A grand gesture of love that has gone viral on the internet for years has officially been recognized as a world record. The “largest GPS drawing by an individual,” a monumental marriage proposal titled “MARRY ME,” has held its Guinness World Record title since 2009.
The artist behind the astonishing work is Yassan, a Japanese man who, at the time, was an ordinary employee looking for a unique way to pop the question. Inspired by the nascent concept of GPS drawing, he decided to use the entire country of Japan as his canvas.
In April 2008, after moving in with his then-girlfriend Natsuki, Yassan embarked on an epic adventure. Without the aid of smartphones or advanced GPS equipment, he painstakingly plotted his route on a large road map, tracing his path with tracing paper to ensure his movements would spell out “MARRY ME” across the country.
To complete the massive project, Yassan made a life-changing decision: he quit his job. He traveled for six months, covering over 7,000 kilometers by car, ferry, and on foot. His journey took him from the northern island of Hokkaido all the way down to Kagoshima, in the south.
Along the way, he faced numerous challenges, from navigating treacherous roads to enduring long stretches of solo travel. But he persevered, driven by the desire to create a truly unforgettable proposal.
After six months of travel, Yassan returned home and revealed the stunning drawing to his girlfriend. Despite a minor hiccup—she didn’t understand the English phrase “MARRY ME”—she eventually said yes. The record-breaking drawing, his first-ever GPS artwork, was just the beginning. The massive media attention he received for the stunt allowed him to launch a new career as a GPS artist. The couple is now happily married with two children, and their historic proposal remains a testament to the power of love and creative ingenuity.
