Implementing Local Solutions Following Dialogues with Kawasaki Mayor and Takatsu Ward Mayor

April 15: Visit with Kawasaki Mayor Fukuda
April 22: Visit with Takatsu Ward Mayor Shirai

Specific Non-Profit Organization GAIA.KAWASAKI (Location: Takatsu Ward, Kawasaki City; Representative Director: Takuya Hoshina) has confirmed new regional support needs following dialogues conducted through visits to the Kawasaki Mayor, the Chairperson of the Kawasaki City Council, and the Kawasaki City Board of Education on April 15, 2026, as well as a visit with the Mayor of Takatsu Ward on April 22.

In response, they plan to open a regional exchange community space (community cafe) in Takatsu Ward, Kawasaki City, in the summer of 2026, designed to connect children, youth, and parents who fall through the gaps of current systems to the community, while also looking ahead to future employment support.

## 'Isolation That Systems Cannot Pick Up' Revealed Through Dialogues with the Government

Through children's cafeterias, PTA activities, and local events, GAIA.KAWASAKI has engaged daily with children, parents, schools, and local residents, identifying issues that existing support systems often miss:

- Youth tending toward non-attendance at school
- Children with developmental characteristics who struggle to connect with existing systems
- Parents feeling isolated while struggling with child-rearing or future career paths
- High school and university-aged generations without entry points to social experience

In dialogues with Kawasaki City and Takatsu Ward held in April, they shared these on-the-ground voices and exchanged opinions on the necessity of creating new systems supported by the government, the community, and the private sector working together.

## Opening a 'Community Cafe' in Takatsu Ward

This new base, while acting as a community cafe where residents can gather daily, will also feature the following functions:

1. A Place for the Community
Creating natural multi-generational connections as an exchange space accessible to everyone

2. Consultation and Accompaniment Support
Providing a local consultation point where parents and youth can discuss their worries with peace of mind

3. Practical Social Experience Program
Offering opportunities to gain experience leading to employment through service, cooking assistance, cleaning, and public relations

4. Community-Circulated Employment Support
Acting as a bridge to social participation and employment through cooperation with local companies

## From Children's Cafeteria to the Next Stage

'Minna no Shokudo' (Everyone's Cafeteria), which started in February 2026, has established itself in the community with a 100-meal scale and is spreading as a place for multi-generational interaction.

Many voices gathered through these activities are the origin of this hub concept.

Starting with 'food' and moving toward 'learning,' 'connection,' 'social experience,' and 'employment.'

GAIA.KAWASAKI aims to build a sustainable inclusive model where no one is left behind in the community.

## Comment from Representative Director

'As a neighborhood association president and someone involved in local activities and children's support, I realize the importance of mutual support in the community every day. While children, youth, parents, and the elderly face diverse challenges, it is essential for the future of local society to nurture relationships where we can naturally connect and support each other within the community, rather than bearing these burdens alone or just within the family. Through dialogues with the administration, I felt once again that there are gaps in the region that current systems do not reach. The children's cafeteria we work on now, and the community cafe we will open, are each important bases in the community. By fostering the children's cafeteria as an 'entry point for encounters' and the community cafe as a 'place for dialogue and social experience,' we want to shape a regional cycle where everyone can find the connections they need, starting from Takatsu Ward.'
— Representative Director Takuya Hoshina

## Regarding Interviews and Site Visits

We are accepting requests for site visits from media, government officials, and local organizations to see preparations for the opening, current children's cafeteria activities, and the future concept for the community cafe.

[Contact Information]
Specific Non-Profit Organization GAIA.KAWASAKI Secretariat
Mail: info.gaia.kawasaki@gmail.com