For Rent: 'Cheery, Clean' Fake Friends

Japanese firm pads guest lists; wedding toast costs extra

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 10, 2009 11:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Why bother making friends when you can rent them? A Tokyo-based company allows you to do just that, hiring out fake friends for any occasion, even the happiest day of your life. Need to pad your wedding guest list? The rent-a-friend will attend for just $200; for an extra $100, he’ll even make a nice speech.

The recession has helped the service gain even more popularity as unemployed people hire surrogate bosses or co-workers. The service will also provide facsimile paramours, secretaries, and even relatives. “They are cheery and clean,” said the rental agency's head honcho, “and look like they have regular jobs.”

If you don't have enough friends, you can always buy more. (Shutterstock)

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For Rent: 'Cheery, Clean' Fake Friends

Japanese firm pads guest lists; wedding toast costs extra

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Gadget Translates 'Woof' into Words

Japanese toymaker debuts dog translator next month

Ex Olympus Execs Arrested Over Cover-Up

Ex-chairman, others implicated in $1.5B loss dating to '90s

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Rising yen, falling international demand, led to 2.3% contraction

Japan's Emperor to Have Heart Bypass

Akihito has suffered from variety of health problems in recent years

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But doesn't intend to reopen bases

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For Rent: 'Cheery, Clean' Fake Friends

Japanese firm pads guest lists; wedding toast costs extra

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

weird news • Japan • Friends

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Gadget Translates 'Woof' into Words

Japanese toymaker debuts dog translator next month

Ex Olympus Execs Arrested Over Cover-Up

Ex-chairman, others implicated in $1.5B loss dating to '90s

Japan's Economy Shrinks More Than Expected

Rising yen, falling international demand, led to 2.3% contraction

Japan's Emperor to Have Heart Bypass

Akihito has suffered from variety of health problems in recent years

US Military Looking for Foothold in Philippines

But doesn't intend to reopen bases

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?