Interview with Miyoshi, representative of Konohitokan, and designer Nishimori
We spoke with Chihiro Miyoshi, representative of the Konohitokan General Incorporated Association, and designer Sonono Nishimori about the thoughts behind creating the teaching materials.
The canned food and teaching materials were a package deal
What inspired you to create the teaching materials?
Miyoshi (titles omitted)
Actually, even before establishing Konohitokan, I had been thinking that I wanted to create the canned food and teaching materials as a set. How could we help each person take Konohitokan’s story to heart as something that concerns them personally?
As I thought about it, I felt that through the teaching materials, we could teach children not only about food waste and poverty, but also the sentiment, “If someone is in trouble, let’s reach out to them.”
How did you feel when you heard about the teaching materials?
Nishimori (titles omitted)
Ever since I heard about Konohitokan from Miyoshi in 2020, I felt there was a story in the activities themselves, and I took notes.
We had talked about how it would be nice to turn that into a sugoroku board game someday, so when the opportunity to create these teaching materials came up, I was moved and thought, “The time has come.” It felt as if everything had come together naturally, almost mysteriously.
Cards for exchanging everyday words
Was there anything you were particularly particular about in the sugoroku game?
Nishimori
There’s a part of the sugoroku game where players draw cards, and I wanted to make sure the cards included things like exchanging words with the person next to you or giving them a high-five. Especially now, when relationships between people can easily become distant, I wanted to value communication that lets you feel someone’s warmth.
I also included things like, “Do you say ‘thank you,’ ‘good morning,’ ‘good night,’ and ‘itadakimasu’ properly?” They may seem like small things, but I wanted to emphasize those everyday words, too.
Changes that emerged in the children
Is there anything that left an impression on you when you saw the materials being used in class?
Miyoshi
Some children found it difficult to speak up during class, but when writing letters, they could express themselves in their own words. They read messages from the companies supporting them and wrote “thank you” and about their dreams.
I realized that some children may find it difficult to speak their thoughts aloud, but can express them through writing.
Nishimori
Seeing the children give each other high-fives as they played the sugoroku game made me think, I’m glad we did this. In my usual design work, I rarely get the chance to see children using something I’ve made, so I was really happy.
Bringing learning with no right answers to children
Finally, what would you like to tell the children?
Miyoshi
These teaching materials aren’t meant to teach right or wrong answers.
I hope they’ll ask themselves how they feel right now and really listen to their inner voice. I’d be happy if, along the way, they realize that “I might be able to do something, too” and take action.
Nishimori
I want them to value the feeling of finding something interesting or being curious about something. I think feelings of excitement or restlessness are actually really important, so I hope they’ll remember those feelings.
From the Writer
The desire to create teaching materials, which had been nurtured since before Konohitokan was established, has finally taken shape through the efforts of many people. The activities that began with delivering canned food have, through the teaching materials, led to creating opportunities for children to think about social issues as matters that concern them personally.
In 2026, this initiative is set to develop further as drill-style teaching materials. We look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Konohitokan General Incorporated Association details
| Organization name | Konohitokan General Incorporated Association |
|---|---|
| Representative | Chihiro Miyoshi |
| Established | June 10, 2022 |
| Address | 1240-3 Sasaoki, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Website | Konohitokan General Incorporated Association |
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