Capture the Magic: The Joy of the Cheki
Why are these tiny photos worth more than a thousand words? Because within each Cheki lies a cherished memory — a moment wrapped in joy, shared with your Maid, lovingly decorated with adorable flair, and captured forever in a frame no bigger than your palm.
When you step into a Maid Cafe, Concept Cafe, or Girls Bar in Akihabara, you’re not just buying food or drinks—you’re entering a world of playful connection and heartwarming experiences. And one of the most beloved ways to preserve those memories is through something small, cute, and powerful: the Cheki.
A Cheki is a Polaroid-style instant photo, usually taken with your favorite Maid, or sometimes just of her. It’s more than just a picture—it's a snapshot of a feeling.
You’ll often see guests proudly displaying their Cheki albums, each one filled with tiny windows into unforgettable moments. From your very first visit to special events or birthdays, the Cheki becomes a personal time capsule—decorated, signed, and transformed into a one-of-a-kind treasure.
But how much do they cost? How do you ask for one? And why do people collect them with such dedication?
Cafe Style
Concept Cafe, Girls Bar, Maid Cafe
Visiting Level
First Few Times
Regular Status
Helps Immediately
Unlock the Full Article: A Step-by-Step Guide to Chekis and your Maid
Capture and keep the fun times with your favorite maid in a cute, colorfully decorated cheki. Let's take a look at how to make a Cheki that will not just be a souvenir, but a treasured, irreplaceable memory!
After you’ve savored your meal and shared laughs with your Maid, you can ask for a cheki — a special instant photo that captures the fun and charm of your visit. Here’s the typical flow of this memorable experience:
1. Choose your Maid, Together or Solo
Choose who you want (which Maid). Then decide if you want a photo with your Maid, or a solo shot of her. Both options are cute and make for perfect keepsakes.
2. Choose the Pose
Get ready to strike a pose! Your Maid will often suggest something cute or iconic — maybe heart-shaped hands, peace signs, or cat pose.
3. Snap the Cheki
With a mini Polaroid-style camera, your Maid instantly prints the photo right in front of you. There’s something truly special about watching your memory develop in real time.
4. Your Maid Decorates
Next comes the fun part: your Maid uses colorful pens, stickers, and stamps to decorate the Cheki. She might add hearts, your name, a sweet message, or cute drawings that make the photo uniquely yours.
Typical Cost
Chekis usually cost between 1,000 to 3,000 yen depending on the cafe or event, with some places offering sets that come with a Cheki.
Why Chekis Are More Than Just Photos
For many visitors, Chekis become like mini journals documenting their emotional journey through Japan’s Maid Cafes, Concept Cafes, or Girls Bars and for others they become a collection of memories with their favorite Maids. A Cheki from your very first visit, a birthday celebration, or a heartfelt farewell can instantly bring back vivid memories and warm feelings.
Handy Japanese Phrases for Ordering a Cheki
「チャッキーお願いします？」 (Cheki onegaishimasu?) — “Can I please have a Cheki?” / “Can I please get a Cheki?”
「一緒に撮ってもいいですか？」 (Issho ni totte mo ii desu ka?) — “Can we take a picture together?”
ツーショットいいですか？(Tsūshotto ii desu ka?) — “Can we take a two-shot photo?” / “Can we take a picture together?” (This is a more casual way to say it and some cafes have it written this way on the menu)
「ソロチェキいいですか？」 (Soro Cheki ii desu ka?) — “Is a solo Cheki okay?” / “Can I get a solo Cheki?”
Please note: Some cafes only allow solo Cheki (of just the maid), while others only allow two-shot photos.
Final Thought
As you leave the cafe and say “See you again” to your Maid, you carry something far more valuable than a photo. You carry a Cheki—a one-of-a-kind memory full of heart, magic, and joy.