hikikomori term

A man and woman walk on the road. – Photo credit: Photo by Victoriano Izquierdo on Unsplash

Culture, Friendship, Joy, Popular

A man in Japan rents out his friendship by the hour–no strings attached–and he’s making a fortune

Cecily Knobler

4/24/2025
Pictured here: Anita Omary; her son, Osman; and Omary’s close friends – Photo credit: Array

In Partnership With Levi Strauss Foundation →

Family, Modern Families, Motherhood

Once a refugee seeking safety in the U.S., Anita Omary is using what she learned to help others thrive.

Sarah Watts

2/11/2026