Anime-style avatar waitresses, controlled by humans, now taking orders at Tokyo pub
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Miraizaka has a futuristic new ordering system that it says AI can’t equal.
On its website, the Miraizaka izakaya (Japanese-style pub) branch in Tokyo’s Shinbashi neighborhood touts its delicious karaage fried chicken and relaxed interior design as reasons to make it your next destination for a bite to eat and a couple of cold ones. And yeah, looking at their photos, that appeal is definitely there.
▼ Karaage is never a bad idea.
Tasty fried chicken and a cozy interior, though, are things that you can find at a lot of restaurants. But you know what Miraizaka has that isn’t so easy to find elsewhere? Anime-style avatar staff to take your orders.
To be clear, these aren’t pre-recorded animations with sound clips that play when you place an order, and they’re not AI programs either. The avatars are remotely controlled by actual human beings, using a setup similar to the ones utilized by virtual YouTubers.
Izakaya are legitimate restaurants, not pseudo-dining paid-companionship providers like hostess bars. Nevertheless, the spoken interaction between izakaya customers and staff, even something as simple as a heartfelt “Thanks for dining with us today!” or a “What to you recommend?” adds to the experience. So while an increasing number of restaurants in Japan are shifting to touchscreen ordering systems to cut costs and overcome staffing shortages, Miraizaka is partnering with Tokyo-based startup Avatar Dining Lab for this hi-tech hybrid of real and virtual wait staff, specifically stating that they want to offer a human element that AI can’t provide.
In addition to the novelty factor and benefits for the restaurant, Avatar Dining Lab says that the system can also be a plus for workers, eliminating the need to commute to and from the restaurant and even allowing part-timers to more easily pick up shifts at multiple locations, perhaps even appearing as different avatars at different restaurants within the same time block.
Miraizaka’s avatars started serving customers at the Shinbashi location on July 29, and they’re scheduled to be on duty until August 29 (excepting August 11-16), between 6 and 11 p.m. While it’s only a one-month trial, Miraizaka has branches across Japan and is part of the Watami group, which manages multiple other izakaya chains too, so if the avatars prove popular in Shinbashi we could see them appearing in a lot more restaurants in the future.
Restaurant information
Miraizaka (Shinbashi Ginza-guchi Guard-shita branch(/ ミライザカ（新橋銀座口ガード下店）
Address: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Shinbashi 1-3-10
東京都港区新橋1-3-10
Website
Source: PR Times
Top image: Miraizaka
Insert images: Miraizaka, PR Times
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A Japanese-style pub is taking orders via anime-style avatar waitresses, which are remotely controlled by actual human beings.
The Miraizaka izakaya branch located in Tokyo’s Shinbashi district offers more than tasty karaage (fried chicken) and beer.
The pub has also partnered with Tokyo-based startup Avatar Dining Lab to bring diners the unique experience of having their orders taken via virtual anime-style wait staff.
But while many restaurants are now utilizing touchscreen ordering systems in Japan, Miraizaka’s anime avatars come included with a human touch.
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Miraizaka Miraizaka sports a relaxed and warmly lit interior for diners to relax.
The anime-style avatars are remotely controlled by real-life people behind the scenes, meaning there are no pre-recorded animations or sound clips used when placing an order.
Rather than take advantage of AI in this digital age, Avatar Dining Lab’s hi-tech hybrid system hopes to not only boost the dining experience for customers but also help staff avoid a long work commute and increase the number of shifts they can take.
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As of now, the anime-style avatars are only part of a one-month trail running from July 29 to August 29 and will take a short break from August 11-16. However, for anyone looking to grab a bite to eat or a drink from an anime waitress, the avatars will be running the bar from 6 PM to 11 PM local time.
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And, if the trial proves a success, anime-style avatar waitresses might just start popping up more frequently, as Miraizaka has multiple branches across the country.
This isn’t the first time anime has been introduced to the dining experience, with McDonold’s previously teaming up with the anime and manga series Jujutsu Kaisen to introduce a limited-time sauce flavor. The fast-food chain is even partnering with the studio behind Naruto and Bleach, Studio Pierrot, to create an anime based around McDonald’s fries and nuggets.
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“Avatar: The Last Airbender” has captured viewers all over the world with its deep plot, complex characters, and unique mix of cultural influences. There is a lot of disagreement about whether it is an anime or a cartoon, even though it is very famous.
