lifestyle

'Rent-a-Girlfriend' service offers simulated romance

95 Comments
By Steven Simonitch

There are many young Japanese men who, even if they want to go on a date, have little confidence in their ability to carry out an engaging conversation with the opposite sex. Maybe they’ve been so caught up in work that they’ve forgotten what constitutes interesting table talk, or maybe they’ve never even been on a date before. Maybe they’ve never even spoken with a woman before.

Whatever the case, there are guys out there who feel lost when it comes to showing a lady a good time. To those men, we recommend “Moe Date”, a new Japanese dating service where you can rent a girlfriend for a day of real simulated romance. What better way to get back in the game than with a little warm up, right fellas?

That said, we sent one of our own dried-up correspondents, Daiichiro Tashiro, on a three hour Moe Date to find out if the service could reignite the flame of passion that once burned in his heart.

Moe Date offers three different date “courses”: a one hour date for 4,500 yen, a three-hour date for 13,550 yen, and a five-hour date for 19,500 yen. Each course differs in length alone; how you spend your time is up to you, though Moe Date does offer sample date itineraries for reference. Naturally, you are expected to pick up the tab for all activities.

Using the reservation page on the Moe Date website, you can specify which girl you would like to take out and, after the reservation is made, you are even given the girl’s employee e-mail address so you can contact her directly to make arrangements for where to meet and what to do. It might be a good idea to make a reservation far in advance if you want to spend more time getting to know your date before the big day.

While some people may be put off by the added responsibility of having to plan for a date they’re already paying good money for, Moe Date explains that this freedom is a crucial element in recreating the feelings of excitement experience in a real romance.

As there is pressure on both parties to show each other a good time, those moments leading up to and right after you first meet are nerve-wrecking for both you and your date. Even after you exchange greetings, the two of you must decide where to go next. These feelings of uncertainty make for an organic experience that becomes even more rewarding when you see your date enjoying herself.

Our correspondent, Daiichiro, chose 18-year-old Ruka Ichikawa for his partner and, since young Ruka still isn’t old enough to drink, he decided to start the date off with a visit to a cafe — after all, nothing melts the ice like a cup of coffee — followed by a round of karaoke.

After his date with Ruka, Daiichiro admitted: “Spending time getting to know a girl I had just met had my heart pounding more than I thought it would. I think I might have remembered what it feels like to love again.” It looks like the date was a success.

Moe Date launched on Nov 1 and is already seeing a gradual increase in clients. While the service may helpful for testing your dating skills without risk, the bill does add up if you use it more than one time, especially considering there’s an extra 2,000 yen charge for dating the same girl twice.

Finally, to answer the question that’s probably at the forefront of many of your minds, Moe Date makes it clear that it is not an escort service and employees are forbidden from entering hotels or private rooms with clients…unless they ask they take their “relationship” a step further.

In fine print, Moe Date explains that, on some occasions, girls may “confess their love” to repeater clients, in which case the client may hire them for another date without having to pay the extra fee. Receiving a confession also gives the client the right to request a special “room delivery course”, which is priced at 10,000 yen per hour and only available with staff aged 18 and above.

While the site maintains that sexual acts are forbidden while on dates, we know Japan well enough to see the red light shining through this shade of gray.

And wait: “aged 18 and above”…? Does that mean Moe Date lets you “date” underage girls as well?

© RocketNews24

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95 Comments
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Wow, just wow.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

room delivery course LOL now thats ....something special. Now police can't charge them with prostitution now because they love each other within the course of the hour. We are in relationship officer.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

Let me be at the top of the queue for offering my services to young women who want to hire a date. I'd even undercut to Y3,500 an hour to get the business up and running. But seriously, it is a sort of escort service isn't it? Just that sex is optional on the womens part. Concepts like this coming from Japan don't seem to shock or surprise me anymore.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

In the western world we call these women "Escorts."

23 ( +24 / -1 )

"And wait: “aged 18 and above”…? Does that mean Moe Date lets you “date” underage girls as well?" Well the age of majority in Japan IS 20 so...yeah, it does mean they allow you to date underage girls.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Sounds like an escort service to me.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Nothing like a heartwarming, legalised prostitution story to start the week off with.

And I'm guessing the girls under 18 are only available for a special price.

