Keeping Up Appearances

[Boyou]

I know the Japanese are very big on status,but this seems to be taking things to the extreme..an excerpt from Nine MSN news page. (hope that covers me from infringing copyright)


A Japanese company offering a "fake friends" service is proving to be a massive hit with people who want to pad out their guest list at weddings.

The Tokyo-based Office Agents will rent out friends, work colleagues and even relatives for people looking to appear popular or simply maintain an air of respectability, the UK Telegraph newspaper reports.

Clients pay $260 for one of the company's agents to attend their wedding but additional services, such as delivering a tear-jerking speech, cost extra.

Brides or grooms wanting to appear popular in front of their partners were among those filling up their guest list with fakes, the company's chief Hiroshi Mizutani said.

"We'll attend the wedding as your friend instead of your friend," The Telegraph quoted Mr Mizutani as saying.

"Suddenly, a guest might not be able to make it … or maybe you are concerned about the gap in the number of guests you have compared to your partner.

"Or, there are many temp workers these days and they may be uncomfortable inviting the boss."

Rising unemployment levels also meant people were renting fake bosses and colleagues in order to maintain an air of respectability, he said.

Mr Mizutani said the company employed fakers who were "cheery and clean" and looked "like they have regular jobs".

 

[white_goodman]

Bucke't residence, lady of the house speaking.....

 

[Green08]

Ingrained culture.

I've been there 3 times and the polite and pristine appearance is ever present.

If is makes them happy, let them do it. I remember going to a Japanese Disco and it was not cool to be dancing with someone - anyone else. It was only cool to dance facing the mirrors (on 3 sides) by yourself looking at yourself They were all looking at themselves!

However, the deep soad tubs, food and saki are well worth the visit.

When I went, ages ago, all taxi drivers wore white gloves, got out of the taxi to open the door for you - no matter how busy. There was always a white cloth over the back head rest and lining the seat.

 

[GumbyLearner]

Bucke't residence, lady of the house speaking.....

HAHAHA

Or another classic

"If you have to perspire, I wish you'd go into the back garden, so as not to disturb the people who respect us socially."

 

[Bafana]

Will I gte paid extra if I go as their Aussie mate from Downunder???

This could be a handy source of additional income.

 

[xyzedarteerf]

i remember this from a few years back, they were offering a fake family so you can bring your girlfriend to perfect family gathering.
gives me an idea what about Hire a Bogan.

 

[insider]

This is virtually an escort service... without the pay off in the end... hehe

 

[Sith1s]

No happy ending!!!!

 

[jono1887]

What has the world gotten to?? you need to pay for friends
The japs must have some serious psychological issues they need to solve if they feel some sort of incompetence if they don't have enough friends at an occasion.

 

[awg]

I believe a similar occupation exists, even in Australia

I know I did get into considerable trouble at my High School when the CES came to visit, and I nominated my No1 career choice as Gigolo.

I must admit a tinge of regret that I did not follow the dream

 

[Calliope]

I must say that Therese Rein looks good after trimming down to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

But I think it is all a matter of keeping up appearances. When hob-nobbing overseas Mr Rudd has to compete with the likes of Sarcozy, Berlesconi, Obama and Putin who all have an eye for a classy filly.