84-Year-Old Japanese Grandpa Lets His Grandson Dress Him, And Now He Looks Like An Instagram Model

Οver the last couple of years, older Instagram users have demonstrated that being “Insta-famous” is possible at any age. From an adorable octogenarian that documents his everyday life to a perfectly matched married couple, those figures are redefining what it’s like to be an influencer. The latest senior to step into the spotlight is 84-year-old Tetsuya, a retired chemistry teacher turned rising social media star.

Tetsuya’s Instagram profile includes everything one has come to expect from a popular Instagrammer. Along with a large number of followers, that includes ample pictures depicting off show-stopping outfits, from full-leather ensembles to meticulously layered looks. While such an avant-garde wardrobe might seem unusual for an 84-year-old, Tetsuya has had some help in the clothing department. The garments are not his at all—they belong to Naoya Kudo, his grandson.

In May 2019, Kudo traveled home to Akita Prefecture for a week-long holiday. While he was there, he decided to pass the time by playing dress-up with his grandpa, that—to Kudo’s delight—was happy to be a model. “He was surprisingly enthusiastic about it,” said Kudo. “He gave a lot of suggestions about where to shoot and other things.” Among the locations were local beaches, fields, and the middle school where Tetsuya once worked.

When Tetsuya’s family saw him all dolled up, they “went wild.” The positive response, though, wasn’t limited to close relatives. In less than a month, Tetsuya has amassed more than 67,000 followers on Instagram—an accomplishment Kudo credits not to the clothing, but to the way his grandfather makes each ensemble his own. “It was quite a transformation to see my rural grandpa, who has no interest in fashion, in outfits he would never consider wearing on his own,” he said. “However, things like my grandpa’s long johns and muscle pain patches he forgot to remove added a nice personal touch.”

SLVR.TETSUYA: Instagram | Tumblr

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