In a world where social media showcases idealized relationships, a 39-year-old Japanese man has intrigued audiences with his inventive depiction of a fictional girlfriend using common props and photography. His distinct method not only provides entertainment but also highlights broader societal concerns such as loneliness and the intricacies of social interactions, especially in Japan’s otaku culture.
As noted by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Keisuke Jinushi, a graduate of Musashino Art University with a focus on film and visual arts, utilizes a selfie stick, a wig, and various accessories to produce convincing “couple” photographs. In an interview with Nishinippon Shimbun, Jinushi shared the motivation behind his project: “I was travelling and took a photo with a statue of a woman, and that’s when it occurred to me – I could create joyful couple photos all by myself. ”
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Jinushi adorns his right hand with nail polish, foundation, and accessories such as scrunchies to imitate the look of a woman’s hand. This innovative technique enables him to pose in seemingly affectionate scenarios, like being fed or sharing an intimate moment. “I applied foundation to my hand and wore nail polish to replicate a woman’s soft, shiny hand, and it works perfectly if you slip a scrunchie on your wrist,” he clarified.
This phenomenon is closely linked to Japan’s otaku culture, which is defined by a profound enthusiasm for anime and manga, often serving as a substitute for conventional social relationships. Jinushi’s creative “girlfriend” initiative has motivated others to develop their own “happy photo stories” and ignited viral conversations regarding the nature of relationships in contemporary times.
His work gained popularity on Chinese social media following media coverage in mainland China that spotlighted his project. Jinushi has also documented his experiences in a book titled Fantasy Girlfriend, detailing the imagined journey of meeting, marrying, and raising a family with his fictional companion.
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One user on Weixin commented, “I can fully relate to Jinushi. He is just like any other single guy – yearning for love – and he is not doing anything wrong. ”
