Japanese bar employs monkeys as waiters

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A Japanese bar is attracting attention from tourists due to the fame of its most popular waiters -- macaque monkeys.

A video filmed earlier in the summer at the Kayabuki bar in Utsunomiya shows the monkey, a 17-year-old macaque named Fuku-chan, fetching beverages and napkins for customers.

Kaoru Otsuka said his first pet monkey, Yacchan, was given to him by an acquaintance several years ago. He said he brought Yacchan into work with him and he realized the primate had untapped potential one day when he handed Yacchan a napkin and he carried it out to some customers.

Otsuka said Fuku-chan started emulating Yacchan at a young age and he soon had two monkey waiters.

The bar owner now has several baby monkeys that pose for photos with guests, but aren't yet trained in the fine art of serving.

"They are closer than my family," Otsuka said. "I hold them all day and sleep with them."

"Once I started taking care of them, I couldn't let go. They are just too cute," he said.