Update-date: Jun 05 2020
You may have heard your Japanese friend getting excited about the “joshikai” she was going to attend after work, or seen the taglines of “sakura joshikai” or “joshikai travel” on advertisements in Japan, but do you know what a “joshikai” is? This article will talk about its origin and characteristics, the main concerns when selecting a venue for joshikai, as well as some of our top picks for restaurants. You will definitely become a joshikai master after reading this!
The Origin of Joshikai
A “joshikai” refers to an all-female gathering. In Japan, the term first appeared on the “Shukan Shincho” magazine in 2005, in which Yamada Mihoko wrote in her “Secret Garden” column about a “joshikai” she once held together with the staff members and guests from her previous show. In the catering industry, however, it is generally believed that the term originated from readers and models from a Kansai fashion magazine getting together for a meal or a trip in 2008. The movie of the American TV show “Sex and the City” was also released in the same year. Experts think that the frequent scenes of women dining and chatting in high-end restaurants and traveling together is the main reason behind the prevalence of joshikai.
Later on, izakaya (Japanese pub) chain “Warawara” from the well-known catering group “Monteroza” launched a joshikai menu that became widely popular. Wanting a slice of the action, one after another, many restaurants launched their own joshikai menus and hence began the rise of the culture in Japan.
Later on, izakaya (Japanese pub) chain “Warawara” from the well-known catering group “Monteroza” launched a joshikai menu that became widely popular. Wanting a slice of the action, one after another, many restaurants launched their own joshikai menus and hence began the rise of the culture in Japan.
The Characteristics of Joshikai
Japanese may find the term “joshikai” very funny as “joshi” refers to “girls”. Luckily, you don’t have to be in your 20s to join a joshikai. You can take part in the gathering even as a working woman or a housewife in their 30s or 40s. Joshikai can be about a lot of things; it may simply be a few girl friends enjoying yummy food or going on a trip, or a group of women sharing the same interests getting together. According to a survey, more than half of Japan's working women participate in a female-only gathering at least once a month.
Work, relationships, and hobbies are the three main topics of “joshikai”. During the meal, everyone will complain about her work or husband, talk about what is on trend, or share her recently developed interests. At the gathering, women can just be themselves and not worry about any male judgment. One may even resonate with another woman’s situation, and it is also a good opportunity to relieve stress, which explain why many women like attending a joshikai.
Work, relationships, and hobbies are the three main topics of “joshikai”. During the meal, everyone will complain about her work or husband, talk about what is on trend, or share her recently developed interests. At the gathering, women can just be themselves and not worry about any male judgment. One may even resonate with another woman’s situation, and it is also a good opportunity to relieve stress, which explain why many women like attending a joshikai.
The Main Concerns When Choosing a Joshikai Venue
Choosing the right restaurant is crucial to the atmosphere of joshikai. In Japan, where joshikai is all the rage, what kinds of restaurants and food do women like? Let’s check out the seven key points:
First of all, the food needs to be delicious and photogenic at the same time. Like “kaiseki ryori” (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal), it would be best if every dish is nicely presented on a pretty plate.
A variety of desserts to choose from after the main dishes would be perfect. A full buffet with diverse dessert options or even a chocolate fountain is therefore particularly popular.
Since chatting is the main part of the gathering, drinks are very important, which is why restaurants offering an all-you-can-drink package are the best.
In recent years, it has become very popular to post photos onto Instagram, so the place should have a stylish and eye-catching appearance that makes people fall in love at first sight.
Women also pay a lot of attention to the restaurant's decor, furnishings, and tableware. Those with unique features such as high-end tableware, retro-style decoration, and greenery are particularly popular.
It is very common for a group of women to chat non-stop at a gathering, which is why it is important that there is no time limit on the meal. What’s more, the restaurant needs to be conveniently located.
First of all, the food needs to be delicious and photogenic at the same time. Like “kaiseki ryori” (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal), it would be best if every dish is nicely presented on a pretty plate.
A variety of desserts to choose from after the main dishes would be perfect. A full buffet with diverse dessert options or even a chocolate fountain is therefore particularly popular.
Since chatting is the main part of the gathering, drinks are very important, which is why restaurants offering an all-you-can-drink package are the best.
In recent years, it has become very popular to post photos onto Instagram, so the place should have a stylish and eye-catching appearance that makes people fall in love at first sight.
Women also pay a lot of attention to the restaurant's decor, furnishings, and tableware. Those with unique features such as high-end tableware, retro-style decoration, and greenery are particularly popular.
It is very common for a group of women to chat non-stop at a gathering, which is why it is important that there is no time limit on the meal. What’s more, the restaurant needs to be conveniently located.