This piece talks about what makes anime unique, looks at where Avatar came from and how it looks, and then compares it to other anime. Our goal in looking at these aspects is to find out if Avatar really fits the anime style or if it is a unique piece of animation.
Is Avatar an Anime?
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Fans have been wondering, “Is Avatar an anime?” since the show first came out. Before we can answer, we need to know what anime is. The word “anime” in Japanese means “animation,” and it refers to a style of cartoon work that started in Japan. Japanese anime is known for its unique art style, way of telling stories, and cultural references.
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Origins
Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko were responsible for creating Avatar which Nickelodeon Animation Studio produced. Its first episode aired on Nickelodeon. The show has many things in common with Japanese anime, like complicated characters and stories that are told in installments, but it is also different in important ways:
Production : A Japanese animation studio did not produce Avatar, in contrast to conventional Japanese anime.
: A Japanese animation studio did not produce Avatar, in contrast to conventional Japanese anime. Language : The show’s original language is English and none of the characters are seen speaking Japanese language.
: The show’s original language is English and none of the characters are seen speaking Japanese language. Cultural Roots: The show is anchored in Western animation traditions, even though it draws inspiration from Asian culture.
Avatar is a lot like Japanese anime in terms of its art style, story complexity, and cultural inspirations. However, it is different in terms of where it came from, the language it uses, and its cultural roots.
Because of this, Avatar: The Last Airbender is often called a “American anime” by fans, even though it is not officially a Japanese anime.
What Style Anime is Avatar?
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s animation style is a mix of Japanese cartoons and Western animation that works very well together. This mixing makes a show that is both visually interesting and culturally rich, and it speaks to a wide range of people.
The show’s art style is detailed and expressive, like Japanese animation. The settings are bright, and the characters move smoothly. Asia is a big part of the Avatar world. It has elements of Chinese martial arts, Indian philosophy, and Japanese art.
Key Elements of Avatar’s Anime Style
Character Design : Characters in the world of Avatar have unique, over-the-top features that are common in anime, like big eyes and expressive faces.
: Characters in the world of Avatar have unique, over-the-top features that are common in anime, like big eyes and expressive faces. Narrative Themes : As is common in Japanese anime, the show looks at themes like honor, fate, and balance.
: As is common in Japanese anime, the show looks at themes like honor, fate, and balance. Fight Sequences: Japanese anime-style detail and energy are incorporated into the choreography of the action scenes.
Avatar is an American anime that is mostly in English. It is not a Japanese company, but the Nickelodeon Animation Studio produced it. Although the show draws inspiration from Asian culture, its plot and development are based on Western methods of telling stories.
This mix of styles has helped Avatar: The Last Airbender connect with fans in both Japan and the West, bridging the gap between two rich animation cultures.
Why Does Avatar Feel Like Anime?
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
This show, Avatar: The Last Airbender, has an anime-like feel to it because of the way it tells stories and how the characters grow, which are very similar to traditional Japanese anime.
The show is serialized, and over the course of its three seasons, it tells a complicated story. Each season, or “Book,” is like an episode in many famous anime; it shows a new part of the main character, Aang, that he needs to learn.
Character Arcs : Characters like Aang, Katara, and Zuko grow a lot, similar to how characters change in shows like Sailor Moon.
: Characters like Aang, Katara, and Zuko grow a lot, similar to how characters change in shows like Sailor Moon. Themes : Like a lot of Japanese anime, this show deals with themes like honor, fate, and redemption.
: Like a lot of Japanese anime, this show deals with themes like honor, fate, and redemption. Cultural Influences: Fans of Japanese anime will connect with the show because it has deep roots in Japanese culture and other Asian cultures.
Character Development
Another thing that makes Avatar feel like anime is how the characters grow and change over time. There are a lot of complicated character arcs in this show, like Aang’s path to controlling all four elements, Zuko’s fight with his identity and honor, and Katara’s rise from a beginner water bender to a master.
Despite these similarities:
Production: An American studio and a Korean studio worked together to create Avatar, which was unlike most cartoons. The show was able to blend elements of Eastern and Western culture seamlessly, creating a unique and captivating world for viewers to immerse themselves in.
An American studio and a Korean studio worked together to create Avatar, which was unlike most cartoons. The show was able to blend elements of Eastern and Western culture seamlessly, creating a unique and captivating world for viewers to immerse themselves in. Language and Voice Acting: The voice acting is in English, which makes it even more different from cartoons made for Japanese speakers.
