Meet a Japanese Couple Who’ve Been Married for 43 Years and Always Dress in Matching Outfits
A Japanese couple in their 60s, with gray hair and a 43-year marriage under their belt, have amassed nearly 900k followers on Instagram by donning matching outfits every day. They posted their first photo in 2016, and since then, they have become an internet sensation. Their coordinated ensembles, often featuring vibrant plaid patterns and eye-catching primary colors, consistently capture the admiration of their growing audience.
The couple met when they were students.
Tsuyoshi and Tomi Seki, popularly known as Bonpon511, first crossed paths at a festival during their time as students at an art school in Tokyo. Following their studies, Tsuyoshi pursued a career in design and marketing, while Tomi made the decision to focus on raising their daughter at home.
The couple’s joyful photographs, captured using an iPhone attached to a tripod, also convey the evident delight they find in each other’s presence, even after decades of marriage since their college sweetheart days. The couple has now released 2 books commemorating their married life. Additionally, they have been featured in numerous Japanese newspapers and magazines.
Their daughter helped them gain popularity.
Earlier Tomi shared with journalists that they owe their unexpected fame to their daughter. “She took photos of us and posted them on her own Instagram account. She received lots of comments so suggested that we start our own account,” Tomi explained.
Their Instagram username combines their childhood nicknames with their wedding anniversary on May 11. This year, they celebrated the occasion by donning Gingham check attire, accompanied by the popular hashtags #over60 and #greyhair.
From the beginning, they shared similar fashion preferences.
Throughout their lives, they have always shared similar fashion preferences. However, it was their Instagram fame that inspired them to coordinate their outfits more meticulously, even on lazy days at home or during trips to the supermarket.
“But it’s not just about coordinating our clothes,” said Tsuyoshi. “We try to choose outfits that complement our surroundings.”
A significant portion of their wardrobe consists of popular retail chains—a modest approach they believe has contributed to their widespread appeal. “Of course we’re happy to be described as style icons in the media, but that’s not really how we see ourselves,” stated Tomi. “We wear simple, inexpensive clothes that anyone can buy.”
With their example, they want to inspire other older couples.
Beyond their fashionable attire, Tsuyoshi and Tomi aspire to inspire other older couples, emphasizing that retirement can signify the beginning of a second life—a concept explored in one of their books.
“Now we’re on our own and finally have the time to do all the things we didn’t have the time to do when we were raising a family and working,” Tomi said. “We want to show that retirement can be a lot of fun, especially if you find something you enjoy doing together.”
This is not the only couple that has amazed the internet with their outfits. Another elderly couple from Germany chose classy, elegant clothes for their style, making them look like they are always ready for a royal reception.
