Creating a Place to Open Up 'Being Able to Work'—The Form of Employment Support at NIMO ALCAMO
NIMO ALCAMO is, on the surface, a 'local eatery' that operates businesses such as a specialty curry shop. However, behind the scenes, we carry out various initiatives that lead to employment support.
Normally, we do not make a big point of labeling these support initiatives as 'support.' However, I would like to take this opportunity to record why we are creating such a place.
The 'Place of Support' Created by NIMO ALCAMO
Since our founding in 2020, NIMO ALCAMO has consistently decided that 'we will not provide support that urges the individual to change.'
There are times when training and support for social adaptation are necessary, but there are people who feel they 'cannot work' with just that. Rather, we have heard many voices saying that if the environment changes just a little, they would be able to 'work'.
That is why we provide support that changes the 'workplace' rather than changing the 'worker'.
'If you're a working adult, this much is obvious'
'Since it's a job, you have to do it properly'
We want to let go of such common sense and create a workplace with new rules where people can work in society even if they are 'not perfect' or 'not correct.' What NIMO ALCAMO aims for is
a new employment model that transcends the framework of welfare systems and embraces diverse people.
Employment Support at the Specialty Curry Shop 'nimo alcamo'
The only thing we had at first was a small curry shop. That is why this curry shop is still the headquarters of NIMO ALCAMO and the starting point of our support.
While operating as a local eatery, it is also a site for employment support.
At the request of local support stations, NPOs, and schools, we accept workplace experiences for people with various backgrounds, from their teens to their 40s. Sometimes we go to event stalls together.
This is a place that serves as a trigger for people on leave or young people in a state of social withdrawal to think, 'Maybe I can work too.'
Therefore, the shop name 'nimo alcamo' includes the meaning 'If there is a 1, there might be a 2.' If you have an experience where you think 'I might be able to do it' even once, you can believe in the next step. That is why we operate this curry shop, wanting it to be a place where you can have an 'experience of turning 0 into 1.'
Employment Support at the Specialty Chai Shop 'Talk with _'
'If there were a way of working like this, maybe more people could work?'
Triggered by the voices of young people visiting NIMO ALCAMO for workplace experience, the second store, the specialty chai shop 'Talk with _', was born from that hypothesis in the summer of 2023.
Here, we have incorporated several mechanisms so that people who would be at a disadvantage with conventional ways of working can participate without disadvantage.
■ A way of working without shifts: 'Shift-Free'
There are waves in physical condition, and it is difficult to continue showing up at fixed times.
The 'Shift-Free' mechanism was designed so that even such people can work at their own pace. We have them involved in the production of chai gifts with the rule that they can come and go whenever they want, 24 hours a day.
■ 'Avatar Customer Service' that is not bound by appearance
For people who feel strong stress from being seen by others, we have introduced a mechanism called 'Avatar Customer Service.'
Without showing their face or figure, they serve as instructors for chai blending workshops through an avatar.
■ 'Chai Gift: A Reason to Rest'
The Talk with _ Chai Gift is sold as a gift set that includes a 'free counseling ticket' along with four types of chai blends developed by four young people who were on leave or between jobs, with the intention of being able to give it to someone with the thought, 'I hope they can take a break soon.'
Many people who come for employment consultation only do so 'after they have reached their limit.'
That is precisely why we aimed to create a small entry point where people can seek advice while they are still at the 'I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed' stage.
Counseling is handled by a dedicated team, and the first session is free. Depending on economic circumstances, we also provide ongoing counseling free of charge.
<Other Initiatives>
Kitakagaya Spice Cultivation Research Department
A community activity where we rent a nearby community garden and interact while growing spices.
Talk with CHAI
An event for creating a space where people can talk without feeling pressured while drinking chai.
Expanding Support to Companies and Support Organizations
'Talk with _' serves as a showroom for employment models.
However, the number of jobs created there is limited. That is why projects have also begun to help other companies and support organizations create workplaces that similarly include diverse people.
That is “WORK RULE SHIFT KYOTO” which launched in 2024.
Instead of 'people adapting to work,'
'creating work that adapts to people.'
We call this shift in values a 'Work Rule Shift,' and we are accumulating practical experience in the field while collaborating with local companies, support organizations, and financial institutions.
The initiative is composed of two main pillars.
Reviewing work rules within companies to create inclusive workplaces
Support organizations launching small jobs to broaden the entry points for work
And in 2025, we opened “WORK RULE SHIFT SCHOOL” as a place where support organizations can systematically learn about the 'Work Rule Shift.'
Through this school, we aim for the employment model created by NIMO ALCAMO to spread to more regions and workplaces, becoming a new safety net for people who face difficulties in working.
How to Connect with NIMO ALCAMO
For those who are feeling 'a bit overwhelmed' or 'want to talk to someone'
Talk with _ has a LINE account for counseling. You can choose between in-person or online sessions, and schedule appointments directly on LINE. Anonymous consultations are also available.
https://lin.ee/DHNSB4k
For those who want to talk to someone or connect with others
We regularly host dialogue events and agricultural activities.
◯ Click here for event information
https://peatix.com/group/7763951/events
◯ Click here for the Kitakagaya Spice Cultivation Research Department
https://note.com/nimoalcamo1111/n/n4d6dd7399858
For companies considering the introduction of work rules
We provide assistance in creating workplaces that include diverse people according to their environment and circumstances. Please contact us via our website.
https://nimoalcamo.com/contact/