25 ( +26 / -1 )

Japan and it's loop holes!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Jesus, this guy sounds like a real catch.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Who protects the women in all this? I can see a stalking or murder/rape crime coming up in the future.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Happiness for perverts with a wallet fun of yen notes.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Most important thing is.... I hope the girls would really help boost a guy's confidence, ego and self-esteem so he can really ask a lady out and start a real relationship. give him tips and how to woo a lady. Would take more than one date, really.

But really, hopefully they do some background check or something for the sake and safety of both parties.

but it does sound similar like escort, like baby steps. Actually, it's more like Hostess for the "Moe" crowd, cute and young girls, not the classy and exquisite ladies of the Hostess Club.

pretty soon, they'll have a normal guy service for all those ladies who can't afford those Host Club "gentlemen" type.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

lol escorts anyone? this is a real peice of work in japan...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

While the site maintains that sexual acts are forbidden while on dates, we know Japan well enough to see the red light shining through this shade of gray.

Nice to see there are still writers around who can turn out colorful prose!

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Japan will never cease to amaze me with the weirdest and wacky things day in and day out. This could become a haven for perverts like others mentioned above. So who protects these women on these dates with total strangers ?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Its called an "Escorts"... even in Japan if you pay enough... you'll get the picture.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

First of all, this is a total rip off. And WTF is that with extra charge. Come on men!! Don’t get tangled up with this kind of Drama. You’ve got to go out there and be a real MEN. Find your real mate yourself and it will become a true one. Wake up JAPAN!!!!!!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The idea of helping shy guys learn to become comfortable talking with girls is a good idea. But I don't see this as being a way to teach dating skills. The way this is explained you can't help but see that it allows things to go into the realm of escorts/prostitution. But hey, what two consenting adults do when in private really isn't anyone else's business.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The part at the end about the confession/room delivery course makes it sound like a one of those love-sim video games.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

You’ve got to go out there and be a real MEN.

The "real" men don't use these services. It's for the wannabe's.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

More news from the Otaku universe...

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Doesn't appear to be a seriously intended service to improve the clients' dating skills and fail to see the difference with the existing dating slash escort slash gray zone businesses unless there is professional feedback and guidance provided upon completion of their services which I would not imagine to be the case. In short don't see anything healthy in this.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

not the classy and exquisite ladies of the Hostess Club

To Seiryuu_Dan: Yeah, right! Those girls are SO classy! Happy to be the playthings of rich salarymen. Your bar seems to be very low for what constitutes "classy". Perhaps you haven't been in Japan long enough to see through the facade of 'mizushobai'.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

and this is the reason why so many of us stay in japan.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

How about a combination of Sports-gym, Swimming and Sauna as a date suggestion?

Or going to dance?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What better way to get back in the game than with a little warm up, right fellas?

How about starting conversations with people around you for free instead?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

All the inference that this will turn into some kind of service for prostitution may well be right. but that type of service already exists in Japan and is evidenced by lots of magazines that advertise all sorts of sexual services. This seems to me to be a service for really shy men who are too nervous of using explicit services.

And maybe these women don't want to provide sexual services but want to make a little cash spending time with shy men. And maybe even hope to find a nice one out there?

Once they go specialt then sex might come into it?

Don't think it is a bad thing at all.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Who said Japanese don't have an entrepreneurial spirit?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

To be honest i see that kind of service CAUSING more emotional problems than its designed to solve. And prostitution by any other name..........

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Note: to 1stdate Japanese men

I'm sitting here reading this wonderful article, after going through about 5 paragraphs I couldn't read anymore. 5 seconds of silence followed by insane laughter.

I am wondering why I couldn't think of this...... lol Yen Yen Yen

It's much cheaper going on a real date than simulated dating.

The most important part of dating is your appearance and attitude Make sure you smell good. Not to much cologne. 1 spray is all you need

many styles of clothing

wear something that is appealing but don't go over the top nails clean, clothes clean breath is good to go hair is done right

Talking & balance the conversation between her and you ask her questions ( see internet if you don't know ) making sure you have confidence in yourself cheerful attitude be courteous and respectful be a gentleman surprise her use your chivalry skill set BUT turn off the chivalry if she's not acting right

If she's in to you, YOU WILL KNOW You got it !!! The ice has finally broken

if she's not, YOU WILL KNOW she's into great but Never let someone walk all over you. If she's not in to you keep the date short and leaveeeeeeeee.

Both sexes have narrow minded views of what they perceive is the ultimate woman or man. If she's looking for a particular guy that your not, leave. Don't waste your time.

say good day and gooooooooo

you will understand the difference between a good match and a bad mistake. hahaha

once you find the good match...

