[Certified NPO Atchi Kocchi] “Children’s Cafeteria and Art
Experience,” where children can enjoy learning about various art fields with professional artists at children’s cafeterias in Kotobuki-cho and Mugita-cho, Yokohama, will celebrate its 5th anniversary in September 2025!
Certified NPO Atchi Kocchi Press release: September 11, 2025 [Providing freshly prepared meals and
high-quality art experiences for children] The “Children’s Cafeteria and Art Experience” will celebrate its 5th anniversary in September 2025, where children can enjoy learning about various art forms with professional artists at children’s cafeterias in Kotobuki-cho and Mugita-cho, Yokohama! To bring smiles to children’s faces through food and art – Aiming to be a place where they can enjoy art and food in peace
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-57672dd3d02e66c929b4b8a10f913c70-1076×1521.jpg “Children’s Cafeteria and Art Experience” 5th Anniversary
Commemorative Flyer
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-6a66d8d63d2bb2f77f5a8111420bd531-3900×2925.jpg Children peeking into the harpsichord
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-da87b742785cc6e53ff59bc9d56c72b6-3900×2194.jpg Mealtime with instruments made during the art experience What are children’s cafeterias and art experiences? We offer a program where you can experience both music and food in one space. Each session is taught by one or two professional artists active both in Japan and abroad in the fields of music, art, dance, etc., with a monthly rotation. The program is enjoyable for parents and children, and is characterized by the opportunity to interact directly with the artists and experience their artistic expressions up close.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-9b5bc252fb95d19a518c1de7966f3e05-2048×1536.jpg My first string instrument and my first ensemble performance Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-231fe222054f86cf6437e22077779d3f-960×720.jpg With my dance teacher Purpose, Motivation, and Background With the goal of eliminating disparities in children’s experiences, we provide a place where children of all backgrounds can enjoy both authentic art experiences taught by professionals and delicious home-cooked meals. The event is held in the flophouse district of Kotobukicho in Yokohama’s Naka Ward and its surrounding area. The direct impetus for launching the project came from the Kotobukicho Health and Welfare Exchange Center, which opened in 2019, asking us, a local arts organization, to cooperate in encouraging multi-generational use, increasing traffic to Kotobukicho, and improving the neighborhood’s image. There are several childcare facilities and elementary schools in the area. The director of the nursery school told us that many families have parents who work late into the night, leaving them with no time to provide opportunities for their children to experience the arts. She also expressed concern about whether children are getting nutritious meals, depending on their home environment. By hosting events for parents and children that combine the appeal of art and food, we are responding to requests from the local community and creating a fun, educational and relaxing space for children and their parents. Three Key Points At our children’s cafeteria and art experiences, we value three things: 1. Parents and children can enjoy authentic art experiences in a variety of fields, 2. Collaboration with various local organizations, 3. Content that reflects the seasons. The first goal, allowing parents and children to enjoy authentic art experiences in a variety of fields, goes beyond simply listening to artists’ performances at concerts and other events. Instead, we have incorporated a system that allows children to participate and experience art for themselves. For example, in music classes, children sing accompanied by an artist, and in art classes, children create their own original works with the support of an artist. Parents can then enjoy their children’s songs and creations.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-a1081c616fc841fb17eed5f22e96ef66-2048×1073.jpg Secondly, to collaborate with various local organizations, the “Chicken Group,” formed primarily by young people from the Rainbow Field Club, a relaxed agricultural support group for people and their families struggling with mental illness or life challenges, is responsible for everything from planning the meal menu to cooking.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-92d4e1306f1253d63e830e79041d7eba-1434×1140.jpg Chicken Group Members In addition, the tableware used is made from thinned wood and provided by the NPO Yufu, which is working to combat waste. This reduces the amount of plastic used at the event and provides an opportunity for children to learn about environmental issues.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-af58b01706756ecfb2bf7eb37a8f05c9-1108×1477.jpg Serving on Japanese tableware provided by NPO Yufu The third point, a strong sense of the seasons, is important in both art experiences and dining. For each month, a theme that reflects the season is decided, and both the artist in charge and the “Chicken Group” plan the program and meal menu. For example, for the
