Japan gets all the cool stuff. MLP Cafe

[NullAccount 287]

I do wish there was a pony café in the states, it is only fair. Some of the biggest conventions for ponies are held in America, so I only think it's fair for Japan to have a café.

[ManaMinori 4,149]

Is it just me or is there a tiny bit of jealousy in this thread?

i'd much rather be te one being jealous than the one calling an entire nation insane.

A lot of hardcore anime fans tend to grow and obsession with Japan. Many of them do not realize the reality of how the country actually is. Given my brother in law actually lived there for 3 years, it is not this magical amazing wonderful place that most people believe it to be. Japan has many drawbacks, arguably worse than the US even. But people think anime, cosplay cafes and such make up for that.

 

Some stuff about Japan that weeaboos generally don't know:

 

 

• Gays have almost no rights in Japan. Gay marriage is not legal and almost 1/3 of the population there thinks that gay marriage should never come to Japan. Discrimination based upon sexuality is only illegal in some cities. LGBT face much discrimination there. Someone like a male brony in the US would actually face severe discrimination for going to these cafes which were designed for women.
• Sexual orientation is not protected by civil rights laws in Japan. Same-sex relationships are not even recognized in Japan.
• Acid rain is a reoccurring problem there.
• Suicide rate in Japan is exceedingly high.

nice to know the rest of the world is problem free, and don't deserve character cafe's, because their lack of problems.

[Guest]

i'd much rather be te one being jealous than the one calling an entire nation insane.

nice to know the rest of the world is problem free, and don't deserve character cafe's, because their lack of problems.

 

I actually wasn't saying that, just commenting on the fact that a lot of anime fans view stuff like this as a sign that Japan is this amazing wonderful place and in reality, it's actually kind of not.

[Black Sabbath 2,488]

i'd much rather be te one being jealous than the one calling an entire nation insane.

And your point is?  

 

nice to know the rest of the world is problem free, and don't deserve character cafe's, because their lack of problems.

That's not even close to relevant to what Key Sharkz said, but okay. 

[Gestum 2,493]

If it's that important to you then create your own version of it.

[Black Sabbath 2,488]

If it's that important to you then create your own version of it.

And how long do you think that would last before Hasbro shut it down?

[J. Brony 313]

Someone like a male brony in the US would actually face severe discrimination for going to these cafes which were designed for women.

 

 

I've read many stories of such discrimination and, if a cafe like this is anything like Japan's subways, then any male entering it could possibly be accused of sexual predation and face criminal charges.  All the worse if the girls in the cafe are underage.

[LHfunk 422]

This reminded me that I want to open a brony themed place with lazer tag, archery tag, and paintball. The paintball is Aj vs RD (they are the most competitive), lazer tag is Rarity and Twilight (cool lights and stuff), and archery tag is Pinkie and Flutters (because marshmallows and that's all that's left). I only have a really cheesy idea for a name: The Brony Base. Seems fun to me.

[Daring_Do 552]

And how long do you think that would last before Hasbro shut it down?

To be fair, though, I actually thought of what Gestum said myself. Had a post typed up about how that British person opened a cat cafe in the UK (like the Japanese apparently have) and everything (are those places even ethical, btw?). *THEN* I remembered Hasbro copyright.

[Sunset188 193]

This is a wicked cool idea however it seems too focused on early generations for my liking. Not enough FiM

Edited November 17, 2015 by Sunset188

[AlbaTross 1,586]

Cool. Japan is known for doing fun stuff like that. That reminds me, I still have most of the Japan exclusive manga to read. Alas, my Japanese sucks and I hate having to use dictionaries to help translate it. The translation app I have could be helpful but it has its limits. I guess if nothing else, it's up there with Under the Sparkling Sea as a great conversation piece. I wish we did cool stuff like pony cafes in NA, but our culture is way too boring for something like that to be successful. Unfortunately we live in a society where having hobbies is frowned upon unless they fit some sort of pre-conceived norm for the particular demographic that one belongs to and as a result, one often feels self-conscious and secretive about having certain hobbies, and would be unlikely to set foot in a place like a pony cafe even if one existed. Yeah, I just don't see that sort of thing working around here for more than one reason.

