Travel Tales by AFAR

The Incredibly True Story of Renting a Friend in Tokyo

Travel Tales by AFAR ›

24:22 | Jul 30th, 2020

3 recommendations

Contributing writer Chris Colin travels to Tokyo to rent a friend. Sounds kitschy, right? But as he navigates his newly forged—and reasonably priced—relationships with Miyabi, Yumi, and Yusuke, Chris ...Show More



Recommendations

olivier recommended:Aug 27th, 2020

This episode (and this whole podcast series) is so worth a listen. Really loved the idea of hiring a Japanese friend to explore the city.

I thought this episode was:

😊 Delightful
😲 Fascinating
😂 Funny
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jennx recommended:Sep 4th, 2020

Weird but fascinating. Depressing but hopeful. Loved the way this was narrated.

I thought this episode was:

😲 Fascinating
  • ❤️
  • 😂
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  • 🤯
  • 👏
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shreyaismsSep 4th, 2020

@jennx gave this a listen right now. A strange episode indeed. Fun fact - in the Hindu communities of North West India, there are professional weepers. They are a group of women who wear black and come to funerals, crying and wailing loudly so that the family feels like they are mourning.

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jennxSep 4th, 2020

@shreyaisms thanks for the fun fact! I’ve heard about India’s professional weepers before but now you’ve made me want to learn more!

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juliasummer recommended:Dec 16th, 2020

This is a great introduction to the concept of “Family Rentals” in Japan, offering an unexpected glimpse of the Japanese psyche. If this topic piques your interest: Werner Herzog made a film about it (Family Romance, LLC) and Milena Michiko Flašar based an entire novel on it (Mr. Kato Plays Family)....Show More

I thought this episode was:

😲 Fascinating
🤔 Thought-provoking
🤪 Weird
  • ❤️
  • 😂
  • 🤔
  • 🤯
  • 👏
Reply
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