
Man or woman, sexy or frumpy, unwanted romantic advances and date requests are probably a serious hassle. We wouldn’t know because the last time someone asked us on a date was 1972, but we’re fairly certain if someone we didn’t like asked us out, we’d struggle to come up with a tactful rejection.
So, for those of you who are asked out with any kind of regularity, you can commit the following awesome rejection lines courtesy of Japanese Internet users to memory so you’ve always got a snappy response to let your jilted would-have-been stalker down easy.
The “college in another prefecture” excuse
“A guy I asked out told me he’d love to, but he was just about to ship off to college in another prefecture. I couldn’t argue with that,” said a teen girl who got rejected. Note that this excuse only works up to the age of 20 or so, because, “Sorry, but I’m auditing some adult education classes in Oklahoma” just doesn’t have the same romantic vibe.
The “I really like you, but…” excuse
There are various ways to play this, with the classic example being “I really would, but I’ve already got a girlfriend/boyfriend.” This lets the rejectee know you like them just fine, but the circumstances just aren’t right. More creative efforts include, “I really like you, but I’m so scared of ruining what we have now.”
Of course, you could go for broke with an excuse so bizarre the rejectee will be shocked to the point of forgetting all about you. “I really like you a lot, but I’m afraid I’m madly in love with my anime girl body pillow,” might work.
The “It’s not you, it’s me” excuse
One 20-something female recalled a boy telling her, “I just know I don’t have what it takes to make you happy and I think you deserve better.” Another said she got rejected by a guy who said he needed to concentrate on work so he could be successful and maybe one day be her perfect man.
The “I can’t forget the one” excuse
There’s something just so romantic about stoically waiting for the one that got away to come back into your life that this excuse is guaranteed to make the jiltee love you even more and instantly forgive your on-the-spot rejection.
The “I don’t date (insert nationality)” excuse
Otherwise known as the blatant racism option. You could also take this same concept and run with it, identifying your dream man/woman as someone who meets some impossible-to-achieve standard you have: “I only date digital representations of real women and/or janitorial equipment,” or something to that effect.
Of course, there are other ways to reject a date request. Personally, I’m hoping to one day use the “wait until someone who has a crush on you is approaching, then quickly turn away and hug yourself so it looks like you’re passionately making out with someone” technique, but I have a feeling that wouldn’t go over as smoothly as the above excuses.
Source: Niconico News


Dating simulator girlfriends reject human boyfriends’ kisses due to game/heartbreaking bug
How women can shoot down dessert dates before they’re even invited, according to Japanese Twitter
Five ways guys blow their chances at singles’ parties in Japan
Want to date RocketNews24’s most eligible bachelor? Here’s your chance! 【Contest】
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Made-to-order onigiri rice ball hotel breakfast buffet in Tokyo is open (and awesome) to all
Top 30 tourist sites in Japan: the most popular sightseeing spots for overseas visitors
A faster, easier way to make cake: Use a rice cooker【SoraKitchen】
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
11 ways to have a great Christmas date…when your date is a bowl of instant noodles
King of Japan’s bar hosts shares idea for a sure-fire romantic date
Educator offers advice for Japanese schoolgirls who get asked out by their teachers
New smartphone game allows you to date the man, monkey, or dessert of your dreams
Women in Japan reveal their worst dating experiences
There’s a surprising potential risk that’s making more Japanese youth turn to dating apps
We asked: “What are the hardest and best things about dating a Japanese person?”
The time we (almost certainly) got scammed by a dating app in Tokyo’s bar district
Man selling ring intended for girlfriend who dumped him gets no sympathy from potential buyer
Japanese company will ask your crush out on a date for you if you’re too shy to do it yourself
Is it OK to take your girlfriend to Yoshinoya on a date?
Roughly 40 percent of single Japanese men in their 20s have never been on a date, survey says
“He wore Uniqlo to meet me!” Japanese woman shares petty bad date story, Internet bites back
Does a guy lose all chance with a Japanese woman if he doesn’t pay for the first date?【Survey】