Our dream is to become unnecessary. #AprilDream
Aiming for a society where children can feel it's okay to eat, anywhere in Japan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 16:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 08:05
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 16:18 (368h 12m after Collected)
This organization supports the 'April Dream' project, which aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release represents the dream of 'Zenkoku Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo'. On April 1, 2026, we participate in 'April Dream'. Our dream is to realize a society where 'Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo' is no longer needed.
[The Story of a Summer Afternoon]
The refrigerator was almost empty. The child knew it, so they said nothing. Mother worked from morning until late at night. The child solved the lunch problem alone. If there was bread, they ate it. If not, they drank water and waited for their stomach to stop growling. That was the child's summer vacation. Then, a 3,000 yen meal ticket arrived. Going to a restaurant with a support worker, the child looked at the menu from the edge, searching for the cheapest item. They never thought of ordering a large portion. When the worker said, 'Choose whatever you like,' the child hesitated, then pointed to the middle of the menu: 'Large fried chicken set.' That was all, but it was everything.
[Poverty of Connection]
About 1 in 9 children in Japan are in poverty. But the real problem isn't just money. It's having no adults to rely on, not knowing how to ask for help, and not feeling worthy of being helped. We call this 'poverty of connection.'
[Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo]
We have no specific facilities or kitchens. Once a month, a 3,000 yen meal ticket is sent to the smartphones of families in need. Children go to nearby restaurants, choose what they want, and eat. The cost is fully covered by donations. This restores the 'freedom to choose' that these children have long been deprived of. Choosing for themselves leads to the power to believe in themselves.
[Our Dream]
We want to see a world where Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo is saturated across Japan, the concept becomes common sense, and ultimately, we are no longer needed. That is our dream.
[The Story of a Summer Afternoon]
The refrigerator was almost empty. The child knew it, so they said nothing. Mother worked from morning until late at night. The child solved the lunch problem alone. If there was bread, they ate it. If not, they drank water and waited for their stomach to stop growling. That was the child's summer vacation. Then, a 3,000 yen meal ticket arrived. Going to a restaurant with a support worker, the child looked at the menu from the edge, searching for the cheapest item. They never thought of ordering a large portion. When the worker said, 'Choose whatever you like,' the child hesitated, then pointed to the middle of the menu: 'Large fried chicken set.' That was all, but it was everything.
[Poverty of Connection]
About 1 in 9 children in Japan are in poverty. But the real problem isn't just money. It's having no adults to rely on, not knowing how to ask for help, and not feeling worthy of being helped. We call this 'poverty of connection.'
[Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo]
We have no specific facilities or kitchens. Once a month, a 3,000 yen meal ticket is sent to the smartphones of families in need. Children go to nearby restaurants, choose what they want, and eat. The cost is fully covered by donations. This restores the 'freedom to choose' that these children have long been deprived of. Choosing for themselves leads to the power to believe in themselves.
[Our Dream]
We want to see a world where Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo is saturated across Japan, the concept becomes common sense, and ultimately, we are no longer needed. That is our dream.
FAQ
What is 'Dokodemo Kodomo Shokudo'?
It is a system where children can eat at local restaurants using digital meal tickets sent to their smartphones, without the need for a specific facility.
How can I support?
You can support through monthly donations starting from 3,000 yen or by sharing information on social media.
Why do you aim to become 'unnecessary'?
Because we aim for a society where this system becomes the norm and no child is left isolated.