The End of “Rental Scary Person” Service: A Controversial Idea in Japan
In Japan, a unique service called “Rental Scary Person” was introduced. The idea was simple: you could hire a person with a frightening appearance, often with tattoos, to stand beside you in conflicts. The official website explained that these “scary” people could help with bullying, harassment, or customer trouble. It even said that sometimes the job was just to “be there” for emotional support. A 30-minute plan cost about 20,000 yen, while a 3-hour plan was 50,000 yen.
However, the service soon caused controversy. On August 31, the official X (formerly Twitter) account suddenly announced its closure, saying only, “Due to various reasons, the service has ended.” No further details were given. Online, some people said, “It was too scary how fast it ended,” while others commented, “I actually thought it was a good idea.”
Critics pointed out serious problems. The website had no clear company information, privacy policy, or legal notice. Some worried that customers might unknowingly connect with antisocial groups. Even though the website said “we are not related to criminal organizations,” there was no evidence to support this. Many thought it was too risky for ordinary people to use.
Still, some argued that such a role might be useful in a legal and professional form. For example, retired police officers are sometimes hired by companies to deal with dangerous customers or stalkers. They can explain the law and stop people from going too far. This shows that “scary” people may have a place in society, but only under safe, transparent rules. (266 words)
☆Answer the questions☆ (2×4=8)
(1) What was the main purpose of the “Rental Scary Person” service?
a) Cooking meals b) Helping in conflicts c) Teaching English d) Driving taxis
(2) How much did a 3-hour plan cost?
a) 10,000 yen b) 20,000 yen c) 30,000 yen d) 50,000 yen
(3) Why did many people feel the service was risky?
a) Because it was too cheap
b) Because it lacked clear company information
c) Because it was illegal to have tattoos
d) Because it was only for students
(4) Who is mentioned as an example of a safer “scary” role?
a) Retired police officers
b) Famous singers
c) Lawyers from abroad
d) Taxi drivers
【Answer】
(1) b) Helping in conflicts
解説：本文で「conflictsやtroubleに同席」とある。
(2) d) 50,000 yen
解説：3時間プランは5万円と記載。
(3) b) Because it lacked clear company information
解説：特商法やプライバシーポリシーの記載がない点が批判されている。
(4) a) Retired police officers
解説：安全で法的に問題ない例として元警察官が紹介されている。
【入試超絶頻出単語】
□ bullying（いじめ）
□ harassment（嫌がらせ）
□ privacy policy（個人情報保護方針）
□ controversy（論争）
□ antisocial（反社会的な）
□ critic（批判者）
□ transparent（透明な）
□ evidence（証拠）
□ risky（危険な）
【全訳】
日本では「レンタル怖い人」というユニークなサービスが始まりました。外見が怖い人を雇い、いじめや顧客トラブルの場に同席してもらうというものです。時にはただ「そばにいるだけ」という依頼も可能でした。30分2万円、3時間5万円でした。
しかし、このサービスはすぐに物議をかもし、8月31日に突然終了が発表されました。ネットでは「早すぎて怖い」「面白いアイデアだったのに」などの声がありました。
批判の多くは、会社情報やプライバシーポリシーがなく、反社会勢力とつながる危険性がある点でした。「反社ではない」と説明されていましたが、証拠はありませんでした。
一方で、元警察官が企業で迷惑客対応をする事例のように、法的で安全な形ならば「怖い人」の需要はあるとも示されています。
