Q4:MANGA-KISSA

MANGA-KISSA(manga cafe) is a combination of two Japanese words MANGA, a Japanese comic book, and KISSA, a cafe. And it means a place where you can read many comics and can drink a coffee and some soft-drinks.

There are more than a thousand manga cafes in Japan. Of course, all big cities have many ones and almost all local cities also have some ones.

Link to a Japanese site:"Net Cafe Navigation"

Average Japanese people read more than a thousand comics in their lifetimes. But most of them can't store so many books since they live in a small house, or an apartment. So they have to sell or throw away old books. That's why there are so many manga cafes in Japan. They can read thousands of comics there without buying and storing.

Many cafes serve a lunch or snacks such as rice balls and spaghetti. And some of them even have shower rooms and massage rooms. Therefore, some people use these cafes as a cheap hotel. They stay there all night not for reading books but for having a sleep.

The charge varies according to the length of time. Generally, you can stay there for about 350 yen to 500 yen per hour. And you can drink coffees, teas and soft-drinks for free.

Most of them also have internet-connected PCs, various magazines and DVDs. These DVDs are not for rental. You can watch them there because they also have DVD players.

Thus, manga cafes are very convenient and comfortable place. But some people, especially parents, say these cafes have a bad influence on kids. The same phrase was used when the Karaoke Box first appeared. But now, karaoke boxs are one of the most popular amusements and it's considered as a Japanese culture. I hope manga cafes will be developed in the right way and make a culture since I think MANGA is a brilliant Japanese art.




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