Maid Cafe

When we think of Victorian Maid Costumes, it normally leads us to the Victorian Times in England. However, is not the case anymore. In 2000, theme restaurants began to erect in the Akihabara District of Tokyo, Japan. They include maid cafes, where the waitresses are dressed as elegant maids, normally taking its inspirations from the Victorian Era. Such restaurants and cafes have quickly become a staple of the Japanese Otaku culture, also known as the 'Geek' culture, where people are obsessed with video games and anime. One of the big differences, is that the waitresses treats customers as masters and mistresses.

I have the opportunity of visiting one of the most famous cafe in Tokyo last year. I have to say is a very strange experience indeed. The staff really see themselves as maid and will serve you in very polite and friendly way. However, sometimes you would feel is too much and too patronizing. For example, I asked for ketchup on my omelet, and then the maid came and sat next to me and asked me what pattern I want on it. I was bit shocked, so I said anything. She then quickly drew the infamous Pikachu character and smiled. You could say is a bit much when I just asked for ketchup, but many of the Otaku community love this kinda service and would make daily trips to such restaurants and cafe.

The popularity of these services has spread to other districts of Japan as well as other countries, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada.

This summer, I went and try out the new Cosplay restaurant in Hong Kong with fellow classmate Leo. Have to say it doesn't feel the same as the language is different and the staff are less sincere, which makes the whole experience less authentic.

So, would this work in London? I certainly believe so. This is because the whole experience and costumes originate from London itself. I believe it would certainly make the whole experiece a lot more authentic. However, would the same 'otaku' community like the idea of original costumes? ie. the more dull looking longer version of traditional Maids costume, or the now more 'acceptable' shorter and modern version of it? It is open for debate.

More info at:

http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/tokyo/maid_cafe.htm