11 Comments
User's avatar
Margaret River's avatar

Oh, so interesting! Japan never ceases to amaze me! Family rentals ... how tempting ... but, no! I must be strong! Seriously, though, it does remind me of how the Ancients rented professional mourners for funerals because their own families couldn't be trusted to mourn 'correctly'. Amazing post, Gianni.

Gianni Simone's avatar

Thanks Maria, and you are right. After all, the Japanese haven't invented anything really new.

Beroberto's avatar

Sounds like The Twilight Zone!

Pallavi Aiyar's avatar

Great piece!

Kathleen Clare Waller's avatar

So bizarre, and yet the fake news aspect is even more bizarre! Thanks for explaining a phenomenon I had only heard bits and pieces of. Lots to think about here!

Gianni Simone's avatar

I agree. People are really full of surprises.

Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Really interesting, Gianni. Thank you for getting beyond the sensationalism and drawing out interesting answers with your thoughtful questions (though Ishii san rather ducked the fake reality question). I remember having to give an apology on behalf of some negligent temporary employee to a senior client. Not a lot of fun. I wish I'd been able to rent someone to go in my place!

Gianni Simone's avatar

Thank you, Jeff. When we began the interview, Ishii seemed somewhat apprehensive, perhaps anticipating a tough exchange. In fact, I was simply hoping to get some thoughtful answers.

Portia's avatar

That was great!