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
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
Cupcakes almost too beautiful to eat! Adding a Japanese touch to cake decorating
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply