Kuboyama, known as Catherine in English, worked as an information technology engineer in Kawasaki city. Before her transition, she was a man with a handsome appearance and high income.

Kuboyama's preference for wearing women's clothes and makeup emerged in childhood. However, decades ago, Japanese society was strict, leading her to endure much prejudice. At 40, doctors diagnosed her with gender identity disorder. Seven years ago, Kuboyama decided to undergo surgery to live authentically.

Kuboyama when she was very young, before undergoing gender reassignment surgery. *Guancha*

After transitioning, Kuboyama embraced a "princess" lifestyle and Western aesthetic. She decorated her home like a miniature palace with details inspired by Disney cartoons. Previously, when her figure was slender, she often wore colored contact lenses, blonde wigs, and heavy makeup for artistic photoshoots.

Despite this, daily life still presented inconveniences. Her large build made it difficult for her to use women's restrooms or bathe in public hot springs. Instead of becoming discouraged or seeking societal validation, she chose to focus on herself. "I cherish my individual identity instead of trying to please the crowd", she said.

Three years ago, she began dating Kazunari Morimoto, 86. The retired farmer, who had been married three times, experienced "love at first sight" with Kuboyama upon their initial meeting. His kindness made her feel truly valued as a woman.

For each date, Kuboyama spent much time preparing her dresses, wigs, and elaborate makeup. She also personally selected clothes for her boyfriend. At Morimoto's home, the two cooked meals together, watched television, and exchanged goodbye kisses. He often jokingly called himself "the quirky old man" to make his beloved laugh.

Kuboyama photographed with her 86-year-old boyfriend, Kazunari Morimoto. *Guancha*

Despite warnings about the pressures of dating someone much older, Kuboyama affirmed that her current life is slow and gentle. "He always knows how to say thank you and apologize, which truly makes me happy", she confided, adding that she plans to lose weight to wear her favorite short dresses again.

Kuboyama's story attracted much attention on social media. Most expressed admiration for the 64-year-old woman's courage. "She didn't try to convince the world to understand her; instead, she chose to build a life with someone who already did", a reader commented.

Minh Phuong (*According to SCMP*)