This Japanese man made $80,000 annually without working.

In 2018, Shoji Morimoto was fired from his office job due to his superior's criticism of his lack of initiative and perceived lack of value to the company. However, Morimoto, now 41, has since built a successful career by doing nothing.

Morimoto, the rental "do nothing" guy in Japan, spends his day job loaning himself out to strangers for various tasks, including waiting for a marathon runner at the finishing line, being video-called while a client redecorates and cleans her room, and even taking a client's place at a concert when she couldn't attend with a friend.

Morimoto will appear and perform only the tasks assigned to him, excluding sexual activities.

The father of a seven-year-old shared with CNBC Make It that he has faced challenging situations, including standing in line under the scorching sun, standing for hours in the freezing cold, attending parties with strangers, and standing alone on a stage in front of a large audience without performing any tasks.

Despite any misfortunes I've encountered, I believe it's unique that they occurred because of my job, so I can still appreciate it, he stated.

Not a therapist

Morimoto's longest one-off task was a 17-hour trip sitting on the same rail line, end to end, from early morning until the last train. "We made 13 laps on the Yamanote Line," he said.

While clients have requested Morimoto to be a listening ear on their difficult days, he only provides the simplest and briefest responses during conversations. He attentively nods and listens, but avoids taking on the role of a therapist.

Morimoto disclosed to CNBC that he receives approximately 1,000 requests annually and allows his clients to determine their own payment amount. Previously, he charged a flat rate of between 10,000 yen and 30,000 yen ($65 to $195) for a two- to three-hour session, and earned around $80,000 last year.

Morimoto introduced the pay-as-you-wish model late last year.

"Morimoto stated that he charges a fee on a voluntary basis, but he is unsure if it will be sustainable. Despite this, he enjoys trying to determine its sustainability. His goal is not to make a living or sustain himself, but rather to "enjoy life and live it to the fullest.""

CNBC Make It accompanied Morimoto for two hours, testing his services at a piglet cafe in Tokyo where customers can interact with litters of piglets.

Although I had initially planned to go alone, seeing customers in pairs and small groups in a packed cafe made me feel relieved to have Morimoto's company.

Another advantage was that he could capture pictures of me as I frolicked with the pigs.

As I left him to his own devices, I realized the appeal of Morimoto: Clients like me can enjoy an activity in a social setting without feeling judged for going solo. Even better, I don't feel obligated to sustain a conversation with anyone when I'm really just there for the pigs.

Japan has a variety of rental services for temporary romantic partners and companions.

Ai Sakata, a consultant at Nomura Research Institute, stated to CNBC that this match is suitable for the current Japanese people's preferences, who do not seek love or marriage but desire someone they can casually date or have dinner with.

Not just about loneliness

While loneliness may be a factor that drives some to pay for such services, it is not the sole reason, according to Morimoto and the experts CNBC interviewed.

While some people seek social interaction, others may struggle with social skills, according to Hiroshi Ono, a professor of human resources at Hitotsubashi University.

The professor stated that most Japanese individuals may struggle with confrontation or direct communication, leading them to resort to indirect methods to avoid awkwardness.

Morimoto recounted a tale of a woman who hired him to sit in a cafe corner, unnoticed by her husband, while she served him divorce papers. The signing process went seamlessly, and Morimoto stated that the woman gained additional courage from having someone she knew present.

The 41-year-old observed that his presence serves as a security blanket of sorts, temporarily socializing those who are uncomfortable in certain settings.

Morimoto stated that there are numerous favorite moments in his job, including receiving an offer message, meeting a client, accompanying a client to an unfamiliar location, listening to a story, and feeling happy in every moment.

He stated that there was nothing else he truly desired to accomplish.

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