Another story on consumerism … in the most bizarre way.
Did you know that you can rent a foreigner in Japan? Yes. You go to the site, find the person you want, put him or her in your shopping cart, and away you go.
The site is called Gaikokujin Rental and it says that the site is:
“neither employer, nor dispatch company. We are public space for self-promotion.”
Perhaps, but the shopping cart does make me cringe.
Read more on their About page (in both Japanese and English) The About page is not a translation, though. The Japanese content is different from the English.
Part of the Japanese explanation says (my 適当 translation, with just a hint of sarcasm):
“You can speak with them, play with them, make them work. Anything’s okay! How about renting a gaijin today, for professional or work purposes, or just to kill time?”
Writing prompt / Discussion question:
Discuss/write about your reactions and opinions about such an enterprise. Your first reaction may be one of disbelief, but take some time to think about it and discuss/write your opinions looking at all sides of the story. (I am not endorsing this site, but I do think it’s a great topic for discussion.)
After you think about your own opinions, read an interview with the two guys who started the site. Does it change your opinions?
