Meet The Girl Who Chose Maid Cafe Life in Japan
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- Опубліковано 22 кві 2023
- Maid Cafes are a unique Japanese subculture where girls dress up like Maids and serve their customers food and drink with a dash of extra kindness, and entertainment. It's a subculture that I have never really understood. Why would someone choose to do this job? What does their family think? What is it really like to work at a maid cafe in Japan? And so today, we take a deeper look at why someone would take this job, and what its really like. This is the story of Memochi.
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Sat on this one for a while because of how it played out... but I am glad we had the chance to put this together!!
MASSIVE love to the notification squad who is always here for these releases!! Love hanging out with you all in the comments!!
*Have you ever been to a Maid Cafe? What do you think about them? Join the discussion in the comments below!!*
Thank you for sharing this beautiful project. The maid cafe closure IS bittersweet, but as economies bounce back from CV19 there will be opportunities that may not have existed before. Heck, she should apply at Tokyo Disneyland. Her skill set is perfect for the park and its next door Disney Aquarium! 🤗
Very cool video. I hope she has a great career being a maid.
I was never super into the idea of Maid cafés but after visiting Maid Dreamin in Akihabara last year I can honestly say it was fun. My wife and I plan to visit more when we go back.
I did get a chance to stop by a maid cafe with friends the first time i was in akihabara. We even dragged a local with us for his first time in one. I thought it was a fun and interesting experience, though, probably not exactly my cup of tea. The particular cafe I went to was a little surreal and I remember feeling like things were a little *too bright* and *too colorful* ahaha. I'd definitely be down to come back to see and visit other cafes and themes though!
@K268H if/when you go back you should check out one called Black Marshmallow. It's like Gothic Lolita style. Not the usual cute pink stuff. It's pretty sick!!
Although maid cafes are one of the tourist attractions in Akihabara, not so many people know the reasons why maids are working there. Memochi’s passion of being a maid is inspiring and I genuinely hope that more happiness will be brought to her!
Another incredibly insightful and kind comment from Yuka~ Thank you so much for always being here!!
I just took a look and noticed that you just released a video today too!! I'll have to check that out later!
Thank you for you kind words towards Memochi~ and see you in the next vid!
@@TokyoLensthat's one of the many reasons we love Yuka so much. And your not exactly "chopped liver" either! 😆
I love how supportive her mother is, especially coming from a different generation where her own parents weren't as understanding or forgiving. She wanted to allow her own daughter the option and pleasure of doing whatever she wanted in life. That's beautiful ❤
definitely not the answer I was expecting to hear!
Same here. As a musician and mom I struggle with the desire to have my kids actively participate in music, but at the same time I want them to do what they love, even if it’s not music. I’m so happy that that this young lady’s mom is so supportive of her and I do hope she’s able to find another similar job that she loves as much as she obviosuly did this one. Thanks for sharing!
I know, right? Bit of a surprise for me. I love good surprises!
I feel like the premise of "mom wants me to be an idol; I want to be an accountant" would make for an enjoyable slice-of-life comedy.
So cool and refreshing to hear especially coming from Japan.
If you ever see Memochi again please tell her, she's definitely made a lot of people's day better by sharing her story, just knowing that someone like her exists made me genuinely happy.
Her story and how she remembered the fascination from when she was little and actually followed it despite self doubts concerning she might have been late. That's just wonderful to see. I wish her and others that worked at heart of hearts the best of luck.
Ill be sure to pass that along~
Definitely. She made me wanna try harder despite all the daily troubles that come with our Own individual lives!
She seems like such a bright and lovely person. I hope she can continue to do what makes her happy even if things didn’t work out with this specific cafe. ❤
I really hope so too~
@@TokyoLens most o it as side job for or main job because they actually enjoy their work or it an hobby or make customers happy and form bonds with loyal customers
@@user-yg7ck9ip3d I wonder the percentage of ‘loyal customers’ that are freaks.
