Take my place

In today's world, people can hire services for a variety of tasks, from walking dogs to playing video games. In Japan, a new service has emerged that allows individuals to hire someone to resign from their job on their behalf.

Resigning from a job has become increasingly challenging in Japan, primarily due to the country's labor supply-demand imbalance.

To reduce labor loss, many companies have added several steps to the resignation process. Employees wishing to resign must prepare a job description pamphlet for their successor, submit a resignation petition one to two months in advance, undergo rounds of interviews, and finally submit a formal resignation letter before informing colleagues.

In addition to this complex and time-consuming process, employees must also brace themselves for harsh language and potential threats from their superiors.

As a result, resignation agencies have become a growing industry, offering a way for employees to quit their jobs painlessly for a fee of 22,000 yen ($147). Once hired, the agency contacts the company to confirm the details, handles all necessary paperwork, and even packs and ships the client's personal belongings to a designated address.

By acting as a go-between for employers and employees, these services help individuals maintain their dignity in Japan's culture of tolerance and harmony.