“Children’s Cafeteria and Art Experience” held in March, the program will include singing spring songs accompanied by music from artists, and the meal will include chirashi sushi with plenty of spring vegetables.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-c35c7f1ed30fb2384723bd9902f1e1e3-1108×1000.jpg Hinamatsuri Seasonal Art Experience
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-566c9fc8a787ee00b75507c6a897b12d-1478×1108.jpg The seasonal meal for Hinamatsuri is chirashi sushi. Participants’ comments Children commented, “This is the first time I’ve seen dancers up close! I was moved by their power and sound,” “Thank you for the delicious food,” and “I loved the chicken soup,” showing that they were enjoying both the art experience and the children’s cafeteria.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-9aa9960411daa2339f95239c47add30d-2048×1536.jpg Menu tailored to children’s requests Parents have also expressed high satisfaction and sympathy, with many sayings such as, “The music you played was wonderful! It was also great that my child got to play with these precious instruments,” “The food was delicious, and the way you cut it really showed your passion for teaching,” and “I was moved by your belief in children’s sensibilities and your continued commitment to treating culture, food, and the important things about humanity as one.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-a07bfb836b753208c56d12899f13ccc0-1536×2048.jpg Violin Playing Experience [Our thoughts on children’s cafeterias and art experiences] ★From Yuma Aoki, Project Manager and Registered Pianist
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-f065df3042a0c7c6fc7fd5b25ce2a311-966×1108.jpg ~If we could bring the experience of art to as many children as possible~ These days, there’s been a lot of talk about the disparity in experiences children have. If children could listen to live music at their usual children’s cafeteria or enjoy a delicious meal with a professional artist, it would change their sensibilities. Even for a short time, this activity has the effect of expanding children’s dreams and bringing smiles to their faces. Furthermore, the
“Children’s Cafeteria and Art Experience,” which combines the appeal of food and art, places emphasis on community interaction. In order to allow as many people as possible to experience the appeal of this activity, we would like to send artists, using our know-how to existing children’s cafeterias across the country. Please support us, even if it’s just a small amount, for the sake of the children who will be the cultural leaders of the future! ★The Commitment of the “Chicken Group” Cooking Staff ~An initiative to help children eat vegetables they previously disliked~ At Niwatori Gumi, we not only provide warm meals, but we also pay particular attention to the cooking method and concept of our meal menus. To make vegetables children dislike, we cut them into bite-sized pieces and carefully consider cooking times to preserve the texture of the ingredients, ensuring that the food is delicious for children. We also create seasonal menus and menus linked to art experiences, and use safe ingredients, such as organic vegetables grown locally in Yokohama, to provide delicious meals that both children and adults can enjoy every time.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-836eebb59934afe9102dec3aa6afe733-1478×1108.jpg Setsubun Seasonal Meals
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/137656/6/137656-6-cdb97a6e054e4197a5160c59ca71da9f-640×480.jpg Cooking situation Supporting Children’s Futures – To Continue Our Activities – The Children’s Cafeteria and Art Experience continue to provide children with free art experiences and delicious meals. To continue this work, we need your support. A donation of 3,000 yen will provide a delicious meal for approximately 10 people. A donation of 5,000 yen will fund a mini concert for children at a nearby daycare center. A donation of 10,000 yen will provide delicious meals for approximately 30 people, A donation of 30,000 yen will provide approximately 50 children with a fun and exciting art experience created by professional artists. To support us, click here We appreciate your support. [Children’s Cafeteria and Art Experience] Held once a month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Children junior high school students and younger eat free, and adults pay 500 yen per meal. *Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kotobukicho Branch: Yokohama Kotobukicho Health and Welfare Community Center, Multipurpose Room Mugitacho Branch: Yokohama Mugita Regional Care Plaza, Multipurpose Hall For applications and inquiries, please contact Certified NPO Acchicocchi at info@acchicocchi.com Image
URL: Contact Us Acchicocchi, Certified NPO Address: 61-5 Nishitakenomaru, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, 231-0852 Established: August 21, 2013 (Private organization established August 1, 2011) Business: Social contribution through the arts Official website:
https://acchicocchi.com/ Contact: TEL: 090-1261-1308 Fax: 045-663-9069