rental friend; person hired to act as a friend
Refers to a service where someone is paid to accompany or act as a friend for events, social situations, or emotional support. The term is a direct loan from English and is used in modern Japanese contexts.
She brought a rental friend to the wedding.
Recently, rental friend services have been increasing.
Variant with interpunct; less common but seen in some contexts.
Wasei-eigo (Japanese-made English) from 'rental' + 'friend', referring to a paid companion service.