Japanese restaurant hires monkeys as waiters

Kayabukiya Tavern in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture looks like a normal Japanese restaurant modeled after a traditional sake shop, but the most impressive feature here is its special team of waiters - Macaque monkeys.

"Monkey" Fuku-chan serves tissues to customers. Photo: 28lab/youtube

A video has been recorded of 17-year-old "monkey" Fuku-chan, dressed in a short skirt and waitress uniform, quickly delivering beer and handing towels to customers under the instructions of her boss. But like humans, Fuku-chan still makes mistakes from time to time, such as spilling a bowl of peas while carrying them from the kitchen.

The reason why the monkeys were "hired" as waiters was very surprising. The restaurant owner, Mr. Kaoru Otsuka, initially only wanted to adopt them from an acquaintance because they were so cute. However, gradually, one of the monkeys named Yat-chan began to imitate what Mr. Otsuka did in the restaurant. Then, when Fuku-chan served tissues to customers, Mr. Otsuka realized that his adorable monkeys could work like real people and he decided to let them work as waiters.

The local government has approved and licensed them to work at the restaurant. They are loved by customers for their intelligence and cuteness. They are always given “tips” in soybeans by customers. After their shifts, they will be paid in bananas.

“They are closer to me than my family,” said Mr. Otsuka. “I stay with them all day and take care of them. Once I get attached to them, I can’t let them go. They are so adorable.”

According to Japan's animal protection laws, the monkeys at the restaurant will work in shifts and no more than 2 hours a day. According to 28 Lab, Mr. Otsuka's restaurant has had monkeys as waiters for 29 years.

According to Dan Tri