Discover the Unique Charm of Meido Cafe Shangri-La in Kiryu, Gunma
Located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, Meido Cafe Shangri-La is a truly unique café where only seniors aged 65 and above work as maids. Since opening its doors in July 2024, this café has employed over 10 elderly staff members and operates for four hours on the first Saturday of every month. Offering traditional Japanese bento boxes and an all-you-can-drink soft drink bar, it combines delightful service with an afterlife-themed interior and events that make it a hub for intergenerational connection.
(Tokyo Shinbun)
Overview of Meido Cafe Shangri-La
Situated at 5-51 Honcho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, Meido Cafe Shangri-La (冥土喫茶しゃんぐりら) was launched in July 2024 by the nonprofit organization Kids Valley, led by Asami Hoshino. What sets this café apart is its exclusive staff of seniors aged 65+, with more than 10 currently working. Open from 8 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, it serves up bento lunches featuring rice balls and simmered dishes alongside unlimited soft drinks, creating a warm and welcoming experience.
Basic Information
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Name
: Meido Cafe Shangri-La (冥土喫茶しゃんぐりら)
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Location
: 5-51 Honcho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
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Address (Japanese)
: 群馬県桐生市本町5-51 1F
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Opening Date
: July 2024
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Operating Organization
: Nonprofit organization Kids Valley, led by Asami Hoshino
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Staff
: All maids are 65 or older, with over 10 currently employed
Operations and Services
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Operating Hours
: First Saturday of every month, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (expanded from an initial 2 hours to 4 hours)
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Visitor Count
: Approximately 40 guests per day
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Menu
- Bento: A box lunch with rice balls and simmered dishes
- Soft Drink Bar: All-you-can-drink soft drinks
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Additional Activities
- Maids perform a playful ritual, making heart shapes with their hands and chanting, “Moe moe kyun! Become more delicious!”
- Photo sessions with the maids
- Calligraphy lessons for a cultural touch
Unique Features and Interior
The café embraces an afterlife (“Meido”) theme, blending whimsy with thought-provoking elements:
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Décor
- A replica of the Sanzu River, a Buddhist symbol of the boundary between this world and the next
- Restrooms playfully labeled “Paradise”
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Merchandise
- Acrylic keychains featuring maids Deco and Coco, priced at 1,000 yen (approx. $7, tax included)
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Events
- Past: A coffin experience fair
- Future: Senior matchmaking events, with maids serving as matchmakers
Community and Clientele
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Diverse Visitors
- A 62-year-old truck driver, “Kacchan,” from Maebashi, a regular visitor.
- A 21-year-old student from Tokyo Keizai University.
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Family Involvement
- Some maids, like Deco, are joined by relatives, such as her 87-year-old mother and 41-year-old daughter
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Social Impact
The café fosters new social bonds for seniors and promotes intergenerational interaction, contributing to the revitalization of the local community.
Background and Significance
Meido Cafe Shangri-La is gaining recognition as a model for community building in Japan’s aging society. By employing seniors as maids, it provides them with a platform for self-expression and rejuvenation through customer interactions. The afterlife theme, handled with a lighthearted touch, encourages visitors of all ages to reflect on life and death in a meaningful yet playful way.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, Meido Cafe Shangri-La offers a memorable experience filled with culture, community, and charm. Drop by for a bento, enjoy the unique atmosphere, and leave with a smile!
