Feb 17, 2011

Strange Souvenirs: Edible Cosplay Treats Tokyo

Tokyo’s Maid Cafes are part of the cosplay (or costume play) culture unique to Japan. Young women dress up as maids and serve customers at the venues, which have been booming in the last several years. Patrons, who are served tea and cakes, are of often greeted with “Welcome home, Master.”



And with something popular there is often a commercial spin off of some sort. In this case it’s themed cookies and cakes.


The sweets are also available in the school girl variety.


Imagine getting caught with these in customs and trying to explain yourself.

Have you ever brought something home from your travels that might be difficult to explain to a customs official?

Previous Posts In This Series:

Barbed Wire DMZ
Mosque Alarm Clock
Ojamas

7 comments:

Bronwyn said...

I've brought home Rwandan dung paintings....

windeater.blogspot.com

Lakshmi said...

im a sucker for souvenirs..love these

Photo Cache said...

If I can't explain it, I aint taking it home :)

So far none yet.

Wendy said...

Bronwyn, I had to google to see what they look like and see why you brought some home.

Lakshmi, I often bring home wacky souvenirs as gifts.

Photo Cache- That's probably a very sound policy.

Andrew Graeme Gould said...

Very interesting. This would be bordering on the bizarre in the west, but as it's Japan...

You ask about having to explain something to customs. One time, coming into my then home, Sydney, I assured the customs official that I had no wooden products at all, completely forgetting about the wooden heat absorber (or whatever you'd call it)for placing under hot food, that was given to us as a present. I was excused that time...

Wendy said...

Andrew,

Australia is supposed to be the toughest in terms of customs from what I understand.

R xx said...

I love Japan. It may as well be another planet! Somwhere to add to the travel wishlist anyway...!