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New ItaCafe Adds Russian Flavor to Maid Cafe Formula
posted on by Amanda Ellard
In Waseda, Tokyo, two minutes from the train station, sits the unique ItaCafe. This Russian maid-themed cafe held its grand opening on October 16, debuting its Russia-inspired decor, cooking, and cosplay. The woman who launched the shop is called Nasuchan, and sported a Girls und Panzer cosplay. The other employees, Usagi (rabbit) and Ario, were dressed in the cafe's Russian maid style.
Even though she was studying economics and working at a bank in Moscow, Nasu-chan spontaneously came to Japan a year and a half ago out of love for Japanese anime culture. She said, "Before the cafe's opening, I kept practicing cooking. Super anxious... very scary. But please eat and enjoy."
She also commented regarding her employees, who are her classmates in Japanese language school,
The girls will graduate from Japanese-language schools in half a year and their visa will suddenly expire. After that, it's difficult to get a working visa, but maybe their ability to set up and enliven this store on their own will be recognized and they'll get to stay in beloved Japan. Their social background is earnest. They're not only gorgeous, they also have a love for Japan and courage, and they put their desires into this, so one of them can entertain many customers by herself.
The hospitable opening party treated those who invested in the initiative via crowdfunding to part of the menu. Some of the main dishes that debuted during the event include beets tossed in mayonnaise, which are eaten on New Year's Day and birthdays in Russia, a pepper stuffed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and meat, and Borscht soup, which the maids added sour cream to at the table based on the customers' preferences.
The store will be open every day from 8 a.m to midnight and the charge fee is 400 yen (US$3.85). Nasu-chan plans to hold regular events in the future and cosplay other characters, including Hatsune Miku.
Source: Shirabee via Yaraon Blog
