#Japan #EPO #Edogawa #COCOLON #Asano Kazue

Seminar Announcement: Empowering Severely Disabled Children

On June 28, 2026, the non-profit organization EPO, based in Edogawa, Tokyo, will host a seminar titled "Meals that Unleash Children's Potential: 'Matomari' Style Meals". This event is aimed at supporting children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities and their families through a community initiative known as COCOLON.

Seminar Overview

The seminar will feature Dr. Kazue Asano, a highly regarded medical professional and head of the Medical Department at the Shizuoka Tsubasa School for Severely Disabled Children. Attendees will gain insights into the concept of “matomari meals” and learn practical tips that can be easily integrated into their family routines. The seminar will include a workshop showcasing how to transform store-bought side dishes into appealing, accessible meal options, enhancing the potential for children to eat with joy.

The Importance of Eating

For many children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities, eating poses significant challenges, such as difficulties with chewing and swallowing. Consequently, adjustments in food texture and shape are crucial. Parents and support staff often express concerns such as uncertainty about meal preparation, the burden of daily cooking, and balancing food safety with taste. This seminar serves to address these concerns, highlighting that eating is not just a necessity but a joyful experience that fosters communication within families and encourages social participation.

Insights from Dr. Kazue Asano

Dr. Asano has extensive experience working with children with disabilities and was involved in the formulation of the “Swallowing Adjustment Food Classification 2018” for children with developmental swallowing disorders. In recent years, she has shared her expertise at various conferences, emphasizing the necessity of supporting children’s enjoyment during meal times.

Hybrid Format to Participate

The seminar will occur in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join online or attend in person at COCOLON BASE in Edogawa, Tokyo. The morning session will include the seminar, while the afternoon will be dedicated to hands-on workshops focused on “matomari meals.” During the workshops, participants will learn ways to adapt store-bought dishes into family-friendly meals, requiring no specialized equipment or advanced culinary skills.

Target Audience

This seminar and workshop will be beneficial for not only parents but also healthcare professionals, therapists, childcare workers, and others involved in children's meal preparations. The gathering will provide practical learning opportunities that can enhance the care provided to children in various settings.

Event Details

• - Title: Meals that Unleash Children's Potential: 'Matomari' Style Meals
• - Date: June 28, 2026
• - Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Seminar), 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Workshop)
• - Location: COCOLON BASE, 7-21-16 Shinozaki-cho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, 2F
• - Capacity: 25 participants in-person, 100 online
• - Fees: Free for members (seminar only); 1,000 yen for members (seminar & workshop); 2,000 yen for non-members (seminar only); 3,000 yen for non-members (seminar & workshop)
• - Special Support: Supported by JKA Foundation

Registration Instructions

To register, please visit the COCOLON event page through the online platform, review the event details, and purchase tickets online. Once the form is submitted, your registration will be confirmed. Note that even COCOLON members must register for the event.

For further inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

About Dr. Kazue Asano

Dr. Asano is passionate about ensuring proper nutritional environments for individuals with severe disabilities, having developed new food formats (such as matomari paste, chunked foods, soft jelly meals, and gastrostomy foods) to maximize the dining experience for children. She is also the founder of the Shizuoka Pediatric Swallowing Study Group and actively collaborates on the medical examination committee for the Japan Swallowing Rehabilitation Society.

About COCOLON

COCOLON offers a community for children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities, their families, and caregivers, fostering connections, learning, playing, and enjoying diverse experiences. Through its various activities, COCOLON aims to improve the quality of life for children and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. In 2025, COCOLON received the 19th Kids Design Award and the Tokyo Women’s Advancement Promotion Award.

For details about the event, sponsorship, or inquiries regarding partnerships, contact us via email at [email protected].

Find out more about COCOLON at our website: COCOLON