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In Japan, cuddle cafes, such as Tokyo’s Soineya café, provide a unique solution for loneliness by offering emotional companionship. Customers can pay for services like chatting, cuddling, or even simply gazing into a waitress’s eyes. A 20-minute nap at the café costs 3,000 yen (US$19), while a 10-hour overnight stay, with strict boundaries on touching, costs 50,000 yen (US$320). Additional services, like resting on a waitress’s lap or receiving a comforting pat on the back, cost an extra 1,000 yen (US$6).
These cafes reflect deeper societal trends in Japan, where many young people are turning away from intimate relationships. A recent study found 45% of women and 25% of men aged 16 to 24 are uninterested in or even averse to sexual contact. Similarly, a 2022 Cabinet Office survey revealed that over a quarter of Japanese individuals in their 30s have no plans to marry. The number of single-person households is also on the rise, now comprising 34% of all households.
Japan’s culture of strict social norms, emphasizing self-restraint and avoiding disturbances, has left many people struggling with loneliness. Cuddle cafes aim to address this by offering what they call "a simple yet comfortable way of sleeping alongside someone." To protect female staff, these cafes enforce strict rules, such as prohibiting hair-touching or crossing personal boundaries.
Some customers view these services as a source of relief. Fuki, a waitress at a cuddle café, noted that many patrons find it difficult to open up to friends or colleagues. One male customer, Inoue, admitted he was initially shy but found the experience of resting on Fuki’s lap and chatting with her relaxing and enjoyable.
The rise of cuddle cafes has sparked mixed reactions online. Supporters argue that these services provide much-needed comfort to those who feel isolated. “After a long day, nothing feels better than a little care and a warm hug,” one supporter commented. Another added that such interactions help ease loneliness and provide energy to face life’s challenges.
Critics, however, worry about the potential downsides. Some argue that physical contact with strangers might make people uncomfortable, while others warn that relying on such services could discourage real-life relationships and worsen social isolation.
Japan has seen a surge in businesses offering emotional support. For example, the Shachihoko-ya restaurant in Nagoya gained attention for its “slap service,” where customers are slapped by kimono-clad staff for 300 yen (US$2). Similarly, Tokyo’s Mori Ouchi café, catering to pessimists, provides a safe space for conversation and connection.
Source: SCMP
