"Kenpuku Cafeteria" and "Childcare Fair" to be held in fiscal year 2026.
A place of coexistence where the community and students connect through food and play.
Main content
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the "2026 Kenpuku Cafeteria" and "Childcare Fair" were held at J. F. Oberlin University Machida Campus (in front of the Sarenberger Hall, Science Museum, and Ibukando). On the day, more than 290 people, including local residents, attended, fostering a warm circle of exchange. The "Kenpuku Cafeteria" is held with the aim of deepening exchanges between students and local residents, opening up the university's human and material resources to the local community, and contributing to the realization of a symbiotic society.
This year, the theme was "Creating a cycle of activities that continue to connect with the community." While gathering warm meals, we valued perspectives such as "children," "disabilities," and "exercise," which are the core of College of Health and Welfare learning, and provided a space where people could naturally interact across generations and positions. Through play, physical activities, and workshops, we aimed to create a cycle where connections between people expand into the next generation.
On the day of the event, 13 diverse groups participated, including a children's cafeteria run by a student organizing committee (serving pork miso soup and rice ball making). A variety of programs were offered that everyone, from children to adults, could enjoy, such as universal sports, street art experiences, traditional craft workshops, mini 4WD racing, and music and dance performances.
Also, on the day, Mayor Koji Inagaki of Machida City attended and said, "We are very pleased to hold a Events where many people from the local community gather. People from various backgrounds live in Machida City. We hope this Events will serve as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding among people living in the community." He shared these thoughts.
Executive Committee Chairperson's Comment
Takuichi Negishi (College of Health and Welfare, 4th year, Social Welfare Studies)
As the executive committee chair, I was able to see student staff actively engaging with the children and applying what they learned in university lectures in real-world settings. I also saw students gaining new perspectives and insights through casual conversations and interactions with the children. I felt that the Kenpuku Cafeteria is not only a fun place for the children but also a place that leads to learning and growth for the students.
Through interacting with local residents, I realized the importance of a 'community place' where everyone, from children to adults, can easily gather. I learned that to create such a place, it's important not only to hold Events but also to build relationships that allow people to see face-to-face with them on a daily basis.
Thanks to the support of the participating local communities, participating organizations, and the organizing staff, we were able to conclude safely. Thank you very much.
Through interacting with local residents, I realized the importance of a 'community place' where everyone, from children to adults, can easily gather. I learned that to create such a place, it's important not only to hold Events but also to build relationships that allow people to see face-to-face with them on a daily basis.
Thanks to the support of the participating local communities, participating organizations, and the organizing staff, we were able to conclude safely. Thank you very much.
List of participating organizations (in no particular order)
- Children's cafeteria (student committee): Making pork miso soup and rice balls
- Moshikameya, a Type B employment support facility: Selling traditional Japanese sweets and performing kendama (cup-and-ball game) shows.
- Machida City Unicurl Association: Unicurl Experience (Promotion of Universal Sports)
- Art Studio "Face of Wonder": Street Art Experience
- I am me (fieldwork location): Yakisoba sold by a shop owner with Down syndrome
- International Exchange Support Organization BPS: Traditional Crafts Workshop in Ukraine
- Machida Welfare Center Mizuki Welfare Association: Mini 4WD Experience
- Machida Orchestra: Chorus for Everyone
- Eisa Club (student group): Eisa dance performance, group performance
- SAKURA BLOOMS: A workshop to listen to children's voices
- Grassroots International Understanding Education: A Traveling Museum of Play Around the World
- Dance Club ODC: Dance Workshop "Let's Dance Together"
Our university will continue its efforts toward community exchange and the realization of a harmonious society through learning. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and to all the organizations that cooperated with us.
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