Imagine finding out the night before your wedding that you’re about to marry someone old enough to be your taanie (mother). Some might choose that path but for one man in Japan, it was a total surprise.
Yoshitaka, 40, met Aki at a cosy Japanese-style bar she owned. Both were divorced and raising kids on their own, so when they struck up a conversation, sparks flew. Yoshitaka was drawn to Aki’s mature charm, and, soon after, he made a move.
“We talked about our failed marriages, raising kids alone, and discovered we had so much in common,” Yoshitaka said about Aki, who he thought was 55. Little did he know, his soon-to-be bride was actually 65 – a full 25 years older than him!
For seven years, Yoshitaka was blissfully unaware of the true age gap between them. Aki’s youthful glow and excellent skincare routine did the trick, keeping her real age under wraps.
Aki wasn’t exactly comfortable with this little secret. She tried to drop hints, like casually leaving her passport or insurance card on the table hoping Yoshitaka would notice.
But here’s what had her in a chokehold – he just kept telling her to put them away safely. Bless his heart.
As their relationship got serious and marriage was on the horizon, Aki knew she had to come clean. The night before their wedding, with nerves probably through the roof, she finally revealed her true age.
But instead of freaking out, Yoshitaka responded with all the calm and love you’d want in that situation.
“I don’t mind your real age at all, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “What matters is why you didn’t tell me earlier so you wouldn’t have to worry for so long.”
With that, the wedding was on, and they tied the knot without a hitch. Afterwards, the couple decided to quit their jobs and hit the road, travelling around Japan in a camper van.
Now, the two are still together and even share a business. Part of the reason Aki lied is that Japanese society remains prejudiced against couples where the woman is significantly older than the man.
She told “South China Morning Post”: “Older men can proudly show off how young and beautiful their wives are, but many women who are older than their husbands often hesitate to reveal their relationships to others.”
So, what’s the lesson here? Love doesn’t care about age – it just wants the truth. And if you’re going to drop hints, make sure your partner’s paying attention.