Now, there are over 10,000 "children's cafeterias" across the country.
Depending on the region, their forms and purposes vary slightly, but they are all places born from the desire to "do something for someone."
In Mizushima, Kurashiki City, "Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪" started eight years ago.
It is a place where local people and children can casually gather and spend a relaxing time.
What is the role as a place that Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ values, and what kind of warm connections arise from it?
I, as a volunteer, will share what I felt on-site.
What is Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪
Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ (hereinafter referred to as "Misora♪") started in August 2017.
The person involved in its establishment is Minna no Ouchi Haru House representative Inoue Masaki. Since its inception, it has been a beloved place in the Mizushima shopping district where local people and children living nearby can casually drop by and gather for meals in a safe environment.
However, in March 2020, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, events where everyone could eat together were temporarily suspended. During that time, Inoue-san extended a helping hand to those in need through a food sharing meeting, delivering food collected from individuals and companies to families in need.
Then, after starting takeout services at Minna no Ouchi Haru House, it gradually changed form, and in June 2023, the cafeteria Misora♪ finally restarted its communal meals.
A Day at Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪
Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ is held on the third Saturday of every month at the Mizushima District Community Center.
I participated in Misora♪ on July 19, 2025, so let me introduce what it was like.
Today's mood is XX points. The classic morning meeting at Misora♪
At 9:20 AM, staff and volunteers began to gather one after another, and the meeting started.
At Misora♪, everyone introduces themselves first.
During this, it is customary to announce "What is your current mood or health on a scale of 10?" This interaction helps ease the tension of first-time high school and university students.
On this day, there were also parents and children helping out, creating a friendly atmosphere.
As the staff explains the menu, everyone confirms their roles and heads to their respective stations.
Finally, the day at Misora♪ begins to unfold.
Interaction begins with preparation at Misora♪
Today's menu includes pork bowl with plenty of vegetables, egg and seaweed clear soup, and ice cream sandwich with castella.
People cutting vegetables, people cracking eggs, people seasoning pork.
Each person naturally divides into tasks they want to try!
Before long, the children also began to gather one after another and joined in the preparations.
Even children who don't often help with cooking at home were encouraged by the staff with comments like "Great!" and "Amazing!" and showed happy smiles.
Though their hands gripping the knives were a bit tense, they were completely serious.
Everyone smiles and says "Itadakimasu"
As lunchtime approached, the delicious smell of meat spread throughout the venue.
Staff, volunteers, and children worked together to bring the finished dishes to the table.
There were 50 participants that day.
People of all ages gathered, from the elderly to a three-month-old baby. It felt like a warm atmosphere, as if a large family had come together.
“Itadakimasu!”
With the cheerful voices of elementary school students as a signal, the delicious time began.
Since summer vacation had just begun, it seemed that there were more children than usual. They were being taught homework by high school brothers and getting excited over board games.
The venue was filled with lively and cheerful voices.
A warm comfort that reaches even first-timers
After the meal, it was free time.
The children played as they pleased, while the parents enjoyed chatting or consulting with the staff, each spending their time as they liked.
On this day, a mother who visited Misora♪ for the first time brought her two-year-old and fifth-grade child. "I didn't know there was such a place nearby. I'm very grateful," she said with a slightly relieved smile.
As they were leaving, they were also handed snacks and gifts provided by supporting companies and individuals.
Adults received rice and daily necessities, while children received sweets, and many were seen peering into their bags with surprise, saying, "Can we get this much?"
Amidst the many "thank yous" and smiles exchanged, it becomes clear that this place is not just a meal gathering, but a safe space where someone is there for you.
I spoke with the staff running Misora♪ about how it started and the thoughts behind its continuation.
Data on Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪
| Name | Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | Every third Saturday of the month, from 10 AM to 2 PM |
| Location | 8 Kitakasuga-cho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 300 yen for adults, free for children |
| Website | Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ Instagram |
