NAGOYA — Rental businesses dealing with such items as high-end undergarments for women, pets and motorcycles have grown popular among consumers keeping a tight hold on their purse strings in these trying economic times.

Kyoto undergarment maker Embelline Marketing Co. has long supplied beauty salons across the country with what it calls Body Make Inner underclothes and lingerie to go with bridal gowns. Now it is renting out its products over the Internet.

Dog lovers can rent an animal for a day or an overnight stay from Aishin Kennel in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture.