a cake-shaped merry-go-round is the centerpiece at the new Kawaii Monster Cafe in Tokyo
If Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is the reigning queen of Japanese kawaii culture, then the king is undoubtedly Sebastian Masuda. Having founded his 6% DOKIDOKI shop in Harajuku almost 20 years ago, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Masuda was largely responsible for the cultivation and subsequent rise of Kyary herself.
Despite overseeing megahits like PONPONPON and Fashion Monster as art director, the colorful success has largely been attributed to Kyary. But in recent months Masuda has seeked greater presence and recognition, first with an art show in NYC last year, a site-specific installation (currently ongoing) and now a new café in Tokyo.
“Mushroom Disco” where you can sit under colorful, poisonous mushrooms
Produced by Sebastian Masuda, Kawaii Monster Café opened their doors for business just over the weekend on August 1st. It was a star-studded event with celebrities like Erika Sawajiri and supermodels like Soo Joo Park showing up to celebrate. Even Japan’s First Lady Akie Abe was there to cheer on the new psychedelic space where you can kick back, relax and enjoy a food that looks like it came straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
“Colorful Poison Parfait Extreme” (2,300 yen)
“Colorful Rainbow Pasta” (1,300 yen)
Located in Harajuku, just steps from Masuda’s original 6% DOKIDOKI shop, the café is divided into 4 different spaces, each with its own look and feel. Uniting the space is “Sweets Go Round,” a cake-shaped merry-go-round. And the shop is staffed by 5 different ‘Monster Girls’ – Baby, Dolly, Candy, Nasty and Crazy.
But don’t just go there for the visuals. The space is a fully-functioning café and restaurant managed by Diamond Dining, an operator of themed restaurants like Alice in Wonderland, Pirates and Vampires. (We’re not vouching for the quality of the food though.)
“Milk Stand” where gigantic rabbit, sheep and unicorn heads drink milk and stare at you with deranged eyes
another view of “Milk Stand” where baby bottles hang from the ceiling
“Bar Experiment” is a dark bar counter encapsulated by a jelly fish
“Mel-Tea Room” filled with ice cream, chocolate and macaroons
of course there’s a “VIP Pinkcatroom”
“Colorful Poison Cake” (2,800 yen)
“M A D B L T” (900 yen)
There’s an entrance fee of 500 yen, which gets you 90 minutes inside. Menu items are an additional charge and range from 710 yen for “Candy Salad” to 2,300 yen for a “Colorful Poison Parfait Extreme” and up to 2,800 yen for the “Colorful Poison Cake.” If you don’t have the courage to visit you can follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
Kawaii Monster Café
4-31-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, YM Square 4th Floor (Gmap)
Tel: 03-5413-6142
Hours: 11:30 – 22:30
