The popular streamer Darren Watkins Jr.better known as “IShowSpeed“, became a trend recently after his visit to Japan. The young man decided to take advantage of one of the most popular services that the Japanese country has to offer: he rented a woman who would act as his girlfriend for the rest of his stay.
In Japan, prostitution itself is illegal under the current Penal Code. However, there are certain activities related to the entertainment industry and company services that are legal and regulated under specific laws, one of these being “rent a girlfriend”.
The “rent a girlfriend” service in Japan does not necessarily imply engaging in sexual or sexually explicit activities. Instead, it focuses on providing companionship and entertainment for those looking for a sim-dating experience or just company for social events or outings. These dates generally include activities like going out to dinner, taking a walk, or talking.
Although some may argue that these services resemble prostitution, the key distinction is that they do not explicitly involve sexual activity. However, it is important to note that the line between these services and prostitution can be blurred in some cases, and compliance with regulations and laws varies depending on the location and the services offered (there is no authority policing the client and the “girlfriend”, so they could have relations at any time, in an “unofficial” way).
- This is you, right? (They answer him in Japanese) I’m the guy who rented you for today. But before we start, do you mind if we record? (They reply in Japanese) Is it okay? Perfect. Nice to meet you, I’m “Speed”.
Streaming personalities certainly have a hard time finding a partner. Not only is it the fact that their private life is completely non-existent, but the great personalities of this industry have a “commitment” to their audience that leads to a demanding lifestyle where, practically, all day they are broadcasting in alive. Anyway, instead of looking for someone to go to Japan with, “IShowSpeed” solved the problem by renting a girlfriend there.
However, the girl he hired to become his girlfriend didn’t speak a lick of English (actually, about twenty minutes later she revealed to him that she did speak it pretty well), which made it difficult to introduce her to his audience. Despite the language barrier, the rest of the broadcast went on smoothly, with both enjoying themselves. In fact, many fans took memes from this broadcast, such as “IShowSpeed” declaring to the girl that he had fallen in love with her, but this never actually happened.
In short, if you wonder why this streamer became a trend, it was obviously because the service of renting a girlfriend is a trend every year because the franchise of Kanojo, Okarishimasu (Rent A Girlfriend) remains relevant. In fact, “IShowSpeed” himself is a fan of this series, which follows Kazuya Kinoshita, a college boy who hires rental girlfriend Chizuru Mizuhara after breaking up with his own girlfriend.
By the way, after the internet community found the Instagram profile of the girl the streamer hired as his girlfriend, it went immensely viral and her followers increased exponentially.
