2024/04/11 / Last updated : 2024/04/11 東京支店　アンジ blog

SILENT CAFE IN OSAKA

A new café in Osaka’s Nakazakicho, called Shojo started a cafe that embraces silence.

With a seating capacity of 16, Shojo encourages patrons to “embrace the silence” by eliminating background chatter and music. This allows for ambient sounds that are typically drowned out, such as footsteps, the brewing of matcha, and the sound of rain, to take center stage.

The café isn’t just about providing a unique experience for customers; it also serves as a platform for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The majority of the staff at Shojo fall into this category, creating an environment where patrons can gain insight into their perspective.

While customers are encouraged not to speak to each other, the café aims to foster an open-minded approach to communication. In a setting where everyone is considered equal, disabilities fade away, prompting a shift in how we perceive equality and accessibility beyond the café’s walls.

Without the necessity for verbal communication, the café caters especially well to foreign customers who may not be proficient in the local language. The staff, known for their warm demeanor, immediately make patrons feel like old friends upon introduction.

In Japan, a bustling environment teeming with bright lights and loud noises, discovering a tranquil oasis like this café can be a blessing for many visitors. Whether you’re drawn by the desire to support a noble cause or intrigued by the opportunity to explore a facet of Japan not typically featured in guidebooks, the café endeavors to broaden your horizons and provide a space for clarity and relaxation, eagerly awaiting your arrival.

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