A man has been spending the night with strangers all over the country for 5 years (2 photos + 1 video)
Shuraf Ishida quit his job, sold most of his belongings, and went on a backpacking trip, relying on the kindness of strangers instead of housing costs. 
33-year-old Japanese Shuraf Ishida has become a social media celebrity thanks to his unconventional approach to providing a place to stay. Over the past five years, he has slept in more than 500 different houses using a sign asking for a place to stay.
It all started with a decision to radically change his life. Ishida quit his job, sold almost everything he owned, and set off on a journey across Japan with only the bare necessities of a backpack. He avoids the usual housing expenses by relying on the kindness of strangers, whom he approaches by standing on busy streets with a sign that says, "Please let me stay overnight!" 
Most people pass by without noticing, but there are almost always those who are willing to offer him shelter. These are mostly lonely people who need company. Some of them see Ishida as a friend, sharing their secrets and life stories with him, which he perceives as "living novels."
"I just stand there and wait for someone to respond. But the most interesting thing is listening to people's stories. It's like reading a new book every night," Ishida explains.
His interest in travel began during a trip to Taiwan as a student, where he experienced the joy of interacting with people. After graduating, he worked for a large company to save up for a round-the-world trip, but quit his office job at 28 and has been living a nomadic lifestyle ever since.
While his lifestyle has drawn criticism on social media, with some accusing him of preying on the kindness of others, the landlords who have taken him in call it a mutually beneficial exchange. Lonely Japanese people find solace in his company, and in return, they offer only a place to sleep.
"He helps me cope with loneliness, and I like that. It's much better than seeking solace in alcohol or wasting money," admitted one woman who gave him a place to stay.
