A hole-in-the-wall cafe in China that delivers coffee via a "bear claw" has been deemed a success.
Hinichijou coffee shop in Shanghai’s downtown Xuhui District is set to expand across the country with another 100 stores, after the first branch caused a social media storm.
Customers at the unassuming shop on Yongkang Road can place their order via a QR code hanging on the wall under an uneven hole. There are no seats or tables, and all drinks on the menu cost 20 yuan ($3).
A few minutes later, a furry bear claw appears from the hole and hands over the order. Customers can interact with the paw while they are waiting, which often waves, pats customers on the head or hands out surprises.
And now, many more people across China will get to experience the "bear paw cafe", as it's called locally, as the owners have revealed major expansion plans.
Hinichijou – which is a Japanese expression that loosely translates to "extraordinary" – has built up something of a loyal customer base since it opened, and not just because of its quirky bear-clawed delivery method.
It's also winning customers because of the baristas wearing the paws.
Having launched on December 3, 2020 to coincide with the annual International Day of People With Disabilities, the cafe strives to provide employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
The brand started out with two hearing-impaired baristas who were hired through the China Disabled Persons’ Federation. The federation encourages people with disabilities to improve their vocational skills, and provides training.
The manager at the original cafe is Chen Yingying, who was champion of coffee brewing at the 2019 National Professional Competition for People with Disabilities.
The cafe has also received some criticism for its unusual set-up. Some social media users commented that "hiding people with disabilities behind a wall is probably not the best message".
Others replied suggesting that "the wall made them feel comfortable without directly facing customers".
Despite the controversy, as Hinichijou expands its presence across China, the focus will remain the same: with plans for more than half of all the new positions reserved for those with disabilities.
Since it first opened, Hinichijou has added outlets in Shanghai and in Hangzhou, Nanjing and Wuhan. Now, the company looks forward to a bigger presence across China with more socially distanced stores in the pipeline.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Du Football Champions
The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
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PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
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Results
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RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Match info
Who: India v Afghanistan
What: One-off Test match, Bengaluru
When: June 14 to 18
TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD, 8am starts
Online: OSN Play (subscribers only)
Titan Sports Academy:
Programmes: Judo, wrestling, kick-boxing, muay thai, taekwondo and various summer camps
Location: Inside Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: 971 50 220 0326
Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world
New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.
The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.
Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.
“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.
"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
