a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Middle-aged men learn to take better selfies for dating apps at Tokyo event
TOKYO -- An event aimed at helping middle-aged men take better pictures for dating apps was held in the Japanese capital May 31.
Love and marriage-seeking consultant Kikuno, 45, spoke at the event which had the goal of helping men create a better impression through their profile pictures. Emphasizing how photos are the most important thing on dating apps, she gave the attendees -- eight single men in their 40s to 50s -- pointers such as that yellow lighting should be avoided as it makes skin look dull, and noted the tendency for men their age to not smile as much.
Using outer camera better
Kikuno advised that using a phone's out-facing camera can result in clearer photos. Some participants then went to taking new profile shots at an outdoor seating terrace, thinking carefully about the angle, distance and other factors.
Better photos by undoing a button
Saito, the pseudonym of a 42-year-old company worker from the city of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, had struggled with feeling shy and ended up with a stiff expression when taking selfies. When the group was taking photos outside, Kikuno explained how having their dress shirts too tight or showing wrinkles would be a detractor, and asked them to try undoing one button.
After the event, a smiling Saito said, "I'm glad I was given quite specific techniques. It's got me to enjoy taking selfies."
One photo can change impression
Self-employed Nomoto (pseudonym), 53, from Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, said, "Until now, I had been taking pictures so that I'd be in the middle of the angle of view without paying much attention. It's amazing how a single photo can change the impression so drastically."
The event was coordinated by Aisaac Inc., a developer and management company of a dating app for those in their 40s and up based in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward.
(Japanese original by Tsuyoshi Goto, Opinion Editorial Department)
