[00:00.19] Unit 44 Cash for Compliments What does it cost to feel good about yourself in Japan, now that this once proud nation is in economic recession and social gloom? [00:13.01] About 95 cents. [00:15.26] Two young Japanese men are turning compliments into cash with a professional flattery service. [00:22.09] And in this traditionally reserved society, it seems to be getting on very well. [00:28.01] The two flattery officers report a steady increase in business and recognition since the company opened a year ago. [00:36.55] In Tokyo's trendy Shibuya neighborhood, 20-year old Yuzo and 23-year old Keiya take out the tools of their trade: a sign board" House of Flattery, [00:48.35] 100 yen a minute" and bright red T shirt which read" Professional Sweet Talkers."" Have you ever been flattered recently? [00:59.32] Yuzo Yuzo calls out to the stream of people rushing by." Feel good about your hidden beauty ..." Taeko, [01:06.41] a 20-year old student decides to try it out. [01:11.48] Yuzo and Keiya compares her to a rock star, admires her great fashion sense and tell her she is stunning. [01:19.18]" How many carats in those diamond eyes of yours?" one of them asks. [01:23.56] Combining quick wit, excellent timing, and a ton of praises, the two soon attract a crowd. [01:30.54] Sociologists say the Japanese are far less generous about compliments than people in many other cultures, [01:37.54] in part because the society stresses formality. [01:42.12] Compliments can be embarrassing in a Japanese society. [01:46.19] A boss who praises his employee in public, for instance, is setting that worker apart from his / her colleagues in a county where group identity is very important. [01:59.19] In extreme cases, being singled out can result in bullying and becoming known as the boss's pet. [02:06.48] Yuzo believes these traditions no longer serve Japan well. [02:11.35] He said," Japanese hold back their feelings too much. It's areal shame. They should express themselves more. [02:20.39]" Many Japanese do not feel very good about themselves these days as they face job cutbacks, [02:26.29] rising crime, weak political leadership and a loss of national confidence. [02:32.52] With all of the problems in Japan, guys like Yuzo and Keiya can help brighten the atmosphere and lift the mood a bit.

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