Maid Café

“Irashaimasen!” exclaimed a row of strange looking figures clad in psychedelic costumes and vibrant wigs. Friendly faces ushered customers into this surreal dimension of manga, anime and soulful Japanese music. Passersby shot looks of confusion, amusement and recognition at the cosplayers. Those who were curious enough went in.

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In conjunction with the TUMC Charity Carnival on the 31^st of July 2009, the Taylor’s Anime Society (TAS) organized a Maid Café to raise funds and inject some excitement into the students of Taylor’s University College.

“Well, the idea of Maid Café is very popular in Japan, so we (members of TAS) were very excited about this project,” said Danial, the President of TAS. He adds that the particular venture was inspired by both the manga Ouran Host Club as well as the Maid Café fad which is all the rage in Japan. Wee Liang Mei, an active member of the society was accredited for her effort in pulling in volunteers to play the role of waiters and waitresses.

This bunch of people did not take their task lightly, as there were training sessions held by the more seasoned cosplayers, to ensure that the event would run without any glitches. The members also went through great lengths to rent or purchase their own costumes. The classroom was decorated entirely by the paraphernalia collected over the years by the dedicated members of TAS. Various posters, cards, figurines were on display for the viewing pleasure of the patrons.

One can say that all their work has paid off as the response was better than expected by the members of TAS. Many of the customers who had savoured a taste of this out of this world experience sang praises for the enthusiasm shown by the cosplayers. “They were very much in character,” said an impressed Dave Ng. “5 stars for creativity!” said Arellynn Yeo animatedly.

It would be safe to presume that this event has pacified the high expectations of anime fanatics, as Tan Tzy Wey, an avid anime enthusiast said, “I would definitely come again.”