It’s difficult to think that she lost two jobs in such a short span of time. I hope she finds a job that makes her happy. As someone with supportive parents and seen others who don’t have that, she has a good chance at finding the place she is meant to be. The Support of those around you is truly invaluable. I hope everyone at heart of hearts can find happiness.
such I kind comment~ Thank you for that!
It's too easy to prejudge things that to us seem weird and we don't understand, like maid-cafe culture. But motivations (like wanting to make people happy) and the idea that you are never too old to do what you really want seem to be universal, and those I understand. I think she is really brave for taking the chance to do what she wants and her mom is awesome for supporting her. Sorry to hear the shop closed, but I hope she's still doing what she wants.
you are 100% right on that
I once had a friend get furious at the simple idea of maid cafes while knowing nothin about them
but if it wasnt for that experience... I might not have ever made this video~
I was part of a maid cafe about a decade ago and Memochi's words really reminded me why I chose to do that job in the first place. It's definitely the person-to-person connection where both the master and maid/butler can cast everything aside and just enjoy themselves for a little while. It's easy to judge from the outside, but it's always been a unique experience. I wish Memochi all the luck in the future. I hope she finds a new place that makes her just as happy and to spread her positivity.
What country, how did it compare?
One of the things I love most about Japanese culture is how you can find such unique, niche interests accepted and have communities supporting them. But for that same reason it seems that those communities can be fleeting. You captured a really bright yet brief moment of time in the life of a Maid and despite what happened in the end, I'm sure she is happy to have that immortalized.
Damn, that’s so sad about the cafe 😢 but it was nice seeing how happy it made Memochi and how supportive her mom was. 💛
Someone who I befriended long time ago happens to work as a maid. Over those years I have observed how a small chain of maid cafes, with few locations in the outskirts of Tokyo and Yokohama, gets reduced to a single small shop due to incompetence of management and faced the risk of closing down entirely... As for my friend, she is now a head maid, basically a manager, of one resurrected location, in result of people that actually care about the business getting in on things.
I was surprised to hear her mother supports her and even encouraged it when she was younger! She seems lovely, I hope she can somehow continue to do what she loves!
Right!!
too many parents are so restrictive on what their child wants to be in life... can't happiness be all parents' hope for their child?
It's not surprising that Memochi's smile attracts people to her performance, because it's clear she's happy and being herself. Realness is what I think most people are attracted to because we've been so bombarded with people feeling the need to be someone they are not for the attention. In the end, I think she'll do just fine, even with the closure of her cafe, because she has a personality that needs to be shared with everyone.
This video pulls you in with Memochi's passion, only to leave you with a mystery on what happens next. I like to think they just moved locations and got a bigger shop. And Memochi is living out her dreams as a Idol Maid. Dancing and singing to her hearts desire. And some where down the road Norm will just bump into her one day and the journey will continue.
I truly hope that I get that chance some day~
Gosh that made me sad, wondering what Memochi did after this. She seemed to really love that job, and I bet she had built up some regular customers and friends at work. And especially after losing her first job too. I hope she was able to find another job she likes after that. Thanks for sharing this more personal look at the world that’s usually so much more superficially portrayed.
I wish the best to Memochi-san and the rest of Heart of Hearts and hope that they all find success in the future! I’m hope we can see more of this story someday.
Also, as a side note, thank you so much for sharing this story even though it is unfinished. I think it’s hugely important for people to see that things don’t always get resolved, or have to be “packaged perfectly with a neat little bow” to be accepted.
As someone that struggles with perfectionism, this was a gentle reminder to be more patient with myself.
✌️
Hearing how supportive her mum is almost made me cry.
Memochi's story was really interesting. It's such a shame the cafe went under. But her whole viewpoint on life was very refreshing and inspiring. You can tell she's just enjoying her life and seeing where it all takes her. Hopefully you might get an update on where she goes onto next!
