Elderly Care Worker-Run Traditional House Cafe "Okiraku Cafe" Starts Preventive Care Exercises! In the rural scenery of Oitsu Town, Toyohashi City, it aims to be a warm gathering place for all generations, from children to the elderly, with your favorite drink and "Okiraku Exercises."

Okiraku Cafe, a traditional house located amidst the rural scenery of Oitsu Town, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture (Owner: Kazue Onishi, nickname: Kazu-chan), holds "Okiraku Exercises" every Tuesday from 13:30 to 14:15, where anyone from children to the elderly can participate for one coin.

The cafe owner, who holds a qualification as an elderly care worker, conceived this idea after keenly feeling the "importance of prevention before needing care" during her time working at a day service. This is a community-based, multi-generational exchange initiative born from the desire that "simply exercising is not enough; going out, interacting with people, and relaxing while drinking delicious coffee to stimulate the mind leads to a healthy lifespan." The participation fee is only the cost of a drink (500 yen), and participation with grandchildren is also welcome. In the future, they plan to further develop their gathering space by utilizing the adjacent karaoke room for recreational activities.

The warm gathering place Okiraku Cafe aims for, where multiple generations chat over drinks.

Background: More than just exercise. "Stimulating the mind" is a step towards a healthy lifespan.

Owner Onishi, when she previously worked at a day service, strongly felt the importance of the stage before needing care (prevention). To that end, she has conducted preventive care exercises at five locations in the city. Through this activity, she realized that "it's not just about moving the body, but going out, interacting with people, and enjoying oneself. In other words, 'stimulating the mind' is the most important thing." "If people can relax while drinking something delicious together, and exercise is added to that, won't it naturally lead to a healthy lifespan?" With this thought, she decided to hold regular sessions at her own "Okiraku Cafe."

Three Features of "Okiraku Exercises"

A gathering place where multiple generations naturally interact: Not only the elderly but also children and grandchildren are welcome to participate. It is a homey space where anyone can easily drop by.

A comfortable weekly life rhythm: By holding the event at a fixed time every Tuesday, it creates an opportunity to go out and a place where you can make familiar friends.

Peace of mind unique to an elderly care worker: Since the owner (Kazu-chan), who has professional knowledge, provides support, seniors who are concerned about their physical strength can participate with peace of mind.

"Okiraku Exercises" where you can move your body without strain with the owner (Kazu-chan) in a warm tatami room.

Future Prospects: From Health Mahjong and Onore-sho to Ukulele! Towards a Composite Community Where Local Smiles Spread

At Okiraku Cafe, in addition to these exercises, they regularly implement various initiatives that allow local people to connect naturally through hobbies and health. They have a full lineup of events that seniors and young people alike can participate in with excitement, such as "Health Mahjong," popular for brain training, "Seitai" for body alignment, "Onore-sho Class" for drawing stylish characters, and "Ukulele Class" for enjoying pleasant melodies. In the future, by utilizing the adjacent karaoke room, they aim to become a warm, composite community where everyone in the neighborhood wants to gather every day, thinking, "If I go to Kazu-chan's shop today, there will be something fun happening."

Onore-sho Class Health Mahjong Ukulele Class

Karaoke Seitai Concert

【Store Overview】

Store Name: Okiraku Cafe Owner: Kazue Onishi (Kazu-chan)

Location: 47-1 Maeda, Oitsu-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture (A traditional house in a tranquil rural landscape)

Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (※The very popular morning service is available until 12:00 PM!)

Regular Holidays: Sundays and Mondays

"Okiraku Exercises" Date and Time: Every Tuesday 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Participation Fee: 500 yen (includes one drink)

Exterior of "Okiraku Cafe" nestled in a tranquil rural landscape. We await everyone in the neighborhood at this warm, traditional house.