#Japan #Edogawa #Children's Dining #NPO Lion Heart #Edogawa Model

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Edogawa

In a significant step toward child welfare, NPO Lion Heart has inaugurated its long-cherished dream: a 24/7 emergency children's dining facility named ‘Nukunuku’ in Edogawa, Tokyo. Unlike many child dining programs that offer meals just a few times a month, Nukunuku aims to provide a sense of security by being open every day, every hour. This new facility promises not just meals but also free tutoring, support for school dropouts, and importantly, a 24/7 emergency response system.

As children arrive in distress—perhaps fleeing unsafe home environments—Nukunuku offers a safe haven before connecting them with the necessary resources and support. This facility represents a holistic support center for the community, tackling broader issues such as child safety and family isolation.

The Urgency of a 24/7 Response

As of now, there are over 300,000 children in Japan who are not attending school, highlighting a growing social issue characterized by isolation in families, especially amidst dual-income household trends. The pressing reality is that when administrative offices close for the night or weekends, there remains insufficient support for children that need immediate help or parents in distress.

NPO Lion Heart has faced this challenge head-on for the past eight years by operating 365 days a year. Moving forward to 2026, they plan to enhance and expand their services to become a pioneering model for the country.

A Community Celebration

On January 11, 2026, a grand opening celebration took place at the new facility, attended by various local dignitaries, including Mayor Takashi Saito and Education Director Masaki Uchino. The event featured speeches, a ceremonial toast with tea, introductions to the facility's mission, and a special serving of pork soup prepared by local volunteers. All present were reminded of the strong bonds within the Edogawa Model, where schools, local businesses, and government unify to support children and families.

Facing Financial Challenges

Despite the joyous occasion, NPO Lion Heart is grappling with unprecedented financial hurdles. The organization has always relied on community goodwill to provide its services rent-free; however, with their new location, they now face a monthly operational cost of 300,000 yen for rent and utilities. There is a looming fear that unless funding is secured, they may run out of resources by mid-2026. Most staff operate on a volunteer basis, and food supplies are provided through donations, making it critical to sustain the new facility.

A Prime Location for Comprehensive Support

The new center is strategically located in Shikanoko 1-chome, close to community centers, health support centers, and police stations, ensuring accessibility for families in need. The neighborhood features various child-friendly establishments, enhancing the potential for integrated support for vulnerable children.

The NPO aims to optimize this prime location as a community resource, creating a collaborative environment among local government, businesses, and residents to serve as a refuge for those in need.

Looking to the Future: Crowdfunding Efforts

To safeguard the center’s operations and maintain a 24/7 emergency support system, NPO Lion Heart has initiated a crowdfunding campaign. Just two days post-launch, they surpassed their initial target of 3 million yen! By Christmas, community support shattered their next goal of 5 million yen, reflecting overwhelming goodwill. They have now set an ambitious final goal of 6.5 million yen to expand their mission further.

The project seeks to ensure continuous funding for operational costs and establish an unwavering sense of security for children, allowing them to feel valued and hopeful.

Commitment to Children

As the Director Kazuya Oikawa remarks, the crucial aspect of this facility is to ensure that any child in distress, regardless of the hour, can find a place that says, “Welcome back.” The opening of this center is not only a beacon of hope for Edogawa but aims to inspire similar initiatives throughout Japan, creating a necessary safety net for children in need.

For further inquiries about the NPO Lion Heart, you can contact them directly through their provided email or phone number for more details on how you can support this vital initiative.