Internet cafes are experiencing a resurgence in Asia.

In the digital age, the internet cafe model, which was thought to be fading into oblivion, has recently made a strong comeback in some Asian countries such as China and Japan, providing affordable entertainment and relaxation spaces for users.

Users play games at an internet cafe in Beijing, China. (Source: VCG)

From internet cafes in China...

The Sixth Tone news site cites data from According to the Chinese government's portal, by the end of 2025, the country will have 1.125 billion internet users, with a penetration rate of 80.1%. In 2025, the number of internet cafes is projected to increase by 12.7%, reaching 122,600 establishments; total industry revenue is expected to exceed 101.7 billion CNY (approximately 14.8 billion USD). The resurgence of internet cafes is believed to stem not from a lack of connectivity, but from the demand for a physical space for entertainment, networking, and the use of high-performance network equipment by the hour.

As consumers become more cautious about large expenditures on equipment, this is a cost-effective yet worthwhile entertainment option. Instead of spending 8,000 to 9,000 RMB on a high-performance computer, many people can pay just a few RMB per hour to use similar equipment.

Beyond just providing internet services, internet cafes in China also integrate convenience stores, offering drinks, fast food, hot meals, and even buffets. Mr. Bai, the owner of an internet cafe in Hunan province, stated that revenue from food and beverages accounts for approximately 40% of total revenue in urban areas and can reach up to 60% in rural districts.

To attract more customers, many internet cafes are not only offering additional amenities but also investing heavily in continuously upgrading their computer configurations. According to data from the Internet Access Services Association of China (IASAC), by 2025, more than 59% of internet cafes will be equipped with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPUs, while more than 29% will use Intel Core i7 processors or higher.

The model of esports hotels and guesthouses, combining high-performance computing services with overnight accommodation, is booming. By 2025, China is expected to have 29,500 such hotels, an 8.86% increase from the previous year and nearly double the number in 2021.

...to the Kissa manga model in Japan

The manga kissa model gradually expanded, adding internet access, private rooms, drinks, showers, and overnight stays, attracting a large number of customers of all ages. (Source: The Japan Times)

While internet cafes in China revived thanks to games, modern equipment, and low costs, this model in Japan developed in a more private and convenient direction. Starting as cafes for manga readers, the manga kissa model gradually expanded, adding internet access, private rooms, drinks, showers, and overnight accommodation, attracting a large number of customers of all ages.

With their low cost and numerous amenities, manga kissa cafes are becoming increasingly popular not only with domestic customers but also with international tourists, being featured in advertisements and travel guides in Japan. According to the travel information platform Japan Travel, many manga kissa cafes even offer reclining chairs, private rooms with locks, bars, and restrooms, making them suitable for tourists, business travelers, or those who missed their last train.

According to social experts, the development of this model is linked to the high cost of living in urban areas and the strong recovery of Japan's tourism industry. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization, in 2025, the country welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors. As a result, flexible, low-cost accommodation models such as manga kissa (manga-style cafes) and internet cafes continue to be attractive and thrive in major cities.

Adapt and transform.

People play games at the Wangyu internet cafe in Shanghai, China. (Source: VCG)

Despite achieving promising growth, the internet cafe model is still facing many pressures, especially price competition. According to Mr. Bai, before the pandemic, a new store could break even after one to two years, but now even acquiring a used location at a low price requires two to two and a half years.

Pressure is mounting on many internet cafes in China to expand their revenue streams. Relying solely on computer rentals makes it difficult to break even due to limited seating capacity and operating hours. Therefore, offering food, drinks, private rooms, supplementary services, esports tournaments, and partnerships with game developers are becoming new avenues for growth.

According to the news site Sixth Tone , Several Tencent games, such as League of Legends and Valorant, have launched exclusive promotions at internet cafes, with over 40,000 cafes registering to participate in 2024.

In Japan, according to The Japan Times , many internet cafes have become co-working spaces for the digitally connected generation, amid the growing demand for remote work after the pandemic. According to AFP , internet cafes and manga kissa (a type of online cafe) that operate 24/7 can offer overnight accommodation for around 2,000 yen per night and provide temporary housing for approximately 4,000 people in Tokyo.

Emerging from the past, internet cafes are gradually becoming a flexible service, catering to diverse needs, where users are willing to pay for a seat, convenient equipment, or simply to find privacy for a short period of time.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/mo-hinh-ca-phe-internet-hoi-sinh-tai-chau-a-392993.html