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© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.It's a hoot hanging out with owls at this Tokyo cafe
By LINDA LOMBARDI TOKYO©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
16 Comments
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shallots
This is wrong.
turbotsat
"I'd like that one fricaseed, please."
nath
Shallots.
So are taking photos while holding a tamed Koala or similar. ;)
GalapagosnoGairaishu
I hope the customers don't contract avian influenza.
ambrosia
That's a fair question but birds are meant to fly. That's what most of us love and admire about them; their ability to reach heights and soar majestically. Something we mere humans can only imagine being able to do. I can't imagine these owls are getting much flying time in, even when the cafe is closed, can you? At least a koala can still hang out in a tree much of the day, even if people do spend time holding it and taking photos with it.
Kaerimashita
Reminds me of the episode of Alan Partridge when he went on that date to a bird sanctuary.
GW
Not sure I like this idea either...........while owls tend not to soar much I know most like to SLEEP during the day because they are active after the sun sets.
And unless one can take a bird outside to let it fly some & not in Tokyo, its just wrong to coop them up & subject them to the "café" life.
And a Great Horned Owl is a very large bird likely about 2ft tall or around 60cm.
Cat or rabbit café...........well ok I guess, owls............not a good idea imo!
NathalieB
Wow. Sounds like this place has changed a lot since I went there. But very fond memories. One of the few times I've been photographed with a couple of absolutely beautiful hooters....
CGB Spender
My recent conversation at an owl cafe...
Owner: Do you like our owl? Me: It's artificial? Owner: Of course it is. Me: Must be expensive.
MissingCylonModel
Expectation: moody atmosphere, exquisite coffee and a nice sofa next to a bookshelf full of Agatha Christie novels. Pet owl sleeping perched at the bar, where the mysterious owner is shining silverware.
Reality: crummy shop with a plastic fence. Christmas lights and paper cutouts amateurishly plastered on the walls. High entry fee and long line to take a selfie with some tortured-looking birds.
TumbleDry
CGB Spender: +1 for the Blade Runner quote!
DaDude
I've been to cat cafes several times in several countries and it is a lot of fun for cat lovers. I have heard of owl and falcon cafes but haven't been. Anyone know any other type of animal cafes?
MrBum
DaDude, There's a penguin bar in Ikebukuro. They stay inside a small aquarium-style enclosure though and look about as happy as the captured penguins in Happy Feet.
CGB Spender
@MissingCylonModel you've hit the nail on the head! Most such pet cafes are an utter disappointment. Cheap and garish! I can give you a nice tip though: go to Arles Cafe in Shinjuku. Old English wooden interior, cozy sofas, bookshelves full of Manga, very calm relaxed atmosphere, and a cat sleeping in between the patrons. One thing though: you shouldn't mind smoking.
Imanishi E.
Possibly you should let the animals be animals and keep them out of a cafe.
If you want to try something different , open a "seniors" cafe. Put older people in a cafe and pay for time to talk to them about your problems. Seek advice from your elders. This might be more productive . If you pet them they will not potty in all likelihood. They would also get a nice lunch, no more than 30 minutes of time for a small fee. Seniors do not seem to eat a lot so it would be cheap and they have time on their hands. Who knows you might learn something of value and a chance to show respect for your elders. Try serving good food too , that might draw a crowd.
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Serrano
"CGB Spender: +1 for the Blade Runner quote!"
And another +1!
@Imanishi E.
Excellent idea!