Many things about Avatar: The Last Airbender are like traditional anime, but the way it was made and the language used to make it clear that it is an American animation, even though it has a lot of influences from Japanese and other Asian cultures.
What is Considered an Anime?
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Before you can decide if Avatar: The Last Airbender is anime, you need to know what anime is. The term “anime” refers to animated programs with a primarily Japanese production and distinct artistic and cultural setting.
Japanese companies usually make anime, and they follow strict rules for the industry. This includes art direction, voice acting in Japanese and a way of telling stories that is in line with Japanese customs.
Japanese people and businesses involved in the Japanese entertainment industry produce real anime.
Anime often shows Japanese culture, morals, and social problems, which helps us understand Japanese society.
Global Perceptions
The word “anime”, from the shortened Japanese word “animēshon” (which translates to the English word “animation”) has spread around the world and now refers to animation shows that aren’t from Japan but have similar styles and themes. However, anime purists contend that only works created by Japanese companies should qualify as anime.
American and Korean companies use Japanese anime as an inspiration for their productions of shows like Avatar.
Avatar is one of the animation shows that are called “honorary anime” because it looks and feels a lot like Japanese anime.
Because it comes from Japan and is made in a Japanese way, anime includes works made by Japanese companies for Japanese fans.
What Makes a Show an Anime?
Some production methods and story ideas are needed for a show to be labeled as anime. The term “anime” refers to Japanese animated works that distinguish themselves from Western television by using a distinctive style of animation and storytelling.
Both the art and animation used to make anime have to be very detailed, and they are often defined by
Art direction: Backgrounds with lots of details and characters that look and act realistically, usually with big eyes and over-the-top feelings.
Backgrounds with lots of details and characters that look and act realistically, usually with big eyes and over-the-top feelings. Animation: Movements that are smooth and quick, especially in action scenes.
Movements that are smooth and quick, especially in action scenes. Voice acting: Done in Japanese, which makes the show seem more true to Japanese culture.
Narrative Themes
Coming-of-age stories, dream worlds, and hard moral choices are all common themes in anime. These ideas can also be found in Avatar: The Last Airbender:
Fantasy Elements: The Avatar universe is made up of different countries, such as the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. Each has its own culture and way of bending reality.
The Avatar universe is made up of different countries, such as the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. Each has its own culture and way of bending reality. Character Journeys: Like the lead characters in many anime shows, Aang goes on a journey to learn more about himself and grow.
Like the lead characters in many anime shows, Aang goes on a journey to learn more about himself and grow. Moral Lessons: The series has a lot of stories about honor, duty, and redemption.
Avatar: The Last Airbender borrows a lot of its concepts and techniques from anime, but because Nickelodeon Animation Studio and Studio Mir created the program, it also incorporates elements of Korean and American animation. Because of this difference, it can’t really be called classic anime, but it does have a lot of influences.
What is Anime vs Cartoon?
To understand the argument about Avatar, you need to know the difference between anime and cartoons. People often use the same terms for the same thing, but they refer to different styles and cultural goods.
Anime: Animated works from Japan that have their own style of art and deep themes. It includes shonen, shojo, and mecha, and the themes it deals with are often more adult.
Animated works from Japan that have their own style of art and deep themes. It includes shonen, shojo, and mecha, and the themes it deals with are often more adult. Cartoons: A broad term for drawn shows, mostly from the West, that are usually aimed at kids and have simple plots and funny characters.
Japanese culture, including anime, shows how its people live and deal with problems. In the West, cartoons are mostly seen as fun for kids, even though they are also culturally important.
Avatar’s Unique Place
Production: Beginning of production on the Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino-created Western television program Avatar by Nick Animation Studio.
Beginning of production on the Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino-created Western television program Avatar by Nick Animation Studio. Language and Culture: The show is a tribute to anime and uses a lot of Japanese cartoon styles and themes.
The show is a tribute to anime and uses a lot of Japanese cartoon styles and themes. Complexity of the story: Like anime, Avatar has three seasons with a lot of complicated themes, like the fight against the Fire Nation and the main character’s journey.
Anime and cartoons are both forms of animation, but they come from different cultures and have different levels of story depth. Even though it’s a Western cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender has a lot in common with anime. This makes it a unique mix that fans of both can enjoy.
Key Takeaways
There has been a lot of talk about whether Avatar: The Last Airbender is a cartoon or not. We can better understand its unique place in the world of animation by looking at how it was made, how it reflects culture, and how it tells its story.
