Japanese maid café opens in Seoul, amid controversy over 'commercialization of sexuality' reservation for March sold out

A Japanese maid cafe where food and drinks are served by employees dressed in maid outfits has opened in Seoul. Although there have been concerns that women are being commercialized as sex products, it has become so popular that reservations for March have been sold out on the first day of opening.

Maid cafes are cafés where female employees dressed as Western maids serve food and drinks, and are said to have originated in Japan. In Japan, maid cafes have become recommended tourist spots, and are even introduced in guidebooks. From South Korea, YouTubers and others published their visits to maid cafes in Japan, and interest was growing.

A maid cafe that opened in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 15th of this month is 100% reservation-only. All reservations for March were filled on the first day of opening. Employees dressed in maid uniforms call customers "master" and serve food and drinks.

The café said, "We ask that you behave with good manners and dignity. We will take legal action against sexual crimes such as sexual harassment and assault." Filming without the consent of the parties is illegal. In addition, if the customer violates the privacy of the maid, they may be asked to leave the store.

Maid cafes are open to students as well as illegal businesses.

However, there are differing views on the Japanese maid culture. It has been found that there is a position that must be understood as one of Japanese culture, and there are voices of criticism that it is an excessive commodification of sexuality.

Residents of the area are worried that even if the business operates soundly at first, it may change later.

The cafe side also recognizes such concerns of local residents, "There are many kindergartens and elementary schools nearby. Wearing clothes that make children or other people uncomfortable is prohibited," the guide said.