Many unsatisfied Japanese women are turning to male escortsgigolo services, but these lonely ladies aren't looking for sex.
They just want to cuddle.
The demand for daytime male escort services in the Asian nation has been growing, and one Japanese agency claims to have 1,500 registered escorts in one area alone, reported the Mainichi Daily News.
According to the head of Precious escort services, the company has seen an increase in housewives in their 40s and 50s as customers.
Women pay a basic fee of 10,000 yen ($83) for a two-hour session, but some women will pay more to have the escort give them a sensuous massage.
While escort services are often assumed to be sex-for-sale, most women are really just paying for the company.
"Just seeing the faces of people who notice you walking around with a gorgeous guy on your arms is enough," one 40-something housewife said. "I might get the occasional sensual massage, but we never have sex."
The companies stress that they are not selling sex.
The owner of one agency adds that another unique feature of the rent-a-fling service is that they offer men of all shapes and sizes as escorts.
"Host clubs usually only employ really good-looking guys, most of who are in their 20s," he told Shukan Post. "But we realize our clients' needs are more varied. Escorts on our books include men who resemble young students, others who look like ordinary salary men and men of more advanced age who look like typical old guys."