Reader’s Question:
I want to go to a lottery reservation-style Animate Cafe with my friend. Does my friend need to become an Animate member too?
Lottery Cafes and Friendship: A Fun Adventure
Ah, the excitement of lottery reservation-style Animate Cafes! I remember the first time I ventured into one of these themed
cafes with my best friend, Kenji. We were both huge anime fans, and the thought of sipping on drinks inspired by our favorite characters felt like a dream. But when we found out we had to enter a lottery to reserve a spot, it felt a bit like stepping into a game show! I still chuckle about how we arrived way too early, practically bouncing on our heels, eager to claim our spots. We were the first ones there, and while the staff was still setting up, we couldn’t resist diving into the manga section. We ended up getting lost for a good hour, flipping through volumes and sharing our favorite moments—like that time Kenji made a hilarious impersonation of our favorite character’s catchphrase. Now, back to the question about whether your friend needs to become an Animate member too. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, really. If the cafe allows for groups of 1-2 or 3-4 people, then only the winner needs to be a member. But if it’s a strict one-person-per-reservation type of cafe, then both of you will need to sign up separately. It’s kind of funny how something that should be straightforward can turn into a mini logistical challenge! I remember the anticipation of waiting for the lottery results, our hearts racing as we checked our phones. And when we found out we’d both won, we celebrated with far too many snacks at the cafe—everything from character-themed cakes to weirdly flavored sodas. I think I still have a picture of Kenji trying to take a sip of a drink that looked like it was straight out of an alien movie! At the end of the day, it’s not just about the food or drinks; it’s about those shared moments and laughs that make it all worth it. The joy of being surrounded by fellow fans, the quirky decorations, and the delightful chaos of it all really make these cafes special. So, if you’re planning on going with a friend, just remember to check how the reservations work. And hey, if you’ve got any funny or memorable stories from your own visits to these cafes—or tips on how to score a reservation—drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear about your adventures!