Walk around Tokyo on a Friday night and you’ll notice something curious. Salarymen unwinding at izakaya, students gathering in karaoke booths, and young couples on what look like picture-perfect dates. But not every couple you see is exactly what it seems. Some of those dates are part of a growing industry in Japan — the rent-a-girlfriend service.
The concept is exactly what it sounds like: you pay to spend time with a companion who takes on the role of your girlfriend for a set period. While it sounds unusual to outsiders, in Japan it has become both a cultural talking point and a legitimate business model.
Why Rent a Girlfriend Exists in Japan
Relationships in Japan come with their own set of pressures. Work culture, social expectations, and the difficulty of balancing careers with romance have led to more young people delaying or avoiding traditional relationships. At the same time, loneliness in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka is a very real issue, with many people craving companionship without long-term obligations.
This is where agencies step in. Instead of swiping endlessly on dating apps, customers can book time with a professional companion who provides the feeling of being cared for, listened to, and, in a sense, loved — at least for the duration of the date.
How Rent-a-Girlfriend Services Work
The system is surprisingly straightforward. You browse profiles online, choose a companion whose personality or hobbies you like, and book a date through the agency. The first meeting usually takes place in a public spot — think cafes, restaurants, or amusement parks. Physical affection is off-limits, and contracts emphasize that these are platonic services, not to be confused with nightlife entertainment or escort work.
Rates vary, but the average cost in Tokyo is around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per hour, plus expenses like food, tickets, or transportation. Some agencies also have membership fees, while others offer packages for multiple bookings.
The Appeal for Customers
For many clients, it isn’t about pretending they’re in love. It’s about having someone to share experiences with. A trip to Disneyland, a quiet coffee shop in Shinjuku, or even a simple stroll through Ueno Park feels different when you have a companion by your side.
Students might use the service for practice before entering real relationships, while older clients sometimes just want conversation without judgment. It’s not uncommon for people new to Tokyo — especially those without a wide social circle — to try it once out of curiosity.
Controversies and Criticism
Of course, not everyone sees rent-a-girlfriend services in a positive light. Critics argue that it commodifies intimacy, turning basic human connection into something you swipe your card for. Others worry about emotional dependency, since some clients book the same girlfriend repeatedly and begin to treat the relationship as more than just business.
In some cases, boundaries can blur, leading to drama both for customers and companions. Agencies stress rules to prevent misunderstandings, but stories circulate of people struggling to separate fantasy from reality.
Pop Culture Influence
The idea of renting a girlfriend isn’t just limited to real life. It’s been popularized by anime and manga, most notably the series “Rent-A-Girlfriend” (Kanojo, Okarishimasu), which portrays both the charm and complications of these services. The series resonated with young audiences because it reflects both the loneliness of modern life and the yearning for connection.
In a country where anime often shapes cultural perceptions, the show’s success only made the industry more visible — and in some cases, more normalized.
Top Places to Rent a Girlfriend in Tokyo
Tokyo is where the rent-a-girlfriend industry is most visible, with a few agencies standing out for their popularity and accessibility.
Diamond Agency (Shinjuku)
One of the better-known names in the capital, Diamond Agency lists companions with detailed profiles that include hobbies and interests, making it easier to choose someone you’d genuinely enjoy spending time with. Prices start at around ¥3,500 per hour, and reservations are usually needed in advance.
Rent a Girlfriend Tokyo (Shibuya)
A service designed with tourists in mind, this agency offers partial English support and companions who are comfortable guiding newcomers through busy spots like Shibuya Scramble or Harajuku. Hourly rates are slightly higher, around ¥5,000, but it’s beginner-friendly for first-timers.
Aki Kanojo Rental (Ikebukuro)
This agency appeals to a younger crowd and has a casual, approachable vibe. Many of their companions are students or part-timers, and the experience often feels more like hanging out with a friend than going on a staged date. Expect rates between ¥3,500 and ¥4,500 per hour.
What to Expect If You Try It
If you’re visiting Japan and curious, here’s what you need to know:
- Booking: Most agencies require reservations through their website. Some offer English-language support, but many are still Japanese-only.
- Cost: Expect hourly fees plus all outing expenses. Don’t forget to cover your companion’s meal or activity ticket.
- Rules: No touching, no unsolicited contact outside agency approval, and no asking for personal information.
- Etiquette: Treat it as a role-play experience. Be polite, keep conversation light, and don’t pressure your companion.
Alternatives for Companionship in Japan
Renting a girlfriend isn’t the only way to ease loneliness. Maid cafes, host clubs, and pet cafes also offer forms of companionship, though each in their own stylized way. For those wanting something more authentic, language exchange meetups, local hobby clubs, and online communities provide opportunities to connect with people naturally.
A Reflection of Modern Japan
At its core, the rent-a-girlfriend industry reflects a deeper truth about Japanese society: people want connection, but the pressures of modern life often make it hard to find in traditional ways. Whether you see it as a clever business or a sign of social struggle, it’s undeniably part of Japan’s unique urban culture.
Walking through Shibuya, you may never know if that smiling couple beside you is in love or simply in the middle of a two-hour booking. And maybe that’s the point.
