Would you like for a stranger to silent and still, but present as you do something?
Okay, it sounds weird. But it also makes sense. Shoji Morimoto, 38, of Tokyo works as a silent stranger. He tells the Washington Post (paywalled article) that his service is most often hired by people who are undergoing a major life experience, such as visiting a loved one's grave or filing divorce papers, and have no one to invite to join them. Give Morimoto money and he'll silently and attentively be present as you experience what you need.
If you have friends, you could call upon them to help you. But there may be a relationship cost to doing so, or it could just be awkward. Morimoto thus fills a niche because the cost is spelled out clearly and paid immediately: $85.
-via Althouse | Photo: Pxhere