76-Year-Old TikTok Sensation: Host Clubs on Pension, First Photo Booth in 30 Years, and Age-Faking on Dating Apps—‘This Might Be the Most Fun I’ve Ever Had’
Photo by Shuzo Saito (Shueisha Online)
Imagine a 76-year-old grandmother raking in around 4 million yen (roughly $26,000 USD) a month on TikTok—not by sharing heartwarming tales of yesteryear, but by diving headfirst into trends that captivate Gen Z. Meet Aki, the silver-haired sensation whose short videos consistently snag over a million views. Far from the cozy “grandma” content you might expect, her edgy adventures—like visiting host clubs on her pension or faking her age on dating apps—are taking the platform by storm. So, who is this unexpected TikTok star?
A Grandma Who Gets Youth Culture
Last fall, a fresh face emerged on TikTok with the account “I Want to Stay Young Forever.” Unlike typical senior content, this channel features a grandmother who’s totally in tune with youth culture. Her videos drop regularly, each one pulling in massive viewership—and it’s easy to see why.
Her very first post, “Trying to Remove Makeup in Shibuya,” set the tone. Picture this: a refined, silver-haired lady wiping off her makeup in the bustling streets of Shibuya, slapping on a sheet mask, and peeling it away—all on camera. “Why?” “Why in Shibuya?” “And why her?” viewers wondered. This bold take on a young-person challenge scored over 2.9 million views.
Since then, Aki’s kept the surprises coming. “Visiting a Photo Booth After 30 Years and Finding a Hair and Makeup Station—Pure Bliss” racked up over 10 million views. “Faking My Age on a Dating App to Catch Young Men” hit 8 million. And “Can You Afford a First Visit to a Host Club on Just Your National Pension?” nabbed 5.6 million. These aren’t your average granny vlogs—they’re sharp, daring, and totally unexpected.
Cashing In, But Not Chasing Cash
Aki’s not shy about her earnings, either. She meticulously tracks her income, reporting 2.48 million yen in January and a whopping 3.91 million yen in April. With a graceful smile, the 76-year-old sat down to share her story.
“I’m just an extra, you know,” she chuckles. “I got roped into this by Open Reach, a video content company, and started joining their shoots.”
Turns out, “I Want to Stay Young Forever” isn’t a spontaneous senior’s vlog—it’s a polished production, crafted by pros with actors like Aki bringing it to life.
From Office Clerk to TikTok Extra
So how did she end up here? Aki’s life was pretty standard until recently. “I worked as an office clerk while raising my kids,” she explains. “I retired at 65 but still do part-time work a couple days a week. As I neared my later years, I wanted to try something new.”
She’d always been curious about being an extra—not to steal the spotlight, but to peek behind the scenes of filming. “Once, I played a bus passenger and got a novelty notebook as payment,” she recalls. “But the guy next to me said, ‘I get cash for this.’ I figured, if I’m doing it, I might as well get paid, right?” That sparked her search for a casting agency, landing her where she is today.
Kicking Off in Shibuya
Last fall, Aki’s TikTok journey began. “They called me for ‘I Want to Stay Young Forever,’ and out of curiosity, I headed to Shibuya,” she says with a grin. “Next thing I knew, I was wiping off my makeup as they filmed.” Showing her face in such a quirky setup was bold—did she hesitate?
“Not at all,” she laughs. “You put a mask on to take it off, don’t you? And my bare face? I’m basically makeup-free most days anyway.”
Loving Every Minute
Aki’s all smiles about the experience. “I haven’t had a single bad moment,” she says. “I feel like the star, complete with lines to say. Sometimes I wonder, ‘Can I really pull off this young slang?’ but it’s a blast. I forget my lines now and then, but the staff—kids my grandkids’ age—are so patient and kind. I’m really thankful.”
Money’s not her motivator, though. “It’s less about the cash and more about enjoying the challenge,” she muses. “I’ve never felt forced, and staying chill about it keeps me going.”
Grandma Goes Viral
Her fame’s spreading offline, too. “An elementary schooler tapped me and yelled, ‘Grandma!’ the other day,” she laughs. “On the bus, two middle school girls waved. At a convenience store, some boys showed me their phone and asked, ‘This is you, right?’ I never imagined strangers recognizing me at this age. Stepping into this world? Totally worth it.”
Family’s Reaction? A Little Shock, A Lot of Support
Aki’s raised five kids and has nine grandkids, living with her husband, 50-something daughter, son-in-law, and some of the little ones. Her TikTok gig? It took them by surprise. “I started last fall, but my husband only recently asked, ‘You’re doing that?’” she says, giggling. “I hadn’t mentioned it.”
Her son-in-law spotted it first. “To my husband and daughter, TikTok me is a total stranger—a wife and mom they’ve never seen. They might be reeling a bit,” she adds with a laugh. But they’re not stopping her. “They know I’d do it anyway,” she quips.
Living for the Moment, Not the Views
What’s next for Aki on TikTok? Her answer’s a curveball. “I’ve got a smartphone, but I don’t watch TikTok—not even my own stuff,” she admits, laughing. “People say I’m ‘going viral,’ but I don’t get it. Honestly, working with young folks is what’s fun—it’s exciting, fresh. Maybe it’s dramatic, but this might be my happiest time yet.”
Unlike most TikTokers chasing fame or fortune, Aki’s not in it for that. She’s just savoring the ride.
By Yuriko Iketani, Photos by Shuzo Saito
