The Concept of Renting a Homeless Individual

It might sound like a bizarre joke, but a Japanese man named Kotani Makoto has indeed carved out a niche as a professional homeless person. However, there's more to his story; he is a former comedian who struggled to make ends meet. The idea for his unconventional career actually stemmed from a more established comedian he once shared living space with.

Initially, their arrangement was intended to be temporary—a means to generate humor and share expenses. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. Makoto struggled to contribute to rent and exhibited a chaotic lifestyle, prompting his roommate to suggest he embrace homelessness as a career move—no punchline involved.

Before long, Kotani gained a following on Twitter, where he continues to share his experiences. He began to enjoy his new lifestyle, taking on various odd jobs that often provided meals and shelter. When those weren’t available, he would simply reach out to his Twitter followers for assistance. The early days were challenging, but he eventually secured regular work, even finding himself double-booked on certain days.

Here’s the arrangement: for 50 yen, plus travel expenses, Kotani will show up and assist with any task requested—provided it’s legal and doesn’t harm anyone.

Is It Absurd or Unkind?

What we have here is a somewhat inept yet well-meaning individual who has managed to navigate life's complexities in a way that many of us cannot. Despite his unconventional approach, he thrives by engaging in various activities, meeting fascinating people, and spreading joy. He even participates in philanthropic efforts, demonstrating that he has a surplus to share.

The support of his community provides him with a sense of security and, in some ways, a home.

Katie’s Insights on Homelessness

When my children were younger, we kept essentials like clean socks, granola bars, and toiletries in our vehicle for moments when we encountered panhandlers. We discussed homelessness, emphasizing how easily life can spiral out of control due to one unfortunate event.

Our children had relatively secure lives and found it hard to grasp how quickly circumstances can change. However, it’s challenging to ignore the discomfort of seeing someone in need.

Parents, can you relate? If you think you can simply avoid eye contact with someone asking for help while playing a cheerful Disney song, think again.

I was particularly proud of my daughter Katie when, as a second-grader, she suggested that you should always ask a homeless individual their name, as it might have been a long time since anyone acknowledged them.

This reflects the core tragedy of homelessness. Unlike Kotani, who has cultivated a community, many without homes lack that fundamental support; often, no one even remembers their names.

Confronting the Reality of Cleanup

Katie faced a harsh reality during a school service project where students accidentally dismantled a homeless camp in Zilker Park. They believed they were helping by cleaning up the area but instead disrupted someone's makeshift home.

“The idiots wrecked someone’s home!” Katie exclaimed as we drove home in our minivan. I couldn't alleviate her distress; she understood that someone would be left vulnerable that night and possibly for a long time.

How do you channel a child’s anger into constructive action? Homelessness is a complex issue, and simply "cleaning up" doesn’t resolve it. I felt at a loss in how to guide her frustration, knowing my daughter possessed an artistic spirit rather than an activist’s drive.

Community vs. Housing: A Deeper Solution

I often wonder if more people could adopt a lifestyle similar to Kotani’s. From an outsider’s perspective, his existence appears fulfilling, yet it makes me anxious. As a parent with responsibilities, I recognize that shedding my possessions is not as simple as he makes it seem.

Many homeless individuals face challenges that would make a simple gig unfeasible, including issues related to addiction and mental health. Moreover, not everyone possesses Kotani's charm.

Finding Meaningful Ways to Help

At the heart of the issue lies dignity. Back in the 1980s, I learned the names of a few friendly homeless individuals in Lincoln, NE, while walking without a car. We discussed books and art, and some of them had remarkable talents. I often had spare change, and I remember one woman expressing her reluctance to seek shelter due to the unusual dynamics within those spaces.

As I recount this, I realize I’m now roughly the same age she was back then.

Many women harbor fears about becoming homeless. After my divorce, I endeavored to create a living situation I could manage independently. I downsized from a larger home and sought to establish a new business.

Since then, life has thrown its share of challenges at me, including the loss of my daughter, a failed business due to the pandemic, and both of my sons moving back in with me. Despite it all, I feel fortunate to have a home—something not everyone can claim.

Ultimately, renting a homeless individual may be less about charity and more about offering oneself a unique experience.

The Importance of Direct Connection

Why do we often presume that our solutions to others' problems will work for everyone? Embracing diversity means recognizing that while many do not choose homelessness, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone thrives in conventional housing. For some, a free-spirited lifestyle is far more suitable.

James Altucher famously spent a year living without a home. His choice to embrace minimalism surprised many, as he is known as a smart, humorous writer and investor. His book, "Choose Yourself," illustrates how this experience led him to inspire others to consider unconventional, fulfilling lives.

While numerous individuals desperately seek homes, initiatives like Community First! in Austin, founded by Alan Graham, aim to support the chronically homeless. I once camped there with my daughter during its early development, helping create pathways to a space that would evolve into a chapel of sorts. Today, it stands as a thriving community.

The organization behind this effort, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, embodies the mission of feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. There are myriad ways to contribute to these causes, and the underlying theme remains community—something we all inherently desire.

Kotani Makoto's World

Kotani's friend recognized his struggles with conventional living arrangements. He was disorganized, unable to manage rent, and often late. The traditional apartment lifestyle simply did not suit him, but thanks to supportive friends and the Internet, he found his way.

Kotani could never have anticipated how his life would unfold, but it turned out to be a blessing. At the time of this writing, he is married to a woman who initially hired him for playful engagements in a train station. He enjoys social interactions, travels frequently, and dedicates his time and resources to giving back. Despite describing himself as "fat ugly, middle-aged, poor, and dirty," he embraces who he is without striving for change, finding joy in spreading happiness.

His wardrobe is composed of gifts from others, and his phone and data plan are funded by a loyal benefactor. When people offer him meals or travel opportunities, he expresses gratitude, often surprised by their generosity. In turn, those who support him find that they gain more than they give. Perhaps renting a homeless individual is less about charity and more about enriching one's own experience.

Kotani represents a person free from societal constraints. He has traveled extensively and has been hired for various unique tasks, from simply being a listening ear for someone in distress to posing for an artist's drawing session. Although he found the latter experience awkward, he persevered. Kotani has even been the subject of a book, though he humorously admits to not having read it.

His community is what truly provides him with security and, in a sense, a sense of belonging. While it may not fit the traditional definition of home, it seems that Kotani has indeed found his place in the world.