WOW. Just... heartbreakingly beautiful. I know this doesn't make what she said any less significant, but did you do her interview? You asked and she answered in harmony. She's so inspiring! You're really incredible for being able to get in to this world and share it with us and I'm dying for more. I'm very sad for you and Memochi but I can tell you that this video was not in vein, Norm! I loved it so much and the way you can tell stories is definitely what's kept me here and will continue to do so nevertheless. Good work, and I'm so thankful to share your experiences with your videos. Keep on being awesome, and I look forward to seeing you again. I give you and your like button ALL the love ❤️ Thank you.
I do the interviews for every vid on this channel! (^-^)
Thank you so much for this kind comment~
This was a really uplifting story.
She seemed very happy.
Sad the shop closed.
She was so sweet.
I hope she can continue to enjoy doing what she does.
Norm! You always do this my friend, you grab my attention and won’t let go. I went into this video with marginal interest, to be honest, but now… to hear her speak so passionately about her job and totally understand how she feels… I need more… would love to see a followup as well.
Josh~ Every comment from you is filled with kindness and insight~ Thank you so much for always being here!!
Lucky to have you around~
@@TokyoLens glad to be here, man.
Norm, you were right, this is heartbreaking, but hopefully she is able to continue doing what she loves and finds the happiness she wants and deserves. Thank you always for sharing with us and inspiring us. ❤🩹
Bill!! Great to see you here~ Thanks so much eh!
😢 wow, that is a roller coaster of a beautiful and heartwarming, but also heartbreaking story. Wishing Memochi nothing but the best, and hoping she can find another place where she can be as happy.
Thanks for this one, Norm. Life is full of highs and lows, successes and failures. Too often, vloggers only show the positives. Capturing life in its full glory of realism made this one very unique and special. Thanks for taking us along on this journey.
What a beautiful slice of time. Memochi warmed so many of our hearts. I hope Memochi has landed somewhere where she is happy. What a kind and beautiful soul she has. Best wishes to her and the former Heart of Hearts team. 💛
Thanks Norm, for sharing this and being delicate. Your kindness in how to share topics that might not be comfortable is appreciated. 💜
It's particularly heart wrenching that Memochi is now out of 2 jobs in a matter of years; I hope she's chasing her dreams.
She has such a supportive Mother! That's going to help her in her future endeavours. I hope this really wasn't a sad ending but a new beginning for Memochi. She's so warm and lively and engaging, I wish nothing but the best for her. 🥰
What was her previous job prior to being a maid?
I’m so glad to hear another story about someone taking advantage of a tough situation to chase their dream and also having such a supportive mom! It’s so sad to hear that the café closed, but I hope Memochi and the other girls find a new place to share their happiness! Thanks for the awesome video!
I thought I knew what kind of job it is before but I guess not. This video, and Memochi opened my eyes. I really liked when she says “Finding and understanding ‘yourself’ is probably the hardest part of this job”
Same here. The way word definitions evolve for a native english speaker don't give us a clear picture vs what I'd call is a more strict dictionary definition as used by the Japanese.
Thank you for sharing Memocchi's story so that her work and effort will never be forgotten. She seems like such a warm and welcoming person and I hope she is doing well for herself. Thank you for continuing to support and uplift such amazing people in the world around you. May her passion and yours continue to inspire everyone to keep doing their best!
Thank you for this video and for the visibility you gave to the adorable Memochi! I really hope she can find another job that makes her happy ❤
Thank you for sharing Memochi's story with us. She seems like a kind person and radiates good energy. I hope she continues to do what she loves. It was so interesting to hear her story. I've wondered how maid cafes work. It's not something that we'd ever see in my country I don't think - they'd end up weird and sexualised here I think, a bit like the massage shops are. 😅 It seems like such a lovely concept to welcome someone into your space and brighten their day with a song or a dance, or just some kind words. 😊
Your channel continues to have one of the brightest and purest hearts on UA-cam. Always a pleasure to see you not only document these sort of situations, but invariably do them justice.