5 hour date costs

train fee 2000 yen max ( round trip )

tokyo first meet - than go somewhere either yokohama or tokyo

coffee talk for 20 minutes 600yen - 700yen

(maybe watch a movie together) Movie 1800yen 2x each

popcorn set(to) 2 drinks & plus (med) /(large) popcorn 1800yen

dinner or late lunch

1500yen - 2800yen lunch or 1800yen - 5000yen dinner ( drinks included )

Or date 2 option

2-3 hour date

2000 yen max ( round trip )

tokyo first meet - than go somewhere either yokohama or tokyo

coffee

600yen - 700yen

walk around the park ( maybe alittle shopping after )

have a small lunch

talk talk talk and walk & talk to the the train station

and go back home

0 ( +1 / -1 )

reading books about dating is much cheaper or ask a friend or a dude for advice

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The elephant in the room is the seriously social problem looming... Singles going into their 30s and 40s (still living with their parents!), birth rate dropping...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Gaijin allowed?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

This isn't even a well-crafted loophole. Oh well, you can be so dark and twisted sometimes Japan, but I still love you.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Give it any name you like, it's still just prostitution -- especially the whole 'room service' course. The saddest part about it all is that any guy desperate enough to use such a service will probably fall in love with the girl he chooses, spend all his hard earned money, and face the inevitable dumping that will occur when he pulls out the ring and realizes it was all just about the money.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

civilised underage delivery service? quite inventive...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I wonder if its possible to rent multiple girls at once to simulate a "player" experience ?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Interesting idea Alex. I am sure if you got the cash, you can rent them all at the same time.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

It is kind of funny when you think about it. Both men and women in Tokyo are among the most fasionable and done up world wide. They are probably the most connected in the world with phones, internet, easy public transportation and lots of crowded places to hang out.

Now I grew up in a small town with 300,000 people, nowhere ot hang out, no internet, no cell phones and yet my friends and I all managed to date from 16 through college. I was shy, not very outgoing and still I could date easly and rarely can remember a time without a steady girl in those years.

So what the heck is wrong with you guys in Japan? It is like a guy dying because he could not light a fire in the forest despite having dry paper, wood, lighter fluid, matches, blow torch, lighter, batteries, and an auto lighting gas stove.

I sometimes think the problem is that guys are too vain and self centered here to really consider how to treat a woman. Women are too busy being cute for other women to care about what guys thing. And both sexes have expectations that just don't make sense.

Bottom line youth of Japan. Forget kawaii. Forget your expectation. Just open your mind to spending time with someone new. That girl in your school, at your favorite cafe, down the street.... just ask her out. And ladies, don't be afraid to just ask that guy who caught your eye out. I have been asked out a few times and I have to say it was a wonderful surprise each time. I am sure some guys will think it is pretty cool.

Or you can watch the Japanese race go extinct due to hopeless ineptitude for hooking up. Kind of a sad footnote for a culture so rich in history.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Or going to dance?

Yes!

There are no dances held in high school or junior high auditoriums, and that is a great shame!

Dancing to live music is a great way to make new friends!

There's so much more to life, than studying, work, and nintendo!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Isn't this just enjo kosai, without sex?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I thought the same thing too, Korlacan. That said, enjou kosai doesn't necessarily need to be sexual.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Receiving a confession also gives the client the right to request a special “room delivery course”, which is priced at 10,000 yen per hour and only available with staff aged 18 and above."

Sounds perfectly innocent to me...

Second time I read that I saw "confession", and "special room delivery" and thought it was something the Catholic priests were trying out.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

i am one of them....

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Hahaha, "practice" dates! Where do we sign up!

Hope this brings back enjo kosai good times!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"a five-hour date for 19,500 yen"

Cheap! Cripes, dinner for two at a nice restaurant and a movie costs more than that!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I clicked on the "which girl" link and I see that 19 year old Sayaka Mihara in the high school uniform is a real cutey-pie!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"A rose by any other name...is still prostitution"

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I think there's a misprint in the headline. It should read "...service offers "stimulated" romance"

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The site says sexual acts are forbidden while on dates.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@ serrano That's so they cannot be held liable for any illegal activities their "workers" enter into.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Or did you think "a special room delivery course” meant the girl was bringing a bucket of KFC and a DVD copy of The Sound of Music?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The 19,500 yen charge for the 5 hour date (et al) does not include the cost of meals and activities, which the male is expected to pay in addition to the initial charges.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It would be much cheaper and less time-consuming to take advantage of the "evening therapists" offering 3,000 yen massages near the eki. "Onisan, massage, massage, san sen yen dakedo, kimuchiyo".

