Rent-a-grandma? In Japan, you can hire one by the hour for company and life advice

In Japan there are services that allow you to “rent” grandmothers, though the term refers to hiring elderly women for a variety of tasks and companionship, rather than a literal rental.

One prominent service is called OK Obaachan (“OK Grandma”), run by Client Partners. This service connects clients with women typically aged 60 to 94 who offer a range of services for an hourly fee (around 3,300 yen per hour, plus transportation costs).

These “rental grandmas” are hired for a surprisingly wide array of purposes, including companionship and emotional support which can involve simply listening, offering advice, or providing a comforting presence during difficult personal situations like breakups or coming out to family members.

The grandmas can also assist in teaching traditional cooking, providing babysitting services, or assisting with chores.

Some clients have even hired “grandmas” to attend weddings or cheer on children at sports events if they don’t have enough family members present and the service aims to provide older women, who might face ageism and sexism in the traditional job market, with meaningful work and a sense of purpose (“ikigai”).

It also addresses a societal need for human connection and a “grandmotherly” presence, especially for those living far from their own families or dealing with social isolation.

This concept is part of a broader trend in Japan of “rental family” services, where people can hire actors to pose as friends or family members for various social situations.

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