When you told us about this video at the meetup ( and in your ending bit here too) you could see how much the people impacted you personally and the concern when they suddenly went quiet. I'm glad you put out the video so that others could see Memochi's passion the same way you did. hopefully you're still able to keep in touch with memochi or other people from heart of hearts, to see where they go in the future. would be neat to see future follow-up vids, even with just the people themselves if their future shops aren't as open as this one was.
Norm, I always appreciate the insight you provide in your videos. The genuineness you share, both of yourself and your subjects, is such a welcomed quality in our oh-so-cynical world we live in today. It's always a pleasure to watch and experience the wonders of Japan and it's people through your eyes.
I wanted to say, "Thank you Norm". You have really inspired me to really make my dream of moving to Japan a reality. I enjoy and appreciate everything you put in to creating content. Truely you could have made it easy by just using a drone but you put a lot of yourself out there. So thank you..please keep making content. Im new to both making comments and this channel.
This was a wonderful video! I loved seeing Memochis joy for her job and that it wasn't just a job to her but an extention of her inner self to others and a commitment to helping them have an enjoyable time that could make their day better. Please let us know how she's doing now if you can! I really hope she has found a spot to make her joy shine again!
That was enlightening and I sincerely hope Memochi and the other maids are able to continue to pursue their passion. ❤
Morning, Norm!
Sorry to hear that they closed, but glad you were able to share a part of that story. I hope you get to keep some of those connections you made and keep sharing stories of the people you meet. These personal glimpses into others lives and the care you take in doing so brings a personal connection that is often missing in our lives.
Keep up the great work, and stay safe out there!
What a lovely and heartwarming human being. Another fantastic video, Norm!
I really appreciate your professional approach (letting the dust settle rather than posting with no regard) and personal insights regarding the Heart of Hearts cafe and their wonderful staff.
Thanks Norm, your interview style videos are really great. I like that you don’t have to inject yourself into the story and let your subjects tell their stories. Those women really put a lot of thought into their work.
Very sad ending. Thanks for sharing, it feels like your videos have come a long way and show some really unique stuff I don't see many people talking about (amazing editing too!)
Wow, that is so bittersweet that I'm at a loss for words. I'm happy that she was able to follow her dreams, even if it was just for a short while, and I hope that she's able to continue doing so in the future!!
That's what i like about your videos Norm, you capture memories in such an entrataining way for us to see them, sad that the video ended that way but hope that we could see more of her story in the future.
Thank you for sharing Memochi's story, even if we don't know how it ends. In my heart, I hope she finds another cafe where she can make herself and others happy. It would be nice to find out where she ends up, and the story of the cafe, but as you said, that may not be possible. And, thank you for finally posting this, because no matter what, it captures one woman's joy and her desire to share it with others. We need more of that
I was always curious what made someone want to do this job. Thanks as always for the awesome content!
I had to watching this video a few times since it appeared before commenting. This short video is so rich with information it inspired hundreds of questions; about the Maids, individual customers, and the relationship/interaction between the two. This one ranks up there as one of my favorites. Memochi will do well in whatever career she decides to pursue; she has the character traits I look for in hiring engineers. Maid Cafes could be a channel of its own. Thank you for sharing an excellent video.
That's so unfortunate, was really excited with the idea of you and heart of hearts making videos related to the world of Maid Cafes. Hoping to see an update with Memochi's whereabouts, best of luck to her!
hope we get that chance~
I was able to meet her when I visited Japan last december and january.
I don't know her whereabouts right now but I hope she was able to chase her dream, or at least be happy.
