A Gentle Work Experience at a Shared Bookshelf in Kawasaki | The “Mochi-Mochi Squad” Work Experience Program by Mochi-Mochi Bunko
A gentle work experience project called the “Mochi-Mochi Squad” is beginning✨
Hello. I am the manager of 〈Mochi-Mochi Bunko〉, a shared bookshelf in Motosumiyoshi.
Before I knew it, half a year had passed since we reopened on the Bremen-dori Shopping Street in Motosumiyoshi, Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Along with the sound of turning pages and the aroma of drip coffee, we have shared many “nice to meet yous” and “welcome backs”📚
Today, I would like to officially announce a new initiative that I have been nurturing for some time, and which I have already mentioned briefly to our bookshelf owners.
What is the Mochi-Mochi Squad?
Name: Mochi-Mochi Squad
(Since these are members who will support the activities of Mochi-Mochi Bunko, the name is just that!☺)-
Purpose:
To create a gentle entry point for work experience
To try out and develop your “strengths” and “interests” on a small scale
To expand intersections for social participation through the bookshelf
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Target Audience:
People with disabilities, and those with special needs such as those who find full-time employment difficult due to childcare, nursing care, or medical treatment
Anyone who feels, “I want to work, but I don't know how to take the first step.”
Why “Shared Bookshelf x Work Experience”?
Mochi-Mochi Bunko started with the slogan,
“Your book begins a new story.”
Every time a book and a person meet, a story is born there, and I hope to build encounters and exchanges through books that will lead someone to the next page.
In the same way, “small work experiences” can also become a new chapter that illuminates the margins of the long story that is life✨
That is why we decided to use a portion of the bookshelf owner fees to launch a work experience program called the “Mochi-Mochi Squad.”
What kind of experience can you actually have?
1. Event Assistant
Help with reception duties, serving drinks, cleaning up, etc., at book clubs and workshops.
Please refer to the event report here✨
2. Online Production Support
Light tasks you can do on a PC, such as adding simple text to SNS images, drafting note articles, or entering data into the monthly calendar.
※ Compensation will be paid from a portion of the bookshelf owner fees.
※ This varies depending on the support content and time.
“I think I can do this,” “I’d like to try that a little.”
Those feelings are the starting point. Trying it out first is perfectly fine!
Steps to Participate
Reach out/Entry
Send a message saying “I’m interested in the Mochi-Mochi Squad” via the official Mochi-Mochi Bunko LINE.Mini-interview with the manager (about 30 minutes)
We will listen to what you would like to do.Trial experience
Start with what you can do. The shared bookshelf members, including the manager, will provide support.Feedback & Next challenge
We will organize what you were good at and what you want to do next together.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q. Are there any age or skill restrictions?
A. None at all.
We welcome everyone from high school students to seniors.
We would be especially happy to have those who are interested in shared bookshelves or who love books.
Q. Is there a quota, such as working a certain number of times per week?
A. None at all.
Let's decide on a pace that works for you after a consultation.
Q. Can I participate even if I don't have a disability certificate?
A. Of course.
Anyone looking for a “first step to loosely connect with society” is welcome.
We hope this reaches people like:
Those who have to spend a lot of time at home and are looking for a connection to the outside world
Those who want to try something but aren't sure what their strengths are yet and want a “place to experiment”
Those who want to experience community work for short periods between caregiving or childcare
Those who love the world of books, including “reading,” “writing,” or “behind-the-scenes bookstore work”
A request to our owners and readers
If anyone comes to mind who might be a good fit or who might be interested, please feel free to gently introduce them to the
“Mochi-Mochi Squad” (*´ω｀*)
I believe that if we can increase the number of small intersections, that will become the next story of the bookshelf📚
In closing
In a place where you can hear the sound of pages turning, someone's “first step of a challenge” begins.
I would be happy if you could continue to lend us your support in creating a place where books, people, and the story of “taking on a challenge” gently intersect.
Click here for links to current bookshelf owners! We are still looking for more owners✨
As of the end of May 2025, when this article is being written, there are 18 owners.
There are 5 spots remaining, so if you are interested, please check it out!
For inquiries about the shared bookshelf “Mochi-Mochi Bunko,” please contact our official LINE!
Click here for the steps to become a Mochi-Mochi Bunko owner!
We are also looking for fan members in addition to the owner✨
Sincerely, the Manager of Mochi-Mochi Bunko