Japan’s “Anti-Loneliness” Cafe

To save its lone customers from the awkward perils of solo dining, the cafe kindly seats diners with stuffed animal companions called Moomins, a family of white hippo-like characters created by Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson.

Moomins are brought to each table so that patrons — solo or in groups — can have a turn sitting with them…

Cafe staff say there have been long lines almost every day since its “lonely-friendly” concept went viral.