‘Scary person rental service’ in Japan is viral after helping handle cheating partners, noisy neighbours

The company claims its intimidating presence helps clients feel safe and assertive. (Image credit: @rentalkowaihito/X)

A Tokyo-based company offering a “scary person rental service” has gone viral online for its unique offering. The service rents out menacing-looking individuals—often tattooed and dressed to appear intimidating—to help clients resolve personal conflicts.

While the staff hint at a capacity for confrontation, the company insists they do not engage in illegal activity or employ gangsters. If asked to break the law, they say they will cancel the job, South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The service caught social media's fancy after a social media user, @yukitichqn, posted screenshots of its website on August 28. The post has garnered over 300,000 likes and 36,000 reposts, sparking widespread interest and debate.

The firm charges ¥20,000 (about Rs 12,000) for 30 minutes and ¥50,000 (about Rs 30,000) for three hours, with additional travel costs for assignments outside Tokyo. According to the company, most cases are resolved within half an hour.

Past assignments have included accompanying a wife confronting her husband’s mistress, who confessed on the spot, and posing as a client’s friend to stop workplace bullying. In another case, a staff member helped a client ask their neighbour to reduce noise levels.

The company claims its intimidating presence helps clients feel safe and assertive. “I think it is a useful service because it is human nature to bully the weak and fear the strong,” SCMP quoted one online user as saying. Another joked, “I wonder what would happen if both parties hire a scary person.”

The service has received widespread support online, with many praising its effectiveness in situations where clients feel powerless. The firm maintains that its goal is to resolve issues quickly and peacefully, without resorting to violence.