0 ( +1 / -1 )

oh god ....LOL! well i guess its good practice lol xD i've heard of rent a family things too www

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

What I found most amusing was the pricing...paying for a 3 hour date is, for some reason, 50 yen more expensive then going on a 1 hour date three times. Was adding that 50 yen charge really necessary?

That "love confession" bit... That's really smart prostitution, it ensures that no girl will be forced to unsafely go into a room with a creep.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Did that "Cuddle Service" go out of business?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

LOL. A rose by any other name is still an escort service. (Apologies to Bill Shakespeare)

If the date "confesses her love" then you get the privilege of having a second date but waving the 2,000 yen "repeat dater" fee. Still have to cough-up the hourly charge (plus all the date's expenses), though. I have a sneaking suspicion that the girls do a lot of "confessing" as that is going to result in more cash in the bank for both her and the owner of the escort service.

I really have no doubt that for the most part there is no sex involved. If a guy is such a loser that he has to rent a date, why go to bed with him when you can keep him paying just by going out on the town with him? It's great for the girls! They find some poor schlub to pay for their dinner and dancing, and don't have to worry about extended commitments.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"That said, we sent one of our own dried-up correspondents, Daiichiro Tashiro, on a three hour Moe Date to find out if the service could reignite the flame of passion that once burned in his heart."

that made me laugh out loud. I like this writer.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Always something funny going on in Japan. The biggest difference is that this escort service caters to lower income wallets.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Do they give service to gaijin? Is that so.. shut up and take my yens!!!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@Micheal Willis

Ya, that's true. Sex isn't necessary for either. Course everyone will usually tie them together regardless.

If I'm paying that much for a "date" I kind of want a happy ending.

I must say, Ruka Ichikawa is definitely a cute one isn't she.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Same old story, if you got money, you got girl's, no money no date....

2 ( +2 / -0 )

i was wondering if this was paid digital advertising for the syndicated pimps at "mo-u-dei-to". Since JT took down my post and didn't even have the decency to give me one their their canned replies, I now confirm this is just a cheap advert.

But in general, this is all about the oldest job in the world, catering to sex, which is the most important thing in life, and that's why it makes money, simple. I am all for it, but the cheap advert is really cheap. Sorry for you JT...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So sad, and they wonder why the birth rate in Japan is down.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

these guys just do not know the meaning of a real or lovable relation this is an insult to a real relation this is just looking like a movie where two people are acting poorly, in this worse movie with its name also rental a girl friend the poor actor have to pay for his own character too and the woman is again like a commodity

next time rental a mother for a child, a father for a child and a wife for a husband

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'm not sure which is worse: that there is a demand for this service, or that there is a supply of young women who readily enter sketchy occupations. So men would rather pay for exaggerated kawaii school girls than date a real woman, and women think men are just cash dispensers. Great. Did Japanese people completely forget how to be normal human beings?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

So men would rather pay for exaggerated kawaii school girls than date a real woman, and women think men are just cash dispensers.

Umm... that's pretty much the way it's been for at least the past 200 years. A "real woman" (as if these girls were fake women) has a nagging tendency to... well... NAG. A man in a serious relationship is going to have to put up with the nagging. Not so with a Rent-A-Chick. If they start to nag then it's time to upgrade to a different "model". Of course, even cut-rate services are going to get expensive. Next thing you know, she's going to want to do some shopping for her house and get the guy to pay for it. The poor schlub thinks this means he's going to see her house, but BZZZT! She takes him back to the Escort Service office and says goodnight.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@whiskeysour m8 do you seriously thinks about dates like that? You dont need to drop crazy doe but atleast invest in a nice restaurant if thats a girl you like

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Judging from the cosplay going on in some of those girls pics I wonder exactly what is being implied. I don't know about everyone else but I have seldom gone on dates with a woman who dressed as a nurse or school girl (unless it was halloween)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Yoichi Taniguchi:

i am one of them....

