Would You Date This Man?

dating otaku

Itā€™s natural for many of us to wear a ā€œmaskā€ during certain events in our lives.

On a first date, being nervous and wishing to make a good first-impression, we may behave a certain way thatā€™s not completely natural to our character.Ā  But to theĀ otaku, this metaphor of ā€œwearing a maskā€ has become quite literal.

The small town of Washinomiya, in Saitama Prefecture, has become a pilgrimage site forĀ otakuĀ fans of the mangaĀ Rakkii StaaĀ (Lucky Star) where the story is set.Ā  The local chamber of commerce took notice of theĀ otakuā€˜s spending power, and decided ā€“ why not hook these people up?Ā  Two incomes are better than one.Ā  The problem, however, is thatĀ otakuĀ are generally shy by nature.

So, what if they wore masks?

And so, the local government organized a largeĀ goukonĀ ā€“ rougly translated as a ā€œsingleā€™s party.ā€Ā  Fifteen maleĀ otakuĀ and fifteen females with similar manga and anime interests were invited, each adorning a halloween mask of Mickey Mouse, Pikachu, Doraemon, and various other characters, hoping to meet that lucky someone.

ā€œI feel this is an easier way to talk to people,ā€ said one 27-year-old woman in a bunny mask.Ā  When asked one young male ā€“ wearing a samurai master mask ā€“ if he planned to go on a real date, he answered, ā€œI hope soā€¦maybe.ā€

And the result?

Seven couples left the event together.Ā  Thatā€™s a 47% success rate!Ā  Way to go,Ā otaku!