Do you know the Sabori-man? This recent buzzword (and hence niche market) refers to a worker (typically a salary man) sent out of the office for business who idles somewhere for a while before returning.
While you can find them in suit with briefcase in coffee shops or on park benches, recently a few businesses have started to specifically target these adult loiterers.
For example Shibuya Q-AX Cinema ran an “Sabori-man” campaign during May and June for the movie Mr. Brooks. Before 4pm, customers could order “1 Mr. Sabori please” to receive a ¥200 discounted ticket for the film.
Similarly, in June, Ueno capsule hotel Dandy began offering an afternoon nap special from only ¥2,100 between 10am and 4pm. At the 8-story men’s only hotel, truant salarymen can temporarily trade their suits for a robe and take advantage of the sauna, dining bar, or movie selection.
The word became popularized with the publication of the Tokyo Osabori Map in December 2006. Created by a volunteer team of salarymen from the East Japan Work and Rest Association, this sabori bible contains listings of 230 spots in popular business areas such as Shinjuku and Otemachi that meet the minimum requirements of being quiet, agreeable, and having seats.
Selections, rated on a five-point scale, range from the lobbies of upscale hotels, to local ward offices and university cafeterias.
