Many things are possible at Japanese internet cafes. Their use is not limited to just browsing the internet. They have a lot of equipment and items available, accommodating a wide variety of purposes.
So, what exactly is possible at a Japanese internet cafe? Here, we will introduce what you can do at a Japanese internet cafe, centering around a story format.
Summary
- What you can do at an internet cafe: Rest, read manga, watch videos, play games, work, stay the night, etc.
- What is available at an internet cafe: Computers, manga, drinks, food service, showers, blankets, etc.
Characters
- Mike: A 12-year-old American boy interested in Japan.
- John: Mike’s father. He frequently visits Japan for business.
- Kelly: Mike’s mother. She is good at cooking.
- Nobu: A Japanese international student.
Prologue
John: “Sudden work has come up, and I have to go to Japan. Moreover, it looks like I will need to do some on-site work there. What should I do?”
Nobu: “Hello.”
John: “Oh, Nobu. You came at the right time. It’s been decided that I suddenly have to go to Japan. It seems like I have to work locally, but I don’t know a good place. Is there any good place?”
Nobu: “Ah, in that case, how about an internet cafe?”
John: “An internet cafe? …Can you really do work in a place like that?”
Nobu: “You should be able to do most things. Japanese internet cafes have amazing facilities.”
John: “Tell me a little more about that.”
About Japanese Internet Cafes
Nobu: “Then, let me introduce typical examples of what is possible at a Japanese internet cafe.”
Diverse Possibilities with Manga and Computers
Nobu: “First, regarding what is placed in an internet cafe, there are computers and manga, so the things you can do are extremely diverse. It is fine for work, and it is also fine for killing time. There might even be people studying there.”
Mike: “Certainly, if there is a high-performance computer, that is possible. Nowadays, there are many things to look up on the internet… but sometimes I had trouble with my smartphone because the screen was too small.”
Nobu: “That’s right. It will be especially useful for studying.”
Mike: “Also, I’m glad there is a lot of manga. I’m grateful to be able to take a breather.”
Free Drinks Available
Nobu: “Internet cafes have free-fill drinks. You can choose and drink your favorite beverages.”
John: “From the standpoint of doing work, that helps. I often find myself wanting something to drink.”
Nobu: “By the way, there are even places that serve soft-serve ice cream for free.”
Kelly: “Free soft-serve ice cream? That is amazing.”
Food Service is Also Provided
Nobu: “Also, internet cafes provide food service.”
John: “That helps. Even if I stay until evening, I was wondering if I would have trouble with lunch.”
Nobu: “You don’t have to worry about that. Not only do they provide it, but there are also places where you can bring your own food.”
John: “In that case, you can bring your favorite food with you, right?”
Nobu: “Yes.”
Long Stays are Also Possible
Nobu: “Internet cafes allow for long stays. In fact, staying all day is not a problem at all. It means it is possible to go in the morning and work until evening.”
John: “Being able to use it that much for work is really appreciated.”
Nobu: “Actually, there are quite a few people like that. When people are concerned about the eyes of others at regular cafes, they often come to internet cafes.”
John: “I see.”
Staying the Night is Also Possible
Nobu: “Also, internet cafes allow you to stay overnight.”
Kelly: “What did you say? How do you stay overnight?”
Nobu: “Some internet cafes have private rooms, and you can sleep there. A mat is laid out on the floor.”
Kelly: “But just sleeping isn’t enough, is it?”
Nobu: “Internet cafes also have showers. You cannot take a relaxing bath, but it is possible to at least wash your body.”
Kelly: “That’s a surprise.”
Nobu: “Also, there are places that lend out blankets. So even if it is cold, you won’t be troubled.”
Kelly: “It is kind to people who are sensitive to the cold.”
Soundproof Rooms are Also Available
Nobu: “There are also places that have soundproof rooms. It might not be called perfectly soundproof, but even so, it becomes very quiet.”
John: “If it is a soundproof room, you can talk, too.”
Nobu: “Yes. It is recommended for people who do things like remote meetings for work. Since it is not perfectly soundproof, it is not good to speak in a very loud voice, but if it is a certain level of voice, there will be no problem.”
Precautions for Use
Nobu: “Even so, caution is required when using internet cafes. Since an internet cafe is a place that everyone uses together, manners are very important.”
Kelly: “For example, what kind of manners are there?”
Do Not Make Noise
Nobu: “First of all, it would be not making noise. Because even a little sound echoes into the neighboring private room and will cause an inconvenience to others.”
Mike: “Certainly, it’s annoying when the neighbor is noisy. Especially when staying overnight, if the neighbor is noisy, you can’t sleep at all.”
Nobu: “On the internet cafe side, ‘snoring’ is also considered a nuisance.”
Do Not Make Phone Calls
Nobu: “Naturally, making phone calls is not allowed. It will cause an inconvenience to your neighbors.”
John: “If that’s the case, I might have trouble with work sometimes.”
Nobu: “If you are doing that kind of work, you will use a soundproof room.”
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Nobu: “Since internet cafes are narrow, you must also be careful of the people around you. People choosing manga might seem in the way, but you should cooperate and give way to each other.”
Kelly: “I see. That is important.”
End
From My Own Experience
Actually, I am writing the manuscript for this blog at an internet cafe. This time it is a short-term use, but since I can come here casually, it is very useful. Although it is a narrow space, I am writing while eating Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The computer moves quickly, and the display is large and easy to use, which is comfortable.
By the way, in the past, I have stayed at an internet cafe all day long. When I got tired of work, I refreshed myself by watching video websites, or I bought things to eat while working. Thanks to that, my work proceeded efficiently.
By the way, here is a picture of the net cafe I went to.
What I chose was a private room. There is a reclining seat and a computer. The inside of the room is narrow, but if you save on bringing in food and manga, it is not a narrowness that becomes a problem. By the way, at the flat seat booths, a mat is laid out, so sleeping is also possible.
This is the comic corner. Popular works are lined up. However, the manga is only in Japanese.
Today, I wrote the manuscript while eating fried chicken.
Conclusion
We featured Japanese internet cafes. Aren’t there some people who were surprised at how unexpectedly convenient internet cafes are? Perhaps there are some people who are thinking about using an internet cafe the next time they come to Japan.
In any case, internet cafes are extremely convenient. Since they can also be used for accommodation, please try using them by all means.
