BBC Discovers Manga Kissaten

[Mulboyne]

[floatr][/floatr]BBC: Immersed in Japan's media pods
Media Immersion Pods - described as "drug dens for internet addicts" - are the latest craze occupying Japan's urban young. The pods are small cubicles that can be rented out and contain DVDs, computer games, internet, manga comics, and food and drink. Richard Kimber from BBC World Service's Culture Shock programme tried one out at Bagus Gran Cyber Cafe in Tokyo.

I take my shoes off and slip in to my very own media pod in one of Tokyo's newest cybercafe complexes. The small, makeshift booth is only about two square metres, but it feels like I've got enough technology in here to run a small country...since the cafe never closes - and with two more entire walls of DVDs and manga comics to get through - it's tempting to stay all night...more...

[canman]

That a lot of young people are living in, since they can't afford an apartment. I also read that they are becoming hot beds for prostitution. In such a small space, that must be very uncomfortable.

[Takechanpoo]

That a lot of young people are living in, since they can't afford an apartment. I also read that they are becoming hot beds for prostitution. In such a small space, that must be very uncomfortable.

Inaka dweller like you redneck never can understand the virtue of net cafe.

[IkemenTommy]

There had been many instances where manga kissas saved my ass when I locked my key in the apartment or have to save up on the taxi ride home. Usually they have those 6 or 7 hour package for 2000 yen and it's a steal. Some places even offer showers. I was pretty close of offering this deal to the company recently when they started bitching about budget cuts and travel restraints.