Inadvertent or not, it’s a sobering reminder that not all relationships last forever.
A unique way of advertising in Japan is to hand out what’re called “pocket tissues,” free plastic-wrapped packets of tissues bearing the name, logo, and website of the company distributing them. You’ll often see people passing out pocket tissues to passersby in front of train stations, at busy intersections or other places where there’s a high volume of pedestrian traffic.
Because of their low cost to produce, pocket tissues are an especially popular marketing choice for companies that don’t have the budget to put up billboards or air ads on TV. Dating services, for example, are fond of passing out packets emblazoned with photos of alluring singles or happy couples, and it’s the latter that seems to be depicted on this pack picked up by Japanese Twitter user @2nd_noho.
It’s actually a pretty sweet image, and the use of silhouettes allows both men and women looking at it to project themselves and their ideal match onto the shadowy couple. Plus the way that they’re holding hands, as opposed to pressing their bodies together or locking lips, suggests a comfortable and accepting relationship, not just a momentary flash of physical attraction.
However, maybe the image’s graphic designer isn’t really sold on the idea of love lasting forever, because should you ever open the packet to get at the tissues inside, the once-loving pair is forcibly and irreversibly separated.
https://twitter.com/2nd_noho/status/736535015001985025
“The person who thought up this design holds a deep darkness in his heart,” concluded @2nd_noho. We don’t know if we’d go that far, but at the very least, it looks like the designer could use a little romance in his life, so hopefully in addition to getting paid for his artwork, the company also hooked him up with a free trial of their dating service.
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he probably won’t break your heart. Probably.
Source: Hamster Sokuho, Twitter/@2nd_noho

New smartphone game allows you to date the man, monkey, or dessert of your dreams
Japanese company will ask your crush out on a date for you if you’re too shy to do it yourself
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
McDonald’s Japan reveals new Pokémon collaboration range, covering McNuggets and lucky bags
Giant Mewtwo statue disappears from real-life Pokémon Center in Japan, may be headed to America
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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