Japanese Trend of Posting Pretty Shots on Instagram
When it comes to amazing food photos on Instagram, one must mention adorable, dream-like desserts adorned with colorful fruits, such as pancakes, sundaes, ice cream, and frozen sweets. As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the choice of restaurant is closely related to whether one can take pretty shots there. Aside from a sleek appearance, having unique decor, colorful walls, or European street style features is even better. It seems like the trend of flaunting nice pictures on Instagram is spreading to joshikai, too!
Four Top Restaurants That Would Be Perfect for Joshikai
After reading all of the above, do you feel like inviting a few good friends to have a girl-only get-together? Pick a restaurant from our four recommendations below for your upcoming joshikai!
1. METoA Cafe & Kitchen
Committed to the "Eat Positive" philosophy, METoA Cafe & Kitchen is a restaurant where one can discover the original intention in food: happiness. The place does not see “eating” merely as a daily behavior, but emphasizes on the joy one feels after a meal, the food presentation, as well as the health benefits brought by the ingredients. METoA Cafe & Kitchen mainly serves vegetable-based dishes, along with colorful pancakes, burger platters prepared with select ingredients, and local Australian cuisine made with a combination of superfoods and edible flowers. The full and semi-vegetarian dishes on offer are also a part of their identity. METoA Cafe & Kitchen believes that a quality diet can enrich one’s life, and hopes to add more colors to the daily life of every customer with their food. Come now and have a nice meal at this cafe located in the center of Ginza!
METoA Cafe & Kitchen
Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,400 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Exit C or C33 of Ginza Station, or a 4-minute walk from the Ginza Exit of Yurakucho Station
Address: 1F, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,400 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Exit C or C33 of Ginza Station, or a 4-minute walk from the Ginza Exit of Yurakucho Station
Address: 1F, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
2. Beach House Cafe
Located in Roppongi 7-Chome, Beach House Cafe is just like a bar on the Hawaiian beaches or the American West Coast. This stylish establishment has three storeys—bar counters on the 1st, a restaurant on the 2nd, and another bar on the 3rd—giving off spacious, comfortable vibes. Here you can enjoy popular Hawaiian dishes and smoothies as if you were on vacation in Hawaii. Its most charming feature is the delicious cuisine made with nutritious superfoods offering amazing health and beauty benefits. You can even order a smoothie and add in the superfood you like. Come here for a revitalizing meal to reset both your mind and body!
Beach House Cafe
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm / Drinks L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Sunday] 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Roppongi Station
Address: 7-9-4, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
[Sunday] 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 8 of Roppongi Station
Address: 7-9-4, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
3. Jiyugaoka Burger Aoyama Branch
Jiyugaoka Burger takes pride in its burgers, created with a combination of 100% domestic beef, special buns made without eggs or dairy, and local, organic vegetables where possible. The 3rd branch is located in Gaien Nishi-dori Avenue of Jiyugaoka. With white wooden decor and even terrace seats, the restaurant exudes a spacious and natural atmosphere perfect for a date or joshikai. Aside from organic wines, there is plenty to choose from on the drink menu as well. Whether you are dining alone or organizing a party, Jiyugaoka Burger Aoyama Branch can cater to your needs during dinner time. Themed after "safety x cordiality = tastiness", this place properly meets people's recent emphasis on a balanced diet.
Jiyugaoka Burger Aoyama Branch
Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (Food L.O. 9:00 pm / Drinks L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Passage Aoyama, 2-27-18, Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 1F, Passage Aoyama, 2-27-18, Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
4. Cheese Cheers Cafe
Cheese Cheers Cafe is a devoted cheese specialist for true cheese lovers. Cheese is never simple as it comes in unique forms when prepared in different ways. For example, Raclette cheese flows like a waterfall, while fresh cheese and aged cheese taste completely different from each other. At this place, you can tastes dishes made with twelve kinds of cheese, which will definitely be a novel and precious experience to share with others. Open your senses and enjoy the distinct aroma and texture of each cheese in this mountain-hut style cafe filled with a rich cheese aroma. This would also be a great chance to experience Japanese pop culture through food!
Cheese Cheers Cafe
Open: [Weekdays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: From the Hachiko Gate of Shibuya Station, walk straight along Inokashira-dori Avenue and look for a building on the right side.
Address: 4F, Shibuya Emerald Bldg., 12-7, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: From the Hachiko Gate of Shibuya Station, walk straight along Inokashira-dori Avenue and look for a building on the right side.
Address: 4F, Shibuya Emerald Bldg., 12-7, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
Joshikai provide a good opportunity for mothers to leave their children to their husbands, take a break from all the housework, and recover from stress. It can even be described as a spiritual experience necessary for working women to keep going. Let’s choose a restaurant with great lightning and ambience to catch up with your besties!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
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