Saturday, June 25, 2011

Interview: Neko Neko Maid & Host Club

For the past 2-3 years, I've noticed more and more maids wandering the floors of anime conventions. I learned last year that one of these maid organizations is called the Neko Neko Maid & Host Club. This year, they had a room reserved to cater and entertain con goers at A-Kon 22. I had the opportunity to chat with the co-owners of the group, Kitti and Miki.



What is the Neko Neko Maid & Host Club?
Kitti: It is a touring group from all around the nation that sing, dance, and play games with customers at various anime conventions. I believe we're the only maid group that tours.

How did the group get started?
Kitti: Miki and I were part of show choir and toured together. We both discovered and had an interest in maid cafes, so we became friends.

How long has Neko Neko been running?
Kitti: We started July 4, 2009

Have you ever been to Japan?
Kitti: I have been and Miki will be attending school there soon, but the group has not travelled to Japan.

What is your inspiration?
Miki: Being in show choir, the love of performing, and jpop.

How much does jpop influence you?
Miki: In our performances.

What jpop artists/groups inspire you?
Miki: AKB48 and Morning Musume

How often do you get applicants for being a maid or host?
Kitti: We do auditions all year round, but mainly we hold auditions for upcoming cons.

I noticed that there are many maids and very few hosts, why do you think it's hard to obtain hosts?
Kitti: We mainly focus on getting maids.
Miki: (jokingly) I think the hosts are intimidated by the maids.

How do you figure out the routines you're going to use for each show?
Kitti: Miki decides on the routines.

What is the hardest part about being a maid?
Kitti: As a tour maid, taking time off from school, being away from friends and family in the summer, and adjusting from different weather conditions as well as going from hotel to hotel.

Do you face any discrimination or have been stereotyped for being maids?
Kitti: In the beginning, our families had some concerns, but later they understood and supported us.

Have you had many difficult customers?
Kitti: It's rare, but occasionally we get gloomy customers. They're usually easy to cheer up.

What is your favorite game?
Kitti: Jenga
Miki: For the fans, they like playing "Maids in a Pickle", but I like Pretty Pretty Princess.

What are your future goals for Neko Neko?
Kitti: We want to expand into more cons and we also have a manga coming out.

Could you give a final message to the Cult readers?
Kitti: Come see Neko Neko Maid & Hostess Club at the next event!


If you're interested in learning more about Neko Neko Maid & Host Club, you can visit their site. On the site, you can find out when their next stop is as well as how to audition to be part of the group. I would like to thank Kitti and Miki for letting me hang out at their table and interviewing them!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It's good to see Neko Neko growing. The maids and hosts are great, and I commend them for creating a positive image for maids and hosts.