Dating sims are the source of maids

18.10.2009 by Patrick W. Galbraith

I have argued in my discussion of maids and maid cafes that dating simulator games (or bishoujo games, if you prefer) are the source. Specifically,

The game was so popular that Tokyo Character Show in August 1998 featured "Pia Carrot Restaurant." It was a hit, and on July 22, 1999, Gamer's opened a more permanent establishment on the 6th floor of their store in Akihabara. When it closed, fans were so upset that the shop reopened it, then closed and reopened it again. In May 2000, Cafe du Cospa opened, which later was replaced by Cure Maid Cafe in February 2001. The influence of "Welcome to Pia Carrot" on all this cannot be underestimated.

On a visit to a fellow maid cafe enthusiast's house, I was once again reminded of the vaulted place of "Pia Carrot." First, on his shelf just happened to be three maid figures: Pia Carrot, Cos-cha and Pinafore. The resemblance is remarkable. Elements of the original Pia Carrot design appear in both these iconic maid outfits.








Next, he had two cans of coffee lined up - Pia Carrot Coffee and @home cafe Coffee. The way both maids are standing, the design of their uniforms - all almost a perfect match. Maybe no one else is interested in this, but for me it was a flash of lightning, a eureka moment. Thank you, Pia Carrot, for bringing the world such joy!