Photos: Psychedelic hues of Tokyo's 'kawaii' cafe doused by COVID-19 pandemic

Five-year run ended, in part after overseas clientele disappeared because of border curbs

Published: February 01, 2021 15:31 Reuters and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

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Tokyo: An iconic cafe and show venue that symbolises Japan's "kawaii" pop culture, and is beloved by tourists and celebrities, has shut its doors in Tokyo, the capital, after business dried up following the COVID-19 pandemic. Image Credit: Reuters

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A funky aesthetic of outlandish colours and designs made Kawaii Monster Cafe in the capital's youth culture hotspot of Harajuku a hit, drawing overseas A-listers, such as reality star Kim Kardashian, singer Dua Lipa and Jenny of K-pop's Blackpink. Image Credit: Reuters

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But its five-year run ended on Sunday, in part after overseas clientele disappeared because of border curbs against the pandemic. "I'm glad that I could come on the final day. I'm really moved," said Misuzu Kida, 24. Image Credit: Reuters

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Kida was among the fans who flocked for a last chance to see their favourite cosplay-inspired "Monster Girls" staff and soak up the atmosphere in quirkily-themed areas such as the Mushroom Disco and Mel-Tea Room. Image Credit: Reuters

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The cafe had hoped to capitalise on strong demand during the 2020 Olympics, but with the outlook still uncertain after the virus forced a year's delay in the Tokyo games, a decision was made to let the lease expire and shut down. Image Credit: Reuters

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"I feel it is very hard to keep the business going, without knowing how long the current situation will last," said cafe manager Keisuke Yamada. Image Credit: Reuters

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"It is difficult for overseas customers to come to Japan, and it is also difficult for customers in Japan to go out." The cafe had kept shorter hours, shutting by 7 pm, since a temporary closure last spring for about 2-1/2 months after Japan declared a state of emergency over the virus. Image Credit: Reuters

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Japan, with a tally of 390,687 infections and 5,766 deaths, is expected to extend an emergency for Tokyo and other areas this week as hospitals face pressure despite a drop in cases from their peaks, media have said. Image Credit: Reuters

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Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe called 'Monster Girls' poses with Sebastian Masuda, an artist and designer of the cafe. Image Credit: Reuters

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Image Credit: Reuters

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"In Harajuku, regardless of age and era, the younger generations will always create new cultures. So I believe that the young generation will make something interesting again." Image Credit: Reuters

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Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe called 'Monster Girls' wave and bow to guests while the entrance shutter gate goes down as the cafe ends its five-year run operation. Image Credit: Reuters

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