TOKYO — As Japan’s restaurant industry grapples with a serious shortage of labor, the local affiliate of a trendy international tea brand that originated in Taiwan stands as a sharp — and colorful — exception. Gong Cha Japan aims to offer a fun and vibrant workplace, luring part-time staff in their teens and twenties to serve up everything from bubble tea to bright, fruity drinks.
Unlike many Japanese eateries, Gong Cha encourages staff to chip in with ideas for new products and allows them to dye their hair any color — with some employees matching the shade of their hairstyle with their favorite beverage.
