TL;DR: While the tech world panics about AI replacing white-collar jobs, Japan is demonstrating the future economy. In a world of infinite digital supply, the ultimate luxury good is Human Presence. A 64-year-old Japanese "Benriya" (Jack-of-all-trades) is earning over ¥10 million ($70k+) annually not by coding, but by simply showing up. The lesson? When the digital cost approaches zero, the physical cost approaches infinity.
I am James, CEO of Mercury Technology Solutions.
We spend hours debating which AI model writes better Python or which agent manages workflows best. But while we stare at screens, Japan offers a glimpse into the economic reality of an aging society.
The answer to "What job is safe from AI?" is staring us in the face: Being human, being mobile, and being reliable.
The ¥10 Million "Benriya" (Convenience Store for Tasks)
There is a case study making rounds in Japan about a 64-year-old man who has run a "Benriya" (Handyman service) for 26 years. He doesn't write code. He doesn't trade crypto. His revenue exceeds ¥10 million a year.
His stack?
- Weeding gardens.
- Clearing out empty houses.
- Cleaning up after fires.
- Accompanying elderly clients to classical concerts.
His marketing strategy? Not SEO. Not Facebook Ads. Handwritten flyers with his photo.
Why does this work? Because to his 80-year-old clients, Google is a ghost. Google doesn't answer the doorbell. This man does.
The Economics of "Being There"
This reveals a harsh truth about the "AI Era."
1. The Physical API Gap
Japan is an "Elderly caring for Elderly" society. Physical strength is the single biggest point of failure. AI can diagnose a medical condition in milliseconds, but it cannot lift a box, unscrew a jar, or clear a driveway. The value proposition isn't "High Skill"; it is "Physical Availability."
2. Reliability is the New Luxury
The article highlights a profound philosophy: "The question isn't 'is it cheap,' but 'will you run away?'" In a complex, automated world, human anxiety spikes. People don't just want a service; they want to hold onto a reliable human being. Reliability—the guarantee that a specific human will appear at a specific time—is becoming a scarce asset. Scarcity drives price.
3. Low-Tech UX is the Best UX
We obsess over digital interfaces. But for a significant portion of the population (who hold a significant portion of the wealth), the best User Interface is a Handwritten Note. It conveys warmth, effort, and humanity—signals that AI can simulate but cannot authenticate.
Conclusion: Sweat Equity Returns
So, stop worrying about the "next big trend" on Twitter.
The most profitable asset of the future might not be the smartest brain in the room. It will be the person who:
- Is willing to bend down (Humility).
- Is willing to show up (Presence).
- Is willing to take responsibility (Trust).
Intellect is being commoditized by GPU farms. Motion is the new moat.
If your mouth talks about trends but your body is too lazy to leave the house, you are the high-risk investment. The 64-year-old cutting grass is the blue chip.
Mercury Technology Solutions: Accelerate Digitality.
