Tokyo Coffee Kojima - By adults enjoying seriously, we provide children with safety and motivation.

There is an activity called Tokyo Coffee where parents of children who have difficulty going to school or have chosen not to go gather together.

From the name, one might think it is a café in Tokyo, but that is not the case.

There are activity bases across the country, where they engage in various activities such as making miso, having bonfires outdoors, enjoying DIY projects, and farming.

What exactly is "Tokyo Coffee"?

We will introduce the purpose of the activity and the activity base in Kojima, Kurashiki City.

What is Tokyo Coffee

Tokyo Coffee was established by Yoshida Da Takashi, the representative of Atelier e.f.t located in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture.

It is an activity primarily conducted by parents and guardians of children who have difficulty going to school or have chosen not to attend.

Not school refusal, but refusal to attend school

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the number of children refusing to attend school in the 2022 fiscal year was approximately 240,000, the highest ever recorded. This marks the ninth consecutive year of increase since the 2012 fiscal year.

The increase in the number of children refusing to attend school since the 2020 fiscal year is about 50,000, far exceeding the increase of about 15,000 from the 2018 fiscal year to the 2019 fiscal year.

"The increasing number of children refusing to attend school is not a problem of the children, but rather because adults do not understand the voices of the children"

The activities of Tokyo Coffee began from a realization by the founder, Yoshida Da Takashi.

"Tokyo Coffee" is an anagram of "refusal to attend school."
In response to the approximately 410,000 children who are long-term absent from school nationwide,
we consider education from the perspective that "the problem is not the children's refusal to attend school, but the adults' lack of understanding."
It is a movement to update and change the education system that has homogenized children since the post-war period.

Official website of TOKYO COFFEE

The use of the term "refusal to attend school" in the origin of Tokyo Coffee reflects the intention to perceive school refusal as an SOS from children and to address it as an adult issue.

Characteristics of Tokyo Coffee

Tokyo Coffee aims to initiate a nationwide movement where adults update their values and thoughts to bring a new breeze to education.

Since the start of activities in August 2022, 261 locations have been established nationwide by organizers who agree with the purpose of the activities (as of June 2023, including locations under preparation).

Since the content and frequency of activities are entrusted to the organizers, each activity base has various characteristics.

However, there is one condition for the activities.

That is, the activities must be for the enjoyment of adults.

What happens when adults enjoy themselves?

From adult updates to educational updates - The world's most enjoyable revolution

For many in the generation that has always thought going to school is normal, the anxiety and worry that arise when a child does not attend school can be significant.

Even when facing their own child, they may find no way out or get stuck in discussions with the school.

For children, it can also become uncomfortable both at school and at home, leading to feelings of being cornered.

Hints to prevent both parents and children from retreating into a gloomy home can be found in unexpected places.

That is, "adults enjoying themselves."

When children see adults enjoying themselves, sometimes relaxing, or getting absorbed in activities, they become able to engage in activities on their own without anyone telling them to.

• Children spend their time freely there. Since it is a space for adult activities, children can do whatever they want. First, they can build confidence and motivation in a place where nothing is imposed on them.
• When children eventually want to do something on their own, we support that!
• Education is about not hindering children's growth!
  With "safety and confidence" and "motivation," they can learn from anything!

Official website of TOKYO COFFEE

When children are able to spend time freely in a safe environment, adults gain insights from observing them.

In a safe space with like-minded peers, they have the opportunity to reflect on their values regarding parenting and the nature of education while watching over the children.

While sincerely addressing the action of children's school refusal as an adult issue, it is essential for adults themselves to enjoy and evolve.

This activity, which aims to involve education as well, is expressed by Tokyo Coffee as the "world's most enjoyable revolution."

We spoke with Seita Yuka, an organizer active in Kojima, Kurashiki City, who supports Yoshida Da Takashi's call.

Tokyo Coffee No.80 Data from Kojima, Kurashiki City

Name	Tokyo Coffee No.80 Kojima, Kurashiki City
Date of Event	Approximately once a month Irregularly held Please check Instagram for activity information
Location	Kojima, Kurashiki City
Participation Fee (including tax)	Adults: 1,000 yen Children: 500 yen *Fees may change depending on the activity.
Website	Instagram tokyo_coffee_no.80

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