Inclusive Food 'Soup no Crayon' to be Featured at Sapporo Welfare Event 'WellFes2026' (May 24)

On the day of the event, we will introduce 'Soup no Crayon,' an inclusive food series developed so that everyone, including children requiring medical care due to swallowing difficulties and the elderly, can share the 'joy of eating the same meal.'

'Soup no Crayon' is a frozen soup series launched in April 2026, realized with support from the Nortec Foundation HOFOO Grant. It is produced at 'Primo Passo,' a vocational support facility in Otaru City, and features vibrant colors and a unique texture.

Developed in collaboration with experts in medicine, welfare, agriculture, and food, the series uses Hokkaido ingredients without chemical seasonings or preservatives. At WellFes2026, we plan to hold tasting sessions and introduce our activities.

Background

Heart Kids Life Link is a general incorporated association that supports children with high medical dependency who require surgery or daily medical care to live.

We cherish the joy of eating together (kyoshoku). For example, it's the joy of sharing the same meal with family and loved ones and saying, 'This is delicious.'

However, children with swallowing difficulties, such as those with medical care needs, have had limited opportunities to eat the same meals as their families due to concerns about aspiration or differences in food consistency.

Heart Kids Life Link developed 'Soup no Crayon' with the desire to bring a little more of the joy of eating the same food into daily life for everyone.

About 'Soup no Crayon'

'Soup no Crayon' is an inclusive food product focused on smoothness, thickness equivalent to 'intermediate thickening,' aroma of ingredients, and aftertaste.

Developed under the 'Medical-Welfare-Agriculture-Food Model' where specialized teams collaborate, it uses rich ingredients from Hokkaido.

The current lineup includes 'Golden Potage of Pumpkin and Cream Cheese' and 'Red Curry of Yoichi Tomatoes.' Sold as frozen products, they contain no chemical seasonings or preservatives. The target audience includes children with swallowing difficulties, children requiring medical care, toddlers, the elderly, and health-conscious individuals and their families.

Activities at WellFes2026

We plan to offer tastings and catalog sales of 'Soup no Crayon.' We will also introduce the development background, Heart Kids Life Link's activities, and issues regarding dining for those with swallowing difficulties.

By having visitors experience the taste, we aim to provide an opportunity for them to realize that 'dysphagia-friendly food' or 'medically considerate food' is not something special, but a food option that everyone can enjoy together.

Past Feedback

In 2025, 191 people participated in tasting sessions held in Hokkaido and Tokyo. At the largest business EXPO in Hokkaido, 94% of the 111 tasters said it was 'very delicious,' and at the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, 99% of 80 tasters said it was 'very delicious.'

Participants commented, 'I was surprised at how rich the vegetable flavor was,' 'I want to eat this every day,' and 'My child won't let go of the cup.'

WellFes2026 Event Overview

Event Name: WellFes2026 Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026 Time: 11:00 - 17:00 Venue: Air Water Forest Official Site: https://creativeclinic.jp/wellfes2026