It is said that about 1 in 7 children under 18 living in Japan are in a state of not being able to eat enough rice.
Although Japan is considered an advanced country in the world, in reality, invisible poverty is spreading.
Children's cafeterias are initiatives that support nutritious meals for children in poverty.
Recently, the initiatives of children's cafeterias are spreading in Japan, but their recognition is still not high.
In fact, there is a company employee who established a children's cafeteria for local children in Soja City, separate from their main job.
Tetsuya Morikawa, who is from Soja City, established the children's cafeteria "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" for local children.
Not only to fill their stomachs but also to satisfy their hearts through events, he has been planning activities through the children's cafeteria.
Morikawa will introduce how he interacts with children through "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" and why he established the children's cafeteria.
What is Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu?
In November 2017, the children's cafeteria "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" was established in Soja City.
This section will introduce the background of "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" and the events it holds.
Overview of Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu
"Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" is a children's cafeteria held at Coop Soja Higashi.
It is held on the morning of the third or fourth Sunday of every month.
Children's cafeterias play an important role in supporting children's growth and serve as a crucial base for addressing child poverty and community interaction.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | Children's Cafeteria Support Project
The main activities in May 2023 included distribution of lunch boxes and daily necessities and free distribution of food items.
Additionally, as a unique initiative of "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu," a play area for children is also provided.
Before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, meal gatherings were held where participants enjoyed cooking with ingredients provided by supporters.
Moreover, children have enjoyed magic shows by local magicians, and events where they assembled cardboard beds with an international cooperation NGO to experience life in evacuation shelters during disasters, allowing them to learn while having fun.
The operating members are local adults who gathered in support of Representative Tetsuya Morikawa's vision.
High school students from Soja City also volunteer to assist with activities.
Background of Representative Tetsuya Morikawa
Tetsuya Morikawa, the representative of "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu," is from Soja City and currently lives in Okayama City.
His main job is in a clothing retail company located in Kurashiki City, where he is involved in general affairs and accounting.
He has continued his activities at three bases: community activities in Soja City, living in Okayama City, and work in Kurashiki City.
The idea to establish a children's cafeteria came to Morikawa when he turned 40 years old.
While raising children, Morikawa began to recognize the existence of children who are struggling to find food due to economic circumstances as a personal issue.
He thought about what he could do and came up with the idea of a children's cafeteria.
After that, with the help of the Soja City Social Welfare Council and various local committees, he established "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" a year later.
Since 2017, he has been planning the children's cafeteria every month without fail.
Participating in Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu
Children's cafeterias are expanding nationwide.
Among them, what kind of children's cafeteria is "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu," which is held on the second floor of Coop Soja Higashi?
Before Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu Starts
The author participated in the children's cafeteria held on May 28, 2023 (Sunday).
On that day, nine students from Soja Minami High School came as volunteers.
The high school students were responsible for layout of the venue and sorting and setting up support items, as well as assisting the nutrition committee in the kitchen.
The author joined the sorting group and had a meeting with Morikawa and the high school students.
During the hour before opening, our group efficiently prepared by arranging daily necessities and food items, and dividing 30 kg bags of rice into smaller bags with the help of the high school students.
In the adjacent group that was assisting with cooking, they were helping to prepare the lunch boxes to be served at the children's cafeteria under the guidance of local nutrition committee members.
Start of Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu
After 10 AM, participants began to gather.
At 10:30 AM, the reception started with the hanging of the "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" noren (shop curtain).
The highlight dish this time is chicken cutlet lunch box.
Since it is limited to 80 servings, numbered tickets are distributed.
With adults paying 100 yen and children free, a long line formed.
The lunch boxes will be ready by 11:30 AM, so there is some time to wait.
Until then, children are coloring and drawing, playing with the high school students.
It was heartwarming to see children happily chatting with the high school students.
Before the lunch box distribution begins, the first round of free distribution of food items and daily necessities takes place.
Since there are limits on the distributed items, they quickly ran out.
At 11:30 AM, lunch boxes are handed out in order of the numbered tickets.
The limited chicken cutlet lunch boxes sold out quickly.
Finally, the second round of free distribution of food items and daily necessities took place, and all events of the children's cafeteria concluded.
Participants' Situation
A total of 123 people participated in the event.
Among the participants was a mother holding a 10-month-old baby.
When asked, she said it was her first time participating.
She learned about "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" from a flyer brought home by her child who attends elementary school.
After the event of "Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu" concluded, I spoke with Representative Tetsuya Morikawa about the children's cafeteria.
Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu Data
| Name | Soja Shokudo Kuuneru Asobu |
|---|---|
| Date | Every month on an irregular Sunday From 11:30 AM |
| Location | 18-18 Soja 2-chome, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture, Soja Central Community Center, Soja Branch |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Homepage | Moriwaka Tetsuya |