Production: The Nickelodeon Animation Studio produced the American television program Avatar. Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are the show’s creators. There were also inputs from Studio Mir in South Korea.
The Nickelodeon Animation Studio produced the American television program Avatar. Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are the show’s creators. There were also inputs from Studio Mir in South Korea. Cultural Influences: Even though it comes from the West, Japanese anime has had a big impact on Avatar by adding Asian culture, complex art styles, and complex stories.
Even though it comes from the West, Japanese anime has had a big impact on Avatar by adding Asian culture, complex art styles, and complex stories. Style of writing: The show is about Aang, the Last Airbender’s journey to learn about the four elements and bring peace to the four countries. Fans of anime will relate to the themes of honor, fate, and forgiveness.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is an American cartoon show, but it has a lot in common with Japanese anime. Its popularity and effect show how powerful cross-cultural influences can be in animation. Many people around the world love the show because it has a unique mix of Western and Eastern features.
FAQs
Can an American show be considered anime?
Officially, anime is any cartoon made in Japan. Shows like Avatar is not technically anime, but can be called “anime-inspired.”
What are the main influences on Avatar?
Asian cultures, especially Japanese anime, Chinese martial arts, and Indian spirituality, are used in the show.
Who are the key creators of Avatar?
Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and Aaron Ehasz came up with the idea for the show, which Nickelodeon Animation Studio produced.
In how many other languages is Avatar available?
People all over the world can watch the anime Avatar because it has been dub-subtitled into many languages, including Japanese.
What makes Avatar distinct from other cartoons?
It’s different from most Western cartoons because it has deep stories, cultural influences, and characters that change in complicated ways.
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The Dawn Avatar Robot Café in Tokyo, Japan is filled full of friendly looking, shiny white robots that whizz around the floor and are controlled by humans from their home
Tourists who head to a high-tech café in Tokyo, Japan, will be greeted by robot waiters and bartending staff - all of which are being controlled by humans back at home.
The Dawn Avatar Robot Café says that they hire “people with medical or physical limitations who cannot come into work but want to stay connected to society” to control the bots, with around 70 people piloting them at different points throughout the week. It’s become a popular spot with tourists thanks to the friendly-looking, shiny white robots that whizz around the floor.
Much like a typical, human fronted restaurant, the robots at Dawn Avatar visit customers at their table to take their orders. If the punter seems in the mood, the robot may stop to exchange a few pleasantries. Rather than this being the result of a slightly alarming if not impressive leap in ChatGPT like technology, it is in fact human’s speaking through the robot avatars which they are also controlling from a distance.
Some of them are physically unable to make it into or around the café to work in person, while others have demanding home lives or mental health conditions which prohibit them from doing so. Part of the robot crew don’t work the tables but act as baristas and man the bar. A bot is on hand to greet customers at the entrance when they arrive, while another is there to recommend popular menu items. They are helped by on-site humans who assist customers in placing their orders and make their drinks.
On Wednesday’s and Saturdays crowds tend to gather around one particular counter where a Nextage Tele-Barista robot - which doesn’t speak to customers - takes over the coffee duties from its human colleagues. The project is a very personal one for company co-founder and CEO Kentaro Yoshifuji, who had the idea to design remote-controlled robot avatars after being bed-ridden with a serious illness for most of three years.
Image: FRANCK ROBICHON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) FRANCK ROBICHON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Not only does Dawn Avatar Robot Café provide people with the ability to make money and chat to strangers, the human workers can hop between robots depending on where they’re needed. That means they are able to indulge in a little water-cooler chat with their colleagues at the back of the restaurant, providing a chance for them to build up longer-term relationships.
Many of the robo-waiters have screens on their fronts which display details of their human controllers. They also have microphones and cameras, so the interaction is similar to a typical café one. Travel content creator Maz Green recently visited the Dawn Avatar. “I interacted with so many of them. A robot greeted me at the entrance and explained how the cafe works, then I spoke to my robot waiter and with the mini robots by the bar,” she told Mail Online.
“Because I can speak Japanese, I was able to learn about the lives of many of the pilots. It was fascinating to hear their stories and their appreciation for the job, which allows them to feel less isolated and more social during their week.” Maz added that the robot-waiters were lovely, but would not be accepting any tips. She added: “In Japan, it’s not the custom to tip. If you try, they’ll deny it and sometimes even chase you out of the restaurant to return your money.”