Revealing an Unfaithful Spouse? Tokyo Offered a 'Critical Individual Hiring Service' for Such Situations
In the heart of Tokyo, a unique start-up named Mori Building offered a service that, at first glance, might seem unusual. Known as the Scary Person Rental Service, this venture provided clients with a tattooed, scowling individual to stand by their side in difficult situations.
The service, which ran from the end of August and concluded on August 31, did not involve any physical harm or violence. Instead, it provided an atmosphere of potential violence without actual violence. Clients reported feeling calm and safe with a scary person present, while others saw the true value in making them feel less frightened.
The cost for this three-hour service was ¥20,000 (RM575), with additional charges for travel outside the Tokyo metropolitan area. The company behind this service emphasised that it did not involve any illegal activities and did not employ gangsters. However, speculation suggests that the business may have lacked the proper license to rent out intimidation.
Online discussions about the Scary Person Rental Service were varied, featuring admiration, thought experiments, and debates about its purpose. Some saw it as a radical luxury in a society where politeness is compulsory and confrontation is taboo. Others pondered about the potential outcomes if both parties in a conflict hired rented muscle.
The service has been successful in helping clients navigate difficult situations, from dealing with noisy neighbours to confronting spouses' mistresses. In one office, a client used the service to handle an office bully, while another client sought help in managing a dispute with a difficult neighbour.
The Japanese version of the service had a theatrical flair, making life's small disputes seem like casting calls. One supporter of the service stated that it is human nature to bully the weak and fear the strong, making this service a reflection of that dynamic.
However, the Scary Person Rental Service is no more. It was discontinued on August 31 without an explanation. Now, it stands among the vanished curiosities in the gig economy, leaving behind a unique footprint in Tokyo's start-up scene.
