Interview with the staff of Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪
We spoke with Masaki Inoue, the representative of the general incorporated association Minna no Ouchi Haru House, which operates Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪, and staff member Michiko Inoue.
The day Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ was born
Can you tell us what prompted the start of Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪?
Inoue (no honorifics)
While I was working on learning support for families in need, I was asked to attend a meeting to start a children's cafeteria. We began preparations in January 2017, had a pre-opening in August, and officially started in September.
I had a desire to create a time like a family gathering with many people, regardless of blood relations. I also made an effort to ensure that all staff members could easily express their opinions, which may have been an early form of what we now call facilitation.
Facilitation means to smooth the dialogue between people and the flow of the situation, encouraging cooperation towards a goal.
Reflecting on 8 years of Misora♪
Do you have any memorable events from when you first started the children's cafeteria?
Inoue
Shortly after starting the children's cafeteria, I went out with my son to Tanematsuyama and met a mother with three small children. She looked very overwhelmed, so I offered to watch the children for a bit and played with them.
As we were leaving, I told her, "If you'd like, come to Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪," and later she contacted me after seeing it on Instagram, and she started coming regularly.
And just the other day, I unexpectedly reunited with her after 7 years. She had a larger family now and had remarried, and her happy smile made me feel joyful as well.
After 8 years since the establishment of the children's cafeteria, has anything changed?
Inoue
The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant turning point. At one point, we switched from dining to a food share meeting, but it was really challenging to return to providing meals.
Takeout alone does not create a "gathering." I realized that the time spent together is the essential core of Misora♪.
What we cherish is ordinary time that is not special
Does Misora♪ have any unique characteristics?
Michiko (no honorifics)
The biggest feature of Misora♪ is that it is more of a place of comfort for children and parents rather than a place of support.
After the meal, the children sometimes come over to the staff and seem to want to talk about something.
In the midst of trivial conversations, very important feelings can sometimes spill out. We cherish those seemingly insignificant moments and make an effort not to miss the small signs.
As needed, we also connect them with other support organizations and specialized facilities. However, more than that, we hope to be a place where people feel, "I can find some comfort here."
Forms of support born from connections
I heard that Misora♪ is working in collaboration with the community. Specifically, what kind of initiatives are you involved in?
Inoue
At Misora♪, we are working on building a network to watch over families in collaboration with local support organizations.
Previously, I was invited to a family support meeting by the social welfare council. We were already well acquainted with that family and had been communicating with the father via LINE. By feeling that our presence was necessary for the community, we have now started to build a support system together with Kurashiki City and the social welfare council.
Perhaps the children's cafeteria has the most detailed information and connections within the community. That is why I want to be a reliable presence that people can remember in times of need.
I want to connect with people who empathize with my feelings
I understand that you are recruiting staff and volunteers. What kind of people would you like to come?
Inoue
Above all, I want people who have the feeling of wanting to try to come. There is no need for special skills from the start. Being involved while learning together is a great strength for us.
The children's cafeteria is not just a place to serve meals; it is a very deep place. You can see the challenges faced by children and families and the connections within the community.
That is why I hope to work together with people who are interested in society and want to make the community better.
Never forget the feeling of enjoyment
Finally, is there anything you cherish in order to continue without strain?
Inoue
There are challenges, but I value the feeling of enjoying even those. Because we encounter unexpected events, there is a different drama each time, and that becomes the strength to continue.
On days when things don't go well, I try to find one thing that was good about today. I believe that such small accumulations of joy will help Misora♪ grow into a better place.
What I felt through volunteering
As a writer involved with Misora♪ as a volunteer, I have come to realize that a "children's cafeteria" is not just a place to prepare and serve meals.
The meals are merely a starting point; what is truly important is the presence of adults who quietly support. Both the children and parents show relieved expressions in response to casual conversations and small gestures of care.
I realized that such small interactions can become a source of support for someone's heart.
"I believe that improving existing places is more beneficial to society than starting something new."
Those words from a staff member still resonate in my heart.
If you are interested in children's cafeterias, visiting a nearby one that is ongoing might be a good way to start. A small step can surely lead to someone's comfort and hope.
Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ is held on the third Saturday of every month.
If you are interested, please consider visiting once.
Data on Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪
| Name | Mizushima Children's Cafeteria Misora♪ |
|---|---|
| Date | Third Saturday of every month, 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 |
