23-year-old student 'falls in love' with classmate's 83-year-old grandma, families support relationship

The two admitted they were initially hesitant to acknowledge their feelings because of the 60-year age difference.

A relationship in Japan between a 23-year-old man and his classmate’s 83-year-old grandmother drew wide attention online after the pair were interviewed in public. The couple, identified as Kofu and Aiko, said they had been in a relationship for more than six months and had received support from their families, South China Morning Post reported.

Kofu, who is close to completing his university studies and is currently working as an intern at a creative design firm, said he fell in love with Aiko when he visited her home. Aiko, who previously worked as a horticulturist and owned a large botanical garden, confirmed the feelings were mutual. She has been married twice and has a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. Following her divorce, she lived with her son’s family.

In the video that circulated on social media, Kofu was seen holding Aiko’s hand. Aiko, who wore painted nails and kept her hair short, said she was drawn to him immediately. “Kofu has a healthy appetite and is very gentle. I have never met such a lively young man. I was drawn to him,” she said.

The two admitted they were initially hesitant to acknowledge their feelings because of the 60-year age difference. However, their relationship developed after Aiko’s granddaughter arranged a visit to Disneyland but withdrew at the last moment, leaving Kofu and Aiko to go together. While standing before the Cinderella Castle at sunset, Kofu expressed his affection. “At that moment, I was completely enchanted,” Aiko recalled.

The pair later decided to live together, though they did not specify whether they stayed in Kofu’s or Aiko’s home. Once the relationship was made public, both of their families extended their support.

Their anniversary, they revealed, falls on Valentine’s Day. Kofu said he was not thinking about marriage at present and was satisfied simply being with Aiko. “Seeing her face first thing in the morning is the best part of my day. She is small and looks up at me. Sometimes, she leans on me, and it is impossible to resist,” he said.

Aiko admitted she missed him when he went to work but added that preparing meals for him gave her energy. “He also brushes my teeth before bed,” she said.