For those who want to become a con cafe cast, how do you work at an Akihabara con cafe?

Up until now, Akihabara Base Camp has published many articles aimed at fans of maid cafes.
Starting in 2023, we would like to develop articles aimed at "con cafe casts."
As the first release,For those who want to become a Con Cafe Cast' article is published.

There are some must-read stories for anyone who wants to become a cafe actress, so please read on.

Akihabara has over 200 con cafes

Although the exact number has not been counted, there are approximately 200 or more con cafes in Akihabara.
After repeated closures and openings, the number of stores seems to have settled at around 220 to 230.
Although the number of stores has increased explosively for a while, the industry has been gradually weakened by the self-restraint mood, but with more people coming to Akihabara, I expect that the industry will bounce back from now on.

Con cafe cast is one of the most popular jobs people want to have

More and more teenagers, especially high school students, are listing con cafe cast as a career they want to pursue.
I think one of the reasons for this is the number of glamorous videos and images of cafe casts circulating on social media such as TikTok.
Influencers are also uploading videos about their experiences at maid cafes, which is helping to increase their exposure to the public.
But how do you become a Con Cafe Cast?
What kind of person is suitable for being a con cafe cast?
What kind of person is the store looking for?
There are so many questions, aren't there?

We spoke to the owners, representatives, and managers of con cafes.

So I asked him about it.
There are several topics that you mentioned, but I would like to focus on those who want to become a cafe cast member.
The person who cooperated with us this time was Mr. Sato from Cast Off, which operates several maid cafes in Akihabara, including Stella Charm.

Asking the People of Akihabara: Part 4 - Cast Off Co., Ltd.'s Toru Sato

In addition to Shinobazu Cafe, Jinbo Chiyo now runs a beauty salon in Akihabara.
Also joining us is Tenma Ran, the boss of Shinobazu Cafe.

Asking the People of Akihabara: Part 6 - Chiyo Jinbo, the Female Owner of Ninja Cafe

Interview with Mr. Sato of Cast Off Co., Ltd.

Q1
What is the age range of applicants?

A1
High school students are especially amazing these days.
However, we do not hire high school students.
If they were running a pure maid cafe, I think they would hire them.

Q2
What are some things you should be careful of when it comes to becoming a con cafe cast member?

A2
Many people come to see me as an ideal image based on the famous influencers and TikTok users they see in various videos, but that's only a small part of it. This is the moment when I shine the brightest.
I'm sure there are many people who aspire to this job, but you'll basically be working in a restaurant.
It's a job that requires teamwork, and you have to be able to strictly follow the rules of the organization and the store.
There are very few people who can work without causing trouble to their colleagues.

Q3
On the other hand, what kind of person is suited to being a maid at a maid cafe and can work there without any problems?

A3
Most people can continue working at a maid cafe for just a moment or a short period of time.
It's really difficult to do this for a long time, so I think it's suitable for people who are prepared to do it for a long time, no matter how hard it is.
If you're simply looking for a job that suits you, I think it would be suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people.

That said, even shy people who work diligently and diligently for the store will be given instructions, so as a store we would like to have many people who can work diligently and steadily.

Q4
Please let me know if there is anything I should be careful about or keep in mind when applying.

A4
Since it's a customer service job, it's a given that you need to care about your appearance.
Some people apply with photos of themselves as they are, but we'd be grateful if you could send us photos that show your true cuteness.
I think some kids change after they join the store...

Also, it's good to have someone who will make an effort to promote themselves.
I think it's good to have a strong determination, such as your good points and why you want to work at a maid cafe.

Children who can answer questions properly during conversations, don't interrupt others, react appropriately, and are friendly are strong.

Q5
How long does the interview take?

A5
I limit it to 30 minutes because I don't think you can get to know everything about a person if you talk for a long time.
That conversation doesn't tell you everything.
We don't even need a resume.
Employees are required to submit identification before being hired and starting work, but the basic process is from application to interview.

Q6
Are there more people with experience or people without experience?
Also, what should someone with no experience do as a first step?

