A mother and daughter duo who runs a maid cafe together in Japan has gone viral after the woman revealed she gave birth at the age of 14.
A video about their relationship has attracted more than 12 million views.
The pair co-own a maid-themed cafe, which brought the daughter’s dream to life.
Yuka, 37, told the Japanese media outlet Oricon News that she and her 23-year-old daughter share such a close bond that it feels like they are best friends, despite the tough start when her daughter was born.
Yuka said that due to her irregular periods, she did not realise she was pregnant at 13 until her belly began to grow, prompting her to confirm it with a test.
“I did not know what to do. I felt anxious every morning,” she said.
At the time, during a rebellious phase, Yuka kept the news from her parents and only told a close friend.
She wore loose clothing to conceal her growing belly and often used tutoring as an excuse to avoid her family.
Yuka said: “I have always been optimistic, believing there is always a way to solve things.”
When her parents found out, they were shocked and took her for prenatal check-ups. She gave birth to her daughter at the age of 14.
“No matter my age, my love for my child never changed from the moment I became a mother,” she said.
In 2023, Japan raised the age of consent from 13 to 16 as part of sex crime law reforms.
Japanese law mandates a prison sentence of over five years for any sexual activity with someone under 13, even with consent.
Yuka has not revealed any details about her child’s father.
With the support of her parents and relatives, she finished secondary school. After graduation, she worked part-time at a beauty salon while attending beauty school.
At 19, Yuka used her savings and financial support from her parents to open a hair salon while raising her child.
Yuka told the Japanese media that throughout child-rearing, she focused heavily on communication with her daughter.
“Do not just get angry with your child, educate them. Always try to see things from their perspective,” she said.
Yuka also described her daughter as both her best friend and sister.
“Thanks to my daughter, I get to enjoy beauty, trends and fashion together,” she added.
After her daughter graduated from secondary school, the duo co-opened a maid-themed cafe to fulfil her daughter’s dream.
Maid cafes, originating from Japan’s anime and gaming culture in the early 2000s, feature waitresses in Victorian-style maid outfits who provide emotional support, with no physical contact allowed.
Though Yuka has not revealed how well their cafe is doing, she said the business experience has strengthened their bond.
“My daughter now works in the family business, and I have returned to being a housewife, supporting her from behind as a mother,” she added.
Their story has caused a buzz on social media.
One online observer said: “Yuka became a mother while still a child herself. Even with family support, she must have faced unimaginable physical and emotional pain.”
“I really admire this young mother. She took on the responsibility on her own and has cared for her daughter very well,” said another.
However, another said: “We should not romanticise teenage motherhood. Yuka’s experience highlights the need for stronger protection mechanisms for minors.” -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