I can assure you she deserved it.❤
Thank you for videos like these that give all of us a glimspe into unique cultural experiences in Japan (pop or traditional) its really fascinating. Best of luck to the staff from Heart of Hearts cafe❤
I really liked the background music for this video! I don't know why, it just really stood out to me 🤩
Thank you for taking the time to show us a bit of the behind-the-scenes action. Maid cafes aren't really my thing, but the fact that it made Memochi happy as well as her customers, I can only hope that she lands on her feet and it still enjoying whatever she's doing now.
This was one of my favorite videos. Thank you
Seeing Memochi’s smile as she passionately talked about her job made the ending that more heartbreaking. I wish them the best
this was a beautiful video to watch and see how she shines talking about her job and how she got in to the job. The support her mother gave her is amazing and it turned in to something amazing. It is sad to hear the cafe is closed. But i hope she gets to keep doing her job as a maid in another Maid cafe, so she can keep enjoying doing it.
I have never been to a maid cafe actually i have never been in Japan yet. But I hope will be able to and would like to visit a maid cafe to experience it in person.
Thanks for sharing this amazing video
I really loved this video but it was also very sad too! I really hope she finds another maid job and keeps following her passions. She is a very inspiring person. Thank you for bringing this video to life Norm. Keep up the good work! 😊
Great Video !! Heart of Hearts was amazing place, the girls that worked there were the best. I really loved Azunyan, Memochi, Ari, Minor, Maro, and so many more. Incredible group of people.
It is ok to tell sad stories. Thank you for sharing this one with us.
What a cute and wholesome girl. I hope she is doing alright. Thanks for sharing this video, preservation really is important!
i did not expect such a deep and heartfelt interview. im glad shes doing what she loves :)
Thanks for the chance to see this side of cafe life. Just back in Tokyo this week and hope to see more of Tokyo life.
hope you have a great time!
This video is the summation of why I watch your videos on Japanese culture and tourism. It's also a BIG reason my family and I really want to visit Japan. Thank you for these looks into a seemingly wonderful world.
I adored her! She was only too adorable. Her smile, her energy, her outfit, and her make up was spot on. She really made me smile and she reminded me of better days. I know that the ending is a bad one, but I am so thankful that you decided to upload the video here. Thank yo so much! If you ever see her again, please let her know that she made so many people smile and be inspired here as well!
i really enjoyed it seeing her this happy and smiling over both ears
I’ve been wanting to see Heart Of Hearts cafe up close! I follow their tiktok. I think you’re the only person to cover this cafe, so thank you for this!
Thanks for sharing this story!
I found this very insightful, uplifting, and yet heartbreaking. Memochi’s genuine warmth and outlook are very inspiring, and I’m so glad you were able to get a firsthand look into this intriguing career/lifestyle path. I do hope everything works out ok for her and all the others who worked at the cafe. Maybe you’ll run into her down the road and she’ll have an even bigger dream achieved to share with you.
What an amazing attitude and outlook on life. I hope she goes from strength to strength.
Thanks for sharing the story Norm, so sad the the shop closed, i think there was so much more to be told, but i hope you hear from Memochi soon, and that all is well with her.
This is the earliest I've been to a video in ages! Thanks for another great video! 😊
thanks for always being here!
Seeing that even her mother was supportive no matter if she was a child or adult made me smile. I hope Memochi manages to find another maid cafe to work and enjoy her life bringing joy to people. Also, this reminds me of Akiba Maid War (anime) of the harsh reality of maid cafes and how they need to compete with each other all day.
That was so interesting! Really really like the work your doing. Btw I hope Memochi finds work she will enjoy 🙏
This was really interesting, thank you Norm for once again sharing another amazing story with us. I do hope that they will all be ok though.
What a sweet seeming person. It's unfortunate to hear the cafe ended up closing overall, and hopefully everyone there can spring back. It was really great of them to give you insight into the business. and what is their perspective on what it means to work in one of these cafes.
You and some other folks that are from North America are doing some fabulous docu-videos of Japan. I hope they get the attention they deserve, they are all incredibly insightful, thoughtful, and just overall well done.
