Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013

With anime characters appearing in movie theaters, TV shows, billboards and phone straps, they might as well be in your food and drink as well. Now they can be at the new Characro Cafe and Bar (1-32-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku). Video Game giant Namco says they designed the space as “a crossover of reality and fictional worlds.” Specifically, there are large monitors with motion sensors that allow visitors to interact with characters on screen, or vote for their favorite fictional personality. Characters also pop up on the menu, with current nibbles, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks based on Tiger & Bunny-including a tiger omuraisu plate (¥1,300).

Open daily 11am-11pm. Visits are limited to 100 minutes and reservations can be made at www.namco.co.jp/am/characro