About

In Japan, rental girlfriends and rental boyfriends are not classified as adult entertainment but are recognized professions often featured in the media. Since gaining popularity through broadcasts in 2012, the industry has grown to a massive scale. Aspiring entertainers, cosplayers, and models often apply, listing their photos to work in the field. Most agencies operate like talent management firms, and some rental partners even transition into TV appearances through recommendations. Some Japanese celebrities even openly disclose their past experience or photos from their time in the rental industry. Rules of use typically include prohibitions on dates in private rooms or lodging facilities, invitations to one's home, and physical contact. However, this does not mean the industry is entirely without issues. With mutual consent, some go on dates to homes, and occasionally, pairs are said to actually start dating. Since this isn't something one would typically do under normal circumstances, the reasons for using such services in fiction vary. A few examples include: To build a wall ▣ When a popular person finds it bothersome to have suitors constantly swarming them and wants to ward them off, or when someone is being persistently stalked by an unrequited admirer and lies about already having a partner. When the other party demands to see the partner as proof, they temporarily hire someone to act as their lover.