It’s a problem we all have to deal with at various points in our lives. We like to think we’re perfect and have it all figured out, but in reality no one is above making mistakes in their personal or professional lives. But it’s in these mistakes that through the humiliation of making amends to those we wronged we grow a little and become a better person as a result.
However, now thanks to a new line of business in Japan you don’t have to! Why go through all that painful guilt and general ickiness of facing up to the fact you’ve wronged someone when you can just pay someone else to do it for you? This way you can get back to the important things in life, like your golf swing or finally finishing that watercolor you were working on.
I – Word Understanding
humiliation – feeling ashamed or foolish
Ickiness – being unpleasant
II – Have Your Say
1. The act of making an apology statement is very important. However, the art of the apology is a very hard one to master. How do you express your apology?
2. Some apology agencies that can be found online include:
Shazaiya Aiga Pro: 25,000 yen for face-to-face apology and 10,000 yen for email or phone apology; Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
■ Yokohama Benriya Natchan: Estimates given by phone consultation and they offer “apologies while crying” which is especially effective against angry people.
■ Nihon Shazai Daikokao: Basic charge of 3,500 yen per hour
281 Pay apology agencies to say ‘I’m sorry’ when it’s just too hard to do it yourself