[Daring_Do 552]

Cool. Japan is known for doing fun stuff like that. That reminds me, I still have most of the Japan exclusive manga to read. Alas, my Japanese sucks and I hate having to use dictionaries to help translate it. The translation app I have could be helpful but it has its limits. I guess if nothing else, it's up there with Under the Sparkling Sea as a great conversation piece. I wish we did cool stuff like pony cafes in NA, but our culture is way too boring for something like that to be successful. Unfortunately we live in a society where having hobbies is frowned upon unless they fit some sort of pre-conceived norm for the particular demographic that one belongs to and as a result, one often feels self-conscious and secretive about having certain hobbies, and would be unlikely to set foot in a place like a pony cafe even if one existed. Yeah, I just don't see that sort of thing working around here for more than one reason.

THE MANGA. I'm into expanded universe stuff. I've only seen a little of the manga. Can you maybe share some time? Sadly I don't know any Japanese myself.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

THE MANGA. I'm into expanded universe stuff. I've only seen a little of the manga. Can you maybe share some time? Sadly I don't know any Japanese myself.

Send me a PM and I can talk your ear off about it. I love expanded universe stuff too. If I ever did a YouTube show like some Bronies it would probably focus on spinoff media, largely because I think that stuff doesn't get enough attention. I have most of the graphic novels, just started collecting the chapter books, and even invested in Under the Sparkling Sea, as well as that oddity from Japan. I'd rather not derail this thread though, so perhaps further discussion can be had in a PM while this thread stays on the topic of the MLP Cafe.

[Samurai Equine 54,780]

 

A lot of hardcore anime fans tend to grow and obsession with Japan. Many of them do not realize the reality of how the country actually is. Given my brother in law actually lived there for 3 years, it is not this magical amazing wonderful place that most people believe it to be. Japan has many drawbacks, arguably worse than the US even. But people think anime, cosplay cafes and such make up for that.

 

Some stuff about Japan that weeaboos generally don't know:

 

• Gays have almost no rights in Japan. Gay marriage is not legal and almost 1/3 of the population there thinks that gay marriage should never come to Japan. Discrimination based upon sexuality is only illegal in some cities. LGBT face much discrimination there. Someone like a male brony in the US would actually face severe discrimination for going to these cafes which were designed for women.
• Sexual orientation is not protected by civil rights laws in Japan. Same-sex relationships are not even recognized in Japan.
• Acid rain is a reoccurring problem there.
• Suicide rate in Japan is exceedingly high.

 

 

You do have some great points there.   They are cold and offer little subtext, but you have a point. But if I may give a few counterpoints? Consider it supplemental material to reflect on...

 

• While the LGBT community may have it rough there, keep in mind that a change is slowly starting to take place in Japan. It's boiling under the surface. You criticize those who watch anime, but keep in mind that MANY anime and manga as of lately (not just the hentai titles) have been showing gay and lesbian characters in a completely normal way, and manga and anime are usually aimed at a Japanese audience first before any other international audience. Increased awareness and tolerance is bound to happen in Japan some day. Where there are huddled masses who are tired of injustice, there is bound to be change.
• Just to add on to this, I'm pretty sure a person's sexual orientation is one of those impossible-to-police things. I don't think you'll find cops going around to check who's straight and who's not. It's more about who is making an unlawful riot, infringing on the rights and personal space of others, etc. And I have been hearing a few reports about more places in Japan becoming more tolerant and letting gays get married and whatnot. Don't quote me on that, I don't have a news article to link to, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is some truth about that.
• The Acid Rain and Suicide Rate stuff is true. Not sure what it has to do about themed cafes and what might happen if you go inside one, but I am glad you are at least trying to raise awareness. 

I guess what I am saying is, you are right. Japan is not some magical place. It's just like any other place in the world; no better or worse. Japan, like any other country, has their own set of pros and cons. I've also talked to plenty of people who have lived there to know about these things.

My only point is that, for all the problems in Japan, it's really not that much different than it is here in America. We're a bit more tolerant and willing to give the LGBT community equal rights, but we still have people trying to fight that and people who will riot in the streets against that community.

 

In conclusion, I doubt you'd pelted with rocks or placed under arrest if you went to an MLP-themed cafe in Japan, especially if the brony community in that specific area is their biggest clientele. Anime cafes and plenty of other themed cafes would be facing the same risks if that were the case. Worst you might get is some odd looks and people questioning you, but as long as you don't do anything that will land you in jail, you'll be fine. And if you're that worried, go with a group. 

