past or future.”
The author quit his day job and had the idea to become a rental person who does nothing. When he posted about this on his Twitter account, he was flooded with messages from all over Japan, making him an overnight success. He only charges for travel to his customers who request his service of simply being present and doing nothing. I was surprised when the author described his philosophy of providing such a service and how it turned into a full-fledged passion for him. He explained in depth why he is successful at doing nothing and is still in demand.
“Being asked about dreams can be depressing for people, forcing them to think about the future. My dream of doing nothing is already a reality, so in fact, it is a dream of keeping things as they are. Why shouldn’t a dream focus on the here and now? Why is there an assumption that it must be about the future?”
Morimoto, also known as Rental Person, offers a unique service to those who feel lonely and socially anxious in a society that values high performance and financial success. He is a dependable, non-judgmental, and committed individual who remains a stranger to his clients. The encounters with Morimoto provide valuable insights into both Japanese society and human psychology. By turning the criticism of his lack of contribution at work into an innovative service for the lonely and socially anxious, Morimoto demonstrates creativity in addressing specific social needs.
“If people are pressured by society into saying they have particular abilities, then the true value they have as themselves becomes blurred. If you say you have value because you can do particular things, you will always be judged by established social standards. So I never say I can do anything. And I don’t do anything.”
In his encounters, Morimoto reflects on broader themes such as relationships, work, and family. He encourages readers to reconsider what meaningful connection and purpose look like in their lives. The book delves into the universal feelings of loneliness and the desire for human connection, highlighting how even the act of “doing nothing” can fulfill these deep-seated needs. Overall, Morimoto’s experiences challenge conventional notions of value and productivity, suggesting that there is worth in simply being present for others. If you’re in search of a unique reading experience, I would definitely recommend this book.
Ratings on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being exceptional):
Quality of writing: 6
Pace: 8
Plot development: 8
Characters: 6
Enjoyability: 8
Insightfulness: 9
Ease of reading: 9
Photo/Illustrations: Yes
About The AuthoR
Shoji Morimoto is a Japanese author and social media figure known for his unique role as a “rental person who does nothing.” Originally trained in physics and formerly employed in publishing, Morimoto gained attention when he began renting himself out to simply accompany people without offering any specific service or expertise. His presence alone became a form of silent support for clients facing loneliness, indecision, or social anxiety. Morimoto’s unusual job quickly went viral, sparking conversations worldwide about human connection, social expectations, and the importance of simply being present. His experiences are detailed in his book, Rental Person Who Does Nothing.
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