How to recognize him: Wears vintage clothes, carries a guitar or sketchbook. Where to find him: A second-hand record store in Shimokitazawa. If you do decide to get married, make sure to move as far away from his parents as possible! 8. What it’s like to date him: As long as you’re just dating, everything will be fine. How to catch him: Cook him nice food and clean his apartment. Early red flags include: still living at home in his thirties, cannot cook to save his life, spends most of his weekends with his family. How to recognize him: You’ll probably only realize he is one when you meet his mother. Where to find him: Everywhere (unfortunately). Don’t be surprised if he spends more than ¥30,000 on a pair of shoes. He will judge you if you buy your clothes at H&M or Forever 21.
What it’s like to date him: You’ll finally be dating a guy who likes shopping as much as you do. How to catch him: Take him out for brunch at this new Hawaiian pancake restaurant and wait for two hours in line. How to recognize him: Wears red suede shoes, ankle pants and spends more time on his glossy locks than you do. Where to find him: In Harajuku, Omotesando or Shibuya. What it’s like to date him: He might only get Tuesdays off, but you’ll always have great hair. Should the relationship turn sour, you really don’t want to find yourself without a hairdresser. Very important: only make a move if you think he is replaceable. How to catch him: Become his favorite client and invite him for drinks. How to recognize him: Funky hairstyle, follows fashion trends and gives great head massages. Where to find him: Since he works six days a week, you’ll find him at his job.
If you’re not into fitness yourself, it could be hard to meet him as he will spend most of his free time at the gym. He will carry heavy things for you and open lids. What it’s like to date him: Who said Japanese men were not manly? The Gym Head will always be happy to flex his muscles. How to catch him: Pretend you don’t know how to use a machine or do some squats and ask him to correct your form. Go for the ones not wearing gloves - they are the real deal. Will often do bicep curls in front of the mirror. How to recognize him: The Gym Head is easily recognizable by his impressive physique. Where to find him: Go for a run at your local gym. Be prepared to spend an obscene amount of money on a coffee table. Furnishing your new love nest won’t be solved by a single trip to Ikea - you’ll probably find yourself shopping for furniture a lot. What it’s like to date him: You’ll have to have deep and meaningful conversations with him. Take him to Earth Day Market in Yoyogi Park and enjoy a vegan picnic. How to catch him: Pretend to be cooler than he is. How to recognize him: Wears glasses (but doesn’t need them), works for a startup or is planning to open his own hookah place. Where to find him: In the backstreets of Harajuku, having a single origin, drip coffee at the cool hangout of the moment. Deep intellectual conversations might not be his forte, but he’ll make you laugh. What it’s like to date him: Very exciting and wild. How to catch him: Parade around in your bikini to catch his attention or invite him for a drink at one of the beach huts. How to recognize him: Sports a tan all year round, bleached hair, smells like trouble. In summer, head to the beach in Chiba or Kanagawa, where you’ll find him working on his tan, showing off his tattoos and generally being loud and obnoxious with his friends.
Where to find him: Our Yankii can usually be found in the Greater Tokyo Area.
If you do meet again, don’t expect him to be boyfriend material. He’s a smooth talker, so save yourself the heartache and leave the next morning quietly. What it’s like to date him: Fun, but short-lived. Don’t worry, by the time you see him, he’ll be halfway across the room. How to recognize him: Wears pointed leather shoes and deep V-necks. Where to find him: Your favorite club in Roppongi or Shibuya. I promise it will be just as fun as playing Pokémon Go! And while you’re out there, see if you can spot these ten types of men you might encounter dating in Japan. Are you single this summer? Put down your phone for a day, forget about Tinder and go for a walk instead.