[Something I Want to Do Letter #48] July Issue
What is this heat? I feel like the temperature is at a life-threatening level. Such a hot summer! Please enjoy the July issue!
Making it a place that is easier for neighbors to drop by, too.
At "Mana-Aso Cafe," we have been running various projects on a trial basis for one year since June 2023 as a pre-opening period leading up to our grand opening this summer.
For 5 weeks from late May to June, from 17:30 to 22:00 on weekdays, we operated as a "Udon Shop" where children could eat nutrient-packed udon with plenty of toppings starting from 100 yen, and adults from 200 yen. as a trial.
Because it was a trial operation, we didn't advertise it and only put a sign out at the eaves, but we were able to serve nearly 500 bowls in one month. Not only the students, but also their parents and neighbors were very happy, and many people came to visit!
The lady who lives alone next door to the classroom came by three days a week! Since many students also come, there were times when elementary school students, high school students, college students, and the lady would all line up at the counter together, and I (Daizu), the shop owner, would join in to talk about school life and have a great time.
Since we are neighbors, we had chatted often before, but because there was an "Udon Shop," they came to visit easily, and I feel very happy that we can avoid eating alone and spend time eating and talking together!
Based on the pre-opening period, we are in the final stages of preparation for the grand opening! Please look forward to the opening!
Observing parents' work at the Mana-Aso Festival!
In order to deepen and expand rich relationships with students and parents of our cram school and after-school care beyond just studying, we hold a project called "Mana-Aso Festival" once a month. It is a project where people of many generations in the community, including students' families, can participate happily regardless of their position.
This month, we visited the observation area of the Fisheries Building at the "Kyoto Central Wholesale Market." A father of a student who attends our after-school care works at the "auction," so we decided to go observe that! We gathered at 5:00 AM! Surprisingly, over 50 people participated! Amazing! Haha.
It was the first time for his son to see his father working at the market, and he was so excited when he spotted him! When his father waved, everyone clapped, and it felt like a hero had appeared!
Although it is a space open to the general public, we receive many comments from parents saying, "It's easier to participate when you organize it as a Mana-Aso Festival, so thank you!"
We hear many people say they want to go but don't have the opportunity, so we would like to continue visiting many Kyoto companies!
We will continue to move forward so that we can stay close to the daily lives of local elementary, junior high, and high school students and their parents, using our cram school and after-school care as an entrance to bring the world closer!