Conundrum: What does one do when they are a “do-nothing” sort of person in the world’s most industrious country? When despite one’s many accomplishments (including a post-graduate degree in physics, dabbling in music and even an excellent “real job” by Japanese standards), everything just feels wrong because one knows in their heart that they are not being true to their authentic selves? When one knows deep down inside that they have a gift they must share with the world, even if that gift is an unnatural ability to do absolutely nothing?
Well, if you are a Japanese slacker, you monetize that skill, create not just your own niche but your own business, go viral, become famous, work with over 30,000 clients, inspire books and a TV show, and earn a tidy enough sum doing it to comfortably provide a nice life for your family.
Yeah, I know. It’s the least slackery slacking ever.
Meet Shoji Mormoto, Japan’s Do-Nothing Guy. The 38-year-old father and husband felt unfulfilled by his life after he transitioned from university (did I mention the post-graduate degree in physics?) to full-time work. He had always been a slacker, a “do-nothing guy,” according to his parents, siblings, teachers, neighbors and pretty much everyone else he encountered. And they were right. He does nothing extremely well.
So, he began renting out his time for exactly that. Clients use his services for anything, from a dinner companion to an “emotional support do-nothing guy” for a client filing for divorce. He is pretty high in demand.
What does he do for these clients? He just sits quietly, responding briefly if spoken to, but initiating nothing. He is simply there, but in a culture rife with social expectations where every step must be carefully planned and can be harshly judged, he is a buffer. For women on their own, he is safety. For most, he is just the presence of another human in a difficult time.
He is human connection with no obligation. Comfort. Freedom.
Hardly seems like a Do-Nothing Man at all…
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
