Rent a Friend in Japan | Friend Stand-in Service Guide | Yuichi Ishii | 石井裕一 - オフィシャルサイト
FRIEND SERVICE

Friend Stand-in Service

A friend to hang out with, a drinking buddy, a travel companion — professional staff naturally create the experience of "having a friend." From Instagram-worthy fun to genuine heart-to-heart conversations.

3,000+
Annual Requests
¥8,000~
Starting Price
Nationwide
Service Area
65%+
Repeat Rate
CEO's Insight

Yuichi Ishii on "Friend Stand-in Service"

Yuichi Ishii
Yuichi Ishii
CEO, Family Romance Inc.
"I don't have any friends." — You cannot imagine how much courage it takes to say those words out loud. Through this work, I have heard that confession from thousands of people. Modern society appears connected through social media, yet so many people carry a profound loneliness. Having 1,000 followers but no one to spend a weekend with is more common than you think. Job transfers, relocations, workplace changes — as adults, opportunities to make friends become astonishingly rare. The most frequent request we receive is simply: "I want someone to go somewhere with." Disneyland, karaoke, drinking parties, trips. There are countless places that feel awkward or joyless alone. That is where we step in — as a natural, easy-going friend to share the experience. You might think this is a "fake friendship." But what our staff provide is not acting. Genuinely enjoying time together, having honest conversations, laughing together — that experience is unmistakably real. In fact, countless clients have regained the confidence to go out and eventually built genuine friendships of their own. Not having friends is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, wanting friends is one of the healthiest human impulses there is. We exist to help people take that very first step.
Pain Points

We Handle These Concerns

1

No Friends to Hang Out With on Weekends

Relocated for work with no acquaintances in the area. Weekends are always spent alone.

2

Places That Feel Awkward to Visit Alone

Theme parks, BBQ restaurants, karaoke, pubs — places you want to visit but feel uncomfortable entering solo.

3

No Photos with Friends for Social Media

No photos with friends to post. Inability to update social media draws concern from others.

4

No Friends for Group Dates

Need to bring friends to balance the group, but there is no one to ask.

5

Don't Know How to Make Friends in a New Environment

Since entering the workforce, there have been no opportunities to make friends, leading to feelings of isolation.

6

No One to Share Hobbies With

No friends who share your interests in anime, gaming, or sports. The limits of solo enjoyment are becoming clear.

Services

Friend Stand-in Service — Service Details

Friend for a Day

Friend for a Day

12,000 yen+/person

Weekend outings, shopping, cafe hopping, movies, and more. Spending time naturally as a like-minded friend. Hobbies and conversation topics matched in advance.

Group Date Wingman

Group Date Wingman

8,000 yen+/person

A professional friend who energizes group dates and parties. Expert conversationalists who read the room and subtly highlight your best qualities.

Theme Park Companion

Theme Park Companion

12,000 yen+/person

Accompanying you to theme parks as a friend. Rides, photos, parades — creating unforgettable memories together.

Karaoke Buddy

Karaoke Buddy

8,000 yen+/person

For those who find solo karaoke daunting. Singing, cheering, and having fun together. Song selection and duets included.

Use Cases

Common Use Cases

Theme Park Companionship

Theme Park Companionship

Accompanying you to Disneyland, USJ, or other amusement parks as a friend. Photos and memory-making guaranteed.

Drinking Parties & Group Dates

Drinking Parties & Group Dates

Balancing numbers, livening up the atmosphere, and highlighting your charm. Natural conversation that puts everyone at ease.

Shared Hobbies

Shared Hobbies

Sports events, movies, cafe hopping, travel. We match you with staff who share your interests.

A Friend in Your New City

A Friend in Your New City

For newcomers with no local connections. Sharing local tips while spending enjoyable time together.

Flow

How It Works

1

Free Consultation

Tell us the activity, date, location, and what kind of friend you are looking for via phone or email.

2

Plan Creation

Your coordinator proposes the best plan, including preferences for hobbies, personality, and age.

3

Staff Selection

Matched with the right staff from over 5,000 based on hobbies, personality, age, and vibe. Photo preview available.

4

Pre-Meeting Briefing

Detailed alignment on the day's schedule, conversation topics, nicknames, and backstory. Creating a natural friendship.

5

Day-of Service

Our professional staff spend the day with you as a naturally compatible friend. A great time guaranteed.