WHAT ARE JAPANESE NEKO CAFES?

In recent times , Neko Cafés have achieved enormous popularity in Japan. Known internationally as Cat Cafes (the word neko in Japanese means "cat"), they are bars or simple cat-themed venues , particularly appreciated by both the Japanese population and foreign tourists who love the company of cats.

The first Neko Café in the world was inaugurated in Taiwan in 1998 and immediately managed to capture the attention of many curious and passionate people, including a Japanese tourist who decided to launch the idea in the Land of the Rising Sun as well. In 2004, the first Japanese bar dedicated to cats opened to the public in Osaka . Since then, these singular places expanded from city to city until they became an integral part of modern Japanese culture: today there are around 150 Neko Cafés throughout Japan and they can be found in most large cities, although difficult to locate, as they are often located on the top floors of large buildings.

A cat in a Neko Café © Unsplash

Each room is designed specifically to accommodate people and animals, in a welcoming and peaceful environment , in order to respect the spaces of both. To guarantee all this, there are a few simple rules to observe : it is necessary to sanitize your hands before petting and cuddling the cats and it is equally essential not to touch them unwillingly, it is advisable to keep a low tone of voice so as not to annoy the guests, it is not It is not possible to bring other animals into the premises nor to feed the cats food that has not been provided by Neko Cafè and lastly, the use of flash when taking photographs of the animals is absolutely prohibited.

A sweet caress © Unsplash

In many of these places it is possible to consume drinks such as tea or coffee and for the time spent inside the bar, there is an hourly rate which is usually around 1000 yen per hour, the equivalent of around €8. The curious aspect is that most Neko Cafés do not accept credit cards!

Some of these venues, such as the Nekorobi in Tokyo , in addition to giving the opportunity to enjoy the company of these splendid animals, offer other comforts and services such as free wi-fi, video games, books and manga . Reservations are generally not required, although it is still highly recommended if you want to visit the most popular Neko Cafés, so as to avoid the place being crowded with people and the cats being disturbed by too much confusion.

The Nekorobi of Tokyo © The Neighbor's Cat

But what do these strange places owe their popularity to ? In Japan, particularly in large cities, due to small housing, strict condominium rules and a busy lifestyle, it is almost impossible or in some cases even forbidden to have pets , so very few people can afford to have one in home. The popularity of Neko Cafés has been attributed to the growing desire, or need, to interact with animals, especially cats, to relieve stress. It is no coincidence that the choice fell on cats: in fact in Japanese culture the cat is considered a lucky animal , a spirit capable of bringing money, happiness and health.

According to some studies, petting and being in contact with an animal brings benefits and improvements against anxiety and stress . Probably those who go to a Neko Cafè are looking for emotional tranquility which can sometimes be difficult for some to find.

The Crazy Cat Cafè in Milan © Crazy Cat Cafè

A curiosity? These places are also becoming popular in Europe and Italy: in 2015 the Crazy Cat Café was born in Milan where it is possible to have lunches, brunches and aperitifs, in close contact with the local cats!

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