Some days can only be improved with a warm hug and a dinner from Grandma. In Japan, the same creature pleasures (and more) are offered for only 3,300 yen, or $23 USD per hour.
Here’s how it works:Client Partners runs a service named OK! Obaachan (which translates as “OK Grandma”). Call them, and they’ll send over a lady aged 60 to 94 with a range of grandmotherly talents, including cleaning and childcare, as well as “personal consultations” to help you deal with a difficult split.
To be honest, the responsibilities assigned to this roster of more than 100 grannies appear to be infinite. A simple search of the website reveals that an Obaachan has been hired to assist someone in coming out as homosexual, attending sporting events, writing an apology letter, attending a wedding, executing ceremonial rites, and more.
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The video below presents a rather unified picture. Paolo, a content entrepreneur residing in Japan, enjoys a picnic of homemade goods as his Obaachan discusses photos from her history and compares dating in her era to dating in the present world. It’s every bit as healthy as you’d expect.
“Well, I hadn’t planned on crying today, but here we are. This film reminds me of my time with my Nanna, the wonderful chats we had, and the guidance she provided me as a young man. “She was my best friend, and I miss her very much,” one viewer said.
Another person said, “It’s actually a pretty nice concept. The granny gets to socialize with people, which helps her feel less lonely. Seems like a win-win for all parties.”
Perhaps it’s no surprise that this concept comes from a country that already combats loneliness with numerous “rent-a-person” services, including professional actors who pretend to be your family.
But, more importantly, Japan has a long-standing cultural practice of honoring and appreciating the old. This is seen in activities such as a national holiday (Keirō no Hi) and the prevalence of multi-generational homes in Japan. Older individuals are frequently viewed as repositories of knowledge and experience.
However, older women in particular (and especially older women who have never married or whose spouses died early) confront a limited employment market and cannot rely only on pensions.
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“The merit of age is the ability to remain unaffected by minor details,” stated Client Partners. “Their consideration for those who need it most; their housework and child-rearing skills honed over years of being a housewife; their communication skills honed through relationships with neighbors and relatives; their rich life experience, having endured the good and the bad; and their friendly, warm presence are all irreplaceable strengths.”
Furthermore, many Obaachans express gratitude for being able to find a sense of purpose via their profession. So, in reality, everyone has a need satisfied. Financial prospects are vital to these grandmothers, but their customers value feeling nurtured, loved, and, most crucially, nourished.
Another appealing aspect of Client Partners is that the company is owned and operated entirely by women. So, in addition to grandmas for sale, you can hire interpreters, handywomen, and “courage support.” I don’t know what that is, but I want it.
While applications for OK Obaachan are open, Client Partners requires that candidates be verified and have an open mind when dealing with topics that are frequently looked down upon in Japan, such as single moms. According to Client Partners, the “perfect” grandmother is “kind, committed, hardworking, and concerned about the feelings of others.” It’s hard to disagree with that.