Copyright scmp
A unique café in Japan is charging 4,000 yen (US$25) for customers to experience being a maid by serving members of staff posing as clients. The quirky new trend launched by a creative team dedicated to maid cosplay culture in Japan has attracted much attention from male customers. This spring the group introduced a pop-up concept called the “Cafe Where You Can Become a Maid”. For 4,000 yen, customers can enjoy a 90-minute immersive experience. While the exact number of daily visitors is unknown, the concept has attracted significant attention. Upon arrival, guests can choose from a selection of elegant long maid dresses, which are distinct from the typical short cute maid outfits. Due to the lack of an on-site changing room, participants simply wear the maid uniform over their own clothes. Once dressed, they begin serving tea and cake. The person they serve, the ojou-sama, a refined, ladylike character from anime which typically comes from a wealthy, high-class family, is not a real customer but a member of staff playing the role. This set-up allows participants to immerse themselves in the fantasy of being a maid without the stress of dealing with actual patrons. The package also includes souvenir photos, capturing their maid persona as they serve the “customers”. After their shift, the maid can enjoy cake and iced black tea in a dedicated seating area. Customers are also allowed to change into multiple maid outfits within the allotted time. “I became a maid, and the atmosphere was so joyful. This truly is the most interesting event in the world,” one participant said. The activity has proven hugely successful and is open to all genders, attracting many enthusiastic men to fulfil their maid fantasy. “I mustered up the courage to experience being a maid. The maid, housekeeper and lady were all very friendly and it was fun taking photos. Thank you,” said one male participant. Although it is currently a limited-time pop-up event, it has been so successful that demand has far exceeded availability, with many interested consumers reporting they were unable to secure a reservation. The concept has also sparked a lively discussion on mainland social media. One supporter said: “I think it is just fun to wear a dress that I would never actually buy. In that sense, it is quite interesting.” Another said: “It is great. Some people enjoy the idea of serving others, but real service jobs can be tough, and not all customers are kind. Here, you pay for the experience, get to dress up and serve someone who will not give you a hard time.” However, a third person said: “No thanks. Paying to serve others? What a reversal of the natural order.” “Honestly, I am more interested in the role of the staff who get to play the ojou-sama,” said another person.
