Pitch-dark Restaurant?!

I was reading the Sunday edition of Nikkei Marketing Journal (newspaper though), and saw an interesting article. The "Kurayami Shokudo" ('Pitch-dark Restaurant') is becoming popular among hip urbanites of Japan.

For 3 days once per season, an event company in conjunction with Hakuhodo (2nd largest ad agency in Japan) hosts a reservation-only-crowd to offer Kaiseki (Japanese traditional dishes). Only 40 persons are allowed to per day at a cost of 10,000 JPY (=100 USD).

The aim of the event is to enjoy the meal at its best without relying on eyesight; in this manner, according to both host and participants, one can truly enjoy the genuine taste of the food.

To achieve Pitch-darkness, participants are required to wear eye masks and groups coming together are seated separately.

In other words, you sit with a bunch of strangers in total darkness; what a bizarre concept for a restaurant, right?

However, you are welcome to converse with those around you. Hence, you get to 'meet' your fellow participants during a 2-hour meal and sight-less conversation; this must be a funny feeling.

The event has become popular through the word-of-mouth, though I personally prefer good food and talk with my eyes open...