You Couldn't Make This Stuff Up

If you're in Japan, and feeling a little down, it seems that you can pretty much rent anything or anyone you want to cheer you up. From cats, dogs and beetles (WTF??), to mothers, fathers and husbands; for example, towards the lower end of the scale:

Actors are despatched to play the part of distant relations at weddings and funerals. For an extra fee, they will even give a speech.

And a few notches up

But the firm's services do not stop there. It can also provide temporary husbands to single mothers who want them.

The website says the "dad" will help the children with their homework. He will sort out problems with the neighbours.

It doesn't end there

And if things are not working out with a real husband, a woman considering a divorce may choose to hire a "mother" in order to discuss her marital anxieties.

This last bit is genius

There is a service for women who are about to wed too. Apparently, they can practise for married life with a hired husband, although whether this involves seduction or sock washing is not exactly clear.

Pure genius.