Latest Akihabara trend: sleeping cafes
Maid cafes were only the beginning
by Matt Schley
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Posted 10/9/2012
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Akihabara, Tokyo’s district for electronics and mecca for anime fans around the globe, continues to astound with its variety of hyper-niche cafes, restaurants and emporia catering to all walks of geek life.
Maid cafes? Old news. At Soine-ya, the latest establishment designed to substitute for a social life, otaku pay lofty sums to fall asleep next to women. Yes, next to.
20 minutes of shuteye at Soine-ya, which translates as “sleeping together shop,” cost 3,000 yen ($38), while actual physical contact can rack up an even higher bill: 10 minutes of hand-holding goes for 1,000 yen, as does three minutes of your sleeping partner lying on your arm. Hugs are where things get really nuts: prices range from 5 seconds at 1,000 yen ($13) to 60 for 10,000 yen ($127).
Opinions on the sleeping cafe have been mixed, with some opining Soine-ya is a harmless venture designed to help socially awkward men feel a human connection, some deeming it creepy and exploitative, and still others expressing bemusement.
Japanese news website getnews.jp has posted a video of their visit to the cafe. Nothing untoward happens, but we dare you to watch it and not feel a little strange.
Source: http://newsonjapan.com/html/newsdesk/article/98632.php
Comments:
>> Gary (Tuesday, October 23, 2012)
This is one of the funniest things I've seen out of Akihabara ! The guy in a wrestlers mask ? That's something you'd see on Saturday Night Live. Even though I didn't understand what was said, I got a fair idea of what was being described. And I think it would've taken something away from the humorous side. Leave it to the imaginative minds of the Japanese. Gotta love 'em.
>> Alice (Monday, October 22, 2012)
This is beyond strange even by Japanese standards. Why in the world would you pay someone to sleep next to you?
>> Gregory (Tuesday, October 16, 2012)
As some one who use to be socially awkward, I would have enjoyed a service like this. Pay some one to hang out with me in a nice calm place. I am nearly thirty now and I have never been to a dance or pop culture club. I have been to maybe five or so bars. I do not do well in groups. I use to worry about how some one would judge me. I was too shy and strange to speak to real people. However, in my quest to make my family more money, I took on the real world. I now have a wife, kids, and I am attending college to become an electrical engineer. So, as an adult it seems strange to me that people would pay for this service. o ya and I Just picked up the new issue today. I have not read it yet.
>> hatteress (Monday, October 15, 2012)
i think its creepy and way to weird i stuff like that can turn a crazy guy into one of those girls stalker and that did make me feel strange but i dont juge people who think this is good i can see where there coming fromm im not really social myself
>> Naomi-chan (Saturday, October 13, 2012)
I...have no idea how I feel about this. I guess theres nothing wrong with it, but it is slightly creepy, in my opinion. And I guess its an easy job for some girls.
>> Teri (Wednesday, October 10, 2012)
I wish we had these in the US...I could have a new career! And one I would like too.
>> Kamikun (Wednesday, October 10, 2012)
people should remember that some people that will use this service will have little to no real social skills so going out and joining a club/team is not likely and for some this is the first step in a direction that could bring them to a real relationship
>> Kitana (Wednesday, October 10, 2012)
Well I'll admit it is a little wierd but, I know first hand that people who work a lot and dedicate themselves to their jobs have little to know contact with ppl outside of work. If there were a boy version of this I'd use it. After a hard day's work I'd need a nap lol.
>> Jay (Tuesday, October 09, 2012)
I'm siding with those that deem this creepy and exploitative. Those who want human connection shouldn't spending their paycheck on things that bring short-term pleasure. They should join a sports/activity club or volunteer at an organization ... help further the relief aid in the disaster areas, tutor (but don't assault) little kids with their schoolwork, etc.
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