Japan Knowledge Space Launches Child Dining Support Program to Combat Social Issues

Japan Knowledge Space Implements Support Program for Child Dining

On October 8, 2025, Japan Knowledge Space Inc. (CEO: Ryuko Matsuoka, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo) announced the launch of a new support program aimed at facilitating the operations of child dining facilities across the country. This initiative responds to serious social challenges such as child poverty, social isolation, and the weakening of community ties that affect children today. The program will utilize the corporate hometown tax donation system to implement its actions, specifically targeting the city of Izumisano.

Background and Social Responsibility Behind Corporate Support

In recent years, Japan has faced a staggering statistic: roughly 1 in 9 children live in relative poverty. Factors such as rising living costs, the increase in nuclear families, and dual-income households have severely impacted the operations of child dining facilities, making it difficult for them to continue their essential services.

These facilities serve not only as places to eat but play a pivotal role as "third places" that provide nutrition, a safe environment, and intergenerational interaction, all vital for the children who need them most.

The Necessity for Corporate Involvement

Many child dining facilities rely heavily on donations and volunteer work, which underlines the vulnerability of their operational frameworks. Here are the key reasons why corporate involvement is essential:

1. Responsibility as an Investment in Future Generations
Companies hold a crucial responsibility to maintain an environment where the next generation of workers and consumers, namely children, can thrive. Protecting spaces for children is one of the most significant social investments contributing directly to the realization of a sustainable society (SDGs).

2. Role as a Public Good
We view leveraging our resources—financial, human, and intellectual—as a corporate mission to address societal challenges, acting as a public good in the community.

3. Strengthening Resilience
Supporting child dining facilities enhances community bonds, reinforcing mutual assistance during crises and disasters, which ultimately builds a solid foundation for the continuity of our business (BCP).

Overview of the New Support Program: Aiming for Sustainable Operations

The aim of this program is to contribute to the stable operations of child dining facilities throughout Japan.

- Purpose of Support:

Alleviating fixed costs for food supplies in child dining facilities to ensure their sustainability.

- Support Phase:

Financial assistance amounting to 1 million yen.

- Details:

Based on contributions from the municipal system in Izumisano City, a total of 1 million yen will be provided as financial support for food supplies to child dining facilities nationwide.

For further details, refer to the press release from Izumisano City: Press Release

Future Prospects

Through this support initiative, we aim to enhance awareness of the value of child dining facilities as integral parts of the community while creating opportunities for employees to engage with social issues personally. We firmly believe that an environment in which children can flourish and smile is the foundation for building a prosperous future society. We are committed to continuing our support sustainably in the long term.