Vladimir Putin’s shirtless calendar is flying off the shelves in Japan

Apparently Russian President Vladimir Putin is a sex symbol in the eyes of Japanese women.

A 2019 calendar featuring the 66-year-old Russian leader is so popular that it's outselling those of even the country's top athletes and movie stars.

Some of the photos seem to try and highlight Putin's 'softer side,' like playing with dogs in the snow and going for a casual bike ride through a park while others feature a shirtless Putin working out at the gym and taking a dip in a hot tub.

Japan Today says the 12-month pictorial is causing an unprecedented number of calendar sales in the country.

While it has been speculated that women are buying the calendar as a gag gift, The Guardian claims that it's Putin's "unashamed machismo" that's got Japanese women hot and bothered.

Loft, a popular Japanese store, has been selling Putin calendars since 2016 but has seen a surge in popularity this Christmas thanks in part to young women who have been dubbed “Putin fans.”

If for some reason you want a shirtless Putin hanging up in your house all year round, Amazon is also selling the calendar for $19.98.

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