Ossan Rental: How It Works, Cost & How to Book

Ossan rental is one of Japan’s most talked-about “people rental” services, yet many first-time readers find the concept confusing or uncomfortable. What actually happens during an ossan rental, how much does it cost, and is it suitable for foreigners?

I think the main problem is that most explanations focus on the novelty rather than the reality. Practical details about how the service works, what people use it for, and where misunderstandings occur are often missing, especially for non-Japanese speakers.

In this guide, I clearly explain what ossan rental really is, how booking works, typical costs, what reviews say, and what to watch out for before trying the service.

In Japanese slang, the word “ossan” (おっさん) refers to a middle-aged or older man, usually someone in his 40s to 60s. While the term may sound blunt when translated directly, its meaning in Japanese culture is more nuanced. Depending on context, “ossan” can feel casual, humorous, or mildly teasing rather than strictly offensive.

In everyday Japan, an “ossan” often represents an ordinary salaryman, a father figure, or a familiar older man you might see in a neighborhood bar or workplace. This image plays a key role in understanding Ossan Rental, a unique Japanese service that allows people to rent middle-aged men for conversation, companionship, or everyday support. The appeal is not status or luxury, but approachability and life experience.

The rise of ossan rental reflects broader aspects of Japanese social culture, including loneliness, work stress, and the desire for low-pressure human interaction. Many people feel more comfortable talking to an “ossan” because he is perceived as non-judgmental and emotionally grounded. In this way, “ossan” has evolved from simple slang into a symbol of relatability and quiet emotional support.

If you’re interested in the cultural background you can read a more detailed
→ Ossan Rental in Japan: Old Guy Rental Explained

Ossan Rental starts by choosing an “ossan” from a list of online profiles. Each profile usually includes age, background, interests, and availability.

Rather than professional skills, users often look for someone who feels relaxed and approachable like an ordinary middle-aged Japanese man you could casually talk to over a drink. The goal is to choose an ossan whose personality feels comfortable and relatable, not formal or intimidating.

After selecting an ossan, users book a date and time through a Japanese-language website or booking form. Most ossan rental services charge an hourly fee and often require a minimum booking time. Payment is usually completed online, but English support is limited, which can make this step difficult for non-Japanese speakers.

On the day of the booking, the user meets the ossan at a public place such as a café or train station. Activities are simple and casual, focusing on conversation and companionship. Ossan rental is not a dating service; it is designed to offer relaxed, low-pressure human interaction.

Ossan rental has been featured by CNN as part of Japan’s unique people-rental culture.
→ CNN feature on ossan rental

Ossan Rental is generally priced on an hourly basis, with most services requiring a minimum booking time.

Because the service focuses on spending time with ordinary middle-aged Japanese men in everyday settings — not professional performers or entertainers — the pricing is kept intentionally affordable. Rates may vary depending on the ossan, booking length, and special requests, while transportation, food, or activity costs are usually paid separately. As a result, longer outings can cost more than the base hourly rate.

The original service operates through a Japanese-language website.
→ Official Ossan Rental website

In most cases, Ossan Rental does not have an official English website. The majority of ossan rental services are designed for Japanese users, and their booking pages, profiles, and terms are written almost entirely in Japanese. This means that non-Japanese speakers may struggle to understand important details such as pricing rules, cancellation policies, or the purpose of the booking.

While some individual profiles may include simple English phrases, full English support is extremely limited. Communication before and during the booking is usually expected to happen in Japanese, which can create misunderstandings for foreign users. Automated translation tools can help to a certain extent, but they are not always reliable when it comes to cultural nuance or service expectations.

Because of this, many foreigners find ossan rental difficult to use without local assistance. The service itself is not designed with international visitors in mind, and there is no widely recognized ossan rental website that offers complete English navigation or customer support. Understanding this limitation is important before attempting to book, especially if clear communication and comfort are priorities.

Most ossan rental services operate through Japanese booking websites that follow a simple but locally specific process. Users are usually asked to choose an ossan profile, select the date and duration, and clearly state the purpose of the booking in a short message. This description is important, as many ossan rental services expect transparency about why the service is being used.

Unlike international platforms, Japanese booking sites often assume that users understand unwritten rules, such as punctuality, polite communication, and respect for boundaries. Cancellation policies may also be strict, with limited refunds once a booking is confirmed. In addition, confirmation emails and follow-up messages are typically sent only in Japanese.

For foreign users, the main challenge is not the booking system itself, but the lack of guidance in English. Misunderstanding these details can lead to confusion or uncomfortable situations, which is why it is important to carefully review all instructions before booking.

These real user reviews show that ossan rental is often used for emotional support and reassurance in stressful or uncomfortable situations, rather than simple entertainment.

For foreign users, the main challenge is not the service itself but the lack of clear guidance in English. Misunderstanding the booking rules or expectations can easily lead to confusion, which is why reviewing the instructions carefully before booking is important.

Official user testimonials are published on the original service website.
→ Official Ossan Rental user reviews

Ossan Rental is one of several person-based services in Japan that focus on companionship rather than professional guiding. While it offers a uniquely Japanese experience, it is primarily designed for local users and communication is usually expected to be in Japanese. This can make the service difficult for foreign visitors who are not comfortable with the language or local booking customs.

For international travelers who like the idea of Ossan Rental but prefer clear communication and flexibility, Rental Japanese offers a practical alternative. Instead of focusing on age or character, Rental Japanese allows users to spend time with an English-speaking Japanese local who can act as a companion, interpreter, or informal guide. The experience is more customizable, especially for sightseeing, daily assistance, or casual conversation.

Both services emphasize human connection, but the main difference lies in language support, flexibility, and purpose. Choosing between them depends on what kind of experience the user is looking for.

you can read more differences details.
→ Rent an Uncle in Japan or Rental Japanese: What’s the Difference?

I think ossan rental is one of those services that only makes sense once you understand Japanese social culture. On the surface, it may seem unusual, but after researching real reviews and how the service is actually used, I feel it is less about “renting a person” and more about creating a safe space to not be alone.

From what I’ve seen, ossan rental works best for people who value calm conversation, emotional reassurance, and low-pressure companionship. I think that is why many users describe the experience as comforting rather than entertaining. At the same time, I feel it’s important to be realistic. Language barriers and cultural expectations can make the service challenging, especially for foreigners.

If you are curious about ossan rental, I think it’s worth viewing it as a cultural experience, not a convenience service. And if clear communication or flexibility matters more to you, exploring alternative options may lead to a better overall experience.

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Naoki

Founder of Rental Japanese / Tokyo-based
Guided 500+ guests from more than 30 countries.
Specializes in customized private tours, local bar hopping, onsen experiences, and flexible Tokyo day trips with English support.
All information in this article is based on real on-the-ground guiding experience in Tokyo.