Pascal Latui, 28, first fell for Yumiko, 36, on a backpacking trip in Japan in June 2006. She was a receptionist at the Tokyo youth hostel where he was staying.
Though he returned home to Belgium after 20 days, he was determined to return to Japan to see Yumiko again. He did so three months later, and two months after that they were married.
Despite the whirlwind romance, Pascal and Yumiko were both convinced they wanted to build a life together in Japan. Now, 2 1/2 years after tying the knot, they live near the Taito Ward hostel where they met and where Yumiko still works.