The Mint in Kabukicho's Mojitos Grows at a Nursing Care Facility. 'Shinjuku Day Service Mojito' Project Launched!

'Shinjuku Day Service Mojito'. A single drink that connects nursing care focused on the individual with the local community. An initiative by Smappa!Group that links a farm, a nursing care facility, and dining establishments through a unified story is now in motion.

The mint used for mojitos served at bars in Kabukicho is grown at a nursing care facility right nearby. Since May, Shinjuku Day Service has been carefully cultivating seedlings received from 'Pipi-chan Farm,' which focuses on pesticide-free farming based in Ome. That mint is then reborn as original cocktails at various locations of Smappa!Group (Representative: Chairman Maki Tezuka)—that is the 'Shinjuku Day Service Mojito'.

Guided by the philosophy that 'it is not the facility that looks after people, but people who look after people,' Shinjuku Day Service places great importance on catering to the 'desire to do' of each individual user. This project is an endeavor that opens up this philosophy to the broader local community.

Background and Awareness of the Issue

Creating a sense of purpose and social roles for users at day-care facilities has long been a challenge faced by the nursing care frontlines. When the scope of activities is confined within the facility walls, it becomes difficult for users to truly feel that they are 'being useful to someone.'

Shinjuku Day Service has a deep connection with 'Pipi-chan Farm,' an organic farm in Ome. The farm is an essential presence that supports the dining tables of Shinjuku Day Service, providing vegetables and eggs that users eat every day. Receiving the mint seedlings sparked the idea of a circular system where 'what we grow becomes a drink for someone else.' Through collaboration with Smappa!Group's food and beverage division, this concept has become a reality.

Project Workflow

1. 'Pipi-chan Farm,' based in Ome and practicing pesticide-free farming, provides mint seedlings. 2. Shinjuku Day Service introduces a program where users can engage in cultivation at their own pace. 3. The harvested mint is delivered to Smappa!Group's restaurants and bars. 4. Each location serves it as the 'Shinjuku Day Service Mojito' using original recipes. 5. The drink is delivered to customers along with the story behind the mint.

As a Practice of Nursing Care that Focuses on the 'Individual'

Mint cultivation is not a mandatory program for all users. It starts with those who think, 'I want to try growing it,' touching the soil at their own pace. The approach of Shinjuku Day Service—intentionally avoiding rigid manuals and operating through close communication with users, families, and care managers—is consistent throughout this project.

The fact that the mint they grew becomes a drink in Kabukicho brings users a connection to society outside the facility and a solid sense of role. Customers are also enjoying the experience of tasting and comparing the drinks across different locations.

Growing Becomes a Reason for Living.

Research on plant-assisted activities has shown that the act of nurturing plants has multifaceted physical and mental benefits. For users, involvement in this project is expected to yield the following effects:

1. Stimulation of Physical and Cognitive Functions Tasks associated with cultivation provide natural stimulation to the five senses, including sight, touch, and smell. The act of touching soil, smelling scents, and watching growth gently stimulates perceptual and cognitive functions. It is considered a form of physical rehabilitation that naturally leads to improvements in activities of daily living.

2. Fostering a Sense of Purpose and Role The reality that 'the mint I grew becomes a drink in Kabukicho' gives users a clear meaning and purpose. It is said that merely having tasks to engage in allows one to gain existential value and roles. The joy of being able to invite family and friends to 'the shop where my mint is used' nurtures pride and confidence.

3. Psychological Stability and Increased Motivation Interacting with the gentle life force of plants creates psychological stability without inducing stress. Research in plant-assisted activities has also reported that the act of 'nurturing' draws out human motivation to live. By feeling the growth of life daily, it is expected to have the effect of freeing consciousness from anxiety about illness and aging.

Three Meanings Infused in a Single Glass of Mojito.

1. Social Contribution: Connecting care facilities and the community through a single product Different environments—a farm, a care facility, and restaurants—are connected by a single glass of mojito. As the roles of 'grower,' 'deliverer,' 'provider,' and 'drinker' circulate, a form of social contribution that transcends the boundaries of the facility is born.

2. Improving F&B Quality: Ingredients showing the maker's face Mint where 'who grew it' is visible holds a different value as an experience, even though it is the same plant. Each location incorporates the story of the mint into its menus and customer service, bringing human warmth to the dining space.

3. Local Messaging: A new model born from Kabukicho From Kabukicho, a town known for its nightlife culture, a new model connecting nursing care, agriculture, and dining is