I was hoping to see more, so it’s sad to hear that they closed. But thank you for this little glimpse into the maid cafes, she was such a beautiful and humble young woman
Thank you for clearing this up in my mind - a good, short little documentary!
Really great video and a heartfelt ending
its really sad that the cafe closed but i wish all the best to memoshi and the others for there future. thank you so much for the video Norm :)
That end was quite unexpected and abrupt, but looking forward to your follow-up videos on this
I hope I can~
This video was rough! She was so happy with her job, something that is so difficult for so many people to find. I really hope she finds (found?) that happiness again! Best wishes to her and all of the maids and employees at her shop!! ❤
I'm lucky enough to be in Japan and as soon as I saw this video I knew where was I going next and who to see. Her passion about her job, about motivating people and her energy is something trully remarkable. So sad to hear the ending, but I'm sure that wherever she is, she is making someone smile.
I was not expecting that ending! 😔
I hope she finds another maid job. The way she talks about it was so touching, she genuinely cared about the customers, to see them smile as much as they enjoy her smile.
You could tell this was a passion and not just a job for her. ❤
Thank you for sharing this footage. ✨️
Oh wow, what a wonderful video! I'm so sorry for the workers at the cafe though, that is so sad to hear they suddenly closed :(
This was a good video. I feel like I learned something and maybe changed my perspective and opinion. Thank you. Well done.
I was thinking that this was probably the best interview youve done (not saying the others are bad) because Memochi is just so inspiring and lively and cute. Its heartbreaking to hear that they closed down and I really hope that she is doing ok with it
At first, I felt excited to gain a better insight into the reasons why girls take on this unusual yet awesome job. However, when the news of that shop's closure really sank in, it gave me a sense of sadness.🥺🥺🥺
Thank you for sharing with us. I am looking forward to your new videos !!!
Thanks for this video Norm! I with Memochi only the best! I hope she was able to get right back into another job she loves! I would love to see a follow-up if you ever see her again and can get permission!
This was a really cool video! Its cool to see another side of something that we view as "so Japan"
Nice.. people's life stories are always fascinating to hear.. From different places, perspectives and experiences all in all make for an amazing life... Thanks a bunch for letting us have a peek into her daily life..
Alec
Alway such kind comments
Thank you so much for always being here for it!
It is so nice that she sees the value of her efforts. Good luck!
Thank you for this great video. I wish the best for Memochi!
Hi Norm, thanks for sharing this rather heavy video considering the friendship you had
Despite going to Japan a couple times, I haven't had the courage to step into a maid café yet but it's on my bucket list
Excited watching your video today. What a good topic thank you for exploring I hope we get to find out more and good luck to the young lady. 😊
Thank you for being here for it~
A truly interesting perspective on a subject that often is reduced to very flat stereotypes. Hope events play out in a way that allows for a happy follow up. I really enjoyed hearing her perspective.
Sad to hear for Memochi and the Heart of Hearts Maid cafe. Wishing them all a better tomorrow. Thanks for the insight into the Maid Life
yeah this one hits the feels. Seeing someone try so hard. I hope she finds better luck somewhere else.
Wow. I was going to say "Norm the youtube content creator becomes Norm the editor"...and then BAM, that ending! It has been a while since I saw a video where I you mostly get out of the way (and select B-roll) to let them tell the story....but now, in many ways, what you said is doubly true. It should be shared to preserve a moment, to show what had been captured while it was going. I can only assume it added extra weight in choosing what/how to edit and produce.
Best of luck for Memochi and the others. And THANK YOU Norm for sharing that. It was quite the story, and I'm glad it got to be told.
Definitely not the topic I was expecting today but, a good welcome surprise for sure! Such an interesting world to look into, thanks for sharing Norm!
Thanks so much eh!!
I'm really excited to see this! A friend of mine works in a maid cafe and she absolutely loves it! 🥰💖
no way!! That is amazing!
i love your videos, theyre ALWAYS interesting.