Photographs from a small group of islands
The Japanese penchant for sleeping in public has been well documented, with public transport-related places being especially popular. Yet rather than just a reaction to long commutes or excessive alcohol consumption, these not so private naps are seemingly a daily need that simply can’t be denied.
This particular man’s fortitude unfortunately failed at the final hurdle, as he finally caved in and fell asleep only a few feet away from the relative comfort and quietness of the riverbank.
The contrived cosplay-themed compliance of Japan’s forever multiplying number of maid cafes means that they are something of an acquired taste to say the least. But on a cool and damp autumnal day, the warm glow of this maid-related getaway does look rather inviting.
However, with a price list based on time and not tea, it’s fair to say that soapy sojourns rather than sugary snacks are very much the order of the day.
Hence the age requirements.
And, for reasons unknown, race restrictions.
As the Japanese are seemingly making much more of a hullaballoo over Halloween this year, there was obviously no way a certain cat was going to miss out on this rapidly growing cash cow, with the formidable feline looking down on her defenceless followers with demonic indifference being somehow rather apt.
The Japanese otaku (or geek) has recently undergone a renaissance of sorts, with the likes of maid cafes and Akihabara gaining something along the lines of societal acceptance. A shift that has even seen bars based around model railways make the news with barely a hint of head shaking, let alone unrestrained ridicule.
Yet as positive as this may (or indeed may not) appear, it quite possibly leaves the once ostracised otaku little opportunity to meet up with others of a similarly obsessive nature — apart from under the prying eyes of tourists or first timers. A situation that has presumably prompted one ambitious bar owner to open a geek focused getaway.
Dress code (or even sense) discretional.
Just like their counterparts in countless other countries, after a long and tiring week at work, Japanese men like nothing better than letting off a bit of steam with a boisterous beer or two. Yet for those living in Tokyo who fancy something along the lines of manga-esque mammaries instead of mere male bonding, help is luckily available at Love Chance.
And even if love remains elusive, it’s more than likely that large amounts lager and lewdness won’t be lacking.