A6
The applicants were about half experienced and half inexperienced.
It's impossible to judge whether a job is right for you or not at the interview stage, and it's dangerous to make that judgment, so I think the best thing to do is try working there first.
It's okay to think of it as a regular part-time job.

Also, if you're interested in working at a maid cafe, I recommend you visit the shop first.
It might be scary to go to a shop alone for the first time, but I think all shops will be happy to welcome you, so it's a good idea to go with the mindset of trying out a maid cafe.

The maid cafe industry can be difficult and tough, but your efforts will be duly rewarded, for better or worse.
If you work hard for the store and for your customers, you will be recognized and supported more and more.
It will depend on how much effort you can put in as a con cafe cast member, so it may be difficult, but it will help you hone your interpersonal skills and communication abilities, so I think it's worth trying it out at least once.

Cast Off Co., Ltd. Official Website
Cafe Run Job Page (Stella Charm)

Interview with Jinbo Chiyo and Tenma Ran of Shinobazu Cafe

Q1
First of all, what do you prioritize when hiring at Shinobazu Cafe?

A1
She's a charming and smiling girl.
Also, I think it would be more enjoyable to work if you were curious about a variety of things.

Q2
Does Shinobazu Cafe hire high school students?

A2
Yes, I am.
The minimum working age is 16 years old.
Parents sometimes come to see what kind of store their children work at.
You may receive a letter or a phone call later.
I was also told, "I can trust you with peace of mind at this store."

Q3
You can start working at the age of 16, but what is the upper age limit?

A3
Age doesn't matter at all.
I think we'll see a lot of con cafe cast members in their 30s and 40s in the future.
There are some maids in Akihabara who have been serving for many years, right?
Everyone is healthy and cheerful, so I don't think there is any barrier in terms of age.

Q4
I would like to hear about the document screening and interview process.

A4
There is no pre-screening of documents.
Some people come to Shinobazu Cafe dressed as princesses, then say, "That sounds fun!" and apply.
Please apply through our recruitment page and bring your resume to the interview.
The overwhelming majority of applicants are inexperienced.
During the interview, you will be given the opportunity to look around the store and experience customer service in the same way as a customer.
We ask them how they felt there and whether they would like to work with us.
Many of the kids who choose Shinobazu Cafe are interesting.
I think she's an interesting girl, considering she didn't choose to be a maid in Akihabara (lol).
At our store, we place great importance on whether our staff are moral and have a strong sense of ethics.
The store has strict rules, which are explained to you during your first shift orientation before you start work.
So it's totally fine even if you have no experience in customer service or working in a maid cafe.

Q5
Are there any people who would be able to thrive at Shinobazu Cafe, or any special skills that would be a plus?

A5
She's a girl who loves to talk and wants to meet lots of different people.
In terms of technical skills, children who can dance or sing can also excel.
I think this will be a great opportunity for kids who want to perform in front of others and stand out a little.
If someone comes and says, "I have this special talent, what do you think?", I'm more than welcome to join.
Students with special skills will be encouraged from their first day at work.

Q6
On the other hand, what are some things you need to be careful about when working in a store?

A6
It has a clean feeling.
If the hair and makeup aren't done properly, they will be overshadowed by the ninja costume, so we make sure the grooming is done properly.
Also, there are times when customers will become their favorites, but if a child becomes arrogant in this situation, it will lead to their own downfall.
It's fine if people think they're the best in the store, but I tell them not to show it off or use it as a tool to bring others down.
Since you are dealing with customers and colleagues, it is important to be grateful and grow every day.
This is not an individual competition based solely on the strength of each individual, but a team competition that includes the store, so unity, gratitude, and cooperation are of utmost importance.

Shinobazu Cafe Official Website
Cafe Run Job Page

If you want to become a cafe cast member, it's best to apply without hesitation.

Generally, the stores have a positive impression of the applications.
Each store has a different concept and atmosphere, so it's best to go to the store first and see if it's one you'd like to work at.
There are many maid cafes in Akihabara, and it can be difficult to choose one that suits you from the many stores, but if you take the first step and come to Akihabara, a new world may open up to you!