Edited November 18, 2015 by Samurai Equine

[Guest]

You do have some great points there.   They are cold and offer little subtext, but you have a point. But if I may give a few counterpoints? Consider it supplemental material to reflect on...

 

• While the LGBT community may have it rough there, keep in mind that a change is slowly starting to take place in Japan. It's boiling under the surface. You criticize those who watch anime, but keep in mind that MANY anime and manga as of lately (not just the hentai titles) have been showing gay and lesbian characters in a completely normal way, and manga and anime are usually aimed at a Japanese audience first before any other international audience. Increased awareness and tolerance is bound to happen in Japan some day. Where there are huddled masses who are tired of injustice, there is bound to be change.
• Just to add on to this, I'm pretty sure a person's sexual orientation is one of those impossible-to-police things. I don't think you'll find cops going around to check who's straight and who's not. It's more about who is making an unlawful riot, infringing on the rights and personal space of others, etc. And I have been hearing a few reports about more places in Japan becoming more tolerant and letting gays get married and whatnot. Don't quote me on that, I don't have a news article to link to, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is some truth about that.
• The Acid Rain and Suicide Rate stuff is true. Not sure what it has to do about themed cafes and what might happen if you go inside one, but I am glad you are at least trying to raise awareness. 

I guess what I am saying is, you are right. Japan is not some magical place. It's just like any other place in the world; no better or worse. Japan, like any other country, has their own set of pros and cons. I've also talked to plenty of people who have lived there to know about these things.

My only point is that, for all the problems in Japan, it's really not that much different than it is here in America. We're a bit more tolerant and willing to give the LGBT community equal rights, but we still have people trying to fight that and people who will riot in the streets against that community.

 

In conclusion, I doubt you'd pelted with rocks or placed under arrest if you went to an MLP-themed cafe in Japan, especially if the brony community in that specific area is their biggest clientele. Anime cafes and plenty of other themed cafes would be facing the same risks if that were the case. Worst you might get is some odd looks and people questioning you, but as long as you don't do anything that will land you in jail, you'll be fine. And if you're that worried, go with a group. 

 

My point was that we have a lot of people in America that go on about how wonderful Japan is and in reality anime cafes and such are nice, but Japan has problems just like the US has problems. So many people go on about their "love affair" with Japan, but neglect to learn about all the issues with the country. That being said, these cafes are not targeted towards bronies. Japan has a relatively low brony population, most fans are female. Therefore you more than likely will be met with odd looks and comments if you attend one of these cafes.

 

You are actually incorrect on gay marriage. Japan does not even recognize civil unions.

[Samurai Equine 54,780]

My point was that we have a lot of people in America that go on about how wonderful Japan is and in reality anime cafes and such are nice, but Japan has problems just like the US has problems. So many people go on about their "love affair" with Japan, but neglect to learn about all the issues with the country. That being said, these cafes are not targeted towards bronies. Japan has a relatively low brony population, most fans are female. Therefore you more than likely will be met with odd looks and comments if you attend one of these cafes.

 

You are actually incorrect on gay marriage. Japan does not even recognize civil unions.

 

And I was not trying to cancel out your point. I was only trying to add to it so that people wouldn't be afraid of going to themed cafes in Japan, MLP-themed or otherwise.    And also, I understand that the MLP cafe is intended for girls, I wasn't arguing against that, I was focusing on who might live near the cafe and who might be their biggest or just as big clients. You can have an intended audience/client for a lot of things, doesn't mean those are the only ones who will support your business.

 

Also, I think you are correct. When I made that statement, I was mostly thinking about this piece of news here. It's not perfect, but like I said, change is slowly starting to happen in Japan. But again, we're getting off topic.

[Malinter 3,064]

 

• Suicide rate in Japan is exceedingly high.

 

Ah i've heard about that. There's a forest somewhere in japan that is known for alot of people committing suicide in it, I can't remember the name of the top of my head tho.

[power strike 198]

if there was a mlp themed cafe or official store or anything like that in the united states it will either be offended really quick and people will judge....so i guess thats why there isnt a mlp themed store or cafe here i mean im done with people judging too quickly or get offended by every single thing and dont get me started on the star box red cup fiasco...but i do wish there was a mlp current gen cafe here i would go there everyday ! : D lol.