Photo calendars with President Putin's image are selling well in Japan

Images of President Putin printed in the calendar. Screenshot from The Guardian

Japanese department store chain Loft announced that its calendars featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin are selling well, outselling calendars featuring other celebrities.

According to the newspaperJapan TodayLoft started selling 2019 calendars featuring celebrities in September, and products featuring President Putin have consistently topped sales nationwide.

Coming in second place are calendars featuring actor Kei Tanaka (34) and two-time Olympic gold medalist figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (24). These are considered top stars in Japan.

Online retailers also said that calendars featuring Russian leaders are very popular this year. The calendars feature many images of President Putin in a strong, masculine and powerful style.

Among them are photos of the leader in a healthy T-shirt working out at the gym, playing ice hockey, playing with his dog and even a topless photo of him soaking in an icy lake.

In particular, young women in Japan are the main force behind this craze.Livedoor NewsMany people say they see a mysterious charm in President Putin.

SheetSouth China Morning PostAccording to international relations professor Robert Dujarric at Temple University (Japan), President Putin's appearance may be different and more masculine than most Japanese politicians, which attracts the attention of women in this country.

Mr Dujarric said Japanese men rarely show off their muscles because it is not the style in this country. Meanwhile, President Putin has been photographed many times with a masculine bare chest, which can create a different charm and appeal than what Japanese women see every day.