Fed up with being envious of the lovebirds he kept running into in cafes, Keisuke Jinushi started a blog teaching single readers to take brilliant pictures with imaginary girlfriends, like these. Scroll through the gallery to see the lengths he goes to for his make-believe relationship.
"Hitori date" (one-man date) guide —
Fed up with being envious of the lovebirds he kept running into in cafes, Keisuke Jinushi started a blog teaching single readers to take brilliant pictures with imaginary girlfriends, like these. Scroll through the gallery to see the lengths he goes to for his make-believe relationship.
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
Keisuke, 28, calls his photo series "hitori date" (one-man date). He became an Internet sensation earlier this year.
How to take dating pics ... —
Keisuke, 28, calls his photo series "hitori date" (one-man date). He became an Internet sensation earlier this year.
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
Apply a paler foundation on your right hand and bright nail polish on your nails, says Keisuke. Girly accessories like a puffy hairband on the wrist enhance the illusion.
Powder up your right hand —
Apply a paler foundation on your right hand and bright nail polish on your nails, says Keisuke. Girly accessories like a puffy hairband on the wrist enhance the illusion.
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
Just like real PDA couples, Keisuke says the first rule for single travelers who want to take "hitori date" photos is "don't be shy."
Train snog —
Just like real PDA couples, Keisuke says the first rule for single travelers who want to take "hitori date" photos is "don't be shy."
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
"I'm always taking pictures with wigs, so I stock a lot of wigs at my place," says Keisuke. "Recently I started calling them 'my girlfriend.'"
Train snog: The truth —
"I'm always taking pictures with wigs, so I stock a lot of wigs at my place," says Keisuke. "Recently I started calling them 'my girlfriend.'"
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
Does "hitori dating" make solo commuting more enjoyable? Or more sad?
"Thirsty, Hon?" —
Does "hitori dating" make solo commuting more enjoyable? Or more sad?
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
A tripod is the hitori dater's reliable wingman.
"Thirsty, Hon?" The truth —
A tripod is the hitori dater's reliable wingman.
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
She actually seems really sweet.
Jealous? —
She actually seems really sweet.
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
"The most suitable place [for loners] would be Japan," says Keisuke. "Many Japanese couples are so shy so they only hold hands. The worst place for singles is France. Couples are kissing everywhere. It makes you feel so jealous and it's even more painful for you to be on your own."
"If you are single, please come to Japan!" —
"The most suitable place [for loners] would be Japan," says Keisuke. "Many Japanese couples are so shy so they only hold hands. The worst place for singles is France. Couples are kissing everywhere. It makes you feel so jealous and it's even more painful for you to be on your own."
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
Leaving hand cream and other accessories on the table makes your fake girlfriend seem more real.
Props —
Leaving hand cream and other accessories on the table makes your fake girlfriend seem more real.
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
"Most readers comment that it's 'interesting' or 'fun.'" says Keisuke about his fan base. "Although there are female readers leaving comments, none of them have said, 'Let me be your girlfriend.' What a grim world!"
Tender moments —
"Most readers comment that it's 'interesting' or 'fun.'" says Keisuke about his fan base. "Although there are female readers leaving comments, none of them have said, 'Let me be your girlfriend.' What a grim world!"
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi
"My grandma said she burst into tears after reading my blog because her grandson seems pathetic in these photos," says Keisuke. "But [I'm not] ashamed of being single. You should be puffed up with pride and say 'Yes I am on my own.' You should act like it's normal to be alone. Then the world will be slightly brighter."
Not everyone is amused —
"My grandma said she burst into tears after reading my blog because her grandson seems pathetic in these photos," says Keisuke. "But [I'm not] ashamed of being single. You should be puffed up with pride and say 'Yes I am on my own.' You should act like it's normal to be alone. Then the world will be slightly brighter."
courtesy Keisuki Jinushi