٠٠:٠٤:٢٨Shojo, a new 16-seater coffee shop in Osaka, is garnering interest from residents with its distinctive approach to providing a serene, silent environment. Customers communicate with staff using sign language and by writing their orders on paper, as the cafe's employees are either deaf or hard of hearing.
Footage from Saturday shows customers ordering drinks by signing or writing down their requests. The absence of background music and chatter creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing other ambient sounds, such as the brewing of matcha and the patter of rain, to take centre stage.
Nanami, one of the customers, explained her experience: "I saw it on Instagram and thought it would be interesting to come because I am learning sign language myself. I felt that it was definitely easier for me than at school, where I usually have conversations in a much noisier environment, and it definitely takes a little longer to talk in writing with my friends, but that's something I really like about it—being able to choose the right words."
After the cafe closes, the establishment offers one-on-one sign language classes for approximately US$13.22 (€12.27), complete with a side of matcha.
The cafe's focus on silence aims to promote equality and accessibility by offering customers a space where they can experience the world from the perspective of the deaf or hard of hearing. This environment encourages new ways of communicating and allows everyone to enjoy the tranquillity of the cafe without distractions.
Shojo's unique approach also helps to dispel the notion of disabilities as limitations and instead emphasises that it is the environment that can be disabling. By creating an inclusive space that fosters understanding and acceptance, the cafe presents a novel way for people to experience equality and accessibility.
Quiet comfort! - Osaka cafe offers silent, inclusive environment with sign language and no music
Shojo, a new 16-seater coffee shop in Osaka, is garnering interest from residents with its distinctive approach to providing a serene, silent environment. Customers communicate with staff using sign language and by writing their orders on paper, as the cafe's employees are either deaf or hard of hearing.
Footage from Saturday shows customers ordering drinks by signing or writing down their requests. The absence of background music and chatter creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing other ambient sounds, such as the brewing of matcha and the patter of rain, to take centre stage.
Nanami, one of the customers, explained her experience: "I saw it on Instagram and thought it would be interesting to come because I am learning sign language myself. I felt that it was definitely easier for me than at school, where I usually have conversations in a much noisier environment, and it definitely takes a little longer to talk in writing with my friends, but that's something I really like about it—being able to choose the right words."
After the cafe closes, the establishment offers one-on-one sign language classes for approximately US$13.22 (€12.27), complete with a side of matcha.
The cafe's focus on silence aims to promote equality and accessibility by offering customers a space where they can experience the world from the perspective of the deaf or hard of hearing. This environment encourages new ways of communicating and allows everyone to enjoy the tranquillity of the cafe without distractions.
Shojo's unique approach also helps to dispel the notion of disabilities as limitations and instead emphasises that it is the environment that can be disabling. By creating an inclusive space that fosters understanding and acceptance, the cafe presents a novel way for people to experience equality and accessibility.
Shojo, a new 16-seater coffee shop in Osaka, is garnering interest from residents with its distinctive approach to providing a serene, silent environment. Customers communicate with staff using sign language and by writing their orders on paper, as the cafe's employees are either deaf or hard of hearing.
Footage from Saturday shows customers ordering drinks by signing or writing down their requests. The absence of background music and chatter creates a tranquil atmosphere, allowing other ambient sounds, such as the brewing of matcha and the patter of rain, to take centre stage.
Nanami, one of the customers, explained her experience: "I saw it on Instagram and thought it would be interesting to come because I am learning sign language myself. I felt that it was definitely easier for me than at school, where I usually have conversations in a much noisier environment, and it definitely takes a little longer to talk in writing with my friends, but that's something I really like about it—being able to choose the right words."
After the cafe closes, the establishment offers one-on-one sign language classes for approximately US$13.22 (€12.27), complete with a side of matcha.
The cafe's focus on silence aims to promote equality and accessibility by offering customers a space where they can experience the world from the perspective of the deaf or hard of hearing. This environment encourages new ways of communicating and allows everyone to enjoy the tranquillity of the cafe without distractions.
Shojo's unique approach also helps to dispel the notion of disabilities as limitations and instead emphasises that it is the environment that can be disabling. By creating an inclusive space that fosters understanding and acceptance, the cafe presents a novel way for people to experience equality and accessibility.