A Japanese sports shop is reporting a surge in demand for nipple covers as mammary gland concealment becomes all the rage in the eccentric Far-Eastern country.

The Dot Store says nipple covers, usually used by long-distance runners to prevent chafing, are flying off its shelves, with 55,000 sets being sold so far this year.

The figure far exceeds last year’s sales figures, though exact numbers were not given.

A Japanese sports shop is reporting a surge in demand for nipple covers as mammary gland concealment becomes all the rage in the eccentric Far-Eastern country

The Dot Store says nipple covers, usually used by long-distance runners to prevent chafing, are flying off its shelves, with 55,000 sets being sold so far this year. Pictured above, the date's reaction to the man's nipple when covered (left) and when exposed (right)

The figure far exceeds last year’s sales figures, though exact numbers were not given

The feat has been achieved by marketing the nipple covers as fashion items instead of sports accessories.

An advertisement for the product shows a girl on a date being enchanted with her young beau when his nipples are covered but disgusted when they are seen poking through his T-shirt.

In one version of events where the lad’s nipples are covered, the couple end up together.

But in an alternate reality where he neglected to cover his twin peaks, he ends up alone.

Some Japanese media outlets also said that men’s nipples were considered a turn-off on the dating scene if they were visible through a thin shirt.

One quoted a study carried out in 2013 that found 84 percent of Japanese people questioned were repulsed by the sight of nipples protruding through thin fabric, though the findings were not broken down by gender.

The Dot Store’s nipple covers are adhesive, water-resistant, transparent patches similar to sticking plasters.

Some Japanese media outlets also said that men’s nipples were considered a turn-off on the dating scene if they were visible through a thin shirt