[National Diet Building x Children's Cafeteria] "Itadakimasu!" Echoes in the Members' Cafeteria! Children of Edogawa Spend a Special Spring Break

Currently, there are said to be over 12,000 children's cafeterias nationwide, evolving into "experiential spaces" that foster children's social skills. NPO Lion Heart, which operates the 365-day, 24-hour emergency response children's cafeteria "Nukunuku" in Edogawa Ward, conducts various extracurricular activities with local businesses and collaborators to help children encounter diverse values and broaden their future options.

In the spring break of March 2026, as part of these efforts, we held the "2nd Spring Break Nukunuku Diet Tour & Diet Children's Cafeteria" at the National Diet Building, the center of Japan.

**Activities on the Day**

**As a "Comrade" for 10 Years: The Journey of "Nukunuku" with Yohei Onishi**

This project was realized with the help of Mr. Yohei Onishi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and a Member of the House of Representatives. However, for us, Mr. Onishi is not just a "politician."

Mr. Onishi's relationship with "Lion Heart" dates back 10 years, when our organization had just started its activities as a voluntary group. Even during his time not serving as a Diet member, he consistently visited the children's cafeteria as a local resident and a supporter.

He was, so to speak, a "reliable older brother in the community" who sat and ate with the children, watching them grow. It was due to this 10-year personal bond that we were able to present the children with a "special experience in a special place" this time.

Children, guardians, and Yohei Onishi commemorative photo Yohei Onishi's business card

**Departing with the Local "Takahashi Maru-go"! A Community-wide Support System**

On the day of the event, at 8:45 AM, children filled with excitement gathered at the children's cafeteria "Nukunuku." Their transportation was supported by President Takahashi of "Yakatabune Takahashi Maru" from local Edogawa. President Takahashi himself drove the microbus, heading towards the Diet. This system, where local businesses voluntarily provide "local transportation," is the strength of the community fostered by Lion Heart.

With a cheer for departure inside the microbus

**A "Manic" Thorough Guide by the Secretary**

Upon arrival at the National Diet Building, a special guided tour by Mr. Onishi's secretary began. Enthusiastic historical facts and knowledge related to the behind-the-scenes of politics, and places not typically visited on elementary school tours, were successively revealed, captivating even the adults.

During the first event, held the day after a heavy snowfall, there was an anecdote of a "snowball fight" in front of the Diet Building, which was empty then. This time, however, it was the last day of the Budget Committee, the busiest period for the Diet. Amidst strict security and the raw atmosphere where the national budget was actually being deliberated, the children felt firsthand that the "world on TV" was directly connected to their lives.

Manic special guide by Mr. Onishi's secretary Commemorative photo in the House of Representatives Main Chamber

Historic and grand Main Chamber of the House of Representatives Solemn corridor

**"Itadakimasu!" Echoes in the Members' Cafeteria!**

The main event of this project, the "Diet Children's Cafeteria," was held in the members' cafeteria. The energetic voices of children shouting "Itadakimasu!" echoed in the dignified atmosphere of the cafeteria. The menu chosen was the "Fukko Bento" (Recovery Bento), which conveys lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake, offering an opportunity to learn about social history along with delicious food.

Sparkling members' cafeteria Children enjoying their meal

Fukko Bento - Western style Fukko Bento - Japanese style

**"Making Politics Accessible": Fostering the Future Through Experience**

After the tour, the children returned to Edogawa and immediately wrote messages of gratitude and reflections for Mr. Onishi.

"I want to become a Diet member in the future." Such words naturally emerged from the children. That is the value of this project. By experiencing the real site, politics transforms from "someone else's distant story" to "a place that determines our future." Through these activities, we hope to nurture adults who will surely go to the polls in the future and create society according to their own will. NPO Lion Heart will continue to offer "choices for a rich and happy life" to all children by maintaining "daily support" such as children's cafeterias, learning support, and free schools, in addition to these "social studies field trips."

**Excerpts from participating children's voices:** * "I thought the places I see on TV would be scarier with lots of guards, but the secretary kindly guided us, and I realized it's a place for us!" (5th grader) * "The food at the members' cafeteria was incredibly delicious. I thought I'd like to work here when I grow up." (4th grader) * "Mr. Onishi greeted us with the same unchanging smile as when he visits the children's cafeteria, and that made me happy. It was a day where politics felt close." (2nd-year junior high student)

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