‘Good listener’ Japanese man travels for 5 years, stays in 500 strangers’ homes for free
He finds the wait for a free host exhilarating as it’s like casting bait, waiting for a fish to bite
A Japanese man has become an online sensation after couch-surfing in 500 homes of strangers, offering emotional support as a “good listener” to his hosts in exchange for free accommodation.
The 33-year-old, named Shuraf Ishida, conceived this idea five years ago after quitting his job. He set out on a journey across the country with only his essential belongings in a rucksack, relying on his savings to fund his adventure.
Ishida shared that he used to be introverted. However, during a trip to Taiwan as a university student, his perspective shifted as he made friends, savoured delicious cuisines, and discovered his passion for travel and connecting with others.
While the exact details of his cross-country travel routes and expenses remain undisclosed, Ishida found an ingenious way to minimise his largest expense – accommodation.
He often spends hours at train stations or busy streets, holding a sign that reads: “I have a sleeping bag. Please let me stay at your place tonight,” and “I’ve stayed in over 300 homes. Please search for Shuraf Ishida.”
Although most passers-by tend to ignore him, some are touched by his message and invite him to stay for the night. Occasionally, Ishida reconnects with people who have previously hosted him, spending several days with them again.
