Students that found themselves in the University of North Georgia’s Nesbitt Building on Friday, April 18 were greeted by an international sight. Located in the Language Lab on the fourth floor, servers in maid outfits were handing out Japanese themed foods and beverages and inviting students to sing karaoke.
Students were invited to play Karaoke during the Japan Club’s Maid Cafe. Photo by Alli Clark
The pop-up maid cafe, hosted by the university’s Japan Club, aimed to introduce students to a unique aspect of Japanese pop culture. Maid cafes are themed restaurants, especially common in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, where servers dress in elaborate maid attire and treat customers as honored guests.
“I didn’t think people would actually be dressed as maids, that just made the experience so much better.” – Anna Rundbaken, a junior interdisciplinary studies major
She had no plans to attend the event until she noticed a sign advertising the cafe.
“I was about to walk out of school because I had back-to-back classes, and then I saw the ‘Maid Cafe’ sign. I had to see what it was,” said Rundbaken.
Students walking into the Language Lab were immersed into an entirely different culture, with members of the Japan Club wearing many different styles of maid outfits, men and women alike.
The cafe included Japanese-style food such as taiyaki, a fish shaped pastry, along with fruit sandwiches and milk tea. Karaoke also drew a steady crowd of participants.
“We weren’t expecting this kind of turnout, but it’s been amazing,” said Kenzie Johnson-Tucker, president of Japan Club. “It’s been a great way to introduce people to Japanese pop culture and to promote both the club and the Language Lab.”
Pending club funding and student interest, Johnson-Tucker said the group would like to bring more elaborate events like the maid cafe next semester. Previous events hosted in the Language Lab by the Japan Club have included calligraphy demonstrations and cultural workshops during Weeks of Welcome.
