Last month, the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) installed a single pair of heart-shaped hand straps on one of its lines in hopes of sparking romance among their passengers. However, with Valentine’s Day behind us it seems they aren’t through playing matchmaker.
This time JR Shikoku is strapping on some cupid wings by installing “Love Love Benches” in two of their stations. The seat of the bench slopes inwards so that no matter how two people sit on it they will quickly be brought together thanks the marvel of gravity.
Love Love Benches can currently be found in Ekawasaki Station in Shimontoshi, Kochi Prefecture and in Tsubojiri Station in Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture. You might understandably wonder why JR Shikoku chose to install these new benches in Ekawasaki, which has a population of 1,590, and Tsubojiri Station which sees an average of two passengers a day.
Worry not! There’s a convoluted reason for all of this. Ekawasaki is the nearest station to Nishitosamura where the highest temperature in Japan was recorded last year (41.0℃ on 12 August). So clearly JR Shikoku figured that it’s the place in Japan most conducive to get people hot and heavy.
On the other hand, Tsubojiri Station is a station located on a hairpin turn deep in a part of the mountains of Kochi inaccessible by car. Because of the switchback, trains must pass by at an extremely slow speed which JR Shikoku feels make a perfect setting for a romantic getaway where a couple may enjoy each other’s company.
So if you’re looking for a way to facilitate some romance with that special guy or gal, why not take a trek out to Shikoku and enjoy a Love Love Bench? Meanwhile, I’m going to try and find out how my mom managed to get on the board of directors of JR Group.
Source: JR Shikoku via Netlab (Japanese)
Ekawasaki Station Image: Wikipedia – Risa
Tsubojiri Station Image: Wikipedia – Spaceaero2
The weird and wonderful things people leave behind on Japanese trains
All-you-can-ride Shinkansen deal coming to Japan for a limited time
Japan’s new luxury sightseeing train will show you part of the country most foreigners never see
Japan Rail apologises for discrimination “misunderstanding” with Russian sign
Japan’s new random-destination die-roll train tickets — Amazing bargain for just 36 bucks
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Set of 4,368 train tickets goes on sale to commemorate Japan Railways 150th anniversary
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Online pilgrimages along Japan’s famous Shikoku Henro route begin later this year
Japan’s Moonlight Nagara train service ends, leaving a hole in overnight rail travel
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Japanese train station returns lost item to customer with a heartwarming message
Man passes away on Tokyo train, no one notices until nearly 12 hours and 650 kilometers later
What is this weird train spotted at a Japanese railway station?
How to do an overnight bus trip to Tokushima from Tokyo – Part 1【Photos】
How to escape the Tokyo crowds with a trip to a hidden gem on a special Japanese train
Tokyo’s busiest train line to be partially shut down this weekend as part of Shibuya renovations
An overnight trip on the Sunrise Izumo, Japan’s awesome Tokyo-Shimane sleeper train【Photos】
Japan Railways wants to build a team of robots to help travelers, catch criminals in its stations
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line