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Anti-procrastination cafeTokyo, Japan

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Ever had trouble studying? Writing that novel? Finishing that report? Doing anything productive at all?

Japan, as always, has the answer. And as usual, it’s weird.

The Manuscript Café in Tokyo’s Koenji neighbourhood is designed as a base for anti-procrastination. How? Charging by the hour, for a start.

Credit: Kim Kyung-Hoon

A 150-yen admission fee is followed by a 300-yen hourly charge. Time is money - you’re not going to while away the hours playing candy crush or Football Manager, or watching cat videos when you’re on the clock.

Customers can request (at no extra charge) the owner and main man of the café to nag them to get on with things, and at differing levels; anywhere from gentle nudges to a strict disciplinarian standing behind them until work he is satisfied with what he sees on the laptop in front of him.

The café opened in April 2022, and we like to think productivity has soared as a result.

If you’re a working traveller in Tokyo, get your work done here, so you’ve got more time to enjoy the extraordinary delights of an incredible city.

love
not sure?

Actually getting work done
The hive of creative energy

We don’t recommend coming here with a friend to catch up
Being scolded like you’re in year 9 by the cafe manager

need to know

Japan officially, and finally, re-opens to international tourists today (July 1). There are however, strict regulations – click here for all the information you need.