You will never have to feel the deep ache of loneliness when you sit alone at a restaurant. Or at least in restaurants in Japan. The country that brought the genius concept of anti-loneliness ramen bowls has also invented anti-loneliness cafes. But not just any old anti-loneliness cafes, anti-loneliness Moomin House Cafes!

Anti-loneliness ramen bowls are ceramic pots with a slit on one side that can prop up an iPhone. The idea is that the bowl will keep the phone upright, leaving the user's two hands free to eat ramen. The anti-loneliness ramen bowl's clever ergonomic design made the eating experience not only less physically awkward, but also emotionally less so.  

Taking a cue from this anti-loneliness fad, the Moomin House Cafe in Japan decided to recruit its stuffed animal companions, called Moomins, to rescue the cafe's solo customers from the pangs of solitude that life often bestows. These white hippo-like characters with stout snouts and wide eyes will keep the customers company through a coffee break, lunchtime meal or a terrible blind date. If one hippos isn't enough to ward off the solitary moments, the customers can request for multiple to really make table anti-loneliness.  

To think that you never have to go into a cafe armed with magazines, books and iPhones to stave off pitiful stares from other diners! Instead of keep reaching into your pocket to check if your friend has texted you back, you can enjoy a quiet moment with your new (stuffed) best friend, who just happens to be the champion of anti-loneliness.

These cute Moomins were created by Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson. To pay homage to these stuffed characters' heritage, the Moomin House Cafe serves Finnish rye bread and food and pastries in the shape of Moomin characters.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of their creator, Tove Jansson, who was born in 1914 and died in 2001.

If you really don't want to be lonely, we suggest you check out the Moomin theme park in Finland. You'll be surrounded with cuddly friends. In case you get hungry, you should bring your anti-loneliness ramen bowl.