So how did it go?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Matthew Simon, quote: "I have seldom gone on dates with a woman who dressed as a nurse or school girl (unless it was halloween)"

For some people here it's Hallowe'en every day, or Hallowe'en when you want it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Fadamor:

Umm... that's pretty much the way it's been for at least the past 200 years.

Most people in the world have reasonable expectations and choose real relationships over compensated fake ones. Idiots who pay to get jerked around by escort services are.....idiots.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Any websites to recommend?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@flygirl1221

Every country has gold diggers and rich men to pay for them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wait, can someone tell me how this is news? Date courses in Japan have been available in Japan since the beginning of prostitution

0 ( +0 / -0 )

unless they ask they take their “relationship” a step further

LOL!!!

Can we take this "relationship" a step further? ##WIN!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I love the way they call their girls "casts" ...they think they're Disneyland or something....

3 ( +3 / -0 )

if they're hiring gaijins i might apply for some pocket money.. (^_^)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ Korlacan Khanthavilay

Right. But in Japan it's mainstream. Not in the States.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Right. But in Japan it's mainstream. Not in the States.

Have you ever LIVED in the U.S.?! Where do you think the term "golddiggers" came from? With the number of girls out there looking for their "sugar daddy", I'm not surprised in the LEAST that Diabetes is on the rise! And it's not just the girls. The funniest advice my dad ever gave me was "Forget about love, son. Marry a rich woman."

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Yeah, I'm from the States actually. And I do think most relationships Americans have are based on real connections rather than money. My original point was that, in Japan, most married women stay home and get their husband's salary. That doesn't mean they don't care about each other, of course, but you can see why I said Japanese women think men are cash dispensers. Also I don't think this type of relationship is the same thing as gold diggers in the States, so the whole gold digger discussion was a side track. And sorry you seem to have such bad impressions of American women (or women in general). But if you're someone who would rather get an escort than have a relationship, then I have nothing further to say to you anyway.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Even if there's no sex, it's still buying a woman as merchandise isn't it?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

no money no date....

Close --> no money, no honey :p

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Syrup 16g is right.

Many hostess bars (snacks)have been offering the option to date their hostesses, often in the late afternoon early evening and then bring them into the establishment at opening time for years. The only thing new about this establishment may be that it lacks off-line premises.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There are himono otoko everywhere :/ we men suck

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Actually, I would bet that if anyone makes date a Safe and Clean verified gaijin guy service it could be a cash cow.... just something to think about......

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wow, we need something likes that in Brazil. Who does is that girl? Little Red Riding Hood

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Rent a Date stimulates something, alright, but not a "date".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

To be honest the first part of this idea sounds useful, if it is actually helpful. I'm otaku, so I wasn't exactly a natural with the ladies as a young teen and perhaps it would be useful to find out that talking about all the Gundam cards he has might not win him the lady of his dreams?

Someone mentioned ask a friend for advice, which is ok, unless your friends are otaku too...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How low can you go? Nice advertisement here by Japan today.

And what does this last line mean?

"And wait: “aged 18 and above”…? Does that mean Moe Date lets you “date” underage girls as well? "

That's sick.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@flygirl1221 NOV. 21, 2012 - 12:30AM JST

"you can see why I said Japanese women think men are cash dispensers"

"And sorry you seem to have such bad impressions of American women (or women in general)"

Love these contradicting statements. You can't say bad things about women except if they are Japanese... LOL! What's with all these foreign women in Japan hating on Japanese women? I dated several and none seemed to be interested in my money at all. This must be a dirty trick to get us non-suspecting males hooked before they milk us out of our money, right? ;) I think there's a very simple explanation to this hatred: jealousy. Foreign women cease to be the center of the universe in Japan and it annoys them like hell so they must demonize Japanese women to feel better about themselves.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How about a 'rent a foriegner' business in a simulated classroom setting - could be huge.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@blue-milk

This must be a dirty trick to get us non-suspecting males hooked before they milk us out of our money, right?

Talk to more foreign men in long-term relationships or marriages with Japanese women and see what they say.

My original post commented on both Japanese men and Japanese women, there was no intention to single out and bash Japanese women. I think their whole system is f-ed up and should be changed, that's all.

Oh, and foreign women do get attention in Japan. I got plenty, most of it either creepy or inappropriate. The stuff we have to put up with here due to sexism...most of you will never understand.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There is a website called http://www.bookagirlfriend.com which offers people to rent a date for sightseeing, dinner etc. All the world. Normal girls making money for time spent with someone. Pretty cool if you ask me.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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