When you walk into the Magnetic Café, you never know who will greet you.

It might be a French maid, schoolgirl, sailor, princess or even a police officer.

A common sight in Tokyo, Japan's cosplay (short for costume play) has found its way to Richmond.

The idea of waitresses dressed in themed costumes is all the rage in restaurants and cafes across Asia.

"We are adding another element to the whole dining experience," says Magnetic Café's owner Angela Chang. "In Asia, especially Japan, the cute schoolgirl and the French maid are very popular outfits with customers."

But don't expect a Hooters' style dress, said manager Don Lui.

"It's nothing close to Hooters (servers in the sports bar chain wear tight T-shirts and short shorts)," Lui said. "Some people may find it controversial or demeaning, but it is far from that. It's no different than other uniforms, except that here we change the theme weekly.

"We want to keep it tasteful as we don't want to attract the wrong crowd."

Chang, mother of three-year-old son Devin, was a former bartender and stay-at-home mom when the opportunity to take over the Gogo Tea Café on McKim Way presented itself.

An immigrant from Taiwan, Chang was used to theme-style restaurants.

"It has a real following in Asia," she said. "There are no other restaurants in Vancouver who do this."

The young businesswoman took over the 110-seat eatery on June 15th and went about revamping the menu -- adding some new dishes and expanding the drink offerings -- and hiring another chef.

"We now offer Thai, Japanese and Korean cuisine," added Lui.

Although the former owner was responsible for the idea of cosplay, Chang got rid of the former costumes and went for more demure styles.

Chang said she has ordered more uniforms. Customers will soon see servers clad as nurses and flight attendants.

"We want to keep it very respectable and tasteful," she said.

All three servers, who look as if they are teenagers but are in their 20s, speak little English. Nevertheless, they say they have no problems dressing up in costumes.

"I really like the pretty dresses and the different styles," said Shirley Xu, who worked for the previous owner as well. "My favourite is the princess outfit."

CK Li, who is from Mainland China, prefers donning the policewoman uniform.

Vicky Gao is familiar with the cosplay idea, having seen it often in Taipei eateries.

"I like the whole idea as I am interested in costume design and hope to one day be a fashion designer," said Gao.