[HenryBemis]

It's common saying everywhere.

If the person needs a guarantor, it means that they cannot afford the loan.

Even if they have the best of intentions, life may happen (people die before their time for many reasons), they can get caught up with the wrong crowd and fall out of (financial) grace, a bad partner can get them to "drop this life and move away" (ignoring obligations), and you can end with a damaging debt.

[9nGQluzmnq3M]

In Japan you need guarantors even for mundane things like renting an apartment. This is particularly difficult for immigrants if they don't know anybody and their employer won't sponsor them.

[brentm]

That seems excessively prohibitive to personal growth.

[xenonite]

On the other hand it makes lending easier.

[SpelingBeeChamp]

I am not sure "afford" is the right word. If someone needs a guarantor, it means they can't qualify for the loan.