Rent-an-Ugly: How One Man Turned Mediocrity Into Money
A self-described “ugly.” Japanese man is raking in the big bucks thanks to a brilliant business idea called “rental busaiku” or “not-so-good-looking guy for rent.”
By Missy Baker · July 12, 2024
Disclaimer: While this article is full of the ugly truth, it also contains satire, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Are you ugly? Well, now you can be rich AND ugly! Just follow the business model of Former comedian Rui Shinohara, of Japan, who’s making some sweet yen off his “meh” appearance.
Fed up with ripped hunks dominating the spotlight, Shinohara decided it was time for average Joes to shine (or at least sparkle a little.) Since 2020, Shinohara has been offering his services as an “ugly man” to anyone who wants to add a bit of mediocrity to their life.
It’s hard to believe people would pay for this service when you could just as easily go online and find ugly men to hang out with for free.
The “Ugly Man” Menu Includes:
Standing next to average-looking men so that they look like Greek Gods by comparison.
Listening to women talk about their feelings so they don’t have to bore the beefcakes.
Helping stupid superficial rich people part with their money.
Shinohara added that for an extra fee, customers could also “bully the ugly man, but not too much.” Come on, the boy has feelings!
Shinohara may not like what he sees in the mirror, but he’s loving what he sees in his bank account. This plain-faced Prince Charming currently charges clients 10,000 yen for a 2-hour rental, which sounds insane until you find out 10,000 yen is $62.
Like all startups, this business venture does include its share of risks, however. The biggest potential pitfall to worry about is that you can never accidentally get too hot. One too many crunches and you’re out of a job, pretty boy.