Any freelancer or remote worker knows how important it is to have a suitable coffee shop to serve as office space. This Japanese café, however, takes a different approach. It won’t let anyone leave without finishing their work — and the employees are as strict as your boss!
The Perfect Café For Freelance Writers
Searching for a good café to work at? Not every spot is ideal. While writers and freelancers need some background noise, it can’t be too loud inside or they’ll lose focus. Great Wi-Fi has to be a priority as well, and it’s helpful to be supported by delicious (and strong) coffee and a nice open bathroom.
Considering all these specifications, this Japanese café is a perfect match! Named the Manuscript Writing Café, this recently opened spot is full of employees that are determined to help you meet your deadline. The anti-procrastination café is situated in Tokyo’s Koenji neighborhood and was created for writers, but any remote worker can join in as long as text is a part of their routine. Whether they’re creating content for magazines or writing a manga storyboard, anyone is welcome to start their productive day at the Manuscript Writing Café!
There are some basic rules to working at this Japanese café. First of all, visitors have to arrive with a specific writing goal for the day. At reception, customers note the number of words they’ll be writing and the required time to finish the task — or the “manuscript,” as the Manuscript Writing Café employees call it. Secondly, guests must be prepared to be checked on and pressured by the staff. The manager will come by every hour and ask the writer about their progress. Aside from an hourly check-up, visitors can ask for different levels of verbal pressure from staff members, and employees will do almost anything to help their patrons. Thirdly, and probably the most important point of the anti-procrastination café, is that no one is allowed to leave before finishing their manuscript!
The Business Model of the Anti-Procrastination Café
How does one pay to stay in this unique Japanese café? Well, the writers are charged by the hour. Every half hour costs 150 yen or $1.20. Therefore, the motivation to finish as quickly as possible is even stronger. It’s also a great business model on the part of the founder!
Patrons only have to bring their equipment to the coffee shop, as it provides the customers with outlets; cooling stands; and, of course, the best Wi-Fi possible. Coffee lovers will also be able to recharge their artistic batteries thanks to the unlimited refills of drip coffee at the anti-procrastination café! It’s the one incredible feature that will push any creator through their writer’s block. Other than coffee, however, the café doesn’t serve any food or snacks. But visitors are welcome to bring their own food. They can also leave for a few minutes to take a trip to a convenience store or order some delivery.
The only way to escape the Japanese café apart from finishing the task at hand is to wait until it closes for the night. That said, the anti-procrastination café is working out of a recording and broadcasting studio called Koenji Sankakuchitai. Sometimes it’s used to record a broadcast, so the Manuscript Writing Café is closed. When it’s open, the usual hours are from 1 pm to 7 pm.
Sources: Literary Hub, Thrillist, Vice