{
  "id": 363318,
  "title": "Woman tries Japan’s ‘rent-a-dad’ service and finds goodbye unexpectedly hard",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/woman-tries-japans-rent-a-dad-service-and-finds-goodbye-unexpectedly",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T09:20:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/woman-tries-rent-a-dad-in-japan-for-the-first-time-i-kind-of-felt-like-a-daughter-and-saying-goodbye-was-harder-than-i-expected/articleshow/133064973.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Anna Malygon, a 23-year-old model and fashion influencer from Kharkiv, Ukraine, currently residing in Los Angeles, decided to rent a father figure while traveling in Japan. What began as an attempt to create a viral video quickly turned into an unforgettable life experience. Malygon found herself forming a genuine connection with her rented father, which resonated with millions of viewers who watched her Instagram video documenting the experience. The emotional impact of their bond was evident as Malygon confessed, \"Saying goodbye was harder than I expected.\"\n\nIn Japan, the rental of family members, such as parents, caregivers, and companions, is not only legal but also a thriving industry. This practice emerged in the early 1990s, originating from a void left by the lack of meaningful connections in society. In Japan, individuals can rent a variety of companions, including friends, boyfriends, and even fathers, all of which are platonic and well-regulated.\n\nDuring her time in Japan, Malygon decided to rent a 'dad' to keep her company during her alone time. Upon meeting this rental father, the two engaged in light conversation, discussing her school life, which she had long ago graduated from. Surprised by the 'dad's' genuine reaction, Malygon invited him to share a beer with her, which he politely declined, offering instead an ice cream. The rental father also presented her with a steamer as a gift, further cementing their connection. As they strolled through the city, Malygon opened up about her missing father figure from her childhood, and in turn, the rental father expressed admiration for her father, calling him the \"real one.\"\n\nThe moment Malygon realized the depth of her connection with her rental father, she described the overwhelming feeling of being treated like a daughter. The experience proved to be more than just a gimmick; it provided her with a genuine emotional bond that she hadn't expected. As it was time to part ways, Malygon's tears were not scripted, and neither were the rental father's. She admitted, \"For the first time, I kind of felt like a daughter.\"\n\nDespite the emotional impact of the experience, Malygon expressed her willingness to rent a 'dad' again in the future. With her seemingly infinite funds, she could do so daily, should she choose to. The story of Anna Malygon's unique rental father encounter sheds light on the growing trend of human connection in Japan and its ability to create real, lasting relationships in an otherwise impersonal world.",
  "summary": "In a striking act of cultural exploration, a Ukrainian model sought out a father figure in Japan, creating a viral sensation. This unique experience opened her heart, allowing her to experience the essence of daughterly love for the first time. The emotional goodbye with her rental dad proved to be more challenging than she had imagined, highlighting Japan's innovative perspective on fostering…",
  "key_points": [
    "Anna Malygon, 23-year-old model, rents father in Japan",
    "Genuine connection forms with rental father, surprising both",
    "Saying goodbye harder than expected, emotional impact evident"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The experience reveals a deeper human need for connection and family-like relationships, showing that for some, paid companionship can fill an emotional void and create lasting bonds.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}