The concept of a maid cafe is quintessentially Japanese, born from cosplay culture and thriving as a niche of companionship and entertainment.
Before entering the cafe, you’re instructed on the magic words, “Moe moe kyun.” The phrase doesn’t translate (“moe” is slang for “cute,” and “kyun” is onomatopoeia for a feeling of getting choked up), but it acts as a blessing — you have to say it before you walk in the “magic door” into the cafe, and you will be prompted to say it over all the food or drinks you consume over the evening.
You are greeted upon entering by a chorus of “Okaerinasai, sensei” (Welcome home, master/mistress) from the maids lined up in a procession to greet you. From there, you are waited on by the maids in their exaggerated French maid outfits. You can order dinner — the specialty is omurice, a rice omelet that is a staple of Japanese home cooking — and non-alcoholic drinks like a magic color-changing lemonade.
“Chekis” are really the main event — for $10, a maid of your choice will pose in a mini-Polaroid photo. Then the maid will decorate the photo with cute lettering and drawings and return it to you before the end of the evening.
Asayoru co-founder and Head Maid Sae says that attending an evening at a maid cafe is akin to a night at Medieval Times, but with a distinctly kawaii twist. The world-building “sets the experience apart, and it’s why so many people come back,” she explains, showing me several books of cheki collections that her regular customers had brought in that evening. One collection from a truly devoted follower contained dozens, if not hundreds, of photos taken with Asayoru maids.
FYI: What really sets Asayoru apart, however, is the option to request a choreographed J-pop dance performance. For a fee, your chosen maid will perform a specialty routine, often featuring hits from groups like the popular AKB48, for the whole cafe.
UwU meter: 5/5
