'Kawaii' Monster Cafe in Tokyo next victim of pandemic

An iconic cafe and show venue that symbolizes Japan's "kawaii" pop culture, and is beloved by tourists and celebrities, has shut its doors in Tokyo, the capital, after business dried up following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe, called "Monster Girls," pose with Sebastian Masuda, an artist and designer of the cafe, Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 31, 2021.

A funky aesthetic of outlandish colors and designs made Kawaii Monster Cafe in the capital's youth culture hot spot of Harajuku a hit, drawing overseas A-listers, such as reality star Kim Kardashian, singer Dua Lipa and Jenny of K-pop's Blackpink.

The Monster Girls perform on the stage for one last time at the cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

But its five-year run ended on Sunday, in part after overseas clientele disappeared because of border curbs meant to slow the pandemic.

Monster X Mush Rarity, an iconic Harajuku girl and a staff member of the cafe, wearing a face mask, poses for a photograph at Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

"I'm glad that I could come on the final day. I'm really moved," said Misuzu Kida, 24.

Guests enjoy drinks and food at Kawaii Monster Cafe amid the coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo, Japan.

Kida was among the fans who flocked for a last chance to see their favorite cosplay-inspired "Monster Girls" staff and soak up the atmosphere in quirkily themed areas such as the Mushroom Disco and Mel-Tea Room.

Monster girl Baby Manafy, an iconic Harajuku girl and a staff member of the cafe, wearing a face, mask poses for a photograph at Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

The cafe had hoped to capitalize on strong demand during the 2020 Olympics but with the outlook still uncertain after the virus forced a year's delay in the Tokyo games, a decision was made to let the lease expire and shut down.

A staff member of the Kawaii Monster Cafe called "Monster Girls" wipes her tears as she performs on the stage before the cafe ends its five-year run, Tokyo, Japan.

"I feel it is very hard to keep the business going, without knowing how long the current situation will last," cafe manager Keisuke Yamada told Reuters.

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe called "Monster Girls" perform on the stage at the cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

"It is difficult for overseas customers to come to Japan, and it is also difficult for customers in Japan to go out."

Guests try to take selfies with a staff member of "Monster Girls" at Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

The cafe had kept shorter hours, closing by 7 p.m., since a temporary closure last spring for about 2 1/2 months after Japan declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Monster Girl Crazy Sa-ya, an iconic Harajuku girl and a staff member of the cafe, wearing a face mask, poses for a photograph at Kawaii Monster Cafe.

Japan, with a tally of 390,687 infections and 5,766 deaths, is expected to extend a state of emergency for Tokyo and other areas this week as hospitals face pressure despite a drop in cases from their peaks, according to media reports.

Monster X Jelly no Catherine, an iconic Harajuku girl and a staff member of the cafe, wearing a face, mask poses for a photograph at Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

While Sebastian Masuda, the artist who designed the sprawling cafe, said he was sad to see it close, he remained upbeat on the future of the trend-setting district.

Staff members wearing protective face masks serve food to guests at Kawaii Monster Cafe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"In Harajuku, regardless of age and era, the younger generations will always create new cultures. So I believe that the young generation will make something interesting again."

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe pose for a photograph with other performers before the cafe ends its five-year run, Tokyo, Japan.

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe send off guests before the cafe ends its five-year run amid the coronavirus pandemic, in Tokyo Japan, Jan. 31, 2021.

The "Monster Girls" perform before guests one last time before the cafe closes for good amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Monster Girl Candy Asachill, an iconic Harajuku girl and a staff member of the cafe, wearing a face mask, poses for a photograph at Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

Guests and staff members are seen at Kawaii Monster Cafe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Monster X Ciel, an iconic Harajuku girl and a staff member of the cafe, wearing a face mask, poses for a photograph at Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

A staff member wearing a protective face mask disinfects seats at Kawaii Monster Cafe amid the coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo, Japan.

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe pose for a photograph with other performers before the cafe ends its five-year run, Tokyo, Japan.

Guests try to take photos and videos with their smartphones as they watch the performance by the staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe called "Monster Girls" before the cafe closes for good, Tokyo, Japan.

Guests watch the performance of the staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe, Tokyo, Japan.

The "Monster Girls" send off guests before the cafe ends its five-year run operation, Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 31, 2021.

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe and other dancers perform on the stage at the cafe for one last time, Tokyo, Japan.

Staff members of Kawaii Monster Cafe wave and bow to guests, while the entrance shutter gate goes down, as the cafe ends its five-year run, Tokyo, Japan.