Wednesday, September 3, 2025
- 1 "Let's all talk, Mom and Dad Cafe" held
- 1.1 The theme was "What's great about education and child-rearing in Hokuryu Town! It would be even better if it were like this!"
- 1.2 "Each and every one of you plays a key role in town development."
- 1.3 A town development project that will lead to the town's future
- 1.4 A workshop where everyone can talk
- 1.5 Discussion in four groups
- 2 Youtube Video
- 3 More Photos
- 4 Related Articles
"Let's all talk, Mom and Dad Cafe" held
On both Thursday, August 28th and Saturday, August 30th, the Hokuryu Town Board of Education hosted the "Let's All Talk: Mom and Dad Cafe" in the large hall on the second floor of the Hokuryu Town Community Center.
The theme was "What's great about education and child-rearing in Hokuryu Town! It would be even better if it were like this!"
The "Mama & Papa Cafe" is part of a new local economy and living environment creation grant initiative. Its aim is to provide a place where parents can chat freely and candidly about the good things about education and child-rearing in Hokuryu, what they hope will become, and any worries or problems they may have, all while eating light snacks (sandwiches) and drinking, just like they would at a cafe.
"Each and every one of you plays a key role in town development."
The general moderator was Section Manager Naohiro Hosokawa.
"Each and every one of you is a key player in town development. We have gathered here today to help create Hokuryu, a town where everyone can continue to live. Thank you for your cooperation."
Superintendent of Education Yoshiki Tanaka
Superintendent Tanaka gave a speech at the event.
"Good evening everyone! Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us at Mama Papa Cafe today.
This event is held as a warm space where parents and guardians can gather casually, exchange information and interact with each other, and think together about child-rearing and education.
Raising children is often something that cannot be done alone, and there are times when you may feel anxious or worried. That's why I think it's so important to be able to listen to each other and empathize with each other in these types of settings. Just knowing that you're not the only one who's worried is a great source of emotional support.
I have been working with children for a long time, and I have come to realize that there is no such thing as a "normal child." Each child has their own interests, strengths and weaknesses, and different ways of feeling and thinking. Despite this, I feel that in the past, we have focused on forcing children into a uniform, so-called adult way of thinking. In this process, we may have left behind children who were deemed abnormal and who could have potentially grown more.
However, what is required of education today is to focus on the individuality and potential of each and every child. And that means that each and every child is different. What is required now is a thorough understanding of this.
Starting this year, Hokuryu Town has set up its own 30-hour annual training program for all teachers, with the aim of training all teachers. The main focus is on the fact that even if we teach in the same way, each individual has a different way of perceiving things, a different speed of thinking, some people understand better by listening, others by seeing, and each person has different strengths and methods. By focusing on these points, we are pushing ahead with major reforms to create lessons that will satisfy all students, whatever their characteristics. "We are already seeing signs of reform, little by little, and for the first time in a long time, I feel excited about the future," said Superintendent Tanaka.
A town development project that will lead to the town's future
Topic provided: Overview by Director General for Policy Studies Takahashi
An overview of the Regional Revitalization 2.0 New Local Economy and Living Environment Creation Grant Program was explained. A detailed explanation was given of the town development project aimed at the future, which is being pursued by Himawari Holdings, which is responsible for local design and the regional economy, including the town brand, the seven pillars, and the fiscal year 2025 project budget.
A workshop where everyone can talk
Workshop moderator: Junko Wada, CEO of MK Project Co., Ltd.
"Today's workshop is an opportunity for everyone to chat together, as if we were in a cafe, about the good points and what could be improved in education and child-rearing in Hokuryu Town.
At the beginning, I would like to say that a big project is underway in Hokuryu Town, and we will all work together to enliven Hokuryu Town and make it better, so that we can move forward together. First of all, I would like to start by asking you, 'What do you usually think?'"
Approximately 20 participants
Today's program is as follows:
- Icebreaker (5 minutes)
Introducing yourself helps to ease tension and build relationships. Talk about your name, your children's names and ages, thoughts about summer vacation, and other topics. - Share the good points of child-rearing and education in Hokuryu Town (15 minutes)
Talk freely about the words on the cards on the table. - I wish it was like this (15 mins)
They say things like, "I wish we could come up with something like this." - Presentation (5 minutes)
The facilitator of each group summarises the talks and presents them.
<Points to note during the workshop>
Mr. Wada mentioned two points to keep in mind to ensure smooth discussions.
- Listen with interest
He doesn't seem to be bothered and doesn't listen to what I'm saying. - Values are not denied
Instead of saying, "That's not true," try to go along with the conversation by saying, "I understand, I understand."
"I would like to proceed with the discussion while keeping these two points in mind," says Wada.
Discussion in four groups
<Free Talking>
There were just under 20 participants, and they were split into four groups to begin free talking.
Lunch time in a separate room
While waiting for their parents in a separate room, the children eat their lunch and have fun chatting together!
<Presentation by each group>
Each group presented the opinions that arose during the free talking session.
1. Moms' Group
- Bus times
- Picking up and dropping off children is difficult
- Subsidies are plentiful
2. Moms' Group
- My English teacher will teach me badminton.
- Creating a place for students in the fourth grade and above
- It would be good to have exercise classes
- Because the class size is small, each student receives individual attention. English cram schools and tutoring schools are helpful.
- It would be nice to have a place to play after school
- It would be good to have transportation for students from within and outside the town for club activities.
- It would be nice if there was a take-out service available.
- It would be nice if I could take lessons in the town.
- It would be good if there was more PR for Hokuryu Town.
3. Dad Group
- There are few students so they teach carefully.
- Transportation issues
- Play space issue
- It would be good to have a list of lessons
4. Moms' Group
- Playground issues: It would be good to have outdoor and indoor playgrounds where children can play safely.
- It would be nice if they offered delivery. It would be nice if they offered delivery when we all got together and held a drinking party.
- It's good that I can make mommy friends through my work and talk to them about my worries.
- It's difficult to build horizontal connections with people from outside
- It would be nice to have work that can be done at home in the winter
- It would be good to share information about children of different grades within the town.
- There is no place to change diapers in the town, which is a problem.
"We will be holding the same event on August 30th, so if you have more to discuss or would like to talk to more people, please come if you have the time. Thank you everyone for your cooperation," said Wada.
Those who joined following the online public cram school information session were given lunch boxes on the way home.
With boundless love, gratitude and prayers, we hope to create a wonderful "Mama Papa Cafe" where parents raising children can gather together for casual, fun and free talk, connect with each other and think together about how to develop Hokuryu Town.
Youtube Video
More Photos
Related Articles
Friday, August 22, 2025 ◇…
